What case to choose?

[Sensi Karate]

Well I posted a thread a month back about getting a new case but instead of getting a case I bought a SSD, 2 HDD and a Logitech G25. Now however I'm back on the lookout for a new case AGAIN.

This time I've got a slightly lower budget of around $200 AUD. I buy off this Australian shop: http://umart.com.au/newindex2.phtml?bid=4

I've looked through a few cases and the ones that really stick out from the pack is the Silverstone Raven RV 01 and slightly less, the RV 02. The RV 01 is priced at $219 and looks great as-well as having a unique but efficient way of cooling hardware. The RV 02 is $196 but even though its supposed to be the ' advanced brother' of the RV 01, it doesn't really appeal to me in anyway, plus the window is on the wrong side. After these two comes the HAF 932 (which I think is an ugly thing) at $207, HAF 922 at $170 and the Lian Li Lancool PC-K62 at $160.

I need a case that has longevity and will last me at-least 3 years. It needs to be able to fit a Radeon 5850/5870 or the new Nvidia Fermi cards coming out, which is supposed to be quite hot. I need it to cool a P55/X58 with a i5/i7 down the line when I upgrade my PC later in the year. I also need it to hold 3-5 HDD's. I wont be using watercooling at all so no need for that and I don't need uber awesome power greatness lolezepeeeowned air circulation and temperatures, I just need my PC to be cool enough that I can oc fairly well (not trying to set any records..)

The only downside in the Raven RV-01 is that its quite large in width and would be hard to fit on my desk (I will have it above my desk since its better access to connections and also so you can see the side window). My desks top width is currently 23.5cm or 235mm in width but it goes to 300mm but theres a 7cm/70mm gap before hitting the wall. The Raven RV 01 is 280mm in width so its just squeezing up top. I will take some pictures of the situation when tomorrow when its light since I've only got a 2 megapixel camera phone on me atm. Maybe I could mod the top part of my desk or something?

Anyways all your help would be appreciated.

[JrRacinFan]

I would personally look at anything with a Lian li badge.

Even though its ugly the HAF 932 is one heck of a performer.

Have you looked at the Antec 600 as your "budget-minding" choice?

[DonInKansas]

I have the PC-K62 and it's awesome. Completely solid tool-less design, Lots of fans, Cable management is great; the supplied holes for wires and it allows you to turn your hard drives around to hide those wires, also has the mobo tray hole for easily swapping out air coolers with backplates without removing the mobo. I also really like the all black interior. Here's mine.....

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by JrRacinFan

I would personally look at anything with a Lian li badge.

Even though its ugly the HAF 932 is one heck of a performer.

Have you looked at the Antec 600 as your "budget-minding" choice?

Yeah, the HAF 932 is a great case, but I just 'dislike' the hard rugged look of the case. I prefer something sleak, bold and good looking, but I'm still keeping it as an option. The Antec 600 looks ok but compared to the HAF and Ravens its not that great.

EDIT: Thanks for the post Don. Does the PC-K62 fit a 5870 in it and what temps do you get with your setup? Also how many fans are there in the case?

[kurosagi01]

antec 600 is just same as the 300 but re-designed in my opinion i wouldn't recommend it.
go for a HAF 932 or 922 or a lian-li

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by kurosagi01

antec 600 is just same as the 300 but re-designed in my opinion i wouldn't recommend it.
go for a HAF 932 or 922 or a lian-li

I know the HAF 932 is the best cooling, but seriously I HATE the look of it. I know cooling>looks is for the most, but if I can't bear to look at the thing, why should I buy it?

This is the cases I'm now looking at in my price range. If you own one please post a screenie of interior and exterior of the case.

Silverstone Raven RV 01
Silverstone Raven RV 02 (does anyone know if you can change the window side around?)
Antec Nine Hundred and Two
Antec P183 (I like that its aluminum.. but I still dunno..)
Lian Li Lancool PC-K62 (I don't like the front part of the case... looks to similar to mine and I hate that. seems good otherwise..)
NZXT TmpestElite Black case with Blue Led (build quality?)

Like I said before, I need it to fit a 5850/5870 with an i5/i7 setup. Also needs to be future upgrade proof.

[assaulter_99]

Meh forget about the tempest, I was itching for one, liked its looks but... you said it yourself! I ended up being a happy owner of a 922. Aint sure it will fit the 5870 (tempest) though, some say it can, some say you must remove the hdd cages. Now, I might be wrong too.

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by assaulter_99

Meh forget about the tempest, I was itching for one, liked its looks but... you said it yourself! I ended up being a happy owner of a 922. Aint sure it will fit the 5870 though, some say it can, some say you must remove the hdd cages. Now, I might be wrong too.

