Best Case under $150

[modestninja]

I'm looking to get a new case when I upgrade my current computer and am looking to keep my budget under $150 dollars. Here are some considerations:

1. Mid-tower or larger.
2. Be able to fit a 5870 and a large CPU heatsink (haven't decided whether I want the 5870 or 5850 for the new build but I don't want the case to make the decision for me.)
3. Good wire management without modding.
4. Good airflow (don't care about WC).
5. Ability to change heatsink without removing the whole motherboard.
6. Simple, clean looks. I'd prefer no window, but if everything else is right I'd be fine with it.
7. I'm planning on using my current PSU, a BFG ES-800 so the case would have to work with that (from what I've read the wire length is fine in a P180 fwiw).
8. Some way of mitigating the dust getting inside so I have to clean less frequently and dust filters that are easy to access and clean (if it uses them).
9. I fine with heavy cases.

After doing some reading, here are some of the cases that look like they'd meet my criteria:

Coolermaster HAF 922 - Mid Tower
Coolermaster HAF 932 - Full Tower
Coolermaster ATCS 840 - Full Tower (I can find refurbished for a little more than my budget)
Coolermaster Cosmos S - Full Tower (Most likely out of my price range)
Coolermaster 690 II - Mid Tower
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58 - Mid Tower
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B - Mid Tower
Antec P183 - Mid Tower ?
Coolermaster Stacker 830 - Full Tower ?

What other options should I be considering? Are there any of these cases that have a glaring issue I should know about?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Alienwho]

Lian Li Lancool PC-K62. Watch this http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/foru...76-lancool-dragonlord-pc-k62-case-review.html

I just got it and installed it yesterday actually, and I am very pleased with it. Killer airflow.

 

[brencat]

For a $150 budget, you have a lot to work with. I am partial to Lian Li as well. Excellent cases, very easy to work with, high quality aluminum. All my builds for myself, friends, and family have all been with Lian Li. Get one with a slide out motherboard tray and you are golden.

 

[Interitus]

Loving my Lancool K62 so far. Very easy to work in, and although it's very close, fits the Thermalright Venomous-X on an EVGA e758-a1.

-edit-

Also have a 5850 here, no problem there. And they also make window/no-window models.

 

[MisterDonut]

Antec P180 series. Sound dampening, no intake fans, no window. Anything with a front intake will attract dust like a Pentium 2. I've used a couple of Lian-Li's, but I haven't been in the recent market for 'em so I dunno...but a couple of my buddies are using something from the Antec P180 series, and it's nice. As long as you're not shooting for world records, airflow should be ok. They run external WC setups though...

 

[Occ]

FYI the K-62 is identical to the K-58, except with black interior and a window. Also it lacks the 2 140 mm fans on top, though there are still the slots for them. I recently got a K-58, and really like it. Tool less design is awesome, lots of room all around. Seems like decent airflow even with just the 2 fans, probably amazing with all 4. Dust filters on front and PSU vent (bottom). Both side panels are removable, and you can route cables along the backside, and the CPU heatsink area is cutout from the motherboard tray so you do not need to remove the motherboard. Also, it comes in at ~21 lbs without anything in it.

 

[nyker96]

Haf 932 is my choice amongst these you mentioned. for under 150 that is.

if you don't care about airflow too much that atcs 840 is nice too. I think CM store has it for 170 shipped refurb if that's what you refering to is a good bet as well.

 

[modestninja]

Haf 932 is my choice amongst these you mentioned. for under 150 that is.

if you don't care about airflow too much that atcs 840 is nice too. I think CM store has it for 170 shipped refurb if that's what you refering to is a good bet as well.

That's what I was referring to when I said it was closeto my price range... Also, you're saying that the airflow for the ATCS 840 isn't that great?

 

[modestninja]

Also, I see that the K62 (or K58) would have no problems with a large heatsink and a large video card, do any of the other ones have issues with them? I don't really want to have to mod the case to fit a big cooler.

Are there any other brands I should consider that would fall into my price range?

Thanks for all the replies so far keep them coming!

 

[INGlewood78]

690 Advanced II and use that extra $50 towards the stuff inside the case.

 

[Puffnstuff]

I personally have used the haf 932 & 922 for family builds and I am very fond of the 932. I currently have a feser xchanger 360 w/scythe ultra kaze 3k fans at the top of my case and it still clears the top of the mb. If you want to mount 1/2 depth reservoir or controller in the 5.25 bays you have to put a screw on the other side to keep it locked in place.

 

[PieIsAwesome]

I got the HAF 922 for like $65 shipped late last year, and its pretty awesome. There is a ton of room inside, very easy to work with. Also good cable management, I hide all of the PSU cables behind the right side panel. Only problem is that the left panel has a large opening that acts as a sort of perforated window grill thing. Makes the case noisier, would have preferred the panel to have been solid, but I suppose I could cover the opening with something. Another problem is that the looks may not appeal to everyone. The front fan LED can be turned off and the case doesn't look too "blingy" like that.

 

[hclarkjr]

another vote for the HAF932, i have had mine for couple of months now and love it. good air flow and plenty of room. the only complaint i have about it is the cheap setup they used to secure the add in cards like video cards and such. other than that great case

 

[The Milkman]

HAF's don't have filters in front. I'm not sure how that works out for everyone, but my old Antec ninehundred is a vacuum cleaner, and it's very annoying having to clean it so often.

