A computer case for my needs

[thermalburn]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this site but I've heard many good things so I figured, why not ask my question here? I not COMPLETELY computer ignorant, however this is my first attempt to build one ground up.

So here's the deal: I have an ASUS P5Q Deluxe motherboard and I'm sticking a Visiontek ATI 4850 HD vid-card in there. Sometime in the near future when i save up money i plan on purchasing another 4850 and enabling CrossFire. Now my question is, can you guys recommend a Computer Case that can comfortable fit my mobo/dual video cards while providing enough room adequate airflow and future upgrades?

I know this sounds very trivial, but im new to this and I would greatly appreciate your help.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

What is the target budget for the case? Do you like bling (windows and LED lights), or do you like a more subtle look?

What country are you purchasing from? It's nice to know that so we can help determine what's available to you in your area.

 

[thermalburn]

Oh I'm really sorry, let me add a few more details.

In terms of appearance i like it sleek rather than blocky, you know, something a little more "modern." Windows are cool, but LEDs should be kept to a minimum.

My budget is about $100-$200 but i really dont want to go over $150 unless absolutely necessary. Then again, if its good quality I may not mind going over that budget ever so slightly. Also I live in the Contiguous United States; California to be more exact.

Thank you for your prompt reply, i look forward to hearing from you again.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Cases really come down to personal preference. I, personally, like Antec cases.

Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058&Tpk=antec%20902 $159.99

Antec Twelve Hundred Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129043&Tpk=antec%201200 $159.99

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042&Tpk=antec%20300 $54.95

Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021 $109.99

Cooler Master also makes very nice cases.

COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160 $139.99

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137 $79.99

+

COOLER MASTER RA-690-KWN2-GP CM 690 clear side panel with one 120 mm blue LED fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999177 $24.99 (if you want the side window)

COOLER MASTER Storm Sniper SGC-6000-KKN1-GP Black ABS Bezel, SECC Body ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119194 $169.99 - $20 MIR

I know that probably doesn't help you narrow it down much. Like I said, cases really just come down to personal preference. All the cases above have great cooling and are high-quality cases.

 

[thermalburn]

Hahaha that narrowed it down plenty, now i know a place to start from :lol:

And so all of these cases will comfortably fit my Asus P5Q motherboard/2 video cards?

Do you have any personal experience with either one of those? I'd love to hear your input.

Thanks again

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Yes, all those cases will fit a full-size ATX motherboard and dual video cards. The Antec 300 is probably the smallest of all the cases, but it also has room for dual GPU's.

 

[thermalburn]

Excellent, thank you very much!

Oh actually one more thing, would a 700w power supply be sufficient to handle dual video cards?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

That depends, what PSU are you thinking of? The 12v amp rating is more important than the wattage. A quality 550W psu will do crossfire 4850's, but a cheap 700W may struggle depending on the amp rating.

I would check out some quality PSU's in the 550W - 650W range. Corsair, PC Power & Cooling, Antec, Seasonic, etc...

CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004&Tpk=550vx $89.99 - $30 MIR

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005&Tpk=650tx $99.99 - $20 MIR

Antec EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V version 2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015&Tpk=ea650 $79.99

PC Power & Cooling S61EPS 610W Continuous @ 40°C EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005 $104.99 - $25 MIR

Those are all popular, high-quality, PSU's that would all power crossfire 4850's. The 550W model is cutting it a little close, though.

 

[thermalburn]

Oh okay, I see now. I guess i'll do a bit more hunting then lol

Thanks for your help i really appreciate it.