Cases

[Quartzhunter]

Towers vs Workstations.
I have an old workstation...not expandible but space saving ...vs the tower my honey uses...that is expandible but hogs the space and difficult to reach the plug and plays. I am going to build a "bad Girl" puter and this is where I am to start...Opinons are welcome...

[Nuclear Krusader]

Hi and welcome to the PC Mech forums! :)

Could you elaborate more on the kind of computer you want? What will you be using it for?

Have you decided between AMD or Intel?

Seems like you definitely want a case with front USB ports.

[lil Jimmie]

Quartzhunter, if you are in the market for a case, a tower is the only way to go to get a "bad girl" puter. There are many cases that have front USB, Firewire and sound connections if the ones in the back are too much trouble to access. I like Enlight and Antec cases.

[foghat46]

Hi Quartzhunter, welcome to the Mech!:)

Like Nuke said, let us know what you want your 'pooter to do and how you plan to use it, and we'll do our best to provide options and assistance on your new build. There are some incredibly knowledgable people lurking around here willing to help. Don't hesitate to ask, even if you think it's a dumb question. It won't be. All of us ask what we think is a dumb one occaisonally, we always get it answered and never get flamed. We're all here to help each other and have fun with these boxes with the wires and stuff in 'em. Glad you could join us.

Fog:D

[Tuf]

The only really trick Desktop cases are the really thin ones. The ones that won't hold any of the hardware you probably want. There are some really big desktop cases out there but they are pretty ugly. I wouldn't have one on my desktop!

[Nuclear Krusader]

Neither would I. I stopped using desktop cases because they are a pain to work on.

[Quartzhunter]

I don't know if I could live with the wires in front...maybe build a desk for easy access. ADM or INTEl...I don't know there seems to be controversy over the athalon processor or intel...for a while I heard athalon was a faster prossessor...now that I want to build one my guru has changed all his opinons and made me sign up here for advice and my education. So IN LAYMENS terms what do you guys really think is the difference. Right now I can't even play a game or be on line and listen to a cd at the same time.
Q

[Redo40]

Personally I like the Antec towers, they are easy to work with and sturdy. As for the AMD and Intel decision, you will hear just as many for one as you will for the other. I just recently built my first AMD (kept putting it off, due to the heat and noise factors) and am very pleased with it. I have no heat issues nor noise problems. If you do choose AMD, I recommend going with one of the newer motherboards that have the nforce chipset.

[dldz]

Welcome to the forums Quartzhunter I second the vote for Enlight and Antec cases they're nice quality products.Have you took some time and looked around www.newegg.com to get more of an idea ? I don't think you would be happy with the desktop workstation you mentioned.Besides why would you want all that on your desktop?
BTW I hope your recovery program is working for you :D

[juppy]

Hey Quartzhunter,

Yeah, the AMD vs Intel debate is rather irrelevant anymore. They both scream when you get in the higher speed ones. As for a motherboard, I agree with Redo40, the nForce chipset seems really stable and works well. For that chipset you might check out the Asus A7N8X motherboard paired with an AMD cpu. If you decide an Intel cpu is the way to go, check out the Asus P4PE. Both are getting good reviews right now. And yeah, the tower cases will definitely give you more room to work in. I like Antec cases personally, but others such as Enermax, Enlight, and Chieftec are alright too. hth :)

[i3OSS]

Vote FOR the ANTEC 1040 and 1080's!

[Quartzhunter]

thank you for your help...you suggestions have prompted more questions about mother boards, so I shall post the thread in the mother board area...and shop for a case, I had a plastic one picked out but now it seems I should also consider aluminum from what I have read. Thanx Q

[i3OSS]

so what case did you pick?

[Quartzhunter]

It's all aluminum and TOOO COOL to look at these are the specs.

ANTEC ALUMINUM SERIES MINI TOWER CASE Model# LAN BOY w/ Antec 350W SmartBLUE POWER SUPPLY, Clear Side Acrylic Window and FREE Case Carrying Strap - RETAIL
Special features including the Super cool Blue LED Smart Power ATX12V P4 compliant power supply that runs cooler and quieter, front USB ports
Specifications:
Material: Aluminum
Power Supply: 350W Antec Smart Power w/ BLUE LED
Clear Side Panel Window
FREE Carrying Strap for Easy Portability
Drive Bays: External 4 X 5.25" - 2 X 3.5" Internal 2 X 3.5"
Quick Release Drive Cage
System Board: Fits standard ATX / Pentium 4 Up to 12" (W) x 9.6" (L)
USB/IO: 2 Front USB port
Optional Fan(s): 1 X 80mm (front) and 1 X 80mm (rear)
Dimensions: 18.6"(L) X 8.1"(W) X 17.25"(H) more info-> N82E16811129126 $89.99

so what do you guys think of this pick...
Q

[Redo40]

I have seen this case, it's really cool. I am thinking of using it for a build for my youngest son to take to college. Nice choice! :)

[Tuf]

I saw that on someones comdex review site. Looks pretty darn cool to me.

[blackhawk]

Would someone want to post a reply with a link to where I can see this case because I'm trying to get a new case myself.. thanks

[dldz]

Sure thing heres the LINK (http://www.tcwo.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_prod.html?p_prodid=2279&sid=44oBmP0lM2t4B69) check it out :D
Don