Spec me a case

darael · 16 Sep 2011 at 23:19

Looking for a roomy case, for around £100. I don't want entire silence, but nor do I want the case to be noisey as it will be on 24/7. I imagine I will need filters for intake fans.

I am bound to be asked why I want a roomy case - because I am ham fisted, and find larger spaces in a full tower case easier to work in, opposed to minute space found in mini-ATX cases :eek:

. I suppose space isn't too important, as I won't be inside the computer much - but it'd be nice for it not to be cramped when I work inside!

This looks good, but I'm not entirely sold on it for some reason - Fractal Design Define XL Full Tower Case - Black Pearl. The HAF-X is well beyond my price range.

Ideas this way please.

darael · 17 Sep 2011 at 11:23

stulid said:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18312692
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18262502
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18301766

Sure you want a Fractal?

Hah - after seeing those links, no. I'd want something to see me through a few builds, and not buckle if I look at it.

Thanks for those links!

Tbid said:
Haf 932 Advanced!

I think I could stretch to that, I'll read a few reviews first. Can the lights for the fans be turned off, without stopping the fans?

darael · 17 Sep 2011 at 11:35

Just read up on the HAF 932, and the only problem I can see is the lack of dust filters for the supplied fans. Can these bought seperately?

darael · 17 Sep 2011 at 21:00

I haven't bought anything yet, lol. The Raven 3 is too different for me - HAF 932 was good, apart from the lack of intakes filters.

darael · 22 Sep 2011 at 15:48

Ok I am prepared to pay an absolute maximum of £150.

But it is very important that the case has dust filters for the intake fans. The reason is because the machine will sit on a carpet - currently my machine collects enough dust, and I'd like to reduce this (I accept I will never completely get rid of it).

darael · 23 Sep 2011 at 13:30

I keep looking at the Silverstone RV03, but I just can't get past the fact the motherboard is rotated 90c and only has 2 USB ports - other than that, it has intake filters, but doesn't appear to be very roomy inside.

darael · 24 Sep 2011 at 13:58

Far too different for my liking. :eek:

darael · 26 Sep 2011 at 23:12

Right I've decided I'm not going for the RV03 - it's to different for me, lol. The HAF X is too expensive for what it is. :eek:

I've considered the HAF 922 but it doesn't have an intake filter for the floor fan or PSU.

The Corsair 650D looks like a super case, no need for additional fans or USB hub. Has intake filters. But I'm concerned about the reports of noise.

darael · 27 Sep 2011 at 08:52

Right now I have four USB devices plugged in (three rear, one front). I have seen myself use all four ports at the same time recently.

darael · 27 Sep 2011 at 11:26

I am wondering whether I should risk the Fractal, but I think the door puts me off.

Is there anything about the 650D I should know, as people don't seem entirely supportive of it.

darael · 29 Sep 2011 at 11:32

Got the Corsair 650D ordered this morning, for a decent price too. Can't say where as it's a competitor, but I'm extremely happy with the price paid and it's from a very reputable online store too. :cool:

darael · 3 Oct 2011 at 21:46

Okay the case arrived this morning - first impressions, extremely nice and good build quality.

I removed the white (masking) tape that holds the SATA drive bay door closed - and I saw a small flake of copper underneath, and a bit of black on the tape! :eek:

The rest of the case is fine, apart from that.

Emailed Corsair, hoping they'll help me fix the problem - can't see a way to remove the bay to send the door back to them, so I suppose it's a complete return? Should I be raising an RMA with the retailer I bought it from, or Corsair? I had a red card in the case stating something along the lines of to contact Corsair for all support problems, so I did.

I just want to get installing my pieces.