piece by piece i am acquiring all the parts to build a new computer that will stand the tests of time (or maybe a few years!)

the next piece to the puzzle is the case. i plan on getting nextgen gfx cards (SLI?Crossfire?), so space and cooling are at the forefront of my considerations.

thus, do i need a full tower or will a mid tower suffice?

what are some good manufacturers to choose from?

any specific models that you have had good experience with?

thank you all for any direction you can provide.

salud,
bg04


ps-i would like to spend less that $100 on the case.

I'm not big on fancy cases with windows and all so I'll leave that to every one else. Other than roominess, a full tower is better than a mid tower because it's bigger, the main thing is the proper placement of the cabling. Keeping them short and tucked out of the way will help airflow. One thing I do is to remove the perforated sheet metal that's in front of the fans and use a wire screen guard. Probably doesn't do much, but I feel like it does. Don't forget that most of the latest and greatest video cards take up 2 slots. Also don't buy a case just because it comes with a power supply. You're better off to buy one
Mark

Yeah, a mid tower should be fine for you. Really, above a certain point, a better case isn't going to help you, or just isn't worth the money (cases over 200$?!?! wth?!?)

I highly recommend this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16811119068
Good brands as far as I know: thermaltake, coolermaster, lian-li. . .lots of others. Just check the reviews like and other product and you should be fine.

Also, be sure that the case fits your motherboard (atx, microatx, whatever).

I prefer the cases that have thumb screws to take off the side. Some of the cheap ones have regular screws and the whole case comes off. I like the side to come off by itself and NO screws inside. There are rails that hold the drives so I don't need a screwdriver to change things out.

I agree with above about getting your own power supply, you don't always get a reliable one when it comes with the case. And make sure you get case fans, my last case did not have any come with it, but they are only about $10.

thanks for the replies. i agree about the psu, i have a new one for the case. it is modular, so that should allow better airflow.

ocelot, i really like that CoolerMaster case. and for the price it is a pretty sweet deal. i think i am going to purchase it and start putting together what pieces i have.

thanks all for the info.

salud,
bg04

Yyou can buy the thumbscrews for a couple of bucks. It is a nice touch
Mark