Favourite PC case?

[Mistersprinkles]

I think the ANTEC SONATA is the most attractive case...

I don't connect the blue LED's on the front though... too distracting.

Otherwise though, I find the case very user friendly and well built and I love the shock mounting for the drives...

The included 450W PSU is a little low end for most hardcore people, but its not hard to replace...

Whats your favourite case???

[Composter]

I like this one, in fact I like it so much I have one with the precise 650W power supply.....

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1879/lexahj4.png

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7406/lexa1oj7.png

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5741/lexapcustomze3.png

[rock hard]

Just picked up an Antec Solo and love it.. very quiet and sleek with it's black and silver finish.. only draw back is it doesn't come with a PSU.. I had to run out and pick up a new Enermax liberty 620W (black too!)... Very good review here: http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=937


I was thinking of the sonata as well, but I dont like my drives hiding behind the flappy thing and that clear plastic cover that rolls up to cover the USB and mini-jacks just looks ugly (IMO).

http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2006/0515/links_1.jpg

[MrDisco]

I like my black Antec P180. other cases that appeal to me:

Antec Solo
SS TJ-04
Lian Li PC-60A

[jollyeskimo]

I like my black Antec P180.

Yeah same here. P180 Black, or if needing a smaller case, P150.

I'm also in love with my Opus ITX mini case (http://www.opussolutions.com/index.php?p=product&id=47), but that's a totally different category.



Blue LED's are rather overdone these days. A simple white LED swap on the P180/P150/Sonata/etc makes quite a big difference, especially on black or white cases.

[MrDisco]

or if needing a smaller case, P150.


yeah or its twin the Solo. i have the p160 as well and on paper its a great case, but the styling is a turn off for me.

[Mistersprinkles]

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1879/lexahj4.png That thing is friggin cooooooooooool man.... How much is it?

[Oversized Rooster]

Yeah same here. P180 Black, or if needing a smaller case, P150.

I'm also in love with my Opus ITX mini case (http://www.opussolutions.com/index.php?p=product&id=47), but that's a totally different category.



Blue LED's are rather overdone these days. A simple white LED swap on the P180/P150/Sonata/etc makes quite a big difference, especially on black or white cases.

Agreed on the P180. I like my P180B the most, followed by the Sonata 2.

[Mistersprinkles]

Blue LED's are rather overdone these days. A simple white LED swap on the P180/P150/Sonata/etc makes quite a big difference, especially on black or white cases.

I like the blue- they're just much too bright.

They should have used the weakest smallest LED's possible... These are blinding. You cant use them if your tower and display are near eachother you go blind... :razz:

[jollyeskimo]

Well the P150 has a bit of a different appeal (mac look), plus it does come with a pretty decent power supply for the higher price. A buddy of mine has it with swapped white LED's and it's rather bitchin if I might say so myself.

Mistersprinkles: linky for you (http://canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=009951&cid=CS)

And yeah I know what you mean about the brightness. On the P180 the door covers the direct line of sight, so it's not as bothersome for me. But if you're really bothered by it you could always swap for LED's with less output or fog/cloud/block the led's beam.

[Composter]

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/1879/lexahj4.png That thing is friggin cooooooooooool man.... How much is it?

little over $175 no power supply.....

[Mistersprinkles]

little over $175 no power supply.....
ouch

[alvinator]

LC14-M in Black :D

http://www.hardcoreware.net/image.php?src=4050&ts=1116370679

[misskaren]

where is the love for the P160 ???

[Ojam]

p180 hands down. I love mine.

[alkaholikc]

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5299/slacodragon16064265az6.jpg
My personal classic fav! Antec/Chieftec/Chenming Dragon Series!

I got my eyes on a black P180 thou :D

http://www.bigfootcomputers.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/antec/cases/7364_big.jpg

[Cafe_333]

A L I E N W A R E !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lol:
http://www.neatorama.com/case-mod/dark-side.jpg http://home.nestor.minsk.by/computers/news/2006/07/2809w.jpg http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4845/b62ty2.jpg (http://imageshack.us) http://sachsreport.com/shiny%20polished%20custom%20aluminum%20case%20mod% 20alienware.jpg

okay just joking.... i still like the Sonata. P180b is really nice too, but too tall for my tastes.

