Best Budget Case?

[StupidNoob]

Hello, I am looking for a standard ATX case, with good cable management, air flow, etc.

I have seen 3 good value cases so far:

NZXT Source 210 Elite

Bitfenix Shinobi

Zalman z11 Plus

Any comments on which is best? Do the first 2 have good air flow, because extra fans aren't particularly cheap. Any extra case suggestions would be nice!

 

[clutchc]

Hard to compare a $50 NZXT and $70 Bitfenix and $90 Zalman, unless you are getting them at comparable prices somewhere.
They all have plenty of airflow. The top vent is the most important for letting hot air escape, anyway. But the Bitfenix is probably the better made of the 3, with NZXT coming in close 2nd.
The drive cages in the NZXT and Bitfenix will allow for better airflow from the front fan(s). But the Zalman's drive cage is a bit better for cable management. They all appear to have about the same amount of room behind the MB tray for cable management.

 

[StupidNoob]

Hard to compare a $50 NZXT and $70 Bitfenix and $90 Zalman, unless you are getting them at comparable prices somewhere.
They all have plenty of airflow. The top vent is the most important for letting hot air escape, anyway. But the Bitfenix is probably the better made of the 3, with NZXT coming in close 2nd.
The drive cages in the NZXT and Bitfenix will allow for better airflow from the front fan(s). But the Zalman's drive cage is a bit better for cable management. They all appear to have about the same amount of room behind the MB tray for cable management.

They have a similar price in the UK. However, how does the NZXT and Bitfenix intake air?

 

[clutchc]

They have a similar price in the UK. However, how does the NZXT and Bitfenix intake air?

The gap around the front panel is designed to allow plenty of intake air flow. And I imagine there is an opening under the front panel as well. The gap for putting your fingers into to pull off the front cover.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $54.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-09 17:51 EDT-0400

 

[clutchc]

That Corsair is a nice case in the same price range... if the OP can find it in the UK for the price he wants to spend.

 

[garryash]

Bitfenix Merc Alpha is just as good and in UK a bit less expensive than Shinobi. Had the alpha for 2 years with no problems. Both case sides come off so easy to route cables out of the way. Good cooling. Plenty of drive bays. Bottom PSU mounting. Rear fan fitted as standard with room for extra in bottom , front and top of case. Only thing I would suggest - stick some black gaffer tape along the inside edges where side panels fit just to ensure no rattles. (I didn't have any noise from them when first set up but put the tape on for pece of mind!! -- Good luck with your build.

 

[Vic 40]

Kind of the same question you ask here ... not?
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2251196/zalman-z11-case-aesthetics.html

 

[StupidNoob]

Kind of the same question you ask here ... not?
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-2251196/zalman-z11-case-aesthetics.html

But the zalman is a bit ugly ;'(

 

[StupidNoob]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $54.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-09 17:51 EDT-0400

Unfortunately, it is about the same price as the Corsair 300r (about £63)

 

[Vic 40]

Did you check the one i linked in that other thread?

 

[StupidNoob]

Did you check the one i linked in that other thread?

Yeah, it's quite good, but the cage is a bit bulky and if I got a corsair case I'd choose the 300r (saves me from buying extra fans)

 

[Vic 40]

if I got a corsair case I'd choose the 300r (saves me from buying extra fans)

? Both have two fans to start with ...

 

[StupidNoob]

if I got a corsair case I'd choose the 300r (saves me from buying extra fans)

? Both have two fans to start with ...

oh I did not know, but the aesthetics of the 300r are quite nice.

 

[Vic 40]

Save some more money and get that one then.

 

[StupidNoob]

The NZXT source 210 is a better alternative to the Spec-03

 

[Vic 40]

If you think so,it's gonna be your case.

 

[dasulman]

nzxt p240 its £50 ish

 

[garryash]

Bitfenix £30