Full tower Chassis

L

Lord Nikon6

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Hi all

So I am finally busy with a new build, and I just cannot decide which case to get. I want a full tower case, as big as possible, but one that will not break the wallet. I had a look at the following so far:

NZXT phantom 820

http://www.evetech.co.za/PC-Hardware/nzxt-phantom-820-gunmetal-gaming-computer-case-245.aspx

I don't know much about NZXT, and it looks like it might be plasticky. Also, the window seems a bit small as I like to stare at the stuff inside my chassis from time to time.

Coolermaster Storm trooper with Windowed side panel:

http://www.rebeltech.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=6183

This seems like a nice sturdy case, but it seems that the one with the windowed side panel kinda ruins the look. The one without the side panel just seems like it flows more.

Antec DF-85

http://store.antec.com/Product/darkFleet/df-85/0-761345-15238-9.aspx

I really like the look of this one, but I cannot seem to find it on any local stores anymore. I have also heard the front fans start to hang/slant down over time. This will destroy me, as i have OCD.

Any other suggestions, please? I am really struggling to decide.
 
I will say that Coolermaster put a lot of thought into every case design. It is so easy to keep my HAF X clean despite air cooling. Clip off the front panel. Take it outside. Get all the dust off with a paintbrush. Clip it back in. Awesome. Same goes for the top panel, except it is plugged in so I just lift it up. Love it.

I can't speak for the NZXT, but it doesn't look as well ventilated as the Storm Trooper. There are lots of people on the forum with the Storm Trooper too, so expect feedback shortly.
 
Awesome, thank you. I wanted the HAF X at a stage, but that was early last year. Seems like a great case, but I think i might grow tired of how it looks. Looking for the biggest case I can get for a decent price.
 
If you dont care how heavy the thing is, maybe look at an Aerocool Xpredator
Otherwise any big good big case is going to be R2k and up
 
Archer said:
If you dont care how heavy the thing is, maybe look at an Aerocool Xpredator
Otherwise any big good big case is going to be R2k and up
Click to expand...

I dont mind the weight. Is that case of good quality? I am willing to go up to R2300 max. Perhaps a little more for something really spectacular.
 
Archer said:
If you dont care how heavy the thing is, maybe look at an Aerocool Xpredator
Otherwise any big good big case is going to be R2k and up
Click to expand...

I dont mind the weight. Is that case of good quality? I am willing to go up to R2300 max. Perhaps a little more for something really spectacular.
 
i liked the NZXT 820 for a while but if you got an good system you want to show it off properly = the side window mesh **** doesnt work then. So i went rather for NZXT switch 810 white and got an NZXT HUE stripp for the case.

looks amazing and couldnt be more happier as the design inside is more or less the same. (dont kill me for saying that)
 
HApyM3al said:
i liked the NZXT 820 for a while but if you got an good system you want to show it off properly = the side window mesh **** doesnt work then. So i went rather for NZXT switch 810 white and got an NZXT HUE stripp for the case.

looks amazing and couldnt be more happier as the design inside is more or less the same. (dont kill me for saying that)
Click to expand...

The design inside is actually more or less the same. I would have taken the Phantom 820 if the side panel was bigger, because I want to show off my parts. The switch 810 just seems a bit plain to me on the outside, and I fear I might grow tired of it.

Edit: Actually, I see how this case can look pretty amazing with the NZXT hue strip added. Do you have the black or gunmetal version of the case?
 
Last edited:
Lord Nikon6 said:
The design inside is actually more or less the same. I would have taken the Phantom 820 if the side panel was bigger, because I want to show off my parts. The switch 810 just seems a bit plain to me on the outside, and I fear I might grow tired of it.
Click to expand...

could be yes. just on side note that the switch 810 side panel dooir does fit on the Phantom 820 :) = amazing combo i think!

here few pics of my setup so can check out everything
pc.jpg
pc 2.jpg
I like the case because it is plain and simple = nothing fancy but has great (if not best features) for the money. i mean the Corsair 600T is same price and that case is only ATX i think where as 810 and 820 E-ATX i think (cant remember but i know supports huge boards)

NZXT is good value for money. quality is great... only downfall according to me is i dont like the HDD tray. and also would of liked to be able to remove stupid ODD bays without having to drill holes and possibly damaging the frame.
 
