PC Case Material?

[maxpleasure]

We all know that the "air-flow" is the most important of good PC case but how you guys think of the case material?

Is it interfere any of heat dispatchment, electricity or maybe performance?

I am talking about Acrylic-Plastic PC case versus aluminum case.

Thanks,

BR

 

[apt403]

There might be a marginal difference, but nothing signifigant enough to sway a case decision. I have heard that acrylic cases tend to experience a static build up though, kinda like a balloon when you rub it on your head.

Case material is a good measure of quality, if most of the case is made out of cheap plastic and thin metal, usually steel, since its stronger then aluminium. its generally going to be a POS, if the design is largly metal the quality is usually high. Like this, compared to this. The first one is made mainly out of cheap plastic and thin steel, the second is made out of fairly thick anodised aluminium.

 

[sweetpants]

We all know that the "air-flow" is the most important of good PC case but how you guys think of the case material?

Is it interfere any of heat dispatchment, electricity or maybe performance?

I am talking about Acrylic-Plastic PC case versus aluminum case.

Thanks,

BR

I try to go 100% aluminum when I can afford it. I don't like the weight of the steel. Also, aluminum dissipates heat better, but that alone doesn't nearly justify the price premium of all aluminum.

I try to stay away from Acrylic unless I'm doing some fun modding because I've heard it insulates heat pretty darn well. Plus it scratches easily.

Positives on Steel - it's sturdy, cheap, abundant
Negatives on Steel - it's heavy, insulates heat more than aluminum

Positives on Aluminum - it's light, dissipates heat better, looks better IMO
Negatives on Aluminum - it's expensive, less durable

Positive on acrylic - it's cool to look at
Negatives on acrylic - it scratches easily.

Steel cases and acrylic cases are about the same in price though.

 

[sirrobin4ever]

Look more at the features of the case than the case material. Although it is an important factor, Case Design is much more important IMO. I LOVE my Antec 900; it looks great, and is very functional.....and its made of steel. Its all a matter of taste.