Spec me a case! Sub £60, no window/lights.

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 19:26

Sorry to start another "spec me" thread, but I didn't want to wreck that "sexy case" thread too much.

Here's my guidelines;

Sub £60, inc vat.
Good looking.
Black.
120mm fans! Essential! 80mm = absolute no.
No window, and no bright LEDs (though a neat power LED is fine, just no uber cathodes or anything)
Not too big. Needs to hold 3 hard drives, 4 5.25 drives, and thats it.

I have a tacky plasticky case at the moment, with window, cathodes, shiney bits etc. When I watch films, the light from the case annoys me.
I want a less tacky case, but still want it to be something special.

THIS is my favourite case (but way beyond budget), just so you know what I like.

The Lian-Li PC V1000 Plus

So far, I like;

The Lian-Li PC7 Plus
Unfortunately it has an 80mm fan!

The Akasa Zen
Probably my current favourite, though is the plastic a bit tacky?

The Antec Solo

Looks lovely, but I don't know much about it, and it is slightly over budget.

I am willing to go a bit over budget if people think this is worth it.

Sorry for the long post, but theres my thoughts so far!

Obviously open to any other suggestions of other cases! I know there are many many useful threads in case central, and I have been searching, but any links to other threads would really help too.

Particularly looking for info on the Antec Solo.

Cheers!

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 19:33

On the OcUK description, it says 1 80mm and 1 120mm?

Plus, I think that case looks a little bit too... boring. I mean, it doesn't look like it would really stand out from a load of off the high street pre-built machines, even if it is a nice case.

EDIT:

Lian-Li PC-7 PLUS Black Aluminium Midi-Tower Case (No PSU) (CA-054-LL)
The PC-7 Plus case is well ventilated, and includes one 12cm ball bearing fan and one 80mm sleeve bearing fan. The case is easily accessed through large, stainless steel thumbscrews on the doors and motherboard tray. There is also protective plastic edging on all case surfaces allowing you to work inside your case without fear of getting cut.

- Dimension: 210x450x490 mm ( W,H,D)
- Drive bays 4x5.25", 2x3.5", 3x3.5" internal
- Fan: 12 cm ball bearing x 1, 8 cm sleeve fan x 1
- M/B type: ATX & pentium 4 (max size: 12"x9.6")
- PSU Type:ATX
- USB2.0 x 2 IEEE 1394 x 1MIC x 1EAR x 1

Full Specification

Price: £48.95 (£57.52 Including VAT at 17.5%)

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 20:06

OK. It definately seems to be better than it looks on the catalogue page, judging by peoples' comments.

Anyone got any info on the Antec Solo?

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 20:11

So if I was to order the case I posted in post #4, I would recieve one with 120mm fans front and rear?

Are you sure?

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 21:12

Mmmkay. What's my best bet for finding out what they're going to send me? I've never had to contact OcUK before, my orders have always been straighforward.

Would still like info on the Antec Solo though.

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 21:22

messiah khan said:
...you could then use the distance selling act to send it back.

Could I? According to the website, I should really "expect" one 80mm and one 120mm.

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 22:04

[n00b]

How do I send a webnote?

[/n00b]

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 22:24

Thanks.

Sent one one, I'll let you guys know what the response is.

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 22:52

*Buys one*

Cheers Yewen.

As I said, I did search, but found little of use on the Antec Solo, particually.

One more thing, can I check it'll be OK with 3 hard drives (may even add a fourth) and 4 5.25 drives? No floppys.

And is it quiet?

EDIT: Also, I presume the window on the particular case you just linked me pictures of does not come as standard?

_PD_ · 28 Aug 2006 at 23:11

Azza said:
What colour have you gone for?

Black! Of course.

Black with blue Led's - Yewens' favourite

_PD_ · 29 Aug 2006 at 13:08

I couldn't give a rats arse about cooling.

Still no info on the Antec Solo, anyone? SOMEONE must have one!

_PD_ · 29 Aug 2006 at 13:47

likwid said:
You don't care about cooling? You should.

The reason there's so few solo reviews is because it's exactly the same as the p150, minus the power supply and colour.

Ah... cheers!

No, I have overkill on cooling - an XP120 and a VF7000Cu, cooling only a 3700 and a 9800pro. My PC can practically passively cool itself, so overheating shouldn't be a problem.

Yewen - you got any pics of the Solo or P150 please?

_PD_ · 29 Aug 2006 at 13:54

likwid said:
It doesn't matter if you have great internal cooling if the ambient temperature of a case is high. Pretty obvious that blowing hot air onto hot components isn't going to be as effective.

Look, my case at the moment is almost air tight, and my temps are low simply because my PC doesn't generate much heat. I don't play games, or really run my rig at 100%.