[duckdown]

I love my Coolermaster Stacker!

Mines holding over 7 hard disks plus DVD drives

[junglebass]

p150 got modding potentual, i like small cases
but i like orgiginal even more, will build a custom someday

b4 i made one from milk crate, was running water and it looked soo ghedo, ppl asked me what is that? oh thats my PC, are u a hacker? hahahaha

[TenzoR]

I've always liked Lian Li cases but currently I'm sporting a nice Silverstone SG-01 Evolution cube case

[AztecSpec]

I also have a black P180 and I love it.

[Amourek]

Still like my Antec P160W
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6040/antecp160wez9.jpg

[hightech]

I just bought the NSK6500 case that is similar the Solo and it is really easy to work in and the PS is fine for everyday use:
http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=96500

I have this case along the Core 2 Duo E6400, and Gigabyte board and the CPU temp on the STOCK Intel HSF stays at 34 degrees and the CPU fan is only at 700 rpm. Board temp is about 36 degrees as well and the hottest it has gone is only 36 for the CPU and 39 for the board. I only have the 1 rear fan at the lowest speed and the case is dead quiet.

Well worth it for the price (about $115)

[Jon Lai]

If we talk about attractiveness, it's gotta be this:

http://www.jonpeddie.com/MtTibTestingLabs/images/02-28-06/fig01.jpg

Can't beat the Lian-Li's. ;)

[Gigi]

Still like my Antec P160W
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6040/antecp160wez9.jpg


Is it really as lightweight (15 lbs.) and quiet as described?

[Rukahs]

Thermaltake SHARK
http://images.secure2u.com/318/Proc/Full/1059310.jpg

[MrDisco]

Is it really as lightweight (15 lbs.) and quiet as described?

it's mostly all aluminum and yes it is pretty light.

as for quiet i find mine is alright but its still noticeable (due to the video card). once my p180 is up i'll be able to do a better comparison.

[tominto]

I have clearpc micro case, and I really like it

http://www.clearpc.ca/catalog/images/clearpc-micro-l.jpg

[riskit]

I have clearpc micro case, and I really like it

http://www.clearpc.ca/catalog/images/clearpc-micro-l.jpg

How do you keep it cool?

[bionicbadger]

The Habitrail case, for your little buddy.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/other/looflirpa/zoom/habicase.jpg

[asmielia]

Black CoolerMaster Stacker 830

I just bought this case for $265. It's incredibly well made. Support for up to 12 hard drives, up to 9x120mm fans, TONS of room, thumbscrews everywhere, air filters cover almost the whole case.

It's just incredible. And it looks pretty friggin sweet too.

http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=6656

[Riffer]

I purchased a Collermaster ATC-101 a number of years ago and I am quite happy with it.

[xwar]

I'm using a Silverstone TJ04.

Silverstone in my opinion has the nicest and cleaness looking cases. Smooth, clean, and distinct lines ...

[jm20]

Stacker Fan :razz:
http://www.systemcooling.com/images/reviews/Cases/CM_Stacker/stacker1_lg.jpg

[fiasco]

another cm stacker fan here. can't think of any other case that's going to hold the 8 hard drives, 4 dvd drives, 2 power supplies and a partridge in a pear tree that I have all neatly stuffed into mine! I also like the aesthetics of my zalman hd160 case, though the internal layout could be better...

[EH100501AC]

Chenming 601-AE-BLK :cheesygri

[cmge]

Chenming 601-AE-BLK :cheesygri
classic case... :D

[mortimusmaximus]

Coolermaster 530,,have one myself.Just finished adding the 4th 120mm fan to it.Really nice case especially after I added the side window.

[Zeni]

The black P180 gets my vote... unfortunately it wasn't available outside of the initial 1 store when I built my comp, so I'm rolling with a Thermaltake Tsunami right now.

http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/Chassis/midtower/tsunami/bwa/+bwa_image/enlargedViewWindow.jpg

[tominto]

How do you keep it cool?


