What Case to Buy?

[Paragon]

Well I've spent the last two days looking at cases, cases, and cases as I couldn't log on to BE due to some ISP issues (router cache probably). I'm so damn picky; and this is what I'd like if anyone has any suggestions:

1) Mid or full tower with only 120mm fans for cooling, with excellent ventilation

2) A removable motherboard tray would be extremely nice but not absolutely necessary

3) Steel preferred (due to noise) but will consider aluminum if it's a heavy build

4) Room for a larger power supply (OCZ and etc.)

5) BTX and ATX compatible

6) Quiet as possible and moddable to make even more quiet and efficient

Here's my short list:

Lian Li: V-2000 and V-2100 adding a 120mm blowhole to the top, the V-1000 and V-1100 are big enough just very cramped in the PSU area; also wish they had a reset switch.

Cooler Master: Stacker is about the only one that stands out (don't like the 80mm blowhole and not sure if it could be modded for a 120mm)

Silverstone: TJ-06 ( best looking case I've seen, but worried about HD cooling though) and TJ03 ( don't like the twin 80mm exhaust)

Globalwin: YCC 61F1 an older style case that has a lot going for it except it's not BTX compatible and it has a plastic bezel instead of aluminum...also some reports of rough edges that cut:yikes:

I've literally looked at hundreads of cases and I'm sure there's some I've missed that you guys know of; and I would really appreciate your help.

[Snafu]

I must say that you are describing my next case to a T and have narrowed down my search if I were to start looking for a case. I don't envy the choice you will have to make. Just spent the last little while looking at these case and would need even more time to go through all the reviews on these cases. That's a good sign that they must be good.

I was leaning towards the Lian Li with its compartmentilised structure but the Silverstone looks good too. One thing you might want to consider is whether those with doors will close if you use a fan controller.

Here are some specs and reviews of these cases.

Silverstone TJ-06: MFR Spec (http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-tj06.htm) and a review (http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=2&artpage=1046&articID=263)

CoolMaster Stacker: MFR Spec (http://www.coolermaster.com/special_report/stc-t01/stc-t01.htm) and a review (http://www.xoxide.com/stacker-side-panel.html) and even a video review (http://www.3dgameman.com/vr/coolermaster/cmstacker_case/video_review_03.html)

Lian Li V2000: MFR Spec (http://www.lian-li.com/products/pcv2000.htm) and a review (http://www.xoxide.com/lianlipcv2000.html)

Lian Li V2100: MFR Spec (http://www.lian-li.com/products/pcv2100.htm) and a review (http://www.xoxide.com/lianlipcv2100.html)

GlobalWin YCC-61F1: MFR SPec (http://www.globalwinusa.com/products/case/ycc61f1.html) and a review (http://www.overclockers.com/articles1103/)

[glorfy]

The Globalwin has been made much prettier and rounded (IMO) with its release as the Akasa Eclipse 62 -

Excerpt - "I recently reviewed the Cooler Master Stacker and thought I'd pretty much found the perfect ATX chassis. I say perfect through gritted teeth, since chassis nirvana is something that seems almost impossible to obtain and it's somewhat of a personal preference anyway."

review (http://www.hexus.net/content/reviews/review.php?dXJsX3Jldmlld19JRD05MDc=)

[Paragon]

Thanks guys, I've had already seen some of the reviews that you posted, if the Akasa Eclipse 62 or Savrow SR-71 Blackbird were available in the US we would probably not be having this discussion and I would own one of the two...the Globalwin YCC 61F1 is no where near as polished and well finished as either of those cases. I'm hoping the Akasa will eventually make it's way over here, I've even inquired about ordering one from the UK; but the red tape was unbelievable and given the beating the average case takes being transported from one state to another; I can only imagine what might happen with international shipping.

If Akasa or Savrow or both would make an aluminum bezel for that case they wouldn't be able to produce enough to sell; it would be that popular :thumbs:

[Paragon]

One thing you might want to consider is whether those with doors will close if you use a fan controller.


Yeah that's an excellent point :thumb:Snafu, and I really am not a big fan of case with doors:wave:

[Snafu]

Yeah that's an excellent point :thumb: Snafu, and I really am not a big fan of case with doors :wave:
:lol: I like case doors to hide some stuff.

