looking at computer cases

[starwolf1336]

I'm looking at computer cases and cant seem to make up my mind.

I'm mainly looking for good air flow rather than style or prettyness. It needs to be between $50-$80 and support Micro ATX motherboards.

Outside usb ports would be nice on the front or top

 

[stormy13]

Either the Antec Two Hundred,

Newegg.com - Antec Two Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

or the Three Hundred,

Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

would do.

 

[bobkn]

I have mixed feelings about Antec. Their P180, for example, was highly praised, but I thought it wasn't all that good. (Too much plastic.) I'm also a traditionalist - I prefer top mounted PSUs. (It may not matter - the fans may overwhelm convection.) The 900 was pretty nice, though, and the smaller versions may be as good. If you get a case with a bottom mounted PSU, be sure that your PSU cables are long enough, especially the 4 or 8 pin +12V CPU power cable. (That's less of an issue with a small case.)

I haven't used the smaller Cooler Master cases - my main one at the moment is a largish Stacker 830 - but they seem to be relatively purposeful.

Some of the better Asian cases are made by Chieftec. That used to include some of the plainer Antec cases.

A minor detail to look for: some of the newer cases use 10 pin connectors for the front panel USB. Older ones (example: Antec Lanboy) used discrete connectors for each wire. The 10 pin ones will save you from having to study the motherboard's USB header pinouts. (The pinouts are standard, but I haven't memorized them.) It would also save you some time, and avoid the frustration of playing with those fiddly little pins.

 

[PsychoClown]

i have a friend who bought the 300 case and he is very happy with it.

 

[pparks1]

I have mixed feelings about Antec. Their P180, for example, was highly praised, but I thought it wasn't all that good. (Too much plastic.) I'm also a traditionalist - I prefer top mounted PSUs. (It may not matter - the fans may overwhelm convection.)

I'm very much a fan of the Antec cases. I have a pair of Antec Sonata II's at home on 2 of my boxes and an Antec P182 on my main Windows 7 machines. I prefer the layout with the power supply in the bottom of the P182 which is sectioned off from everything else. At work, my 3 lab machines that I put together all use the Antec 300 case.

 

[starwolf1336]

I have my eyes set on this one, i just wish it was cheaper and the PSU was on the top instead of the bottom.

Newegg.com - Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

 

[PsychoClown]

if you have right psu it will suck heat down and out versus allowing it to rise.

 

[starwolf1336]

if you have right psu it will suck heat down and out versus allowing it to rise.

Ah, didnt know that

 

[JazzSus]

I'm not sure if this will meet your price budget. I have one and soon I'll buy one more. Coolermaster HAF932. Super cooling [......Cooling SystemFront: 230 x 30 mm red LED fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA
Top: 230 x 30 mm red LED fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA
(supports 120 mm fan x 3 or 120 mm x 1 + 230 x 30 x 1)
Rear: 140 x 25 mm fan x1 / 1200 RPM / 17 dBA
I love it

NCIX.com - Buy Cooler Master Haf 932 AMD Edition Full Tower Red Black EATX Case 6X5.25 1X3.5 5X3.5INT No PSU - AM-932 In Canada.

 

[bobkn]

I'm not sure if this will meet your price budget. I have one and soon I'll buy one more. Coolermaster HAF932. Super cooling [......Cooling SystemFront: 230 x 30 mm red LED fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA
Top: 230 x 30 mm red LED fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA
(supports 120 mm fan x 3 or 120 mm x 1 + 230 x 30 x 1)
Rear: 140 x 25 mm fan x1 / 1200 RPM / 17 dBA
I love it

NCIX.com - Buy Cooler Master Haf 932 AMD Edition Full Tower Red Black EATX Case 6X5.25 1X3.5 5X3.5INT No PSU - AM-932 In Canada.

Don't you think than a microATX mainboard would be a bit lost in this full tower case?

 

[JazzSus]

You might be right. Just my question: What has longer life? Mobo with CPU or Full tower case with excelent air flow and very low noise?....you don't have to buy always new case if you upgrade hardware? That's my just 2cents

 

[pparks1]

You might be right. Just my question: What has longer life? Mobo with CPU or Full tower case with excelent air flow and very low noise?....you don't have to buy always new case if you upgrade hardware? That's my just 2cents

I unfortunately always get a new case because I like to keep the old machines running and just upgrade others around the house.

I also don't think it's necessary to have a Full tower case to get excellent air flow and low noise. I've got some Antec Sonata II's that are mid-size and they are still appropriate for almost all installations these days and are very, very quiet.

My current case, the Antec P182 is the closest that I have ever had to a full tower. I went with this case to keep the wiring as clean as possible....but in all honesty...it's a bit bulky and unnecessary for my needs. I will likely go back to a smaller case on my next build.

 

[starwolf1336]

I need a new case cause the current one doesnt have any fans in it. And i can only put two 60mm (i think) fans in it. I dont think that will be enough for hardcore gaming later on. So i would rather get a new case with the new build.