Budget case

[AbeFrohman]

I know the higher end stuff is better but what do you think of this for a budget case? Has some good reviews on newegg.
Newegg.com - Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case, comes with Three Fans-1x Front Blue LED 120mm Fan, 1x Top 140mm Fan, 1x Rear 120mm Fan, option Fans-2x Side 120mm Fan

[David M]

If you like how it looks then great! Getting a Tom's Hardware recommendation is good as well. I don't see how you could go wrong by purchasing it.

[glc]

I don't like cases with lights or windows, so this would be my choice for a budget case:

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER ELITE 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Cases are really a personal preference as long as they are well constructed.

[AbeFrohman]

Hmmm yeah I've never had one with a light so I'm not sure if I want it or not.

[David M]

It looks like it has lights but they are much more subtle.

[AbeFrohman]

The newegg user comments state that the display pic is outdated and the case no longer has those lights. However, I don't think the lights on the Rosewill will bother me and as it has additional fans and the usb ports on top, I think I will go with that one.

[David M]

Either way, you can always add lights later or you can take a wire cutter or Sharpee to the existing lights.

[glc]

I also don't like an excessive number of fans.

[Jeri]

I also don't like an excessive number of fans.

Hi glc – Would you mind explaining this in greater detail?

I built a computer several years ago and have had lots of problems with heat. I never found the exact problem – didn’t know how - but I added extra fans and that definitely helped. The build was in a Antec Sonata II case – which received good reviews at the time – but had only one fan. Because of this, my recent build used the Antec Three Hundred Illusion which came with 4 fans. I keep the fans on low and this build is whisper quiet, so I’m very happy with it and feel confident in the air flow. Hence, I was surprised when I read your statement about excess fans and was curious as to what you mean by it.

Thanks!

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Jeri I also don't like an excessive number of fans. Hi glc – Would you mind explaining this in greater detail? I built a computer several years ago and have had lots of problems with heat. I never found the exact problem – didn’t know how - but I added extra fans and that definitely helped. The build was in a Antec Sonata II case – which received good reviews at the time – but had only one fan. Because of this, my recent build used the Antec Three Hundred Illusion which came with 4 fans. I keep the fans on low and this build is whisper quiet, so I’m very happy with it and feel confident in the air flow. Hence, I was surprised when I read your statement about excess fans and was curious as to what you mean by it. Thanks!

Some times too many fans can cause problems, especially if the wrong sizes, placements, and installations are done incorrectly. It really is a matter of engineering. The key is provide a large volume of air over the components to keep them cool and quickly extract the warmed air out so that it can be replaced with fresh air.

PC airflow and heat – a cooling guide « Icrontic Tech

[Jeri]

Thank you for the link – that was a surprising read!

While we are on the subject – if you don’t mind one more question...

The Antec Three Hundred Illusion has an open side grill (might not be the correct name for it) which is a place for yet another fan, but IMO, it is just a big hole that lets dust enter. There are 2 fans installed on the front that draw air in through a filter, so I don’t think this side opening is necessary for air intake. Is it OK if I block this off? I read about someone using a piece of flexible magnetic sheet (black) to cover this and it sounds like an elegant solution. Would the fact that it is magnetized cause a problem?

[glc]

Why not just make a filter for it?

[AbeFrohman]

Just to update, I bought the Rosewill Challenger. Better than I expected - love it. Easy to use, works great, fans very quiet (did not adjust speeds or anything) and large volumes of air flows throughout the case. Light doesn't bother me like I thought it might. In fact, I kind of like it.

[edfair]

The Antec Three Hundred Illusion has an open side grill (might not be the correct name for it) which is a place for yet another fan, but IMO, it is just a big hole that lets dust enter.

Some of the Antecs have a variable depth (2 part & slip together to adjust) sleeve that mounts to the side at the grill and projects in to cover the CPU fan, thereby shoving the heat sink heat directly out.

You would never know the intent until you open the case and find the parts.