Want to get a new PC case, need opinions

Vortex99 · Nov 27, 2006, 08:31 PM

My current PC case is a Raidmax Ninja, I bought it a few months ago and I just don't like it. It has a window and all, which is nice, but its just too "flashy" for me, isn't a case that I really like to look at anymore. I've been looking at cases and do not want to spend a lot of money, and these are the two options I've found...

Aerocool Aeroengine II
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811196019

and the Enermax Chakra
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811124116

The enermax doesn't have a window but it got really good reviews. These are the only cases I could find for under $75 dollars. If I bought the aerocool i'd have to purchase two 120 mm fans for the side, the enermax I'd be able to transfer everything over. I was wanting opinions on which one is the better one, and if anyone knows of any case thats around the $70.00 range to please let me know.

**temeteus82** · Nov 27, 2006, 09:41 PM

Hi there!
Welcome to DH!
I like more Enermax's style. It's not too flashy in my point of view. And I like the side 250 mm fan

Dowaco · Nov 27, 2006, 10:26 PM

I would take a look at the coolermaster cases. The centurion has snap in drive bays, is very solid, and it comes without a PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119094

Vortex99 · Nov 28, 2006, 03:22 AM

The coolermaster is alright, but the side panel 80mm fan has the huge vent that sticks out inside, and I have a Artic Cooling Freezer 64 pro cpu cooler, its too big.

Grace · Nov 28, 2006, 06:59 AM

Hello there,

Choosing a case relies on your personal liking and yours alone. For instance, I do like the Enermax Chakra case better and it appears to be better built, but someone else might like the AeroEngine more. It all depends on your taste.

Dyre Straits · Nov 28, 2006, 07:11 AM

I have a case that was 'too flashy' for me when I first got it. But, I've learned to love it! Plenty of cooling and the price is just right...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...Go.x=8&Go.y=32

Mine is the black w/ green lighting.

>GSXR<mrbusa · Nov 28, 2006, 07:11 AM

There are so many good choices when it comes to cases. Take your time and determine not only what your needs are with your current hardware but also modding accommodations and future upgrades. If you have enough room you should get a full server sized case and I recommend aluminum and not plastic or steel. LianLi and Coolermaster have some really good cases out and I also like the TT Mozart. 75.00 isn't going to get you these type of cases but i would still get a full sized case with good airflow. You could probably get a really good deal on an older model off of Craigslist that is in the LianLi, CM caliber of case.

josh2thad · Nov 28, 2006, 08:47 PM

ohhh i think i might get the Aerocool

>GSXR<mrbusa · Nov 29, 2006, 03:50 AM

If you like it then that is all that matters.

CDsDontBurn · Nov 29, 2006, 05:28 AM

of all the cases that were linked here, i like the enermax best. it's not flashy, doesn't have a front door, and has side mounting HDDs.

Tipstaff · Nov 29, 2006, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDsDontBurn

of all the cases that were linked here, i like the enermax best. it's not flashy, doesn't have a front door, and has side mounting HDDs.

I like this case as well, for pretty much the same reasons that everyone has mentioned, but there is one reason that hasn't been mentioned: the rear fan area. With the Aero case the venting holes for where there rear fan is mounted are small.. very damn small. That means the fan will have to run faster, and will intern be louder while trying push air out of those tiny holes. With the Enermax case the holes are substantually larger, meaning better airflow, and less noise.

BTW, something that isn't very well known is that this particular Enermax case is made by, or comes from the same guys that make Coolermasters cases. In any case, it's based on the Coolermaster Centurion RC series of cases like THIS one.

Hell, that's another reason I'd pick the Enermax case over the Aero too: better quality material.

Vortex99 · Nov 30, 2006, 09:12 PM

I have been looking for five days now for a case and cannot find anything to my liking. I am still trying to find a case with a window, good cooling, and not too fancy. Right now I have an X2 3800+ oc'd to 2.5GHz running at 27C idle in my current case and do not want to lose these temps...still no luck..

Tipstaff · Dec 1, 2006, 06:57 AM

A good site you might want to visit would be Xoxide.com. They have a lot of cases, a lot of which are fancy, but you might actually find something that you'd like. In particular, THIS is their full catalog of cases. Be warned though: it's a huge list, so it will take a while for the page to fully load.