In any case, if in the end the ultimate case does have a door you could consider drilling or cutting out a section to clear the knobs of the rheobus (sp?). Just a thought.

Love the choices you have. I thought I would list the links and reviews mainly as an FYI for others. I did try to find a site that had reviewed all of these cases to reduce bias but that was impossible. Would have been a nice find. Hmmm. Maybe comparing all 5 or 6 cases is the basis of a review :scratch: .

[Paragon]

I also like this case (http://www.wahoocomputers.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?product=stratagem_case) very much :thumbs: but not the folks that make it; they have one of the worst reseller ratings I've ever seen...I have also heard horror stories about them on other forums :wave:

[evilangel]

Have you looked at the Aopen H700B I just bought one of these cases yesterday, it has Room for seven 80mm fans (Two on the rear of mobo tray one at the front of mobo tray by the bottom 3.5" drive cage, and two at the front intake (need to remove the front usbs to get at the second 80mm fan mount, and two 80mm mounts at the top rear of the case behind the upper 3.5" drive cage) only downfall is the fact you will have to cut two holes on the roof of the case as there is a steel plate under the top panel. this is a full tower case and she is huge (stands at 625mm in height)

[Paragon]

Thanks evilangel:thumb: Yes I have and if it didn't have 80mm fans it would be on my list...these well tuned ears (nice way of saying old) of mine just don't tolerate the pitch of the 80mm fans as well as I once did:wave:

[malinois1]

Hey Paragon did you see these http://www.mountainmods.com/cgi-bin/product.pl?item=U2UFOBCWBL .

[Snafu]

That is an awesome site and some fantastic cases :thumbs: . I think I am converted from a towere case for my next system.

[fvbounty]

Hey Paragon did you see these http://www.mountainmods.com/cgi-bin/product.pl?item=U2UFOBCWBL .

I just found this review of one of there cases for your reading enjoyment... :wave:


http://www.modthebox.com/review364_1.shtml

[joeMan]

:rock: Wow, the U2-UFO!! :thumbs: That is super cool.

Hey Paragon, I used the Lian-Li V-1200 to build the supercomputer for my kids. This Newegg (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-112-055&depa=0) link gives you a good look at it from different angles. You are right about no reset switch - annoying, but that could be modded. Also, in the power supply area, there is about another inch or so clearance under the Antec TrueBlue480 (a standard size p.s.), so I don't know how you'd fair with an OCZ pwr supp., I didn't realize they were oversized.

HOWEVER - the rest I have to say about this case is all positive.

The case is very well ventalated with the front and back panels having hundreds of little "cheese grater" like holes in the metal paneling. Really looks cool too.

The full panels come off both sides - nice. The latching mechanism leaves a bit to be desired for me - but it works just fine. It's just a little weird, takes some getting used to. Best way I can describe it is a single screw at the top/back corner of each side panel holds a long, sliding lock bar in place. You loosen the screw, then pull and it slides the bar releasing the panel. Like I said, it works fine, but I would have preferred standard two or three thumb screws that I'm used to.

It is roomy! I got lost in there the first day, stuck my head in to look around and fell in - I was hollaring out for help, but all I heard back were my echoed cries. :lol: Seriously though - I am not used to, and was not prepared for the roominiess of it. Getting around in there to work is a pleasure.

Now, you see that metal bar in the pictures, that runs up and down vertical across the opening to the large case compartment? That is a cool thing - it comes out by un-doing some screws at the top and bottom of it that hold it to the case, so it is not in your way during the building phase - it can be put back when you've completed installation. It has little plastic arms that swing on an arc from it - each of these arms matches up perfectly with the video and PCI slots, so these little plastic arms swing down over the top of your cards and a tension screw holds them in place, thus securing your cards from the top - very nice for people with heavier video cards or ones modded with heavier heatpipe cooling. No longer just one little screw holding in expansion cards along the PCI ridge at the back of the case.

