PC Case Alternatives??

[jgroves1945]

I am getting close to ordering my components, but keep wrestling with the case decision. I will be using this system for everyday home surfing, editing photos and doing some Adobe Illustrator stuff.
I nearly went ahead and ordered the Antec Sonata III, but just keep feeling like I'd like something with a little more "bling", and also tool-free. I like the looks of the Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003BWS Black Full Tower Case, but I've read some comments about the sharp metal edges inside, etc.
I'm planning on ordering the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ CPU, ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe/Wireless Edition Motherboard, Crucial Ballistix 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory, Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKB 500GB, 7600 graphics card and a dvd burner.

Any thoughts on good case alternatives appreciated! So far I'm not having a lot of luck finding good review sites.

[RickyTick]

Take a look at the Cooler Master Cosmos series. They're expensive, but they're really nice looking. The 1010 is the latest version, but seems to be out of stock at newegg and zipzoomfly.

I also like the Gigabyte 3D Aurora 570. This was PC Gamer's top choice a few months ago.

I personally don't like cases with a front door, but that's just me.

[iiiprimeiii]

what do u mean by bling?? less leds and a more sleek case design??? no side window???

[chunkylover53]

The Antec 900 has the bling you need, and is highly recommended on these forums. You'll have to order a PSU with it, but it's a fine looking piece and very highly regarded around here.

edithttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=antec%2b900

I have the sonata iii and like it a lot, but I picked it due to it's lack of bling. My wife wanted something understated for our home office. :rolleyes:

[Jamie Nixx]

I have the 900, well two, excellent case.

The Cosmos is also great, or if you have a lot of money to burn, the Coolermaster Stacker is also very nice.

How much do you have to spend? there are cases ranging from $50 to $800.

[jgroves1945]

Thanks for the great feedback. I admit it, I'm a shameless bling fan. And I'm a grandfather 6 times! Specifically, I like the blue led lights and rad side window. Heck, I even like the one I saw with gauges on the front that looks like a pimped street car dash. But I'm cool with my grandsons. Money is always a consideration, but I'm willing to spend up to $200 for a top notch case. I like the fact that Antec seems to have a good reputation for service. Do you know if CoolerMaster or the others mentioned do as well?

[Jamie Nixx]

If you love the Blue LEDS, get the 900, not only is it a high performance cooling case, it also looks great, it has a mesh front and a side window with another blue led fan as an exhaust.

Plus its not too expensive.

Coolersmaster have great rep.

[RickyTick]

I agree. I have the 900 also, and I'm yet to find anything I don't like about it.

[The Wise Monkey]

I have the Thermaltake Tsunami Dreams case:

http://thermaltakeusa.com/product/Chassis/midtower/tsunami/bwa/bwa.asp


*drools just thinking about it* :D

[jgroves1945]

Ok, I like the CM 830 Stacker a lot, but just can't bring myself to shell out $250 for a case with no power supply. I'd really like to get a case with a removable motherboard. Just looks like it would be so much easier to mount everything and then slide it in than trying to get my fat fingers to work inside the case without destroying something or slicing my hands to shreds.
If I give up on a removable case then I'm probably gonna go with the Antec 900 or the CM 690. It looks pretty decent as well.
How have others made out getting the MB into the Antec 900? Any others used the CM690? Any other suggestions for a quality case for under $200 that has a side window and removable MB?

[jgroves1945]

Ok, I like the CM 830 Stacker a lot, but just can't bring myself to shell out $250 for a case with no power supply. I'd really like to get a case with a removable motherboard. Just looks like it would be so much easier to mount everything and then slide it in than trying to get my fat fingers to work inside the case without destroying something or slicing my hands to shreds.
If I give up on a removable case then I'm probably gonna go with the Antec 900 or the CM 690. It looks pretty decent as well.
How have others made out getting the MB into the Antec 900? Any others used the CM690? Any other suggestions for a quality case for under $200 that has a side window and removable MB? I also like the Cosmos 1000 a lot but no side window.

[RickyTick]

The 900 does not have a removable motherboard tray, but it's very big and roomy. Its easy to manuever around inside the case.

[iiiprimeiii]

i always thought this one was pretty bling looking.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?Image=11-294-003-15.jpg%2c11-294-003-03.jpg%2c11-294-003-04.jpg%2c11-294-003-05.jpg%2c11-294-003-06.jpg%2c11-294-003-07.jpg%2c11-294-003-08.jpg%2c11-294-003-09.jpg%2c11-294-003-10.jpg%2c11-294-003-11.jpg%2c11-294-003-12.jpg%2c11-294-003-13.jpg%2c11-294-003-14.jpg%2c11-294-003-16.jpg%2c11-294-003-02.jpg&S7ImageFlag=0&Depa=1&Description=Tagan+Aplus+CS-EL+Diablo+Black+Computer+Case+With+Side+Panel+Wind ow

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811294003

[jgroves1945]

Well, thanks to everyone for your great insights. After tons of research and searching for a good deal, I ended up ordering the Coolermaster 830 Stacker.
Got it from ClubIT for $158 plus $15 shipping! Here are the details...

COOLER MASTER Stacker Evolution Aluminum ATX Full Tower Case Retail RC-830-SSN3-GP

Special $15.00 FedEx Ground (3-7 Days) 1 $158.99 Yes $158.99

Subtotal : $158.99
Tax (0.00%) : $0.00
Shipping Fee :
$15.00
Order Total : $173.99
:D :D :D :D

[Jamie Nixx]

Welcome to the Coolermaster Stacker club :cool: