Need Case Help...please

[broman55]

I'm just a poor college student getting ready to build a computer. I have everything picked out (with the help of these fourms :D ) except for a case. I've been searching for a few days and I have a few questions for you experts.

1) What brand of case would you stay away from? (noisey, fall apart ect)

2) What brands would you recommend?

3) Does anyone know of a good case that's reasonably priced?

***What I'm Looking For***
ATX Case under $100 with, front or side USB and audio ports, 4 exterior expansion bays, I DON'T WANT A CASE WITH A DRIVE COVER YOU HAVE TO OPEN ALL THE TIME (don't ask me why, i just don't like it). Everyting else (fans, material, windows ect) is not a big deal.

Thanks for the help!!

[Kov-Ice]

Welcome to PCMech. Whatever the case you settle on happens to be, make sure it comes with or you equip it with a good PowerSupply. Antec cases are solid, have great features, and come with nice PSUs. Enermax cases are plain, but they sometimes come with PSUs other than their own, so be sure to check that. Lian-Li are top-notch, but expensive. Browse at www.newegg.com for best prices/selection/service.

[Cricket]

1) What brand of case would you stay away from? (noisey, fall apart ect)Generic cases. Most brands make "okay" cases. It's the power supply you gotta be wary of.2) What brands would you recommend?Antec, AOpen, Chenbro, Enlight, Inwin, Kingwin, Lian Li and Thermaltake.3) Does anyone know of a good case that's reasonably priced?Enlight or AOpen.

:) Cricket

[David M]

Cases are mostly a matter of personal aestetics. If you buy an inexpensive case dont expect to get a high quality PSU with it. Look for a quality aftermarket PSU. Check the PSU sticky in Hardware for a good quality PSU.

[edrod13]

In-win cases are my preffered brand for all builds. The materials used to make these are rock solid steel and these cases do not wobble with time. They come with great powersupplys and everything slides in using rails. You can find these at most stores between $49-55.

I get these locally for $51 but newegg has them for $59:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811108330

[David M]

IN WIN uses whats called a Powerman PSU. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Showimage.asp?Mode=&Type=&Image=11-108-330-01.jpg%2C11-108-330-02.jpg%2C11-108-330-03.jpg%2C11-108-330-04.jpg%2C11-108-330-05.jpg%2C11-108-330-06.jpg%2C11-108-330-07.jpg%2C11-108-330-08.jpg%2C11-108-330-10.jpg%2C11-108-330-11.jpg&CurImage=11-108-330-08.jpg&Description=IN+WIN+J508T-I300FU2D+Beige+Steel+ATX+Mid+Tower+Computer+Case+300W+Power+Supply+-+Retail I cant imagine getting a quality PSU and case for 55 bucks. Perhaps I am wrong.

[edrod13]

Everybody else like Antec, Thermaltake, etc... you will see their own sticker on the PS. Does that make the consumer feel better to see that sticker with a namebrand, chances are they don't even make it themselves, maybe, maybe not? I have been using Inwin for years and have yet to replace one, but that is just me. I think there are a few members also here that can somewhat vouch for Powerman.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.asp?image=11-129-149-01.jpg,11-129-149-02.jpg,11-129-149-05.jpg,11-129-149-07.jpg,11-129-149-04.jpg,11-129-149-06.jpg,11-129-149-03.jpg,11-129-149-09.jpg,11-129-149-08.jpg,11-129-149-10.jpg&CurImage=11-129-149-09.jpg&Description=Antec

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.asp?image=11-133-156-01.jpg,11-133-156-02.jpg,11-133-156-03.jpg,11-133-156-04.jpg,11-133-156-05.jpg,11-133-156-06.jpg,11-133-156-07.jpg,11-133-156-08.jpg,11-133-156-09.jpg,11-133-156-10.jpg,11-133-156-11.jpg,11-133-156-12.jpg&CurImage=11-133-156-09.jpg&Description=THERMALTAKE%20Soprano%20VB1430BWS%20Black%20Steel/Plastic%20ATX%20Mid%20Tower%20Computer%20Case%20430W%20Power%20Supply%20-%20Retail

**Do a search for the word "powerman" and you will see most people really have faith in them. If you ever have the chance try one on your next build, I can assure that you will not be dissapointed. My two cents

[Cricket]

IN WIN uses whats called a Powerman PSU. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Showimage.asp?Mode=&Type=&Image=11-108-330-01.jpg%2C11-108-330-02.jpg%2C11-108-330-03.jpg%2C11-108-330-04.jpg%2C11-108-330-05.jpg%2C11-108-330-06.jpg%2C11-108-330-07.jpg%2C11-108-330-08.jpg%2C11-108-330-10.jpg%2C11-108-330-11.jpg&CurImage=11-108-330-08.jpg&Description=IN+WIN+J508T-I300FU2D+Beige+Steel+ATX+Mid+Tower+Computer+Case+300W+Power+Supply+-+Retail I cant imagine getting a quality PSU and case for 55 bucks. Perhaps I am wrong.PowerMan PSUs are rebadged Fortron Source OEM power supplies...they're good quality.

:) Cricket

[glc]

What motherboard and video card have you got picked out? PCI-Express and high end cards demand a high end power supply.