Six Nice PC Mid-Towers

VirusType2

VirusType2

Newbie
Joined
Feb 3, 2005
Messages
18,189
Reaction score
2
I'm planning on buying a new PC tower tonight (10 hours). If you are bored, you can help me pick one out from the list of ones that I'm interested in here,

I'm at home sick here trying to start over with a new OS after my previous OS went beyond repair. It's all a little overwhelming.


Some of these are various combinations of Promo + sale + rebate prices. The price I list there is what I will pay before shipping

Here is what I have picked out. I just sorted through ~100 cases, but I like the way these six cases look.

EDIT: I actually am not fond of the towers with front doors, since it will always be open anyway, and that would eliminate some of these, but I could deal with it I guess.

Spire SP Palu $108 (edit: probably not a good choice after all)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811220018

Antec 900 $120 (free shipping though!) How many internal HDD's can go in here? 3?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021

Cooler master Praetorian PAC-TO1-E1 Silver $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119029

Cooler master RC-330=kkn1o-gp black $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119115

cooler master Stacker 810 RC-810 $160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119093

XION Stacker XON-791 $50 EDIT: [no top fan, has front doors, don't think I'd get this one after all]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208022

Edit: added this one, as I didn't see it at first. [not big on cooling, but looks cool, and is huge]
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068

I've been using my old emachines tower for a while. I've always liked the look pretty well, but with only room for 2 Hard Drives, it's just too small.

The hard drives are all sealed in, and I worry about heat. Right now the side panel is off, and there is 3rd hard drive laying on a stack of books, and I've had enough.

I need a bigger case, and I need to order it ASAP.(tonight)



I haven't studied every detail or searched anywhere but newegg, so I'm not sure if there is anything to look out for.

My case must have room for at least 3 or 4 Hard drives (even more would be welcome, since I have 4 HDD's already, and plan on buying a 5th soon, to either replace or add to the HDD's I have (at least 3 HDD bays are needed), a DVD drive, and hopefully, an 8800 GTX (or two).

I'm not sure if all of them can fit an 8800GTX, so I'll have to check the list TheBrick posted, and I'll have to consider other options.

I could use some help from some of you guys that have heard all the rumors about some of these towers, so I can know what to expect.

Man, thank you guys. You are really helpful.
 
Never mind the rebate crap; Very few of us actually got the so called "Rebate" from anyone.
The Antec 900 case is truly FTW and, it is spectacular cooling system as it is, hands down.
I did buy this case twice from the Egg; for my sister's A8N32-SLI Deluxe MB and my Crosshair MB, despite becoming little disappointed the second time (At my fault) Miss-configuring the case and, the 8800GTX barely fitting; I'm happy with it both times. This case actually outperformed my other massive TT Kandalf full tower.

Good Luck.
 
I'm running out of time.

I think for someone with no liquid cooler, the Antec 900 is probably the best option for someone like me who is overclocking.

I can't see how anything could be cooler.

I like the look of it more than all of the others.



Why is it so expensive, because it comes with all of those lighted fans? Do they all light up like that?

EDIT:
Looks like we replied at the same time, VT, so it is possible to put a 8800 GTX in there? How about 2? I'm handy with powertools. :D

I still don't know if you can put two... not like that would be a good idea, but . :devil:
Cases that do not fit the 8800GTX
ThermaltakeTsunami
CoolerMaster Mystique
Gigabyte 3D Aurora
Antec P180
LianLi PC-65 (It will fit one card but not two in SLI)
LianLIPC-3077 (It will fit one card but not two in SLI)
Asus TA-210 (It's never going to fit in this case)
Thermaltake Soprano
Raidmax Sagitta (Is never going to fit the 8800GTX)
Thermaltake Armor Jr.
Thermaltake Aquila
Thermaltake Matrix VX
Cooler Master Ammo
Cooler Master Centurion 534
iStarUSA Nitro AxS-10000 (The 8800GTX is never going to fit in this case)
Silverstone LC18
NZXT Transformer
Antec P160


