Need a new computer case

[pengyman89]

hey all, i've been looking around at computer cases (although its difficult as i don't have much selection). basically I have it down to the Antec 900 and the P182. I'm looking for something that will look guide sitting on my desk (the 900) but I also want to make sure its ready for what I want to do in the future.

Right now i'll just be switching over the parts I have in this computer but within the near future I hope to be upgrading to a quad core, with the HR-01 cooling it, and I'd like to get either an HR-03 or a VF1000 for my video card (second q; which of those do you suggest. Will the HR-03 fit if i decide to go SLI later on?)

I know the 182 is supposed to be better for wire management and slightly bigger but its also kind of boring to look at. I won't be doing massive modifications, likely will not go to water cooling, and won't be over clocking a huge amount (although I will do some).

any help is great!

these are the resources I have:
http://www.pccyber.com
http://www.everbest.on.ca

I could potentially also buy from ncix.com as they are in canada, but it is harder to do as my parents are old school about putting credit card numbers online.

Thanks all

[homebrewer]

Somebody makes one called Sword. Look at that one. It's the last one you'll ever need to buy...

[pengyman89]

as nice a case as that does look, i'm looking to go a little less than $500 . I probably should have specified that

looking to stay within $100-$200(max), preferably under $150

[Naja002]

This is close to what I am working with now:

http://metku.net/modgallery/detail.php?id=5395

But my components have a home after I get down modding it out....

[richardd43]

I discarded my 182 after 1 week of use and went with the 900. I currently have two 900s and really like them.

For the price they are hard to beat.

[pengyman89]

I'm all but decided on the 900, don't like how the 182 looks with the door open (as I would never really close it), among other things.

Mind if I ask you why you switched cases? also have you done anything to mod your 900 for cable management?

[Mermaid Man]

I have a 182 for the HTPC, bought because of the quietness of it (side panels and HD silicon pads. It's a  bit cramped if you're stacking up on drives, around PSU and hard drives. Try and fit sata cables without sliding out the HD cage. Also if you've going to have a high end GFX it can hit the upper HD tray, so you cannot fit a fan. For a gaming rig I'd get the 900.

[richardd43]

Mind if I ask you why you switched cases? also have you done anything to mod your 900 for cable management?

It has been quite a while since I used the case but cable management comes to mind real quick. Also fit and finish sucked on the case. I finally removed the front door because mine had a slight warp and never closed right. Also the sides were a sandwich (and also warped) material and extrememy hard to get on right.

The 900 is a little cramped inside but useing a modular PSU helped with the cables. Most of the excess cable length is hid by pushing the excess inside an empty HDD bay. I am not the neatest house keeper inside the case but it does not look to bad. With a little care I am sure you could make it very nice inside.

[Keep It Simple]

I have a 900 also and love it.
As already stated, a modular PS will help in wire management.

[pengyman89]

As it turned out the store I went to had just got one CM690 in so i decided to try it out given it was $57CAD (after rebate) instead of $110 for the 900 and I am impressed. Plenty of room and my temperatures all around have dropped by 10 degrees (C).

I'm running it with 5x120mm fans
-1xfront (intake)
-2xside (intake)
-1xrear (exhaust)
-1xtop (exhaust)

making a bit of noise as one of the side fans is a dud, but its keeping everything cool. Also, have the PSU mounted upside down (for this case) so that the fan for the PS is facing up. this way its acting as an exhaust for the GPU, as my 8800gt almost sections off the areas of the case (although there is still a couple inches at the rear of the card.

Cable management is good and easy to use. installation was easy. Although the clips they offer for running the cables up the middle of the case sometimes get in the way.
Also this case has an eSATA plug up top for external drives (don't have one yet but i'm thinking about it)
All in all, i'm impressed, but still have some work to do before this will be the beast i envision it as.