Choosing a computer case

[blueshiftoverwatch]

I think I'm going to build a computer instead of buying one. But I can't decide what case to buy.

Basically this is what I want:
- Around $100 (preferribly under $100)
- Good cooling (very important, I want my components to last)
- Something that I'll be able to keep using for years to come
- If possible, have the front I/O ports and power button near the top of the front

I really like the Cooler Master Storm Scout (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196) even though I don't plan on going to any LAN parties. It looks amazing, has the power button and frontside I/O ports at the top front of the case, and has room for three fans. The only features it has that I don't care about are the LED lights (which I hear aren't very bright) and side window.

The only real problem I have with it is that people in the user reviews section of Newegg are saying that their GeForce GTX 260/275/285 graphics cards barely fit into it. They're all 10.5 inches long and I'm planning on getting one of those for my computer.

So far I think the max length of Nvidia desktop graphics cards is 10.5 inches. Other companies currently have longer graphics cards I think. Do you guys think that graphics cards are going to continue to get longer in the future? I want to buy a case and have it be "future-proof" so that I can keep using it for future upgrades and builds. But if the case bottoms out at slightly over 10.5 inches I might not be able to upgrade my graphics card in the future.

What do you guys think?

[Skripka]

I think I'm going to build a computer instead of buying one. But I can't decide what case to buy.

Basically this is what I want:
- Around $100 (preferribly under $100)
- Good cooling (very important, I want my components to last)
- Something that I'll be able to keep using for years to come
- If possible, front facing I/O ports and power button near the top of the case (for easy access)

I really like the Cooler Master Storm Scout (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196) even though I don't plan on going to any LAN parties. It looks amazing, has the power button and frontside I/O ports at the top front of the case, and has room for three fans. The only features it has that I don't care about are the LED lights (which I hear aren't very bright) and side window.

The only real problem I have with it is that people in the user reviews section of Newegg are saying that their GeForce GTX 260/275/285 graphics cards barely fit into it. They're all 10.5 inches long and I'm planning on getting one of those for my computer.

So far I think the max length of Nvidia desktop graphics cards is 10.5 inches. Other companies currently have longer graphics cards I think. Do you guys think that graphics cards are going to continue to get longer in the future? I want to buy a case and have it be "future-proof" so that I can keep using it. But if the case bottoms out at slightly over 10.5 inches I don't know if I'll be able to upgrade to a better graphics card years down the road.

What do you guys think?

Well. ATi 4870X2 is nearly 12" long. My brother and I both use Lian-Li ATX mid towers. My GTX260 fits with no room to spare. My brother's 4870X2, required about 2 hours worth of grinding, and 3 tool heads on his Dremel to fit.

If in doubt get a full-tower. THAT is future proof....well "future" for the time being. There's a great deal of talk of Intel integrating GPU on motherboard and making gfx bricks things of the past.

[Dark_Stang]

I tend to stick with Antec cases, I guess I'm just confortable with them. Rosewill makes some decent cases that aren't too expensive.

[samh785]

There's a great deal of talk of Intel integrating GPU on motherboard and making gfx bricks things of the past.
Thank <insert deity(ies) here if applicable>

[Exodist]

I think I'm going to build a computer instead of buying one. But I can't decide what case to buy.

Basically this is what I want:
- Around $100 (preferribly under $100)
- Good cooling (very important, I want my components to last)
- Something that I'll be able to keep using for years to come
- If possible, have the front I/O ports and power button near the top of the front

I really like the Cooler Master Storm Scout (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196) even though I don't plan on going to any LAN parties. It looks amazing, has the power button and frontside I/O ports at the top front of the case, and has room for three fans. The only features it has that I don't care about are the LED lights (which I hear aren't very bright) and side window.

The only real problem I have with it is that people in the user reviews section of Newegg are saying that their GeForce GTX 260/275/285 graphics cards barely fit into it. They're all 10.5 inches long and I'm planning on getting one of those for my computer.

So far I think the max length of Nvidia desktop graphics cards is 10.5 inches. Other companies currently have longer graphics cards I think. Do you guys think that graphics cards are going to continue to get longer in the future? I want to buy a case and have it be "future-proof" so that I can keep using it for future upgrades and builds. But if the case bottoms out at slightly over 10.5 inches I might not be able to upgrade my graphics card in the future.

What do you guys think?

Cooler Master Cases rock.
I have a Coolermaster Centurion 5 AT Mid-tower and my ATI RadeonHD 4850 fits in it pretty easily.

[Dimitriid]

There's a great deal of talk of Intel integrating GPU on motherboard and making gfx bricks things of the past.

If that becomes true I'll talk with my money and never get such products. Replacing a GPU its the most dramatic upgrade you can do for gaming and replacing a motherboard its a much lower priority until the motherboard can no longer support a new CPU which usually takes a while.

I rather not replace my motherboard every 6 months thank you.

