Is it ok to skimp on a computer case?

I mean buying cheap, generic $30 cases. I'm on a tight budget and want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing too much performance. Is there much difference between a generic brand and a slightly more expensive $60 Antec case (for instance)?





Also, most cheap ones don't come with fans. Will I need to buy some, or is it unnecessary?Is it ok to skimp on a computer case?
First off, congrats for even considering checking the component temps - it's the primary cause of premature death in all PC components.





For most basic 'net or home office PCs any case will be sufficient given todays low power requirements, I have a couple of linux servers running as file / print servers and they don't get hot at all, even at full tilt (thanks to intel's Dual Core)





However if you are gaming and / or overclocking a cheap generic case will force you to remove the side panel just to cope with the heat buildup, and more than likely have an external room fan blowing in to keep things from overheating.





So if you don't mind a getto rig with an oscillating fan as a requirement sure that will be just fine.





Personally I have built many budget game PCs and have found the cases that have free flowing vented front panels the best choice, in particular the Cooler Master Centurion 5 series and the new Antec Three Hundred for excellent price / performance.





Cooler Master Centurion 5 CAC-T05


http://www.platinummicro.com/product.asp鈥?/a> (silver / black)


http://www.platinummicro.com/product.asp鈥?/a> (blue / black)


$45





Antec Three Hundred


http://www.provantage.com/antec-three-hu鈥?/a>


$43





The Centurion 5 is nice - has 120mm rear exhaust and 80mm intake (also cools HDDs) and has vented side panel for 80mm fan mounts to spot cool the CPU and / or the GPU if necessary (usually not - shameless newegg link here :)


http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.鈥?/a>





The Three Hundred boasts a top 120mm on top and rear, as well as two 120mm mounts up front and a side vent for GPU spot cooling if necessary (getting at least a single 120mm front/bottom intake is all you need to keep cool)





http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.鈥?/a>





Either one you can't go wrong and not that much more $ that your cheapo cases yet so much better since you can leave the side panel on without overheating.








cheersIs it ok to skimp on a computer case?
It is a good idea to keep it cool with fans, but for general purposes and moderate gaming, you don't need a brand case. Just buy a good cheap case that fits your budget.





If you are overclocking, then an adequate cooling system, will most definitely benefit.





Overclocking will increase voltage and heat, so more fans the better.





I myself overclock my cpu, and I use an antec 900, which keeps the components in my case pretty cool. I still haven't installed the other 2 fans that came with it.





Browse and read some reviews on newegg for a good gaming case, ideal for overclocking and what not.





I also recommend the below site, it provides you with everything you need to know about overclocking, as well as any other computer related material. It is very informative and I use it all the time.





check out newegg





http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis鈥?/a>
Just the raw metal case?


Utterly and completely unnecessary so long as you keep the air moving off of the components and away from the board. I have more than one machine running in here that hasn't seen the inside of a case in 6 years, but there is a big fat room fan blowing over the lot of 'em.





But since you probably don't want a mess of dangly bits, you can use any case that has mounts for your board. You DO want the fans though. You need at least three. One for the chip and heatsink. one for the power supply (comes with it) and one mounted to the vent in the back of the case, and blowing out. You need to keep the air that is coming off of the chips moving out of the machine, or the heat build up WILL fry your box. No maybe about it.





Your chip fan probably comes with the chip, if not, you need to get one. they are around $20.


A vent fan may just come with your case, if not you need to get one. Again about $20. Forty bucks to protect your machine. It is not optional.



depends what ur using ur laptop for...if its at home and not on the go then u dont need a case...and even if its being lightly used on the go...u dont really need it.