Need help selecting a budget friendly gaming tower.

1313 Views 10 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Raylo, Mar 18, 2011

Raphaell

Discussion Starter · Mar 15, 2011

I would prefer a full tower for easy installation of parts and superior cooling, but I'm open to mid-towers as long as they're still roomy and have good cooling. I do not plan on doing any OCing however, so cooling is only so much of an issue.

I have a few that I've chosen thus far, and wanted a some insight on which would be best and why, as well as any other suggestions someone may have. I'd also prefer to not go over $140, and the cheaper the better, but not to the point of sacrificing quality.

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Newegg.com - Sunbeam Transformer IC-TR-US-BA-WOPSU Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Newegg.com - XCLIO A380COLOR Fully Black 1.0 mm SECC / ABS Plastic ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Newegg.com - XCLIO Windtunnel Fully Black Finish 1.0 mm SECC Chassis ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Newegg.com - IN WIN Ironclad Black SECC Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case

Newegg.com - APEVIA MX-PLEASURE-BK Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply

Newegg.com - AZZA Solano 1000 Black/Black Japanese SECC Steel/Metal mesh in front ATX Full Tower Computer Case

I would imagine that the rest of my parts are irrelevant, since I can't imagine any mobo or other parts that wouldn't fit in the average full tower.
If you don't mind, please add in your reasons as to why you think whichever case would be best. Thanks in advance!

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my personal machine is in the Coolermaster HAF 932 and I try to sell that case to my customers whenever they will bite the bullet for a slightly over $110.00 case / never had one complain or brought back yet!

Xclio wind tunnel is also "decent" although alittle to much LED for me personally!

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Raylo

· #3 · Mar 16, 2011

You could look at this CM HAF 922 if you want to save a few more $. I built my i7 system using one of these a year ago and I love it. It's a great case.

They call it a mid-tower but it is huge. Plenty of room for whatever you want to throw in and great cooling. It has the quick install HD trays and other nice features. $99 at the Egg but our local Microcenter had them on sale last week for $79 so you might look there if you have one nearby.

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER HAF 922 RC-922M-KKN1-GP Black Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

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Tyree

· #4 · Mar 16, 2011

FRom the list you have posted, the CoolerMaster.

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hhnq04

· #5 · Mar 17, 2011

Agree with others.

Here's another Coolermaster I like: roomy, decent cable management, sturdy, and I really like the on/off switch for the LED for those late nights when you don't want to have the room lit up like a rave.
Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN2 CM690 II Advanced Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

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Raylo

· #6 · Mar 17, 2011

The HAF 922 also has a separate switch next to the power switch to turn the front fan LED on and off. I think I tested it once but the LED has been off since...

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ebackhus

· #7 · Mar 18, 2011

If you get Apevia DO NOT use the included PSU.

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Old Rich

· #8 · Mar 18, 2011

Good case for $45 after rebate

Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

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Raylo

· #9 · Mar 18, 2011

Last November I did a build with an Antec 300 and it was a nice case, esp for the $. It looks like it would cost more than it does. Only one con: it did not have an external 3.5" opening. My device (a memory card reader) came with an adapter to fit the device in a 5" slot but not with a cover plate. Simple task in theory but it took a lot of work to accurately and neatly cut out the 3.5" opening in one of the 5" external slot blank covers. In fact that alone took about 3x the time it took to build the computer. Otherwise a great case. I wonder if they make a version with a 3.5 opening or if they sell a blank with a 3.5 opening. I didn't have time to research that, I just had to improvise.

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Old Rich

· #10 · Mar 18, 2011

Yep . . fewer and fewer cases are allowing for the 3.5 bay . . I have used an adaptor like this when needed

Newegg.com - 5.25 to 3.5 bay converter

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Raylo

· #11 · Mar 18, 2011

That's exactly what I needed for the Antec. One memory card reader I used once upon a time came with one of those. Don't recall what brand it was tho.... The CM cases I have used did come with included 3.5" openings. Just a minor detail that depending on which case you get you might end up with an hour or so of extra work if you don't plan for this.

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Need help selecting a budget friendly gaming tower.

Raphaell

linderman

Raylo

Tyree

hhnq04

Raylo

ebackhus

Old Rich

Raylo

Old Rich

Raylo

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