Chieftec/Chenming Clones

[Dioretsa]

Well, I was thinking about getting a Lian-Li, but now I think I want a Chieftec/Chenming/Antec clone case. They are much cheaper, and have what I am looking for.

First contender:
Generic Beige with Window
This one looks pretty good, but it's not aluminum. Does getting an aluminum one matter much? Besides weight? This one is only $60.

Second contender:
Aluminum Silver with Window
This is the aluminum model. Looks great, and it's $71, but is it worth getting the aluminum? Doesn't have the sideways drive rack of the 602 model (below) or the removable motherboard tray.

Third contender:
Aluminum with Window
This is the "top of the line" chenming case, with removable motherboard tray. I like the features of this one, but don't really like the way the front looks. $76

Fourth contender:
Aspire with Window
I really like the way this one looks, but don't like the clear fans or the fact that it is more expensive because it includes a power supply. Same as the 601 models above. $91.

Now, I've never owned one of these cases, but I know they used to be good, and everyone used to have one. Does anyone with some expirience with them have anything to add that I should know? Is it worth getting the 602 with the sideways drives and motherboard tray, even if I don't like the front all that well?

I would have to put the computer on the right side of me down on the floor also, so would the door be a big problem? Does the door have to be at 90 degrees to get the drives open? Can it swing both ways?

Does anyone know of any other companies who make clones of this same style case that I should look at?

Edit: Also, how does the door work? Does it fasten without having to lock it?

 

[JeffS]

I've got one of the many clones and they are great cases. Definitely get the 602....
removable MB tray, better HD positioning, what more can you ask for?

As for the door, probably close to 90 for a drive to open, but I haven't measured
exact degrees. The door comes off easily, and depending on the look you're going for
there really isn't a reason to have a door on there in the first place.

good luck
-Jeff

 

[133]

LOL, i bet my case has a removeable mobo tray and i just didn't know it...

i have a 602 aswell. GREAT CASE, GREAT COOLING


i modded a 92mm Enermax high output fan onto the bottom left of the window to blow some nice cool air onto my 9800Pro.

Its a really good case. But on my next build i think im going for a Lian Li PC65

 

[dwayne001]

I have a (couple) olde chen-ming based case(s).

Be wary of the newegg pics of your 602--it doesnt open out like that, rather, hte 'hinge' is the part of the door opposite the 'knob'. The doors come off easily enough, and they require about 40 degrees. These things pull in a lot of air if loaded up w/ fans, so make sure you have some sort of filtering in place before setting her majesty down on the floor. Also, the door is the key reason why I have these things. No, it doenst need to lock to stay in place and it comes off rather easily. I have a Xaser II based on this thing, an Antec SX840, and most recently, a Xaser III (big tower). I've made some mods to the Xaser III, removing the fan for my blowhole and throwing the coolng loop up there for my WC setup. I've taken out all the ed bits on the front and anodized them back, removed the strip of tape that says TT and am about to rip out the six drive cage and fit a 120mm fan there where the 80mms are supposed to be. (xaser's are premodded thermaltake.com cases)

I've never really appreciated mobo trays, i hate the idea of like, having to worry about re-seating your cards after re-sliding the thing back into place. Lemme know if you have any more questions about these babies...