Case Question

[Bags]

Hey,

Turns out we'll be giving my old computer to my grandparents instead of reusing the case.

So now I need to buy a new case.

My psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...scrollFullInfo
My ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231314
My CPU cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233082
My motherboard: http://www.thenerds.net/MSI.MSI_Z68A...FYXrKgodZCOWJQ
CPU: 2500k
GPU: MSI 460gtx
HDD: 2 7200 rpm HDs

Current case dimensions:

L = 18inches
W = 8 inches
H = 16.5

And will I need to buy a new CD rom drive or do cases come with those? Thanks. Haven't ordered a case before. If I need one of those, recommend one of those too.

PS: the computer my dad got for them, but will be returning to give them mine instead, is from best buy, and bought with gift cards. Therefore, if it's possible, we'd like to get a case from them to spend some of the giftcard money. However, they charge tax and won't have as good of selection, so this is not necessary. I'd also like to have the case in hand by next Thursday, so shipping time isn't an issue; I can order online from Tigerdirect or neweegg.

Budget is $60 - 80, might be able to go slightly over, if you can make a strong enough case (heehe) to my dad for me to spend more than that.

Thanks.

Is something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129066
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119197
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129021


good? Idk, I have no idea what makes a good case, I've just been looking at ones with good looking airflow. Thanks again

[Goku]

Most Best Buys should have the Antec 902 V3 in stock. You linked the earlier version from Newegg, so if you have a good amount in gift cards I would go for that.

The 300 isn't a good case in my opinion the HAF isn't bad though.

[Bags]

So if he's alright with a $116 after tax case, that one, and if not, this one? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...c6c595da4fc77b

Curious, what's wrong with the 300? And what does the 902 have over the HAF? just the bigger top fan? Would that make that much cooling difference? If it would, I'd go for the extra $20 case.
Edit: also can you recommend me a good dvd/ cd drive? thanks

Edit: it's a pity I didn't know I'd need a case sooner, four days ago newegg had it on sale for $70 instead of $100.

[Goku]

How much do you have in gift cards to BB? Check out the CM 690 Advance II. HAF is nice but everyone says it is over priced. Check the lian li lan cool and corsair carbide series too.

300 from what people say is overpriced for what it offers. Sorry I hate typing on my tablet lol.

[Bags]

Um, we have $600 but my dad views getting an expensive case a waste of money.
I'll check those cases out in the morning, thanks.

>The reason we have $600 in gift cards
My dad bought a $600 computer for my grandparents, which is far more than they need, all they do is browse the net, online poker.

So we decided to give them my old pc - minus the GPU and HDD, return the PC. Unfortunately, they will now have ~$600 in gift cards to use.

thanks!

[Goku]

Expensive cases far better quality some random low quality case. Easily worth the investment.

[Traak]

Yes, I agree with Goku. After all, a case is one of the most likely things to last the longest of all your computer stuff. It isn't like cases have a processor that goes out of date or something.

[Bags]

Aight. I asked my dad, and he said he'd really wants to use the gift cards so it's best buy only.

i can't find lian li on best buy, or corsair carbide.

Edit: this? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Corsair+...=1218380513857

vs

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Antec+-+...case&cp=1&lp=2

vs

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Cooler+M...case&cp=3&lp=1

Which of these three do you recommend? I'm really liking the first one, good fans, good cable management, good looks. Bit pricy, but meh.

Quick question... a lot of these have PSU on the bottom.. how does that work out, doesn't heat rise?

[Traak]

Ona has one USB 3.0 port on it, and USB 3.0 is the future of USB, PLUS, and this is big plus to me, as I have made my own case air filters before, washable air filters, so much of the dust gets stopped before it gets in the case.

However, you could always cut some thing soft foam sheet and make your own air filters, and the one other case has no air filters and 2 USB 3.0 ports. I just dunno how much you plan on using external bandwidth-intensive stuff that you would use USB 3.0 to hook up to.

Then, one of them has NO USB 3.0 ports, so not as future-proof as the others. If that even matters to you at all.

PRODUCT FEATURES

10 drive bays
Features selectable system-building options, including three 5.25" (external) and six 3.5" (internal) or six 5.25" (external) and three 3.5" (internal) or nine 5.25" (external) bays. Also includes internal 2.5" solid-state drive.
8 expansion ports
Allow you to add graphics cards and other components.
1 USB 3.0 port and 2 USB 2.0 ports
For easy connection of peripherals.
4 fans
Include 1 rear 120mm TriCool blue LED exhaust, 1 top-mounted 200mm Big Boy TriCool blue LED exhaust fan and 2 front 120mm LED intake fans with speed control help keep components cool for optimal performance.
Washable air filters
Reduce dust buildup to keep the system cooler.
Perforated front bezel
Allows for improved air intake. CPU cutout provides easy installation of the CPU coolers.
Motherboard support
Includes mini-ITX, microATX and standard ATX motherboards.

And, the airflow in your case is fan-forced, so it doesn't matter what position anything is in.

What do you say, Goku?

[Bags]

Ooh, I found it at micro center for $20 cheaper (no shipping because I can pick it up)

http://www.microcenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0369623

So yay or nay? I like the cable management, fans, and look. What thinketh thoust?

[Goku]

Read any reviews at all? Lots of people like the carbide series.

[Bags]

Originally Posted by Goku

Read any reviews at all? Lots of people like the carbide series.

I have. The only complaints I've seen seem to stem from shipment issues (ie damaged product), but I plan to pick it up from a microcenter that's 10 mins away so that isn't a problem.

Other than that, I saw someone whining that there wasn't enough room behind the mobo (even though there seems to be 1 inch at least from the case bulge) and another few who don't like the LEDs, but I plan on turning those off as white ain't my color. The only credible (imo) complaint was it doesn't include screws needed to mount aftermarket fans, but i don't plan on doing so.

Rest of the reviews are good; 80%+ 4/5 star. All the low stars stem from the above issues. Only one complaint of poor fan construction quality.

[Goku]

The Carbide ones are indeed gamer orientated cases as you can tell from the LED fans and a few other looks.

In regards to the PSU. That is actually better for the entire system. The PSU has its own intake at the bottom, so it takes in cooler air and doesn't exhaust any into the case. Less interference around the mobo too due to PSU being at the bottom.

Just a couple more recommendations from Lian Li. Doesn't have as many fans, but it is an alumnium construction and has great clean looking craftsmanship. I have this Lancool one that isn't a total gaming one, but offers less plastic and more steel on it at least. Still has the same quality as Lian Li, while also offering far better cooling options too then the other case.

[Bags]

So, given the choice between a case with a 200mm outtake fan on the top, and a 200mm intake fan on the side, which will cool better? Are they the same? Or is this gonna be on a case by case basis?

thanks

[Goku]

Probably will depend as you said. I can see the side fan helping if there is ever plans to go SLI due to putting fresh air directly onto the cards. Pretty sure the 902 has more overall fans though, so it may have better over all air flow.