EggXpert

Hi, I want to move 1 or both HP desktops to a reasonable case that actually has front and side fans, since my HP cases have only a rear exhaust fan. After reading multiple reviews, I've narrowed my list to the AZZA Orion 201 which has 3 fans, the Azza Spartan 101, which has 3 as well, both have space for a 4th fan on the side, the NZXT Tempest which has 6 fans, but costs more, the AZZA Solano 100, which has 5 big fans and my first choice, due to price and features, the Raidmax Smilodon ATX-612WB., which has 4 fans and a fifth option on the motherboard side. The fact that the Smilodon motherboard side folds out to enable easier MOBO installation seems to be a plus and it is only $59.99 shipped, with good reviews. I've been reading about cheaper, flimsy cases where the MOBO has to be bent or warped to make it fit, etc and I've come to the conclusion that , yes, you get what you pay for, but will the Smilodon make me happy or should I pay the extra $30 for one of the other mentioned upgrade models, or save my money and get the $30 AZZA cases?

This will be my first build, I want it to be a positive experience!

Thanks, Johnny

The only thing I will caution you on, is make sure your HP motherboard will allow you to use standard case connectors for the front USB ports, sound connections and switches/lights.  Many of the large OEM's, (like HP and especially Dell) will make their stuff proprietary, along with their PSU's, meaning you can't just swap them into a standard case.  Make sure you check that out before deciding to buy ANY case.  PSU is a big deal, especially if the case you buy doesn't come with one and you have to use the one in the HP. It may not fit.  Some motherboards even have odd mounting points from the big OEMs.

As for the cases, I never spend less than 50 bucks.  Everything I have tried under that price point were mostly flimsy junk, and even a few at the 50 mark are.  Keep in mind too, more fans, equals more noise and more dirt. 

Good luck!

Thanks for your input. I've already switched out my PSU to a 500 Watt, as HP had a whopping 250 Watt psu standard. I did so because I added a geforce 7800 gt gpu and needed more power. Interesting about whether or not the motherboard will fit in an after-market case, actually I was going to replace the MOBO because it only supports Sata I speeds. As far as more fans equals more noise and dirt, anything would be better than my current situation, I took off the side panel to blow air from a 5" portable fan into the works, so I'm getting dust and loud fans anyway. The HP case has only a back exhaust fan, no front , side or top fans, so I'm getting a lot of heat buildup from my GPU mostly. So, if I replace my MOBO, then of course I'd have to upgrade the RAM and processor, meaning another $300 or more. Geez, it never ends!

Nope, it never does.

One reason my computer sitting here has had well over 3 grand put into it over the last 7 years.  But I am still on the same motherboard.  However its reached its end.  Next stop is an i7. 

If you're going to get a case get a good one. I've bought cheap cases in the past and always regretted it. They don't filter the air, they have sharp edges, they're poorly ventilated, yadda yadda. Also had ones with swinging doors covering the bays. I took them off... The Smilodons door is going to get old real fast.

IMO spend a little more and take a look at the Cooler Master 590 and 690 cases. All the fan placements you could ever dream of. And they're all 120mm which is generally quieter than 80mm fans. If you do the 7v trick they'll be real quiet and will still move more air than 80mm fans. Also the PSU is away from the CPU so the heat will be less concentrated in the case. I'm not sure why cases like these aren't the norm.

Thanks for both of your opinions, it figures that you only get what you pay for, so, I'm learning, after reading countless reviews, that I need to buy a good case with great airflow. Why HP only puts in a rear exhaust fan and usually a meager 250 watt PSU is beyond me! Cutting costs, I guess, and selling cheap PC's to most of America, who never use their systems to do much more than answer emails and maybe surf the web(boy, am I out of touch, is "surfing the web still what they call it/ lol). I'm not a serious gamer. but my 10 year old son is approaching that level, so I'm trying to keep somewhere near the "cutting edge", without going bankrupt! I'll definitely check out the Cooler Master cases you suggested, thanks a lot , you guys, even though my wife is gonna lay a hard one on me for even thinking of spending more money on a "silly computer".

Best regards, Johnny

RC-690 is an excellent case, that is what I have, but there are a few quirks.  

1.  power and reset buttons are kinda weird - located alond front bezel edge, they have to be 'rotated into the case' to activate.  Reset buttin is very easy to break.

2.  Ports are on the top of the case.   Kinda bad design decision.   Hard to get to if case sits on desk or if under a desk - limited clearance, often have to locate ports blindly.   They also accumulate dust this way.   Also, if you got headphones plugged in and accidentally yank the wire, you have a good chance of ruining the headphone jack.   Having ports on the front bezel like the 590 is so much better.

Also look at Lian-Li Lancool K56 and K58, as well as Antec Three Hundred.