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So I'm piecing together a new build in about a week or so, got most of the parts picked out already, but I still need a case. Looking to stay below $70. Lower is better of course, but I'll pay for quality. $70 is the absolute maximum I'm looking to spend at list price; I don't mind paying the tax, but I'm not going to pay for $15-20 in shipping on top of that.
So far I'm looking at the Antec 300 as well as the CM690 II Basic. This is going to be housing a Phenom II X4 + 5770 system that's only going to be running 1 HDD, 1 GPU, 1 optical drive, and will be aircooled.
What I do care a lot about, though, is airflow, noise, and overall build quality. How do these two cases stack up against each other? The 690 II looks to be a much better case, but I want to know how much better it is. From what I understand the 690 II is quite big for a mid-tower and I'm definitely not going to make use of all of those slots or the cool watercooling options, and would prefer a smaller case if possible. I'm trying to build on a budget, and note that the Antec 300 is often sold for $50 at Amazon; it was at $50 for the past two days and just went up to $60 today, but it does dip quite often. The 690 II is at a constant $70 no matter where you buy it from.
So, is the extra $20 for the 690 II worth it considering that I don't need a case that big nor need the WC'ing holes or loads of expansion slots and drive bays, but I do need something cool and quiet? Any other cases I should consider? I'm looking to order by this weekend so any input would be greatly appreciated!
So far I'm looking at the Antec 300 as well as the CM690 II Basic. This is going to be housing a Phenom II X4 + 5770 system that's only going to be running 1 HDD, 1 GPU, 1 optical drive, and will be aircooled.
What I do care a lot about, though, is airflow, noise, and overall build quality. How do these two cases stack up against each other? The 690 II looks to be a much better case, but I want to know how much better it is. From what I understand the 690 II is quite big for a mid-tower and I'm definitely not going to make use of all of those slots or the cool watercooling options, and would prefer a smaller case if possible. I'm trying to build on a budget, and note that the Antec 300 is often sold for $50 at Amazon; it was at $50 for the past two days and just went up to $60 today, but it does dip quite often. The 690 II is at a constant $70 no matter where you buy it from.
So, is the extra $20 for the 690 II worth it considering that I don't need a case that big nor need the WC'ing holes or loads of expansion slots and drive bays, but I do need something cool and quiet? Any other cases I should consider? I'm looking to order by this weekend so any input would be greatly appreciated!
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