Cases that do fit the 8800GTX
Lian Li V2000-2100 series
Silverstone TJ07
Silverstone TJ09
Apevia X-Pider
CoolerMaster Centurion 5
EnermaxCS-5271BFS
Thermaltake Armor
CoolerMaster Praetorian 730 (it's really close)
CoolerMaster Stacker 830
CoolerMaster WaveMaster
NZXT Lexa "Retro toaster"
ChenmingCMUI-601 (you will have to remove the lower hard drive cage)
XION Solaris (will fit the 8800GTX but you will not be able to mount hard drives in the lower drive cage)
ApeviaX-Cruiser (It is really close but it will fit, but you might not be able to mount hard drives on the bottom cage.)
NZXT Apollo (If the 8800GTX is really 10.5 inches long it will fit.)
Thermaltake Shark(Only if the 8800GTX should fit if it is 10.5 inches and not 11)
Thermaltake Mambo (Will fit the 8800GTX, but you will not be able to mount all of the hard drive cage.)
Gigabyte GZ-FA1CA
Antec PlusView 2
XG CA-SW2-K (you will have to replace the included PSU)
Lian Li V1100
Lian Li PC-75
Antec 900
XION Onyx
AMSCF-2229BK
Click to expand...

I just don't really understand how many internal hard drives I can install? It says 6, then it says 3, I don't have time to measure my hard drives.. I guess they are 5.25" size. I've never had to learn this yet. :sleep:

I will use the internet! lol
 
VirusType2 said:
cooler master Stacker 810 RC-810 $160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119093
Click to expand...
Good reviews. Very big and heavy case. Has a lot of room to work with inside.
You'll want another one of these for the case though. :D

staticprimer said:
Antec P180b $90 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129017
Wiring can be tough and its a bit heavy, but great cooling and very quiet. Has room for 6 HDD's.
Click to expand...
Some people have said when they ordered that model they actually were shipped a newer version (P180SE?) which has the motherboard tray away from the back of the case unlike the original P180. So you can run wires behind etc. I forget what the deal was exactly, if it was from a specific store or what. The new versions have a number of small but very nice improvements.

I really like my P180. I always leave the door open on mine (it has a double hinge so it is flat against the side).

I have read on forums that they got the GTX to fit with the bay in. PICTURE
idk

If you have money to burn then here is a nice one. =p
Little brother.
 
The 8800GTX will fit the Antec 900, to use the PCIe-1; you must remove the internal 120mm fan cage and, move one of the HDD (if you're going to use more than 1) to the lower HDD slot for the second 8800GTX (For SLI mode).

Good Luck.
 
Ok, i finally found out the answer to the question that held this case in the balance.

Being a bit new to hardware, I never knew what a standard internal drive's measurement was classified as. I just did some research and found that internal hard drives like the ones I own are 3.5"

The Antec 900 can hold up to 6 3.5" HDD's (more than enough for me):
The 5.25" bays will hold optical drives, burners, or even (gasp!) your aging floppy drive, and up to six 3.5" drives can be installed in cages behind the fans, and these can be arranged along the front any way you like.
Click to expand...
I can hold up to 6 internal hard drives, and there are fans in front of them to keep them from failing from overheating. I also like it because it doesn't have a front door (don't like that) and it has a huge fan on top (a top fan is highly recommended for reducing heat), it comes with the fans that light up even, the case looks bad ass, it's got front mount USB and stuff (very inconvienient to plug a thumb drive into the rear of a PC)

I think I have made up my mind. First I'm going to the dump. There is a huge dumpster full of PC stuff there at all times... been rained on depending on how long the stuff has been there, but they don't rust. I've seen trick mod cases in there before... hell even rained on RAM... lol. I'll pass on that, but if there is a decent case in there, I'll take the free one and give it a shot. Otherwise, I'm ordering the Antec 900 tonight.

I got a $20 weekend promo coupon in my email, and it comes with free shipping (~$15 savings) So I'll save ~$35. So it's really not a bad deal when you consider that some of those cases are $190-$550!


