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Top ranking case manufacturers!

F

freeman

n00b
Joined
Feb 28, 2010
Messages
5
Any idea where I can find a reference where world top-ranking case manufacturers are listed ? :)
Thanks for your help in advance!
 
No official list, per se. The top ones that I know of (in no particular order):

Coolermaster
Antec
Silverstone
Lian Li
Thermaltake
NZXT
 
I wouldn't include NZXT in my list of top manufacturers.

Lian Li has the highest material quality, but is quite costly.
Silverstone is up there too.
Coolermaster makes some great cases, but generally don't appear as "classy" as the ones mentioned above.
Corsair is fairly new but the few cases they offer appear to be really well made and feature rich.
 
top ranking in what? sales, quality, performance?

As far as end user sales i would say coolermaster. Just go look at the number of reviews for the centurion 5 and 690.
 
cooter said:
top ranking in what? sales, quality, performance?
Click to expand...
The OP is sufficiently vague as to be pointless. A company like Inwin or a number of other manufacturers do huge business in the OEM sector, and after that it's a mish-mash of strengths and weaknesses. Example: Antec does very well in terms of sales, but they don't offer a single case that competes against the pricier high-end offerings from Lian Li.

ChristopherB said:
Corsair is fairly new but the few cases they offer appear to be really well made and feature rich.
Click to expand...
Corsair makes one case. One. In the future hopefully they can provide a greater variety of choices and prices, but for now they're catering to a tiny fraction of the business done by Cooler Master/Antec/etc.
 
lian li are the creme ala creme
coolermaster has been around for quite some time and the latest builds are getting top notch.
silverstone is good but I wouldnt say great except the tj07 which was great
thermaltake has been around forever but I hate their build quality.
mountain mods are great especially if you want a custom case but you gotta wait for a month or so because they fabricate it on the spot
 
Lian Li and Silverstone would be my top bet, but its rather subjective. Pretty much everyone will agree with Lian Li having the best build quality and materials, but after that its sort of choice imo.
 
coconutboy said:
Corsair makes one case. One. In the future hopefully they can provide a greater variety of choices and prices, but for now they're catering to a tiny fraction of the business done by Cooler Master/Antec/etc.
Click to expand...

I thought Corsair had the 700D and 800D? :confused:
 
All those cases everyone mentioned are great. And believe it or not Gigabyte actually makes some super high quality cases. Another company is Raidmax who make some really cheap pathetic cases but the Raidmax case that I have is awesome so it just goes to show that most manufactures make both high quality and low quality products to address different target market segments. Some manufacturers lean one way or the other but you cant always trust brand loyalty.

+1 to the vagueness of the first post though. Maybe you're looking for a topic to write a paper on for school or something? That is the first thing that came to mind when I read it and wondered why is he wanting this. I just used the opportunity to post my opinions. lol
 
Personally, SilverStone = Lian Li > Antec > Coolermaster > *

and thermaltake? seriously? Not in the last 5 years at least. Corsair has a nice case but is still relatively unproven. Same goes for other one hit wonders (Fractal Designs, etc) that might make one or two cases I really like but don't have the market penetration to really be considered. For the four I've listed I've used multiple cases from each manufacturer and all have been good or better.
 
I think SilverStone has some nice designs/cases but the quality isn't on the same level as LianLi atleast for the price...

Low-end Lian-Li's still use the same materials as the high-end ones and still feel well built. But I've seen low-end Silverstone cases that are CoolerMasters with new front panels (TJ08 specifically is the same as the Elite 340 w/ a new front panel).

Antec's are fairly high quality too, not always the best designs/layouts but they always feel solid and I never have any gripes working with them.

LianLi > Silverstone > Antec > Coolermaster is my order... Corsair is like you said, pretty unproven.
 
not taking market penetration into consideration
1) Corsair
2) Lian Li
3) Antec
4) Silverstone (actually they make better built cases than antec, but antec's customer support is so much better than silverstone's)
5) Coolermaster
 
Something that came up in discussion with some other peeps was that Silverstone tends to cut corners where they can, but the level of engineering in their cases is exemplary. Lian Li seems to be a little more wary of compromise and err on the side of material quality. Of course, both manufacturers have excellent high end cases and their low end budget cases but I think this is generally true of their design philosophies.

Also, having dealt with Silverstone CS, I had no qualms about their support. Corsair's CS w.r.t. power supplies is awesome and I haven't had to contact Antec.
 
