Moving to a new case for the first time?

[Kyle McDonald]

Hello, all. I was looking at my PC today and realized my case is old and small, and it lacked room for any new fans etc etc. I thought that maybe I could buy a new case and just take everything out and move it all in. I have never done this so I want some tips on how to go upon doing so, and also I would like links for good cases in the budget of around 100 dollars (( more if needed )) that will fit my mobo and all my other parts. Also, room for things like fans would also help a lot. Thanks all, here's the link to the stock machine I bought: http://www.acer.ca/ac/en/CA/content/model-datasheet/DT.SJYAA.002

I have switched the PSU and GPU, but that's all I have changed in the rig.

Thanks for any answers, have a good day.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

Here's what it says in CPU-Z. Anyways, what about all the USB and ports like that on the back of the case? Are they attached to the mother board or are they with the case? Also, how would I get the new ports on the case I buy to work with my mobo? Sorry if these are really nooby questions, thanks.

 

[tiny voices]

YEs, I have moved prebuilt desktops to aftermarket cases many times. It is very easy. Just note where the front panel connections connect because they are not usually labeled on the OEM motherboards.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

Okay, thanks. All I need now is some case suggestions, so suggest away.

 

[tiny voices]

Corsair 200r
Corsair 300r
NZXT SOurce 220
Rosewill R5
Antec ONE
Antec three hundred
NZXT tempest

ALL of these are VERY high quality cases.

 

[tiny voices]

Like I put in Post 2, this should be nice. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146069&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Cases+%28Computer+Cases+-+ATX+Form%29-_-NZXT-_-11146069

For the money this case has pretty poor cable management and a TINY back panel space for cables. I would not get it.

For the price there are WAY better cases. Have a look at my post.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

I was looking at Tiny's and noticed they are all have a black box kind of look ( I like that look too, tbh. ) but do you have any that have more on the looks side? I will probably end up buying one of tiny voice's but I would want to see all my options before. Also, what's your favorite from that list?

 

[tiny voices]

Generally the "flashy" case are lower quality.

Have a look at the NZXT Phantom 410. It is at the top of your price range but it is a good case and looks 'cool'

I personally do not like flashy cases. I have a Rosewill R5

 

[Kyle McDonald]

I was looking at the Cooler Master Scout II, is that good? I didn't really look at any reviews.

 

[tiny voices]

YEs, that is a good quality case.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

I was also looking at the HAF-X from CM.

 

[tiny voices]

That is also a good case, but it is WAY too big your your needs. You should be looking at the mid-tower version, the Haf 922.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

I kind of like the Haf 922, will this fit my board correctly?

 

[tiny voices]

YEs it will fit, it will look a bit goofy because your board is an mATX board, but it will fit without issues.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

Hmm.. Will the ones you posted fit without looking "goofy"?

 

[tiny voices]

http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q651/MrPS3skills/IMG_04771_zpsbf54d5ae.jpg

Different case, but this is what it will look like. A small-ish motherboard in a large case, obviously you can get better cable management going.

 

[tiny voices]

Hmm.. Will the ones you posted fit without looking "goofy"?

Not really. an OEM mATX board will always look a bit out of place in a normal mid-tower case.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

Okay, if these will fit my parts, I'll pick one and order it later tonight. Thanks.

 

[tiny voices]

Always glad to be able to help! All the cases listed will fit your parts.

What PSU do you have?

 

[Kyle McDonald]

I have the CX750M and I have the Sapphire Dual-X 7970.

 

[tiny voices]

Long ago I had a mATX board in a standard sized case. It looked like this. Not too bad.

http://i.i.cbsi.com/cnwk.1d/i/tim/2011/08/05/34686780_OVI_440x330.JPG this is your motherboard. It will look like this in a case like the picture of my old rig, just to give you an idea.

 

[tiny voices]

I have the CX750M and I have the Sapphire Dual-X 7970.

Should be fine. The CX units are not great quality, but it should be alright in your application.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

Yeah, I was low on money when I bought the GPU, so I had to skimp out a bit. I'm going to buy the Scout II or the Haf 922.

 

[tiny voices]

Sounds good. Also, just so you know, the PSU is the LAST place to cheap out EVER. If it fails it can easily ruin every component in your computer. I lost a $600 computer to a bad PSU. ALWAYS get a quality unit.

 

[Kyle McDonald]

Yeah, yeah, I know that now. This is my first gaming PC and I don't plan on doing the same next build.