Cases Best 'Case' scenario? (i7 930, Gig UD3R, 5870)

I'm facing the same choice near identicle system build! I really like the Haf for looks size and cooling but am worried by the lack of dust filters. Don't really want to spend more than £120 on the case either.

 

why ?

i spent 135 on cpu
£100 on psu
£95 on mobo
£300 on gpu
£ 90 on ram

and £150 on the atcs 840, all of the above will someday be changed for a better part, or die.
the case will live on for years. my crappy old case lived through 2 souncards & 2 graphic cards + ram upgrade

just my 2p

 

Im thinking of uping my budget to £150, but thats because I have a case in mind that Ive fallen for. The Coolermaster HAF X. Just have to wait for its release now. My current Case cost £30 has seen me through 2 rebuilds and is still going strong, so I dont see money as being and indicator of longevity!

 

The HAF 932 is find with a little modding. Just made my own dust filters

 

I have a Cosmos S and would recommend it apart from a few flaws.

1. Some parts are badly made, which detracts from the overall appearance. The slider on the top feels tacky.

2. The large sidefan stops larger cpu coolers from fitting in properly. It has to be removed.

3. The default fans are quite noisy without bios control. I replaced all the fans in mine after a while.

 

Technically, as long as the case continues to hold all of your desired components and keeps them at a decent temperature you don't need to spend a forture. There's certainly no right or wrong, but even a £20 homemade test bench can last for years if you can handle having a case like that. It'll certainly stomp all else on cooling. Spending more money just gets better looks, sometimes more cooling, and usually easier installation. My own opinion is to buy the case that works for your needs and leave it there. Of course, some people's needs do include the wonderful features of a case like the ACTS and they do have to spend more

For the HAF: I've got a 922 and am pretty comfortable with the dust levels. Cases I've owned previously with dust filters just got clogged all the time and reduced overall cooling. Once a month with a compressed air can, or bi-weekly wiping off the filters was my experience.

 

I would give the ATCS 840 a shout, since I am just installing my components inside it atm

Its a great looking case, and I found it very easy to install the hard drives and optical drives. Its a large case as nearly everyone has mentioned. Regarding the air flow in the ATCS 840, its not on par with the HAF 932(I think according to reviews), but it is only just below. As the ATCS 840 also has dust filters its a great choice for me.

 

Many people have recommended the ATCS 840. It's a nice looking case but I like the industrial. I think I'm going to build my new system in my current case then get the HAF X when it's released and hope it's as good as it's predessessors.

 

I think the HAF X should be available in the middle of July at Overclockers, not sure about Scan though.

 

None of the suggested 1200/HAF 932/HAF X fit any of these. I'd take either the TJ07 or, in case you won't go water, the Fortress FT02. Personally I don't like the Cosmos so can't recommend that. Obsidian feature incredible quality, but with air cooling it isn't so special and it's just TOO DAMN LARGE.