Soap*141 said:
In terms of global ranking which isn't available to the US as of yet but was announced to be coming soon.
Windy Soldam:
http://www.hardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1205834
http://windy-online.com/case/
Click to expand...

those windy cases may have great build quality, but their feature set blows...their cases don't even have cable management holes...it's 2010...I don't care how good the build quality is if we can't get certain features that should be standard...In fact once windy starts selling in the US (in march, right), I'll gladly put them last on my list....overpriced cases with features you'd expect in a case from 2001...who cares about the build quality if the case sucks from a utilitarian standpoint
 
Last edited:
Omerta said:
those windy cases may have great build quality, but their feature set blows...their cases don't even have cable management holes...it's 2010...I don't care how good the build quality is if we can't get certain features that should be standard...In fact once windy starts selling in the US (in march, right), I'll gladly put them last on my list....overpriced cases with features you'd expect in a case from 2001...who cares about the build quality if the case sucks from a utilitarian standpoint
Click to expand...

So your only con is no holes correct?

While they're over priced and a little dated personally they do have classic collectors ambiance, truthfully you don't need holes in cases to have good cable management, in fact showing off a professionally done sleeve job can be very appealing at times.
 
Soap*141 said:
So your only con is no holes correct?

While they're over priced and a little dated personally they do have classic collectors ambiance, truthfully you don't need holes in cases to have good cable management, in fact showing off a professionally done sleeve job can be very appealing at times.
Click to expand...
Take a good look around this forum. Just what is the percentage of users that have an awesome sleeve job?

For far less than those cases, you could purchase a lian li or silverstone, still have the class of an aluminum case and have something which is easier to work on. I know, I was considering a windy about 2 years ago, but the lian li V2000 was a far better value.
 
NukeULater said:
Take a good look around this forum. Just what is the percentage of users that have an awesome sleeve job?

For far less than those cases, you could purchase a lian li or silverstone, still have the class of an aluminum case and have something which is easier to work on. I know, I was considering a windy about 2 years ago, but the lian li V2000 was a far better value.
Click to expand...

Afraid to cut holes and sleeve your cables.. I think you're on the wrong forum.. or maybe I am ;)
 
Soap*141 said:
So your only con is no holes correct?

While they're over priced and a little dated personally they do have classic collectors ambiance, truthfully you don't need holes in cases to have good cable management, in fact showing off a professionally done sleeve job can be very appealing at times.
Click to expand...

Not just the lack of holes....no cutout for HSF....and what looks like HORRIBLE airflow...and their full towers seem to have rather small interior space...the whole layout of the case is just dated

Kenjiwing said:
Afraid to cut holes and sleeve your cables.. I think you're on the wrong forum.. or maybe I am ;)
Click to expand...

Where did that guy you quoted say that? He just simply said most people on [h] don't sleeve their PSUs....which is true. Why do people always insinuate strawman things from something someone says?
 
ChristopherB said:
I wouldn't include NZXT in my list of top manufacturers.

Lian Li has the highest material quality, but is quite costly.
Silverstone is up there too.
Coolermaster makes some great cases, but generally don't appear as "classy" as the ones mentioned above.
Corsair is fairly new but the few cases they offer appear to be really well made and feature rich.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing.

My list is basically the same as yours for high end cases, but Coolermaster makes a lot of them I wouldn't consider high end or classy at all. Silverstone has some cases that nearly hit that category as well, but aren't as gaudy. The Lian-Li cases are pretty sweet but when it comes to cable management, Corsair rules the roost.
 
NukeULater said:
Take a good look around this forum. Just what is the percentage of users that have an awesome sleeve job?

For far less than those cases, you could purchase a lian li or silverstone, still have the class of an aluminum case and have something which is easier to work on. I know, I was considering a windy about 2 years ago, but the lian li V2000 was a far better value.
Click to expand...

So wait, people from hardfforum are the only ones entitled to purchase this case, if you head on over to XS the same people willing to shell out money are the same ones likely to effort doing sleeve jobs.

Now you take a good hard look:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=202639&highlight=Sleeve+Guide&page=66

Tunnel vision = ignorance.
 