HApyM3al said:
could be yes. just on side note that the switch 810 side panel dooir does fit on the Phantom 820 :) = amazing combo i think!

here few pics of my setup so can check out everything
View attachment 51985
View attachment 51987
I like the case because it is plain and simple = nothing fancy but has great (if not best features) for the money. i mean the Corsair 600T is same price and that case is only ATX i think where as 810 and 820 E-ATX i think (cant remember but i know supports huge boards)

NZXT is good value for money. quality is great... only downfall according to me is i dont like the HDD tray. and also would of liked to be able to remove stupid ODD bays without having to drill holes and possibly damaging the frame.
Click to expand...

the 810 door on the Phantom would actually be perfect.

Thanks for the pics, it does look very good. I would go with a black and red theme, due to it being an AMD build. Black and green is also brilliant though.

If the build quality is good, it is certainly good value for money, as the storm trooper is around R2200.

I believe no case will be entirely perfect for someone unless they build it themselves. I am pretty much narrowed down to either the switch 810 or the CM storm trooper. THanks for your input
 
Lord Nikon6 said:
the 810 door on the Phantom would actually be perfect.

Thanks for the pics, it does look very good. I would go with a black and red theme, due to it being an AMD build. Black and green is also brilliant though.

If the build quality is good, it is certainly good value for money, as the storm trooper is around R2200.

I believe no case will be entirely perfect for someone unless they build it themselves. I am pretty much narrowed down to either the switch 810 or the CM storm trooper. THanks for your input
Click to expand...

no problem. i also was looking at trooper when was looking for new case, looks are so sexy on that thing!

and my 24/7 colour is red :) just saturates so well and the NZXT hue is boss dude just boss lol.

and what you said is so true mass produced case will fit everyone.

you should get someone to sponsor you the switch 810 door for the 820 :D hahaha would be perfect! except ODD bay lol
 
HApyM3al said:
no problem. i also was looking at trooper when was looking for new case, looks are so sexy on that thing!

and my 24/7 colour is red :) just saturates so well and the NZXT hue is boss dude just boss lol.

and what you said is so true mass produced case will fit everyone.

you should get someone to sponsor you the switch 810 door for the 820 :D hahaha would be perfect! except ODD bay lol
Click to expand...

lol dude yeah, I think i will be getting the NZXT hue regardless of which case I am picking. My next step is to seriously consider the option of watercooling, as the case will certainly be the switch. It seems like a great chassis for watercooling, as well as modding. If i only had the time. If I choose to stick with air, I might go with the trooper.

I looked for a switch side panel seperate, but cannot seem to find one sadly. Agreed on the ODD bay though, quite strange.
 
Lord Nikon6 said:
lol dude yeah, I think i will be getting the NZXT hue regardless of which case I am picking. My next step is to seriously consider the option of watercooling, as the case will certainly be the switch. It seems like a great chassis for watercooling, as well as modding. If i only had the time. If I choose to stick with air, I might go with the trooper.

I looked for a switch side panel seperate, but cannot seem to find one sadly. Agreed on the ODD bay though, quite strange.
Click to expand...

Switch = 360 rad in top easy with push pull config.

im also saving for that all sweet Corsair H110 (going to remove the ODD and try mount it in the front = dont see a rad and ****.

if you go phantom dont need HUE though btw (if you didnt know, pretty sure you do know)

i remember someone did sell it but was R600. but that was like an year back...

if was you switch 810 = great customization options and also can do water cooling really easy and airflow on this thing is so good! oh and dont forget the Fan Hub! (works brilliantly for me) so no 1000000 fan cables on Mobo.

you making me feel like huge NZXT fanboy now hahaha... but im sure if do all research you going to boil down to 810. i tried to make the phantom and trooper better options for me but in every way i could see the 810 was better choice for me.

