Looking for a modern case to support retro parts

[iamdarkyoshi]

I want to do a bit of a reverse sleeper PC, which will use parts ranging from around DOS to windows 98, but a modern case. 

 

Trouble is, machines from that era really did make use of front 5.25in bays, and some front 3.5in bays as well, and they are really dying off. I'd like to have something as small as possible (so no antec 1200s) that will:

 

Fit a standard size ATX motherboard with 7 expansion slots.

As for front bays, at least either 2x 2.5in bays and a 3.5in bay, or 3x 5.25in bays

Black

But I also want a side window. 

 

The only cases I've found so far is this one: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144275

 

The trouble I have with this one is the stupid side panel window. I can likely just take it out and glue a piece of glass in its place, but if something better exists, I'm all for it.

 

 

And this one: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811854069

 

Which is cripplingly expensive, but looks substantially nicer and has a decent side window.

 

And this one https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIAGRZ79W9768

 

Which only has three total bays, which is my bare minimum, but its cheap and doesn't look stupid

 

Do any of you know of a better case for my usage scenario? Cheaper is better here, I just bought a condo...

[Spotty]

4 minutes ago, iamdarkyoshi said:

Fit a standard size ATX motherboard with 7 expansion slots.

As for front bays, at least either 2x 2.5in bays and a 3.5in bay, or 3x 5.25in bays 

Black

But I also want a side window. 

Front bays as in external? External 2.5" or 3.5" bays are less common these days and are going to narrow your search down a fair bit. You might have better luck just going with extra 5.25" bays and using a 5.25" to external 3.5" adapter bracket (sometimes labelled as "Floppy drive adapters" or "Card Reader adapters" if that helps you search for them). They're fairly cheap, like $5 each.

 

If you can get by with 3x 5.25" front bays (including ones occupied by adapters) then the Thermaltake Versa H22 might work? Around $50, side panel (kinda ugly and acrylic, but at that price point what do you expect), 7 expansion slots, supports ATX motherboards, 3x 5.25" front bays, and ATX Mid Tower size.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Xm4gXL/thermaltake-case-ca1b300m1wn00

This PCPP list has the criteria filtered in so might help. Doesn't really look like a whole lot of other options other than what you've already looked at, at least not within the price range.

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#t=4,3,7&s=1&G=3,12&K=2,12&E=7,11&sort=price&f=2&qq=1

 

Have you considered the Apevia X-PIONEER-PK? I think it will suit you.

Spoiler

 

[iamdarkyoshi]

12 hours ago, Spotty said:

Front bays as in external? External 2.5" or 3.5" bays are less common these days and are going to narrow your search down a fair bit. You might have better luck just going with extra 5.25" bays and using a 5.25" to external 3.5" adapter bracket (sometimes labelled as "Floppy drive adapters" or "Card Reader adapters" if that helps you search for them). They're fairly cheap, like $5 each.

 

If you can get by with 3x 5.25" front bays (including ones occupied by adapters) then the Thermaltake Versa H22 might work? Around $50, side panel (kinda ugly and acrylic, but at that price point what do you expect), 7 expansion slots, supports ATX motherboards, 3x 5.25" front bays, and ATX Mid Tower size.
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Xm4gXL/thermaltake-case-ca1b300m1wn00

This PCPP list has the criteria filtered in so might help. Doesn't really look like a whole lot of other options other than what you've already looked at, at least not within the price range.

https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#t=4,3,7&s=1&G=3,12&K=2,12&E=7,11&sort=price&f=2&qq=1

 

Have you considered the Apevia X-PIONEER-PK? I think it will suit you.

  Hide contents

 

I like the pink colour but the front is covered by default :c

[Boinbo]

1 minute ago, iamdarkyoshi said:

I like the pink colour but the front is covered by default :c

What about these?

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
Case	NZXT - H500 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case	$69.17 @ Amazon
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$69.17
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-04-28 15:10 EDT-0400

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
Case	Phanteks - Eclipse P350X (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case	$63.98 @ Newegg
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total (before mail-in rebates)	$73.98
	Mail-in rebates	-$10.00
	Total	$63.98
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-04-28 15:10 EDT-0400

 

[iamdarkyoshi]

4 minutes ago, Boinbo said:

What about these?

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
Case	NZXT - H500 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case	$69.17 @ Amazon
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total	$69.17
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-04-28 15:10 EDT-0400

PCPartPicker Part List

Type	Item	Price
Case	Phanteks - Eclipse P350X (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case	$63.98 @ Newegg
	Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts
	Total (before mail-in rebates)	$73.98
	Mail-in rebates	-$10.00
	Total	$63.98
	Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-04-28 15:10 EDT-0400

 

Neither of those have any front bays, just misinformation

[Boinbo]

2 minutes ago, iamdarkyoshi said:

Neither of those have any front bays, just misinformation

oh sorry

[TVwazhere]

Id you can import from the UK, I found some below. 

Found a sharktoon case

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sharkoon-VS4-W-Tower-Computer-Case/dp/B00N0W2RAQ

Theres one left of this Coolermaster CM590 III

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-Computer-microATX-RC-593-KWN2/dp/B01LW3YN1I