Looking for a good value mid-tower case.

[Lucky Domino]

I'm in the market for a very decent mid-tower case that provides quality air-flow, is cost efficient, and (preferably) with an optical drive bay (cannot tell you how many times I've ran into issues with a non-tech savvy professor handing out info-CDs as if they're still a common standard). I would also like to add some flair like LEDs, so a windowed version of said case is prefered.


Here's my current build.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/6mWtNG

 

[zeyuanfu]

I would have to say the Graphite 230T, comes with 3 120mm fans:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-08 16:39 EDT-0400

 

[tiny voices]

I like that case as well.

Another option is the 300r Windowed. It has a larger window.

you will need to add LEDs or LED fans yourself.

The build looks good BTW!

 

[Lucky Domino]

Thank you both! They're really quite sexy, especially given the price. I'll definitely keep the 230t and 300r in check.

 

[zeyuanfu]

No problem! I'd actually prefer the 230T as it has 1 more fan and the LEDs are quite nice

 

[tiny voices]

I usually recommend the 300r as you can use an h100i or other 240mm closed loop cooler where as you cannot with the 230t.

The 300r also can fit two 140mm front fans where the 230t can only fit 120s.

Both good cases though.

 

[zeyuanfu]

Well, if you want more value for your money right now and not later on, the 230T would be the better choice as it has more features immediately. The 300R might be better in the long run, though. You could also get the NZXT S340 for a bit more, though...

EDIT: I just realised after posting this post that the S340 doesn't have 5.25 inch bays...

 

[tiny voices]

Not to be combative but what does the 230T offer over the 300r when you buy it besides another $6 fan?

The 300r in my opinion is the better all around case. It also has more room inside and more space behind the back panel.

Again, both are good cases.

 

[zeyuanfu]

Not to be combative but what does the 230T offer over the 300r when you buy it besides another $6 fan?

The 300r in my opinion is the better all around case. It also has more room inside and more space behind the back panel.

Again, both are good cases.

The 230T supports 4 3.5'' and 4 2.5'' drives simultaneously while the 300R has 4 bays which support 3.5'' and 2.5'' drives. If OP wants 5-8 drives in his/her system, then the 230T is a must.
The 230T is also a kilogram lighter.
The 300R also has 5 fan mounts instead of the 230T's six.
The two cases support the same CLC kits and have the same radiator mounts.

But, as you said, both cases are good.

 

[zeyuanfu]

You can check the specs here:
http://www.corsair.com/en-ca/graphite-series-230t-windowed-compact-mid-tower-case
http://www.corsair.com/en-ca/carbide-series-300r-compact-pc-gaming-case

 

[zeyuanfu]

Although I concede that the 300R can hold larger GPUs, coolers and PSUs.

 

[Dat_Robot]

I would go for the Phantom 240. It has plenty of space , drive bays and badass looks.

 

[zeyuanfu]

I would go for the Phantom 240. It has plenty of space , drive bays and badass looks.

OP is looking for a VALUE case, not one that costs 70$.

 

[Dat_Robot]

The Phantom 240 is cost actully less than the 230t on newegg

 

[zeyuanfu]

230T:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Case: Corsair Graphite Series 230T Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $59.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-09 08:05 EDT-0400

240:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Case: NZXT Phantom 240 ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $69.99
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-09 08:06 EDT-0400

 

[zeyuanfu]

The Phantom 240 is cost actully less than the 230t on newegg

If you're a Newegg diehard, sure...

 

[Dat_Robot]

But the Phantom 240 totally worth it.

 

[zeyuanfu]

But the Phantom 240 totally worth it.

The 230T uses more metal than the Phantom 240, so it's more durable. Plus, OP wants LEDs. Sure, you can add them yourself, but the lights will be partially, if not fully hidden by the fornt plastic thing. You alos have to see if OP likes white cases...
If the Phentom was 10 bucks cheaper, sure get it. But, that's not the situation.

 

[Dat_Robot]

Yes, but the Phantom 240 has an incredible build quality like all Phantom cases. And the "plastic things" is a front mesh and it doesnt block so much light and airflows. And aftermraket fans will always be better.

 

[zeyuanfu]

Incredible? I wouldn't say that much. OP also wants ODD drives, and having to move the 5.25'' bay drive shroud is NOT convenient. it might look cool, I agree, but not convenient.
The mesh still blocks some lights from coming out while the 230T does NOT block anything.

 

[tiny voices]

Quit arguing please. There is plenty of info here for OP to make a decision. I will close this thread.