[TheGreyWizard]

Looking for a cheap computer case that is open and easy to work in, maybe even a HTPC if they can be had cheap enough - I just like working on them easier.

But I need to make sure there is enough room to accommodate a larger tower air cooler for the CPU like the Cooler Master Hyper 212 evo

Anyone have any suggestions?

Those are my only requirements since this will be a temporary case until my desk case is finished. Cheap, easy access & can fit large tower air cooler.

If it matters I will be using a micro ATX board, but unless I need to case a micro ATX case because of standoffs, any size case is fine.

 

[MicroCat]

Most cases that have a 120mm exhaust fan will support a cooler height of 160mm. The 212 is 159mm, so it's not a monster tower.
But most cheap cases make you pay a hefty price in frustration and scratches for being thrifty.

Here's a some decent cheap(ish) options:

Deepcool Tesseract, $30.99: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811853003&ignorebbr=1 - 165mm cooler height - thin panels and general fitment issues.

Cougar Archon at $39, supports up to 165mm coolers: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811553013&ignorebbr=1

Silverstone 10B, $39.99 AR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163254&ignorebbr=1 - max cooler height 169mm. Spacious.

Fractal Core 3300, $49: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163254&ignorebbr=1 - 185mm max cooler height - can go crazy with a TR SB-E! ;-)

Thermaltake Core V21 mATX, $49 AR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133274 - 185mm max cooler height

I'd spent the extra $10 on the Fractal because it's a good wide case to work in and has decent stock fans. Or the V21 because it's so easy to access everything and it's a cube! Sort of.

Of course, you could just go open bench on the cheap, $37.99: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811353001&ignorebbr=1. And possibly recycle the MB tray for your desk case.

Will you be posting a build log of your desk case?