Struggling to choose a case

[jimbolux]

Ok, I am in the last days before I purchase my new rig and cannot decide on a case that fits my needs and meets the requirements of the components. Sorry for the long post, I can't help it

Here's what I am planning:
Core i7 920
ASUS P6X58D Premium
Corsair TR3X6G1600C8D 6GB Dominator
Noctua NH-U12P CPU Cooler
2x Samsung or Western Digital 750GB drives
No power supply chosen yet

Concerns:
Noctua looks good, but pricey and big. It would be nice to have a good quite cooler
I don't like LED's in cases
I don't care for windows in cases
The case will be in a very visible spot, looks are important
Cooling, I will do some mild overclocking to get what I paid for
Over time, I will add more drives and RAID
I haven't purchased and built my own rig in a long time, not even sure if my components fit my needs (Development, Virtualization, light gaming)

My case options (please lend your opinions)
antec p183 - I like the look and quiet design. Not sure if my cooler will fit, and read complaints about noise.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129061&Tpk=antec%20p183

SILVERSTONE Fortress Series FT02B - Nice looks. Sturdy construction
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163162&cm_re=SILVERSTONE_Fortress_Series_FT02B-_-
11-163-162-_-Product

Antec Nine Hundred Two - I don't like the looks, but the price and reviews are compelling
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129058&Tpk=Antec%20Nine%20Hundred%20Two

COOLER MASTER HAF 932 - Looks are not apealing to me, but if its nice and quiet I would buy it
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

Thanks up front!

 

[gracefully]

The Cooler Master HAF 932 is a full tower case. As the name suggests (HAF = High Air Flow), this case has a lot of room for fans and... well... a lot of room in general. Air flow is a critical factor in overclocking. You want as much cold air entering your case as possible. Aside from that, the HAF 932 is a positive pressure case, which means that in its default config of 3 (?) fans, the air pressure inside the case is higher than outside. That means little dust entering your case from outside.

 

[logan the huge]

Build Quality: P183 and FT02
Noise: P183 and FT02
Cooling: FT02 and HAF932
Space and Ergonomics: HAF 932
Dust Control: FT02
Styling: Really up to you (but I prefer the P183 and FT02)

If your fine with the high price and the design quirks(check the reviews) then the FT02 is the one to get in my opinion. Better cooling than the P183, quieter and better made than the HAF, and pretty much superior in every way to the 902.

If you're shopping around, Amazon usually has the best prices on Silverstone cases (due to free shipping).
http://www.amazon.com/SilverStone-Aluminum-Uni-Body-Computer-FT02B/dp/B0030MHEJK/ref=sr_1_40?ie=UTF8&s=pc&qid=1266651546&sr=1-40

 

[Vixe]

From personal experience I would recommend the HAF 932. It's just a great case and looks awesome. It also offers great cooling, if that is a concern.

 

[fergie]

FT02 all the way.

 

[galta]

HAF 932 is great in terms of space, cooling and silence. I have one and I am really happy with it.
It doesn't make sense to talk about positive or negative pressure: air is always getting in and out of any case, unless you seal it and keep pumping air in or out, to create a high pressure chamber or vaccum inside it!
The really important question is that it does not have dust filters, and that brings dust, but you can get them installed by your own.

 

[jimbolux]

Thanks for the feedback, the FT02 is my case of choice. Add a corsair modular 750 power supply.

Just as a side note, I have saved between $250-$300 with Amazon on price and shipping vs. Newegg. Who would have thought?

 

[JohnnyLucky]

Excellent choice. The FT02 was on my short list of cases.

Careful shopping and a little patience sometimes leads to bargain prices.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I'd echo the HAF 932 (or Antec 1200) ....today. After what i seen at CES from Thermaltake, Coolermaster and Antec, though.....I wouldn't buy a new case till these new ones hit the streets in mid March.

HAF 932 + Corsair HX850 ($340 or $360 depending on LED Color)

Antec 1200 + Antec CP-850 ($244)

Cases are evenly matched with each having pluses and minuses compared to the other. PSU's are evenly matched electrically, both get a 10.0 performance rating from jonnyguru.com but the CP-850 has an acoustical advantage as it's a bit quieter.

For the new stuff:

http://www.futurelooks.com/ces-2010-antec-unveils-the-lanboy-air-and-the-most-important-product-of-ces/
http://www.futurelooks.com/ces-2010-whats-up-at-thermaltake/
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/ces-2010-cooler-master/

The Antec Dark Fleet D-85 is a little aggressive in styling for my taste but the Hot Swap 2.5' SATA bay at the top, the hot swap everything else, easy access, cable management and multiple cooling options (up to 7 fans) are very attractive

 

[bhagat666]

go for the haf932 bro..