THANKS AGAIN!

EDIT: oh shit, one more thing. Is there anything I need to order with the case to complete the install?

I'd hate to have to re-order some wires or screws, extension or adapter wires, or something and pay shipping and wait more days. I've got 4 HDD's to install, but I don't guess I need to order screws for them do I? I only have 8 (enough for 2 drives) What about an aditional fan? Do you guys that own one recommend one?
 
VirusType2 said:
think I have made up my mind. First I'm going to the dump. There is a huge dumpster full of PC stuff there at all times... been rained on depending on how long the stuff has been there, but they don't rust. I've seen trick mod cases in there before... hell even rained on RAM... lol. I'll pass on that, but if there is a decent case in there, I'll take the free one and give it a shot. Otherwise, I'm ordering the Antec 900 tonight.
Click to expand...

Now that's what I call "A baddd Azzz tech-world Computer homeless scavenger type guy" People dive in dumpsters for half-eaten/half-rotten sandwiches, not for memories or a case, but smart; in an unusual way. :thumbs:


VirusType2 said:
EDIT: oh shit, one more thing. Is there anything I need to order with the case to complete the install?

I'd hate to have to re-order some wires or screws, extension or adapter wires, or something and pay shipping and wait more days. I've got 4 HDD's to install, but I don't guess I need to order screws for them do I? I only have 8 (enough for 2 drives) What about an aditional fan? Do you guys that own one recommend one?
Click to expand...

What I did is that: My MB has 8 3-pin fan connections and, it comes with the options of "Fan alarm and fan-boost" in the BIOS and, the three 120mm the case comes with all have 4-pin fan connectors (Meaning you must connect fans directly to PSU) and, the side panel 120mm fan does not come with the case (You must order 120mm fan separately if you want to install one there); I ordered 4 120mm Rosewill fans Here (But sorry they're out)
Also you must find, buy or barrow a magnetic screw driver; you will need it to screw down the HDD into the cage.

Good Luck.
 
Barney Fife said:
Now that's what I call "A baddd Azzz tech-world Computer homeless scavenger type guy" People dive in dumpsters for half-eaten/half-rotten sandwiches, not for memories or a case, but smart; in an unusual way. :thumbs:




What I did is that: My MB has 8 3-pin fan connections and, it comes with the options of "Fan alarm and fan-boost" in the BIOS and, the three 120mm the case comes with all have 4-pin fan connectors (Meaning you must connect fans directly to PSU) and, the side panel 120mm fan does not come with the case (You must order 120mm fan separately if you want to install one there); I ordered 4 120mm Rosewill fans Here (But sorry they're out)
Also you must find, buy or barrow a magnetic screw driver; you will need it to screw down the HDD into the cage.

Good Luck.
Click to expand...

I backed out of going to the dump yesterday. Maybe I just want a brand new one.


So you ordered four replacement fans because you wanted 3 pin so you could control the speed through software?

So is there just a big hole in the side of the case where the side fan should be? Or does it include a removable panel?


Anyway, in my case (forgive the pun) I'll have to use the PSU to power my fans, because my motherboard is rather basic.



Finally got a 3rd hard drive successfully Installed for the first time ever.

STupid computer wouldn't recognize it.

I said, "you better recognize bitch!" and held my screwdriver sideways


If I get this case, I'll be able to have all my drives hooked up:

500 GB (games)
160 GB (movies)
80 GB (music)
80 GB (XP pro and pictures)
 
The side panel fan place has a protective (Honeycomb) like vent, which works either way; whether a fan is present or otherwise.

Good Luck.
 
I'm jumping on the Antec 900 bandwagon thinking of getting one today for that matter.
 
Kyo said:
I'm jumping on the Antec 900 bandwagon thinking of getting one today for that matter.
Click to expand...
:thumbs:

yeah, I'm about to order it in a few minutes here, just want to make sure I get everything I need in my shipment.
 
