What to look for in a Computer Case

MonkeyKong007

I bought a computer from Time ages ago. Thanks to modifications on my part the case is in a pretty dire state, and to be honest has an awful cooling system.

What should i look for in a new case? I'm searching Ebuyer at the mo, are there any other good websites bar the obvious novatech etc?

BillScarab

you could try https://www.overclockers.co.uk.

Personally I would just look for something that allows you to fit several fans, preferably larger ones such as 12cm fans as they tend to be quieter. Also I like to have one at the front sucking air in and one at the back blowing it out.

My current PC uses one of these

http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.asp?sku=319566

it seems OK, nothing fancy but it does the job.

Zagu

Id have a look here.

I got the Coolermaster Centurion 532 (NO PSU), and its superb.

Easy installation and user-friendly design:

- Smart mechanical design for quick assembly and maintenance

- Screw-less expansion slots and media drives installation

- Top I/O panel for easy access



Stylish design:

- Simple yet elegant

- Aluminum support beams provide extra strength and a smooth, sleek appearance



Excellent thermal management:

- Fully meshed front panel design provides superior airflow and cooling

- Side venting wholes for enhanced airflow

- 120mm fan for the front and rear to provide maximum airflow while maintain silent solution.



Safety design for assembly

- All folded edges for safety installation

Dimensions: 495 x 235 x 460
Material: Aluminum bezel, SECC chassis
Motherboard: ATX; 12” x 9.6” (30.5cm x 24.5 cm)
5.25" 5 (Exposed)
3.25" 1 (Exposed); 5 (Hidden)
Ventilation:
One 120x120x25mm front fan ( Intake)
One 120x120x25mm rear fan ( Exhaust )
I/O Panel:
USB2.0 x 2
MIC x 1
SPK x 1
IEEE1394 x 1

Blacksheep1979

have a look at some of the lian li ones - aluminium helps keep everything cool (pricier but looks nicer and keeps stuff cool)

apintofstella

Plus with cheap ones you usually end up cut hands etc ....
(or is that just me?)

wolfman

Lian Li are ok. They still use 80mm fans though, and aren't the quietest. My PC60 is still going strong after 4 years though, so I've got value from it.

I'm still tempted by a new one though. Cases that have caught my eye:

Antec Sonata II. It has its critics, but I like it and have used it building pc's before. The build quality isn't as nice as my Lian Li, but it has a 12cm fan and runs nice and quiet.

Antec P180 or P150. Both nice cases. The P180 looks great although is a bit of a beast. I think there's a new model out now or soon to replace it. The P150 is a great cooling case, similar to my Lian Li.

You'll need to spend around £60-100 for a nice case like any of the above.

banger9365

i us a antec 900 case ,it is very good ,it's got 3 120mm fans and a 200mm on the top ,the psu sits on the bottom and the fan speed can be altered on all fans. the only niggel is that if you have lotts of hdd and cards in the case the space is limiited you can just get two 8800's in (i mean just ).
i have got 6 fans running in mine and 3 hdd's,two roms,two graphic cards and a fdd.
the case me cost £67 @ psu extra
http://www.antec.com/uk/productDetails.php?ProdID=08009

MonkeyKong007

thanks for the replies,

If some of these cases dont have psu's what the chances my PSU will fit into a new case? Are they generally universal? Or would i have to buy a case to fit my psu or vice versa

Cheers

MonkeyKong007

bumpety bump bump.

Gib_Gib

The majority of cases are ATX and will use a standard ATX power supply, I really can not tell you if the time power supply will work, but there is a good chance that it will.

I suggest the JEANTECH - PHONG 2 case or AKASA ZEN

domestic_goddess

prob better to buy a new psu as u will prob update ur hardware (gcard) so buy a more powerfull one