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Looking For A Case

L

lw3d

Gawd
Joined
Aug 20, 2004
Messages
577
I am looking for a decent case. I do not want to spend more than the low $100s

I was thinking about the TT Armor but I heard it is very heavy. I was thinking about the TT Tsunami but heard it is light and flimsey with no case speaker. I was thinking about the CM Praetorian 730 but dont know anything about it

Maybe I will just get the CM 532 for $40 some bucks after the rebate :)

Tooless would be cool :)

Any Advice
 
I am really not much in to cases so any guidance would be great
 
not really sure what you mean when you say "low $100's". do you mean the budget cap is $100, or not much more than ~$130. please let us know the most youll pay for the case or give us a range (example: $100-$150).

you have to be more specific with what you really want. do you want the case to include a powersupply? do you prefer simple elegant cases or fully loaded premodded cases? do you like simple clean interior chassis or does it not matter much? are you ok with steel cases or do you have to have an aluminum case? are you a heavy overclocker and require superior airflow or can you get by with a simple dual intake and dual exhaust? do favor/dislike any brands?

there are sooooo many good choices out their, just specify your needs/wants and ill try to help as best as i can.
 
Look at Raidmax Cases - Nice with a Simple Touch Finish.

But Don't Use Their PSU's
 
I would recommend the ATC-710 it has very good cooling and looks fantastic! Total price will come out to about 100 dollars.
 
Sorry for the double. Although the ATC-710 is by no means light or tool-less it does what it's suppossed to, currently my computer resides in this case and I'm glad it does. people always ask me what case that is and where I got it, then I give them a little background history, show them CM's new stuff, and let them make up their mind. lol. Also as long as you don't mind your stuff runnning hot the ATC-220-VX1 is also a fantastic case, I have the AX1 version (which sadly sundialmicro ran out of around 1 year ago). This one is only 70 bucks (retailed for aorund 300 2 1/2 years ago) and it's an all-aluminum enclosure.
 
Liquid_Cooled said:
not really sure what you mean when you say "low $100's". do you mean the budget cap is $100, or not much more than ~$130. please let us know the most youll pay for the case or give us a range (example: $100-$150).

you have to be more specific with what you really want. do you want the case to include a powersupply? do you prefer simple elegant cases or fully loaded premodded cases? do you like simple clean interior chassis or does it not matter much? are you ok with steel cases or do you have to have an aluminum case? are you a heavy overclocker and require superior airflow or can you get by with a simple dual intake and dual exhaust? do favor/dislike any brands?

there are sooooo many good choices out their, just specify your needs/wants and ill try to help as best as i can.
Click to expand...

Hi,

The parts I am using is as follows:
Opteron 165
Enermax Liberty 500
Leadtek 6800GT

around $125

I plan to OC but I am not a extreme OCer. I have no plans for water or phase cooloing at this time :)

I am looking for a simple, clean elegant design. I prefer something tolless. I am not really into neon like the Raidmax cases or anything like that. The lighter the better. I could care less what brand it is as long as it is a good value and worth the money

Wne I started this build and started to look at cases I wanted the cheapest nicest thing I could find but that I liked. That was the CM 532 which was $75. The CM 532 is now $44 after rebate. I plan to take off the two posts in front :)

Then I saw the CM stacker 830 and liked that but it is to big and cost to much. I then decided to invest a little more in a case, something around $125, give or take.

I was thinking about the TT Armor, which is a very nice design, but I heard it is very heavy. I was thinking about the TT Tsunami but heard it is light and flimsey with no case speaker. I was thinking about the CM Praetorian 730 but dont know anything about it. What I do know, the 730, is not tolless but has a removeable board tray

The ATC looks nice but I dont want to deal with the heat issue. If I was going to pick up a case just for looks the ATC would be on top of the list but I need something sleek, alegant, and functional for a 24hour system

Now that you know what I am looking for maybe it will be easier to pint me in the right direction
 
Like I said you will be able to OC and have the system run perfectly stable even in a ATC-210/220/710 series case, all you need is good aftermarket cooler (Xp-120, Zalman C 9500, etc..) and you're set. Personally I think the ATC-710 would work best for you, it has two frontal intakes (ideal for those hot runnin' raptors) and two rear exhaust fans, the CD-rom drives are inserted via rail clips so it sort of tool-less in that regard, couple this with the 76 dollar price tag and you can't beat it. My 3400+ newcastle is running perfectly stable at 2.6ghz (FX 55 speeds) in my ATC-710, and as we all know newcastles are not good overclockers, lol. Don't make the mistake of buying Centurion 532, it's a cheaply made case that's why it's only 50 bucks, the ATC-710 has superb build quality. The only reason it's so affordable is because sundialmicro wants to clear out its stock. Those cases retailed at 150 dollars and the quality shows it. Go for it! I quarantee you you'll thank me later :)
 
I dont know a lot about all the cases on the market(waaaaaaaaay to many) but I currently have the CM stacker, the first one...and its easily the best case I've ever owned. TONS of room, looks nice, tooless, and really not that expensive anymore.
 
