Windows 7 - Cheap cases with lots of expansion? (Not over $150 USD)

RetroGamer · 11-20-2011

Hello, I am currently building a new computer as my current computer, a Vaio VGC-RA820G from 2004 is unable to handle many more upgrades (Nearly maxed out on RAM, doesn't support any newer graphics cards) I am looking for a new case for my next system, but am unable to find many that suit what I am looking for. I really like the case on my Vaio due to it's good expansion (For it's small size) and great airflow as well as water cooling ability and I really like the overall look of the case, no part of it looks too plain, or overly complicated. I could technically buy a new motherboard and put it in the case, however for my new computer, I plan on buying a full ATX motherboard. The Vaio only supports micro ATX. What I'm looking for is a whole lot of expansion (Especially for hard drives) and lots of cooling options with a textured, I guess is the best word for it, yet not too complex design. Any ideas?

Big Tom · 11-20-2011

check out the cooler master cases. i like mine

badger906 · 11-20-2011

NZXT Phantom. tones of room.

its £105 so around $100

3D Jed · 11-21-2011

I use Antec 300 cases - around £50 in UK. Case takes 3 DVDs, 6 HDDs, has psu mounted at bottom. Cooling wise - comes with 140mm top, 120 mm rear (both 3 speed) and room for 2 x 120mm front and 1 at side.

Case takes ATX - I have a i7-2600K @ 4.6GHz and also a i7-930 @ 3.8GHz + no heat probs. Also is wider than regular ATX, so can handle large cpu coolers.

Solarstarshines · 11-21-2011

Quote: Originally Posted by 3D Jed

I use Antec 300 cases - around £50 in UK. Case takes 3 DVDs, 6 HDDs, has psu mounted at bottom. Cooling wise - comes with 140mm top, 120 mm rear (both 3 speed) and room for 2 x 120mm front and 1 at side.

Case takes ATX - I have a i7-2600K @ 4.6GHz and also a i7-930 @ 3.8GHz + no heat probs. Also is wider than regular ATX, so can handle large cpu coolers.

That looks similar to my cooler master elite 371 case but i have more fan openings two n the top two on the side one in the back not counting the cpu cooler i threw in has 2 fans as well but over all good case

vierasniper · 11-23-2011

Phantom!!! go with that. its hawt

GeneO · 11-23-2011

Fractal design. Can fit the longest graphics cards, plenty of fans, and 8 hdd, and plenty of room for routing cables in the back. And soundproofing. It can accomadate two 140 mm fans on top, one on bottom, one in back, one on sidew and two 120mm fans up front. Bedsides the CPU, graphics card and PSU fans, I have 6 fans in mine - two 120mm up front, a 120 mm on top and back, and a 1409mm on side and bottom. There is alos ports with grommets for water cooling, and filter screens fro the front, bottom and psu fans.

These photos are old. My current incarnation has 4 HDD and 2 SSD.

Newegg.com - Fractal Design Define R3 Black Pearl Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

pparks1 · 11-23-2011

While I wouldn't call this case cheap, it's $149 with rebate right now so it fits your price criteria

Corsair 600T
Newegg.com - Corsair Graphite Series 600T CC600TM Mid-Tower Gaming Case

To the person who mentioned the Antec 300 above, I've got 3 of them that I use at work and they have been great cases for the price. And right now, NewEgg has 'em for $34.99 after rebate;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042

badger906 · 11-23-2011

$149 for a 600t! Its £165 in the uk!!

linnemeyerhere · 11-23-2011

Check these bad boys out.
Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series™ 600T Mid-Tower Case - ATX, Micro ATX, 4x Ext 5.25, 6x Int 3.5, 2x 200mm Fans, 1x 120mm Fan, 4x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0, 1x IEEE 1395 Front Ports, CC600TWM-WHT at TigerDirect

http://biz.tigerdirect.com/applicati...00855&CatId=32

http://biz.tigerdirect.com/applicati...62966&CatId=32