(still) wanted: high end case

[echn111]

Will be rebuilding my system when the G92 GPU's come out and would like to house it in an 'equivalent' high end case. Meaning that my price range is that of one high end graphics card, meaning no mid-range Lian-Li's or TJ07/09's (why should the GPU cost more than the case that holds it?).

Needs to fit a 3x120mm radiator internally (preferably one triple and duel rad but could live with just one triple). No mountain mods. Should be "easy" to order, meaning I don't read Japanese only web sites too well... Don't mind paying import tarrifs to Europe as long as total price doesn't exceed $750.

Any truely high end cases out there?

[cadaveca]

You can fit 3x120 and 2x120mm rads in Stacker 830(3x120mm in front with minor mods, and still use DVD drive)...3x120 in bottom, 2x120 upright in drivebays. swappable motherboard tray means you can have BTX-Style mobo mount too.

[echn111]

You can fit 3x120 and 2x120mm rads in Stacker 830(3x120mm in front with minor mods, and still use DVD drive)...3x120 in bottom, 2x120 upright in drivebays. swappable motherboard tray means you can have BTX-Style mobo mount too.

Yes, but looking to upgrade my case to a high end case. Minimum price of one high end GPU (i.e. price range $350-750).

[ChaosMinionX]

CM Stacker 830 Evo is best, or that Lian Li one... forgot the model.

[Movieman]

CM Stacker 830 Evo is best, or that Lian Li one... forgot the model.

343B:D

[echn111]

Well in terms of build quality, these are significant downgrades to what I have now.

This is Xtreme Systems - I'm looking for an Xtreme case in terms of quality. Think hand-built limited edition type cases. Lexus or Mercedes not Ford.

Any 'classy' watercoolable cases in the same league as the bankrupt Windy Soldam cases?

[echn111]

343B:D

Just had a look. I suppose some people might like it but it looks like something that belongs on a server rack. Almost looks like a mountain mod.

Needs to look like it belongs to a very high spec home office rather than a workshop.

Well perhaps the wrong forum for finding a high end case.

[SNiiPE_DoGG]

talk to smooth creations about a custom painted case, other than that there really isnt any "super custom limited edition cases"

i think you are being ridiculous in your search parameters. price has very little bearing on the quality of the case. the g70 or v2100/v2000 lian-li's are of the utmost quality, in most peoples opinion the best cases around.



last but not least, you could talk to danger den about a custom supersized waterbox plus (they do a lot of custom work)

[echn111]

talk to smooth creations about a custom painted case, other than that there really isnt any "super custom limited edition cases"

i think you are being ridiculous in your search parameters. price has very little bearing on the quality of the case. the g70 or v2100/v2000 lian-li's are of the utmost quality, in most peoples opinion the best cases around.



last but not least, you could talk to danger den about a custom supersized waterbox plus (they do a lot of custom work)

I've got a Lian-Li already. Will check smooth creations, but not really looking for a paint job...

I did quite like the following case, but was being quoted $10,000+ for a full custom build and that was a bit too much for me. I think I'll see if I can get a partial build...
http://www.bit-tech.net/content_images/yuugou_by_greensabbath/final09b.jpg

I also like this one but can only get this case in Japan. Not sure if I can fit in the watercooling equipment as well.
http://img460.imageshack.us/img460/2382/18vo6.jpg

This one is from the same company and would be able to handle watercooling. But last I heard, the manufacturer went bankrupt.
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4335/49780098hk9.jpg

[ChaosMinionX]

lol you just compared stackers and lian li being the ford/chevy of the PC case world.

Do yours get beamed down to you made of high density space metals that are quad atx and hold 100rads? Your being quite over zealous in your search for a case....not quite sure what you are looking for, but Stackers and Lian Li's are some of the top cases out there, and not to many in the world of easily obtainable "hand made" cases...sure there are case modders out there, but you dont see too many built from the ground up, mostly modded mainstream stuff. 350-750$ for a case and your outta your mind, its not going to do anything differently and not make your system run any faster. Why not buy a stacker or lianli and send it out to be modded by someone on XS, its the right forum, just you came with the wrong idea.

