Help me pick affordable case for my new build

[V_BL]

Hi everyone,

When I started to search components for my build I thought to take my old case. Since I took almost everything brand new Ive deiced to take new case too. Problem is that I cant spent too much money on new case.

These are my components:
- Intel i5 3570k
- 2 x 4GB Kingston HyperX Beast 2400MHz
- Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H
- Seasonic S12II-620Bronze or Seasonic M12II-620Bronze (second one is modular)
- Seagate Barracuda 1TB, SATA 3, 64Mb Cache
- Sony DVD/RW

These are my requirements for case:
- $30-60
- USB 3.0 ports on front are more than welcome
- dust filters are desirable
- good airflow in case
- good build quality

So far I found:
BitFenix Merc Alpha - http://www.bitfenix.com/global/en/products/chassis/merc-alpha
Enermax Ostrog - http://www.enermax.co.uk/ostrog.html
Sharkoon T9 Value - http://www.sharkoon.com/?q=en/node/1858
Sharkoon VS3-V - http://www.sharkoon.com/?q=en/content/vs3v
MS-Tech CA-021 - http://www.ms-tech.de/eng/index.php/product/detail/pdcid/65/pdid/290
MS-Tech CA-0210 - http://www.ms-tech.de/eng/index.php/product/detail/pdcid/65/pdid/280

Feel free to share your prepositions or let me know what is your favorite from my list.

 

[jrayx]

Of those cases the Ostrog seems like a good case with nice features, but I don't know about the build quality. I could suggest you some cases:

Haf 912: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
Zalman Z11 Plus http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811235034
Corsair 200R: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139018

Any of those three cases have a good build quality, nice features and fits your budget.

 

[V_BL]

Surprisingly all of those 3 cases are pretty expensive on Amazon & Ebay in Europe
- Haf: 86 Euros ($114)
- Zalman Z11 Plus - 65 Euros ($86)
- Corsair 200R - 70 Euros ($93)

Also I found two more cases:

BitFenix Outlaw http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811345013&Tpk=BitFenix%20Outlaw

COUGAR Solution http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811553003

 

[jrayx]

The Bitfenix Mec Alpha seems like a good quality budget case, also the Bitfenix Outlaw. Search something from NZXT, like the Source 220, Source 210/210 Elite.

 

[V_BL]

My friend from Geneva is not impressed with NZXT cases, so I would pass that brand.

 

[JohnnyLucky]

The all time number one best selling mid tower case for individuals on a tight budget is the Antec Three Hundred. Case cooling and airflow are outstanding. There are several variations of the case. Here is an example:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

 

[V_BL]

Antec is great, but in Europe on-line markets I cant find anything under $80

 

[gamingboy]

Bitfenix makes some amazing budget cases. The outlaw would be an excellent choice.

 

[V_BL]

Bitfenix makes some amazing budget cases. The outlaw would be an excellent choice.

For now that my favorite too. But I will wait a little longer, maybe someone will come up with even better solution.

 

[V_BL]

Please let me know what you do you guys think about this case Cooler Master K280: http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6860

(Up to three fans on front, USB 3.0 on front, 3 tool-free slots, 3 centimeters wider than BitFenix Merc Alpha). I am worried about PSU mesh, is it too small? How do you compare this case to BitFenix Merc Alpha?