Which Case Would You Choose

[Kopesetic]

Ok, while I'm STILL waiting on my refund to come through, I'm trying to decide between budget cases that have good airflow capabilities. I'm currently looking at 3 options.

Corsair Carbide 200R
Corsair Carbide 300R
NZXT Tempest 410 Elite

With either Corsair, I would have to use the H80i because it doesn't look like the H100i is supprted. With the NZXT it is. I'm fine with using the H80i but would rather use the H100i. However, many reviews state that the NZXT, while a nice budget case, is of poor quality. Many have commented that they receive the case with the front fans not working, the grumets do not stay in well, and the side panels are very flimsy.

Now, the 300R looks to have better airflow capabilities than the 200R and that seems to be the only difference I see. Basically I would save $10 with the 200R, but the 300R would be better down the road when I replace the fans later.

So what would you guys do? Or if you have an option that is upto $70 that you feel would be better than these, please share.

Also, in case it is asked, I'll be using a GPU between 9.5" - 11" in the new build. Haven't quite settled on the GPU just yet, but it will be within these dimensions in length.

 

[SeekaX]

what about the fractal design arc? it supports the h100i, offers great quality and it's just a few bucks over your budget afaik.

 

[airdeano]

im with seekax, settling with something due to "budget" only means do without
that pizza and fizzy drink for two days and now youve scored better means. the
FD arc midi V1 is in blow out for the V2 versions. i just bought two more for dirt
for some "extra" parts for some frankenmod..

but to the 300R, the H100/i can fit with many on display on the googles search.
only issue is tall RAM 'sinks.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Or a FD define R4 and have a silent case, still good airflow and will get even better if you decide to go through with fan upgrades

 

[Kopesetic]

I am certainly going to be replacing fans with AF120's throughout, once I have the extra cash for it. I will look further into the Fractal Design Arc Midi but last I looked around for it, I could only find it through UK retailers which would make the case + S&H outside of my budget. I need to try to stick as close to my budget, which is $1,000, as possible because I have bills due. If I go to far over, it's not pizza and soda I would have to live without if you catch my meaning.

im with seekax, settling with something due to "budget" only means do without
that pizza and fizzy drink for two days and now youve scored better means. the
FD arc midi V1 is in blow out for the V2 versions. i just bought two more for dirt
for some "extra" parts for some frankenmod..

but to the 300R, the H100/i can fit with many on display on the googles search.
only issue is tall RAM 'sinks.

Where did you find it?

 

[airdeano]

Where did you find it?

all over the googles..

 

[Kopesetic]

No, that helps, but I meant where did you find the Fractal Design Arc Midi v1 case? I can't find it for a price within my budget.

 

[airdeano]

in the states i bought two @ $50 each shipped from newegg (that sale is sold out)..

 

[NeverBackDown]

http://www.microcenter.com/product/383058/Arc_Midi_Mid_Tower_ATX_Computer_Case
Here is a deal in the US, in store only but they have plenty of stores in the mid west and east coast... I actually just went to one earlier today and snagged an i5 3570k for 189.99$(the 3770k was 229$ but i couldnt budget it in, again in store only)

here is a link to ebay with a bunch of fractal cases
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trk...R1&_nkw=fractal+design&_sacat=58058&_from=R40

and ebay again but specifically the midi
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fractal-Des...0169?pt=US_Computer_Cases&hash=item2a2a4fa939

 

[Kopesetic]

in the states i bought two @ $50 each shipped from newegg (that sale is sold out)..

Yea, I was looknig at that and saw it was sold out and discontinued so I don't think they will be carrying them anymore. Sucks.

 

[airdeano]

its not they arent carrying them, the V1 is discontinued for the V2. their V2s
havent landed yet. NCIX has gotten theirs and low on inventory.

i watch fleebay as well..

 

[berthez]

The Fractal Deisgn Arc cases look super nice and not to expensive, but if you really want a solid performing, rugged PC you should seriously look into those Vibox PC builds. They are just mind blowing, and the people who build them know what they are doing. JK xD lols, but seriously, go for the Arc mini man, awesome case from Fractal.

 

[SeekaX]

The Fractal Deisgn Arc cases look super nice and not to expensive, but if you really want a solid performing, rugged PC you should seriously look into those Vibox PC builds. They are just mind blowing, and the people who build them know what they are doing. JK xD lols, but seriously, go for the Arc mini man, awesome case from Fractal.

all hail vibox
also not the arc mini, it's like 5 bucks cheaper than the arc r2 and offers way less.

 

[Kopesetic]

Also, I'm not looking for a MicroATX case. But thanks for the contribution.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Any updates?

 

[Kopesetic]

Any updates?

Unfortunately not. Still waiting on the IRS for my refund so I can settle on a particular setup. Final decision will probably vary depending on what kind of deals I can find when it does arrive. Really making me frustrated. I hate sitting in suspense, waiting. I want to get into F@H as well as other things but won't be able to until I get my new setup.

 

[NeverBackDown]

Sorry to hear.. I do not pay taxes yet but i understand why you would hate it. I'm going too as well :lol:

 

[Kopesetic]

Sorry to hear.. I do not pay taxes yet but i understand why you would hate it. I'm going too as well :lol:

It's not paying the taxes that I hate. Actually, I elect to have more with-holdings. It's just that I got caught up in the H&R Block Form 8863 screw-up this year so my return has been delayed and earliest estimates say I won't see my refund until late March. I kind of depend on my refund as my little yearly bonus to treat myself. This situation is screwing with that. Normally, I take a vacation with it but this year I decided to build a new system.

 

[remember300]

the corsair c70 is not a bad case at all i change the side panel because i thought it looked ugly, but other than that its a good case for ventilation can fit a h100i or even the h110 just if you have tall ram its a snug fit.
Im sure you could pick up a c70 for cheap. i payed £80 for mine so im sure thats in budget for you after the amount of tax we brits have to pay on everything ...
but i divulge, good case, missle flip switch for the reset button, comes with 3 fans and if only using 3 hdds you can remove the middle stack for hdd's and have air ramed down your GPU for better air flow. this easily took mt E-atx mobo so should fit what ever your after.
hope i helpped too

 

[NeverBackDown]

IMHO i think the C70 is a very ugly case, just not my style. I perfer the sleek look and that is why i said get a fractal case earlier in this thread. The corsair is more expensive and i can't see much it provides over a Define R4 or Arc Midi V2 that would justify it's cost.But each to their own and hopefully the OP picks whatever suits him best