Looking for a flashy case that doesn't sacrifice too much practicality

[Hoiafar]

So, it's come time to upgrade from my Define R2, mostly because I am tired of it, and this time because I have a bit more knowledge about how to build computers I want to go for something more flashy, unfortunately I haven't had the best of luck finding a particularly good and flashy case and turn to you now for help.

What am I looking for exactly?
Well! That I will explain below with a list of semi-requirements.
 

1. Doesn't sacrifice too much in terms of airflow and other functionalities for aesthetics.
2. Has a sleek but boomy design. (Will be explained later)
3. Is preferably available in black.
4. Modular drive case.
5. Is preferably not too clunky to bring to LANs.

Things I don't exactly require;

1. Radiator support.
2. Large drive cases

 

Now as for cases I have looked at and are currently thinking about;
NZXT Phantom, CM Storm Stryker and Aerocool XPredator.
Now the XPredator I am kinda iffy on. It's not great looking, but it's acceptable.
As for the other two, the Phantom is the one I like the most aesthetically, but the Storm Stryker comes with a neat fan controller and also a handle.
What makes me apprehensive about buying those two cases is that they are Fulltowers, so I'm concerned with how heavy they are going to be, as well as how ugly the internal back panel looks on NZXT Phantom despite its absolutely gorgeous outer.

And that brings me to the point; What cases in this style could you recommend that fit at least a majority of my "requirements" and what do you have to say about the ones I have already found?

[Jogostar]

The Phantom 530 is great.

[Visualantics]

Corsair 760t or Corsair C70? NZXT H440?

[meneervent]

Phantom 530 or Corsair 760t

[Guest GRRigger]

The Phantom 530 is great.

This ^^

[Jvagle875]

I would probably steer clear of full towers unless you really need them, which it doesn't sound like you do. They just become too big and cumbersome to be of any value IMO. The phantom series looks nice and everyone seems to love them. 500R and 600T look nice from corsair.

[Advent]

Corsair 350D, Fractal Arc Mini 2, NZXT Vulcan, Coolermaster Storm Scout, Prodigy for portability.

[Analog]

Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 and Cosmos SE. Both are good cases with handles and good airflow. 

[RatedBlam]

To recommend something from one of teksynicates videos the xigmatek talon might suit you

[Visualantics]

thermaltake level 10 LOL

[Imabigmac]

I vote 350D if you are doing LAN parties often otherwise any phantom 410 if your not moving much.

[Aleks]

thermaltake level 10 LOL

good joke

[Visualantics]

good joke

[Kick]

Ha, that new case from Origin PC sounds like it would fit the bill...too bad they don't sell it on its own (to my knowledge). Some of the Alienware cases look pretty slick too, and you can find them on Ebay but the lighting can be an issue as they use some voodoo between Dellienware mobos and the lighting connections. 

 

Some cases to consider (remember we may have different definitions of a sleek boomy design):

BitFenix Shadow (looks sexy if you ask me, subtle, but sexy)

Corsair Vengeance C70 (it has handles)

 

Something else to consider would be modifying a case you already like to add some more of the functionality you want out of the case. For example, adding handles yourself or throwing a window on a case that wouldn't otherwise have one. Lighting, paint jobs, all that good stuff can make a subtle case into a centerpiece. 

[Hoiafar]

Alright, I've been looking at some of the suggestions in this thread (way more than I expected). And it stands between the Phantom 410 and 530 right now, the website I am using doesn't really give any information about the 530 in terms of fans, how many slots for them are there, what sizes and so forth?

[Hoiafar]

Ha, that new case from Origin PC sounds like it would fit the bill...too bad they don't sell it on its own (to my knowledge). Some of the Alienware cases look pretty slick too, and you can find them on Ebay but the lighting can be an issue as they use some voodoo between Dellienware mobos and the lighting connections. 

 

Some cases to consider (remember we may have different definitions of a sleek boomy design):

BitFenix Shadow (looks sexy if you ask me, subtle, but sexy)

Corsair Vengeance C70 (it has handles)

 

Something else to consider would be modifying a case you already like to add some more of the functionality you want out of the case. For example, adding handles yourself or throwing a window on a case that wouldn't otherwise have one. Lighting, paint jobs, all that good stuff can make a subtle case into a centerpiece. 

Unfortunately my skill in the aesthetics are next to non-existant, so I don't think that's on the agenda, but thanks for the advice anyways!

[flibberdipper]

NZXT H440. THAT is a sexy case, for being rather simple.

[WoodenMarker]

Alright, I've been looking at some of the suggestions in this thread (way more than I expected). And it stands between the Phantom 410 and 530 right now, the website I am using doesn't really give any information about the 530 in terms of fans, how many slots for them are there, what sizes and so forth?

This should have plenty of info regarding what you'd want to know: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7154/nzxt-phantom-530-case-review

 

The storm scout 2 is also recommendation along with the Phantom 410.

[Hoiafar]

And now I find myself torn between the Storm Scout 2 and Phantom 530! Looks like you've been no help at all, I came in confused and came out confused about entirely different cases!

Really though, thanks for the great replies. I'll think think about this a little by myself before deciding, although it's leaning heavily towards the Storm Scout because of that handle, even though it doesn't look quite as gorgeous.

[WoodenMarker]

And now I find myself torn between the Storm Scout 2 and Phantom 530! Looks like you've been no help at all, I came in confused and came out confused about entirely different cases!

Really though, thanks for the great replies. I'll think think about this a little by myself before deciding, although it's leaning heavily towards the Storm Scout because of that handle, even though it doesn't look quite as gorgeous.

Have you taken a look at the white storm scout 2? Even if you weren't going for white from the start, it's gorgeous.