I have an AMD Barton 2500 oc to 3200, one exhaust fan, and the fan inside the psu and thats it. Case gets no hotter than 32c.

[Byrns]

Coolermaster Wavemaster

http://www.subzeropcs.com/sitebuilder/images/pc_cases_wavemaster_blue-150x210.jpg

[Gigi]

Sorry to be a bit off topic here, but for those of you who have those gorgeous cases with the front doors, is it it ever a pain to have to open/close them every time you want to access your DVD/CD drives, power button, etc.? And is clearance on the sides ever a problem?

[MrDisco]

Sorry to be a bit off topic here, but for those of you who have those gorgeous cases with the front doors, is it it ever a pain to have to open/close them every time you want to access your DVD/CD drives, power button, etc.? And is clearance on the sides ever a problem?

with the p180 the ports are exposed, the power is behind the door. i dont see it as a big deal as my pc is on pretty much all the time. as for the optical drives, i hardly use them so again not a big deal. plus its magnetic so every change to open and close the door is part of the fun :)

[hagbard]

http://images.apple.com/ca/macpro/images/index_tower20060807.png
http://images.apple.com/ca/macpro/gallery/images/macpro04_20060807.jpg
You can run XP on it, and its has an Intel processor, so its technically a PC case. :D

[MrDisco]

^ LOL. yeah i suppose if i had over $3k to spend on just a 'case' i would go with that :)

[hagbard]

^ LOL. yeah i suppose if i had over $3k to spend on just a 'case' i would go with that :)

Well, you might as well buy what's inside since you're already spending the money. ;)

[Quan]

Can anyone reccomend me a cheap case that is decent?

[hagbard]

Can anyone reccomend me a cheap case that is decent?

How about nailing a motherboard to the wall. Good air circulation and a nice conversation piece.

[Firestorm ZERO]

I have a Thermaltake Kandalf because I got 8 HDs to put it in :lol: Lots of room. Would of went with a CM Stacker but I was waiting for their 2nd gen one but it was delayed at the time.

My other rig is a P150. Doesn't really look that good but it is pretty quiet and and has good airflow. But I like the new P180.

Or How about a Mozart TX? Have a nice 7" touch screen and put two rigs (ATX+miniITX) in it. Heh

http://tweakers.net/ext/i.dsp/1142176176.jpg

[Mistersprinkles]

How about nailing a motherboard to the wall. Good air circulation and a nice conversation piece.

I once saw an ITX system someone had built out of cardboard....

It was wide open at the back for "heat dissipation"

his quote:

Fire hazard? Absolutely.
But for $0 who's complaining?
http://www.dekorte.com/Library/CubeCase/20030907-204534.jpg
http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/cardboardcube/images/cardboardcube0003.jpg


Personally I'd like to make a case out of Perspex if I had the money... or if not maybe Lexan or Acrylic... that'd be so cool. Completely see through all around... Maybe they could make a see through casing for HDD's and optical drives...

[MrDisco]

Maybe they could make a see through casing for HDD's

yeah it's called the new WD Raptor
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/4206/harddriveyf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[weedb0y]

Can anyone reccomend me a cheap case that is decent?


I got a X-Blade for $20 bucks at TigerDirect..it was on clearance though..

Check Tigerdirect or canadacomputers..

seen good deals there

[ShadowVlican]

currently using Thermaltake Armor aluminum version

lighter alternative to the CM Stacker :)

[bug]

How about the Thermaltake Armor Junior http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/Chassis/midtower/armorjr/vc3000bws.asp

[Cafe_333]

Can anyone reccomend me a cheap case that is decent?Antec SLK300B is pretty decent with good airflow. Here's an spcr review of it:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article210-page1.html

[CompWizrd]

Been using the antec TX640B's for a long time, the cpu temperature is greatly helped by the 92mm fan on the side, and the hd stays cool from the front 80mm fans.

