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Expensive cases

S

stavros

n00b
Joined
Oct 31, 2004
Messages
33
What is the real world benefits of spend £100+ on a pc case when you can get one for around £30.

I am maybe thinking of buying one and want to spend my hard earned cash on something that will benefit me for my system. :rolleyes:
 
For the most part it has to do with personal preference as well as cooling/noise level/upgrading concerns. In my view, my computer is where I spend a lot of time, and like people who trick out their car, I want it to, at least marginally, express part of my personality. This isn’t to say that a more expensive case is better for that than a cheaper one, but anyone can have a $30 beige case o’ boredom.

In the end, if you are not worried about the noise level, aren’t planning to show it off, aren’t worried about excess heat due to bad ventilation, and generally want a place where your CPU sits while you surf at stock speeds, then just get any case, put the MB and all that in there, slap in a few extra fans, and go.

If you ARE going to do any of those things, then look for cases that have some style and are well thought out. Those are the ones that will usually cost a little more $$.

Course, I’m getting a cheap case for my next box, but I’m modding the hell out of it. ;)
 
just go cheap if you plan to mod...especially if ur new.
 
You can spend loads of cash and get a POS, and some pretty good cases can be had for suprisingly little money.

But in general, more money gets you steel/aluminium that won't buckle under the weight of a PSU, an internal finish that doesn't require chainmail gloves to work in without losing fingers, a bezel that doesn't fall off when someone closes a door somewhere down the street and aesthetics that won't make small children cry.
 
The cheap cases I've had were pretty flimsy, dented easliy and just felt really cheap.
I broke down a few months ago and bought a case I've wanted for a long time, a Cube Style Server case with a big PSU. It came to about $300 with the PSU. This thing is solid.
 
I have a cheap case, and the side panels are both warped, the whole thing is falling apart etc.. I just ordered a thermaltake tsunami to replace it..
 
Asking this question is like asking why get a Mercedes when you can get a Hyundai that will do the same thing

Both a nice case and a cheap case will serve the basic function of the case, you pay extra for added features, overall quality, aesthetics, etc. etc.

To each their own
 
waddles said:
Asking this question is like asking why get a Mercedes when you can get a Hyundai that will do the same thing

Both a nice case and a cheap case will serve the basic function of the case, you pay extra for added features, overall quality, aesthetics, etc. etc.

To each their own
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That's a pretty bad comparison.
 
Actually, let me correct myself. If this is your first PC building experience and you are a noob to the modding arena, then yes, get a cheap low end case BUT be sure to purchase a quality PSU instead of the crap they give you with the low end cases.

Reason I suggest this cause IF you plan on doing modding, you WILL screw up and its better to do it on a $50 POS Enlight case then a $200 Lian Li. Trust me on this one.

Once you get more experience modding, move to higher quality cases.
 
fender said:
That's a pretty bad comparison.
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Depends, if its a C class merc then yer, its pretty much equal to a Hyundai :p

But on the topic. An expensive case will be made of higher quality design and materials as well as being more user friendly. An expensive case might include more fans(of which might be higher qual), easier working space, more expansion options and general ease of use as well as ease of operation.

Cheap cases are fine as a case, but as something you constantly work in (I.E the [H] way) then its nice to open your case and have a user friendly enviroment.

I had a cheap P.O.S and i went to a lian-li and it was a friggin massive leap. The lain-li was made better, laid out better, made of higher-qual stuff, looked better, cooled better, held more drives etc. Its all really down to what you want out of a case. If you want something to hold your components and thats that, then get a cheap one. If you want one that'll do that but do it quieter, easier to use, cools better, looks better and so on, spend the extra :)
 
Without getting into the "if you're going to mod it spend less" debate, here's a cut and paste from an artical I did a while back.


The computer case has always been a component over looked by most users. Simply enough most people would buy one that has some of the features that they are looking for, or just buy something that just looks good, in order to spend less money on the case, and more money on other components. Unfortunately I think that this approach is not the one that power users should have. As I see it, the computer case is much like the skin of a person, most people overlook it as being vital, instead looking towards the brain or the heart as being more important. However the item carrying all of those things is just as important. Without a good case one could easily end up with something that is difficult to use, looks horrible, and would only serve its purpose for a user who is only interested in web browsing or writing the occasional word document. The truth of the matter is, there are about four components that if one spent good money on for them, they could last one four or more years without having to be replaced, not simply because they are adequate but because they are good enough to not necessitate replacing. Those items are the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and case. I think that the first three need no debate. If one buys a nice monitor, they probably aren’t going to need one for some time. If the peripherals that one accesses his computer are quality, are ergonomic, and have good response and feel they need not be replaced often. Similarly if one buys a computer case that incorporates all it’s necessary functions like the ability to easily upgrade your parts, has good cooling, is nice looking and feels good, or even has pre-modifications (if those are what you want) then the case in which one houses their components could be used again and again as the parts inside it are upgraded.



