PC Case Roundup: Spring 2008

Features
By Don Woligroski
published

The Case Roundup at a Glance: Comparison Table

Now that we’ve looked at all of the cases in detail, let’s summarize by comparing their vital statistics at a glance:

Swipe to scroll horizontally
CaseTypeSize WxHxDWeightCooling5.25” Bays3.5” BaysI/O panelNoiseApprox. Price
Sigma UnicornATX mid tower203 x 452 x 521 mm24 lbs2x 120mm, 2x 80mm42 ext. 4 int.2x USB, HD Audio (on front btm)43.5 db$100
NXZT TempestATX mid tower212 x 522 x 562 mm22 lbs2x 140mm, 4x 120mm31 ext. 8 int.2x USB, 1x eSATA, HD Audio (on top)40.5 db$110
IN WIN Metal Suit GD ConquerorATX mid tower233 x 437 x 543 mm24 lbs2x 120mm, 2x 80mm42 ext. 5 int.4x USB, 1x 1394, HD or AC97 Audio (on side)43 db$120
Silverstone KL03 KublaiATX mid tower220 x 500 x 597 mm28 lbs2x 120mm (opt. 2x 120mm)42 ext. 4 int.2x USB, 1x 1394, HD Audio (on top)38 db$150
3R System R240 GraceATX mid tower180 x 423 x 475 mm11 lbs2x 80mm (opt. 1x 120 mm and 1x 80mm)41 ext, 7 int2x USB, HD Audio (on top)34 db (est)$120
Raidmax IcebergATX mid tower216 x 483 x 533 mm23 lbs4x 120mm, 1x 80mm462x USB, 1x 1394, HD Audio (on top)43 db$150
CoolerMaster Cosmos SMid Tower266 x 598 x 628 mm30 lbs1x 230mm, 3x 120mm (opt. 2x 120mm)744x USB, 1x 1394, 1x eSATA, HD or AC97 Audio (on top)41.5 db$250
Don Woligroski
74 Comments Comment from the forums
  • geotech
    Nothing on the Thermaltake Armor?
    One of the best case designs and plenty of room and features.
    Reply
  • bf2gameplaya
    Every one of those cases is butt ugly, unwieldy and depressing.
    Reply
  • Gravemind123
    Nothing from Lian-Li, Thermaltake or Antec? In that price range you could review a nice case from any of those companies.
    Reply
  • Yep is a very poor roundup allright !
    Where is Antec Nine Hundred or the new Twelve Hundred and the excelent P182 ???
    The Cosmos S seems to be out of place here.... its in another league: Armor+, Silverstone TJ07B, Stacker
    Reply
  • otheos
    Simple is an uknown word in the aesthetics of the east.
    Reply
  • scherfistv
    Lazy review, the guys from TOM's couldn't find more attractive PC Cases? It's all made in "China"-like?
    Reply
  • TiberiumSoldier
    poor Roundup.. no Enermax Chakra/uber Chakra no EZCool .....
    Reply
  • SinisterCanuck
    All mid tower cases... not one Full Tower! I haven't purchased a mid tower case in nearly 8 years for any of my builds because they are too crammed for my liking. As stated by other commenters, where's the Thermaltake Armor? Where's the Antec Twelve Hundred? etc. These were nice looking cases, but they are all middle of the road as far as I am concerned. You need to do a cases revisited or an enthusiast case round up! ...please do that
    Reply
  • I have my doubts about your praise on 3R System case. I have similar model. Exactly the same inside structure but without the remote control, display and with different front side.

    First of all, it's not that well-built. Sides bend and that inside metal (Al?) is really soft. And if you want to remove the front there are like 6 almost unreachable screws to be unscrewed which is pain in the a**.

    Fans are really quiet though.
    Reply
  • only Cosmos S look good to me.
    Reply