I still can't get passed the looks of a HAF 932/922. Some like the industrial look, others hate it (thats me. ). Same could be said for the Raven RV 01 but its sleak looks are just awesome.

Thanks for the help about the tempest though. Thats out of the question then.

If anyone still has some screenies of the cases or have some good info, post since I can't make up my mind.

[OnBoard]

Why not Xigmatek Midgard for half your budget? http://umart.com.au/pro/products_lis...id=4&sid=48023 edit: sidewindow version seems to be on stock, would get that now, but those weren't made when I got mine http://umart.com.au/pro/products_lis...id=4&sid=48027

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by OnBoard

Why not Xigmatek Midgard for half your budget? http://umart.com.au/pro/products_lis...id=4&sid=48023 edit: sidewindow version seems to be on stock, would get that now, but those weren't made when I got mine http://umart.com.au/pro/products_lis...id=4&sid=48027

http://img.techpowerup.org/100118/Xigmatek.jpg

I love the LED on that case! I'll be sure to keep it on my radar for cases. Thanks.

I'm really interested in the Antec cases I listed before. If anyone owns one please post some piccies and info on how good/bad they are.

[moocow0463]

i had this same topic a while back not that long ago actually and i liked the raven case aswell but i read how well the 932 performs and i dont think anything can really compare. for me it came down to the antec 1200 and the HAF 932. i didnt check out your store but on newegg they offer the haf932 in 3 versions, a limited edition, "blue" edition and then the standard, the blue has led fans with on/off switches at the same price as the standard. but if u want a different color you would have to replace atleast the side panel and front panel fans

i chose the haf932 it has some custom options and its future proof for those who choose water cooling down the road, has a fill hole in the top of the case for the reservoir and 2 exit points for hoses in the back if you need. the 230 side panel fans have be swapped for 4x 120mm fans and the front can be swapped for 2x120mm fans if you dont like the large fan design

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by moocow0463

i had this same topic a while back not that long ago actually and i liked the raven case aswell but i read how well the 932 performs and i dont think anything can really compare. for me it came down to the antec 1200 and the HAF 932. i didnt check out your store but on newegg they offer the haf932 in 3 versions, a limited edition, "blue" edition and then the standard, the blue has led fans with on/off switches at the same price as the standard. but if u want a different color you would have to replace atleast the side panel and front panel fans

i chose the haf932 it has some custom options and its future proof for those who choose water cooling down the road, has a fill hole in the top of the case for the reservoir and 2 exit points for hoses in the back if you need. the 230 side panel fans have be swapped for 4x 120mm fans and the front can be swapped for 2x120mm fans if you dont like the large fan design

Like I said before, I can't choose a case that I cant bare to look at. Though thanks for the suggestion.

Anyone own an Antec 902 or P183?

[MT Alex]

My case is very similar to a 902 with a few more fans. I'm not sure if it's available in your area, however. I really like it, it's quiet and roomy, I'm about to fill it full of water cooling gear. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811517004

[TheMailMan78]

Originally Posted by Sensi Karate

I know the HAF 932 is the best cooling, but seriously I HATE the look of it. I know cooling>looks is for the most, but if I can't bear to look at the thing, why should I buy it?

This is the cases I'm now looking at in my price range. If you own one please post a screenie of interior and exterior of the case.

Silverstone Raven RV 01
Silverstone Raven RV 02 (does anyone know if you can change the window side around?)
Antec Nine Hundred and Two
Antec P183 (I like that its aluminum.. but I still dunno..)
Lian Li Lancool PC-K62 (I don't like the front part of the case... looks to similar to mine and I hate that. seems good otherwise..)
NZXT TmpestElite Black case with Blue Led (build quality?)

Like I said before, I need it to fit a 5850/5870 with an i5/i7 setup. Also needs to be future upgrade proof.

If you like the cooling of the 932 and 922 then I suggest you look up the Sniper. Its got all the same guts but a completely different face.

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by MT Alex

My case is very similar to a 902 with a few more fans. I'm not sure if it's available in your area, however. I really like it, it's quiet and roomy, I'm about to fill it full of water cooling gear. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811517004

Nice case, looks very similar to the 902 actually. Like you said its not available on umart. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Originally Posted by TheMailMan78

If you like the cooling of the 932 and 922 then I suggest you look up the Sniper. Its got all the same guts but a completely different face.

http://www.hardware.info/images/news..._Sniper-10.jpg

Thanks for the suggestion, I like the look but the legs look like crap but they should be able to be removed.

Would mid tower cases be able to hold 2x5870 or large cards? I may go down the hydra/cf/sli road and want to make sure.