In short you get what you pay for, and having a good case is the difference between ease of installation and good cooling, and your general overall feeling of your system. Placing 2k worth of parts into a case that is only worth $30-$50 still offers a cheap feeling system. But beyond just perceived quality of the system overall, other things I mentioned in that above paragraph about cooling really matter a lot. Cheapo-cases very seldomly offer good air flow.
 
No, but a case with better cooling will make it last longer.
 
fender said:
A more expensive case won't make your computer faster.
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Talking bout luxury, not performance DURRR

I'd rather ride every day in leather, massaging, heated seats and climate control and the whole thing oozing quality as opposed to driving in something thats akin to a pile of shit with rattling parts :p
 
fender said:
A more expensive case won't make your computer faster.
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I think you're missing the point here. Assuming one drives the speed limit, it doesn't really matter what kind of car you get, does it? All different kinds will get you there at the same speed, but it's how important the drive is to you.

It doesn't really matter which path you go, be it the "cheap but effective" route or the "expensive and feature-packed" route or somewhere in between, it all just depends on personal preferences and available funds. There are people who never buy new cars because they think it's a waste, all they need from a car is something to get them from A to B, like someone who only buys cheapo cases because it's "just a case." Likewise, people who buy brand new Benz's every other year do so because they want a nice ride and can afford it.

The whole cheap cases vs. expensive cases debate is largely pointless because it all depends on what each individual person wants and needs. Not everyone needs all the fancy toolless features and expansion capacity and cooling of LL/CM/TT cases, and some can't live without it.

As for the original prompt of this discussion, or the "real world benefits" of expensive cases, you just have to look at what you'd be paying for and whether or not the cost of these features is worth it to you. The aesthetics and features of a case have to be worth its cost to each individual person for them to buy it. Cost/benefit analysis, folks.
 
waddles said:
I think you're missing the point here. Assuming one drives the speed limit, it doesn't really matter what kind of car you get, does it? All different kinds will get you there at the same speed, but it's how important the drive is to you.

It doesn't really matter which path you go, be it the "cheap but effective" route or the "expensive and feature-packed" route or somewhere in between, it all just depends on personal preferences and available funds. There are people who never buy new cars because they think it's a waste, all they need from a car is something to get them from A to B, like someone who only buys cheapo cases because it's "just a case." Likewise, people who buy brand new Benz's every other year do so because they want a nice ride and can afford it.

The whole cheap cases vs. expensive cases debate is largely pointless because it all depends on what each individual person wants and needs. Not everyone needs all the fancy toolless features and expansion capacity and cooling of LL/CM/TT cases, and some can't live without it.

As for the original prompt of this discussion, or the "real world benefits" of expensive cases, you just have to look at what you'd be paying for and whether or not the cost of these features is worth it to you. The aesthetics and features of a case have to be worth its cost to each individual person for them to buy it. Cost/benefit analysis, folks.
Click to expand...


No, I think you're missing the point. The 'drive' is only related to the performance of the computer, and not at all to the looks. Do you get less pleasure from using a computer with an ugly case? No. A car has much more functions than just getting from one point to another, while a computer only has one.
 
stavros said:
What is the real world benefits of spend £100+ on a pc case when you can get one for around £30.

I am maybe thinking of buying one and want to spend my hard earned cash on something that will benefit me for my system. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

In short: weight, cooling, looks and quality.
Let me explain.

As far as weight is concerned, most cheaper cases will be built in Steel which is bulky and offers little heat dissipation, whilst the more expensive solutions are Aluminium-built which is lightweight and dissipates heat much more easily. Cooling wise, again Aluminium comes into play and higher-end cases may offer more/larger fan slots or pre-drilled holes for water-cooling. As far as build quality is concerned, lower end cases tend to wobble and feel weak. Higher-end cases on the other hand are rigid and oftenly feature stability "feet" and other nifty features such as removable Motherboard trays, key-lock panels, removable 3.5 and 5.25 bays, etc etc.

In resume, I guess it would depend on what you're trying to do with your computer. If you're shooting for a high end Gaming Rig, then a good case can go a long way and save you a lot of headaches, especially if you're going for Cable management. If you're going for a Workstation build, then less expensive components might be the way to go. If you're looking for a solid Midrange, I would definitly recommend the Antec Quiet series. Owned a few of them and have been very impressed of the overall quality vs price ratio but shop around and keep your options open. Later.
 
I'd drive the Hyundai. ;)


Then I'd use the extra money I saved to buy a nicer case. :D

Seriously though, cases and monitors are about the only thing in a computer worth spending large sums on if you are on a budget, because those are the things that can realistically be reused over the course of a couple of upgrades. If you have money to go around, then you can disregard the previous message.
 
fender said:
Do you get less pleasure from using a computer with an ugly case?
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Absolutely. I hate using beige hunks of junk. My computer is just about the only possesion I have, so I like to look nice. It's the main thing in my room, so I want it to be aethetically pleasing, quiet, and filled with functions. As such, I'm willing to pay more for something nicer.
fender said:
The 'drive' is only related to the performance of the computer, and not at all to the looks
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That's what I was attempting to say with my travel time analogy... the drive itself, getting you from point A to point B, doing whatever tasks you do on your computer, is going to be the same no matter what car/case you have. But when I'm driving it's damn nice to have a stereo, climate control, nice seats, legroom, etc. and is worth extra money to me, just as having a nice case with toolless design, a nice look, and quiet cooling is well worth the extra money.