[blazemore]

There's no contest. The Antec Three Hundred is simply the best case.
Make sure you screw really tight though, or it vibrates quite a lot.
http://www.ozhardware.com.au/Case-Reviews/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Case-Review.html

[pwnst*r]

There's no contest. The Antec Three Hundred is simply the best case.
Make sure you screw really tight though, or it vibrates quite a lot.
http://www.ozhardware.com.au/Case-Reviews/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Case-Review.html

sure there's a contest, but i wouldn't part with my 1200!

http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=Njkz

[kpholmes]

i love my antec 1200,

Spec
Type ATX Full Tower
Color Black
Case Material Steel
With Power Supply No
Power Supply Mounted Bottom
Motherboard Compatibility ATX
With Side Panel Window Yes
Expansion
External 5.25" Drive Bays Default 3, up to 12
Internal 3.5" Drive Bays Up to 9
Expansion Slots 7
Front Ports
Front Ports USB, Audio, e-SATA
Cooling System
80mm Fans No
120mm Fans 3 x 120mm blue LED front fan
2 x 120mm blue LED rear fan
200mm Fans 1 x 200mm top fan
Side Air duct No
Physical Spec
Dimensions 20.20" x 8.40" x 22.90"
Features
Features Perforated front bezel
Washable air filters
Top mounted I/O ports
Convenient top accessory tray
1 top special 200 x 30mm blue LED exhaust fan with 3-speed switch control

its pretty big, newegg has it for 150, but ive seen it at frys for around 100. its a awesome case, tons of fans and room for upgrades. its got a bit of blue led lights, some you can turn off but other then modding the case and switching fans the thing is going to glow.

if you want something smaller and cheaper look at the antec 900.

[CharlesA]

I've got a couple, the one my desktop is in is this one: http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6606

I like it mostly cuz it's got large fans and no real "flashy" lights. You can turn off the front fan's LED.

My server is sitting in an Antec 900, it had pretty good air flow, but there is no power "light" per say, since it's got 3 LED fans and are bright, they are to tell you when the machine is turned on.

[Crunchy the Headcrab]

If that becomes true I'll talk with my money and never get such products. Replacing a GPU its the most dramatic upgrade you can do for gaming and replacing a motherboard its a much lower priority until the motherboard can no longer support a new CPU which usually takes a while.

I rather not replace my motherboard every 6 months thank you.

Agreed. Modularity is king. Last thing I want is for my choice of GPU to be limited to my motherboard. Even pretending this does happen I don't see a dedicated graphics card going away any time soon.

[Exodist]

sure there's a contest, but i wouldn't part with my 1200!

http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=Njkz

One of my friends has that case also.. Its a beast and built like a tank.

Id go for Coolermaster or Antec as they are both solid built cases and best bang for the buck.

[pwnst*r]

also, for as many fans as the thing has, it's pretty damn quiet.

[Crunchy the Headcrab]

I've got a couple, the one my desktop is in is this one: http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6606


Dude, that's a tight looking case. Thumbs up.

[Exodist]

also, for as many fans as the thing has, it's pretty damn quiet.
Yea forgot about that also..


Ditto on that..

[blazemore]

sure there's a contest, but i wouldn't part with my 1200!

http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=Njkz

Of course the 1200 is better, but not for the price. Unless you want water cooling, or have a seriously massive graphics card, the 300 is fine.

Generally, don't skimp on a case. Go for a reputable brand like Antec, even if it means paying a bit more. Aim to spend between 10%-15% of your budget on your case. For example, a decent mid range gaming machine should set you back around £400-500, so aim to spend around £40 on a case.

Another tip: don't buy a case with a built-in PSU. They tend to be cheap, noisy, inefficient and unreliable. You're better off again, buying from a well known brand. Don't sort by price and go for what looks like a good deal, because it probably isn't. You can get a case with a PSU in it for about £15, but do you really want to plug your expensive components into that?

I'm thinking of writing a comprehensive buying guide for PC building.

[pwnst*r]

Of course the 1200 is better, but not for the price. Unless you want water cooling, or have a seriously massive graphics card, the 300 is fine.



it was required for this, the Nvidia GTX285

http://www.legitreviews.com/images/reviews/915/PNY_GTX285_System_Image2.jpg

[blazemore]

it was required for this, the Nvidia GTX285



In the name of all that is holy! That's an abomination of a graphics card!

[pwnst*r]

no no, it's soooooooo beautiful, i'm not kidding. i'll take some pics tonight.

[CharlesA]

Another tip: don't buy a case with a built-in PSU. They tend to be cheap, noisy, inefficient and unreliable. You're better off again, buying from a well known brand. Don't sort by price and go for what looks like a good deal, because it probably isn't. You can get a case with a PSU in it for about £15, but do you really want to plug your expensive components into that?

I'm thinking of writing a comprehensive buying guide for PC building.

I wanted to note: I got the Antec 900 with an EA650 PSU included for like $159. Probably a decent deal, since the case was $99 and the PSU was $80. But it's an Antec, so.. yeah. :P

Should be said to not cheap out on the PSU, since the ones in cases that are like 30 bucks are (usually) garbage under load.

