Why are all computer cases ugly nowadays?

N

ng4ever

2[H]4U
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Messages
3,585
I can't find one I like and don't want to use the current one I have unless I can find it again for sale.

Its a Lian-Li PC60
 
The PC60? Talk about a boring case!

But for a gorgeous case, look at the Streacom DB4.
 
Too many of them have gone all UFO with funky designs and too many blinky lights.
I admit I do like the Corsair C70 that looks like a green ammo box.

There is still a good selection of cases for grown-ups though..... the Fractal R5 for example.
There are nice similar cases from Corsair and Thermaltake.

.
 
If you want a pretty case, how about this:

kana-53L.jpg
 
I totally agree. There are few cases that check all the boxes for me too, so I'm looking to prototype a design I've been throwing around for some time now. What do you think about an open-air case, a la Thermaltake Core P5, but with more customization flexibility? Looks would have less to do with the case than with the components you choose, layout, and whatever other design choices you make. Problem solved!
 
If you post the 3 best looking cases (stock) and the 3 ugliest cases, we might be able to help you but there is no accounting for taste.

I had an FT03 Titanium and I think it's one of the best looking cases but some people think it looks like a trash can.

Now I have a TT Core V21 - it's just a black cube - not ugly but purely utilitarian. I don't hate it, but it bothers me a bit. Fortunately it cools well and is quiet.

The Enthoo Evolv mATX TG and In Win 301 did not impress so the V21 gets to stay longer but it's days are numbered...
 
DoubleTap said:
If you post the 3 best looking cases (stock) and the 3 ugliest cases, we might be able to help you but there is no accounting for taste.

I had an FT03 Titanium and I think it's one of the best looking cases but some people think it looks like a trash can.

Now I have a TT Core V21 - it's just a black cube - not ugly but purely utilitarian. I don't hate it, but it bothers me a bit. Fortunately it cools well and is quiet.

The Enthoo Evolv mATX TG and In Win 301 did not impress so the V21 gets to stay longer but it's days are numbered...
Click to expand...

+1. That's a great idea to get a better understanding of OP's taste. Is the FT03 a trashcan or a sleek, clean-lined tower? I'm with you DoubleTap, I'm a fan of that design, except for that damn Silverstone logo! Silverstone has some pretty cases for sure, but their over-branding kills it for me. I guess the same can be said for many case manufacturers. I also have the Core V21, which is almost a perfect minimalist design, save that damn Thermaltake logo slapped dead-center of the front grill!

I'm curious to know, what is it with the V21 that bothers you?
 
I don't like the all quiet cases out there which restrict airflow there is only so much you can do with a case before people think it's excessive.
 
I agree that there are a lot of ugly ones. A lot of decent looking ones, too. But, what I can't find is a somewhat "elegant" type of case. I want to have a nice hardwood desk, and have it look good. I want a computer case that can look good sitting on it. Not a typical black/beige utility style case. One that actually looks classy and tasteful. Most cases I see are very functional, but not very good looking.
 
W31 D0n9 said:
+1. That's a great idea to get a better understanding of OP's taste. Is the FT03 a trashcan or a sleek, clean-lined tower? I'm with you DoubleTap, I'm a fan of that design, except for that damn Silverstone logo! Silverstone has some pretty cases for sure, but their over-branding kills it for me. I guess the same can be said for many case manufacturers. I also have the Core V21, which is almost a perfect minimalist design, save that damn Thermaltake logo slapped dead-center of the front grill!

I'm curious to know, what is it with the V21 that bothers you?
Click to expand...

My PC has to sit on my desk because I have an electric sit-stand desk - I also have a 3 monitor array so space and wiring are big issues. I prefer something with interesting industrial design - simple, but a bit clever and I like metal. The V21 is lacking in that area but it's not trying to be in that area.

From a practical standpoint, it has a much larger footprint than my FT03 but it makes up for it with airflow and cooling capability. Honestly, if it came in gun metal grey, I would probably love it but in flat black, I merely like it. Barely.

This sounds incongruous but I also like the green TT uses on their Core V5 Green edition. I debated for a long time about getting it but it's too big and I'm not likely to water cool. I do like that green though.

As far as looks go, I like the Enthoo Evolv mATX and I'm probably in the minority for preferring the original above the TG version.

My favorite design right now is the ncase M1 - I wanted to build one but I wasn't sure how well a single 1080Ti would run 1440p x3 (it actually runs it really well) and I thought I might have to go SLI. It's still possible - I could sell the mATX board, get the ITX version and keep it all in the TT case until I get everything ready to migrate it over. We'll see.

