Hey guys, I've been out of tune with the computer building world for well over a year. What are the best cases these days for no more than $125? Can be mid or full tower. I'm looking for best features in terms of cooling, cable management, ease of use (tool-less features, etc), and dust filters. What should I get?
Looking into the Coolermaster HAF series or CM Storm is a good place to start. Nowadays, there are too many good cases out there for good prices. I'd suggest just checking around newegg, etc.
There's always the NZXT Phantom too:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=-1&isNodeId=1&Description=NZXT+Phantom&x=0&y=0
The normal NZXT Phantoms are full towers and the Phantom 410's are mid towers.
Also, if you can swing just a little bit more money, I would definitely recommend the Cooler Master Storm Trooper. It's an amazing case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119245
Rosewill Challenger! This thing is beast, It's a midtower case for like $60 or so and you can get it with USB3 on the front panel or regular USB2. The only "downside" is that it doesn't have a side window, not sure if that's a turn off for you or not. But if it is, then get a Rosewill Ranger, it's very identical to the Challenger, except it's red and has a window on the side. Either way, Rosewill kicks ass.
So far I am having good luck with the NZXT Lexa S. Doing Cable Management can be a pain. I was also looking at the Azza Spartan before I selected the Lexa S. I would try out the AZZA Spartan 102E Mid Tower Case. Fair amount of room
I like the Lexa S. And I like NZXT in general. I would plump for the Lexa S over those two.
I personally like the NZXT Tempest Evo more than the Lexa S, but that's just personal preference. The only real difference between the Lexa S and the Tempest Evo is whether or not you want a door on your case.
Any thoughts on the Corsair 500R if I'm willing to bump my budget to $150? Or any other cases for that price? I think I'm leaning towards mid-towers atrm but still open to full towers.
The 500R is a nice case, but it's pretty identical to a lot of other cases on the market. If you're willing to spend $150, then I would go with the Cooler Master Storm Trooper. It has a lot more features and expandability than the 500R and it's around the same price.
I'll check that one out too, thanks
Cooler master Sniper case
The Haf 912 actually looks pretty good. The price is very appealing. Would bring the total cost of my upgrades down to $345.
I have a coolermaster HAF 912 and I love it. Great price point and its very roomy
Fractal Design arc midi
There's always the HAF XM too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119257&Tpk=HAF%20XM
I think I'm sold...