The idea that why should the case cost less than the stuff it houses...you better be looking for 1500-2k worth of case...its holding more than those G92s if they are even the powerhouses they are rumored to be..... Thats a dumb philosophy why not buy a X38 and quadcore instead of dumping hundreds extra on a case that looks no different to house new nvidia cards, the ones you listed look exactly like a lian li or silverstone with different colors and company....whos to say the craftsmanship is any different, CoolerMaster, Lian Li, and Silverstone didnt make names for them build inferior products.

EDIT: and the stacker is not inferior to the Lianli you currently own, do some research.

[echn111]

lol you just compared stackers and lian li being the ford/chevy of the PC case world. Do yours get beamed down to you made of high density space metals that are quad atx and hold 100rads? Your being quite over zealous in your search for a case....Not quite sure what you are looking for, but Stackers and Lian Li's are some of the top cases out there.

I thought that wood case that holds a triple radiator, and a couple of examples of the hand built Windy Soldam cases were good examples of what I'm looking for.

The ford/chevy of enthusiants analogy, well, case purchases by American enthusiasts are very conservative and many seem to own the same dependable cases made by the same dependable companies and talk to fellow enthusiasts who own the same cases... I'd like to upgrade but where does the owner of a Lian-Li/Tj07/TJ09/Stacker etc. go to upgrade?

[ChaosMinionX]

I'd like to upgrade but where does the owner of a Lian-Li/Tj07/TJ09/Stacker etc. go to upgrade?


they dont go anywhere, because for whats out now...those are the best cases...you can personalize them and make them better by modding them....

There is no market for "ferrari" of PC cases, only high end enthusiast, and alot of the people that are real extreme use no case at all. Cases that house Phase units are upgrades from normal, but you want to do water cooling.

The only thing thats an upgrade would be to have a case custom made by a machinist and someone that does air brushing to stencil a graphic design or someone to do a custom paint job.

Why does the case have to cost the same as an 8800 Ultra? Isnt your money better spent on quadcore/next gen motherboard or penryn than on a measly case that just holds all your hardware? I mean yeah buy a nice case, but you dont need a 800$ case it wont do anything more, nor will anyone be able to tell how much it cost, or who made it. Stackers/ Lian Li/ Silverstone / MountainMod cases are the most notable cases in the Enthusiast market atm, easily distinguishable, people know what you paid for it, and that your using a solid product with your rig.

Would you buy something that was supposedly "hand crafted to your specs" that had the same build quality and design structure, room and performance as say a stacker... the case you were being offered was 800$ the stacker was 300$?

EDIT: and as far as being the owner of a high end Lian Li, Cooler Master, Silverstone, or Mountain Mod....You own the best case commercially available... just the same as if you buy a 8800 Ultra you are buying the best gfx card commercially available from Nvidia. You dont go looking for custom built GFX cards, so why are you looking for a case like this?

[echn111]

they dont go anywhere, because for whats out now...those are the best cases...you can personalize them and make them better by modding them....

There is no market for "ferrari" of PC cases, only high end enthusiast, and alot of the people that are real extreme use no case at all. Cases that house Phase units are upgrades from normal, but you want to do water cooling.

The only thing thats an upgrade would be to have a case custom made by a machinist and someone that does air brushing to stencil a graphic design or someone to do a custom paint job.

Why does the case have to cost the same as an 8800 Ultra? Isnt your money better spent on quadcore/next gen motherboard or penryn than on a measly case that just holds all your hardware? I mean yeah buy a nice case, but you dont need a 800$ case it wont do anything more, nor will anyone be able to tell how much it cost, or who made it. Stackers/ Lian Li/ Silverstone / MountainMod cases are the most notable cases in the Enthusiast market atm, easily distinguishable, people know what you paid for it, and that your using a solid product with your rig.

Would you buy something that was supposedly "hand crafted to your specs" that had the same build quality and design structure, room and performance as say a stacker... the case you were being offered was 800$ the stacker was 300$?

EDIT: and as far as being the owner of a high end Lian Li, Cooler Master, Silverstone, or Mountain Mod....You own the best case commercially available... just the same as if you buy a 8800 Ultra you are buying the best gfx card commercially available from Nvidia. You dont go looking for custom built GFX cards, so why are you looking for a case like this?

I agree, there is no "ferarri" market for the enthusiast crowd (very nice fords and chevys but not ferarri's). There are no more Windy Soldam or other hand built high end custom cases makers out there because the market is not mature enough to support it at the moment.

After asking around, I now realize that, but I do think it's a shame.

