Computer Case Question

[elfnumber1]

I'm in the process of building a budget computer. I have the MSI KT266 motherboard with 512mb crucial DDR2100. Probably going for the AthlonXP 1800 and stripping the components out of my current setup.

What I want is a good aluminum case, but I want it well within $100. I know directron has some refurbs for under that, but are there any other case places around or cases that would be good to get? Oh, I was thinking of getting one of the Lian Li's. Anything else that's comparable would be good too, I just need some suggestions. Also, why are the Lian Li's so expensive and considered "good?"

-elf

 

[smp]

I don't know of any other aluminum cases, but I think that coolermaster makes aluminum cases, but wow, they are expensive too. The reason that this sh!t is so expensive is because;
a) it looks cool
b) it is cool (literally, better for cooling)
c) it's 'she she foo foo'
d) it's made out of aluminum and we all know that aluminum is like more expensive than gold
e) there are gonna be tonnes of suckers that want "aluminum cases" cause "they look cool" and "will pay out the a$$" for em.

 

[elfnumber1]

what's "she she foo foo?"

 

[Random Variable]

Lian-Li might make great cases, but their web site is a mess.

 

[SWScorch]

Lian Lis are considered so good because they are quality parts- eg: no rough edges to cut your poor little fingers, solid construction, and also, they have good cooling. Good luck on finding an Aluminum case under $100 tho!

 

[solidad]

i just bought this case ....it was around 124$ shipped...might be able to get it cheaper if you could find another place that sells it cheaper but thats the only really cheap case i know of other than lian-li's...should make a good lan case and of course all the reviewers like em (well since its also on the cooler guys page) oh well just my 2 cents.

 

[anime]

nice find solidad on that pc-case

 

[elfnumber1]

thanks for the help guys. that case looks neat. a little silver but not bad.

i don't know though, how much better do the aluminum cases actually cool than the normal cases? is it worth the money or should i just go with a decent case (ie: antec, enermax, wanna name others here?)

-elf

 

[elfnumber1]

hmm... looks like it's time to bump this again.

now i really want to buy an AL case but they are so overpriced. i really like the lian li pc60's and i found the skyhawk for $99. now i don't know if i want to drop $150 on a case+psu.

anyone want to convince me to get a certain case, i'd certainly appreciate it.

-elf

 

[Demonicon]

Unless your mobo is sitting directly on the aluminum(I am in no way recommending this by the way) the heat dissipation properties of aluminum are prolly not that great.

That said, the Lian Li 60 series looks to be pretty much perfect when it comes to cases(Nice looking, slide out mobo tray, light...etc) these are all good things to have in a case.

 

[LucJoe]

Why aluminum?

I would suggest the Antex SX1030. Its an awesome case (same ones they use at Alienware) and can be had for under $100

If you're looking to get aluminum, anything you will find for $100 will probably be flimsy and cheap imho

 

[FlipSide]

elf, I am confused. Budget computer???? Lian Li, Athlon XP 1800+ ???? Sounds like you are going after the top of the line no holds barred config here. If this to you is a budget computer, can you send me your loose change, I wanted to buy a BMW M3.

 

[Smbu]

An Aluminum case is probably not good for a budget system.
Anyway, I like my case the Aluminum Coolermaster ATC-210.

I have also added a window on my case from one of PCMods window kits.