Is it just me, or are respectable PC cases that don't cost a fortune gone
the way of the dodo? Also, why don't the desktop (on their side) cases use
120mm fans?
Local to Calgary:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/index.php?PageTag=&page=cat&memx_menu=70&SID=
...which would you pick for a Media PC for your living room?
For me, I need something with a fair number of HDD bays and silent and
decent (not flashy) looking.
In that bunch - they actually have Cooler masters which are my
favorite now but not the one I love. They do have the designerish one
-- the silver one. Not my favorite but its clean. Too artsy though
The other CMs look OK black and silver.
If you really want to blend in with the living room etc the Shuttle
and especially the Silverstones look great. The shuttle are nice cause
they are small but thats the argument I had -- I think they are too
small but if you understand the limitations it is less unobtrusive
visually. Less jarring in a living room. The Silverstones look great
though like HI FI gear if you have stereo stuff set up any on a rack
etc. They blend right in. The cost plus small space may appeal to you
or not though.
These prices are too high though.
Also Im using the Antec Lanboy on there. I love it. Great case. Its
silver so in that sense its clean but the surfaces arent. Theres a lot
of curves and grates and indentations that makes it look like they
designed it for a teen. Not bad but not my ideal look.
The layout inside is simple and clean though. Also gross out price
here even in canadian bucks which maybe on par with US bucks by now
havent checked lately. I got mine for 29 AR so seeing 100 or more
looks ridiculous.
It has a little drawer in the front to hold screws, jumpers. Theres
room for this cause its WIDE. Its extra wide cause it holds HDs
sideways and creates a very clean layout cause the cables arent
sticking over the motherboard. Its also light since its plastic and
alum.
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Actually the trend now is towards more sobercases if you go by the
local Compusa . In fact its far more in the style I like sober and
techy and solid.
Most people with HTPC cases sacrifice everything it seems for non-PC
tower looks. They want that small , hi fi gear looking look which
severely limits options and often costs far more than regular cases. I
just had a big argument about this at another site where one person
argued small cube cases had just as many options as towers.
Anyway, I like Cooler Masters but its a matter of taste. Any sober
techy looking thing is good for me.
I actually like this one but the lowest its been at Compusa with
rebate was $69 which I thought was too high ha.
http://www.coolermaster.com/index.p...rial=RC-530&other_title=+RC-530+Centurion 530
Not for everyone . The bars on the metal handgrip bars and the black
metal grate covering the entire front may look too industrially techy
for some but thats exactly what I like. Its kind of gimmicky too since
Im not sure how the CD and DVD drives work with the metal black gratey
covers. I like the buttons on the top of the unit angled up.
A simplerfunctional cooler master
http://www.coolermaster.com/index.p...rial=CAC-T05&other_title=+CAC-T05+Centurion 5
http://www.coolermaster.com/index.p...RC-810&other_title=+RC-810+CM Stacker 810 ATX
Some have posted they like this. Its a little designerish for my
taste.
http://www.coolermaster.com/index.p...ial=RC-830&other_title=+RC-830+CM Stacker 830