The system I currently have is housed in an Antec 1200 -I've been really happy with the case, especially the dust filters which stop huge amounts of crap getting inside. I'm looking to build a second rig, ideally in a smaller, cheaper case. The Antec 100 e.g. would be a prime candidate, but as far as I can tell the Antec 100 has filters on the front fan but not behind the the front mesh or on the side vent. My problem is that I'm having trouble finding a budget case (£50ish) which has decent dust filtering a la the 1200. Information on filters is often sketchy, so I'd really appreciate any advice from the forum on cases I may have overlooked. If £50 just isn't enough, it's not set in stone. Also, any advice on the practicalities of fitting separate filters like http://www.scan.co.uk/products/silverstone-120mm-fan-grille-and-filter-kit to case fans would be gratefully received. I'm not sure where they'd fit on the 1200 so I'm wary of buying an unfiltered case on the assumption that I can just fit some myself (zero modding skills btw) tl;dr Best c.£50 case for dust? Thanks, Adam
Around the £50 mark there's the Antec 300 which has very good dust filtering on the front intakes. It's a tried and tested case but it does lack some of the features you can get in more modern cases. It may also be worth looking at the Coolermaster CM690II Lite. It's a very good case for the money. If you like the styling then the HAF 912 Plus is also around the same price point. Look out for Scan's Today Only deals for the best prices!
Custom Pc recommended the Antec 100. I think that's the best choice. http://www.scan.co.uk/products/antec-100-one-hundred-black-midi-tower-gaming-case-w-o-psu
Xigmatek Midgard has dust filters in the front and bottom - £51 @ Scan. I have one arriving tomorrow for a friends build so I can post back some photos and my findings if you'd like.
I thought the Antec 100 didn't come with dust filters? I know the Antec 300 has a very good dust filter on the front, so if you got one of them all you would need is a side filter
midgards a very good case, tho the front of mine is always covered in dust due to 2 fans... must show the filters are working tho lol
Another vote for the Midgard - gets great reviews and feedback universally, and is a nice alternative to the ubiquitous Antec 300.
Filterless case + nylon stockings + duct tape = filtered case While that's an actual method, i want to give you a more serious suggestion. There are various styles of separate filters that you can install on your fans, they're usually dirt cheap.
Thanks for all the responses -the Xigmatek Midgard looks like a good bet to me. Filters for the side panels would be a must though. Does anyone have any filter recommendations? These magnetic ones look pleasantly cheap.. http://www.scan.co.uk/products/140mm-silverstone-fan-grille-and-filter-kit-magnetic
The midgard is great, and tbh not having side fan filters isnt much of a problem for me as I dont have fans installed on the side of the case. I'll take some photos and upload them to show what its like after a few months of use
Duct tape! Seriously, I used this to tape up the side fan hole on my Antec 300 after I found that a fan installed there made no difference to the temperatures of my build. I might even do the same to the Midgard I am building for a friend, the case arrived a few minutes ago and is making a nice footrest under my desk at the moment. Failing that, a filter such as this might work: http://www.scan.co.uk/products/silverstone-120mm-fan-grille-and-filter-kit.
