sugarton

So I need a case for my Core 2 build (this will get it's own thread in an appropriate forum when the build is on, don't you worry). Cases are not at all my forte. I don't know a thing about them aside from the hardware that goes into them and how to install it. I've half decided on the Antec P160 black... but it's a pretty dated case and I only picked it because I normally default to Antec for things concerning power supply/enclosure.

Here's things I AM concerned with for a new case:

- Airflow. I need lots of options for mounting fans, I'd like it to be roomy and comfortable for everything. No crowding of stuff. I'd like it to be fairly easy to do wire tucking.

- Features. I love things like brackets, trays and plastic doo-hickeys that reduce the amount of screws I need to use. I hate screws with a passion. I love plastic slidey things for my drives. I hate unscrewing 4 screws to get my hard drive out.

Things I DON'T care about:

- Blingy. I don't care for lights, LED readouts and other blingy crap. If it comes with a case that features otherwise awesome things, I don't mind but I will not pay extra for these things.

- Watercooling provisions. I won't be doing watercooling at any point at all, so any cases where I'd be paying extra for whatever provisions there are, is something I'd rather not pay for.

- Included PSU. I will be buying my own, however if the case includes a GOOD supply and I'm not paying out the ass for it, I would consider.


As a final point, I'd really like to keep the cost NOT insanely high. I'm going to be spending a lot on the hardware inside as it is, I don't want to run over my budget on a stupid expensive case. Stupid expensive to me is anything over $150 CDN. This is why I picked the P160, as it sits just over $100. Really, if it doesn't include a power supply or a bunch of extra fans it doesn't seem fair to pay more than that.

Thank you for any help you can provide... I'm totally confused here

panzer126

I'd say...

Thermaltake Soprano
-Mid tower
-Has those plastic things you love so much
-not much room to water cool
-2x120mm fans one front and one back, side 90mm fan.
--will NOT FIT A 8800.(unless you cut the hard drive cage)

Thermaltake Armor Jr.
-removable hard drive cage, which means any card will fit
-about the same size inside as the soprano
-same fan setup as the soprano
-same plastic things as the Soprano.(graphic card needs no screw!)

Antec 900
-Giant case..it's classified as a mid tower, but really it's like a full tower.
-will fit 2x 8800GTX
-1 top 200mm TriCool fan with 3-speed switch control
-1 rear 120mm TriCool fan with 3-speed switch control
-2 front 120mm special black TriCool blue LED fans with 3-speed switch
-not sure about the screwless idea though...it's a good case but has a rather "plasticy" feel and look to it. Compared to the armor JR, it just looks cheap.
-for the fun of it, exchange all fans for deltas! crank them up and watch a live tornado in your case!
lol I'm joking...it'll probably blow your hardware all over the place, literally.

All the above cases are around 100 cdn, check on canada computers site
Since you live in canada, all of the above cases can be picked up at Canada Computers. I believe they have a store in hamilton..if not Mississauga isn't too far. Good luck!
Try to stay away from tiger direct, they have a horrible return policy!(the store at mississauga and the online store)

__________________
"For every one of you, there are ten asians who can do it better"

sugarton

Thanks for the help Good guess, I was actually planning to buy the bulk of this stuff at CC's Hamilton store (yes it just opened at the end of last year). The Soprano is out of it because I do plan to put an 8800GTS into the Core 2 system. I don't really want to cut into things. I'm thinking the Antec 900 will get serious consideration.

hangemhi

The Thermaltake Armor full is pretty nice too, comparable to the 900 but it is about $140 now. has a lot of space. almost entirely screwless design. had amazing airflow.

__________________
Orangetec 900
http://www.overclock.net/computer-ca...ml#post3827763
Yes, It's a real tattoo
http://www.overclock.net/off-topic/2...erclocked.html

sugarton

I've narrowed my choice down to the Nine Hundred and the Armor Jr. but I just can't decide which. I love the insane amount of cooling options that the Nine Hundred provides, and the bottom mounted PSU orientation but the Armor Jr is more visually pleasing to me. Opinions? I'd be mating either case up with an Antec Truepower Trio 550W, an ASUS P5B-E and an 8800GTS if it matters.

DiagnosisDirt

I like the 900 because the layout is easy to work with cable routing and I like it over the armor because the front isn't blocked by the useless doors.
Plus the cooling kicks ass.

__________________

trendy

The Antec definitly has better airflow than the Armor Jr. and the Armor Full tower (unless you get a second i-cage).

I would say go with the Antec, but be sure you plan out your wire management very well or be ready to cut up the motherboard tray in order to hide some wires.

__________________

FlaKing

I don't know why people say the 900 is big...

It's very cramped to work in. Not too cramped, just kind of uncomfortable.

Texican

I really like my 900 and the cooling it provides is fantastic. I don't find it too cramped even with all my hardware. If I turn all the fans to low, its very quiet and if I turn them up to high, its not too loud. Plus, there is an option of adding two more 120mm fans

murcielago585

The antec p180 seems like a case that would fit your needs. The cooling is supposed to be decent, it looks nice, and also quite as hell.