Two 120mm fans - one at the back of the main compartment to exhaust warm air also serves as the only fan to pull cool air in from the front - this works okay. I have mine on the fan control lead from the TrueBlue480 to keep the noise down and it does allright - I plugged that same fan into one of the non-controlled plugs and it did a much better job (of course) but was a bit noisier than I liked. The other fan at the front bottom works extremely well keeping the HD compartment chilly. Too bad it doesn't also intake for the main compartment, but it's nice that it's compartmentalized - this really helps keep the HD's cool - a big 120mm whirling at low rpm's does very well here. I only regret there is not one more intake 120mm at the front of the main compartment - however, if you're gonna blow-hole mod it - I'd put it at the front 1/3 of the case, just behind the backs of the ROM drives, and then I'd reverse (thanks Snafu) the main compartment 120mm exhaust, and turn it into an intake, pulling in right over the CPU HSF area and across the RAM.

I've gone on long enogh on another one of my joeMan won't shut up posts. So, I'll summarize that I like it very much, with a few minor things to be desired. I give it a joeMan 9 out of 10.

[Peanya]

I still like the P160. It can't be converted to BTX, but who cares!

[Peanya]

Oh, sorry for 2 posts: that cube like case has had horrid reviews. I'd recommend avoiding it. Especially considering the insane price.

[Paragon]

Wow thanks for all the posts Guys...

1st: Mountain Mods has a very nice case except it's aluminum and if it had all 120's I'd completely go with it, I love the looks :thumbs:

2nd: I really love this http://www.wahoocomputers.com/images/stratagem_front.jpg but the company that mods it has a horrible reputation...it's all steel, but still has 80's in it.

3rd: The Lian Li is an excellent looking and performing case, if the just didn't have the grill in the rear that really impedes air flow. The V1000, 1100, or 1200 is an excellent size and is still very much on my short list.

4th: The P160 is a very nice looking case but the review over at Silent PC Review said it resonated very badly, and the grill had issues...it was done by Ralf Hutter a reviewer whom I know and respect highly.

5th: Another case that I will add to the short list is the Fong Kai 330, a very neat looking and silent case which cools great if you can find one :thumbs:

6th: Also Antec has another case that looks really neat the SLK3000B.

Thanks to everyone :wave: and keep em coming this is great :thumb:

[Snafu]

HI Paragon - have you made any decisions on which case you are going with? There are a lot of tough choices.
Cheers

[Paragon]

Yes and No :yikes:

I've actually narrowed it down to just a few:

1) Silverstone TJ-06

2) Coolermaster CM Stacker

3) A custom case done by my friend Jim Hanson over at coolcases.com (much smaller than either 1 & 2 above) based on the Compucase LXA619.

Soon hopefully I'll make the choice... :wave:

[evilangel]

The TJ 06 looks like a good case especially with the idea of a wind tunnel for the cpu fan and the coolermaster CM stackers also look like another nice option what ever you decided to get i am sure you will be happy with your choice :thumbs:

[Snafu]

3) A custom case done by my friend Jim Hanson over at coolcases.com (much smaller than either 1 & 2 above) based on the Compucase LXA619.
:lol: choices, choices, choices :bonk:

A case I never considered. Looks like it comes with 120s all around. Does it come with a mobo tray? Couldn't tell by the pics and the specs at the site.

Thanks

[JeffP]

I vote Mountain Mods. I just recently purchased one of their cases after using a WaveMasters for a while. This thing is simply awesome. I got the 120.3 version that holds the Thermochill rad and it's all the room I'll ever need.

It's even configured for a second PSU if I decide I want to run TEC's in the future. Looks great and is very functional. It's on the expensive side but like everything else in the computer world you get what you pay for.

I'll try to post some pics if I get my camera back tomorrow. I think it will help change your mind ;)

BTW Mountainmods will modify any case they have to your liking. IE: you want 120's in the place of 80's no problem. Want a extra PSU slot no problem. Anything you want they will change to fit your needs for a very minimal price over the standard setups they carry.

Jeff

[JeffP]

Got a few pics of my case that hopefully sway you torward the UFO ;)
Thread for UFO Case (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=355289)

[Snafu]

Cool case JeffP. I can't tell if the board is lying flat like the older desk tops (& newer cases) or if it is vertical like a tower case :scratch: .

