With that in mind I'd go with something even cheaper like this silverstone (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163257) and Noctua fans (or stick with the Arctics and save a bunch of money). Considering your usage the vents in the front won't make a ton of difference.
As far as the fan controller, that's normally needed only if you're running a ton of fans, I'd really suggest just PWM PST fans depending on your 4 pin mobo connectors (if you only have one you'll probably need the controller). Also, IMHO it's better to program your fans with software than hardware (if you were thinking of a variable hardware controller).