Help me pick a new case...

fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
edited October 2003 in Hardware
Ok, I'm looking to get a new case, had the one I got now for 3 years and I've pretty much abused the hell out of it...I've found 3 so far on newegg that I like. I dont want to spend over $80 total (including shipping). Please give me ur input on these or any others u know/like. TIA

Chenming Model# 601AE-SL (Silver) w/ Side Panel Window Front USB 2.0 - Retail
Specifications:
Material: 1.0mm SECC
Form Factor: ATX
Driver Bays: External 4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5" Internal 4 x 3.5"
Expansion Slots: 7
USB/IO: 2 x USB
Case Fans: 2 x 80mm (rear), 1 x 80mm (side panel see pics)

$59+$15shipping
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Comments

  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Aspire (Turbo Case )X-Dreamer Black ATX Mid-Tower Case w/ 350W Power Supply, Model ATXB3KLW-BK/350W
    Specifications:
    Form Factor: Standard ATX
    Drive Bays: External 4 x 5.25" - 2 x 3.5" Internal 4 x 3.5"
    Expansion Slots: 7
    USB/IO: 2x USB 2.0 + Audio/Mic
    Case Fans: 2 x 80mm (see pics)
    Power Supply: 350W
    Approx. Dimensions: 7.75" x 18.5" X 16.75" (LxWxH)

    $55 + $15 shipping
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    CaseTek Super ATX Tower case with Q-Window, Model CK-1019-2B
    Specifications:
    Model: CK-1019-2B
    Type: Super ATX Tower case
    Mainboard: ATX Full AT
    Ports: USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, Audio ports
    Tool Free PCI Slots
    Side Window: Q-Window
    Power Supply: No Power Supply
    Oem Enermax and Thermaltake
    Aluminum

    $50 + $10 shipping
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Chenming plz.
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Thrax said
    Chenming plz.

    care to enlighten me with y?...ive spent about 2 wks looking and i really wanna get a case by the end of THIS week...;)

    fc
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    It looks good. I like the removable drive bays. I like the snap-in fan slots. I like the design of the interior.
  • Geeky1Geeky1 University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
    edited September 2003
    Out of those 3, the chenming is probably the best- the hdd cooling is better than the casetek, and probably the other one too. Also, the design on the chieftec/antec/chenming/etc. cases has been proven time and time again to be good- it's got good cooling, it's pretty well laid out, and it's pretty easy to use.
  • danball1976danball1976 Wichita Falls, TX
    edited September 2003
    FatCat said
    Ok, I'm looking to get a new case, had the one I got now for 3 years and I've pretty much abused the hell out of it...I've found 3 so far on newegg that I like. I dont want to spend over $80 total (including shipping). Please give me ur input on these or any others u know/like. TIA

    Chenming Model# 601AE-SL (Silver) w/ Side Panel Window Front USB 2.0 - Retail
    Specifications:
    Material: 1.0mm SECC
    Form Factor: ATX
    Driver Bays: External 4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5" Internal 4 x 3.5"
    Expansion Slots: 7
    USB/IO: 2 x USB
    Case Fans: 2 x 80mm (rear), 1 x 80mm (side panel see pics)

    $59+$15shipping

    That's a nice case, and so are the Antec cases that Alienware used to use before going to the new design.
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Chenming...
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    The thing that bothers me with the Chenming is the side panel handle is right where i want to put a 120mm blowhole:scratch: ... but i might work my way around it...

    Casetek...
  • ketoketo Occupied. Or is it preoccupied? Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Strictly on aesthetics, I prefer the Case Tec. In part, my thought process is based on being sick to death of that Chenming look. And that acrylic overlay on the Aspire has never appealed to me. But in any respect, the Case Tec a very clean front face and looks to have decent air flow availability in the lower portion. Plus, is it really aluminum at that price point??
  • Geeky1Geeky1 University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
    edited September 2003
    Keto; unfortunately the hard drive mounting position really wreaks havoc on the airflow capabilities of the CaseTek...

    Also, I've heard that the card retaining system on the newer enermax/casetek/etc. design doesn't play nice with cards that have pcbs that extend beyond the bracket, which includes most cards around today...
  • WuGgaRoOWuGgaRoO Not in the shower Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    addtronics all the way.....even mack loves it :)
    http://www.addtronics.com/Extra96.htm
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    keto said
    Strictly on aesthetics, I prefer the Case Tec. In part, my thought process is based on being sick to death of that Chenming look. And that acrylic overlay on the Aspire has never appealed to me. But in any respect, the Case Tec a very clean front face and looks to have decent air flow availability in the lower portion. Plus, is it really aluminum at that price point??

    well...according to the website its aluminum...
    http://www.casetek.com.tw/html/pro-super.html

    but if u go into specs...it says this...
    "Material 1.0 mm SECC"

    so it might not be aluminum after all....

    fc
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    ok...after looking into the castec more (reading the newegg user reviews) the case IS aluminum...

