Need Recommendation for ATX case

[PandaBear]

So the last time I bought a case was 1998, and I'm still using it. Those Enlight 7237 Beige cases are sure high quality and well build.

Dad is complaining that the Prescott Pentium 4 was too slow. Unfortunately it was a PowerEdge SC420 that I got for $230 back in 2006, so it couldn't mount any standard motherboard like the Dimension cases. I could drill holes and put standoffs in there, but that's a lot of work and the wiring of the front panel would be a lot of work too.

So I'm going to use a standard case instead and have 3 types of candidates:

1) a dirty old beige case (Antec I think) I got for $2 off craigslist. The guy doesn't want it anymore and it has some sort of lacquer can or coffee stain on top, missing 2 front panel (5.25 and 3.5), but otherwise in good condition. I'll need to find a way to switch to a beige DVDRW or it will be black drive on beige case like a panda. $2

2) a cheap, flimsy, Chinese case that has all port / slot punched. I do not like it because once you open it you cannot seal it anymore. Sharp edges and flimsy parts means I'll end up throwing it away like the Dell, maybe even worse it will be the 1st part of the computer that breaks. $20

3) a decent, $35-50 case like Antec, Enermax, etc. The good old Taiwanese standard that used to cost $40-70 but like all else in life, is now considered luxury.

4) anyone ever got a used case from computer recyclers?

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: PandaBear
4) anyone ever got a used case from computer recyclers?


My favorite cases seem to be older OEM cases from companies who recognize standard wiring like Gateway, eMachines, HP, etc. In fact, I have an HP Pavilion ATX case at the house right now waiting for new guts, for whenever our Dell eventually quits.

All of the case wiring follows the standard ATX conventions (thinking of the front panel wiring here). I'm also not into the "cyborg" look of a lot of the aftermarket cases...OEM cases seem to have the best look to me. The drawback is that OEM cases are often designed for only one case cooling fan, so if you plan to stuff it with a lot of heat generators, you may thermally overload it. But I doubt that even a moderate build would thermally tax a one-fan case.

I'd like to re-use our Dell case, but that's a virtual impossibility. Not only does it have BTX architecture, but the front panel wiring for the lighting runs to the motherboard on a ribbon cable, and is not to a standard at all. So if I wanted those lights to work, I'd have to wire them myself, which I suppose could be done. Even Dell's ATX-based cases often have screwey features that make it difficult to re-fit the computer with standard components.

 

[CarbonSteel]

May be considered expensive, but WELL worth it. I have 3 machines built upon this chassis at home and am very pleased with all of them. The fit and finish is unbelievable and there are plenty of slots/fans/features.

Inwin Buc Case

 

[Trav]

When i was messing with these things i used Lian Li most of the time.

 

[Brons2]

Originally Posted By: 2010_FX4
May be considered expensive, but WELL worth it. I have 3 machines built upon this chassis at home and am very pleased with all of them. The fit and finish is unbelievable and there are plenty of slots/fans/features.

Inwin Buc Case


expensive and ugly!

it does look pretty bad-axe on the inside though.

 

[45ACP]

This is one of the best cases ever made (the one in the middle.) It is clean, Mid ATX form factor, and a pleasure. The first one i had was black but i will HAPPILY order this silver one, unless someon si familiar with where else the case is sold and it is in Black.. in which case i will buy that too.

This case is hard to beat, its layout is simply perfectly clean and it is stylish (the case in the middle. Door slides down to reveal bays, top to bottom.)

It is also very well made and not cheap at all. PM me if you know where it is for sale in Black, as it will be on-the-spot purchased, as this one is so there is one less available from the web page you are seeing (in Silver.)

This case also has several names, the picture tells the case.

Hydraulic Sliding Door ATX Case, rare

 

[KrisZ]

This is my dream case: Lian Li PC-8FI. It's pricey but I really like the looks and layout.

 

[NJC]

Pandabear, this Antec case has great reviews and is currently $45 with rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

 

[Nick R]

Bitfenix, or Fractal design are great options. They are inexpensive, but still have great design and build quality

http://www.amazon.com/BitFenix-BFC-MRC-1...0006&sr=8-3

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352007

 

[wkcars]

Are you looking for a case that comes with a power supply or without one? Gotta factor in the price of a power supply on cases that don't come with one unless you have one that you will use.

I don't have this one but it seems good comes with power supply $60 with free shipping

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=40727&CatId=4421

 

[PandaBear]

SCORE!! Found a Cooler Master off craigslist for $20 after negotiation. The owner got nagged into switching to HTPC case because the "wife thinks it is not pretty" reason. It does have a 3 inch scratch on the side but a sharpie will fix that.

I already got a new power supply, a ThermalTake TR2 430W. I've had great experience with ThermalTake for price and performance in the last 3 years and they are the only one with 5 years warranty.