Comixbooks said:
I don't like the all quiet cases out there which restrict airflow there is only so much you can do with a case before people think it's excessive.
Click to expand...

The V21 has a 200mm front fan and really good airflow. If you fill it with quiet components, it's a quiet computer. The only time I hear it is when the 1080Ti FE kicks up the fan when I'm playing a game. It's tolerable but it has me considering the once terrifying prospect of water cooling.

The FT03 on the other hand - it can house an SLI rig, but it only has a few 120mm fans so they can't run too slow - and mine had 2 mechanical drives. It was not really noticeable until you turned it off - then ....woah! it's so quiet!....

New system is like that all the time - until you play a game.
 
DoubleTap said:
My PC has to sit on my desk because I have an electric sit-stand desk - I also have a 3 monitor array so space and wiring are big issues. I prefer something with interesting industrial design - simple, but a bit clever and I like metal. The V21 is lacking in that area but it's not trying to be in that area.

From a practical standpoint, it has a much larger footprint than my FT03 but it makes up for it with airflow and cooling capability. Honestly, if it came in gun metal grey, I would probably love it but in flat black, I merely like it. Barely.

This sounds incongruous but I also like the green TT uses on their Core V5 Green edition. I debated for a long time about getting it but it's too big and I'm not likely to water cool. I do like that green though.

As far as looks go, I like the Enthoo Evolv mATX and I'm probably in the minority for preferring the original above the TG version.

My favorite design right now is the ncase M1 - I wanted to build one but I wasn't sure how well a single 1080Ti would run 1440p x3 (it actually runs it really well) and I thought I might have to go SLI. It's still possible - I could sell the mATX board, get the ITX version and keep it all in the TT case until I get everything ready to migrate it over. We'll see.
Click to expand...

I'm with you there. Brushed aluminum would look good on the case, and some slight design upgrades as well. That's probably my only complaint with the V21, I researched it pretty heavily before buying, and although it checked all the boxes for functionality that I wanted, it wasn't as polished (design/build) as I had expected. Air-flow is pretty great though, like you said, for an itx case.

+1 for the Evolv. We have very similar tastes!
 
A: Because Silicon Graphics is no more*
A: Because Abee does not sell outside Japan.

*: (I know, I know, acquired by Rackable who changed name to Silicon Graphics but it doesn't count)
 
Findecanor said:
A: Because Silicon Graphics is no more*
A: Because Abee does not sell outside Japan.

*: (I know, I know, acquired by Rackable who changed name to Silicon Graphics but it doesn't count)
Click to expand...

Those Abee cases are seriously superb. I've never heard of them before, how come they aren't sold outside of Japan? Found a couple forum posts on google asking the same question without any real answers.
 
http://www.abee.co.jp/English/shop/index.html
http://www.abee.co.jp/English/shop/index.html




top_b03.gif

spacer.gif

title_02.gif



　Please send your application E-mail to “[email protected]”


spacer.gif


　In the mail, please specify the following items under the Subject of “Invitation to Overseas Partnership.”

　1. Location of your company
　2. Name of your company
　3. Division and section to which you belong
　4. The name and title of the person in charge
　5. Your telephone number
　6. Product/ model names you want to handle
　7. Your requests and questions (please freely put them.) 　
　We will reply to your e-mail



spacer.gif

title_03.gif

We cannot accept applications from individuals.
As a general rule, the costs of the products shall be paid to us in advance.
spacer.gif

title_04.gif

spacer.gif


MM Park Building 6F, 3-6-3, Minatomirai,
Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
ABEE CORPORATION
TEL : +81-45-228-6201
FAX : +81-45-663-2112
E-mail : [email protected]

spacer.gif

spacer.gif



Anyone out there up for joining their "scheme"?
 
Spartacus said:
Too many of them have gone all UFO with funky designs and too many blinky lights.
I admit I do like the Corsair C70 that looks like a green ammo box.

There is still a good selection of cases for grown-ups though..... the Fractal R5 for example.
There are nice similar cases from Corsair and Thermaltake.
Click to expand...

Here is my Thermaltake Core W100. I liked it because the styling was almost server like and somewhat understated without having to be as boring as the OP's case. Most of todays designs are either too plain or they look like a reject from one of the Michael Bay Transformers films. I haven't updated the pics yet, but I have the P100 pedestal attached to it now. I'm going to do a custom cooling loop and wanted the extra space for that.

xHKrgVJl.jpg


Susquehannock said:
Make one.

wooden_pc_mod_ecweh.jpg
Click to expand...

