I'm really looking for a budget case for a single build, but I guess I could splurge on an "heirloom" case if it's truly amazing. That said, my needs are fairly simple: good dust filters and good airflow, so justifying an expensive case is going to be difficult. I'd rather spend my budget on almost any other component if I can get those needs met.Budget?
I really like Fractal Design Meshify C.https://pcpartpicker.com/product/Y6Crxr/fractal-design-meshify-c-atx-mid-tower-case-fd-ca-mesh-c-bko-tg
Costs about $90
The Meshify C manages great looks as this case can come with a darkened or lighter side panel. This cases mesh front also allows for amazing airflow as intake fans are not choked for air, unlike many other cases. This case also can support an insane amount of fans for intake and exhaust. This case also has many dust filters.
The case comes with tons of cable management points and rubber grommets for cables to run through, cleaning up the whole look of the inside of the case.
This may prove usefull: https://forums.tomshardware.com/thr...ng-ryzen-7-3700x-setup.3492005/#post-21108433
My knowledge of airflow and filters is fairly limited, but I'm having trouble understanding what makes Zalman S2 inferior in terms of filtration and airflow to the Meshify C, apart from the vertical ribs on the front panel limiting the filtered intake area a bit. I guess it's possible the Meshify C uses some sort of superior filter material, but I think they would have advertised that fact if that were the case. Both cases feature no airflow obstructions above the PSU shroud and give you a straight shot from a 120mm intake fan to the CPU cooler, which should be amazing. If there is something I'm missing, I would love to be educated out about it before I make my purchasing decision. Versa J24/COUGAR Turret Mesh also appear to be identical to Zalman S2/Meshify C as far as internal airflow is concerned and have mesh front panels.Unfortunately, you won't find a cheap budget case that had good airflow and dust filters. These kinds of design choices are pretty much reserved for more expensive cases.
I personally have the Meshify C TG and love it.
Airflow and dust filtration are excellent.
Also, while it may be a splurge, if you think about it this way, there's usually one constant in your build over many years, and that is the case. While other parts may come and go as you upgrade things, the case will remain, especially if it's of a higher quality.
They also have a mini version for mATX builds that costs about $7 less.
Here's all the cases for Meshify in the US.
https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#sort=price&page=1
Yeah, I hope to get 3 120mm intake fans and 1 120mm exhaust fan to get positive pressure going despite the filters restricting airflow.My advice is to bust your budget if you need to buy a case you really love.
It will be with you for a very long time.
Filters are a love/hate thing.
The more efficient the filter in keeping out dust, the less cooling you will get.
If you compensate by using higher rpm fans, your penalty is more noise.
The Fractal Design Meshify C looks good to me but I have not used one before.
To keep parts clean, Make it a positive pressure system where ALL of the intake air comes in from one source and is filtered.
Inly minimal rear exhaust is needed to direct the airflow.