What's a good low-cost MATX case these days. I have an old CM Elite but could donate that to another system. I was looking at the Fractal Design Core 1000, but wondered if there are better alternatives. It is for a Core 2 HTPC build so won't be too stressed. Tower format works best in the space.
How low cost is low cost? I'm looking into the same at the minute but want it to be short (both in height and depth) and was looking at the TJ08 (but that's twice the price)
low as can be. I've used a define mini before but this case isn't on view so much. The question is really what's the best deal at say £35 or less (without PSU)?
I can't give you any other recommendations but I've got first hand experience with the Core 1000. It's not bad for the price a few things to be aware of is that the air filter on the front is non removable so you have to take the whole front off in order to clean it. Also there is no space behind the motherboard at all for cables etc so they will have to be shoved in an optical drive bay. The quiet drive mounts are a nice touch especially for a living room PC and the fan at the front is quiet too. Overall it's not a bad case I just thought I should point out it's flaws, as long as you won't be cracking it open often or trying to cool gaming graphics cards and stuff it will fare just fine. Oh just remembered the side panels on mine were quite stiff and a pain to get off so beware of that also.
I think the Ace Ecco 250 (not in stock at Scan) gets good reviews (I think a couple of people have one on here) or there's the Cooler Master Elite 343. I think either would be good. Edit: Forgot about the Cooler Master Elite 344
My, I've been looking for the same thing today Fractal Design Core 1000 - Doesn't offer USB3.0 - Supports CPU coolers up to 148mm in height (Not a lot) + Supports long Graphical cards + looks good Sharkoon MS120 / MS140 + Does have USB3.0 - Supports CPU coolers up to 145mm in height (Not a lot) - supplied Fan is poor (loud and lit blue) + Supports long Graphical cards Zalmann T1 / T2 - Doesn't offer USB3.0 - Gaphical Card maximum 290mm (says Zalman) 270mm (says Caseking.de) + Extra cheap ~ can't find out cooler height, but the case is very thin... Aerocool QS200 Lite or Advance + Does have USB3.0 (the original QS200 doesn't!!!) + Supports CPU coolers up to 168mm in height + Supports long Graphical cards Cooler Master Silencio 450 + Does have USB3.0 ~ Supports CPU coolers up to 155mm in height + Supports long Graphical cards + silenced - looks There's lots of coolermasters left, but only the Cooler Master Elite 344 has USB 3.0 Okay looked it up: Cooler Master Elite 344 + Does have USB3.0 + Supports long Graphical cards - Supports CPU coolers up to 148mm in height ~ Doesn't say if the intakes are filtered.
That's for the awesome analysis. I don't need USB 3 as things stand. The Zalman cases look pretty nice and as it happens a tall case is ideal for me. Will order one.
The standard of mATX cases has really fallen recently.. I couple years ago there seemed to be loads of attractive ones, both in looks and features, but that seems to have changed of recent... possibly to ITX offering the same power if you're just after one GPU.. weird.