NV-Man,

I went back to Sundials site and looked again ... I wasnt even considering that ATC model. I was considering the All Aluminum 210B, 210K, or 220B. Why the 710 over those? Isnt that a heavy case?

Since those ATC cases have no firewire port, will I need a PCI card along with my DFI Ultra - d if I want firewire support? I nderstand they are well built units but remember I need something fully functional in todays systems

Where can I get a good deal on the original Stacker?
 
The reason I'm suggesting that model is because it has two frontal intakes and two exhaust fans, you seemed worried about your computer overheating so it only made sense. Yes it is heavy, but if that bothers you then don't even consider the stacker it's even heavier, lol (at least steel is sturdier then aluminum). Like I said you'd be fine with any of the ATCS models listed on sundialmicro, if none of those cases appeal to you check out some of Silverstone's stuff (former ATCS designers) The TJ04 Gloria is basically a ATC-210/220 without the acrylic door, it does however have a forntal intake fan.
 
About the armour...the silver one is aluminum whereas the black one is steel..thus its heavier...

The silver one is ~ 7kg IIRC...
 
Wow, the Armor --- VA8000SWA silver is less than half the wieght of the black one
 
CASES WITHIN YOUR BUDGET:

$70-$120 Coolermaster ATC-210
http://www.sundialmicro.com/Cooler-Master-Tower-Computer-Cases_1701.html
Pros: aluminum, price, clean interior layout, removable mobo tray, gorgeous.....
Cons: cooling,

$76 Coolermaster ATC-710
http://www.sundialmicro.com/cooler_master_computer_case_atc710sx2_1701_204.html
Pros: PRICE, nice clean interior, cooling, expandability, simple clean design
Cons: steel (bit heavy)

$90 Lian Li PC 7 B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811112212
Pros: aluminum, clean interior layout, simple design
Cons: plain oudated look, not so great cooling

$116 Antec P180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129154
Pros: great cooling, expandability, clean modern look, price
Cons: steel, fairly large, a bit cluttered inside

$105 Thermaltake Tsunami
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133136
Pros: aluminum, mediocre cooling, tooless, clean exterior, price
Cons: ugly window, packed interior, verging on tacky

$108 Coolermaster Praetorian PAC-201
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119029
Pros: aluminum, mediocre cooling, nice interior chassis, removable mobo tray, classic exterior
Cons: a bit plain

$130 Coolermaster Wavemaster
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119023
Pros: aluminum, mediocre cooling, nice interior chassis, clean exterior, removable mobo tray
Cons: too many people have it (outdated), clumsy front panel (top panel) placement


BIT MORE EXPENSIVE, BUT WORTH NOTING

$150-$160 Thermaltake Armor/Shark
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133144
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133163
Pros: aluminum, great cooling, great expandability, tooless, aggresive exterior
Cons: windows ugly, verging on tacky

$150 Coolermaster Praetorian 730
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119084
Pros: aluminum, good cooling, nice classy exterior, VERY nice interior, removable mobo tray, somewhat tooless, price
Cons: clumsy front panel (top panel...) placement, ugly side intake (its useful, but ugly IMO)

$160 Coolermaster Stacker
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119042
Pros: the best cooling, the best expandability, tooless, modern design
Cons: Heavy, large

The ATC-710 is probably the best case for its price. I really like the new Praetorian 730. Best recent case Coolermaster has released. Beautiful exterior/interior , and they updated/impoved cooling. This post took like 30 minutes......
 
Damn! Now that is a very in depth list, I think he should go for the 710 as well but in the end it's his choice. Thermaltakes stuff is really ugly imo.
 
Ack, i hate doors

How about a Coolermaster Centurion 5? Not 100% tool-less, but still good, i just bought one last night and love it, my temps are the same as if i was running the case without the side panel.

I got mine from a local comp shop w/out psu for 60$ which is a good deal when you don't have to pay S&H
 
Thank you Liquid_Cooled for the time you spent on the reply, I do appreciate it.

The ATCs are nice but what will I do for a firewire port? Are the USB ports 2.0 compatable?

On the 730, how many spaces does it have for extra fans? It comes with 2 and I only see space for one more in the back. By the way the 730 is $130 after mir now
 
just get a firewire PCI card or use the ones provided with your mobo that screw into a spare PCI slot. USB 2 ports are backwards compatable with USB ports.

the 730 has a firewire port as well as USB on the top panel (where the 80mm exhaust should be). it has x1 120mm intake (in 3.5" bay) and x2 80mm exhausts (back panel). $130 for the 730 is a really good price.
 
Liquid_Cooled said:
just get a firewire PCI card or use the ones provided with your mobo that screw into a spare PCI slot. USB 2 ports are backwards compatable with USB ports.

the 730 has a firewire port as well as USB on the top panel (where the 80mm exhaust should be). it has x1 120mm intake (in 3.5" bay) and x2 80mm exhausts (back panel). $130 for the 730 is a really good price.
Click to expand...

