1st time build Part 1...Full tower case input...Done.

[DavidR310]

Ok,

So I decided for 2013 I will build my 1st computer. The first thing I started looking at is cases.

So here is what I chose: Thermaltake Chaser MK-1

What do you computer gurus think? Anything else comparable in this price range?

[NorCalXJ]

Full atx is the best to get(more room) I'm an antec boy, but i like that case. Make sure there is good ventilation in your case. Post all the stuff you are going to get. I'd like to see what you want to build. And i'll help make sure all your parts will match up.

[Firerescuebatt07]

I love full towers... I am using the Cooler Master HAF X for mine... Check this case out for comparison... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119160

Also http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147053

I use to like Thermaltake cases but they fell out of favor with me... good luck with whatever you choose

[billofrights]

All good choices. This is what I have: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811139005

[DavidR310]

^ Just like my first time AR budget build turned into a $1200 no sights hot mess, I can see the same happening here.

CPU: i7 3770k or AMD equivalent
Memory: Those spiffy looking 16gb ram with heatsinks.
Hard drives: Dual 1 or 2tb hdd with a 120gb or greater SSD
Cooling: Right now aircooled (removable dust filters a must as I am in a desert environment) with the option of liquid cooling down the road.
Optical drives: Need at least (4) 5.25" drives. Dual Blu-Ray R/W, Memory card all-in-one drive. Then 1 extra.
USB: Dual 3.0 would be nice.

Purpose: HTPC, stream media( be able to play HULU on my tv, record/play HD video to/from my TV.) Wirelessly stream media to all wifi devices in my household. Backup my entire DVD and Blu-Ray collection to digital copy.

[MMA]

I haven't tried Thermaltake, but lots of people like them. I've used Antec and CoolerMaster full towers and had good luck. Best was the CoolerMaster 1000, but it cost $230, without a power supply. The Thermaltake doesn't include a p/s either so you'll have to buy one, but that's a good thing because you've got lots of choices.

For motherboards, I've always used ASUS and had no complaints (YMMV)

Probably the handiest thing to have is a PC with internet, next to your build area, so you can quickly look things up.

My last build was two years ago and I went with Win7 64bit (64 bit is needed if you want more than 4gb memory). Installation went very smoothly.

If you don't already know, here's some good websites with reviews:

Toms Hardware
AnandTech
Motherboards.org
Computer Shopper
PC World

good luck! In the end you'll have a better computer than you can buy in a store, and you'll know what's in it.

[Firerescuebatt07]

if you're going to use all those bays, you might want to upgrade your cpu cooler.. you might be dealing with some heat... Heres a pic of my build (built her last year) I am using a Noctua cooler (best there is IMHO) I'm a hardcore PC gamer
https://
All finished https://

[castgold]

Just installed a Corsair H60 liquid CPU cooler in my smaller Thermaltake case, and it was a little tight. You should have no problem. My next case will most likely have external SATA HDD docking.


BTW - I went from running ~71C to now ~25C after finally ditching the poor stock CPU fan. Such a difference.

[castgold]

Just installed a Corsair H60 liquid CPU cooler in my smaller Thermaltake case, and it was a little tight. You should have no problem. My next case will most likely have external SATA HDD docking.


BTW - I went from running ~71C to now ~25C after finally ditching the poor stock CPU fan. Such a difference.

[the86d]

I haven't tried Thermaltake...but it cost $230, without a power supply. The Thermaltake doesn't include a p/s either so you'll have to buy one, but that's a good thing because you've got lots of choices...

Just installed a Corsair H60 liquid CPU cooler in my smaller Thermaltake case, and it was a little tight. You should have no problem. My next case will most likely have external SATA HDD docking...

If you are going to spend that kind of money on a case, you might as well do this...

Now:
(Relay) Rack ~$$100-150
19" case for computer ~$100

Later:
19" case for server ~$90
19" case for Linux box ~$90
19" dedicated case for eSATA drives ~$95

You'll never have to buy another case, and you can do it in stages. Hell you can even get a dedicated eSATA chassis for extra room.

I have an eSATA drive sitting on the top of my server's case, but I switched my funding to firearms, at least until 12/21/2012, when Google becomes self aware...

[redrex]

Forget cool lights and windows and all that useless crap. Focus on airflow, capacity and noise. Remember this isn't '95 and you don't need a different card for every thing. Pretty much everything except the video card is going to be on the mother board. So unless you are running a server a full tower is very much over kill. As such you will not get optimum air flow. On top of that the fans will have to push more air and it will be noisier.

Unless you are going to run a server with a drive array you should get a mid tower. Look for a case with a few large fans instead of a bunch of small fans. Larger fans can move more air while spinning slower. Longer life from your fans plus less noise.

Also, in my opinion, a case with the power supply on the bottom of the case works best. It has a lower center of gravity, the airflow works better, cable management seems to be better. And it's easier to work in the case as well.

Thermaltake, Antec and Cool Master all make great cases but take a look at this. http://www.endpcnoise.com/cgi-bin/e/caterpillar.html

[MA2]

Antec Skeleton Case is the coolest I have seen
I think it's discontinued, but you can still find them.

[Exile Machine]

I went with this Corsair Graphite 600T from Newegg. It's really huge but it has 200mm fans and it's dead quiet even under load. Had it since the spring and no complaints. Plenty of room inside for expansion.

-Mark

[bigbearbear]

I will recommend that you take a look at cases physically first at your local stores (Fry's have a good collection on display) before deciding.

While bigger full size ATX cases tend to be easier to work on, they also take up more space and can be an eye sore.

I go for Antec cases myself, the oldest one I have is one I bought in year 2000 and I'm still using it today, running my web/FTP server 24/7. 12 years of service and still going strong.

I have 3 other Antec cases at home, P180, SOLO and SONATA. If you like bigger cases, for the P180 series. They are bigger, sturdy and have good sound isolation. They are also easy to clean with removable filters in the front. Don't forget that computers need to be cleaned physically due to dust that accumulates in the air intake areas.

[billofrights]

That Corsair Graphite case is nice and roomy, but man it's big. My comp room at home is basically my gaming cave though, so it's all good. There's room under the top fan area to mount Corsair's H100 under it which was a compelling feature for me.