Help with picking a case (and maybe a cpu cooler)

Adzzxx

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Jan 15, 2015
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So I've recently upgraded my pre-built Acer Veriton M275 PC bit by bit but ultimately I'm going to end up with a new one and I could use some help with picking a case and a cpu cooler! (although I'm not sure if it's needed). It's for all-around use, with gaming a little more than office work and the occasional photo/video editing/converting.

What I currently have:

CPU: Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5800 @ 3.20 GHz
CPU cooler: A heatsink with no name
Motherboard: Some LGA775 Acer motherboard that was part of the pre-built PC heh
RAM: 4GB DDR3 PC3-12800 Crucial Ballistix Sport (I have another 4GB stick I plan to use)
GPU: MSI GTX 960 100 Million Edition
PSU: Corsair CX600M
Hard Drives: 250GB Samsung 850 EVO, 2TB Seagate Barracuda (Also have a 320GB WD Caviar Blue but I probably won't be needing it)
Case: Acer Veriton M275 (Not sure if that's what it's called)

What I'm planning to get:

CPU: Intel i5 4960K (May not be overclocking)
CPU cooler?
Motherboard: ASUS Z97-A ATX LGA1150
Case: Corsair 300R

The case I listed there is what's been recommended to me but I'm not set on it. If you guys know of any better cases, feel free to share! Functionality/cooling is more important to me but if it looks cool then that's a bonus.

Also, if you have any opinions or comments about the parts I plan on getting, please let me know :)

P.S. My budget for new parts is $500-$550 (after tax and shipping if needed). NCIX is my preferred retailer since I can pick up in-store.
 
Solution
The Z97-A is good.

For an i5 4690k, I'd get a CM Hyper 212 evo or Crurig H7 CPU cooler.

For a case I'd get the Corsair 200R or Corsair 230T for your build.


Great! Although I heard the 300R is better than the 200R in terms of airflow? (Size isn't an issue as I have plenty of space)
 


Also, are NZXT cases any good? Like the H440 or Phantom 410? I have an external hard drive that uses USB 3.0 and I noticed the Corsair cases don't have any except for maybe the 500R. These 3 also seem to leave quite a bit of room for future upgrades should I choose to do so or should I just stick with the 300R?