The Final Five: Our Last Round Of Mainstream Gaming Cases

[Cantisque]

The Ravager looks absolutely hideous!

 

[Guest]

aside from the usb3 in the back of the tray, in front of it would have been better, i don't see how anyone can criticize its looks; i've seen some of the cases that have been recommended in the forums.

 

[jurassic1024]

Some of the worst cases I have ever seen.

 

[Crashman]

[citation][nom]jurassic1024[/nom]Some of the worst cases I have ever seen.[/citation]Remember that this is group 10-15, you can go back to see the other ten

 

[springfield45]

[citation][nom]jtt283[/nom]The Antec case I'm sure is high quality, but being limited to only three drives limits my enthusiasm for it. If I use a SSD boot drive and a RAID-1 for my data, I'm already out of drive bays. An adapter in a 5-1/4 slot isn't an option; it's only got two, one for an optical drive and one for just one of: a utility drawer (those are really useful), a memory-card reader, OR a fan controller.The InWin Buc was interesting; reminiscent of a 1950s locomotive. Some people will probably like that look and find it imminently suitable; although it isn't my personal style I can still appreciate it.MSI has created another child's toy, and Raidmax looks gimmicked out the kazoo with a lot of plastic parts that look about as sturdy as a sugar wafer.[/citation]

My wife uses an Antec (Mini P180) case and loves it. I am still using the old YY0221 cube case that I picked up 12 years ago. 6 external 5.25 bays, 2 external 3.5 bays, and 8 internal 3.5 bays. A lock on the door so my children cant push the buttons while I am working. I fear the day I have to give up this case.

Originally, it housed an Abit BP6 mainboard with two 1ghz PIII cpus. Now I am running an Asus board with a core I7. Almost every generation of cpu in between has passed through that case. I love it.

 

[mas]

Regarding the photos - black on black with no detail visible...Boy, is that useful(sic)!
How about some front lighting on the cases???

 

[Th-z]

I am a dust conscious user, if you guys review any case in the future, would appreciate to include detailed info on dust filtering features, for example, how many intakes are filtered, how good is the filter, and how convenient is it to remove them for cleaning.

A problem with most of these cases (except the Antec) is no front and side filters (if you want to use side as intake). And some case designs like to have upward facing USB ports. A horizontal plane will attract the most dust, which is not ideal for these ports, unless they include a cover or you'll have to improvise one. I'm still hunting for a case with positive air pressure and all intakes are filtered.

 

[cmcghee358]

[citation][nom]Crashman[/nom]Looks like the benchmarks are coming up a week from Tuesday. If you check every day until then, the increased traffic might give the the bosses justification to add another editor[/citation]

I'm still interested in the position!!

 

[Crashman]

[citation][nom]mas[/nom]Regarding the photos - black on black with no detail visible...Boy, is that useful(sic)!How about some front lighting on the cases???[/citation]Did you try increasing the brightness on your monitor? These companies are working their hardest to make your complaint a reality!

 

[ChromeTusk]

Finally getting around to viewing this picture article 😀. I love that Antec decided to send the Solo II. Just happened to stop by my local computer store and noticed it on display. I cannot wait to see how it performs and I might use it for a HTPC/family-gaming build if it does well 😉 .

 

[ChromeTusk]

I really like the Antec and Corsair designs but some of the other vendors cases in this roundup are fugly as heck.

I guess I am more of a less outspoken person these days vs my younger days when I built PC with flame throwing skulls illuminated by blue and red leds all over the side panels.

FTR I absolutely love my Antec P280!!!!

Certain cases work better for different people, locations, and uses. I still have my Sonata I because I loved the piano black finish . It wasn't until the Sonata IV that I even considered upgrading it for the family PC (which I still have not) due to better airflow. Also, I do not think my co-workers would consider the office a proper place for my Raven RV03-bw 😗

The Solo II looks like a good improvement on the latest Sonata (III?) case. I like that you don't have to open the door to get at the 5.25" bays and that the door gives access to the filters. Cleaning the filter on my Sonata I is pretty annoying. Of course I'd still take my Antec P183 over the Solo II, but it is much larger and likely more expensive.

IMO, the rest of the cases are ugly, but I prefer the clean looks of Antec and Lian-Li's cases.

The most recent version is the Sonata IV http://store.antec.com/Product/enclosure-sonata_family/sonata-iv/0-761345-15150-4.aspx and I agree with you that the Solo II is an improvement.
I also agree with you that their Performance One series http://store.antec.com/Category/enclosure-performance_one_series.aspx is awesome.