Which case shall I go for???

[AndyC53]

Hi guys,
I am building my first budget gaming PC over the christmas holidays. And I had to cut my budget significantly, so I was going to go with this case: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Carbide-Series-Mid-Tower-Gaming/dp/B0055Q7BR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932124&sr=1-1&keywords=400r - but thats waaayyyy too much money. My budget for a case is around £40. Is this case good or do you think there is a better one in its price range???
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cooler-Master-RC-430-KWN1-Elite-Window/dp/B003OEDJTI/ref=pd_sim_computers_26

 

[sincreator]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

 

[AndyC53]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

 

[I3lood Eagle]

I wouldn't skimp out on the case or the motherboard that was my very first mistake when making my first rig, I would honestly probably try to put the most into your case because you're going to be seeing it more that anything other than the monitor I know it may seem odd but your case is the most future proof part of your system. My instructor bought a Lian Li case like forever and a day ago and it's still in great shape after all the years I mean he paid like 200USD for it a couple of years back and it still is an amazing case also don't go with plastic always a bad idea, it scratches, scuffs, and ends up looking cheap.

this is what I'm looking into buying right now
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147187

 

[I3lood Eagle]

and what I mean is you're basically throwing money away if you buy a crappy case you're not going to want because if you just go ahead and bite the bullet you will be happier from the decision in the long run because you won't have to invest in another case and get rid of the other one which the resale for cases is terrible from my own experiences...

 

[AndyC53]

and what I mean is you're basically throwing money away if you buy a crappy case you're not going to want because if you just go ahead and bite the bullet you will be happier from the decision in the long run because you won't have to invest in another case and get rid of the other one which the resale for cases is terrible from my own experiences...

how about this case? It looks quite nice and there are a lot of good reviews.

 

[sincreator]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

 

[AndyC53]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

Sorry, I am very fussy. I'm not too sure i like the look of the case. The reason i want it to look good is that i am gonna be seeing it every day in my bedroom so i need a good-looking one. How is this case: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sharkoon-VS3-V-Green-Optical-Drives/dp/B00B1MU80I/ref=sr_1_6?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933881&sr=1-6&keywords=sharkoon
if that one isn't good how about this one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004REHPEE/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=computers

 

[I3lood Eagle]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

You know as well as I that after he gets his budget build shelled out he's going to want more.. Entry, then Enthusiast, then Expert that's how it goes right? Everyone I know that didn't shell out for their cases usually regretted it including me, I'm just trying to help him form making the same mistake, at the end of the day he's his own man, and he'll choose what is best for him financially but I'm just giving a fair warning that I didn't receive in my first build

 

[I3lood Eagle]

Lol man, From my standpoint stay away from Sharkoon, everything I've EVER purchased including peripherals have all crapped out on me hard... Red flags go up every time I hear or see Sharkoon now...

 

[AndyC53]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

You know as well as I that after he gets his budget build shelled out he's going to want more.. Entry, then Enthusiast, then Expert that's how it goes right? Everyone I know that didn't shell out for their cases usually regretted it including me, I'm just trying to help him form making the same mistake, at the end of the day he's his own man, and he'll choose what is best for him financially but I'm just giving a fair warning that I didn't receive in my first build

Lol man, From my standpoint stay away from Sharkoon, everything I've EVER purchased including peripherals have all crapped out on me hard... Red flags go up every time I hear or see Sharkoon now...

You Sure? ummm . . . I dont know what case to get then . . . all the sharkoon cases look pretty awesome but if they're crap then i'm not sure which one to get.

 

[sincreator]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

You know as well as I that after he gets his budget build shelled out he's going to want more.. Entry, then Enthusiast, then Expert that's how it goes right? Everyone I know that didn't shell out for their cases usually regretted it including me, I'm just trying to help him form making the same mistake, at the end of the day he's his own man, and he'll choose what is best for him financially but I'm just giving a fair warning that I didn't receive in my first build

You may be right about him eventually becoming an enthusiast, but usually a budget build NEVER includes a $150 case. lol. If he gets a cheaper case starting out, he can get a higher end graphics card or cpu. You know stuff that actually helps in gaming...lol. If he spends $40-50 now on a case, and decides to buy a more expensive one in a few years time so be it. Right now I would assume he'd prefer to have faster performance than a nice looking gaming case housing parts that can only game at low settings.

I have NEVER seen a budget build from any website include a case that costs over a hundred dollars. They are usually Antec 300's and cases around that price range actually. $40-50. Budget builds are usually around the $500-650 mark for most people you know.

 

[I3lood Eagle]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

You know as well as I that after he gets his budget build shelled out he's going to want more.. Entry, then Enthusiast, then Expert that's how it goes right? Everyone I know that didn't shell out for their cases usually regretted it including me, I'm just trying to help him form making the same mistake, at the end of the day he's his own man, and he'll choose what is best for him financially but I'm just giving a fair warning that I didn't receive in my first build

Lol man, From my standpoint stay away from Sharkoon, everything I've EVER purchased including peripherals have all crapped out on me hard... Red flags go up every time I hear or see Sharkoon now...

