Full Tower Options

TSIMonster · #1 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 11:29 AM

I am looking at Full Tower cases. I want something that is big enough that I can set it on the floor next to my desk. I want it to be about as tall as the desk so that I can easily reach the optical drives and Front panel ports (Audio and USB). I am not really looking at spending more the $150ish shipped. (if possible)

Those are the requirements. Now, for what I like/look for in the aesthetics department. I don't like gaudy designs at all. I like sleek, simple, and functional. Noise really isn't a huge concern, but I do prefer thicker cases. I do have pets, so filtered air intake is a plus. I do like side-windows, but that isn't a requirement.

Cases I was already considering but I am unsure of just how big they really are.

Looks to be real quiet, and I like the look.. but it doesn't look tall enough and I don't really care for doors.
Newegg.com - NZXT WHISPER WHI - 001BK Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

Looks like it'll have good airflow, and its still somewhat simpler looking.
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

A little too gaudy, but I like that the front panel ports are at the top. Also appears to have *decent airflow.
Newegg.com - APEVIA X-JUPITER G-Type X-JUPITERG-BK Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

This one looks good too
Newegg.com - ZALMAN PROFESSIONAL GS-1000-BK Black Computer Case Aluminum / 1.0mm SECC Steel Full Tower With Hot Swap Bays & PSU Roller Rails - Computer Cases

Then of course there is the Antec 1200, which I do like, but my memory card reader and Antec's external 3.5" bay design do not get along.

If you can find something better for cheaper (

). or for just a bit more (

) then please post it up. Or something you think I may like. I really like Lian Li cases as well, but typically the ones I want, are out of my price range.

Thanks!

TSIMonster · #2 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 11:31 AM

oh, I like the cosmos too. Do they make one with a side window?

Afrodisiac · #3 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 12:01 PM

Yes. There is a cheaper Cosmos with better noise suppression, but worse performance. Cosmos 1000

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER COSMOS 1000 RC-1000-KSN1-GP Black/ Silver Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

My vote goes to:
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE 3D Aurora 570 GZ-FA1CA-ASB Black 1.0 mm Aluminum body ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases
I prefered the older Aurora cases though, much sleeker. I wonder if it is discontinued, or just not available on the Egg.

Simul4ti0n · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 12:46 PM

Nice call on the Gigabyte Case!

**Eurasianman** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 12:56 PM

Antec P182?

TSIMonster · #6 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:10 PM

I just really rather have something without a door if possible.

TSIMonster · #7 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:12 PM

so far I am leaning towards this Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

any opinions?

**Tark** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:20 PM

take the door off then? the Gigabyte still has my vote..

Afrodisiac · #9 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:24 PM

I like that HAF

But the Gigabyte is much more... lethal looking. Not chunky with panels of military mesh and rugged, textured paint. Just metal.

TSIMonster · #10 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tark

take the door off then? the Gigabyte still has my vote..

While it looks nice, it doesn't meet my requirement of having the USB/Audio connectors on top. That maybe petty, but it sure makes my life easier.

Afrodisiac · #11 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSIMonster

While it looks nice, it doesn't meet my requirement of having the USB/Audio connectors on top. That maybe petty, but it sure makes my life easier.

Er, stupid suggestion: how about getting a Razer Tarantula, or something or the other; I am sure there are some other keyboards with audio and USB connectors on it, monitors too.

TSIMonster · #12 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afrodisiac

Er, stupid suggestion: how about getting a Razer Tarantula, or something or the other; I am sure there are some other keyboards with audio and USB connectors on it, monitors too.

oo, I like that keyboard.. $90 though.... let me think on this situation a bit. I would miss the backlight on my current keyboard though

Afrodisiac · #13 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSIMonster

oo, I like that keyboard.. $90 though.... let me think on this situation a bit. I would miss the backlight on my current keyboard though

Lycosa has them too. Also has backlight. Love or hate type keyboards. Be warned, I have read some reviews that say the audio jacks on the Tarantula are pretty fuzzy and low-quality. And the USB on both of them is only 1.1. I didn't specifically name it to buy, just saying there are better ways to get connectors up close than limiting your case options.

*Afro goes to look for a multipurpose desktop hub*

Afrodisiac · #14 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 01:43 PM

Funky, all-purpose mousepad with USB 2.0 jacks, headphone/microphone jacks and an onboard mic and speakers

Newegg.com - Zonet ZUP8020 Multifunctional Mouse Pad - Mouse Pads & Accessories

A bloody expensive Targus all-pupose 7-USB and audio jack hub:
Newegg.com - Targus ACH81US Desktop USB 2.0 7-Port Hub w/Audio Pass-Through - Hubs

Silverstone drive bay hubtopia:
Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE SST-FP32-B Aluminum USB/1394/Audio Panel ( Black ) - Controller Panels

All the other stuff I find are KVM switches

TSIMonster · #15 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 02:01 PM

I think I have made my mind up. I'll surprise you guys with pictures when it comes in :-P

I won't be ordering til monday, so feel free to post more options and opinions.

**Tark** · #16 (**permalink**) 10-24-2008, 02:44 PM

logitech g11/g15 have the backlit and USB ports

get a USB headset and you're golden.

**Mandrake** · #17 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 07:19 AM

Doors and flaps on the front of a case drive me absolutely and utterly insane. If you're after a full tower case, then I'd make two recommendations.

First is the Silverstone TJ09. It's an awesome full tower case, with great air cooling capability and the quality is just exceptional. The downside is the price, it costs a small fortune and doesn't come with many fans. The 09 comes in black and silver and either with or without a see-through side window.

The other reccomendation I'd make is the Antec 1200 (despite your complaints about the 3.5" bay). It's much more affordable than the TJ09 while still retaining quite a good build quality. It also includes a near complete compliment of fans: five 120mm and one 200mm. There are built in fan controls and dust filters for all the fans as well as excellent cable management. So the air cooling is simply exceptional, right out of the box. There's room for two additional 120mm fans also. Downsides? Well, for one, all the fans have blue LEDs and only the 200mm fan can have it's LEDs turned off. This might be quite annoying for some people (though I like the LEDs personally). The other drawback I've noticed is that it's quite an annoying chore to install hard disks. To install a hard disk you need to remove both side panels, and remove a total of eight thumbscrews per drive bay to get at them.