Should I get an antec 900 or 902.

[First time pc builder]

Hi so for my first build I can get an antec 900 for $100 or antec 902 for $122. Is it worth the extra money I don't really care about the fan control (I don't have a problem going into the case to switch the fans), the black finish is fine though it doesn't matter to me one way or another. The side filter doesn't mater either b/c I won't be adding a fan here. Basically is it worth buying the antec 902 just for some cable management holes if I already have a modular corsair psu? Thanks!

 

[avatar_raq]

Yes, cable management holes eases things up and they do help cooling, and they make a huge difference when you look in the side window.
I own the 902, its nice and better than the 900 but not perfect..For example there's a continuous static at the front audio out port, the same problem with the older 900..If you want my advice ditch both and go for a CM storm sniper, it's by far superior to both.
P.S The side filter is necessary since air will be sucked in whether you put a fan or not unless you make the intake fans spins faster than the exhaust ones, which would make the case louder coz the intake fans are at the front!

 

[Bluescreendeath]

For static issues, I think you can get one of those circular washers that block out radio waves if you loop your audio ports around them.

 

[kokin]

Prices in my local electronics store are also the same. I feel like there's very little difference aside from the small extras that the 902 provides. If you've read some of the reviews on Newegg, people say that since an 8th expansion slot is added, the motherboard is moved up just a slight bit and with Intel mobos, the CPU HSF might get dangerously close to the 200mm fan on top (avatar_raq says otherwise and I'm only going by reviews, so just take it into consideration with the case's dimensions and your parts). I'm personally going with the 902 on my future build, but I'm going with the AMD path and I also like the extras and aesthetics for just an additional $20.

 

[johnnyq1233]

You could take a look at the thermaltake V9 case here: http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX22323(ME).aspx
It's on at memory express for 99.00...
I have one and I love it! Has good cable management and excellent airflow.

 

[hefox]

Also 922 is a good option.

 

[jeffredo]

I've got a 902 on order - should be here on the 5th. I'll post back after I assemble it if this thread is still relevant. I popped for the extra $24 (in my case) just because I figured that the newer model will have some refinements the original needed. As for Cooler Master cases, I got burned last year on a Stacker Evo 830 (aluminum) that had the worst quality control of any case I've ever built with. Probably just an isolated "lemon", but I doubt I'll ever give them another chance.

 

[jsc]

For static issues, I think you can get one of those circular washers that block out radio waves if you loop your audio ports around them.

My cases for some reason do not have that problem (Intel Gigabyte motherboards, perhaps). Those "circular washers" are called ferrite toroids (powdered iron doughnut).

I like the appearance of the 900 better than the 902. Cooling is great and there's nothing wrong the the cable management that cutting a couple of holes in the motherboard will not cure.
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/page-264112_10_0.html

Of course, not everyone is prepared to go through with the effort to do so (honestly, hard to blame them), but I really like the case.

 

[avatar_raq]

1. The 902 has enough room for CPU coolers with 120mm HSF, which should be enough to install them vertically or preferably horizontally (to push air upwards to be exhausted through the Big Boy fan). Kokin, as far as I know there's only one reviewer at newegg who claimed otherwise and he's WRONG.
2. As for the static issues, my mobo is ASUS P5KSE, it does not generate static from the rear ports and there was no such noise from the front panel of my old cheap-o case (~$20) with the same H/W..I googled for it and it appears to be caused by putting a common earth wire to all the front panel ports. By other words, Antec's fault. If anyone have a solution for this problem I'll be grateful.
3. A disadvantage of the 902 is having the plastic rough textured, which is nice aesthetically but a disaster when it's touched by the slightest amount of dust, it's semi-impossible to clean!

 

[kokin]

Kokin, as far as I know there's only one reviewer at newegg who claimed otherwise and he's WRONG.

Oh alrighty, then ignore what I said in my post. I thought I saw more than one review, but I would still recommend the 902 even if you plan to go Intel.