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Treasures or Trash, 5 PC Cases for Gamers
An anonymous reader writes "Tom's Hardware has a look at 5 different customized PC cases and a few peripheral devices that may be of some interest to gamers. From the article: 'Those who believe it is impossible to make any missteps when buying a gaming case are sadly mistaken. In most cases, you get too much plastic for your hard-earned money. Case components, covers and door panels break off far too easily, and are hard to use besides. That's why we advise savvy buyers to spend a few more dollars on their cases, and make sure they're getting quality components - especially where plastic covers or door panels are present.'"
What are you people doing to your computers that you're breaking the plastic bay covers? I've been working on computers for at least 12 years and have never had one break on me. Sure, the occassional one pops off, but even though it's plastic it's pretty heavy plastic.
:)
As for the doors, I can't stand them to begin with. I guess if you're going for looks and can't trouble yourself to paint the faceplates of your components it's one thing, but wouldn't you aim to buy the proper color to begin with?
As for everything else when it comes to cases, the main difference I've found is that the high quality ones bend the inner edges an extra time to prevent cuts, have heavier metal drive racks, and better air flow. That's it.
People who spend insane amounts of money on cases are the same as people that modify their cars to gain 5 extra HP... it just doesn't make much sense. The one exception is server cases, but this article is about gaming cases, so that's not applicable.
You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life. --Winston Churchill
The only thing I need access to is a DVD/CD rw and a USB connection. So all I need is an external enclosure with 2 USB connection. That I put on my desk and all the rest I stuff away out of sight as far as possible.
Enclusures enough, just not one with extra USB connections.
Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
I have purchased probably 15+ cases over the years. I have found two that almost meet my expectations. 1. Enermax - CS10181 Pros: Affordable
Cons: Fan air flow paths not well thought out(requires mods to get good airflow) Cheapo ass front door(I hate doors, especially plastic) No front panel anything connections
2. Antec - Lanboy Pros: Affordable
Cons: Cheap ass front door(god I hate this) Not very sturdy(100% aluminum) No inlet fan filter
I dislike ----> Spaz cases, HUGE cases, tiny cases! Make the damn things functional, clean lines, solid construction and good airflow.
Note to case makers: Doors suck, doors that break really suck! AIRFLOW via 27 fans all just randomly blowing air around is not GOOD AIRFLOW! I want a computer case, not a freaking white noise generator. NO tools Front Panel Connections
Seriously. Who ever had the idea of lumping together several components that dissipate heat poorly inside a big box made of metal or worse, heat-insulating plastic? Computers aren't appliances. You don't have to buy them in a single cute little box. Why hasn't anyone thoght, yet, of lumping the motherboard and assorted off-board peripherals in one small case tucked away somewhere with a large fan and placing the parts you actually need access to - power button, USB ports, peripheral devices and optical disk drives - on your desk?
You can talk about portability, but my computer isn't going anywhere, and I dispute the notion that a huge gaming case with a handle on top is "portable". It's as portable as an Osbourne. If I want something to carry around with me, I'll get a largish laptop and an USB mouse, problem solved, even for gaming.
I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: "O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous." And God granted it.
Ive been using IBM server cases from a IBM repair shop. Most IBM repair shops have heaps of partially/fully gutted cases, they will happily give you one for a few nickel and dimes or in my case I got 3 of them for nothing.
The things are built like sherman tanks and everything is easy to replace or move or modify.
So, I have one of those Shuttle small form factor cases. Very good experience overall, except one very bad run-in with their support. Quiet and austere enough that even my girlfriend was into it. But, here's the kicker...
...my Shuttle has a setting for LED brightness in the BIOS, from 100% of max to off. Whoever was kind enough to put that in there, I salute them. I want a computer that I can ignore when I want to use my desk for something so pedestrian as reading or writing.
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1. I totally agree. Chicks I know like the case, keyboard, mouse, and sound system. Not that it really matters, the right girl will like me for me anyway.
2. Funniest thing, I have the Logisys Dracula Special Edition (black with chrome trim, black handle with custom red LED button). All the fan slots are taken by red 120s and 80s. The chrome PSU (X-Connect 500 watter) had its warranty voided by some red LED fans before it was even used. I also have a pink neon (Not CCFL, Neon) in the bottom of my case. Talk about some serious mood lighting.
[Disclaimer: Yes I like my case. I did it for me and no one else. I didn't go skimpy on hardware (think Honda) either. Just because you own a Ferrari doesn't mean it wouldn't be cooler with new wheels.]
Honesty may be the best policy, but by process of elimination, dishonesty is the second best policy.
Now when it's time to make compromise and manage a budget, that's when the buyer shows 'savvyness' or not.
These days, I'm quite impressed with my Powermac G4 case (my first mac ever, got it used on ebay). The day I decide to get rid of it, I just might keep the case for something else because it is really well thought and built:
- the IDE cables are not hanging from the drives, they are inside "tunnels" from the drive to the motherboard;
- the way the side panel opens is very convenient, no loose screws there;
- the power supply seems standard enough to replace one of these days;
- the hard drive bays can be stacked at the bottom of the case
- it's attractive with a professional look, not some kid fantasy kind of attractive
yep, that's some great technology from the year 2000.Ok. http://www.sandia.gov/ASC/rsinsitu.html
Do I win the pissing match?