Choosing a case

[MrCoffee]

OK I've got a new gaming build coming up around the end of June and i've been trying to settle on a case, I've narrowed it down to the CM Centurion 590 and the Antec 300 but I just can't decide between them. Please give me your opionions to help me decide! (they cost about the same from OCUK)

Here are my thoughts so far:

CM 590:
Pros:
Lots of space
Good cable management
Semi-Toolless design
looks good
Cons:
lots of mesh and no filters... Dust!
Have read that the side vent ports are noisy because there is no clearance... Bad!
Only 4 HDD bays.. I may need more within a couple of years
Some say the build quality isn't the best

Antec 300:
Pros:
Looks sweet
Has filters on the intakes plus easy access to the fans
takes 6 HDDs
Has a nice big 140mm exhaust at the top
Cons:
A bit cramped
cable management is a B at best though a modular PSU will help
Interior is pretty basic, lots of screws

At the moment i'm leaning toward the Antec 300 and perhaps dremeling holes into the mobo tray... or I might just not bother, after all there is no window and with a modular PSU the cables shouldn't be that bad.

 

[Hefemeister]

I have used the antec 300 in builds and I think it is really nice for a midsize case. Even without a modular psu there is enough room in the cable management area to place your extra cables. This was with a corsair 750tx which has a lot of extra wires. A gtx260 fits in fine but a little tight.

I prefer a full tower case but, if size is an issue I really enjoyed working with the 300.

 

[saltynay]

Firstly that case is cheapest from:
Antec 300 Three Hundred Black Case - No PSU - Ebuyer (free shipping )

Secondly I would go with one of these as I just love lian li style and quality (the cooling isn't quite as expandable as the 300 though):
Lian-Li PC-A05A Aluminium Silver Mini Tower Without PSU - Scan.co.uk
Lian-Li PC7-B Plus II Black Aluminum Midi Tower Case Without PSU - Scan.co.uk
Lian-Li PCA09B Aluminium Black Midi Tower Case Without PSU - Scan.co.uk

(If you sign up free to the hexus forums on hexus.co.uk you get free shipping from scan)

 

[TheOtis]

Those are both good cases, I like Antec AND the CM 590. For looks alone I would go with the 590. I've also used many Cooler Master cases and have never had a problem with their build quality.

For the fact that you'll need more hard drive bays than four in a couple of years I would go with the Antec. I know that you want one of those two cases, but if you're going to be running more than four hard drives I personally would considr a larger case. 5 hard drives are going to effect air flow and heat a good amount.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

I have the 300 and highly recommend it. I have used toolless Cooler Master cases before and while they are nice I prefer the thumb screws in the antec.

 

[philbar71]

the thumb screws are a nice plus in my antec twelve hundred. no screwdriver needed ^_^

 

[MrCoffee]

Well, thanks for the advice, i've decided to go with the Antec 300. Thumb screws are alright, i've got plenty of them in my current Lian-Li, I too have built a system in a toolless CM case (the ammo) and the innovative features are refreshing but not really neccessary, I can live without.

Saltynay, I do like the Lian-Li's but i've had three of them and to be frank i'm just bored with Lian-Li now - I'm scrapping my current case because it uses 80mm fans but other than that i've been very happy with it, good quality all round and the removable mobo tray is a great addition to a midi case.

P.S. One last thing thats bothering me though, the 300 isn't as roomy as it might be.. will it fit a HD4870 or a HD4890 OK?

 

[stb1swat]

I have a 300. In a word, its simple. By no means ugly, but not flashy. Airflow is not a problem for me. I was able to add 2 fans in the front next to the wire mesh and temps are great with normal air cooling.

It is my favorite case and I do prefer it over stuff like the 900.

EDIT. and cool lights always add to the aesthetics.

 

[MrCoffee]

Yes I was looking for something understated and stylish rather than flashy, I find the simple lines and the mesh appealing.
I often run my PC through the night and its in my bedroom so lights weren't really an option. Windows and lights would be wasted anyway because I have a huge desk and my PC sits behind it against the wall out of sight.

 

[Whirlwind]

I love coolermaster cases...top notch.