Mid range PC case

Lchalky on 13/10/2013 - 21:33

I'm finally buying a computer after many many years. I've been looking at PC cases but have been overwhelmed and honestly, I still don't know what to get.

Ideally my price range is around $80-$120 for the case including the PSU. I'm fine with the case including the PSU or needing to purchase the PSU separately.

Any recommendations? Ideally if the recommendations are without a PSU, a recommendation also for a particular PSU would be appreciated :)

My friend recommended this case (including PSU version)
http://www.coolermaster.com/product/Detail/case/mid-tower/ce….

However based on reviews I've read online, the case is average at best and that there are better cases out there, which wasn't very helpful considering there weren't any particular cases they were referencing.

Computing

Comments

  • _Bruce_ on 13/10/2013 - 21:38

    Ultimately it doesn't matter. Some are slightly easier to work on, but really even the cheapest is fine these days.

    Just get anything that you like the look of and can fit your video card.

    Included PSUs are fine if they fit your requirement, which depends on what you are going to be powering.

  • scrimshaw on 14/10/2013 - 00:20

    There are usually 3 things I look for in a good PC case.

    1. Good cable management (that is, it needs to have enough space behind the motherboard tray to hide cables in)
    2. Removable and washable dust filters on air intake holes. This is important as it means you won't have to clean your heatsinks that often.
    3. A good number of tool-less HDD bays, and preferably one that comes with an SSD mount or bracket.

    There are other considerations like noise levels, aesthetics, front USB 3.0 ports, size, number of fans etc. however since everyone's needs are different these tend to be fairly subjective factors.

    If you're building a gaming desktop, you may want to invest in a better power supply (that is, buy one seperately from the case, since bundled PSU's tend to be fairly average). There are many cheap and reliable options like the Antec VP series and Corsair VS series.
    If it's a low end system you can get away with using a bundled Thermaltake or Coolermaster PSU.

  • chalky on 14/10/2013 - 09:09

    Thanks guys. The price I've calculated for the whole system including monitor is going to be costing me around $900-1000. It's not really going to be a gaming PC, although I have spent the little extra money in case I plan to play games with it.

  • matabuntu on 14/10/2013 - 10:34

    You can also check here (look at $1000 build) http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs_gaming_conf…
    They also have dedicated case recommendation section.

  • cumova on 14/10/2013 - 12:27

    Thermaltake Black Versa II w/ USB3 and 500W Litepower PSU

    i bought this one as the whirlpool wiki suggested, its a great case and should be goof for a low-mid range video card

  • chalky on 14/10/2013 - 12:33

    Thanks matabuntu/cumova. I think that helps :)

  • ethereal88 on 14/10/2013 - 14:05
    -1

    Litepower PSU's belong in the bin. You want something HAF, plenty of airflow, excellent cable management and plenty of room. Second choice would be something Corsair Carbide. Rest, pffffft.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join