    "The case is aluminum, has aluminum panels on the doors "
    "It's made of 1.0 mm aluminium plate"
    "because the chassis is all aluminum"

    fc
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Remember folks: Aluminum isn't expensive. Just Lian-Li.
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    Thrax said
    Remember folks: Aluminum isn't expensive. Just Lian-Li.

    Lian Li has this case for $60 + $10 shipping....course it outta stock right now...and no window:thumbsdow

    fc
  • TheBaronTheBaron Austin, TX
    edited September 2003
    not having a window gets a definite :thumbsup: from me... i find "trendy" cases annoying
  • ketoketo Occupied. Or is it preoccupied? Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    I can't tell for sure from the newegg pics but it *looks like* those lower drive cages on the CaseTec are removeable if not needed, thereby freeing up some airflow.
  • tophericetopherice Oak Ridge, TN
    edited September 2003
    N82E16811185009
    Icute Tech Corp Mid Tower Case Model VG100SL-A05T-B with Side Window OEM This Case comes with Front Blue Color LED, Side and Top Acrylic Panels and Fans.
    Specifications:
    Material:Steel SGCC 0.6MM
    Form Factor:ATX
    Bays:5''25*4/3.5''*2/Hidden H.D.D*5
    Expansion Slots:7
    Fans: FRONT8CM*4 + BACK8CM*2
    Power Supply: No Power Supply
    Ports:1x IEE 1394 Firewire, 2x USB, and Audio In/Out
    Dimensions: W*D*H=200*470*430(mm) -OEM


    Item: N82E16811185009 Model#: VG100SL-A05T-B WNDW
    Price: $35.00 Shipping: FedEx Saver Shipping $10.00
    Rating:

    (avg rating out of 2 voters) Stock: YES
  • a2jfreaka2jfreak Houston, TX Member
    edited September 2003
    A sheet of plexiglass is only about $7 (just got one a few weeks ago). Cut out where you want the window and put the plexiglass there.
    FatCat said
    Lian Li has this case for $60 + $10 shipping....course it outta stock right now...and no window:thumbsdow

    fc
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    i looked at that case, and the 2 varients of it...but it looked too cheap. the interior is the same as the aspire, which ive decided not to get.

    a2jfreak..
    i could and should...but the last time i did some mods on the case i got now i totally fubar'd it and its been a ugly duckling since...id rather just have it come with one.

    thanks for the imput guys...ill prolly be buying one tonight....decisions decisions..

    fc
  • fatcatfatcat Mizzou Icrontian
    edited September 2003
    well...ive ordered the case...

    i decided to go with the chenming, although i almost did change my mind and order an antec variation instead. i also ordered some 80mm fans at www.svc.com . they have some very nice prices on fans and don't try to rip you off on shipping either. I got 4x80mm 36cfm UV fans for under $8.

    anyways wanted to thanks those who expressed their opinions...i appreciated it...:thumbsup:

    fc
  • GobblesGobbles Ventura California
    edited October 2003
    ive been considering that case myself... I really like the side mount drives...

    Gob
  • FormFactorFormFactor At the core of forgotten
    edited October 2003
    I have one of these only with a Spider web cut out window design. Paid 30 bucks for it. LOVE it. spent the difference between this cheap case and an expensive case on cold cathodes and led fans.

    I gotta say it looks pretty schweet. and GREAT airflow.

    I also have 1 of the Chenmings but i personally like the Icute better cause it looks so cool. I use it as a HTPC and it lights my whole liveing room up. My friends think it looks pretty 1337 too!
  • PreacherPreacher Potomac, MD Icrontian
    edited October 2003
    fatcat,
    I have a Chenming and it's a nicely built case with very user-friendly features.
  • TemplarTemplar You first.
    edited October 2003
    I couldn't live without Snap-in fans, removeable drive cages and lockable front/side. Alienware's overpriced, but at least the case was damn worth it :)
  • celchocelcho Tallahassee, FL Member
    edited October 2003
    the thing i don't like about the chenmings and antecs is the lack of a motherboard tray. it's not a total deal breaker, but it's definitely nicer to have than not to.

    i have such fond memories of the original antec sx1030. first real piece of computer hardware towards anything i built. and that particular case ultimately held the apu's hardware (later icrontic) server... the memories...

    how many were around from apu's hardware? do we have any left i wonder?
  • PreacherPreacher Potomac, MD Icrontian
    edited October 2003
    GREAT POINT, Celcho!

    A removable motherboard tray is noticeably and woefully missing from my Chenming.

    Ahhh Apu's Hardware...old school S-M.
  • celchocelcho Tallahassee, FL Member
    edited October 2003
    ...oooooold school s-m... ooooold school icrontic even

    you've even heard the name? i'm surprised.
  • MAGICMAGIC Doot Doot Furniture City, Michigan Icrontian
    edited October 2003
    Heres my case, the YY mini server cube, i thinks its sweet but a little price. i fit an entire water cooling setup in there so its nice.
    The best place to pick it up is probley www.directron.com for about 150$
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