Help choosing a new case

[dark2099]

So as much as I love my 800D, it's seen better days and I think it's time for something new. But, being me, I can be very picky about things, and would like some help from my wonderful friends here at TPU. Also, considering I'mt thinking of go from a full tower to a mid tower, need some input from those that have them. Budget is up in the air for now, so don't worry about that, but what I would like out of this new case is pretty simple. Obviously for starters, the better routing for cables it provides the better (one of the reason I went full towers when I did). The next biggest key is having mounting support for my H100. Beyond that, the last key/requirement is that the outward appearance of the case be similar to that of the 700/800D, very clean and basic, no fancy/edgy looks, and I think I'd rather no side windows. I feel like I am forgetting something, will edit it in if/when I do think of it. Thanks!

EDITS!

What I was forgetting.

Budget, in the end, I want to spend less, trying to get away from dropping money into PC's like I have, but just for research, not going to look at price now.

 

[Norton]

Try the Fractal Define R4.... very solid cases and quality is about as good as Silverstone

I have the Define Mini, R4, and the XL rev. 2 and they are all great

I'm pretty sure the H100 will fit in the R4

*EDIT- here's an inside pic of mine showing the space between the mobo and top fans (the top fans are 140's):

Spoiler: click

 

[dark2099]

That's all anyone has, one recommendation for the Define R4?

 

[drdeathx]

Don't really know how to help you. You are being vague. Here is what I would do. Choosing a case is aesthetics first. Shop NewEgg and list the cases you like and list them. Members will suggest the best choice from your selections.

 

[Kreij]

It's really hard to recommend, Dark. What someone likes in a case is very subjective.
I don't like the 800D for the same reasons that you like it.

 

[TheoneandonlyMrK]

Try the Fractal Define R4.... very solid cases and quality is about as good as Silverstone

I have the Define Mini, R4, and the XL rev. 2 and they are all great

I'm pretty sure the H100 will fit in the R4

*EDIT- here's an inside pic of mine showing the space between the mobo and top fans (the top fans are 140's):

Spoiler: click

http://img.techpowerup.org/130328/N3 14.jpg

I built a pc in a r4 recently , fantastic case and a quiet performer

 

[LDNL]

Graphite 600T, Antec P280, FD R4...

 

[MT Alex]

I like the 600T, as well, seems like a knock off of the Cosmos case. The new Thermaltake case looks really classy, but I have no idea about its quality, the pictures look nice.

I like my 700D quite a bit, but it's no CaseLabs. If I were in your shoes I'd go the other direction, a 900D or a CL with a big nasty custom loop. You are obviously already used to the size of a honking huge case.

 

[dark2099]

Right, what I was forgetting! Was going to list the cases I'd had and my experiences with them. Also, didn't mean, I have no budget, I'm just gathering suggestions from people who have or had these cases so they can relay their experience.

Original CM Cosmo, did not come away happy. Saw what CyberDruid did to one, fell in love with that one, bought just the case, didn't get the same experience.

Original Antec 900: Actually a better case than I thought. Made me dislike LEDs in my fans, and as graphic card size grew, became a little small, but had the right ideas.

MM Pinnacle 24: Probably the worse case I ever owned in my option. Had just enough to build the basic frame of the case and panels. No structural integrity, and just everything lying about to be seen. I had a crazy custom loop idea for this case, but it never came to be. Didn't think it could hold the weight.

ThermalTake Black Widow V9: Currently running my backup/mini rig, similar to the Antec 900, but a few design improvements. Little beat up but I like it. Going to replace this too eventually, but main rig first.

 

[drdeathx]

Right, what I was forgetting! Was going to list the cases I'd had and my experiences with them. Also, didn't mean, I have no budget, I'm just gathering suggestions from people who have or had these cases so they can relay their experience.

Original CM Cosmo, did not come away happy. Saw what CyberDruid did to one, fell in love with that one, bought just the case, didn't get the same experience.

Original Antec 900: Actually a better case than I thought. Made me dislike LEDs in my fans, and as graphic card size grew, became a little small, but had the right ideas.

MM Pinnacle 24: Probably the worse case I ever owned in my option. Had just enough to build the basic frame of the case and panels. No structural integrity, and just everything lying about to be seen. I had a crazy custom loop idea for this case, but it never came to be. Didn't think it could hold the weight.

ThermalTake Black Widow V9: Currently running my backup/mini rig, similar to the Antec 900, but a few design improvements. Little beat up but I like it. Going to replace this too eventually, but main rig first.

Antec 900 IMO is outdated. Many better looking cases available. If you want a sleek contemporary looking case that is top notch, check out the LIAN cases.

 

[dark2099]

Dude, I had an original Antec 900, that came out like 10 years ago or something, of course its outdated, long gone, just as I said, listing the cases I'd had and my experiences. That Cosmo was a good 5 or 6 years ago. The Thermaltake I bought like 3 years ago, been sitting around and just put it together a couple months ago. And I do like the Lian cases, thank you for the suggestion.

 

[PatoRodrigues]

How about the Rosewill Blackhawk?

Rosewill BLACKHAWK Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer C...
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/dragon-rider-chaser-mk-i,2992-4.html

 

[drdeathx]

Dude, I had an original Antec 900, that came out like 10 years ago or something, of course its outdated, long gone, just as I said, listing the cases I'd had and my experiences. That Cosmo was a good 5 or 6 years ago. The Thermaltake I bought like 3 years ago, been sitting around and just put it together a couple months ago. And I do like the Lian cases, thank you for the suggestion.

You don't have to get defensive. LOL