Replacing an OEM case

**quiller** · June 20th, 2003, 12:29 AM

I've just purchased a refurb vpr Matrix 2250 that is yet to arrive at my house. as you might notice, this is the model right before they revamped their case styles. i am considering getting a newer, more stylish case either online or one of those cheap cases from Best Buy.

My questions:

1. What's a good deal for a decent case? I don't want anything like the new Alienware's, but something with a front-cover and a slide-off side panel, possibly a window. What should I be looking for, price-range? $100? $150?

2. Should I worry about any compatibility issues? I know lots of cases have different slots in the back, but how will this compare to a "standard" mobo?

3. Finally, what are my chances of getting a case with room for a built-in 6in1 reader? I use SD, CF and MS on a daily basis, so having this as part of my case instead of an external item would be a nice bonus.

Thanks in advance.

**thekingofpain** · June 20th, 2003, 01:51 AM

Newegg has the older style Alientype case---70$ w/o powersupply, it'd make for an easy swap and everything *should fit...

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....125-222-06.JPG

**Urban_Squrill** · June 20th, 2003, 01:53 AM

I got a nice looking aluminum full tower case with a psu neon light and a window 2 exust fan for 68 bucks shipped.
Compaably shoulden be that big of a deal. Just check if the mobo is baby atx atx or micro.
you can get those readers on panels on ur computer too.

**Omardeth** · June 20th, 2003, 02:16 AM

here is a link to a thread i started that has some great deals on cases you are talking about it think . they are chieftec cases . also if you want cheap case you can cheak www.amamax.com there cases all ship for free . i don't know anything about the model pc you linked but if they use standard sized parts , meaning non of it is made just for them like dell compaq or gateway ,than any case should work .

**Brainchild** · June 20th, 2003, 02:52 AM

Cheap Cases

I've been using a $20 case from them for a couple of years, no problems to speak of.Everything fits good,and looks nice,removable side cover,and 250w PSU

**Urban_Squrill** · June 20th, 2003, 02:54 AM

250watt PSU is really skimpy. Specialy for the system he is putting in to it. I would recomend at least 350 at 400w or 500watt raidmax would rule.

**Brainchild** · June 20th, 2003, 03:37 AM

Yeah, butr there are some relly nice looking cases for under $40.Like this one

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp?invtid=0207-4HL-SG

very nice

**cruiserlck** · June 20th, 2003, 03:54 AM

This is kind of a cheapo case I've been using for a while and it seems to be pretty decent.It has a side window, one side fan , with a place for another one, room for four 80mm fans in the front and one 60mm in the back and it comes with a 350 watt PS. Right now it's $45.99 with free shiping.

Raidmax Model 268WUP(BLUE/SILVER) 10-bay Case W 350W PS

Specs at NewEgg here

Pics here

**NDC** · June 20th, 2003, 03:59 AM

Yeah, the case that King posted is the ultimate buy. It's all aluminum and even has the window mod. I know two people that picked up that case and they simply love it. It's a great deal!

**ccoldwater** · June 20th, 2003, 11:40 AM

about the 6in1

ive seen and want to get a 7in1. Its like a 6in1 but has a slim floppy in it. it takes up just one 3 1/2" drive. Ive seen them onlind and at CompUSA. it has a usb port in the back for the 6in1

i bought a server cube so that i could have all the bays i want. it cost me $200 with a 400 watt psu. i love it. im gonna post pics soon.

**Idigguns** · July 2nd, 2003, 05:21 PM

So, how'd you make out with the case? I would suggest a Chieftec, as TKOP suggested. Good deals at Newegg and Tiger Direct. I got one recently for $50 (no PSU) from Tiger Direct.