ODD bay deal - i dont understand why the mass companies still making ODD bays 3-5 bays! i honestly hate ODD cause old tech now... everything (OS + apps + whatever) on flash drive or externals. so i would like just one ODD bay (for HUE) rest can go play with the other cases. But ill probs soon be drilling or cutting mine out.

im dont know the trooper that well but also sure can take an 360 rad so really up to preferences and what you like. if like open space + some nice features for overall good price switch 810 then you best bet. evetech is R1600 last time checked on switch 810
 
HApyM3al said:
Switch = 360 rad in top easy with push pull config.

im also saving for that all sweet Corsair H110 (going to remove the ODD and try mount it in the front = dont see a rad and ****.

if you go phantom dont need HUE though btw (if you didnt know, pretty sure you do know)

i remember someone did sell it but was R600. but that was like an year back...

if was you switch 810 = great customization options and also can do water cooling really easy and airflow on this thing is so good! oh and dont forget the Fan Hub! (works brilliantly for me) so no 1000000 fan cables on Mobo.

you making me feel like huge NZXT fanboy now hahaha... but im sure if do all research you going to boil down to 810. i tried to make the phantom and trooper better options for me but in every way i could see the 810 was better choice for me.

ODD bay deal - i dont understand why the mass companies still making ODD bays 3-5 bays! i honestly hate ODD cause old tech now... everything (OS + apps + whatever) on flash drive or externals. so i would like just one ODD bay (for HUE) rest can go play with the other cases. But ill probs soon be drilling or cutting mine out.

im dont know the trooper that well but also sure can take an 360 rad so really up to preferences and what you like. if like open space + some nice features for overall good price switch 810 then you best bet. evetech is R1600 last time checked on switch 810
Click to expand...

Yeah, would be nice to run watercooling, but not sure if I want to take the risk, I know it is extremely minimal, but there is still a risk.

Wow, R600 for a side panel, not worth it, seeing as the 820 is already over 2k. I know it has that nice internal lighting and all that, but I have pretty much ruled it out.

I must say, that fan hub is a brilliant addition, and I cannot really see much flaw in the 810.

With the new chassis, i'd prefer not adding an ODD drive, so I agree with you there. The only reason I am still looking at the trooper is because it has a nice look from the front.

At the price tag, the switch 810 does look like the best option, but I'll go and hunt them down this weekend so I can have a look at the physical chassis before I buy it online(This is such a yank move, i know, but it is practical)
 
Lord Nikon6 said:
Yeah, would be nice to run watercooling, but not sure if I want to take the risk, I know it is extremely minimal, but there is still a risk.

Wow, R600 for a side panel, not worth it, seeing as the 820 is already over 2k. I know it has that nice internal lighting and all that, but I have pretty much ruled it out.

I must say, that fan hub is a brilliant addition, and I cannot really see much flaw in the 810.

With the new chassis, i'd prefer not adding an ODD drive, so I agree with you there. The only reason I am still looking at the trooper is because it has a nice look from the front.

At the price tag, the switch 810 does look like the best option, but I'll go and hunt them down this weekend so I can have a look at the physical chassis before I buy it online(This is such a yank move, i know, but it is practical)
Click to expand...

all above i shall agree on :) and dude seeing it in person defos helps a lot with choices. and check it out with clear mind. if go in bias then you already made choice so check it out and of course think about future as well... always gotta future proof shizzz
 
Lord Nikon6 said:
Yeah, would be nice to run watercooling, but not sure if I want to take the risk, I know it is extremely minimal, but there is still a risk.
Click to expand...

As in extremely extremely small. I say if thats the only thing holding you back then read up some more, ask people who've done it already, or get someone in the area to help you with installation. Fair warning though, if you've done it once, you most likely wont go back :p
 
HApyM3al said:
all above i shall agree on :) and dude seeing it in person defos helps a lot with choices. and check it out with clear mind. if go in bias then you already made choice so check it out and of course think about future as well... always gotta future proof shizzz
Click to expand...

True that dude. I will go with an open mind.

Archer said:
As in extremely extremely small. I say if thats the only thing holding you back then read up some more, ask people who've done it already, or get someone in the area to help you with installation. Fair warning though, if you've done it once, you most likely wont go back :p
Click to expand...

well, I guess I won't go full on liquid cooling yet, but seriously looking into a liquid CPU cooler, as the aftermarket air coolers cover the memory slots, so I will either have to go for a liquid cooler or with Low profile memory.
 
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