I don't care for wood cases in general. They generally don't look very good and often seem like they are ill-suited to the task of housing computer components. However, this one is pretty awesome.
 
Dan_D said:
Most of todays designs are either too plain or they look like a reject from one of the Michael Bay Transformers films.
Click to expand...

This is so true. It's like trying to choose between father-time's personal computer of yore and whatever abomination forged by an alienware design vet from the 90's. No gracias.
 
Susquehannock said:
Make one.

wooden_pc_mod_ecweh.jpg
Click to expand...


I put some oak away for that task a over a decade ago. It hasn't happened yet. I have all the tools and experience to create something like this. Just have not found the time. Maybe after I retire. In a few weeks I will be 20 years on the same job.
 
Dan_D said:
I don't care for wood cases in general. They generally don't look very good and often seem like they are ill-suited to the task of housing computer components. However, this one is pretty awesome.
Click to expand...
My thinking exactly. Most wood cases look like a boring wood box. That one looks very retro. Back when tube radios were like furniture.
drescherjm said:
I put some oak away for that task a over a decade ago. It hasn't happened yet. I have all the tools and experience to create something like this. Just have not found the time. Maybe after I retire. In a few weeks I will be 20 years on the same job.
Click to expand...
Sounds kind of like me. Have a bunch of sawmill cut pieces of black walnut from a tree that was cut down on the family farm back in the 50s that I acquired when my father died. Need to get around to doing something with it.
 
Dan_D said:
Here is my Thermaltake Core W100. I liked it because the styling was almost server like and somewhat understated without having to be as boring as the OP's case. Most of todays designs are either too plain or they look like a reject from one of the Michael Bay Transformers films. I haven't updated the pics yet, but I have the P100 pedestal attached to it now. I'm going to do a custom cooling loop and wanted the extra space for that.

xHKrgVJl.jpg




I don't care for wood cases in general. They generally don't look very good and often seem like they are ill-suited to the task of housing computer components. However, this one is pretty awesome.
Click to expand...



That's not bad... a bit flashy, but tasteful.
Agree that the "Transformers cases" are just horrible. :vomit:



.
 
IMO the older the case gets, the uglier it generally is. Some of the cases we have nowadays are works of art in comparison. If you're looking for something simple, Fractal Design or Antec would be good places to start.
 
I agree with the OP, in general computer cases are insanely ugly IMO these days. There are still some really nice looking elegant ones floating around. But in general the style these days seems to be uber flashy and trashy.

It can be compared to what Mini Stereo systems turned into these days. They used to be nice clean simple lines elegant..
th


and now turned into...
th



But even with the mass of ugly cases floating around you can still get some nice looking normal cases. Corsair, Fractal, Silverstone, etc (stick with the major players) and they do still offer some nice looking cases.BTW handed my Lian-Li PC60 down to my son, still looks great and has all the room needed for a modern gaming beast. Runs cool and has plenty of fan space to get the job done and still be quiet about it.

Oh and don't even get me started on the state of routers these days. WTF do I need a spaceship looking router? Am I supposed to hang it like artwork and show my friends and family when they come over? What's wrong with just a simple box with some antennas? What's with all the geometric kaleidoscope looking designs??? BAH! I need a drink now.
 
Last edited:
CannibalTrout said:
I agree with the OP, in general computer cases are insanely ugly IMO these days. There are still some really nice looking elegant ones floating around. But in general the style these days seems to be uber flashy and trashy.

It can be compared to what Mini Stereo systems turned into these days. They used to be nice clean simple lines elegant..
snip

and now turned into...
snip
Click to expand...

For what it's worth, both of these examples have existed for ages and still exist. The difference is that the top one is something you'd buy in a proper audio shop, and the bottom one is something you'd buy in walmart.

Objectively good looking cases and crappy looking cases have existed for a long time as well, but the variety of both kinds of cases has steadily increased over time. Just have to know where to look and what brands to look at.
 
I dig my current case, and think it's exceptionally clean and non-flashy.

The Enthoo Evolv Tempered Glass

It does everything I need, and looks good on my desk. If I want flashy, I'll turn on the LEDs and LED Strip, etc. Otherwise, it's all set!
 
Lian Li, Caselabs, Jonsbo still exist and have clean looking, not flashy cases for sale...
 
Most companies have at least one or two offerings that aren't too flashy.
 
