diluzio91
04-27-2011, 05:40 PM
My gf asked me "so what computer case do you want for your birthday this year" as we have a tradition where my old case goes to her, and she buys a new one for me. When she asked this time i didn't have an answer. For those of you that don't know my computer currently lives within a modified cooler master 690 (original). the case is a good size for me, and after the modifications that i've made to it i really enjoyed having it. Its about the right size, but with my switch away from water cooling, i've started to look to the horizon. So i turn to you TBCS to help me out with my next pc case.
Things I like about the CM690
Mesh drive bays, They made it easy to add a 120mm fan to increase air flow
Drive bays face the rear of the case
The size, i dont want something as huge as the HAF 932 or the HAF X, i like the mid tower because i live in a dorm, and i take the case to lan parties with me.
Bottom mount PSU, i like being able to not have to worry about my power supply sucking in hot air, and not having to worry about it throwing hot air into my case.
Top mount front panel. this isnt a big deal, so long as it's not in the middle of the front of the case
Plenty of room between the back panel and the mobo tray
Things i disliked
The mobo tray places the bottom slot next to the PSU, making it hard to fill the 2nd to bottom slot with a GPU because the airflow is limited.
No window, but i have a dremel, so it wasnt an issue.
No removable hdd bay, it would have been nice to have more than just the standard bays usable.
120MM fans, this isnt as much of an issue since i've switched to Xigmatek Fans and put in a new fan controller. But i really want to use a case that has space for 140mm or larger.
Cases I like
Raven RV02 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163154&Tpk=raven%20rv02)
Lian Li PC-9F (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112304)
the problem with the Li is that I'm afraid of limited airflow
The problem with the Raven is a lack of modding potential that i can think of.
Other criteria (Must Have)
I vent the hot air out of the top of my case, rather than the rear. So top mount fans are important.
Bottom Mount PSU
Full ATX board compatabiltiy
Window, or a good side panel that would be easy to mod a window into
Good airflow
Good quality steel or aluminum
Mid tower ish size, if its easy to move i can go bigger, but this is my main rig.
Looks attractive, I like my cases to glow, but not look gaudy. When its off it should look a little classy, and all my lighting is wired to a switch so i can control if its on or off.
Im asking for opinions. because i can look at cases all day on newegg, and would probably pass up some really cool ones just because i'm overwhelmed. This will turn into my summer mod, and the case will be in use for 2+ years as my primary PC, then as my gf's pc, then as my roommates PC (assumuing he dosn't start buying his own cases soon). I honestly trust you guys as a community, and your help is appreciated very much.
Things I like about the CM690
Mesh drive bays, They made it easy to add a 120mm fan to increase air flow
Drive bays face the rear of the case
The size, i dont want something as huge as the HAF 932 or the HAF X, i like the mid tower because i live in a dorm, and i take the case to lan parties with me.
Bottom mount PSU, i like being able to not have to worry about my power supply sucking in hot air, and not having to worry about it throwing hot air into my case.
Top mount front panel. this isnt a big deal, so long as it's not in the middle of the front of the case
Plenty of room between the back panel and the mobo tray
Things i disliked
The mobo tray places the bottom slot next to the PSU, making it hard to fill the 2nd to bottom slot with a GPU because the airflow is limited.
No window, but i have a dremel, so it wasnt an issue.
No removable hdd bay, it would have been nice to have more than just the standard bays usable.
120MM fans, this isnt as much of an issue since i've switched to Xigmatek Fans and put in a new fan controller. But i really want to use a case that has space for 140mm or larger.
Cases I like
Raven RV02 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163154&Tpk=raven%20rv02)
Lian Li PC-9F (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112304)
the problem with the Li is that I'm afraid of limited airflow
The problem with the Raven is a lack of modding potential that i can think of.
Other criteria (Must Have)
I vent the hot air out of the top of my case, rather than the rear. So top mount fans are important.
Bottom Mount PSU
Full ATX board compatabiltiy
Window, or a good side panel that would be easy to mod a window into
Good airflow
Good quality steel or aluminum
Mid tower ish size, if its easy to move i can go bigger, but this is my main rig.
Looks attractive, I like my cases to glow, but not look gaudy. When its off it should look a little classy, and all my lighting is wired to a switch so i can control if its on or off.
Im asking for opinions. because i can look at cases all day on newegg, and would probably pass up some really cool ones just because i'm overwhelmed. This will turn into my summer mod, and the case will be in use for 2+ years as my primary PC, then as my gf's pc, then as my roommates PC (assumuing he dosn't start buying his own cases soon). I honestly trust you guys as a community, and your help is appreciated very much.