Question Gave up on HP workstation. Looking for a case

[Texan_100]

I have given up trying to get HP chat to stay with me long enough to configure a Z2 G9 workstation. Two small business representatives dropped my call with no warning. They had no idea what the expected W12 requirements are. I told them 45-55 TPOS and an NPU and they had no idea what this meant. Last week I didn’t either, but I am the novice. Oh well, it was an old design anyway, although PCmag still likes it.

So I am starting a build, looking for a case. I like some of the factors of the HP Z2 G9, the heavy duty construction, the closed top. I want a workstation-quality tower ATX case with at least one horizontal bay for an optical drive. I want to be able to plug in, in front: SD, mic and headphones (preferably separate connectors, but I could get a splitter), USB A and C.

Want it to be sturdy and well-made, easy to work in, 4+ PCIe for video, I/O and other cards, several SATA leads (4or more). Modern enough to have the air flow and ventilation for current and near-future needs.

If the case comes with power supply and fans, approx 700w power supply. Quiet running (very important).

No lights, no glass, good ventilation, preferably with dust catcher capability. The HP has fans blowing in on front, with external replaceable dust filter, video card in its own “tunnel” vented directly out back, fan blowing out on back.

I see the upcoming SilverStone SETA-D1 Mid-Tower ATX Chassis for $289 at PC Case Gear. Fell in love with the looks but probably not a good fit.

I strongly do not prefer any ventilation on top. I am in a house. Cats and drinks happen.

Good grief, it is over 9” wide. But it is what I consider to be a workstation case. Nice review here: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/silverstone-seta-d1/4.html

I was leaning toward the Phanteks Enthoo Pro, would certainly consider something that is a bit sturdier.

Moving on to an example build in my case, something on the level of:

Intel Core i5-12600K

ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI or other, such as Gigabyte Z890 or Gigabyte or whatever I would use for an Intel Core Ultra 7 (looking ahead already)

Gigabyte Radeon RX 6600 Eagle 8G or whatever goes with the rest of the rig (we're just looking at a case)

Will need at least a PCIe card for my PS/2 keyboard and mouse. Probably will find a few more doodads over time.

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Lutfij]

Optical drive bays are a thing of the past but you could look into the Fractal Pop series of cases, has provision for a 5.25" drive at the bottom of the case.

If the case comes with power supply and fans, approx 700w power supply. Quiet running (very important).
You shouldn't rely on a case that comes bundled with a PSU. it's best you pick up something off the shelf, high in quality, reliably built and with some wattage for headroom.

 

[Texan_100]

Optical drive bays are a thing of the past but you could look into the Fractal Pop series of cases, has provision for a 5.25" drive at the bottom of the case.

If the case comes with power supply and fans, approx 700w power supply. Quiet running (very important).
You shouldn't rely on a case that comes bundled with a PSU. it's best you pick up something off the shelf, high in quality, reliably built and with some wattage for headroom.

Definitely agree about buying the PSU separately. Please understand that I am also a thing of the past, in that I still use and make optical content.

Do you recommend the Fractal Pop over the Phanteks?