Choosing a new case...

[Fobok]

Well, last month I decided to order myself a new CPU and motherboard as part of a plan to slowly upgrade my system over the next few months. (Need to be ready for Fallout 4.) However, I messed up and ordered an ATX motherboard when I only have a micro-ATX case. (Well, I do have an old spare ATX case, but it's being held together by tape and I don't really want to use it.) 

 

Well, rather than send the motherboard back, I thought I'd look into new cases. Given I spent so much last month, I'm trying to keep the prices down. So far, I've been considering the following:

 

Thermaltake Chaser A41: I like this one because of the seemingly easier-to-access dust filters. I seem to have a dustier-than-normal room for some reason.

 

Cooler Master Storm Enforcer: This one I like for the look, but also seems to have good airflow.

 

Corsair Graphite 230T: This is the budget option.  

 

However, there may be other cases in my budget that I hadn't even considered. So, any tips would be appreciated!

[Guest]

What is your budget exactly?

[LurzKesh1138]

I'd check out the Fractal Define R4 or R5, they're sleek, and really quiet.

[themaniac]

what is your budget for the case?

[Fobok]

What is your budget exactly?

 

I'd like to keep it under $150 Canadian, though I'm willing to go over that a little. $200+ is too much, however. 

[Guest]

I'd like to keep it under $150 Canadian, though I'm willing to go over that a little. $200+ is too much, however. 

 

H440

S340

450D

Define S and R5

[runmymouth]

I'd like to keep it under $150 Canadian, though I'm willing to go over that a little. $200+ is too much, however. 

Thats a really beafy budget. You should be able to really look around what looks nice for you. I got the level 10 gt snow edition but I don't think that is going to stay under $200 Can as it was $170 US for me. 

[Fobok]

I'd check out the Fractal Define R4 or R5, they're sleek, and really quiet.

 

 

H440

S340

450D

Define S and R5

 

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll check them out. At a quick glance, the 450d looks really nice.

 

Thats a really beafy budget. You should be able to really look around what looks nice for you. I got the level 10 gt snow edition but I don't think that is going to stay under $200 Can as it was $170 US for me. 

 

Well, given the state of the Canadian dollar.. it's not really that beefy. But, it had been my SSD budget (this month's section of my upgrade plan), which has been shuffled to the backburner for now.

[runmymouth]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll check them out. At a quick glance, the 450d looks really nice.

 

 

Well, given the state of the Canadian dollar.. it's not really that beefy. But, it had been my SSD budget (this month's section of my upgrade plan), which has been shuffled to the backburner for now.

So I guess I got my case for 220 Canadian. However you have $155 USD which is most of the (affordable) cases on a good sale. What is your primary goal, sound, looks, function?

[Fobok]

So I guess I got my case for 220 Canadian. However you have $155 USD which is most of the (affordable) cases on a good sale. What is your primary goal, sound, looks, function?

 

I've added the level 10 gt to my list as an 'if I can borrow some money' option, because man, does that ever look cool. And the drive bays would save me money in the future when I get more drives as even I could manage installing drives that way. 

 

My main goal is good airflow while being as dustproof as is reasonable. (The 450D looks good that way.) But, if possible I'd like it to look cool too. My whole life I've had plain boxes for computer cases. The last computer I had that wasn't a plain box (not counting a couple of laptops) was a Commodore 64. So, I want something different, even if the difference is as simple as an LED fan or two and a window to look inside the case. 

 

And, I'd prefer one that can support an optical drive as I do burn CDs of my dad's old country band for family and friends occasionally. 

 

Right now I'm leaning towards the Level 10 GT (if I can get the money), and the 450D with some addon LED fans if I can't. 

[runmymouth]

Yea I liked the level 10 gt looks and it comes with led fans already. I got it at $200 with a $30 mib. Then newegg dropped price by $30 and gave me iron egg garantee with a $30 newegg credit to bring it to a total of $140 from newegg. It is one sweet looking case (and obnoxious to some) but I love the look. 

[Ifeagan]

If this isn't urgent, the be quiet! silent base 600 releases this fall.... for around the 100... likely $120 CAD price point. Check it out:

[Fobok]

Yea I liked the level 10 gt looks and it comes with led fans already. I got it at $200 with a $30 mib. Then newegg dropped price by $30 and gave me iron egg garantee with a $30 newegg credit to bring it to a total of $140 from newegg. It is one sweet looking case (and obnoxious to some) but I love the look. 