All I'm really trying to say is that it's useless trying to convince someone that a cheap case or an expensive case is the end-all absolute way to go, because different people have different wants and needs. That's all.
xonik said:
Aluminum cases don't dissipate any more heat than steel cases.
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Agreed. I thought this got debunked a long, long time ago... the only real advantage of aluminum is weight. I don't know why this rumor persists, and it has little relevance to this discussion anyway...
 
The rumor persists because in other applications (like heatsinking), aluminum is much better at dissipating heat than steel. What many people still don't understand is that aluminum can't do its job without direct contact with the heat source. As the hottest components of a PC don't directly come in contact with the chassis exterior, the chassis material itself does not contribute to cooling to any measurable extent.
 
xonik said:
The rumor persists because in other applications (like heatsinking), aluminum is much better at dissipating heat than steel. What many people still don't understand is that aluminum can't do its job without direct contact with the heat source. As the hottest components of a PC don't directly come in contact with the chassis exterior, the chassis material itself does not contribute to cooling to any measurable extent.
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While this is true, there are other benefits however. For instance weight. I personally don't like to carry heavy cases if I don't have to, that's why I now have LCD's and an aluminum case to carry to LANs.

Another thing that is beneficial although doesn't directly relate to aluminum itself is build quality. Usually manufacturers that are using the substance in the first place tend to be interested in making higher quality cases. Cases that have better airflow, rolled edges, removeable motherboard tray.

There isn't a point in getting an aluminum case because the aluminum helps it cool better, but there is a point in getting an aluminum case because the airflow is better.

Honestly though, this is a pointless debate, I'm sure the poster somewhat wanted to know why others buy more expensive cases, however it isn't likely that anyone can convnice them that there is a reason for doing so.

Just people that diagree is all.
 
IceWind said:
Because quality matters
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This is it -- although there are limits... sometimes they charge rediculous amounts of money for very little case....

Lian-Li is an example of WELL WORTH IT cases. Skyhawk makes a great alu case that is lightweight and looks similar but it's flimsy and the reinforcement it NEEDS isnt near the quality of the Lian-Li, nor is its placement or matching to the rest of the system.

Lian-Li doesnt take shortcuts. Everything is from a nice guage aluminum, everything is removeable and all parts are optimally placed.

I am a LianLi whore by the way, there are many good makers but they stick out in my mind. lol

UnknownSouljer said:
There isn't a point in getting an aluminum case because the aluminum helps it cool better, but there is a point in getting an aluminum case because the airflow is better.
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I dont understand this. How does the material improve airflow. The design of the case itself improves airflow not the material.

It is true that alu cases will typically have better designs as they are typically more expensive but that is also stereotyping cases as a whole. Not all alu cases have rolled edges, more open fan holes, etc....


~Kris
 
MartinX said:
You can spend loads of cash and get a POS,
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Case in point: coolermaster wavemaster.

I just spent £113 inc delivery on my silverstone TJ-05 from kustompcs.co.uk, and though it cost more i think it makes a brilliant home for my new rig; two 120mms preinstalled with space for 3 more (quiet) 80mms, a built-in toolbox, blue LCD thermal monitor for three different components, and it looks fantastic. Compare that with a wavemaster for £120, with three 80mm fan mounts (inclided? if not, ripoff, if they are, likely to be noisy as hell) and overrated. good stuff, worth it imo
 
StratocasterMaster said:
I dont understand this. How does the material improve airflow. The design of the case itself improves airflow not the material.

It is true that alu cases will typically have better designs as they are typically more expensive but that is also stereotyping cases as a whole. Not all alu cases have rolled edges, more open fan holes, etc....
Click to expand...

Yes the comment was fairly based off of the fact that most manufacturers (at least the ones worth their salt) have a better design. It's just not worth the time (I think anyway) for a manufactuer to use expensive materials and put out a shoddy case.

Even Skyhawk is better than a lot of other cases.

So yes, the material in and of it self doesn't improve airflow, but in the end it still seems you understand the comment. I used aluminum as an example because aluminum cases tend to cost more.
 
Pkirk618 said:
just go cheap if you plan to mod...especially if ur new.
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Good advice. Cutting blowholes isn't as easy as it sounds. I fucked up my Lian-Li :( :mad:
Oh well, I'll be getting the Antec P180 as soon as it's available and see what I can get for the Lian-Li in the FS/FT Forum
 
This really is a pointless arguement when you think about it because it all depends on your preferences.

Some people can't justify spending money on an expensive case when they can buy a cheap one and mod it into something just as nice if not nicer.

Others prefer to buy beautiful cases and pay a little extra for the nice features.

Then there are those who simply don't care about the case and run their computers without a case, sitting on a desk with a massive copper pipe attached to the CPU. These people obviously don't care about looks at all and simply want performance.

It all depends on what you want. I'm just as happy with my $80 CAN case as someone with a $200 dollar case or someone with no case at all.
 
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