Sunday, January 24, 2010

Do I need a spiffy computer case for this processor and motherboard?

I am trying to build a computer with limited experience. I just ordered an AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ processor (3 Ghz) and motherboard (ASUS M2N-SLI deluxe AM2) from New Egg. I plan on running some games (maybe spore) but nothing insanely hard-core. Do I need a fancy computer case to house these things? I'm looking for practicality (and frugality) over bells and whistles.





Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!Do I need a spiffy computer case for this processor and motherboard?
No you do not need a ';spiffy'; computer case, but i would get a decent one because it does help with cooling and air flow. I really like the Antec Sonata models because they're a decent price around $120 cnd and they nice and quiet. They also have side mounting hard drives, and easy mounting Rom drives making for easy installation and looks clean.





Search on google for some computer case reviews and pick one out for your price range and needs.





1.st link is a review


2.nd is a picture of the hard drives side mounted.Do I need a spiffy computer case for this processor and motherboard?
You can use any case that the motherboard will fit into. Believe that is an ATX board, meaning it is a standard size that fits 99% of the cases on the market right now. What you want to consider is how many bays you want (should you decide to add more drives later), if you need front USB ports, what wattage power supply (as they often come with the case) you will need, etc. Then you can look for as fancy or as plain of a case as you want that has the feature you will need.
You don't need something fancy. You may not want something too cheap, because it'll be flimsy and/or things won't fit together quite right (e.g. screw holes out of alignment, side panel not fitting tightly, etc).





Take a look at some of the lower-end Cooler Master cases, like the Centurion 5 or Cooler Master 590 or 690. Also, maybe an Antec 300 or one of their Sonata line.





One other case-related thing: be careful about buying a cheap case that includes a power supply. With one notable exception for Antec cases that include one of their Earthwatts PSUs, most of the power supplies that come with a case are pretty low quality. And, I'm not so sure about the Earthwatts, anymore, since they changed manufacturers.
not really there isnt rly anything good about a better case unless you get hardcore. most modern cases will have enough storage for a power supply about 500-750 watts. the power supply is rly all the case is good for other than holding the guts of a pc. Any more than that is a tad unnecessary, also some cases come with built in thermometers and support for liquid cooling which unless you get an nvidia 9800gtx in sli is rly unnecessary and borderline weird
The best case out there for not that much money is the Antec 900. Quiet and keeps everything cool with all its fans. Perfect . oh and it looks good too
get a case with good air flow and the ability to put in more fans. you also want something made of steel, not plastic or aluminum. plastic parts are fine but you want the carcass made out of steel and you also need to consider the number of drive bays. newegg has some great cases at affordable prices. be prepared though, a quality case will cost at least $100 for a mid-tower and around $150 to $200 for a full tower.

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