Hmm. I lean more towards a simple design aesthetic, and Lian Li, Caselabs, Jonsbo are great examples as sonsonate pointed out. But most of these minimalism designs tend to look too utilitarian or industrial in my opinion, like a rack mount case, which isn't meant to be mostly visible. I'm definitely in the camp that believes function should be the primary focus for any case design, but lacking any aesthetic design consideration just makes for a boring, riveted, metal box. I may as well have kept that beige tower my father had in our home office when I was a kid, 2.5 floppy drive and all.

I've always actually wondered what informs pc case design, other than function, of course. It's likely the core market/demographic need is being met with what's currently out there, which would make many of us an outlier. Going along with this string of thought, it has me thinking if case design will mature as it's core market matures and gets older. Like those of us who grew up with tech as it became more commonplace than in the past. Then again, there will always be youngsters who love bold colors and curves, it seems, when choosing a case.

Any thoughts?

Also, speaking of non-flashy design, I just discovered this Japanese brand, Abee, which is really in my wheelhouse for case design, though from scouring google, you'd be hard pressed to find a distributor in North America. :/
 
W31 D0n9 said:
Hmm. I lean more towards a simple design aesthetic, and Lian Li, Caselabs, Jonsbo are great examples as sonsonate pointed out. But most of these minimalism designs tend to look too utilitarian or industrial in my opinion, like a rack mount case, which isn't meant to be mostly visible. I'm definitely in the camp that believes function should be the primary focus for any case design, but lacking any aesthetic design consideration just makes for a boring, riveted, metal box. I may as well have kept that beige tower my father had in our home office when I was a kid, 2.5 floppy drive and all.

I've always actually wondered what informs pc case design, other than function, of course. It's likely the core market/demographic need is being met with what's currently out there, which would make many of us an outlier. Going along with this string of thought, it has me thinking if case design will mature as it's core market matures and gets older. Like those of us who grew up with tech as it became more commonplace than in the past. Then again, there will always be youngsters who love bold colors and curves, it seems, when choosing a case.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

Several things drive it:

1) Function. As computers change, so does the required function. The amount of airflow, noise, case fans, etc. All this changes, so must the case design. (IE: Older cases wouldn't hold many of our good heat pipe heat sinks at 160mm tall, so they had to make newer, wider, cases for them!)

2) Cost. Cost is always a driving force for large companies doing things. (Exceptions being companies like case labs)

3) Form. Design also changes, and as other companies evolve, so must you, lest you be left to rot in history.

Also, speaking of non-flashy design, I just discovered this Japanese brand, Abee, which is really in my wheelhouse for case design, though from scouring google, you'd be hard pressed to find a distributor in North America. :/
Click to expand...

not sure if trolling or not, since there were like 5 posts talking about abee in here >.>
 
Guarana [BAWLS] said:
not sure if trolling or not, since there were like 5 posts talking about abee in here >.>
Click to expand...

Haha, not trolling at all. I'm in a few different threads and got mixed up as to where I read what. :facepalm:

I think that's a pretty sensible template for most consumer products. It would be interesting to discuss some of the finer points in regards to something as specific as computer enclosures.
 
W31 D0n9 said:
Hmm. I lean more towards a simple design aesthetic, and Lian Li, Caselabs, Jonsbo are great examples as sonsonate pointed out. But most of these minimalism designs tend to look too utilitarian or industrial in my opinion, like a rack mount case, which isn't meant to be mostly visible. I'm definitely in the camp that believes function should be the primary focus for any case design, but lacking any aesthetic design consideration just makes for a boring, riveted, metal box. I may as well have kept that beige tower my father had in our home office when I was a kid, 2.5 floppy drive and all.

I've always actually wondered what informs pc case design, other than function, of course. It's likely the core market/demographic need is being met with what's currently out there, which would make many of us an outlier. Going along with this string of thought, it has me thinking if case design will mature as it's core market matures and gets older. Like those of us who grew up with tech as it became more commonplace than in the past. Then again, there will always be youngsters who love bold colors and curves, it seems, when choosing a case.

Any thoughts?

Also, speaking of non-flashy design, I just discovered this Japanese brand, Abee, which is really in my wheelhouse for case design, though from scouring google, you'd be hard pressed to find a distributor in North America. :/
Click to expand...

You complain about cases that are too utilitarian, but talk about the Abee cases which are about as minimalist and utilitarian as anything offered by Jonsbo, Lian-Li and Caselabs. I'm not really seeing the difference in aesthetics between these brands on a broad level other than the one Abee AS Enclosure M2 having some faux bolt looking shit all over the front of it. The rest of their offerings are as plain looking as the Jonsbo I quickly Googled.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top