It may be true that NukeULater is guilty of tunnel vision, but in my eyes he's simply being practical. Whether it's this forum or any other, the market for people willing to shell out over $100 for a computer case is a small minority, and people willing to pay over $200 for a chassis is exponentially smaller. Newegg isn't the only retailer out there, but they're certainly one of the biggest and a quick search of their top 65 best selling cases lists 17 that cost over a mere $100 and several of those 17 have rebates/sales that drop them below the $100 price point. To further show the frugality of consumers, of those 17 there are 2 cases, yep a meager two, that cost over $200. Admittedly the $100 and $200 price points are an American mindset so I don't know how the Europeans/Japanese/Aussie consumer views things, but here in the US there is very clearly a stigma attached to cases exceeding those barriers. So to then find a case that is lacking in features that are commonplace on far less expensive products is somewhat ridiculous.

Enthusiast fora like the [H], Bit-tech and XS prove that there are people willing to spend $200+ on their new Lian Li/Silverstone/etc, but those of us who do are are a niche market. Most people, even other computer enthusiasts, think it's a waste of money.
 
I have a velocity micro case which is built by lian li, and I couldn't be happier with it.
 
coconutboy said:
Enthusiast fora like the [H], Bit-tech and XS prove that there are people willing to spend $200+ on their new Lian Li/Silverstone/etc, but those of us who do are are a niche market. Most people, even other computer enthusiasts, think it's a waste of money.
Click to expand...

Did you read the topic, "Top ranking case manufactures", it takes more than practical to get to the top, don't be envious because others can go the extra mile to afford good craftsmanship, I'm sure if you or anyone else had disposable funds on hand you wouldn't second guess getting a case costing over 200+.

A case is one of the most important feature when system building, it completes the overall presentation, if you're an enthusiast spending top dollars on high end parts only to have a case made out of cardboard only makes you look stupid.

coconutboy said:
Most people, even other computer enthusiasts, think it's a waste of money.
Click to expand...
These other enthusiasts you speak of are in the minority, a true enthusiasts cares about the build quality of their case, and quality cost money.
 
People who won't spend time sleeving their PSU aren't the people who are going to buy Windy cases so why does it matter?
 
coconutboy said:
Corsair makes one case. One. In the future hopefully they can provide a greater variety of choices and prices, but for now they're catering to a tiny fraction of the business done by Cooler Master/Antec/etc.
Click to expand...

But with that one case, hit a home run in my opinion. For their first outing, you'd have to agree it's pretty sweet, no?

Can it be better? Of course, but what case can't be improved upon? Look at all the modding that goes on around here on perfectly good cases.
 
Kenjiwing said:
Afraid to cut holes and sleeve your cables.. I think you're on the wrong forum.. or maybe I am ;)
Click to expand...
Nope I'm not afraid of that. I have several holes cut in the back of my case.

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1034057875&postcount=4225


Soap*141 said:
So wait, people from hardfforum are the only ones entitled to purchase this case, if you head on over to XS the same people willing to shell out money are the same ones likely to effort doing sleeve jobs.

Now you take a good hard look:
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=202639&highlight=Sleeve+Guide&page=66

Tunnel vision = ignorance.
Click to expand...
So you are saying, and I raise you. http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=791179&page=447

I still stand by my comment that most enthusiasts just use the sleeving which comes on their PSU. People that go all out are a small minority of the enthusiast market.

Oh, and I did not write anything about only hardforum members being the only people able to purchase windy cases. Any pillock with $600+ can purchase a windy. Most other people choose to purchase better silicon for their computers.
 
I talked to a buddy of mine who works in a major USA distributor. He slipped a few rankings based on total revenue and market penetration of the entire chassis category. I know many of you think about reputation, and enthusiasts features, but these rankings are based on market power and qty and revenue chassis sold.

1. Antec
2. Cooler Master
3. Thermaltake

-> so on and so forth

Antec is #1 because their product lines sell so well. They sell thousands of 900s and 1200s and are specially strong in the East coast.

Cooler Master has grown to take away the spot from Thermaltake and is almost equal to Antec. My friend was surprised how well liked most CM products are from the lowest $39.99 price to the HAF 932. CM got up there because most of their products are top sellers from the lowly Elite 330, to the CM 690 II and HAF 932.

It is a very difficult thing to rate "ranking". In EU, here is a link for the top user ranked chassis on PC Games Hardware if you google it. In the end, as far as market sales and penetration, Antec, CM and Thermaltake are the ones all the other chassis manufacturers are gunning to beat.
 
NukeULater said:
Oh, and I did not write anything about only hardforum members being the only people able to purchase windy cases. Any pillock with $600+ can purchase a windy. Most other people choose to purchase better silicon for their computers.
Click to expand...

Name calling? Really? Calling someone an idiot for wanting a really sexy case seems childish doesn't it?

Besides, if they can afford a Windy, they probably already have the best silicon anyway.
 
