Starter Cases

[Teh]

What are some of the better cases to start with? I've looked around on NewEgg and such but I cannot seem to find any just plain, cheap cases. I'd like to start modding but this first step is holding me back.

[Skriger]

It really depends on what you want to do. If your looking at actually modifying the case into something completely different, then you first need to have an idea or theme. Most people get an idea on how to improve the case they have or what they want extra.

If your looking at simple case modding I.E. ( lights, fancy fans, heatsinks, liquid cooling ) Running a midtower can accompany most of those things. Fulltowers are good for setting up liquid cooling internally.

Now I think for you a good choice that will give you a lot of flexibility without costing a fortune is a <a href="http://www.xoxide.com/thermaltake-armor-jr-vc3000bws.html">Thermaltake Armor Jr.</a>

Give me an idea of what ultimately you would want your computer to look like, then we can help ya. Lots of lights, certain color scheme, good setup for Overclocking, cheap setup for overclocking... thats just a few to start :)

[A3DSAIL]

What are some of the better cases to start with?

Like Skriger says, it really depends on what you will be doing with it, but if you're looking for a lower-end steel and plastic case that still sports a few features above the bottom-line basics, take a look at the NZXT Tempest (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146047&Tpk=NZXT%2bTempest%2bcase). It's a roomy midtower that can accommodate many large video cards and it comes with a side window plus top-mounted dual USB ports, and an e-SATA port as well as the usual audio jacks and the power and reset buttons currently for $109.99 on Newegg after the mail-in-rebate. Check the above link for more details.

There's plenty of supplied cooling power coming from no less than 4 120mm fans and 2 140mm top panel fans. It doesn't look bad, either, with mesh covering the front and top panels. :up:

[FuzzyPlushroom]

I know, three-week-old thread, but here's hoping you see this response.

I'd go asking around local computer shops. Someone might have an older mid- or full-tower, ATX-standard case they'd be willing to let go of cheaply.

Speaking of, what's your definition of "cheap"? $40? $75? Your budget's the only thing keeping me from recommending one particular case.

[DrewDaddy]

I have the same problem I am in Dell Hell. I have a dell Dimension 8200 mother board with 1gb of RDRAM and a 1.8ghz p4 processor. I also have a power supply for it, but I'm confused.
I'm having a hard time finding a case for the motherboard that fits. I have been told its standard ATX but I'm not sure. Even if the motherboard fits I don't think that the power and reset buttons on a custom case will fit the motherboard front panel connector. If anyone can help me I would be really grateful.

[moon111]

Aluminum, aluminum, aluminum. Unless you're doing the bare minimum modding, upgrade to an aluminum case. The cost in time, bits and blades is well worth it. I used a few parts from steel cases (drive cage, psu mount, motherboard tray), but these weren't to be cut. Consider buying scrap aluminum from a recycling centre. It's just as easy to build a case from scratch with aluminum, then it is to do some mods on a steel case.

[The_Crippler]

Other things to keep in mind:


Plain, rectangular, boring boxes give you the most "blank canvas" to work with.
If you're in school, check with the surplus dept. Many of them have old boxes they're selling or throwing away. Often times, these are the cheapest, mass produced (and therefore easy to get parts) cases available at the time of purchase.
If you're in the corporate working world, head down to IT and make friends with the colorful characters you find there. Everything said about universities above goes two-fold here.
Goodwill has computer surplus stores.
Computer repair places have dumpsters (you should ask first.)

[nevermind1534]

I've got some nice plain beige boxes out of the trash. Sadly, I've only got to use/mod one so far.