EDIT:

I got my Antec 900 a minute ago. (5-16-07, 1:00PM) Looks to be undamaged. can't wait to hook it up.

Newegg delivered a day early, with free shipping even. They are fast.

Damnit. I could swear I edited my post, maybe I waited too long since the original post. Sorry about that. Err. I think maybe I accidentally replied to myself. LOL.

:p
 
VirusType2 said:
I got my Antec 900 a minute ago. (5-16-07, 1:00PM) Looks to be undamaged. can't wait to hook it up.

Newegg delivered a day early, with free shipping even. They are fast.
Click to expand...
woot
Newegg is like that. Hurry up and get some pics. =p
 
Asus said:
woot
Newegg is like that. Hurry up and get some pics. =p
Click to expand...

I've been wanting to buy a digital camera for a long time, but keep spending my money on other stuff......................


- in fact I had the guy ready to walk to the counter with a Samsung (i think) weather resistant 7.1MP, but told him I wanted to check a couple more stores first, but they closed by the time I went back

Whats a good MP for being a nude photographer? (im serious) I want it to be incredible quality, but as low cost as possible.

I have a Digital-8 Video Camcorder (that can take stills) but I AM LAZY and it IS DUSTY.
 
So my current pc is overheating, I think the fans or ****ed, and overall the case is the lowest quality shit you can get. I was planning on getting a new pc later this year, but I think I will get a new case now, and just put the components of my current pc in the new case. But I do not know if it will fit. I have a 4 year old pc,
2.4 ghz amd 32bit
512 mb ram
radeon 9800 pro
ATX( I think) aopen 350 watt psu
VIA KT 400 motherboard
So will I be able to get those in the antect 900 case.

And what about the 2900xt, will I be able to fit a 2900xt in that case without removing any fans or anything else.
I'm asking because later this year I will be getting a 2900xt.
Also is my psu powerfull enough for all the fans of the case plus my components.
 
Gray Fox said:
just put the components of my current pc in the new case. But I do not know if it will fit. I have a 4 year old pc,
2.4 ghz amd 32bit
512 mb ram
radeon 9800 pro
ATX( I think) aopen 350 watt psu
VIA KT 400 motherboard
So will I be able to get those in the antect 900 case.

And what about the 2900xt, will I be able to fit a 2900xt in that case without removing any fans or anything else.
I'm asking because later this year I will be getting a 2900xt.
Also is my psu powerfull enough for all the fans of the case plus my components.
Click to expand...
I'm just making an educated guess, but I think your Powersupply is OK for your setup because the fans probably don't use too much power.

It is pretty OEM-ish though. I bet it came with a computer or something. It's also 4 years old. I have heard that if it dies, it takes the motherboard with it.

I would replace that PSU with at least a 600 watt if I were you, and never worry. I've got 500 watts, and a X1900GT, a lighted keyboard, an extra fan, 1GB and 3 HDD's, and I'm a little worried, but it seems just fine. If you have a 2900XT, your computer might not even turn on though. I know my x1900gt recommends at least 400 watts of clean power. If it's a stock PSU you might have to do some serious piggy-backing with the fan wires.

I know you can fit two 8800 GTX in this case, but you will only be able to mount 3 HDD's if you go that route. That's a huge card, but I don't know about the 2900xt.

The case will fit micro-ATX and standard ATX motherboards.



It will keep it cold, that's for sure. I'm ****in freezing all night. Just the sound of it gives me the chills. Right now, I've got 9 fans running on low, and I don't have the optional side fan or cage fans.(I do have a special ducted fan that mounts under the VGA card though).



Here is my review of the Antec 900:

I haven't tried overclocking my card wile using the 900 yet. I haven't needed to with the games I've been playing, but I haven't seen a case that could possibly keep anything air cooled as well as it does. The fan on top (which most cases don't even have) is huge, and the ceiling is angled. If you don't know heat rises, and gets trapped in most other towers.

