Affordable, Cool, Black, Aluminum. Where?

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bamowo

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May 26, 2009
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I'm building a system and am having trouble deciding on a case. I thought I had narrowed my choice down to a HAF 922, which seems to have a lot going for it (I don't mind the look). Especially, it is getting favorable attention for ease of use and cooling.

Before I pull the trigger on anything though, I like to sit back and think on my choice. So, I was thinking while screwing around on a pre-built at Fry's with a black Lian Li case and decided that style might be the more liveable and durable one.

So my question is, what is the best option for the affordable (<=$150ish), mid-tower, conservative (but possibly with a side window to show off the manufacturer's attempts at beautification), black, brushed aluminum (akin to most Lian Li surfaces), cool (preferably with side fans for GPUs), that will fit a TRUE, 2 x 4890's, and a few hdds (not as many as most I see here, probably 3-4 max)?

I never particularly pay attention to brands, so I don't care if I buy a random brand as long as it does me well.

As an example... I like this: http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/lian_li_pc_v1000z.jpg

Tall order but I wonder if something exists... if I can't find anything, I'll just get the HAF.
 
being that these are primo cases, do these ever get deeply discounted?

while not in the same class, i've seen reports of people buying cases for very little compared to retail. for example, from 07 or 08 where people bought cooler master 690's for $20-$30 while they're retailing now for $80-90.

since something like the ft01 is a niche case, im sure the silverstone marketing doesnt want it to be associated with the word 'cheap.' but would they ever do something like discount it reasonably, i.e. >=$50?

bite the bullet now or wait?
 
I think Sundial Micro is one of the best places to get cases. Typically cheaper than newegg and reasonable shipping prices.

FT01 (works out to about 5 more than Newegg but you dont have to deal with the messy rebate)
http://www.sundialmicro.com/silverstone_computer_case_sstft01bw_1704_1432.html

I think this one hits everything you want for under $150
http://www.sundialmicro.com/lianli_mid-tower-pc7fwb_1703_1467.html

and if you're considering the FT01, maybe this one is good although pricier. However, the features, quality, looks (not too sure about the dragon but hey you might like it), and color scheme I think make it a pretty good deal.
http://sundialmicro.com/lianli_mid-tower-pc-case-pcp50r_1928_1617.html
 
i like the price of the pc7 but not the front fan grill, beggars can't be choosers of course.

i found sundial micro also the other day. both luckily and unluckily they are local, no shipping charges vs. taxes.

ill keep an eye out on their products and also on the fs/ft/hot deals section just in case. thanks for everyone's input.
 
Let me start by saying that I'm a total case snob and love my Lian Li's and Silverstones - that said, I came across an NZXT Adamas case last month that really impressed me. It's all aluminum and MSRP is around $200 but you'll find it for considerably less. It is also rebranded under the Raidmax name also (they call it the Iceberg or something like that). Google the Adamas, you might like it.
 
i had found that iceberg case after a few replys, it seems to be bigger than the adamas. not quite just a rebranding. but i hadn't hear of the adamas until you mentioned it.

it looks good, one review scared me by saying their gfx card didn't fit but they had a much longer one than i do... seriously considering...

$115 no tax, no shipping at amazon... not bad: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V6U5RG

free trial of amazon prime for free 2 day shipping... wonder how much of a hassle it is to cancel
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
I would also recommend the FT01, but swap out "affordable" with "quiet"

At 200ish it's not exactly cheap, but you really do get what you pay for with cases.
 
vanilla_guerilla said:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811233026


best case for the money, built better than a lian li, swappable side panels. built like an aluminum tank. starting to get a bit dated, i had one about 4 years ago. but some of the ll mentioned above are twice that age.
Click to expand...

Very solid Case, I've got an older version of it running a server box, (used to be my main,) great cooling and TONS of room. Stock fans I pulled though and replaced with some yates but other than that great case.
 
sn_85 said:
I think Sundial Micro is one of the best places to get cases. Typically cheaper than newegg and reasonable shipping prices.

FT01 (works out to about 5 more than Newegg but you dont have to deal with the messy rebate)


and if you're considering the FT01, maybe this one is good although pricier. However, the features, quality, looks (not too sure about the dragon but hey you might like it), and color scheme I think make it a pretty good deal.
http://sundialmicro.com/lianli_mid-tower-pc-case-pcp50r_1928_1617.html
Click to expand...

wow, if it didn't have that retarded dragon and a bigger window i would totally buy that, looks lovely inside.
 
M4rk said:
Holy SHIT I think I ruined my pants. That's almost as good looking as the legendary WINDY Soldat cases! FFFuck yeah!
Click to expand...

Looks amazing but I don't think it can support a triple rad at the top ;[

Amazing color scheme though. Would have gone great with my future EVGA Classified WC build with red/black tubing :[
 
nightwalker said:
wow, if it didn't have that retarded dragon and a bigger window i would totally buy that, looks lovely inside.
Click to expand...

yeah, seriously. i think they're just trying to promote the amd dragon platform. i wonder whether the dragon is a decal or is painted on. i wouldn't mind ripping off the sticker if that was the case.
 
stevedave said:
Be an early adopter.
NZXT CS-NT-PANZER-B

I couldn't find any H reviews but they have a few on there site
link
Click to expand...

panzerbox: i like the look of this but it's gotta be hot in there (esp around the GPUs)

http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/nzxt_panzerbox_/3.htm

i'm not sure i trust the thermal results on the next page. hdds block the big front intake, psu blocks the side of the gpu, cables block the rest of the path, i dont see how it'd get much cool air to the gpu.

stacker: extremely nice but i dont like the size of my old chenming/antec which isnt that big to begin with.

im thinking of getting a cheapo 690 off craigslist to hold me over until i can better make up my mind.
 
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