Hoping to build my 1st computer soon, I know it's cheap for a reason but what would happen if I was to use a cheap Ebay tower to build a I7 gaming computer? Something like this....> £24 on ebay Thanks in advance, Gareth.
I'm not sure I understand the question. What would happen? Erm, you'd have a cheap case. You might cut your hand on sharp metal parts of the case while assembling the pc. Fans might be dodgy or noisy. Power buttons could break... and it will probably be mostly plastic and easy to damage. Airflow will probably be poor compared to decent cases, and most likely lacking dust filters. If it has a PSU with it, it will be junk, though I don't see one above. Nothing catastrophic, but nothing desirable either. Like I said, I don't fully understand the question. Spending a little more on a good case usually means it will last longer, be easier to open up and work on and have things like tool free harddrive bays, and better airflow. You don't have to go crazy and spend £200 on a Lian Li, but putting a high end gaming system in a cheap case is a tad odd. I guess the main thing you'd want to watch out for is components overheating.
Every day you will see a kick ass i7 rig in a case that looks like you got it from a lucky bag. It may cause headaches, nausea, eye sores you will also be the equivalent to a chave in the computer building world.. Spend the extra few bob and buy something like the antec 300/100 Coolermaster 690II lite/Coolermaster 912
I built a second system recently using a cheap case, wish I hadn't. Get an Antec 100 or 300, and don't skimp massively on the PSU eitheer.
Crap air flow, poor quality construction, no SSD space, won't fit decent graphics cards, no cable routing... And you will end up buying a better case when all of the above pisses you off.
Ok thanks guys, Like I said it's my 1st build so would just like some feed back, Did'nt know if it might burn my house down or something. XD Will be going with the Antec 100. Thanks Guys.
I know someone with the same case (well the front is a different design), very flimsy and noisy. Not a good buy when you consider just a few pound more can get you a much better case.
+1 for this case. Put a few systems together in these. For the money, pretty darn good, and well worth the extra £6.
I used a cheap case, I didn't pay for it thankfully. But I am paying for it now. It is on my hit list to change, when I eventually get a chance. +1 for a better case, cable management, cooling, reduced noise, stronger panels. mmmmm case
You'll regret it later on down the line, I do this with my current machie, compared to some of the slightly more expensive cases, it is horrible to work in. - Odinster
Need cheap get this Case PSU combo. There is nothing cheaper worth buying: http://www.ebuyer.com/product/220863
The main downer on a cheap case is the flimsiness. With that the most noticeable thing is that it will be noisy, which will get to you eventually. rattling panels, vibrating case and the works.
Go to a computer shop if you can then compare their cheapest no brand case against a good branded case from Antec or Silverstone, it will be obvious that the photographer is earning his fee here, all that glitters is not gold. I am certain once you inspect the exterior alone you should see a clear a difference in build quality. Check the fit around the panels and drive bays, unless faulty you would expect the branded case to have a secure flush fit on all of these with hardly any play. On the unbranded case you might expect these panels to rattle or not fit flush. The box should be entirely solid and not warp or twist. I have seen cheap cases do this, I believe this is due to thinner metals and less or weaker struts. Check under the hood, the interior on a cheap case will be basic and nasty, it will be more difficult to build in as a result. The floor may be basic (lack cable routing and CPU cutout, forget about a removable tray), the stamped metal bays and struts may be poorly finished so you may get cut on the install (incredibly common injury for PC builders, sharp PC parts and blister packs will cut you!). Peripheral parts will be of incredibly low quality on a no brand case, maybe one deplorable excuse of a fan, it will be small and loud, then it will start to fail and be even more loud until it fails completely, worse still if the case does not take 120mm fan mounts or larger then you cannot install the most efficient type of replacement. On a good case often the extra parts such as fans and usb ports might add up to 25% or more of the total price anyway and the money spent on design will help you get everything installed the right way. At this point the differences should be clear, if you were actually to build a pc in both types you should find it quicker and easier to do the more expensive well designed branded case build. The interior would also look neater. The overall system should run quieter and cooler as a result. And the no brand case you chose is really ugly.