[cadaveca]

I think you'll find that most "hardcore" enthusiast have a busy lifestyle with demanding jobs, and finding the most suitable case for thier needs really does mean buy a "cookie-cutter" case.

Oh well.

My pc cost upwards of 5K, and i upgrade every six months, most times in a completely new case. As such, it's far easier to sell a "cookie-cutter" case than it is a one-off. I really do not like the idea of keeping a slew of cases that will collect dust in 6 months when they have outlived thier usefulness to me.

And i haven't seen a one-off that meets my needs. Custom-made metal-based case would cost only about $400-$500 for me, but by the time I got it, I'd be on to another machine, that needs yet another case...I'd never be done!

SO yeah, you could look elsewhere...but good luck on that. If you find something, let me know.:lol2:

[Gunlance]

The best case in the world is by far the one you make all yours(be different). If its either building one yourself or modding one till you are content.

[NickS]

Just had a look. I suppose some people might like it but it looks like something that belongs on a server rack. Almost looks like a mountain mod.

But 50x nicer and built 100x better. ;)

[[cTx] Nooc]

why no mountain mods? easily best build quality from commercial cases, can house a couple of triple rads, and huge. a powdercoated UFO with all bells and whistles easily adds up to $450...If I would have your budget, this would be my case of choice

[Cracker]

343B:D

I am now fixated on this case which means I will end up owning it eventually and I have you to blame/thank. :p:

:toast:

[Cracker]

I agree, there is no "ferarri" market for the enthusiast crowd (very nice fords and chevys but not ferarri's). There are no more Windy Soldam or other hand built high end custom cases makers out there because the market is not mature enough to support it at the moment.

After asking around, I now realize that, but I do think it's a shame.

The problem is that most geeks want to spend their money on the parts inside their case rather than on the case itself. Plus, if you really look at designer high-end computer system set-ups they are designed to hide a system case rather than showcase it. ;) Only geeks want to see fancy cases. :p:

I've often thought of producing and retailing high-end "furniture like" cases for people that want their systems to make a statement but most of the potential buyers of this sort make their "statement" with an iMac of some sort. :lol2:

[echn111]

The problem is that most geeks want to spend their money on the parts inside their case rather than on the case itself. Plus, if you really look at designer high-end computer system set-ups they are designed to hide a system case rather than showcase it. ;) Only geeks want to see fancy cases. :p:

I've often thought of producing and retailing high-end "furniture like" cases for people that want their systems to make a statement but most of the potential buyers of this sort make their "statement" with an iMac of some sort. :lol2:

Something that would fit into an executive home office would be ideal. Shouldn't really stand out but blend with the modern glass and wood furniture. Yes an iMac tends to fit in a bit better than...a mountainmod in this environment. But I don't want an iMac or more Vaios. With more and more people setting up professional quality home offices, there is a growing gap in the market (which is probably going to be filled by the Japanese at this rate).



why no mountain mods? easily best build quality from commercial cases, can house a couple of triple rads, and huge. a powdercoated UFO with all bells and whistles easily adds up to $450...If I would have your budget, this would be my case of choice

MountainMods "IS" the best option for me if I look at pure functionality. It doesn't quite go with a high end home office though.



I think you'll find that most "hardcore" enthusiast have a busy lifestyle with demanding jobs, and finding the most suitable case for thier needs really does mean buy a "cookie-cutter" case.

Oh well.

My pc cost upwards of 5K, and i upgrade every six months, most times in a completely new case. As such, it's far easier to sell a "cookie-cutter" case than it is a one-off. I really do not like the idea of keeping a slew of cases that will collect dust in 6 months when they have outlived thier usefulness to me.

And i haven't seen a one-off that meets my needs. Custom-made metal-based case would cost only about $400-$500 for me, but by the time I got it, I'd be on to another machine, that needs yet another case...I'd never be done!

SO yeah, you could look elsewhere...but good luck on that. If you find something, let me know.:lol2:

I am certainly a very busy person outside of this hobby. If I were to go for a "cookie-cutter" case I would be able to experiment with, the ideal case for me is a mountain mod. Second would be a Stacker. Problem is, neither of these quite matches the high end furniture that I'd like.


The best case in the world is by far the one you make all yours(be different). If its either building one yourself or modding one till you are content.

