Recommend me a case

[Apokalipse]

I just got a Hiper 580W Type-R. The thing is, it doesn't fit in my Lian-Li PC-V1000.

I have been thinking about getting a new case before, and using the Lian-Li for the second system. but now that my shiny new hiper doesn't fit in my case, I've kinda brought it forward.

Now, the kind of case I want is one with:

• lots of space. I will probably be putting water cooling in it in future.
  
• light, so I can take it to LAN's
  
• can see everything inside, so at least one big window. (I kinda like those all acrylic ones)
  
• has really good airflow. This is a must, as my current setup gets kinda hot, especially since we're in the summer here.
  
• is good for modding
  
• is not too expensive. I'd prefer it to be around AU$100, but I may consider one around $200 depending on how good it is

I normally buy things from www.msy.com.au, or look things up from www.staticice.com.au

Hardware to go into the new case:

Foxconn C51XEM2AA Nforce 590 (probably Foxconn's best board. I was impressed that this board came from Foxconn)

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ @ 2760MHZ, 1.375V (currently gets kinda hot if I set the voltage much higher)

A-Data 2x1GB DDR2-800 @ 460MHZ, 4-4-4-12, 2.4V

Nvidia 7950 GT at 710MHZ, 1.6V (I have reached 730MHZ at 1.65V, but summer heat is an issue)

Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic

Netgear 108MB/S wireless card

Hiper 580W Type-R (blue, really shiny)

1 x Seagate 200GB IDE

1 x LG GSA-H10A 16X DVD burner

probably a watercooling kit in future

I still need to make a sig for this setup

 

[Apokalipse]

also, pcasegear.com.au is very close to where I live. they have a good selection of cases.

 

[Evergreen]

If you are planning on watercooling, get the Gigabyte 3d Aurora (I try not to be biased to this, but I own it so I am).

Lots of space? Yes sir! Full tower case, plenty of room

Light? I haven't had experience with any other full towers, but I can lift it, and I'm scrawny

Can see everything in side? The side window allows you to mostly see the motherboard, not much view of the hard drives.

Really good airflow? It has 2x120mm Exhaust fans in the back, and one in the front. I'd recommend replacing them with some aftermarket fans, but the stock ones do move air.

Good for modding? I'd say it it, although my only experience is putting one 80 mm fan on the side.. So I don't know much.

Price? I think I paid about 130-140 USD for it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811233003

 

[Apokalipse]

I had a look at the 3D Aurora. The window isn't as large as I'd like it to be, but otherwise it's descent.

Has anybody got an Antec Plusview II? if o, how good is it?

 

[Macntech]

I got an Aspire X-Cruiser that I've been impressed with so far,
but I think most folks would scoff it.
However, my second choice (for budget reasons) was an
Antec 900. Gotten to see one IRL, and look it over..
dang fine case. Love the 200mm exhaust fan up top...
great airflow, nice window, 6 fans can fit in it not counting CPU,
PSU and GPU fans. $150ish on teh interwebz
http://www.newegg.com

 

[BennyV04988]

I have the x-cruiser, but i modded the lights on the front and pulled the shiny parts off it. Now its just black face with 3 blue lights... Looks like the analog dials on a fancy and classy space ship.

I like this though...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133032

Sleek...Stylish...not guady.


okay maybe its not that good looking... but the CM 830 Stacker is just dreamy.

 

[Apokalipse]

I have the x-cruiser, but i modded the lights on the front and pulled the shiny parts off it. Now its just black face with 3 blue lights... Looks like the analog dials on a fancy and classy space ship.

I like this though...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133032

Sleek...Stylish...not guady.


okay maybe its not that good looking... but the CM 830 Stacker is just dreamy.

the Armour looks good, but is a bit heavy, and doesn't have a window.

 

[Apokalipse]

I was looking at the following cases:

Antec Super Lanboy
iCute s901 (with window)
Antec P160

What does everybody think of them?

 

[Nitestick]

you don't really get much space in an Antec Super Lanboy.

i'm not familiar with the iCute model you're talking about but i do like their cases. they look good and they're pretty decently made, my grandfathers pc is in one and so is my secondary.

the thermaltake shark has tons of room and is quite light, should be $200-ish but doesn't exactly have a window on the stock version .

 

[Phrantic]

the Armour looks good, but is a bit heavy, and doesn't have a window.

There's one with a window.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133154

One in silver, too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133155

If weight is quite an issue, your pccasegear.com store also has the lighter versions:

Thermaltake Armor Jr.
http://www.pccasegear.com/prod3676.htm

Or in silver if you prefer.
http://www.pccasegear.com/prod3677.htm

Needless to say, you'll compromise a bit of room if you go for the Jr. model. Google will give you an in-depth review on Bjorn3D, they have quite a bunch of pictures and discuss the size and moddability of the case.

Also look at the Thermaltake Soprano, Kandalf, Tsunami and Shark for big and shiny cases with a side window.

See if you can get a Cooler Master Cavalier 3 in Australia. That review is on the windowless versions, but they come in two colors (black and silver) and with or without a side window.