Help Choosing a Case!

Gundog48

Gundog48

Gundog48

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13 Sep 2009
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Maidstone, Kent
I am very indecisive when it comes to buying things like cases and this is no exception. I am looking for a good quality case to be used for air cooling with a budget of £155. I had decided on the RV02-EW however I am having second thoughts so I would like to see what options are open. I know I can browse the OCUK shop by price to see what I could get but I need actual advice from owners rather than suggesting a case close in price.

My requirements:
  • Large window
  • Good build quality (more metal= better, weight not an issue)
  • Good at air cooling
  • Big

Your advice would be greatly appreciated! I used to like the HAF cases but have gone off them somewhat and the HAFX has a stupidly placed window which allows you to see everything other than a glimpse of the motherboard!
 
The RV02 is probably the best option at this price point though. I guess you could see whether a Lian Li A70-FB floats your boat, but it's £10 over budget, while the RV02 is £20 under for the black one and £5 for the white one.
 
Got an A70FB here, beautifully built case, virtually tool less, good cooling and a massive amount of space. Unfortunately though no side window, to add a side window panel youd have to source one from somewhere, and id say theyre not cheap, iirc one etailer was looking for £60.00 for a side panel with dual fan mounts.
 
The Fortress 2 is slightly over budget, but fits your needs perfectly. Renowned for excellent stock cooling too, which means you won't pay extra for fans or anything.
 
Personally, I am not a fan of the front bezel of the A70FB, don't really like the fan 'grill' part. The FT02 would be an ideal option, however I'm not sure if I can really pay that much although I will look out for a second hand one. It also lacks the Air Penetrator fans which is a shame. The only thing putting me off the Raven is the amount of plastic, I like my case to have a nice metal feel.

At the moment I am drooling over this, the build quality is absolutely amazing! Maybe if I sell the house and live in the shed...

 
Gundog48 said:
Personally, I am not a fan of the front bezel of the A70FB, don't really like the fan 'grill' part. The FT02 would be an ideal option, however I'm not sure if I can really pay that much although I will look out for a second hand one. It also lacks the Air Penetrator fans which is a shame. The only thing putting me off the Raven is the amount of plastic, I like my case to have a nice metal feel.
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The FT02 does not lack the air penetrator fans. Got them in my FT02 right now - they came with it.

On another note, I am thinking of selling the FT02 at some point...
 
Loving my INWIN Griffin.

Not got a window as such, but there is mesh all on the side, as it has a 22cm fan that keeps my X4 640 below 50C with stock HSF. You can clearly see inside through the mesh :)
 
Loving my INWIN Griffin.

Not got a window as such, but there is mesh all on the side, as it has a 22cm fan that keeps my X4 640 below 50C with stock HSF. You can clearly see inside through the mesh
Click to expand...

Nice to see another IN WIN fan! I have the ironclad which I got to review and am very impressed with the build quality, however it leaves much to be desired in a few aspects. The mesh is pretty good however the retention beams get right in the way and I like a clear view of the case which the mesh obstructs too much for my liking. IN WIN cases are one of the most underrated IMO.

The FT02 does not lack the air penetrator fans. Got them in my FT02 right now - they came with it.
Click to expand...

I was under the impression that the Evo version was the only RV02 that comes with the AP fans, that changes a lot. Second hand is definitly a viable option too ;)

The other option of course, is to see how the 650D fares for cooling and to see the other fruits of CeBIT as they are reviewed.
 
Gundog48 said:
The other option of course, is to see how the 650D fares for cooling and to see the other fruits of CeBIT as they are reviewed.
Click to expand...

The only issue with the 650D is that none of Corsair's cases thus far have been anything special on the air-cooling front. Of course, if you want to watercool, then they're great, but they are beaten in air by quite a few cases.
 
I am still bouncing between different options and still can't decide! This is why I want to mod, I do not have a 'perfect case' as many people seem to have, apart from the TJ11 of course! I considered the TJ07 for a while however the airflow design, 92mm fans and the design of the bottom of the front panel puts me off. Don't really like the 650D due to the low window, frame and the look of the clips, don't see what's wrong with thumb screws. The 800D is poor at air cooling. The HAF-X has a silly window and I can never decide about the design!

The only case I can always appreciate is the Dragonlord K62 but that is a mid tower meaning it's not ideal. I want a case that I can buy and not feel the need to upgrade it or go off it in a few months. Second hand is also a good option if you have any ideas there.

I think it must be my age being between the teenage new Antec style and quality, refined Lian Li cases!
 
Based on your requirements and budget here's another vote for the RV02. Your OP reads like you'd be disappointed by another CM case.
If you want a *big* window like in your modded HAF, maybe you should do the same - get a simple case that you like and fit a window yourself.
 
Cheers for the advice! The ATCS 840 is something I considered and have spent a lot of time thinking through. However, I have seen Cubitek's new Tank series cases which have really intersted me. They are big, have a slightly aggressive look but still look and feel quality and is full aluminium. The internals are bare metal but that is not something that bothers me, I would also have to cut a window but would consider getting it machined to remove the ****-up factor.

The main attraction for me is the possibility I could get one to review! I run a review website and I'm sure Cubitek would like a few more English reviews out there as I believe they have only just started exporting to the UK. This would mean I have plenty to spend on it, including the possibility of anodizing the interior, putting some of Lian Li's PCI clips there (they look quality!) as well as case lighting etc.

The other one from them that interests me is that modular one they do. It is a great idea that would let me have a nice windowed box with just the main components with no hard drives getting in the way of the intake. I could hide the HDD box away and have the ODD compartment on the other side of my monitor with switch panels etc. It would also give me the satisfaction of being able to hide the main compartment leaving just the ODD box on the desk, then fire up BF3 and show my uneducated console friends how good PC gaming is even on my 'mini PC' xD
 
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