Inexpensive, Fairly Quiet, Black ATX Case w/ Window

[NoodleTech]

I need an inexpensive ATX case under $100 preferably under $75 after a rebate or something to house a new conroe rig. It should be fairly quiet, black, have a built in acrylic window and looks attractive. Could anybody recommend anything? Thanks.

 

[waylander]

Here is a specific one:

Thermaltake Tsunami $89 after rebate...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133132

Or check out this page...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...054808287+1295819209&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=7

I assumed no psu and mid tower.

 

[floge03]

100% go with the NZXT Apollo (in black). Comes with a psu for $90 and without for $60.

NZXT Apollo

 

[waylander]

I personally don't like the look of plastic doors but to each their own...

A case is very personal and what one person thinks is awesome another will find fugly.

To the OP, take a look at that list and on other sites and decide... as long as there is good airflow, most cases under $100 are pretty similar in features.

I don't know about the quality of NZXT psu's but if you can live without a window the Antec Sonata II is a good price for a nice case and good psu. You can add a window with a kit pretty easy.

 

[atlas1076]

For a value case choice, I have used X-Dreamer II it has some good features at a not so scary price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144026

 

[waylander]

For a value case choice, I have used X-Dreamer II it has some good features at a not so scary price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144026

that case is ok but I don't like aspire psu's... think about how good it must be when the case with a 430 psu is only $60, you get what you pay for.

 

[ANIA_fanboy]

Here is a specific one:

Thermaltake Tsunami $89 after rebate...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133132

Or check out this page...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...054808287+1295819209&Submit=ENE&SubCategory=7

I assumed no psu and mid tower.

I've always thought that the Tsunami was a good looking case. There are several possibilties for mods (or not, as it's good on its own).

I would always try to avoid plastic front doors.

 

[NoodleTech]

How does the Thermaltake Soprano compare to the Tsunami?

 

[jhutz42]

Gonna 3rd that, definitely avoid plastic doors.

All 3 cases I've had with plastic doors, every single one has broken off. Now I am an extremely careful guy but these things are just so damn flimsy. I woke up one morning and before I was fully awake lazily opened the door to the case and *snap*, there went the plastic hinge :?

Thank god for gorilla glue or this thing would look like something the garbageman left behind.

 

[floge03]

I still think the NZXT Apollo is the best choice for the money

 

[waylander]

How does the Thermaltake Soprano compare to the Tsunami?

The soprano is basically the same design as the tsunami but just a little newer with a couple of different features... it has tool-less hdd slots which I don't like, it's ok for optical drives but not for hdd's. The Tsunami hdd slots use thumb screws with rubber grommets to reduce vibration, I think it's a better design.

Can't go wrong with either though.

 

[waylander]

If he can't afford a separate psu then maybe the NZXT, but if he can, the Thermaltake products are superior.

 

[chased13]

go to newegg and search. you can go by cost, then psu or no then color then sidewindow and you will be left with your choices

 

[corvetteguy]

OK, i didn't get a window but i thought about it for a while. Like others said the tsunami is great, but i decided on this. aerocool engine 2

But then This came out and i decided to forgo the window and go for bette cooling.

I also saw this one, and it looks pretty cool. It was too big for me, and i don't like full doors. It was aluminum though and that was a bonus. NZXT LEXA

All those have aluminum doors, but some reviews commented on the plastic front that the doors were conected to on the aerocools. But i wouldn't worry too much about that. My system i'm running now since 98 has a plastic front thats been kicked, smashed, pucnhed, spilled on with coke, and...hehe, dropped on its front from about 2 feet with everything in it, and theres no scratches or cracks. Mind you it onl has a door that frames the cd drive, so thjats not opened often.