Case Question

[Itsmeee]

I need a new case to replace my old Antec 1040SX (the old alienware case), and I'm not sure where to go. I'm wanting a really quite case such as my Antec Sonata (the really reflective black one I take to the lan parties). I'm not into all the lights and such but I'm looking for a more refined looking case, but that can take lan abuse. Heats not an issue really as its only going to be housing a 9500PRO, 1800+, and some junk like that.

The Antec LANboy II is a nice sounding case as its based off the sonatas frame and all but its to flashy for me. The LeonLi cases are cool, they are currently the front runner.

[DiscoDave]

I've bought several pc cases over the years, each one tends to be more expensive than the last. Currently I've got a Lian Li, which I've had for a couple years or so.

http://www.coolerguys.com/ProductImages/thumbs/840556007005th.jpg

It's made out of aluminum giving it a pretty sleek but not "in your face" look. It also keeps the case relatively light. While it's not particularly large (tiny compared to some other cases at the lan, such as Ender's), it's got plenty of room for all my toys. To give you an idea, not long ago I had 14 fans stuffed in it, including a 120mm fan (most of them were 80mm).

The downside to it being aluminum is it's prone to "bruising". I've got a small but noticable dent on the top of it. Other than that, it's held up really well. And honestly, considering all the times I've packed it up, one small dent isn't too shabby.

If you've got more money to burn, the best cases you can buy are generally from Cooler Master. They're also the most expensive, but whether or not it's worth it will depend on how much cash you've got. (They do have a "budget" case, but from what I understand, it sucks ass).

No matter what case you go with, I strongly suggest looking at www.coolerguys.com You may have noticed we've recently snagged them as a sponsor, and I can't tell you how happy I was to get them. I've been a huge fan of them for at least 3 years, having purchased virtually every case/cooling related item I use from them...and that's a pretty hefty tally.

In addition to being cheap, informed, and having great customer service, they're also local...based in Woodinville, to be precise. They also genuinely have an interest in the community, as they've been a sponsor to LPNW for ages, and of course, now they're helping us out. Their selection is pretty good as well, although I see they no longer stock Cooler Master...which is unfortunate, but it won't matter if you want a Lian Li ;)

I would avoid the cheap cases. Generally speaking, you do get what you pay for. I've been there, I know. If it's worth getting a new case, it's going to be worth spending over a hundred bucks for it.

[Excessive]

Here are some that I like the looks of.

Athenatech (http://www.athenatech.us/a747cc.htm)
http://www.athenatech.us/images/Products/A747CC-300.jpg

Chenming (http://www.frozencpu.com/cgi-bin/frozencpu/cst-19.html)
http://www.frozencpu.com/images/products/detail/cst-19.jpg


This is what I want to get. :hump: Thermaltake Xaser V Damier (http://www.thermaltake.com/xasercase/Damier/v6000a.htm) http://www.thermaltake.com/images/cases/products/damier/silver/v6000a.jpg

[Itsmeee]

I'm looking for a case a bit less flashy then those :stare:

Tanks though :) Any other ideas?

[Itsmeee]

oh hey! Just so you know the type of cases I like.

Antec Sonata
Apple G5
Apple G4
Lien Li N-70 (I think thats its name, the 4 bay one).

[Ender]

btw what are you doing with that old alienware case? :hump:

[Itsmeee]

its sold. Sry if you wanted it. It was just way to loud for me.

[Itsmeee]

ooh! I like this one (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-127-011&catalog=412&depa=1)

Industrial rackmount...hmmm *drool*

Seriously though it has good design both looks and content wise!

So listing the cases I have mentioned what do u guys think is the case for me? Price range is about $140 max. I'd rather pay less then more obviosuly.

[DiscoDave]

Originally posted by itsmeee
its sold. Sry if you wanted it. It was just way to loud for me.
If you're looking for something super-quiet, you could always look at this bad boy...

http://www.coolerguys.com/ProductImages/840556007715.jpg

It comes with foam on the sides and top, with an additional layer of rubber on the front for vibration.

It's a tad out of your price range though. ;)

http://www.coolerguys.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=925

[Ender]

quiet??? wtf! Why would anyone want a quiet case??!


Now my badboy case is like a wind tunnel, a hurricane, THE VORTEX BABY :D

[Itsmeee]

I'll be lying on the floor (thats bed for meee), and I'll hear this fan and I'll be like aughh my computer is so loud. I'll wonder what I can do to make it queiter (I could sleep but I just want it quieter). But then I realized it was actually my glad air freshener fan...

But anyway thats my Sonata. This case doesn't have to be as quiet. I'm into powerfull but quite cooling devices. Take my 9800. I took off its defualt fan which because of its placement does very little while making a lot of noise. I replaced it with two heatsinks (one back one front) whith a heatpipe. The heatsink spreads the heat VERY efficently.

So anyway any ideas?

[Itsmeee]

yeah that is a nice case thoughDisko. It hasn't escaped my attention, I've looked @ it a lot.