You Sure? ummm . . . I dont know what case to get then . . . all the sharkoon cases look pretty awesome but if they're crap then i'm not sure which one to get.

I agree that Zalman is a good brand but I would check out the Lian Li's and Rosewills, the Corsairs are really nice too but like I said all these cases will be driven up in price depending on the materials. I would look for something like aluminum or such as the main material because they beat out the cheap plastic cases.

 

[AndyC53]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

You know as well as I that after he gets his budget build shelled out he's going to want more.. Entry, then Enthusiast, then Expert that's how it goes right? Everyone I know that didn't shell out for their cases usually regretted it including me, I'm just trying to help him form making the same mistake, at the end of the day he's his own man, and he'll choose what is best for him financially but I'm just giving a fair warning that I didn't receive in my first build

You may be right about him eventually becoming an enthusiast, but usually a budget build NEVER includes a $150 case. lol. If he gets a cheaper case starting out, he can get a higher end graphics card or cpu. You know stuff that actually helps in gaming...lol. If he spends $40-50 now on a case, and decides to buy a more expensive one in a few years time so be it. Right now I would assume he'd prefer to have faster performance than a nice looking gaming case housing parts that can only game at low settings.

I have NEVER seen a budget build from any website include a case that costs over a hundred dollars. They are usually Antec 300's and cases around that price range actually. $40-50. Budget builds are usually around the $500-650 mark for most people you know.

Actually, thats quite a good point - i can buy another case later if i wanted to upgrade. What fo you think of this case: http://www.amazon.co.uk/ORANGE-Zalman-Z11-Plus-Performance/dp/B009OCEZLK/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

 

[AndyC53]

Or should i just get the Corsair Carbide 400r (which was my original plan) and cut down on my GPU? (Instead of getting a 7870, i get a 7850 or 7790)

 

[I3lood Eagle]

I agree it's unconventional but I highly advise it, you're going to become an enthusiast and when you do you'll want a better gpu and cpu anyway, so why not just get a kickass case, ladies love a man with a huge case...

 

[I3lood Eagle]

I own a Visiontek 7850 it's a great card.

 

[AndyC53]

I agree it's unconventional but I highly advise it, you're going to become an enthusiast and when you do you'll want a better gpu and cpu anyway, so why not just get a kickass case, ladies love a man with a huge case...

So do you think it is worth the money to get a Corsair Carbide 400r?

 

[sincreator]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

You know as well as I that after he gets his budget build shelled out he's going to want more.. Entry, then Enthusiast, then Expert that's how it goes right? Everyone I know that didn't shell out for their cases usually regretted it including me, I'm just trying to help him form making the same mistake, at the end of the day he's his own man, and he'll choose what is best for him financially but I'm just giving a fair warning that I didn't receive in my first build

Lol man, From my standpoint stay away from Sharkoon, everything I've EVER purchased including peripherals have all crapped out on me hard... Red flags go up every time I hear or see Sharkoon now...

You Sure? ummm . . . I dont know what case to get then . . . all the sharkoon cases look pretty awesome but if they're crap then i'm not sure which one to get.

A little over your budget http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z12-Supports-Bottom-Installation/dp/B00B839IHO/ref=sr_1_64?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383935174&sr=1-64&keywords=atx+case

The cooler master case you were looking at isn't really my cup of tea, but if you like it go for it.

 

[AndyC53]

A little over your budget http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z12-Supports-Bottom-Installation/dp/B00B839IHO/ref=sr_1_64?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383935174&sr=1-64&keywords=atx+case

The cooler master case you were looking at isn't really my cup of tea, but if you like it go for it.

Finally! A good looking case! I can stretch my budget. But it only says it supports 5 fans I need good airflow if i ever decide to upgrade to an i7 and a 7970. Do you think it will be okay? Or should i just spend the extra bucks getting the carbide 400r which supports 10 fans?

 

[sincreator]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

You know as well as I that after he gets his budget build shelled out he's going to want more.. Entry, then Enthusiast, then Expert that's how it goes right? Everyone I know that didn't shell out for their cases usually regretted it including me, I'm just trying to help him form making the same mistake, at the end of the day he's his own man, and he'll choose what is best for him financially but I'm just giving a fair warning that I didn't receive in my first build

You may be right about him eventually becoming an enthusiast, but usually a budget build NEVER includes a $150 case. lol. If he gets a cheaper case starting out, he can get a higher end graphics card or cpu. You know stuff that actually helps in gaming...lol. If he spends $40-50 now on a case, and decides to buy a more expensive one in a few years time so be it. Right now I would assume he'd prefer to have faster performance than a nice looking gaming case housing parts that can only game at low settings.