I am thinking of making a case that is cube based with teh board lying flat at the bottom and everything else up top (only preliminary thoughts at the moment and getting ideas). This is one case that definitely gives me ideas :D

Thanks for sharing your pics :thumbs:

[JeffP]

Snafu, Here's a couple that might help you see whats going on. At least give you a better orienation of the case.

http://petersonj.homeip.net/caserear.jpg

http://petersonj.homeip.net/caseside1.jpg

[Paragon]

Very nice case JeffP:wave: I must say I really like the cubes, I'm just real leary of Aluminum as I had a Lian Li PC 76 and even with sound proofing material it still resonated horribly from the hard drives and they were really quiet Seagates...I like quiet just about as much as I like fast:yikes:

[Snafu]

Thanks Jeff :wave:

A much better idea ;)

[ThugsRook]

a truely cool and quiet case will have the HOT areas baffled off from the COOL areas, leaving only a small area that needs to be exausted.

120mm fans are by far the best, dont even think about 80s or 92s.

with that being said plan on making case baffles (stacker) or buy a 2 sided case (like the UFO).
i have to admit tho the UFO is an odd shape and i wouldnt buy an aluminium case either.

:beer:

[joeMan]

:rock: :rock: Lian-Li V1000 :rock: :rock:
These V1xxx series cases just look so cool man...

The V1200 I built my girls' with is really nice. Spacious, and very well laid out. My only complaints are:

1) There's no little reset button - just the main power button.

2) The little tiny cheese grater like holes in the front and back make it impossible to become air-tight. For those seeking total control over airflow paths inside the case, this could be a drawback. However, I find them useful because I'm sucking in cool air from the lower/front 120mm and, because of a little bit of positive pressure combining with natural laws, the warm air just naturally rises out the little holes in the upper front and back panels (but moreso in the back since that's where the vid card, mem, and CPU live...also, there's another 120mm back there pulling air out, exhausting at the lower rear.

Heh, heh - my wife and kids hate when I exhaust at the lower rear - DOH! :yup: :lol: :rock:

[Paragon]

Looking more and more like I'm gonna wait for the Antec P180 to hit the streets...a very neat case that made its debut at CES.

[joeMan]

Wow. That P180 does look real nice. A big 120mm exhausting out the top/rear, as well as a blowhole vented to exhaust out to the rear. And are those slide out HD bays with the little pull rings on them?

[Snafu]

I have seen only 1 pic of it and it looks very nice all glossy black. COuld not find detailed specs on it and wondered if it had a mobo tray?

[Snafu]

What about the Chenbro Gaming Bomb II (http://www.chenbro.com.tw/product/product_preview.php?pid=121)?

Pluses are 120mm fans front and rear (92mm top) and a mobo tray.

Minuses are aluminum construction and no side vent/fan.

[Paragon]

Here's some better pictures of the P180: Link (http://www.silentpcreview.com/index.php)

Here's some facts and discussion: Link (http://forums.silentpcreview.com/viewtopic.php?t=18160)

[Snafu]

Just seen a interesting review of teh Silverstone TJ06 tower (wind tunnel). What made teh review interesting is that they also used the SilverStone NT01 CPU cooler that fits nicely right inside the case's wind tunnel. An interesting idea. Design the case/cpu cooler to work together. Smart.

[insaneman37]

It seems you've made up your mind, and have disqualified this case from your choices a while ago, but I'm still going to mention it.

SilverStone TJ-03.

Best. Case. Ever.

I am not kidding you. I used to own one, and I loved everything about it. Very well designed, very well constructed, very good looking, very well everything. It was a dream to work in. Unfortunately it was too big for my current situation - moving my computer between my dorm room and home whenever I travel that way, which is why I went with a Shuttle.

Yes, 3 of the 4 fan holes are for 80mm fans, but I really didn't see that as a problem. The top exhaust could be modded for a 120mm fan if you wanted to. The rear exhausts couldn't have been designed to be larger than 80mm because of the removable tray. If the tray was not removable, I'm sure it would have been 1x120mm instead of 2x80mm.

And it was so lightweight, yet still very sturdy. It's quite a large case, but it weighs less than half of a regular steel midtower case.