 

Yeah, I know some people like slick and plain-looking, but for me, this is exactly the kind of look I'd love to go for.  

 

If this isn't urgent, the be quiet! silent base 600 releases this fall.... for around the 100... likely $120 CAD price point. Check it out:

 

I had to look up an english video, but yeah, that looks cool. But, yeah, I am in a rush. I get my cheque on the 31st and I plan to make my order that same day. I have a motherboard and CPU that I can't use until I get a new case.  

[Rhotis]

I've added the level 10 gt to my list as an 'if I can borrow some money' option, because man, does that ever look cool. And the drive bays would save me money in the future when I get more drives as even I could manage installing drives that way. 

 

My main goal is good airflow while being as dustproof as is reasonable. (The 450D looks good that way.) But, if possible I'd like it to look cool too. My whole life I've had plain boxes for computer cases. The last computer I had that wasn't a plain box (not counting a couple of laptops) was a Commodore 64. So, I want something different, even if the difference is as simple as an LED fan or two and a window to look inside the case. 

 

And, I'd prefer one that can support an optical drive as I do burn CDs of my dad's old country band for family and friends occasionally. 

 

Right now I'm leaning towards the Level 10 GT (if I can get the money), and the 450D with some addon LED fans if I can't. 

 

THe dust filters on the 450d are pretty loose weave if dust is a real big concern for you as you stated about your room.  

 

I would second the Define S.  That seems to be a really good bang for your buck case

 

The NZXT S340 is another big bang for the buck case though at least personally I do not like the black one,  the white one is nice though but thats just my opinion on the piano black they used.  

 

Another that may fall into your budget is the Phanteks Enthoo Pro which is a solid case at a good price (think most of the review sites had it case of the year and if not top 3 then).  

 

Also the NZXT Noctis 450 looks to be a nice case but I have not built in that.  Got good reviews and has a "non plain" look that you mentioned you liked

[MVPernula]

In Win 703 Midi Tower is great! Heard great things about it and man, it's neat!

 

But for me the NZXT S340 Midi Tower wins a race like this, great for builds thanks to its basement. IT'S IN STEEL!!! It looks clean and simple, yet fucking awesome.

Both mentioned are inside budget!

[Fobok]

THe dust filters on the 450d are pretty loose weave if dust is a real big concern for you as you stated about your room.  

 

I would second the Define S.  That seems to be a really good bang for your buck case

 

The NZXT S340 is another big bang for the buck case though at least personally I do not like the black one,  the white one is nice though but thats just my opinion on the piano black they used.  

 

Another that may fall into your budget is the Phanteks Enthoo Pro which is a solid case at a good price (think most of the review sites had it case of the year and if not top 3 then).  

 

Also the NZXT Noctis 450 looks to be a nice case but I have not built in that.  Got good reviews and has a "non plain" look that you mentioned you liked

 

Thanks for letting me know about the 450d dust filters! I'll scratch it off my list. And I'll check those out!

 

In Win 703 Midi Tower is great! Heard great things about it and man, it's neat!

 

But for me the NZXT S340 Midi Tower wins a race like this, great for builds thanks to its basement. IT'S IN STEEL!!! It looks clean and simple, yet fucking awesome.

Both mentioned are inside budget!

 

Thanks, I'll check those out! 

 

I'd hesitated on the S340 and Define S because of the plain looks and lack of a drive bay, but after so many recommendations for both I'll add them to my list. I can always likely do something inside to make them look more interesting even if the front is plain.

 

Thank you, everybody who offered suggestions. I didn't really have a clue what I was looking for, what brands to trust, and so on. This thread has been a big help. 

[MVPernula]

Thanks, I'll check those out! 

 

I'd hesitated on the S340 and Define S because of the plain looks and lack of a drive bay, but after so many recommendations for both I'll add them to my list. I can always likely do something inside to make them look more interesting even if the front is plain.

 

Thank you, everybody who offered suggestions. I didn't really have a clue what I was looking for, what brands to trust, and so on. This thread has been a big help. 

Hey man, most of us has all been where you are! I wanted those chassis I recommended so bad but I was in the need of a big tower.. But hey! At least you can love them if you end up getting them!

[pickledpie45]

That's a reasonably high budget for a case. If you want to save a few dollars and don't really mind, you can get a used case off craigslist or something. It's just a metal box, so a reasonable used one will serve just fine. That being said, the the define series is a safe bet, but be warned that they are not particularly small.