Which case

[Cygnus X1]

What's the best case mid size roomy easy access. Need advice for first build. What's the easiest case used to build?

 

[Ken90630]

Have you seen this case yet? Its exterior isn't the flashiest or anything, but internally and functionally this is prolly one of the nicest cases I've ever seen. It has a number of features I wish my WaveMaster had. (Kudos to JBDan -- I discovered this case thanks to his earlier link.)

Silverstone makes some nice aluminum cases that are pretty roomy inside as well. I think they're the Temjin models. I love my WaveMaster, but I can't say it's any more roomy on the inside than a lot of other cases. The PSU cage is kinda nice though, as is the optional blowhole fan port on top. And the anodized aluminum is rock solid and flawlessly finished (with no sharp edges to lacerate your fingers ). It has thumbscrews all around as well.

Cool user name, BTW. A Farewell to Kings is a classic album. I used to be able to play some of the guitar parts on "Xanadu." (Maybe I still can -- it's been awhile since I've tried.) Sorry ... veered off topic a bit there.

 

[Cygnus X1]

Cool user name, BTW. A Farewell to Kings is a classic album. I used to be able to play some of the guitar parts on "Xanadu." (Maybe I still can -- it's been awhile since I've tried.) Sorry ... veered off topic a bit there. [/quote]

No problem, RUSH Rocks! I just need a very easy case for a noob builder, me. I want the P180 do you think I could do it with a P180?

 

[Ken90630]

No problem, RUSH Rocks!

Yep. Particularly their early and mid-period stuff. I've just about worn out my (vinyl!) copies of All the World's a Stage and Permanent Waves. And Moving Pictures is, well, you know ....

Veering back on topic:

I just need a very easy case for a noob builder, me. I want the P180 do you think I could do it with a P180?

I dunno. I don't know much about that case. But a lot of guys on this forum do, so just sit tight and I'd guess you'll get some feedback. For what it's worth, the first page of that P-150 article I linked to earlier offers the following on the P-180:

"The Antec P180 was one of the most eagerly anticipated computer cases in recent memory. While it received dozens of rave reviews as well as copious amounts of positive feedback from individual users, there's a small minority to whom the grass is always greener on the other side. I've heard complaints that the P180...

is too big
is too complicated to set up
makes clean cable management difficult
has the PSU positioned too far away from the motherboard
has a door
has a difficult-to-remove front bezel
has an awkward air vent on top of the case
silver version looks like a refrigerator
black version is too monochromatic, etc.

And these are only the complaints that my pea-sized brain are capable of remembering! I'm sure there are more, but you get the idea. To all those P180 nay-sayers, Antec gives a big Bronx cheer as they introduce the new P150."

From the sound of that, it sounds like it might not be easiest case in the world to work with, but I dunno.

Good luck with the build. :thumbsup:

 

[Cygnus X1]

Thanks! The P150 looks very promising

 

[Ken90630]

No prob.

One other thing: I just remembered someone else said something about it maybe not actually being on the market yet (?). But maybe I read that wrong. In short, I'm not certain it's actually for sale yet. If not, I'd guess it will be shortly. Just FYI in case you decide you want one.

 

[fierydemise]

I'd also check out some of Coolermaster's cases the centurion's are good for the money and the high end stuff (stacker, wavemaster) are really nice too.

 

[Zepper]

Then there's always the Antec SLK3000-B. A lot of case mojo for the money. Amazon and Provantage have had it for the best prices. For even more niceness with removable mobo drawer, etc. check out the Kingwin 424 series, Beantech Igloo series, or the Victor (all pretty much the same case with different feature sets). ZZF has had the best prices and computergate.com is the only place I've seen Beantech or Victor. And some of the CoolerMaster cases in the Centurion or Cavalier lines are nice for the money too. But be warned ahead of time, CM's user guides/manuals suck right across the line.

.bh.

 

[pkme2]

I built a few computers and have gone thru SuperMicro, Antec, Irwin, Multiwave, and the off-brands. The computer case that will always impress me is the Lian-Li. It's a big case, but light because of its aluminum construction, but the joy that it is well built, everything on removeable slides, everything.