Of the ones on their site, the Xoxide X-Styler looks interesting, and then there's the Thermaltake VA3000BWA case which comes in Black and Silver (which again is based on another Coolermaster case, the Wavemaster, but with a window).

Too bad Antec doesn't make my case with a Window (the P180), otherwise I'd be recommending it. The closest thing they have that looks decent would be their new Nine Hundred case, or the redesigned P160W (although it's a bit flashy).

CDsDontBurn · Dec 1, 2006, 08:50 AM

i like that site there Tip

. i might have to use it sometime if i can't find anything on the Egg.

BWX · Dec 3, 2006, 11:34 AM

On a similar note.. my mom needs a new case, so after searching through NewEgg's cases I had her order this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147055

The only thing I really do not like is the rear fan vents- these cheap cases always seem to have tiny little holes punched out. I'll probably just take a hacksaw and cut it out- then use a 120mm fan grill to cover the hole. That's what I did with my current case I have had for 5 years.

I needed one with a PSU for not much money, and that looked good without being all crazy looking- and that PSU looks "ok" for the price. It has dual +12v rails, so for a less power hungry system it should be pretty good.

It doesn't show it in the pics for that particular case but this is the PSU-

Not too bad for 45 bucks + shipping. No power hungry video cards will be hooked up or anything like that.. so it should last for years. I'll be putting it all together over Christmas break..

BWX · Dec 3, 2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tipstaff

In any case, it's based on the Coolermaster Centurion RC series of cases like THIS one.

LOL- I just saw this- it looks like that one I told my mom to order is a cheap knock-off of the design of that Coolermaster too.. Not a bad thing.

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Rosewill R5717 SL 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case+450W Power Supply withTool-Free kits - Retail

H3X4D3C1M4L · Dec 4, 2006, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWX

LOL- I just saw this- it looks like that one I told my mom to order is a cheap knock-off of the design of that Coolermaster too.. Not a bad thing.

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

Rosewill R5717 SL 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case+450W Power Supply withTool-Free kits - Retail

That's pretty funny

BWX · Dec 31, 2006, 02:53 PM

A little update on that case above- I installed my mom's PC into it yesterday- for the price I can't imagine getting a better case/PSU combo anywhere. It's actually really pretty nice. Not for the uber geek- but for uber geek's friend's, family, etc.. Very good deal. It actually has a "real" PSU.. for the price, amazing.

Nov 27, 2006, 08:31 PM	#1
Vortex99 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	Want to get a new PC case, need opinions My current PC case is a Raidmax Ninja, I bought it a few months ago and I just don't like it. It has a window and all, which is nice, but its just too "flashy" for me, isn't a case that I really like to look at anymore. I've been looking at cases and do not want to spend a lot of money, and these are the two options I've found... Aerocool Aeroengine II http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811196019 and the Enermax Chakra http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811124116 The enermax doesn't have a window but it got really good reviews. These are the only cases I could find for under $75 dollars. If I bought the aerocool i'd have to purchase two 120 mm fans for the side, the enermax I'd be able to transfer everything over. I was wanting opinions on which one is the better one, and if anyone knows of any case thats around the $70.00 range to please let me know.

Nov 28, 2006, 07:11 AM	#7
>GSXR<mrbusa im a FREAK Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,107 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	There are so many good choices when it comes to cases. Take your time and determine not only what your needs are with your current hardware but also modding accommodations and future upgrades. If you have enough room you should get a full server sized case and I recommend aluminum and not plastic or steel. LianLi and Coolermaster have some really good cases out and I also like the TT Mozart. 75.00 isn't going to get you these type of cases but i would still get a full sized case with good airflow. You could probably get a really good deal on an older model off of Craigslist that is in the LianLi, CM caliber of case. Last edited by >GSXR<mrbusa; Nov 28, 2006 at 07:16 AM.

