Stuck on new PC build, need case recommendations

hawk82

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
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It's been 6+ yrs since I last built a new PC and am definitely due for a new rebuild. I went to Microcenter a couple of weekends ago and got all of the components (Asus Maximus 7 Hero, Intel Core i7-4790k CPU, Crucial Ballistics 16GB RAM, 512GB Crucial MX100 SSD, Asus BD-RW (just because), Corsair H75 CPU cooler, Corsair CS750M PSU, and an EVGA GTX750ti video card that I may return (am not sure if it is significantly better than the GTX560ti I currently own). I looked at the cases they had in the store (a LOT more than they used to carry in their Boston store) but couldn't find one that I liked. They don't carry Lian-Li cases and I didn't see any aluminum midtower cases.

I brought all of the components home, did some online research, and purchased a Lian-Li PC-10NB case that I thought would meet my requirements and likes. However, once I got it delivered I realized that I don't think this case will work for me.

Issues that I have with the case:
  • No cable management/routing (major issue)
  • Aluminum feels much thinner than my current Lian-Li PC60BPLUSII
  • No reset button (minor complaint I guess)
  • No 3.5" external drive bay for my media card reader (minor complaint as I found a discontinued Lian-Li 5.25" to 3.5" drive bay adapter for sale at FrozenCPU)
  • A few sharp edges inside the case
  • No motherboard tray (minor complaint)
  • No window (I really like the one I have in my current case)
  • No way to mount the radiator for the Corsair H75 CPU cooler (major issue currently)

Is Lian-Li just not making good cases anymore? I really want a clean looking case (none of that gawdy-ness or "cool looking" front panel) with no front door, with minimal to no plastic, aluminum construction, black colored case. Am I asking for too much?

I've looked at Silverstone cases as they have some clean looking cases, but none are full aluminum, only aluminum or plastic fronts.
Here's a couple that I'm not sure about:
http://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=324&area=en
http://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=325&area=en (seems as close to what I am looking for)

I've looked through Newegg at other case manufacturers but couldn't find anything that looked nice.

Suggestions?
 
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That is going to be a tough case to find. Most all aluminum case cost a good amount of changes. The one you have from Sliverstone look really good. I would probably go with the TjJ04-E (http://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=325&area=en) of it was my money. You might just have to look around for a bit. There was a few at CES that will be hitting the market soon so don't know how long you can hold off.

I just upgraded myself. I went from and AMD 8350-FX to and Intel i7-4790K. I switched from a Fractal Design R4 to a Fractal Design Node 804. I am very satisfied with the new build. Will upload pics later today.
 
I have a Corsair C70. It's not aluminum, but it's tough as nails and pretty awesome in every way.
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133277&Tpk=11-133-277

Does not come out till feb, but still a awesome case that was at the recent CES!!!

CA-1D6-00S1WN-00_01223.jpg
 
I ended up getting the Silverstone Temjin case.
http://silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=325&area=en

Was easily able to attach the Corsair H75 radiator to the rear 120mm mount. Lots of cable management and room behind the motherboard to store slack on cables. I moved the 2.5" drive bay from the stock location into the 3.5" drive bay as I plan to only have a couple of 3.5" drives and there is plenty of room for all. That frees up some room in front of the PSU and it just looks cleaner anyway.
 
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