Looking for a mATX case that fits my wants/needs...

[FoxxyRin]

Basically, my dream case would be a Define Mini with a window, and a few upgrades from the R5. However, that doesn't exist. I know Fractal Design just released a new Mini Define S, but it's mITX, and I need the expandability of a mATX.

 

Wants/Needs:

• Sleek, minimalistic design.
• At least one front bay or other non-USB option for an optical drive.
• Side-panel window. (I'm a sucker for aesthetics.)
• Support for at least a single radiator, though I'm hoping for a 240/280.
• Not too finger-printy.
• CABLE MANAGEMENT!!!
• A basement/PSU shroud would be a dream.
• Preferably some sort of door to cover the bays. (Does not apply if it has a non-bay solution for the drive, like the EVGA Hadron.)
• Under $150

I think that should be all of my wants/needs. I know it's super picky, but I'm fine with sacrificing some things here and there. Possibly even the optical drive. Please and thank you for any help. ♥

 

Bonus Question: My current theme is Black and "Corsair Blue." However, I've been eyeing some black/white parts. Which do you think would look nicer? Black/Blue with blue/white LEDs, or Black/White with RGB LEDs?

[Marinatall_Ironside]

Corsair 350D is your best bet.

[The_Stig]

Phanteks Ethoo Evlov

[FoxxyRin]

Corsair 350D is your best bet.

I've always loved that case, except for one stupid problem...

 

 

I don't understand how Corsair thought that looked okay! I'd really prefer to not have to stealth that drive, since it requires tools I don't want to have to buy for a single use. It's also on the large side for being mATX. 17.70" x 8.30" x 17.30" -- At that point, I might as well just spare a few extra inches and get the R5.

[Neemil]

Or you could get the Fractal Design Arc Mini. Finding an mATX with a PSU shroud will be difficult and the best option is the Enthoo Evolv it's absolutely beautiful however it lacks front bay.

[Neemil]

NB sorry to mention the Phanteks Evolv does have a optical drive slot however it's at the rear which actually helps keep it's minimalist looks.

[Marinatall_Ironside]

I've always loved that case, except for one stupid problem...

 

-snip-

 

I don't understand how Corsair thought that looked okay! I'd really prefer to not have to stealth that drive, since it requires tools I don't want to have to buy for a single use.

They made the case wider than the 5.25" bays, which is why it would look stupid with an ODD installed. But that's the compromise they had to make to still make the case look clean from the front.

[★ Coups ★]

Corsair 350D is your best bet.

 

Phanteks Ethoo Evlov

 

These two are really good.

 

Im currently using a Corsair Air 240. Its sleek, small and has amazing cable management due to its dual chamber design, aswell as great airflow.

 

I bought a few days ago the Fractial Design ARC Mini R2. (Still waiting for arrival

[FoxxyRin]

The Evolv case is really nice as well. I had no idea about the rear-mounted optical bay! That's really weird, though, haha~

 

I've also considered the Arc Mini, but I *really* want that clean aesthetic like the R5 has, where the entire case looks incredibly plain and sleek, and then BAM! In the window, in all its glory, is gonna be my build. Like I said before, I'm a huge sucker for aesthetics.

[Guest]

+1 on the Fractal however after 18 months it is showing its age

[★ Coups ★]

after 18 months it is showing its age

What do you mean by this?

 

The Evolv case is really nice as well. I had no idea about the rear-mounted optical bay! That's really weird, though, haha~

 

I've also considered the Arc Mini, but I *really* want that clean aesthetic like the R5 has, where the entire case looks incredibly plain and sleek, and then BAM! In the window, in all its glory, is gonna be my build. Like I said before, I'm a huge sucker for aesthetics.

Custom mods can perhaps make it how you like on the ARC Mini. For example this build

[Guest]

What do you mean by this?

 

 

 

The plastic is beginning to look old, filters full of dust that's difficult to remove etc.

[★ Coups ★]

The plastic is beginning to look old, filters full of dust that's difficult to remove etc.

 

Hmm.

[Hans Power]

I own a Xigmatek Aquila which sounds like it could be right up your alley except that it doesn't have a PSU Cover or a front bay door. It's very well build and building in it is easy enough albeit not the most convenient thing ever. There are other cases which feature the same or a very similar internal layout like the Aerocool DS Cube for example. Personnally I'm very happy with it.

[ivan134]

The plastic is beginning to look old, filters full of dust that's difficult to remove etc.

Even when you run the filter underwater?

[Guest]

Even when you run the filter underwater?

Yep

[Hans Power]

The plastic is beginning to look old, filters full of dust that's difficult to remove etc.

 

I think it depends more on the kind of dust consistency and buildup you have in your room rather than the quality of the case. Smoking indoors makes cleaning up dust extremely difficult for example but there can be other factors as well. I myself have my living room combined with my kitchen and my PC is also in the same room. That means that the dust in the room is brownish and super sticky simply because of the evaporating fumes which are saturated with fat when cooking. I actually had to take apart my intake filter and give it a handwash with a laundry detergent to clean it up completely.