Originally Posted by
dnewhous
1) at least 4 5.25" bays, preferably no more than that
Done
2) at least one external 3.5" bay, preferably no more. 5 5.25" bays would be fine too
2 external 3.5" bays, 5 - 3.5" hdd bays
3) a motherboard tray
Note a removable tray, but loads of access.
4) an air filter in front that is part of the case. I know that you can always put a filter on a fan bracket, but that's not good enough for me.
The entire front of the case is mesh with foam behind it.
5) no door in front of the 5.25" bays! Those things are so popular and I find them totally annoying.
No door on the front of this one.
6) All the screws and holes should line up properly.
Good so far!
I also desire
7) BTX upgrades. My next CPU will be Intel and they run hot and noisy. I gather the BTX thing is essentially an air duct for the CPU.
Nope, BTX is a totally different form factor. Mobo is essentially upside down, and backwards. I havent seen a case that accepts both BTX and ATX, but I've heard rumors of one existing.
My current case, an Antec P-160, meets the first 5 of my requirements. But it isn't made very well. The I/O space in the back wasn't cut in quite the right place and it was painful fitting the motherboard in the case.
I had an Antec P180, and it was really nice, but did have the door on the front. Was built really well too.