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Looking for a new LAN-friendly case

E

enelson125

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 21, 2004
Messages
485
Currently I have a Cooler Master Stacker (the original, T01 I think is the number). But I'm in college so I find myself having to move it frequently, for breaks and LANs we have at school. I love the case design, but it's size and weight makes it a pain in the ass for me.

I was just wondering what cases you guys would recommend that I look at replacing it with. Basically all I need is a medium sized and weight case that has good looks (by that I mean clean and elegant, not covered in bling). I would also like to try to keep the cost under $150.

Before you recommend the CoolerMaster Ammo, I think that thing is one of the fugliest cases around (and CM usually makes good cases). I've also been hearing the Antec 900 is good, but I also dislike the looks of that case.

So far, from taking a quick look at newegg, I've found these that look good:

Thermaltake Tsunami
Gigabyte Aurora
Silverstone SST-TJ05B-X Probably a bit too pricey.
AeroCool ZeroDegree
CoolerMaster Mystique RC-632-KWN1-GP
Xion Stacker
Tuniq IC-TQ2-US-SVBK
Thermaltake VD1000BWS
Raidmax Katana
Enermax ECA3052BS
Thermaltake VC3000BWS
Lian Li PC-7B


CompUSA also has a good deal on the Thermaltake Shark, it's like $110 after rebate, but I thought I remember that one being on the large and heavy side.

I'm waiting to hear back from someone first, but I'll probably set up a thread on here to sell the Stacker, so be on the lookout if you're interested.
 
The black PC-7B is also really nice-looking, I'll definitely take it into consideration with the others.
 
I use the TT Tsunami for my LAN party box, along with a LAN party bag made by sunbeam (this one):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811998809

The case isn't the best in the world, but it's light and it offers pretty decent cooling. I also like the looks of it personally. IMO, using a light mini midtower case along with a nice LAN party bag is the best way to go. It's bulkier and heavier then using a SFF system, but you also have a nicer case to work in when building the system or upgrading.

I use the LAN party bag for my computer, a duffle bag for my games, a gigabit switch, cables, snacks and such and then just have to also carry my LCD monitor. When transporting, I wrap the monitor in old towels on the floorboard to keep it protected. I've done over a year of LAN parties with this setup so far and it's been working very well... ;)
 
Personally, I'd go SFF if you really wanna have a LAN friendly case, nothing's gonna beat that.

But another good option is to get a bunch of case carrying straps. My old roommate had a Thermaltake something or another mid tower that was still large enough to shadow over my case (which is a pain to carry IMO), and he had no problems with this carrying strap deally he had for it. It held his keyboard, the case, and his lcd all nice, tight and safe. From there, just throw any loose odds and ends in one of its pouches or a duffle bag.

If I wasn't so broke, I'd spring for one myself. =P
 
JinxyBoi said:
Personally, I'd go SFF if you really wanna have a LAN friendly case, nothing's gonna beat that.
Click to expand...
+1!!!1!!! :p

If I had to do it all over again, I'd go SFF as well. That new Thermaltake Lanbox is looking pretty hawt. I like the design, especially the interior layout.
 
Or a tiny cube-shaped case that has mATX. That would be my choice. Like that Q-Xpack or whatever its called.
 
Well mATX definitely isn't an option as I just bought this AM2 nForce 590 SLI board over the summer.

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far.
 
I'd recommend against a Tsunami for LANing. While it's very lightweight it's also very flimsy because of it so you need to be quite careful.

I'm going to hop on the Antec LanBoy bandwagon here. It's a fantastic case, and you just can't beat how handy that tool drawer is for LANs!
 
Thermaltake VC3000BWS--I have this one and it's not light....

If you want to move easily, get the SuperLan boy for $90 at compusa.
 
Lan friendly?

You want a short story?

I have a fatal1ty case, got it for free... Nice window, see everything in my system. 2 Thumbscrews keep it closed. My recent adventure to Winter CPL consisted of me one night coming back to my system turned off. My case opened... LUCKILY nothing was taking...

I justed ordered the Lian-Li PC-7B PLUS II BLK. No window, Can be locked... Listen learned, MAKE SURE YOU GOT A LOCK. I got lucky this time and teh shit is not going to happen to again.

Now you got a LAN friendly Case... Or even that new lian li mini tower where the psu is in the bottom of the front of the case. If I saw that case before I ordered the one I did, I'd ordered that instead.
 
Gillette said:
I'd recommend against a Tsunami for LANing. While it's very lightweight it's also very flimsy because of it so you need to be quite careful.

I'm going to hop on the Antec LanBoy bandwagon here. It's a fantastic case, and you just can't beat how handy that tool drawer is for LANs!
Click to expand...

While any light mini to mid tower case will work (as long as it's a good quality case with decent cooling), I have to disagree with your advising not to get a TT case. The Tsunami is fairly flimsy, but not as bad as all that. I've used this one for over a year with no real issues. My only problem with the case is the retention mechanism for locking the expansion cards in place. Frankly, it sucks. Working around it is fairly easy though... ;)
 
Thanks for all of the suggestions so far!

I have heard that the tool-less card retention systems sucks, so I was just planning on using screws anyway.
 
enelson125 said:
Thanks for all of the suggestions so far!

I have heard that the tool-less card retention systems sucks, so I was just planning on using screws anyway.
Click to expand...


Screws are always best, especially snice it takes someone longer to get it out of the case. Trust me, make sure you get someone that doens't have a commen key lock, like the lian-li that have the place for you to put your own lock. Take my advice!
 
I have the TT Shark and it's very light. I can pick it up with one hand when it's not loaded down by hardware. However, I wouldn't recommend it because of its flimsy design.
 
Just to add to the suggestions

For ATX:
Antec SuperLanboy


For mATX:
Silverstone TJ08
Qmicra
 
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