I know that USB 2 is backward compatable with 1 but the problem is I do not want my devices transfering at 1.0 speeds when they can do 2.0. The ATC cases are nice but I do not think they are for a full features setup in todays systems, or am I wrong. If I was going to get a case based on looks and modding the ATC would be an ideal choice but I need something that offers to use the full potential of todays systems

The DFI Ultra - d only has two pci slots so I think it would be best and take advantage of the case and the ports it offers rather than using up precious pci slots

What do you think about the Masstige ... it looks huge and heavy. I have read some nice things about it and some criticisms too like odd HD and Psu setup

The ABS Stealth, Lian Li PC-61 USB Black Aluminum look nice too ... what do you think

The COOLER MASTER Praetorian PAC-T01-E1 Silve comes with 4 fans, what do you think about this case? Is this the model before the 730?

Thanks again for all your and everyones help. I have learned alot about cases and their designs ... still alot more to learn
 
Yep, the Praetorian PAC-TO1-E1 came out right after ATCS left Cooler Master and founded Silverstone. The Praetorian is a ATC-201 with a new name that's it, it's definitely a nice case! You could go for that one as well if you wanted to. suits your needs and is in your price range. Did you also look at Silverstone's Temjin TJ04 Gloria case? it has 4 frontal usbs a firewire and headphone jacks, comes with two 120mm fans, and has almost identical body to the ATC-210/220 except without the acrylic door. All for around 100. Just another suggestion both cases are good, if I were you I'd probably pick the Gloria.
 
Guys,

I had some credit at Fry's so I went there and I picked up a Silverstone TJ06. I paid $129 ... is that a decent deal? How is this case?

I thought it was all alluminum but it is not. After bringing it home I have some concerns ever since I read the Silverstone site about this case

I am not sure if the wind tunnel is going to work with my Ultra - d and the opteron 165 stock cooler? I am not sure if the Enermax Liberty has long enough cable length ... the site sais it needs 550 mm and I am not sure how long the Libertys cables are

Let me know if I made a bad decision and I will get rid of this case eventhough it didnt cost me a penny
 
lol, it's a good case, I guess you should try it out, but that case is more server-oriented, hence the overall weight and size. I don't think you made a bad decision, but I think a smaller case like the ATCS's we've been suggesting or the other Silverstone would suit you better. See if the cables are long enough or not and then make your decision.
 
TJ06 is a great case, if the tunnel doesn't align with the CPU socket you don't have to install it.
 
The case didnt cost me a penny although I can use the credit for something else. I went to Fry's with that notion.

The case is heavier than I wanted a case to be but there was a limited supply of Alluminum cases at Frys

They had the Antec P180 which is ok and they had another Silverstone case in a UPS carton all taped up [ probably a return ]. It was hard to tell what case it was so I opened it up and I am pretty sure it was the Silverstone TJ04. It had only two 80 intake fans. They wanted $132 for it. On the net it appears the TJ04 is under $100

I like the TJ06 but I do not like the weight. I also want to find out if the wind tunnel will work with the ultra - d and the stock opteron 165 heatsink. I found this for reference http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=2&artpage=1046&articID=263 - does anyone know if it will fit

I also am not to sure about the Libertys modular cable length ... I do not want to open all this stuff up so I can return it

If this case does not work out I will probably return it and get the Antec P180 at Frys [ credit ] , the Praetorian PAc T01, 730, or the Gloria TJ04 ... unless you guys tell me the Antec P180 is junk. The p180 has a bottom psu install so I might have the same issue with the Liberty



Stellar,

Which Praetorian do you have with the Ultra - d?
 
The AeroCool SPIRAL GALAXIES has the same chasis as the TJ06 with a differrent front and it is $50 less :)
 
Guys,

My brain is fried so I need a little help with this question ... am I correct that the only case that has a removeable motherboard tray and is completely tool - less is the Ultra Alluminus

I can not find any other that we have talked about
 
Why exactly does a slide out motherboard tray, and tool-less design matter so much? Most Cooler Master cases use thumb screws so putting in hardware is super simple, and they come with a slide out motherboard tray. I would just a get one of the Cooler Master's we have been suggesting:

Praetorian line
ATCS line
and the Wavemaster

all work well, and you'll like 'em, so pick one and go for it! :)
 
I just want to know if there are any cases with a slideout tray and %100 toolless ... not everyone in this world might be as limble as you :)
 
Honestly I don't really know if there are any companies that have what you're looking for, I wouldn't buy a case from a company that is not well known. I once got a Skyhawk case and it looked nice and performed well for aorund 3 months until stuff started falling apart. I know the Stacker 830 has a slide-out motherboard tray, but I'm not sure if it is 100% tool-less (it's also 280 dollars, and imo it's not worth it) At this point I'm at loss, lol, I've passed on all my case knowledge to you. Close your eyes and hit the order button.
 
I talked to support at Silverstone and they told me the wind tunnel in the TJ06 was designed to work with a fanless / heatsink less cpu.

The TJ06 is nice but it is just to damn heavy. With the Liberty Psu, which is heavy as psu comes, the case will weigh over 50 pounds

I know Frys has the Antec P180, NV-Man, do you have anything against that case ... please let me know, thanks :)
 
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