You're right. But to go with the car analogy, I'd like a Ferarri (actually a Porche, I hate Ferarri, but same concept). Rather than the masses of high end Chevy's and Fords out there. And it takes more skill than what I have to create something like that.

[SoulsCollective]

Have you tried Protocase (http://www.protocase.com/)?

[Machinus]

Have you tried Protocase (http://www.protocase.com/)?

omg...so...awesome...

[Eightballrj]

I don't mean to toot my own horn... BUT, this just goes to show what you can do with some time and a nice Lian-Li case.

Project: Clean Overkill (http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=150988)

[Jedda]

Mate, the cases you want are all in Japan.
You're going to need to hurdle the language barrier.

[ak_47_boy]

There are 1000's of places and people that would make a case... for big $$$'s. Hell you could find people that would make you carbon fiber case. You just need to run around waiving 20 hundred dollar bills over your head. A case is not a hard thing to make.

[bluep3ace]

get a custom mountain mods, they don't only make cubes, ya know!

soldam is not bankdrupt.
http://www3.soldam.co.jp/deep/
it's just that many are sold out.

what about silverstone?

[justin_c]

why does price have such a bearing on you? just cause a case is cheaper than your "minimum" (350-750) doesn't mean that its not high quality nor a good design. the top prefabbed cases are the silverstones, cm stackers, lian lis, and MM.

[k00lance]

get a custom mountain mods, they don't only make cubes, ya know!

soldam is not bankdrupt.
http://www3.soldam.co.jp/deep/
it's just that many are sold out.

what about silverstone?

They were bankrupt.

[jimmsch]

A couple of Zalman cases come to mind. I really can't think of anything else that is expensive enough for you.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=313&products_id=20953

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=313&products_id=1516

Or maybe this Lian Li
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=193&products_id=20608

Silverstrone with 120.4 rad
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=311&products_id=21143

Another Silverstone
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=311&products_id=4328

[Deux]

how about taking a mac pro and modding it to hold a radiator and atx mobo

[echn111]

Well thanks for the replies. I don't think I'll find what I'm looking for on the computer-centric side of things.

So I'm going to go down a slightly different route. Am looking into the modern furniture/modern art/design area and there are designer/artists who do make PC's. Problem is it's a full all or nothing service, meaning that they will custom build your furniture ... I mean PC ... and not just the case.

Quotes I'm getting are very high - we're talking $7000-$15000 for a full build, and that's a bit much for me. Still it's a lot closer to what I'm looking for. Maybe there are some (much) cheaper designers out there...

[ChaosMinionX]

I thought I was bad with having pricetags on stuff and paying $250 for a pair of ripped up jeans from Abercrombie & Fitch:ROTF: , you got me beat by alot :)

[jimmsch]

wow...a PC with a mortgage. Show us the pics

[Jedda]

In Japan I've seen PC cases with built in toilet. I've told you already. Hop a jet to Tokyo for a couple of days. Any ex-pat blogger could tell you where to go for the latest.
If you're happy with $7K US as your case budget, that's the way to go.

[A101Sugar]

Modified Mac Pro case FTW!

[buffbiff21]

I want a case that looks like this:

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/brand,zzounds/fit,400by400/1960A-b7942711a1465d53a322afa9e7036e8d.jpg

Built like a tank. :)

[Lu(ky]

I have a Lian Li V2000 Case with a Quad rad below. Planning adding another quad below for the Penryn build, and move the psu into the drive bay area. Or take a look at that new Lian Li 343B with a 1080 rad on it.
http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/images/products/MC-Xtreme480_01.jpg
http://k43.pbase.com/g3/06/629506/2/66476325.za0BKrx9.jpg

LINK TO Lian Li: http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21901

[DarthBeavis]

Either mountain mods or a custom Danger Den case. Or, contact markkleb from PDXLAN forums: http://www.pdxlan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1407&start=0

[Exedy]

I think you want something that does not exist yet :p:

the only way to go is to start your own project

[Rilla927]

@ Lu(ky

I was looking at the quad rad earlier tonight wondering how well it performs.

Then I couldn't think of a case that it would fit. I didn't realize there was that much space on the bottom of the Lian Li.

[disruptfam]

i'de say a lian li v2100b or lian li v2000 very roomy.I was gonna go for a tj07 but the tj07 is so hard to get in Australia atm and the v2000 is easily available.

cheers