Recommend a Desktop case

DarkSilver · Post by **DarkSilver** » 2007-03-31 11:12am

So my rig needs a new hull.

After having fixed my previous desktop woes (see previous threads), I now have a nice functioning desktop (which I'm using to write this post!).

My problem comes in now, that I need a new case...as the one it's currently in is positively ancient in computing terms (it's from 1998-99).

Now, what I need is simple, a Mid-range priced ATX Mid-tower, with good airflow, and rom for multiple fans...at least one 3.5" external bay (for my legacy floppy...). I don't need it to come with a power supply, as I have a new one already I'm using.

So...suggestions? I really could use the help since, like, I have no clue when it comes to cases what's good and what's crap.....

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2007-03-31 05:58pm

I have one of these, but it's fairly expensive and doesn't have front audio jacks:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811112025

This one does and is cheaper, but the motherboard is inverted http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811112104 (I suppose this might be better since heavy PSU is on the bottom.

Instant Sunrise · Post by **Instant Sunrise** » 2007-03-31 07:07pm

I have an Antec P180 for my system, which serves my needs rather nicely. Simple, elegant, no stupid flashy glowy shit.

Just make sure your PSU has long and flexible cables. Also, this case is made of steel and weighs 36 lbs empty, so it is not the lightest case in the world, but it is still a solid peice of equipment.

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2007-03-31 07:20pm

Yeah, my case is fairly noisy, but mostly due to the 4 case fans- it's fairly lightweight though. There's a tradeoff between weight and noise

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2007-03-31 07:21pm

I'm a little confused. Why do you need a new case? If you're not even sure what features you want or need... what, are you just trying to throw money around?

DarkSilver · Post by **DarkSilver** » 2007-03-31 07:29pm

Howedar:
because the current case has restricted airflow for the needs of the current processor. Tempuratures for the CPU are running 58-65+° C when the case is put together (side and front panel). This is IDLE temps, needless to say, if I put anything but a minimum load on the CPU, it will overheat and freeze the computer.

I REQUIRE a new case, in order to fix the airflow problem, and bring my CPU Temps down to a acceptable level, this isn't a case of throwing money around (otherwise I wouldn't have asked for recommendations for a mid-level case.....). My knowledge of case dynamics and design is minimal, I never had much interest in it.

And I know what I need in a case, it's in my O.P., so there's little to be confused about.

phongn · Post by **phongn** » 2007-03-31 07:49pm

Antec's SLK3000 series is a reasonable case; the P180 is an excellent one but not particularly cheap and not the easiest in the world to work with.

Post by **Beowulf** » 2007-03-31 11:48pm

I have the Antec Solo. It's a really nice case, and quiet quiet as well.

Covenant · Post by **Covenant** » 2007-03-31 11:53pm

I have a thermaltake case. The sucker could sink a battleship, and if I turned all the fans on it goes airborne. Seven case fans. The thing could keep the Sun cooled to room temperature! I really like it, it's also nice and big so it fits lots of stuff and I got it on sale.

Stark · Post by **Stark** » 2007-04-01 12:14am

I got a Thermaltake Tsunami - I needed a bigger case to fit an 8800, and my six-year old ATX case wouldn't fit. And I'd lost the side panels. And I wanted a quieter PSU to put in my server.

It unfortunately has glowing blue lights in it, and the side-panel fan is pretty noisy, but everything else is nice - it's quite light, and the loudest thing about it is my horrible AMD cpu fan.

Howedar · Post by **Howedar** » 2007-04-01 02:20am

DarkSilver wrote:Howedar:
because the current case has restricted airflow for the needs of the current processor. Tempuratures for the CPU are running 58-65+° C when the case is put together (side and front panel). This is IDLE temps, needless to say, if I put anything but a minimum load on the CPU, it will overheat and freeze the computer.

So cut a hole. Put fans in the hole.

I REQUIRE a new case, in order to fix the airflow problem, and bring my CPU Temps down to a acceptable level, this isn't a case of throwing money around (otherwise I wouldn't have asked for recommendations for a mid-level case.....). My knowledge of case dynamics and design is minimal, I never had much interest in it.

You REQUIRE better cooling, you think. Whether or not that comes with a new case isn't the issue.

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2007-04-01 03:27am

Stark wrote: It unfortunately has glowing blue lights in it

Snip/unplug LED wires?

And DarkSilver, are you sure you applied the CPU heatsink correctly?

DarkSilver · Post by **DarkSilver** » 2007-04-01 04:19am

positive, the heatsink was a stock intel, which already had the thermal paste applied to it (came like that) and it's clamped solidly into the motherboard, it won't budge out. Plus the motherboard has a feature that if the heatsink is properly applied to the CPU (to loose...to little or to much thermal paste, etc etc) it will shut down the computer after 30 seconds to prevent overheating of the processor.

Pu-239 · Post by **Pu-239** » 2007-04-01 04:42am

It could be you have a crappy CPU- my core 2 duo had temps of roughly what you're speaking of, until I RMAed it.