Would really like some suggestions for case: fairly simple, no need for lots of fans

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DaRuSsIaMaN

[H]ard|Gawd
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I'm looking for a low to medium-end case. No specific budget limit but definitely not looking to spend like $200. However, I don't mind splurging somewhat if there's a good reason for it. I will definitely consider spending over $100 if I really like the look and everything. I do want to be happy with how it looks and where the front buttons are placed, the usb ports available, etc.

As far as looks and functionality, I want a case that is quiet and classy. I don't like too much flashiness (too much LED stuff)... but some LED stuff is cool, just not too much. I will also not be using it for a hardcore gaming rig -- just putting in some hand-me-down parts that I got from friends -- so I don't need to have lots of fans and awesome airflow. In fact, I prefer fewer fans so it's quieter.

A couple cases I was thinking about:
Antec Sonata III
I kinda don't like the odd-shaped beige panel on the front... and also I'm doubtful about the included PSU. It doesn't state the model, and I think I'd rather pick my own PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154098
This one's probly my favorite so far, but not really digging the power/reset button placement.

Antec 300 case is not bad but it doesn't even have external 3.5" drive bay. And I do want to put in 1 floppy drive lol. Also considering the Antec P183 but it's pricey.

Any suggestions/ideas?? There are so many choices out there lol. Like looking for a needle in a hay stack
 
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Sonata 3 comes with an Earthwatts 500 psu, which is a good psu.
If you don't need a psu, look at the Solo which is a pretty quiet case as well (with better options for intake and cable management).
 
I always thought the Cooler Master Sileo would make an excellent budget/office computer. It's brushed aluminum face shows off a great understated look. It even comes equipped with sound dampening foam though I have no idea how well it works and your fabled 3.5" drive. The case has been discontinued at the Egg though. I know Fry's carries this case if you happen to live near one. :cool:

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=25049
 
The Sonata 3 is EPIC. Its a good build quality and has the earthwatts 500, it keeps noises inside the case, comes with two 120MM fans (well, mine did) I had one for my gaming build and it worked great. Kept inside temps down to acceptable levels with just one fan (supplied)
 
Hmm yeah, that Cooler Master Sileo does look fairly nice, actually. Thanks, I'll put that down as one of my considerations. And I do live near a Fry's (live in Phoenix) so maybe I'll go check them out.

Thanks for the suggestion on the Solo also. It's not bad too but kind of too much bright contrast with the silver panel, and a somewhat boring design.

I just wish there were elegant cases in colors other than black. It seems that the whole market now can be categorized into 2 types of cases: 1.) really "futuristic" and too gaudy for my tastes, or 2.) black cases. That's basically it. I still like my Antec slk3700 case which I've had for like 6 years. It's a cool shade of grey/beige/silver/i-dunno-wtf-to-call-that-color. (It looks better in real life than in the online pics.) I would dig another case that looks something like that and has a unique color like that again. But instead they all just come in black! Boring :(

Any other ideas? Thanks btw!
 
P.S. Not saying I don't want black at all... some of the black ones look nice. Just saying I wish there was more variety. I'll take any and all new recommendations/ideas, including black :)
 
I had the Sonata III, so, my complaints:
1. only one side panel comes off so if you actually want to wire four harddrives it's a bitch. 1 or 2 I imagine wouldn't be an issue, but I did want to wire 4 and had expected to be able to.
2. usb ports up front are tight fits to begin with (can newegg verify this), one of mine eventually broke off in a mouse and I had to unplug them from the mobo to post.
3. Rubber feet will NOT stay on. Many report them staying in box first time pulling out the case.
4. Door side panel takes more effort to open then would have liked.

In honesty, I'd really say no to the case just for only one side being removable. Up to you.
 
Cool! I like the silver Lian-Li case! Entered into my list :) Boy, it's a pretty long list now lol.

What do you guys think of these cases below? I also have individual questions about some of them:

1. IKONIK Zaria A20 3IC-Z2DSM
What exactly are those removable/washable air filters all about? I've never had that before. Is it a feature worth taking into account much? I think it's the only case among this selection to have that.
2.GIGABYTE Cupio 6140
Ok... this case looks sweet. But I don't get it, if the front door is totally solid, what is the point of having a front fan? Would it still have benefit, sort of? I'm not planning on keeping the door open every time I turn the computer on just to increase ventilation; that's stupid...
3. Sunbeam Silent Storm
4.SILVERSTONE PS02B
5.SILVERSTONE TJ01
This one looks great and everything but the fan lineup really bothers me. 2x 60mm fans & 1x 80mm?? Ugh, I'm specifically going for QUIET here. I'm thinking tiny, whirring 60mm fans won't cut it. You guys agree?
 
i dont like any of the cases suggested so far. the cooler master 590 is a great case. if your goung to spend a ton of cash on a case then i say these

cooler master 590
antec 300
antec 900
cooler master HAF Series
NZXT M59
COOLER MASTER COSMOS
Corsair Obsidian Series 800D
COOLER MASTER Storm scout
COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper
Thermaltake V9 Black Edition

there are many more. Case im buying in a few days http://www.frozencpu.com/products/1...ion_High_Air_Flow_Full_Tower_Case_AM-932.html
 
Practically ever case you're picking is an open airflow case with tons of fan mounts; he said he doesn't need tons of fans and he'd rather have quiet. You're going in the completely opposite direction of what he wants. Granted he can buy a 300 and take fans out but it's still a mesh case that will leak noise versus a solid walled/fronted case with or without a door.
 
zero2dash said:
Actually ordered one earlier from NE.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112154

Great choice. :D
Click to expand...

I used that case on a build I did not too long ago. FANTASTIC CASE!!! I loved the cable management it offers. The case wasn't quiet however, Granted I was using a older WD Raptor. I was used to hearing that hard drive in my Antec P180 in which I can barely hear hard drives in. I'd be willing to get that case over the 180 and adding sound deadening to it.
If your goal is to have a quiet case out of the box I'd go with either the Antec Solo or the P183.
 
I ended up going with the Gigabyte Cupio 6140. Was a really hard decision; I'm still in love with the Sunbeam Silent Storm, too, and the Silverstone PS02B would probably be a very close 3d choice.

The Cupio had free shipping and a $20 rebate on TD, too. Score!

EDIT: holy crap, that's a crazy one, Justphilbo! I didn't know newegg even had anything like that... A little too "out there" for me haha. But this Wired gallery has some interesting ones in a similar vein just fyi.
 
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