Why expensive cases?

[Supahos]

Okay I understand wanting a computer to look nice as well as run very well, what I don't get is the number of people who have $150~$250 cases and build a computer with a $1000 budget. I would say the case is the least important factor in computer performance that exists why do some many people blow their budget on a case, when the difference would have meant a better GPU/Cpu/board/memory?

 

[NormH]

for cable management and cooling options. better cases often have better airflow and cooling which keep parts from overheating and provide better overall consistency in performance. i have a list of sub $100 cases i like that offer great cooling and cable management though.

 

[_Vass]

the case is pretty important. a bad airflow could severly limit your hardware capabilities. Some people also hate to struggle with cable managment.

 

[skit75]

Because a case will last multiple update cycles if you get a good enough one. They are typically designed for better airflow, cable-routing & quieter operation when using cold-rolled steel vs. aluminum. Some designs also allow for easier cleaning and access to problem areas also. I love my Antec 902 =)

 

[MysteryINC]

The more expensive the case the better quality. Also, more expensive cases are bigger - E.g. a Corsair 600D will be bigger than a Cooler Master HAF 912.

 

[quilciri]

A $150-250 case is a bit ridiculous on a $1000 budget, but a $50-100 case would be reasonable in quality and price on that budget. case materials, thickness, and construction quality are all things you pay for. Things like Brushed aluminum are more costly.

I tend to spend more on the re-usable components of my PC (case, PSU, though you should always get a quality PSU regardless, monitor, speakers (I still have the original Klipsch Promedias), mouse, keyboard.)

...that having been said, my hotrod is currently stuffed into a $40 Rosewill case (gear X3), though it was on sale at the time . The side panels are ever-so-slightly warped. My previous, a brushed aluminum, sound-dampening, Lian-LI case which was $130 10 years ago, fit together perfectly.

 

[Supahos]

I'm not saying the case doesn't matter but I do see several people severly overspend on them considering the budget. I have the Haf912 mentioned (and they consider it a mid tower but its friggin huge) I've built may computers all on different cases, Not intending to get on anyone too bad in particular just don't understand the thought process when you see someone spend more on a case than the cpu/mobo/gpu (each, not together) I've seen that at least 3 times on here.