Also the pic attached shows my top desk size. The ruler is 30cm and the desk top goes to 23.5cm as shown on the picture. Most cases should fit on that, but I think I could go over the side a bit (or push the desk closer to the wall so it doesn't lean to much.)

[ehume]

Those legs on the Sniper rotate in or out, at your preference.

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by ehume

Those legs on the Sniper rotate in or out, at your preference.

Thanks for the information.

Suggest a case!

[mikek75]

I really like that Sniper case that Mailman showed, if its internals give you the space thats the one I'd go for. I have a Antec 300 which was cheap but lacks the space, but looks wise I love it and that Sniper case looks quite similar. Although I'd rip out the LEDs, can't stand 'em, but thats just me, LOL.

[ehume]

Here's a Cooler master ACTS 480. Here is what a guy did with one.

[KieranD]

I can vouch for the Lancool K-62! Its a really good case with tons of options, all tooless and the first tooless case that just works properly.

Really now i have a lancool i would never look back again, its just a style of design they make that i like and the build quality is magnificent. Lian Li are good too but the Armoursuit is just to much!

I had an NZXT Tempest and while it was nice the final quality wasn't there, slightly horrible to cable manage and the top mesh/front panel were not that great like the mesh would bend to easy and the pegs to hold the front panel where terrible.

Silverstone Fortress FT01 is another nice case if the wackyness of the Raven is not your taste. The FT02 is also nice but the style is slightly different, SCRATCH that the FT02 is like the Raven with the top panel.

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by mikek75

I really like that Sniper case that Mailman showed, if its internals give you the space thats the one I'd go for. I have a Antec 300 which was cheap but lacks the space, but looks wise I love it and that Sniper case looks quite similar. Although I'd rip out the LEDs, can't stand 'em, but thats just me, LOL.

I like the Sniper better then the HAF but still its looks still don't appeal to me to much. That large knob ontop is just HORRIBLE and I would've liked a clear window instead of that mesh crap on the side. But I do love blue LEDs and some other areas of it.

Originally Posted by ehume

Here's a Cooler master ACTS 480. Here is what a guy did with one.

Thats one awesome case, love the aluminum! However on umart (Australian) its for $350, well off my budget and even then I wouldn't get it since the 800D is only $50 more and has much more features. Unfortunately I'm not willing to spend $350 or $400 on a case. Ebay has it at $270 but I don't buy off ebay...

Originally Posted by KieranD

I can vouch for the Lancool K-62! Its a really good case with tons of options, all tooless and the first tooless case that just works properly.

Really now i have a lancool i would never look back again, its just a style of design they make that i like and the build quality is magnificent. Lian Li are good too but the Armoursuit is just to much!

I had an NZXT Tempest and while it was nice the final quality wasn't there, slightly horrible to cable manage and the top mesh/front panel were not that great like the mesh would bend to easy and the pegs to hold the front panel where terrible.

Silverstone Fortress FT01 is another nice case if the wackyness of the Raven is not your taste. The FT02 is also nice but the style is slightly different, SCRATCH that the FT02 is like the Raven with the top panel.

Lancool K-62 has grown on me, and seems like a very reasonable choice. I read a review on techpowerup about how things were falling off and stuff, and that scared me a bit. But elsewhere it gets high praise. One of my favs atm.

The Silverstone Fortress FT01 looks good but other then that its supposed to be crap. Though I love the look of it. FT02 isn't on umart so I can't really get it. I still love the look of the Raven RV-01 but I would've prefered just a cheap full aluminum case with good cooling. None to be found though...

Oh and btw to everyone, I love a good side window on a case.

[Sensi Karate]

I just edited the main post with a little more information on case selection:

EDIT: I've gotten a small list of cases. Any cases you suggest which I like will be added. If you have any good information on the case from a source or you personal ownership please post.

Cases:
- Antec P183
- Antec Nine Hundred and Two
- Raven RV 01/02
- Lian Li Lancool PC-K62
- Xigmatic Midguard
- CM HAF 932/922 (this one is unlucky... read more posts for info..)
- CM Sniper (slightly)
- Good Cable Management a plus but not essential

Suggest more cases if you know any!

Also these are some features I need in a case.

Features:
- Side Window
- Good cooling (three fans min with more room for upgrade if possible)
- Room to fit a aftermarket cooler such as a CM V8
- Room to fit at-least 2x5870 or any large graphic cards. Need the future proof
- Good quality build
- At-least four 3.5" HDD bays with five + being great!
- LEDs on most of the fans, if not all (red or blue but red being slightly more attractive to a future rig I have planned)
- Black interior a plus

Would a CM V8 fit in a Lancool PC-K62? I will most likely get a CM V8 in the future and need sure it will.