@pwnst*r: That looks about the size of my card - GTX 260, I think it ended up being like 10.5" long. I'm glad my case has plenty of room to spare. :D

[cascade9]

For myself, I quite like the antec cases, but sliverstone is worth a look as well-

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163032
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article203-page1.html

[blueshiftoverwatch]

Do you guys think Cooler Master's HAF 932 is worth the money?

[blazemore]

Here's a review from the reputable CustomPC magazine
http://www.bit-tech.net/custompc/labs/238053/cooler-master-haf-932.html

[marchwarden]

In the name of all that is holy! That's an abomination of a graphics card!

I was just about to say something along those lines...

[the fix it man]

I think I'm going to build a computer instead of buying one. But I can't decide what case to buy.

Basically this is what I want:
- Around $100 (preferribly under $100)
- Good cooling (very important, I want my components to last)
- Something that I'll be able to keep using for years to come
- If possible, have the front I/O ports and power button near the top of the front

I really like the Cooler Master Storm Scout (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119196) even though I don't plan on going to any LAN parties. It looks amazing, has the power button and frontside I/O ports at the top front of the case, and has room for three fans. The only features it has that I don't care about are the LED lights (which I hear aren't very bright) and side window.

The only real problem I have with it is that people in the user reviews section of Newegg are saying that their GeForce GTX 260/275/285 graphics cards barely fit into it. They're all 10.5 inches long and I'm planning on getting one of those for my computer.

So far I think the max length of Nvidia desktop graphics cards is 10.5 inches. Other companies currently have longer graphics cards I think. Do you guys think that graphics cards are going to continue to get longer in the future? I want to buy a case and have it be "future-proof" so that I can keep using it for future upgrades and builds. But if the case bottoms out at slightly over 10.5 inches I might not be able to upgrade my graphics card in the future.

What do you guys think?

If cooling is very important then you may invest in a server case this gives the components plenty of room and optimised space for air circulation, this approach is my preferred to liquid cooling.

[blazemore]

On an aside note, I'm using a netbook for a server. It's so efficient I had to install central heating in my server room :P

[bedhead75]

Cooler Master's CM690 comes with 3 fans, and has room for 7 total. It's a solid case with plenty of ventilation and sells for $69.99 on Newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137


Here's an informative review:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/CoolerMaster/RC_690

[UKBB]

I built my XP computer in a cooler master case like the one shown below and it is LOUD. So loud that I only use it when I have to and the rest of the time I'm on my old Dell pc using Ubuntu. Any suggestions on making it quiet?


http://www.el-oro.com/el-oro/UploadedDocs/s_20071120_1304.jpg

[pwnst*r]

I was just about to say something along those lines...

most newer cards are huge. if you want to play the latest games, you roll with it.

[openfly]

Lian Li makes some nice stuff. I've had one for years, as have a few of my friends. Great simple easy to use and upgrade towers.

[gn2]

They don't make them like they used to.
I bought one of these (CoolerMaster ATC-210) about eight years ago and it's still like brand new despite having had three complete new sets of internals fitted and numerous upgrades and modifications during that time.

Buy the best you can afford, you won't regret it.

http://www.virtual-hideout.net/reviews/coolermaster_atc210/Images/CoolerMaster%20001.jpg

[cta16]

I built my XP computer in a cooler master case like the one shown below and it is LOUD. So loud that I only use it when I have to and the rest of the time I'm on my old Dell pc using Ubuntu. Any suggestions on making it quiet?


http://www.el-oro.com/el-oro/UploadedDocs/s_20071120_1304.jpg

I have the same case and I don't find it loud at all. Which component is making all the sound? If it's the fan, swap it out for a Noctua (http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=start) fan. You can also line some of the insides with egg carton or foam to dampen the sound.

[gn2]

www.silentpcreview.com for all your silencing needs ;)

[openfly]

Some shots of my lian-li when it was new...

http://www.sendai-systems.com/img_str/Case/images/dsc00442.jpg

http://www.sendai-systems.com/img_str/Case/images/dsc00451.jpg

http://www.sendai-systems.com/img_str/Case/images/dsc00448.jpg

New guts these days. Great case. Solid... well built.

[blueshiftoverwatch]

Here's a review from the reputable CustomPC magazine
http://www.bit-tech.net/custompc/labs/238053/cooler-master-haf-932.html
I'm shocked that that case had overheating problems. With those two massive nine inch fans and consitering the price theirs really no excuse for that.

[cb951303]

Antec p182 p183 or p193 all wonderful cases.

[cascade9]

I was just about to say something along those lines...

Theres worse around. Seen the Revolution 700 Deluxe?

http://www.guru3d.com/article/palit-revolution-700-deluxe-4870-x2-review/

[PurposeOfReason]

This beauty will be at my door next week. Water cooling on it will be a dream.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21190