I have NEVER seen a budget build from any website include a case that costs over a hundred dollars. They are usually Antec 300's and cases around that price range actually. $40-50. Budget builds are usually around the $500-650 mark for most people you know.

Actually, thats quite a good point - i can buy another case later if i wanted to upgrade. What fo you think of this case: http://www.amazon.co.uk/ORANGE-Zalman-Z11-Plus-Performance/dp/B009OCEZLK/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

The Z11 is a great case as well. You'd be happy with it, I'm sure.

 

[AndyC53]

A little over your budget http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z12-Supports-Bottom-Installation/dp/B00B839IHO/ref=sr_1_64?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383935174&sr=1-64&keywords=atx+case

The cooler master case you were looking at isn't really my cup of tea, but if you like it go for it.

Finally! A good looking case! I can stretch my budget. But it only says it supports 5 fans I need good airflow if i ever decide to upgrade to an i7 and a 7970. Do you think it will be okay? Or should i just spend the extra bucks getting the carbide 400r which supports 10 fans?

 

[sincreator]

Well if you can get a cheaper case to allow for a 7870 over a 7850, then you should really look at a tahiti version 7870. It's the same price as a normal 7870, but is almost identical to a 7950. Here is one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/VTX3D-Radeon-7870-Tahiti-Graphics/dp/B00AM3A7JY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_computers_2

Powercolor has a PCS+ Myst 7870 that is a Tahiti GPU as well, but I couldn't find it on amazon.uk.

If you are looking to populate 10 fans, maybe you should consider water cooling anyway. It will cost about the same as 10 fans would. Well not far off anyway, lol. Not to mention it will be a lot quieter.

PS: Yes 5 fans would be enough as long as you have the front and sides as intakes, and the top and rear fans as exhaust.

 

[AndyC53]

Well if you can get a cheaper case to allow for a 7870 over a 7850, then you should really look at a tahiti version 7870. It's the same price as a normal 7870, but is almost identical to a 7950. Here is one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/VTX3D-Radeon-7870-Tahiti-Graphics/dp/B00AM3A7JY/ref=pd_sim_sbs_computers_2

Powercolor has a PCS+ Myst 7870 that is a Tahiti GPU as well, but I couldn't find it on amazon.uk.

If you are looking to populate 10 fans, maybe you should consider water cooling anyway. It will cost about the same as 10 fans would. Well not far off anyway, lol. Not to mention it will be a lot quieter.

PS: Yes 5 fans would be enough as long as you have the front and sides as intakes, and the top and rear fans as exhaust.

First Thing: Thanks SOOOO much for your help!

Second thing: The GPU you recommended seems good. Whats the difference between this one and the Sapphire one? Also the Cooling doesn't look to good either. Do you think it will be sufficient?

Third and last thing: So do you think i should get the Zalman z12 instead of the carbide 400r?

 

[sora]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zalman-Z9-Plus-Midi-Tower/dp/B004FPQL0E/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383932570&sr=1-1&keywords=z9+case How about this one. It's the one I have and it comes with a TON of options for it's price. It's also nice and sturdy.

It doesn't really look that great. I want a good looking case that is good. I'm sorry, but is there any other good ones in that price range? How is the Cooler master case?

Looks are a matter of opinion really. I am hard pressed to suggest anything else in that price range, because you get a lot more features and options with Zalman's cases for the price most of the tme. Maybe an Antec 300? It only has half the options and comes with less fans, but it does get good reviews.... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Antec-Three-Hundred-Gaming-Construction/dp/B0017Q8IAA/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1383933432&sr=1-1&keywords=antec+300

PS: Did I really read someone suggest an expensive case in a budget build? There are A LOT better places to spend that money.....

You know as well as I that after he gets his budget build shelled out he's going to want more.. Entry, then Enthusiast, then Expert that's how it goes right? Everyone I know that didn't shell out for their cases usually regretted it including me, I'm just trying to help him form making the same mistake, at the end of the day he's his own man, and he'll choose what is best for him financially but I'm just giving a fair warning that I didn't receive in my first build

You may be right about him eventually becoming an enthusiast, but usually a budget build NEVER includes a $150 case. lol. If he gets a cheaper case starting out, he can get a higher end graphics card or cpu. You know stuff that actually helps in gaming...lol. If he spends $40-50 now on a case, and decides to buy a more expensive one in a few years time so be it. Right now I would assume he'd prefer to have faster performance than a nice looking gaming case housing parts that can only game at low settings.

I have NEVER seen a budget build from any website include a case that costs over a hundred dollars. They are usually Antec 300's and cases around that price range actually. $40-50. Budget builds are usually around the $500-650 mark for most people you know.

Agreed, who gets a $150 case in a budget build?