 

[PieIsAwesome]

HAF's don't have filters in front. I'm not sure how that works out for everyone, but my old Antec ninehundred is a vacuum cleaner, and it's very annoying having to clean it so often.

Actually, the 922 has filters covering all the openings in the front panel. Thats it though, dunno about the larger HAF. Cleaning the filter in front of the itnake fan is annoying though, have to remove the whole front panel.

 

[Dasda]

Cooler Master Storm Sniper is the best case under $150 for me. It is just as big as HAF932 and has filter on front intake and also comes with a built in fan controller with option to turn off fant leds.

Just watch some vidoes on youtube and go to your local store to view them in person before you buy.

Cooler Master 690 II Advanced is nice too and Lianli k-62.

 

[modestninja]

Does anyone know if any B&Ms (Microcenter?) carry these cases where you can actually look at them? I'm in Minneapolis and it might be nice if I could take a look at them in person. I think that would answer a lot of my questions...

 

[SkuLLyRT]

Does anyone know if any B&Ms (Microcenter?) carry these cases where you can actually look at them? I'm in Minneapolis and it might be nice if I could take a look at them in person. I think that would answer a lot of my questions...

I was at MC yesterday (DC area store) and they had a variety of CM (690 original, Storm Sniper, HAF932, ATCS840 and lower end models) and Thermaltake cases. They also had the Corsair 800 out there which I loved look wise, but I wasn't ready to shell out $230+ on it.

Now that I've driven home to VB, I'm wishing I had just picked up the Corsair case. Not a huge fan of these "all mesh" cases that every manufacturer is putting out nowadays.

 

[modestninja]

I was at MC yesterday (DC area store) and they had a variety of CM (690 original, Storm Sniper, HAF932, ATCS840 and lower end models) and Thermaltake cases. They also had the Corsair 800 out there which I loved look wise, but I wasn't ready to shell out $230+ on it.

Now that I've driven home to VB, I'm wishing I had just picked up the Corsair case. Not a huge fan of these "all mesh" cases that every manufacturer is putting out nowadays.

Ok, I'll swing by there after work some time this week. I wish there was somewhere around here with the Lian Li's as well. It would make this so much easier.

 

[CraigRT]

I was at MC yesterday (DC area store) and they had a variety of CM (690 original, Storm Sniper, HAF932, ATCS840 and lower end models) and Thermaltake cases. They also had the Corsair 800 out there which I loved look wise, but I wasn't ready to shell out $230+ on it.

Now that I've driven home to VB, I'm wishing I had just picked up the Corsair case. Not a huge fan of these "all mesh" cases that every manufacturer is putting out nowadays.

When I buy a case, its go big or go home.. You should just get the 800D and call it a day.

I'm probably going to get a Silverstone FT01 in the next little while to replace my uber expensive and uber old (but still great looking) Coolermaster Wavemaster (piano black)

 

[SkuLLyRT]

When I buy a case, its go big or go home.. You should just get the 800D and call it a day.

I'm probably going to get a Silverstone FT01 in the next little while to replace my uber expensive and uber old (but still great looking) Coolermaster Wavemaster (piano black)

Haha, my brother was telling me the same thing (though he has shady motives since he inherits my old LianLi V1000). My trip to Microcenter for a $200 i7-860 turned into a $650 adventure real quick. Did what I could to resist adding another $230 (+tax) cost to my "minor upgrade".

About halfway home to VaBeach I thought about turning around to buy the Corsair case, but the CM690II I have sitting in a box at home will have to do.

 

[CraigRT]

Haha, my brother was telling me the same thing (though he has shady motives since he inherits my old LianLi V1000). My trip to Microcenter for a $200 i7-860 turned into a $650 adventure real quick. Did what I could to resist adding another $230 (+tax) cost to my "minor upgrade".

About halfway home to VaBeach I thought about turning around to buy the Corsair case, but the CM690II I have sitting in a box at home will have to do.

Fair enough That case is pretty good though.
For me, the Wavemaster may look great, but its completely out of date in terms of cooling/capacity/ease of use, etc.... I love it and all, but its total form over function.

With the 800D, you get a case you can keep forever, and actually look forward to doing upgrades in (something I don't like to do in my Wavemaster)

I really want the Silverstone FT01-BW..... soon!!!

 

[kudos]

I love my Antec P180 which I've had since they were released and haven't seen the P183's yet, but the 180 is excellent. I even plan on re-using it for my new i7-920 rig.
Not much sound, no crazy bling lights on the fans, no side window, and the front of the case isn't wide open with one of those crappy "filter screens".
Easy slide out drives, hot swap style (but still wired in) and excellent dampening of the hard drive/s. The case feels very solid and not cheaply built.
Only PITA is opening the front cover to get to the power or reset button, but I don't think my system has been shut down for years except to upgrade components.
All the coolermaster products I've ever seen in person felt cheap, and I have used them on some other PC's that weren't anything special.
The LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62 looks great with a lot of cooling, but the only thing I would fear is a dust buildup. Otherwise, that looks like a great case for the price.

 

[bigboxes]

As long as you're not into heavy o/c I would recommend the Antec P183. I've owned the P180, P180B, P182 and now the P183. Quiet, solid build and room for the tallest heatsinks and longest video cards.

Antec P183

Here's mine housing an i7 920, TRUE, Radeon 4890OC and four hard drives:

 

[Zebo]

Antec Solo is the best case under $150. Has 4 silent/gourmeted HDD bays, panels are insulated, 120mm fan, hold full size ATX and is easy on the eyes.