Aluminum Cases?

[Brangwen]

Fellow Members:

I am searching for a new case in order that I may put my backup system to work (IWill XP333-R with 1900+).

That particular motherboard is fairly large (12 x 9.61) and (of course) I want to be certain that I have adequate cooling. I have been passing by cases made of steel and other materials and have been focusing on aluminum cases.

It is rather frustrating to find the case that I am truly happy with. Some of the aluminum cases are not so pleasing to look at while many of the steel (or other material) boxes look fairly decent in this age of computer boxes with ridiculous logos (IMO) all over them. If I want a superhero logo, I'll buy an old lunchbox!

So my question remains: given the appearance of some of the aluminum boxes (in addition to the much higher prices), is there truly much of an advantage to focusing only on aluminum for my next box?

Thanks!


Brangwen

[The Real Bingo]

I suggest Aspire cases. I have a silver alien ATX server tower with 6 case fans, LEDs, and a power supply. Very nice case indeed with looks and functionality.

Most of the advantage from aluminum cases comes from heat dispersion. Another bonus is weight. My PC-71 weighs less with all the components installed than the old steel mid-tower they used to be in does when it's empty.

Also, as I've mentioned in one of your past threads, I recommend Lian-Li cases with great enthusiasm.

[ArcticFox]

Real Bingo - link broken!

How about the case I'm salivating over now:
Antec SuperLANBoy

Lots of features, looks great, aluminum, it's got everthing. Sure you could ask for two more 120mm fans, but nothing is perfect. The SLB is the best case I've seen yet, and isn't too expensive.

[Atomic Rooster]

I've always liked the Chieftec cases. I have this very same case and it has plenty of room for larger mobo's and just about anything you'd want to stuff in it.

The thing with aluminum is that they tend to run cooler and they are quite a bit lighter than steel cases.

[peterwilkes]

Weight is definetly a problem when moving my computer around, although it does not have a huge amout of equipmet inside, it feels like it has a few house bricks inside!

I have read various comments on aluminium cases and they all seem to be fairly good, I would not get a cheap one as they can sometimes use thinner metal which makes it flex where you don't want it to and also causes vibrations.

Providing a case has good airflow, I doubt that aluminium makes a difference to the heat levels inside the case. It may make a difference if you only have a few fans (like I do).

My midi tower case is at 55 deg C with just the PSU and front fan set to the lowest speed at 24 deg C room temp. This is a Althon Barton 2500+ O/C'd to 2.2 Ghz

[poopeyhed2]

I like the new Lian Li PC-V1000 - which is not yet available, but I just finished reviewing it. However, a case that's currently out is the Silverstone Nimiz, which I'm in the process of reviewing. That's a nice looking aluminum case too. Here's the Link to the Lian Li case.

[Omardeth]

go to www.dumpinggoods.com and go into the case section then they are all skyhawk cases that are aluminum. and all are 21$ and under plus shipping . i have ordered 6 cases from them and all came in good shape . it is a great price for a aluminum case .

[Brangwen]

Fellow Members:

I appreciate all of the suggestions. I will look at Lian Li boxes again. So far my difficulty with these has been my concern over the size of the motherboard I'll be using (12 x 9.6) which just comfortably fits inside my full-size Inwin tower. Just as importantly is my concern over cooling. I am used to having 4 x 120 mm in addition to 2 x 80 mm Panaflo's controlled by rheostats. I recognize that I am likely spoiled with the kind of airflow I am presently enjoying. However, the finest I've seen -- to the best of my recollection after having looked at many boxes over the last two days -- is a pair of 120 mm fans, one situated at each end of the box. Another that was somewhat appealing utilized a couple of 92 mm fans at the front and rear, and a fan roughly the same size on a side panel -- side panel fans really get my attention as I feel air blown on the motherboard is a huge plus! I also think "blow holes" exhausting hot air out of the case is important, notwithstanding the many views that fans situated in the top of the box "detrimentally interfere" with overall cooling. (thank goodness I can use dictation software to post these responses!)

In any event, I shall check out the latest recommendations. I appreciate all of the help very much.

Brangwen

Edit:PS: ONE LAST THING: I mentioned this in an earlier post. It absolutely blows me away that some of these high-priced box vendors highlight and emphasize the inclusion of "stickers" and IMO frankly ugly shapes and designs in the list of features, nevermind the 43 "necessary" lights of every color and shape. This is my personal rant and I certainly respect the opinions of others who happen to like such features. So for those of you out there who like that sort of thing, please do not read this!

[Agent_Embryo]

I've got the ordinary Aluminum LANBoy from Antec and I'm very pleased with it. High quality, and it doesn't look ridiculous.

Chieftec is also good, since their cases come from the same manufacturer.

If you can afford it, go with what Whir said: Lian Li. I'd love a case like that. I hope you find a case that'll suit your needs.