I got the case 3 years ago and it cost $165 and its worth every dollar. You have a choice for power supply, may I recommend the Vantec Stealth. Keep it simple and spent the money on the necessities, but your case is where it all happens. Enjoy.

 

[pkme2]

http://www.xpcgear.com/pc60plus.html

Check this out. The price is cheaper now for the PC60.

 

[pkme2]

http://www.lian-li.com/Product/Chassis/M_C_PC-6X_S_PC-60.htm

Here's some breakdown pixs.

 

[forumposter32]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119068

oops, I read it's not for a beginner because it doesn't have a good manual. Oh well, still a good deal.

 

[MadScientist]

Choosing a case is a balance of form, function, construction, appearance, needs, and budget. All cases have pluses and minuses. Make a list of cases using the above criteria and then read all the reviews you can find on them. Personally, I would pick a case without a psu. It's rare that you find a case that comes with a good psu.
I just ordered a Lian Li PC-7A Plus from here. Link
This was my case list:
Cooler Master Centurion 5
Cooler Master Centurion 531
Cooler Master Cavalier 3
Lian Li PC-60 Plus
Lian Li PC-7A Plus
Antec SLK3000-B
Thermaltake Soprano
Thermaltake Tsunami
Kingwin KT-424
Antec P-160
Silverstone Temjin SST-TJ02SW

 

[Cygnus X1]

Originally posted by: MadScientist
Choosing a case is a balance of form, function, construction, appearance, needs, and budget. All cases have pluses and minuses. Make a list of cases using the above criteria and then read all the reviews you can find on them. Personally, I would pick a case without a psu. It's rare that you find a case that comes with a good psu.
I just ordered a Lian Li PC-7A Plus from here. Link


Are Lian Li's easy to build/work with, they look really nice.

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

I'm afraid I'm hooked. They are wonderful to work with.

The case linked is worth the asking price. If you get it. Do not fill the HDD cage with three storage drives as this will block air flow. I would put one HDD at the bottom and a second in an unused 3.5" exposed bay. The build quality of this model is not up to the standards of the older and smaller fanned PC-60 but is a good deal none the less. The thumb screws that LL uses are metric and unique to the brand. Do not loose the extras the case comes with. Put them in a Zip-Lock and tape them to the inside of the right panel cover along with the Motherboard manual. I've never done this to a black case but the two silver LLs i have were
washed with warm water with just a touch of soap to remove the manufacturing dust. Then wipped with clear water and let to dry(outside only is washed). Then waxed and buffed twice.
No dust,dirt or finger prints are hard to wipe off after i did this. On a black case the wax may cause some chalky apperance.

These cases have been around a long time and the only thing i wish Lian Li would do is make a removable motherboard tray for BTX form factor for a future up-grade path.

Galvanized

No matter what case you get, someone will be here to assist you.

 

[pkme2]

Great choice. What PS did you get for the PC-7A Plus?

 

[ArborBarber]

No one here asked, but what is it you're trying to build? List the components...
Most cases today are easy enough to work with. What do YOU want? Side window, extra cooling because of dual video cards, are you going to be O.C.ing, will you be moving/changing memory on the MB (removable MB tray), front usb/FW connectors...Cases are a statement, lets face it, a good looking case after you have installed all the guts is what you have looking at you day in and out. Most ppl see a case and say,"ouuu, and wow, pretty kewl, did you build that?" Figure out what kind of case you need first...does it need to cool hot running components or just be cool looking or both? Will you be removing the MB alot because you're going to be experimenting with different memory for O.C.ing reasons, do you need front usb/fw/mic connectors for camera or head phones? Do you need windows because you'll be adding interior lights/leds? What are you willing to pay for a case? Cases are kewl, and you can sink a pretty penny on them, just don't forget that ANY case can be modded to suit your needs, but after all is said and done it's really the components inside that matter. Do a search on pc cases and check out the hits...look at what strikes your fancy/budget/needs. Most of us here will be able to respond to YOUR inquires on different cases as we've worked with them in the past and have our favorites. Cases are a personal statement and there are many...you have to decide between form and function. Just remember you can can make just about any case out there what you want...