Ugh.. I'm still having such a hard decision choosing... >_<

[Jetster]

I personally like the Antec P183. Solid built, well insulated and forget about the side window and the fancy lights. The Plexiglas just lets sound out. The sides of this case are three layers thick to suppress noise and it works. My P182 is whisper quiet,. Also it has a separate compartment for the PSU to keep your hot spots under control. Comes with two 120 3 speed fans but will hold 5 easily. two large GPU no problem. Just slide out one of the HD cases. This thing is built. You could stand on it with no problem

But its heavy. Which I don't mind. its also has great wire management.

The Lian Li Lancool PC-K62 is a nice case but next to the P-183 it look cheep. Just saying
The Cooler master ACTS 480 is also nice

What about the P-193? http://www.rwlabs.com/article.php?id=184
120mm Fans 1 x 120mm exhaust TriCool rear fan
140mm Fans 2 x 140mm exhaust TriCool top fans
200mm Fans 1 side 200mm fan for dual graphics cards
You can add
120mm Fans 2 x 120mm intake TriCool front fans

don't know if its possible to have more air flow

[majestic12]

The updated Cooler Master CM690 II will be coming out with a windowed version soon and looks really good. The cooling should be on par with the Sniper and the HAF models. If I was building an ATX setup, that is the case I'd get. Better yet, the price is reasonable ($99 USD -not sure how much down under).

[Sensi Karate]

Originally Posted by Jetster

I personally like the Antec P183. Solid built, well insulated and forget about the side window and the fancy lights. The Plexiglas just lets sound out. The sides of this case are three layers thick to suppress noise and it works. My P182 is whisper quiet,. Also it has a separate compartment for the PSU to keep your hot spots under control. Comes with two 120 3 speed fans but will hold 5 easily. two large GPU no problem. Just slide out one of the HD cases. This thing is built. You could stand on it with no problem

But its heavy. Which I don't mind. its also has great wire management.

The Lian Li Lancool PC-K62 is a nice case but next to the P-183 it look cheep. Just saying
The Cooler master ACTS 480 is also nice

What about the P-193? http://www.rwlabs.com/article.php?id=184
120mm Fans 1 x 120mm exhaust TriCool rear fan
140mm Fans 2 x 140mm exhaust TriCool top fans
200mm Fans 1 side 200mm fan for dual graphics cards
You can add
120mm Fans 2 x 120mm intake TriCool front fans

don't know if its possible to have more air flow

Cheers thats really helpful! You answered all my questions about that case and thanks for doing so. The P-193 and ACTS 840 is out of my range unfortunately but I still love the P183. Thanks once again.

Originally Posted by anotherworld

I like this one "OnBoard" recommended:http://umart.com.au/pro/products_lis...id=4&sid=48023

Its a good case, I love the LEDs like I stated before. However theres a few more cases I now have lined up which are slightly more expensive for much more features. If I was on a $100 budget that'd be my first choice.

Originally Posted by majestic12

The updated Cooler Master CM690 II will be coming out with a windowed version soon and looks really good. The cooling should be on par with the Sniper and the HAF models. If I was building an ATX setup, that is the case I'd get. Better yet, the price is reasonable ($99 USD -not sure how much down under).

That CM 690 II looks great and fairly cheap as-well ($109 AUD) but I cant seem to find it on umart and I don't think it'll be found for quite some time. Personally I'd like to get the case now so I don't keep looking forever. Though thanks for the suggestion, cheers.

I've now gotten a new smaller list with my favourite cases, as-well as an unexpected one. The HAF 922 grew on me and after looking at a few pictures I actually really like the look of it. It looks less aggressive and not ugly and I think its on top of my list atm. Weird... I know. However the HAF 932 is still pretty damn ugly for my tastes... heh..

Heres the new list in order of favourite atm:
- HAF 922
- Antec P183
- Lancool PC-K62
- Raven RV 01

and maybe the HAF 932.. but I still seriously don't like it but times may change my thought like the HAF 922.

If anyone has information of the HAF 922 (the only case I don't have much info on atm...) then I'd gladly appreciate it.

- Is it noisy (side window version) as everyone says it is?
- Good cable management?
- Good air circulation?
- Can fit large cards like 2x5870s?
- How many fans are there (is there only one red led fan?) and is there space for extra?
- Does it feel cheap/flimsy like Thermaltake/NZXT cases?
- Can it fit a big aftermarket cooler like a CM V8?
- Easy to mod? (I was just going to spray/paint the interior black or red like this: here...)

I don't care about dual PSU or watercooling so I'm liking the 922 over the 932 (ugly).

Cheers and I'm nearly ready to buy thanks to everyone.