Micro-Atx Case Search

[Ritchard]

Hello LinusTechTips forum!

 

I am looking for a Micro-atx case for a gaming rig that I will be building soon.  I was hoping you guys could suggest some good cases that fit my needs, because I am torn on what to get.  This will be an air cooled build so no need for radiator compatibility.  I will be taking this to college so I want it to be pretty portable and preferably quiet. My budget is anything under $200.  If you recommend a case, please explain why you like the case. 

 

Requirements for the case:

 

- Micro-atx size   -   I don't want to go mini itx, and I want it to be pretty portable so no mid-tower/atx cases

- Good Quality   -   no cheap plastic cases or crappy cases

- Window   -   Must have window! I want to admire my work, and I'm not going to mod a window

- Room for two graphics cards

 

 

Thanks in advance!!

[Ashley]

Arc Mini R2 and Corsair 350D are good choices.

 

Edit: might have trouble fitting two graphics cards though If you don't have two cards that take up two slots that are immediately next to each other.

Edited December 11, 2013 by Ashley

[Wferr]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811345030 Because it looks BOSS and has great build quality

[Ritchard]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811345030 Because it looks BOSS and has great build quality

I looked at this case, but some people said the "handles" on top and bottom were kinda flimsy and that the computer can wobble when resting on them.  Do you own the case?  Are the handles sturdy?

 

Thanks for the input, the case does look very nice, no window though

[Wferr]

I looked at this case, but some people said the "handles" on top and bottom were kinda flimsy and that the computer can wobble when resting on them.  Do you own the case?  Are the handles sturdy?

 

Thanks for the input, the case does look very nice, no window though

I dont own the case but some peeps i know have the regular prodigy.

[Ritchard]

Arc Mini R2 and Corsair 350D are good choices.

Edit: might have trouble fitting two graphics cards though.

Right now my top choice is the Arc mini r2, I am just seeing if there are any other cases out there that could better suit my needs.

Thanks for the input! I appreciate it

Fractal Design Define Mini.

No window

Which is why the arc mini is my favorite so far

[airdeano]

Hello LinusTechTips forum!

I am looking for a Micro-atx case for a gaming rig that I will be building soon. I was hoping you guys could suggest some good cases that fit my needs, because I am torn on what to get. This will be an air cooled build so no need for radiator compatibility. I will be taking this to college so I want it to be pretty portable and preferably quiet. My budget is anything under $200. If you recommend a case, please explain why you like the case.

Requirements for the case:

- Micro-atx size - I don't want to go mini itx, and I want it to be pretty portable so no mid-tower/atx cases

- Good Quality - no cheap plastic cases or crappy cases

- Window - Must have window! I want to admire my work, and I'm not going to mod a window

- Room for two graphics cards

Thanks in advance!!

although you have great needs, the mobility is going to kill your choices. spending

$200 on a case that will eventually get scraped, scarred and scratched

the prodigy is about your best option for the portability side. the handles and stands

are flexible for reasons of shock (drops) and are pretty stout. would you want to

stare at it for hours upon hours is going to be your decision. it does have window

panels and has an air-cooled feature in the black version. the other colors are

stifling to air-flow. same for the Phenom M. ones to look at and consider would be

the Xigmatech Aquilla and AeroCool DS.. last one to consider is the NZXT Vulcan.

it is a beater, low cost and has a handle. no window (mod one yourself). needs fans

for best cooling. but you won't moan and cry when it gets a 6" gash in the chassis paint.

No window

Which is why the arc mini is my favorite so far

the mini r2 and define use the same side panel, and when FD releases the window

panel, it will be another option for the define mini owners.

[Ritchard]

although you have great needs, the mobility is going to kill your choices. spending

$200 on a case that will eventually get scraped, scarred and scratched

the prodigy is about your best option for the portability side. the handles and stands

are flexible for reasons of shock (drops) and are pretty stout. would you want to

stare at it for hours upon hours is going to be your decision. it does have window

panels and has an air-cooled feature in the black version. the other colors are

stifling to air-flow. same for the Phenom M. ones to look at and consider would be

the Xigmatech Aquilla and AeroCool DS.. last one to consider is the NZXT Vulcan.

it is a beater, low cost and has a handle. no window (mod one yourself). needs fans

for best cooling. but you won't moan and cry when it gets a 6" gash in the chassis paint.

the mini r2 and define use the same side panel, and when FD releases the window

panel, it will be another option for the define mini owners.

Thanks so much for that input, it was very helpful.  I was not aware that you could get the prodigy with a window.  My top 3 choices are the FD Arc Mini (I like it better than the define mini anyway), the aerosol ds, and the prodigy.  I am completely torn between these three, because they are all very good and I am glad you brought the latter two to my attention.  I honestly hate the next vulcan case, it just looks terrible, I had previously looked at it as well.  I had set the $200 maximum just so nobody avoided suggesting a case because of its price, in reality I am looking to spend no more than about $130 on my case.  Thanks again for your input, it was really helpful.

[HerEscutcheon]

It's not available in the US quite yet, but my vote would be for the Xigmatek Aquila. Good build quality, horizontal MB, portable, nice window, & can hold 2 video cards.