The case is a 'put everything on performance' design, and that just happens to look pretty damn cool. The clear window is actually usefull so you can make sure all of the fans are working properly. And they are lit up too, so there is no excuse for being lazy and checking. The case looks sweet all lit up. I'll have to get some pictures. I've got a large blue LED alarm clock, blue backlit keyboard, the blue readout on my amplifier, and the blue lights on the 900 look great together.

Teh fit and finish was precise. Everything sits exactly as it should. Don't worry about trying to get screws in, because they just line up magically, even with the hard drives and such.

The cords for the H-M-Low setting for each of the two internal cage fans should have been longer, but they will do. As it is, you might have to **** around in there for a while to change them once the rest of your components are in there, so I suggest you choose wisely. 'Huge amount of air moving Loud' fan sound (high), or 'not too loud, but louder than your old case with less fans' fan sound.


I was worried that my silver colored DVD R/RW wouldn't look right, but it looks kind of cool. It would have looked better in black probably, but it's unique.

The thing comes with tons of screws, so I guess no matter how many drives and fans you install in the slots, you can do it. It comes with the hard drive screws. I was really worried about that but no one seemed to notice me asking.

Everything went perfectly the first time I turned it on (except later I turned the fans to low)

You should get one.

It's actually pretty roomy. I has no spagetti, and it's only my second build. What else can I say. It's got a little rubber mat that goes in the tray so you can put your USB thumb drive or a decoration or whatever up there. Usefull actually.

The HDD acess light is a deep blue. :D I always hated those orange flashing lights on most cases. It also has a reset button. My last PC I had to hold the power button, and about a third of the time the damn thing would turn off and turn right back on (if the computer had crashed) Who in the hell would turn the power back on nano-second instantly, thats a nasty way to send a spike through the circuits. So the reset button is nice to have.

Did I mention that I'm freezing?

GPU temps are about 3-5 degrees Celcius cooler than with my emachines case, and I've got the fans on low instead of high in my old case! Its now spring here, and before it was winter, but the GPU is actually cooler now! In fact, my entire room is cooler with all that air moving, but that can be a good thing.

The price is a little higher than I wanted to pay ( and you may find nice looking cases for half this much ) but it did come with 4 fans, and instructions, hardware, and some trim pieces for different configurations. You might catch it on sale like I did. :)

It is more than likely the best gaming case available. I give it a 10, simply for being that alone. The other stuff was just awesome to have.


I see some other cases that look really cool too, and I check them out, but they don't seem like they would keep my stuff as cool.

With my old case, I had a 3rd hard drive that wouldn't fit, hanging out of the case laying on some books, now I have the hard drives enclosed with fans blowing on them to keep them safe. It holds up to 6 internal HDD's. So you can use the four SATA drives from the Motherboard, and 2 EiDE's HDD's and still have a DVD, and two other din units of your choice. And it's already got twin USB/ Audio and Firewire slots on the face.

I'm really happy with the Antec 900. It could be a little quieter, but what do you expect with 9 fans and 3 HDD's? You could always try to find super quiet replacement fans. BTW, the air coming out of the case stays cool at all times so far. My computer has been on for like 60 hours working constantly. With my old case, it was always hot air blowing out, because it was hot in there.

Well, that's my review. Hope it was helpful.
 
Nice review.
I'm glad that you liked it.
I call it my little giant.
Antec 900 is the C2D in system cases.

Enjoy ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Krynn72
You guys, what the **** is up.
Replies
11
Views
2K
Tollbooth Willie
Tollbooth Willie
bbson john
Hi everyone. I am new to this forum!
Replies
11
Views
6K
Tollbooth Willie
Tollbooth Willie
MFL
Fascinating look at the ongoing psychological evolution of flat hieirarchies.
Replies
2
Views
2K
Tollbooth Willie
Tollbooth Willie
B
Community Interviews: Final Exchange development team
Replies
0
Views
5K
Barnz
B
Asuka
Building a new PC...need advice.
Replies
10
Views
2K
Stigmata
Stigmata
Back
Top