PC Case recommendations

[crozXrj]

Hi, I am looking to buy my new gaming computer soon but cant seem to decide on what case to buy. I will not be doing any serious overclocking, have around $160 budget for case no more than $200. Preferably not too big.
My current specs I have in mind are as follows(open to recommendations on different parts):


Intel i5-3570 3.4ghz
Gigabyte Z77x-UD3H (no wifi)
2 x DDR3 1333Mhz CL9 Kingston 4GB
WD 1TB Green
Samsung 840 120gb SSD
Reusing old DVD-RW
Silverstone 700w ST70F-ES
Gigabyte GTX770 2gb Windforce

 

[speedsurfer]

NZXT Phantom 410 (Red/Black/White) + Corsair H80 Liquid Cooler - $269 (bundle pricing)

Bundle deal from PCtheme, not a bad case and the cooler is a plus

 

[crozXrj]

NZXT Phantom 410 (Red/Black/White) + Corsair H80 Liquid Cooler - $269 (bundle pricing)

Bundle deal from PCtheme, not a bad case and the cooler is a plus

Rather not have a liquid cooler and is slightly over my budget, do you know how much is the case itself?

 

[hoven00]

NZXT Phantom 410 - $155 from PCTheme pricelist. Do note that the 'standard' edition (black/red/white) doesn't come with a front fan filter if i'm not mistaken. I own a Gunmetal version and though it comes with a front fan filter I still can't figure out how to remove it.

But when it comes to casing..I think it's really up to your taste/preference. Some might like aggressive looking case like the Haf X..some prefer minimalist, elegant looking ones like a Fractal Design R3/R4. So I suggest looking around and see which fits your budget and taste.

 

[crozXrj]

NZXT Phantom 410 - $155 from PCTheme pricelist. Do note that the 'standard' edition (black/red/white) doesn't come with a front fan filter if i'm not mistaken. I own a Gunmetal version and though it comes with a front fan filter I still can't figure out how to remove it.

But when it comes to casing..I think it's really up to your taste/preference. Some might like aggressive looking case like the Haf X..some prefer minimalist, elegant looking ones like a Fractal Design R3/R4. So I suggest looking around and see which fits your budget and taste.

Thanks for your input, NZXT Phantom 410 looks like a really nice case. Not too sure what to look out for when buying a case as its my first time. Do you know if it is needed/worth to buy additional fans ? or would the ones which come with the case be sufficient.

 

[hoven00]

Thanks for your input, NZXT Phantom 410 looks like a really nice case. Not too sure what to look out for when buying a case as its my first time. Do you know if it is needed/worth to buy additional fans ? or would the ones which come with the case be sufficient.

I got a problem with the Phantom 410 power/reset button. It's made from some kind of rubber, and after slightly more than a year of usage the coating on the power button started peeling off, leaving some kind of sticky stuff. I also find the buttons to be too small for my liking. Now not a big fan of rubber buttons anymore..
Otherwise it's a great case. Comes with a 3 speed fan controller. 3 mediocre white bladed fan (140mm top fan has white LED)

If you wanna go watercooling you will want to find a case which supports it, esp for those big big radiators. But for me, aesthetic is #1.
Just my opinion

 

[the-alchemist]

fractal define r4 good?

 

[enenyi]

Hi, I am looking to buy my new gaming computer soon but cant seem to decide on what case to buy. I will not be doing any serious overclocking, have around $160 budget for case no more than $200. Preferably not too big.
My current specs I have in mind are as follows(open to recommendations on different parts):


Intel i5-3570 3.4ghz
Gigabyte Z77x-UD3H (no wifi)
2 x DDR3 1333Mhz CL9 Kingston 4GB
WD 1TB Green
Samsung 840 120gb SSD
Reusing old DVD-RW
Silverstone 700w ST70F-ES
Gigabyte GTX770 2gb Windforce

If u dun mind not having any windowed side panel, Xigmatek Asgard XP would be the cheapest decent option at $59. Else, for windowed side panel casings:

Xigmatek Asgard Pro - $79
Sharkoon T28 (Red/Blue/White) - $89
Xigmatek Asgard Midgard - $85
NZXT Phantom 410 - $155

In any case, I find that for casings, aesthetics is top priority (u must like the look of the casing coz u gonna live with it for the next few years of your life). Functionality is second, unless u willing to fork out extra to buy the much needed USB3.0 ports and/or card readers.

 

[sdhdaniel]

Arc midi r2!

 

[Goodday79]

Arc midi r2!

Agreed la.

 

[devilwahaha]

Lian Li PC-A05 full aluminium case, about $130.

 

[Agent_X]

Sharkoon MS140
MS140 | SHARKOON Technologies GmbH
PCT selling for $59

 

[sdhdaniel]

Agreed la.

But heard no stock

 

[Ark Law]

Sharkoon MS140
MS140 | SHARKOON Technologies GmbH
PCT selling for $59

Selling for $52. Anw, TS's mobo I believe is not mATX, so cannot fit in that case anyways.

Another option is to get Fractal Design R4 w. window. Nice quiet case

 

[JasK]

If you don't mind something black simple bland and nice looking too,
recommend you my case, mine is internal coating black too.
Antec.com - Product: Three Hundred Two
AnandTech | Antec Three Hundred Two: Stay Cool, Budget Enthusiasts
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2012/09/06/antec_three_hundred_two_midtower_case_review/#.Uc5WofnI3MZ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uD_xhZzFfQ

else you can consider Carbide Series 200R

 

[crozXrj]

Selling for $52. Anw, TS's mobo I believe is not mATX, so cannot fit in that case anyways.

Another option is to get Fractal Design R4 w. window. Nice quiet case

Fractal design R4 seems pretty nice and simple, my parts would be able to fit in it fine right?
Also do you know what material is the case made out of? They dont seem to mention it on their website.

 

[Ark Law]

Fractal design R4 seems pretty nice and simple, my parts would be able to fit in it fine right?
Also do you know what material is the case made out of? They dont seem to mention it on their website.

Yup, should fit in no probs. Installed a system for a friend using this case, it's roomy and wide. Not a guru in casing, but I guess lots of metal and some aluminum here and there? I find the HDD trays solid

Windowed version

Non-windowed version

 

[Agent_X]

Selling for $52. Anw, TS's mobo I believe is not mATX, so cannot fit in that case anyways.

Another option is to get Fractal Design R4 w. window. Nice quiet case

Opps, sorry about that.
Replied too late in the night, never see properly.

 

[wuweiz]

CM Scout II ftw.

 

[sdhdaniel]

SWITCH 810! But I'll still choose ARC MIDI R2 over it.