Nov 29, 2006, 05:28 AM	#10
CDsDontBurn Lurking DriverHeaven Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,779 Rep Power: 235 System Specs	of all the cases that were linked here, i like the enermax best. it's not flashy, doesn't have a front door, and has side mounting HDDs. __________________ Her First Day \| A year later

Dec 1, 2006, 06:57 AM	#13
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 190 System Specs	A good site you might want to visit would be Xoxide.com. They have a lot of cases, a lot of which are fancy, but you might actually find something that you'd like. In particular, THIS is their full catalog of cases. Be warned though: it's a huge list, so it will take a while for the page to fully load. Of the ones on their site, the Xoxide X-Styler looks interesting, and then there's the Thermaltake VA3000BWA case which comes in Black and Silver (which again is based on another Coolermaster case, the Wavemaster, but with a window). Too bad Antec doesn't make my case with a Window (the P180), otherwise I'd be recommending it. The closest thing they have that looks decent would be their new Nine Hundred case, or the redesigned P160W (although it's a bit flashy). __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. Last edited by Tipstaff; Dec 1, 2006 at 08:25 AM.

Dec 1, 2006, 08:50 AM	#14
CDsDontBurn Lurking DriverHeaven Join Date: May 2003 Location: Southern California Posts: 22,779 Rep Power: 235 System Specs	i like that site there Tip . i might have to use it sometime if i can't find anything on the Egg. __________________ Her First Day \| A year later

Nov 27, 2006, 10:26 PM	#3
Dowaco DriverHeaven Lover Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: East Coast, USA Posts: 217 Rep Power: 0	I would take a look at the coolermaster cases. The centurion has snap in drive bays, is very solid, and it comes without a PSU. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119094

Nov 28, 2006, 03:22 AM	Thread Starter #4
Vortex99 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	The coolermaster is alright, but the side panel 80mm fan has the huge vent that sticks out inside, and I have a Artic Cooling Freezer 64 pro cpu cooler, its too big.

Nov 28, 2006, 06:59 AM	#5
Grace HH's Tomboy Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anywhere but in my house! Posts: 776 Rep Power: 56	Hello there, Choosing a case relies on your personal liking and yours alone. For instance, I do like the Enermax Chakra case better and it appears to be better built, but someone else might like the AeroEngine more. It all depends on your taste.

Nov 28, 2006, 08:47 PM	#8
josh2thad DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 431 Rep Power: 0	ohhh i think i might get the Aerocool

Nov 29, 2006, 03:50 AM	#9
>GSXR<mrbusa im a FREAK Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,107 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	If you like it then that is all that matters.

Nov 30, 2006, 09:12 PM	Thread Starter #12
Vortex99 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3 Rep Power: 0	I have been looking for five days now for a case and cannot find anything to my liking. I am still trying to find a case with a window, good cooling, and not too fancy. Right now I have an X2 3800+ oc'd to 2.5GHz running at 27C idle in my current case and do not want to lose these temps...still no luck..

Dec 3, 2006, 11:34 AM	#15
BWX unplugged Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USNY Posts: 19,669 Rep Power: 110 System Specs	On a similar note.. my mom needs a new case, so after searching through NewEgg's cases I had her order this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147055 The only thing I really do not like is the rear fan vents- these cheap cases always seem to have tiny little holes punched out. I'll probably just take a hacksaw and cut it out- then use a 120mm fan grill to cover the hole. That's what I did with my current case I have had for 5 years. I needed one with a PSU for not much money, and that looked good without being all crazy looking- and that PSU looks "ok" for the price. It has dual +12v rails, so for a less power hungry system it should be pretty good. It doesn't show it in the pics for that particular case but this is the PSU- Not too bad for 45 bucks + shipping. No power hungry video cards will be hooked up or anything like that.. so it should last for years. I'll be putting it all together over Christmas break.. __________________ Last edited by BWX; Dec 3, 2006 at 11:56 AM. Reason: put in thumbnails instead of big pics

Dec 31, 2006, 02:53 PM	#18
BWX unplugged Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USNY Posts: 19,669 Rep Power: 110 System Specs	A little update on that case above- I installed my mom's PC into it yesterday- for the price I can't imagine getting a better case/PSU combo anywhere. It's actually really pretty nice. Not for the uber geek- but for uber geek's friend's, family, etc.. Very good deal. It actually has a "real" PSU.. for the price, amazing. __________________