Mid-tower case...can't decide..need help

[imahkr]

I'm building my first machine and can't decide what case to get. I have been looking at em' on the net for weeks. I bought a P4C800-E motherboard and I'm thinking about the 3.0mhz cpu. Just want to be sure to get the right case. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanx again to all the OC Forums members!

[Speed_Mechanic2]

Could you answer a few questions that would help in suggesting an ideal case?

1.) Do you want Aluminum or Steel?

2.) Are you looking at the possibility of an internally-enclosured water-cooling set-up in the future?

3.) How much would you value a slidable motherboard tray?

4.) How much do you want to spend? How much is too much?

5.) Are you interested in a clean-look (like a Lian-Li PC-60) or a cluttered-look (like an Aspire X-Alien)?

6.) Do you plan on possibly modding (enlarging fan holes, ect.) the case in the future?

[imahkr]

1.Which is better? Aluminum I guess.
2. Don't think I will water cool..don't know if I could take thought of water in my machine yet...still a newbie.
3. Slideable motherboard tray sounds nice, do I need it?
4. Price is not a big deal, just want to do right the first go around.
5. Clean look I guess, would like a quiet case if possible.
6. I don't think I will mod either, just want a kick*** machine. I'm on a
350mhz, been waiting a long time to do this.
7. I really appreciate the input!!!!

[Speed_Mechanic2]

Originally posted by imahkr
1.Which is better? Aluminum I guess.
2. Don't think I will water cool..don't know if I could take thought of water in my machine yet...still a newbie.
3. Slideable motherboard tray sounds nice, do I need it?
4. Price is not a big deal, just want to do right the first go around.
5. Clean look I guess, would like a quiet case if possible.
6. I don't think I will mod either, just want a kick*** machine. I'm on a 350mhz, been waiting a long time to do this.
7. I really appreciate the input!!!!

Aluminum is alot lighter, but it isn't necessarily better. It's really up to you, whether you want a 35lb (in addition to hardware) case or a 15lb case.

If you don't plan on water-cooling, and your not looking at doing any mods this early, then you probably want a case that already has intake/exhaust 120mm fans. Since Antec is focused on having 120mm fans in their cases, then you probably will want one of them.

A slidable motherboard tray makes it somewhat easier to remove/reinstall your components if you find yourself constantly digging into your computer. If you don't then you don't really need it.

Steel Antec SLK3700 AMB (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-122)
Steel Antec SLK3700 BQE (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-140)
Steel Antec Sonata (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-127)
Aluminum Antec Super LAN-Boy (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-145)

Aluminum Antec P160 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-141)
The Antec P160 offers a removable motherboard tray, although not a slidable, that makes its easier to install the motherboard the first time.

Directron offers the Compucase LX-6A19 (http://www.directron.com/cslx6a19.html) for about $30 less then the cost of Antec's SLK3700 AMB. The Compucase LX-6A19 is, internally, the same case as the SLK3700. The differances are in the paint job, front panel, and that it lacks a Power Supply.

Of these all, I would suggest the Antec PC160 to a first time builder. Or the Compucase/Antec SLK3700 if you want to save some bucks. Or the Antec Super LANBOY if you want something that is really compact and lightweight yet still has very effective cooling. All of these cases, though, you probably should purchase new 120mm fans, and not rely on those given by Antec.

[warlock110]

does steel cool better than aluminum?

[Speed_Mechanic2]

Originally posted by warlock110
does steel cool better than aluminum?

No, but your not likely to notice a differance either way, all things the same.

[larrymoencurly]

Look for a front-back depth of at least 19" so that the optical drives won't bump into the mobo. Otherwise those drives may have to be mounted above the mobo, which may require cables that are too long for good data quality.

[imahkr]

I took yer advice and ordered the Antec P160 with a TruePower 480w. Thanx for helping me out. OC FORUMS has taught me alot. pre-sha-dit