Replacement for my P180

Kirth Gersen · 11 Oct 2006 at 12:46

I've finally had it with my P180. There are some clever ideas, but it's a mare to work on, and after a year, both side panels keep falling off due to broken plastic connections (can't think of the right word), and the flimsy door is a disaster. I can't open it now without it falling off.

So I am looking for a case with the same cooling capabilities, but properly built.

Must Haves:

* 120mm fans front and rear. Not bothered about the top.
* Castors
* Access to power on and reset buttons, and at least 2 USBs without having to open the door.
* Black
* Roomy - that new HIS X1900XT of mine is a beast
* Well built!

Nice to Haves:

* Slide out Mobo capability
* Slide out front drive cages
* Thumbscrews not screwdriver screws
* Windowed side panel
* Anything that will help dampen Hard Drive noise - now the noisiest thing in my case.

Not bothered about

* Flash looks and curves - in fact I prefer minimalist.
* Locks - in fact no lock would be a plus.

Target price - around £100 inc VAT.

I have one or two suspects, but I will keep them to myself so as not to predujice your ideas!

As ever, hope you lot can help.

Messiah Khan · 11 Oct 2006 at 13:00

Completely ignoring your budget... the case I went for to replace my p180 was the LianLi v2000. Ticks most of your boxes, but as I say, its way over your budget. Worth the extra money though.

gt_junkie · 11 Oct 2006 at 13:56

For size and price i'd go for an Akasa Eclipse 62 with a window! It's out of stock at the mo but my guess is it would be ideal and despite its size is fairly understated and tidy!

I have a P180 at the moment also and that would probably be its replacement.

Alternatively (and to throw a possible spanner in the works!

), if i wanted to be more flash i'd probably go for a Thermaltake VA8003BWS! 250mm side fan!!! :cool:

Hope that helps!

gt

Kirth Gersen · 11 Oct 2006 at 15:43

The Lian Li 2000 is way OTT for my requirements.

The Elipse 62 is on my shortlist, and so is the mirage, though I don't like the look of the door. I was wondering if there is a direct competitor to those 2 that I should think of.

The Thermalake is a nice idea - but hardly minimalist!

Messiah Khan · 11 Oct 2006 at 16:04

Kirth Gersen said:
The Lian Li 2000 is way OTT for my requirements.

Ok, i'll make a compromise.... a v1000+

Yewen · 11 Oct 2006 at 16:08

While reading your spec the v1000+ seems to tick everything...

The eclipse aswell, but the v1000+/v1100+ just seem to have what you are after.

Antec would sort you out with a new door and side panels aswell if you contact them.

Cyber-Mav · 11 Oct 2006 at 17:07

i just ordered a stacker 830 in black. seems to fit all my needs.

Yewen · 11 Oct 2006 at 17:30

If its any good or not is irrelevant though, they have a fair few issues with them sorry to say.

Cyber-Mav · 11 Oct 2006 at 17:58

Yewen said:
While reading your spec the v1000+ seems to tick everything...

The eclipse aswell, but the v1000+/v1100+ just seem to have what you are after.

Antec would sort you out with a new door and side panels aswell if you contact them.

why you put wheels on your case for? :confused:

Yewen · 11 Oct 2006 at 18:04

It is standard with the case...

They suit it, better than removing them as the bottom of the case is the intake for the PSU.

Kirth Gersen · 11 Oct 2006 at 20:42

Hmm, some interesting advice.

Replacing the Antec doors is a cheap option - but won't they just break again over the next year? The stacker is not for me. The Lian Li v1100 is a bit dear, though I like to keep noise down.

It's turning in to a toss up between the Eclipse 62, which hits all the buttons except that it is uninspiring to look at, has a plastic front, and need as extra: a couple of Akasa Amber 120mm fans plus the windowed side panel. Those will push the price to about £120 including delivery (different site

).

Or...

the Lian Li v1000, which hits most of the buttons, but comes without the mobo tray, and windowed side panel. While it's looks are perfect for me, it comes in at £140 inc delivery - ouch.

A real heart vs head choice - £140 is a lot for the bit which doesn't actually do much...

decision decisions. Any further help out there?

Yewen · 11 Oct 2006 at 20:46

v1000+ will not depreciate much over the years, it will sell for almost as much as you buy it for if you look after it.

Due to its layout it is extremely spacious, so you do not need a mobo tray, and you can buy a window for it at a later date.

v1000+ gets my vote, although the Eclipse 62 is probably the more economical option.

clone · 12 Oct 2006 at 10:27

Cyber-Mav said:
i just ordered a stacker 830 in black. seems to fit all my needs.

Sold my P180 and got this case omgg,i know it`s a bit more than your budget m8 but it`s worth getting.

squiffy · 12 Oct 2006 at 10:33

Stacker 810? Meets all your "must haves" doesn't have removeable tray but it's so big it's no problem at all. You could fit a round bit of perspex where the side is, but you'll loose the vent/fan

Kirth Gersen · 12 Oct 2006 at 18:16

To my eyes, the Stacker 810 has a bit of the industrial server look to it. I don't need it that big.

My heart is beginning to win on this one. A few reservations about the v1000+.

What's noise like compared to the Antec?

Do people have an issue without having a reset button, or is it a case of holding the power button down for 5 seconds and restarting that way when you have to?

Tosk · 12 Oct 2006 at 18:52

i would get the Lian Li PC-V1000+ black

here is the silver 1 showing the inside.

Yewen · 12 Oct 2006 at 19:06

Kirth Gersen said:
To my eyes, the Stacker 810 has a bit of the industrial server look to it. I don't need it that big.

My heart is beginning to win on this one. A few reservations about the v1000+.

What's noise like compared to the Antec?

Do people have an issue without having a reset button, or is it a case of holding the power button down for 5 seconds and restarting that way when you have to?

Yup just hold down when you have to, and I had mine making absolutely no noise aswell so it has the potential to be silent.

Kirth Gersen · 13 Oct 2006 at 09:25

OK - Sold v1000+ it is.

Thanks all.

gt_junkie · 13 Oct 2006 at 13:24

Great choice!

Pretty tempted myself now! Damn you all... :mad:

...
...
...
... starts saving!

gt

rangor gubbins · 18 Oct 2006 at 10:52

Yewen said:
v1000+ will not depreciate much over the years, it will sell for almost as much as you buy it for if you look after it.

Due to its layout it is extremely spacious, so you do not need a mobo tray, and you can buy a window for it at a later date.

v1000+ gets my vote, although the Eclipse 62 is probably the more economical option.

i managed to find a v1000+ that was very well looked after (still got box, bag, instructions, etc) and not a scratch on it for £55. It was missing the extra hard drive rails though (no problem as i have a modular PSU anyway).