That perfect case...

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gorf

I'm in search of a good tower chassis but I'm on a budget. I'd like to
spend under $100 but I might go up to $150 if the case is worth it. I want
upgrade flexibility without the noise and bulkiness. Any suggestions?

I want good airflow, especially airflow over the processor which is
generally under the power supply in most cases. Ideally there would be an
outtake fan at the back of the case such that it sucks air over the
processor.

I want a 300W-350W power supply with a quiet fan. My SuperMicro SC760A
sounds like a jet liner when I start it up.

I want plentiful drive bays without having a case that won't fit under my
desk. My current case is 26.4" tall, I'd rather have something closer to
20".

I don't care about lighting, windows, etc.. I also don't want something
that is puke green with shiny chrome highlights. I just want a plain case.

I somewhat care about construction quality... I don't like cutting myself on
the case but this isn't that big of a factor.

I've looked at review sites and was overwhelmed, they all seem the same but
none of them seem to have everything that I want.

Thanks for any advice!
 
I'm in search of a good tower chassis but I'm on a budget. I'd like to
spend under $100 but I might go up to $150 if the case is worth it. I want
upgrade flexibility without the noise and bulkiness. Any suggestions?

I want good airflow, especially airflow over the processor which is
generally under the power supply in most cases. Ideally there would be an
outtake fan at the back of the case such that it sucks air over the
processor.

I want a 300W-350W power supply with a quiet fan. My SuperMicro SC760A
sounds like a jet liner when I start it up.

I want plentiful drive bays without having a case that won't fit under my
desk. My current case is 26.4" tall, I'd rather have something closer to
20".

I don't care about lighting, windows, etc.. I also don't want something
that is puke green with shiny chrome highlights. I just want a plain case.

I somewhat care about construction quality... I don't like cutting myself on
the case but this isn't that big of a factor.

I've looked at review sites and was overwhelmed, they all seem the same but
none of them seem to have everything that I want.

Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...

There is no "perfect" case, but Antec makes excellent power supplies.
You should be able to find one with a P/S installed for around $100.
IMO, not worth having a case with sharp edges, even with a recent
tetanus shot.
 
gorf said:
I'm in search of a good tower chassis but I'm on a budget. I'd like to
spend under $100 but I might go up to $150 if the case is worth it. I want
upgrade flexibility without the noise and bulkiness. Any suggestions?

I want good airflow, especially airflow over the processor which is
generally under the power supply in most cases. Ideally there would be an
outtake fan at the back of the case such that it sucks air over the
processor.

I want a 300W-350W power supply with a quiet fan. My SuperMicro SC760A
sounds like a jet liner when I start it up.

I want plentiful drive bays without having a case that won't fit under my
desk. My current case is 26.4" tall, I'd rather have something closer to
20".

I don't care about lighting, windows, etc.. I also don't want something
that is puke green with shiny chrome highlights. I just want a plain case.

I somewhat care about construction quality... I don't like cutting myself on
the case but this isn't that big of a factor.

I've looked at review sites and was overwhelmed, they all seem the same but
none of them seem to have everything that I want.

Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...

For the best airflow/cooling solutions you need thermaltake

http://www.thermaltake.com/

There is no beating them - period!

Daniel
 
I am in the same boat as you. The case I am considering is from
www.kingwin.com . Specifically the 424 model. New egg has some great
prices and the reviews I have read, have been quite favorable. I think they
are at least deserving a look.
 
I'm in search of a good tower chassis but I'm on a budget. I'd like to
spend under $100 but I might go up to $150 if the case is worth it. I want
upgrade flexibility without the noise and bulkiness. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...


Antec Sonata is good. Fairly quite. 380Watts. Good construction. It
has an annoying front light (may be there is a way to disconnect it)
 
Antec Sonata is good. Fairly quite. 380Watts. Good construction. It
has an annoying front light (may be there is a way to disconnect it)
Click to expand...


I agree. I don't understand decorative lights on a computer. At
least Antec could make them optional accessories.
 
On the Sonata case, the blue front LEDs are powered by a standard Molex
power connector. You can simply not plug in it's power plug if you don't
want the lights.
 
gorf said:
I'm in search of a good tower chassis but I'm on a budget. I'd like to
spend under $100 but I might go up to $150 if the case is worth it. I want
upgrade flexibility without the noise and bulkiness. Any suggestions?

I want good airflow, especially airflow over the processor which is
generally under the power supply in most cases. Ideally there would be an
outtake fan at the back of the case such that it sucks air over the
processor.

I want a 300W-350W power supply with a quiet fan. My SuperMicro SC760A
sounds like a jet liner when I start it up.

I want plentiful drive bays without having a case that won't fit under my
desk. My current case is 26.4" tall, I'd rather have something closer to
20".

I don't care about lighting, windows, etc.. I also don't want something
that is puke green with shiny chrome highlights. I just want a plain case.

I somewhat care about construction quality... I don't like cutting myself on
the case but this isn't that big of a factor.

I've looked at review sites and was overwhelmed, they all seem the same but
none of them seem to have everything that I want.

Thanks for any advice!
Click to expand...

Antec SLK3700 fits your description. $70 w/ 350W PSU, shipped. see
pricegrabber.com.
 
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