Soap*141 said:
Did you read the topic, "Top ranking case manufactures", it takes more than practical to get to the top, don't be envious because others can go the extra mile to afford good craftsmanship, I'm sure if you or anyone else had disposable funds on hand you wouldn't second guess getting a case costing over 200+...

...A case is one of the most important feature when system building, it completes the overall presentation, if you're an enthusiast spending top dollars on high end parts only to have a case made out of cardboard only makes you look stupid.
Click to expand...


You're quick to make assumptions and the result is that you are incorrect in thinking I'm "envious" and unwilling to spend over $200 on a case since that's exactly the price bracket I've been shopping for a pair of new cases. However, what you, me, or anyone else buys in no way invalidates my earlier comments on chassis pricing. Also, since you claim to be sticking to the topic of "top ranking case manufacturers", please point out where the OP has made it clear what the criteria is for ranking. Oh wait, it's you making assumptions again since freeman showed up, posted two vague sentences as I pointed out earlier, and has yet to return.


These other enthusiasts you speak of are in the minority, a true enthusiasts cares about the build quality of their case, and quality cost money.
Click to expand...

:rolleyes:

You presume to be the judge of who is and isnt' a "true enthusiast"... Either you're still a kid, or you need to grow up and realize people have different goals. Alternatively, to put it in terms you might understand: some enthusiasts buy cheapo cases and focus their budget on max overclock regardless of fan noise while a different breed of enthusiast might house their computer in a unique chassis they custom built themselves w/ zero intentions of ever OCing. Now which of the two is the "true enthusiast"? Answer: nobody cares except fools w/ too much free time.
 
ChristopherB said:
I thought Corsair had the 700D and 800D? :confused:
Click to expand...

Blazestorm said:
Which are essentially the same thing, but a lot of people probably don't know about the 700D
Click to expand...

A google search says it's simply an 800d w/o the hot swap and side window. It also isn't for sale yet, but I had no idea it had even been announced and this is the first I've ever heard of a 700d. Apologies if I caused any confusion.
 
I think in the past decade the best cases have come from Lian li and Mountain Mods. The quality in materials and the craftsmanship continues to be unmatched. The PC-70 can still hold it's ground years later and the MM cases are a modder's dream.

I'd also like to throw in Antec for best bang for the buck. The antec sonata and p180 where unbelievably affordable especially for considering the performance and ingenuity of those two cases. I remember a time where EVERY gamer had a antec Dragon case. Up until 3-4 years ago I would have said Coolermaster. I still have a few CMs from their 1st gen ATC line and a wave master. Unfortunately since then the craftsmanship and quality has gone downhill.
 
IMHO, Chieftec should be include simply because they are built to withstand a nuclear blast!
 
coconutboy said:
You're quick to make assumptions and the result is that you are incorrect in thinking I'm "envious" and unwilling to spend over $200 on a case since that's exactly the price bracket I've been shopping for a pair of new cases. However, what you, me, or anyone else buys in no way invalidates my earlier comments on chassis pricing. Also, since you claim to be sticking to the topic of "top ranking case manufacturers", please point out where the OP has made it clear what the criteria is for ranking. Oh wait, it's you making assumptions again since freeman showed up, posted two vague sentences as I pointed out earlier, and has yet to return.
Click to expand...

Your keyword "shopping" you haven't bought or owned one as of yet, just hot air.

Hey Einstein It doesn't take rocket science to figure out what the OP means.

coconutboy said:
You presume to be the judge of who is and isnt' a "true enthusiast"... Either you're still a kid, or you need to grow up and realize people have different goals. Alternatively, to put it in terms you might understand: some enthusiasts buy cheapo cases and focus their budget on max overclock regardless of fan noise while a different breed of enthusiast might house their computer in a unique chassis they custom built themselves w/ zero intentions of ever OCing. Now which of the two is the "true enthusiast"? Answer: nobody cares except fools w/ too much free time.
Click to expand...

This is complete rubbish mixed with an angry boy who contradicts himself.
 
Catfight!

Seriously guys do we really need to give someone a reason to post that damn "arguing on the internet retard" jpg again?
 
coconutboy said:
Now which of the two is the "true enthusiast"? Answer: nobody cares except fools w/ too much free time.
Click to expand...

Mainstream = decent computer
Fake enthusiast = wannabe's like you!
True enthusiast = cares about overall performance and presentation
Extreme Enthusiast = Ln2, heavy benchers, world record holders.
 
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