Debating between a couple Cases

Juan Sanchez · September 4th, 2003, 11:26 PM

I want a nice High quality case and I'm having a tuff time deciding what to purchase here are the front runners

Antec Performance II (Black)

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....129-125-07.jpg

Enermax X-Point (Black)

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....124-051-03.jpg

Enermax CS (Electric Blue)

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....124-062-03.JPG

Mind you I'm getting black drive with it, I just need some opinions here. I'm leaning towards the Antec because of it's track record for quality. Enermax is no slouch either, prolly next best value to the Antec.

RedFury · September 5th, 2003, 02:50 AM

Well tweedle dee! I've got both cases! Well, not exactly, but very similar. Here's what I can tell you about both cases.

The Antec has a removable HDD cage ( very nice ) slide rails for the drives ( never have to take the other side of the case off to install drives ) and is built very sturdy. The front comes completely off with minimal effort. It's heavy if it is the steel model, but you won't worry about breaking the case if you work on it. The finish is extremely durable, but has a texture to it-so if you want to paint it and have a smooth finish, be prepared to do some serious sanding. All in all, great case....awesome cooling capabilities ( total of 6 possible fans which includes the 1 fan on the PS )

The Enermax case: They have a nice range of cases offered. The wifes case came with a side case fan, and a mount for a blowhole fan. You can easily mount a 120mm fan in front if you want. The front of the case is more difficult to remove, so if you plan on doing work behind the front case, do all of it at once. Some of their cases come with nice thumbscrews, some don't . The case is extremely light, and all drives need to be screwed to the case which means you will have to remove the backside of the case to access the screw holes for your drives. Decent room, didn't have issues with sharp edges. Total case fan count runs to 6 fans-blowhole, PS, front, side, 2 in rear....all 80mm with the exception of optional 92-120mm front fan.

Haven't had an issue with the PS in either..both seem to run strong. You can hear the fans in my wifes case ( 5 ) but mostly just the air movement, so it's relatively quiet considering.

Negatives....My antec is Heavy...damn Heavy...built like a tank. But when you put it together, it all fits together the first time, everytime.

The Enermax is lightweight aluminum, which means that body panels will flex making side cover installations somewhat tedious, but not impossible. You just have to be patient, and understand how it interlocks with the case.

Hope this helps you out.

Juan Sanchez · September 5th, 2003, 11:05 AM

Im MoRe CoNfUsEd ThEn EvEr NoW!!!!!!!!!

Thanks N-e way

agathodaimon · September 5th, 2003, 11:36 AM

I'd get the Antec just because I like the way it looks best.

I was thinking about getting the same one you have listed, heard nothing but good about it.

woodbutcher · September 5th, 2003, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Juan Sanchez
Im MoRe CoNfUsEd ThEn EvEr NoW!!!!!!!!!

Thanks N-e way

Why, RedFury did a nice Pro's and Con's of the cases.
Anyhow, I have the Antec SX-635Bll and I like it.
Not the best case to carry around to LAN parties but it is built like a tank.
The door that covers the USB 2 and Firewire ports up front is a nice touch although the extra 2 leds up front are kinda useless. Chieftec makes this case for Antec and if you want to save a few bucks you might find the Chieftec version elsewhere.

WB

Juan Sanchez · September 5th, 2003, 12:24 PM

Red fury just made me want both more than ever thats all. I ended up ordering the Antec cuz I don't NEED a bling factor to go along with my butch interior (2500+@3200+, nf7-s, 512 HyperX, 9800 Pro) I might pick the enermax when I build a system for a friend of mine (Same specs as mine), he's more interested in showing off and would like to have a lighter system so he can haul it over to his 52" tv and play Max Payne 2 when it comes out. Thanks for your help, I'll post a Pic of my system when its done (Oct. 23 it should be up and Revin to play Half-Life 2 and Max Payne 2).

RedFury · September 5th, 2003, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Juan Sanchez
I ended up ordering the Antec cuz I don't NEED a bling factor to go along with my butch interior

ROFLMAO

Juan Sanchez · September 5th, 2003, 02:16 PM

I guess I used the wrong terminology? I think a 3200 with a 9800 is indeed a powerful system.

RedFury · September 5th, 2003, 02:57 PM

No no, wasn't laughing at the system, just the wording.

My assumption was that you didn't really go all out when you built it to make sure cables were tied up, etc. Just kinda slapped together looking- not something to show of in pictures, just performance.

In the racing world, they'd call your system a "sleeper"

IronGalaxy · September 5th, 2003, 03:03 PM

CHIEFTEC!!!