Budget Case

[RampantAndroid]

What's a good case on a budget? My build would have 3 hard drives, an E6700 or similar, an 8800GTS...

And I'd prefer the cost of the case to be below 100 USD, but if you see one that looks good that isn't too much over (abs max is 150 USD) then please post it...

I have had some cooler masters over time (such as the Praetorian) which I found to be OK, if not a little cramped. I will be redoing my CPU heatsink with a zalman 9500 probably.

I'm a bit lost in the sea of cases. It need not be anything showy - in fact, I rather dislike these cases with gigantic doors that are supposed to look cool or something...rather, I prefer something more refined, and reliable.

Thanks!!!!

 

[StormSide]

Wow I wish $100-$150 meant budget to me....

 

[f4phantom2500]

Originally posted by: StormSide
Wow I wish $100-$150 meant budget to me....

me too; i've never spent more than $50 on a case.

 

[RallyMaster]

Rosewill gogo. Search for Zepper's thread.

 

[dedwards]

thread

DE

 

[Puffnstuff]

I just got the xclio windtunnel from newegg for $119 and you can see it here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811103011. Spend just a little more now and get something that you can keep for a while.

 

[RampantAndroid]

Well, let me rephrase - my optimal price is no more than 80 USD, but if the case is WORTH it, I'll pay 100-150...but I don't want to. I'm tired of the overexpensive cases that are not worth it....my Praetorian wasn't work it (too cramped, bad filters, low airflow) and my P180 is ******...transport it in a car a few times, being VERY careful, door is broken, Antec won't replace it, and the chassis is a little out of whack.

Is the PC-7 worth it? Reviews say its flimsy and cramped...?

What do you guys think about this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811125480

Thanks.

 

[Zepper]

Those Chenming/Antec/Chieftec Dragon cases were nice back in the '90s when they first hit the stores but they are a bit long in the tooth by now. As was suggested above, check my Rosewill thread. The Rosewill R6A series I mention there is also an option. There are models with or without doors. The R5601 has a 270 degree folding door (against the side of the case).

You might also want to look at the Coolermaster Mystique 631 cases that SVC.com has been blowing out at 50 cents on the dollar. The doors can be hinged left or right or removed.

.bh.

 

[Passingout101]

do you need one with a PSU??

 

[RampantAndroid]

I read the Mystique has about 1 cm of clearance when using an 8800GTX - am I wrong, but is the GTS a little shorter? (I was looking at the 632, not the 631...the 631 is not on newegg) I like the pricing on the Mystique frankly, it looks a good case, not too cramped....I like it.

One case that has really caught my eye is the Thermaltake Armor Jr. - I know it won't fit a 8800GTX, but I highly doubt I will be getting a GTX...or anything similar. Its more cost effective to get two GTS....but what do you guys think of the Jr?

I looked at that Chenming Dragon simply because it is so old, and proven...and I think it might even fit a 8800GTX (not really that impt to me, frankly.)


Edit: No, I don't buy cases with PSUs...I don't like them. The PSU is generally sub par, and thus a waste. I may be buying something like a 700W OCZ PSU anyway.

 

[Zepper]

The GTS is significantly shorter than the GTX - any of the mentioned cases will fit. The Rosewill 5600 series will fit the GTX as well. The Armor Jr. isn't a bad case but most Tt are too riced out for me. the Tt SViking is basically the same case as the Rosewill R5600 just a bit gaudier.

.bh.

 

[RampantAndroid]

How are the R5600s for space? They look cramped from newegg pictures, more so than the armor jr...is this true, or just illusion?

This a case you are referring to? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147033

 

[Zepper]

The 5600s have 11" of card space so it must be an illusion. The Armor is taller but about the same depth as the 5600. I think a bit more of that depth is taken up with bezel on the Tt - they have always been more into form than function... I see the 5604s are on sale again, too bad the 5601 isn't as it is technically the better of the two with the 270 deg. door and louvers on the front air intake to moderate any direct noise.

.bh.