Making a Case for a Case

[Doom]

Okay... I've seen lots of posts here that mention any ATX Mid-Tower is fine for basic builds. I was wondering if anybody had recommendations for specific cases. I'm looking for...

- Ease to install the mobo since this will be my first build.
- Good cooling. I'm not going to OC anything... so I'm working w/ stock coolers only on the CPU and case.
- Able to handle a nVidia 9600GT 512MB (I've heard these are very long).

I was originally drawn to the Apevia Jupiter since it looked like a cool looking rig with the properties I'm looking for... but some of the reviews indicate it might not be able to handle a long card. Now I'm wondering about the Raidmax or Antec 900. The Antec looks a little better... but the Smilodon seems like a better fit for first time builder.

Any thoughts?

[Khalil]

Stay away from Raidmax, total junk.
Apevia cases are ok but there power suplies are total garbage, Antec is one of the best out there and the 900 is an awesome case.
If you decide to go with the Apevia, look into Seasonic, Sparkle, Antec or FSP power suplies.
450-500 watts is all you need but if you plan on ever upgrading your video card go with 550-600 power supply.

[Jimmy0]

Out of those you posted I would certainly go with the Antec 900, its a good case.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by Doom Okay... I've seen lots of posts here that mention any ATX Mid-Tower is fine for basic builds. I was wondering if anybody had recommendations for specific cases. I'm looking for... - Ease to install the mobo since this will be my first build. - Good cooling. I'm not going to OC anything... so I'm working w/ stock coolers only on the CPU and case. - Able to handle a nVidia 9600GT 512MB (I've heard these are very long).

If you're going to use a very long video card you should check with the manufacturer's web site to see if they have any specific case recommendations...a case that doesn't have enough length too it may not allow the 9600GT to fit without hitting a drive cage or something.

Originally Posted by Doom I was originally drawn to the Apevia Jupiter since it looked like a cool looking rig with the properties I'm looking for... but some of the reviews indicate it might not be able to handle a long card. Now I'm wondering about the Raidmax or Antec 900. The Antec looks a little better... but the Smilodon seems like a better fit for first time builder. Any thoughts?

Of those three choices the Antec is the most shallow at 19.4". The Smilodon is the deepest at 20.4"...that gives you an extra inch and may allow the 9600GT to fit. But I would check for a case compatibility chart at the video card manufacturer's web site first.

Cricket

[Katreat]

I have not seen measurements for the new 9600Gt but the antec 900 will fit a 8800GTX and that use to be the longest card made. I have a 8800 GTS in mine with plenty of room to spare.

I would also recommned the Antec Sonota III for basic builds. It comes with a very nice 500w PSU and on basic builds I dont think you really need super cooliing. If you have heat problems then the 900 is great, I run mine with all fans on low and it moves a lot of air. With the fans cranked up it is a wind tunnel.

Kat