My home server has an antec titan 550, can hold 6 drives in the 3.5" bays, with proper cooling.

Starting to buy a few Antec Atlas cases too.

[chuchu]

I see a lot of favourable comments on the p180. Maybe some p180 owners could comment on (a) quietness, (b) temps they get with a particular heatsink?

[importpsycho]

I'm using a Silverstone TJ04.

Silverstone in my opinion has the nicest and cleaness looking cases. Smooth, clean, and distinct lines ...

TJ07
gg

I have TJ06, can't complaint :D

[Nubee]

Currently using a TJ-06 but building a backup rig from my previous parts. Planning on getting a stacker 830 but decided to get a P180B ( not bought yet ) and use the leftover cash on ram for my conroe. A question though to P180 owners, last time I checked one out at canada computers ( mississauga ), the door is kind a warped and doesn't sit flush against the top and bottom of the case when closed. Is this still the case with the P180B or it has been fixed already? That's the reason why I bought the TJ-06 instead.

Have used the following as well; Lian-li PC6089A (http://www.modthebox.com/review109_1.shtml), Lian-li PC-V1000 (http://www.overclockercafe.com/Reviews/cases/Lian_Li_PC-V1000/), Beantech Crystal case (http://www.beantech.com/products/acrylic-bt90.htm), Antec SX1040 (http://www.pcnineoneone.com/reviews/other/asx1040_1.html), Enermax CS-10181-B (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1626662,00.asp) Server case. I love that enermax case cause it has tons of room, don't know why I sold it in the first place :(

[Tennoh]

Owner of a P180b.

Stock parts, it is quiet, about as quiet as my Sonata which has additional sound absorption foam.

The P180 becomes ultra quiet with different parts. I replaced all the Tricool fans with Scythe 21D case fans and use a Ultra-120 cpu cooler. I only have 1 optical and 2 WD SE16 drives in the lower chamber and use a Corsair HX520 PSU. Its a whisper and I can sleep easily at night. In its current form, my P180 beats the crap out of my Sonata for cooling performance and quietness.


I see a lot of favourable comments on the p180. Maybe some p180 owners could comment on (a) quietness, (b) temps they get with a particular heatsink?

[jollyeskimo]

yeah the stock fans are good, but good parts selection makes the case soooo much better

the main advantage i think is that the psu and 4 hard drives can be seperated from the main compartment, so you're already cutting a big thermal load off from the main equation

[sw1ft]

http://www.endpcnoise.com/e/images/antec_aria.jpg

[tdotcbc84]

why is there no love for the P160 ?

i have this case and its monster good :)

[Mistersprinkles]

http://www.endpcnoise.com/e/images/antec_aria.jpg
Ya that IS a freakin awesome case...

it can take an ATX mobo too can't it??

Definitely cool. Beats the shuttle line IMO

[Jon Lai]

Ya that IS a freakin awesome case...

it can take an ATX mobo too can't it??

Definitely cool. Beats the shuttle line IMO

LMAO! Of course not.

[CH40Z_008]

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/9579/3daurora570wk8.jpg
&
http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/5404/3dauroragzfsca1dh7.jpg

[ShadowVlican]

those gigabyte cases are great for anyone who wants to integrate a water cooling system

[hainer36]

UFO U2 ftw!!!!

but i cant afford one so i imprevised with a shelf

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/6343/dscf0021ct0.jpg

best pic i have atm

[xwar]

I lo ve the Silverstone TJ07 ... too bad it's $360 bucks.

[wushudrew]

im using an old antec 1080AMG and i love it. i dont need windows, lights, or anything fancy. just something bulletproof thats reliable and wont impale me if i fiddle around inside. at the time i bought it, the 430W PSU was pretty amazing too. air filter, 5 fans, etc. loud but it gave me no problems and is solidly built. its also quite huge and heavy; wont move if i accidentally hit it with my elbow or something!

it looks more sleek with the door, but i took it off because its annoying trying to get to the drives.

http://www.tcponline.com/images/computer%20cases/Cases/Antec%201080AMG.jpg