Deciding on case for first build

[CoolGuy90]

I'm looking at cases to find for my first build. Spec wise, I am looking at a C2Q, 2GB RAM, possibly a mid range Nvidia 9800, and Raid 0.

I was looking at the CM 690 and Antec P182. I am looking for a quiet case.


What other choices do you guys recommend?

[gvblake22]

There are so many choices out there, we could each list a different case and still only scratch the surface of options for you. Could you give us a target price range for the case? Do you want a window in it or not? Do you like front doors or can you live without one? Is there a particular color you want? Do you plan on modding the case at all?

What about any future upgrade paths? Do you plan on having a bunch (more than three) hard drives?

[CoolGuy90]

Want to keep it under $100 if possible. A Window is not necessary, and don't care about from doors. Forget to mention I am looking at a Mid-tower. No color preference and I am not going to mod.

As for HDD, I'm going to stick between 1-2.

[gvblake22]

Well, both the CM 690 and P182 are great cases but you're going to have a hard time finding the P182 for less than $100 (probably not at all). The CM 690 is a great bang for the buck case and I whole-heartedly recommend it. You can read our review of it here...

I'll poke around for some other good cases and see if they have dropped to the sub $100 range and post back here if I find anything.

[screwballl]

The Antec 900 case is a great case and since it uses 120mm fans, it should still be fairly quiet. Since many cases nowadays use at minimum 2 120mm fans, they are quite quiet compared to anything with a 80-90mm fan.

[Parker]

+1 for Antec 900. A buddy of mine has two of them, they are very very quiet, almost in audible.
And right now it's $60 after a $40 rebate at Newegg.
Newegg.com - Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by Parker

+1 for Antec 900. A buddy of mine has two of them, they are very very quiet, almost in audible.
And right now it's $60 after a $40 rebate at Newegg.
Newegg.com - Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail

That says $80 after a $40 mail in rebate...

[oldman_gamer]

Originally Posted by screwballl

The Antec 900 case is a great case and since it uses 120mm fans, it should still be fairly quiet. Since many cases nowadays use at minimum 2 120mm fans, they are quite quiet compared to anything with a 80-90mm fan.

I agree with Screwball on this case suggestion as well.I used this case recently for my son's build,although a little pricey,the case is extremly solid,quiet,easy to build in,and is tops for cooling. The front fan lights give a mild "bling" as well.

I would also recommend this case from CM.
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
This was used as my first buld case and I have no complaints.The front intake dust filters are key to keeping the components virtually free from dust.The case is a liteweight compared to the Antec 900.

.....and welcome to HL

[Sumgai]

These guys also have some really good information on case choice when doing a quiet PC build:

Silent PC Review

They also have some really detailed / informative 120mm case fan reviews if you need some direction on what to choose after you select a case.

[Parker]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

That says $80 after a $40 mail in rebate...

Um, sorry Blake but it's $59.99 after $40 rebate. Look again