Mid-Tower Mega Roundup
by Joshua Buss on September 8, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Cases/Cooling/PSUs
Feature Comparisons
To take into account the heat performance, we added all the temperatures together and then ranked the cases from coolest to warmest. We did the same thing with the dBa values as well. Note that these "total" numbers have no real-world value at all. They're simply being used to give the cases another value for which to judge them against each other.
Here is a breakdown of how all the cases scored:
First, an explanation of the "Score + Ranks" field; this simply means that we took the total features score, then added the number of ranks (10 for temperatures, 9 for noise due to a tie), then deducting the rank that the case actually received in the respective test. For instance, the Aspire case received 7 total rank points, because it placed 8th in the noise rankings (9 - 8 gives it one point there), and 4th in the temperature rankings (10-4 gives it 6 points there). This is merely a system that we're trying to use to compare the cases against each other. The simple "total score" field is more reflective of how the case is on its own, but obviously, if there are features which are more or less important to the individual, then these scores must be taken with quite a bit of caution. One nice thing is that we had no issues with any of these cases in terms of sharp edges, so we didn't even bother including a field for the "feature" of rounded edges. Also keep in mind that we didn't consider the inclusion of power supplies for any of the cases as a feature, since buying these cases from different distributors can affect what power supply is included, if any is at all.
Now, in terms of analyzing the results, we were rather amazed at the performance of the P-180 and Eclipse cases. It was satisfying to see cases that we felt so good about in our examination score so well. Also, the exceptional air-moving capabilities (not to mention high-pitched whine) of the Panaflo fan that we added have to be taken into consideration on the F3323's final score. With a more mid-range fan in place, it might not have scored nearly as well.
Perhaps most interestingly of all is the Lian Li's seemingly poor performance, but this is a case where the scores simply can't quite capture certain traits of a case that's so different. The PC-V1000 is still our favorite out of all of these in terms of sheer usability, and it offers a certain look that if it's what one wants, it's one of the only options out there like that. That being said, most all of the cases in this roundup have very unique looks that will certainly satisfy people looking for a particular style.
To take into account the heat performance, we added all the temperatures together and then ranked the cases from coolest to warmest. We did the same thing with the dBa values as well. Note that these "total" numbers have no real-world value at all. They're simply being used to give the cases another value for which to judge them against each other.
Here is a breakdown of how all the cases scored:
| Attributes | X-Cruiser | F3323 | Trio | Centurion | Sonata II | P-180 | Eclipse | PC-V1000 |
| Ease-of-use | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 4 |
| Sturdiness | 1 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 |
| Included Fans | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Front Door | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Stealthy CD Drives | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Removable Drive Cages | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Side-loading HDD's | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Drive Rails (cages or drives) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Soft HDD Grommets | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Lockable | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.5 (with padlock) |
| Front Port Cluster | 1.5 | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Removable Filters | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Tool-less 5¼" Drives | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tool-less 3½" Drives | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .5 thumbscrews | 0 |
| Tool-less PCI slots | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | .5 thumbscrews |
| Built-in meters | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total dBa / rank (out of 9) |
155/8 | 123/5 | 123/5 | 122/4 | (low) 120/2 (high) 173/8 |
(low) 116/1 (high) 183/9 |
122/3 | 142/6 |
| Total temp/ rank (out of 10) |
332/4 | 318/1 | 338/6 | 352/10 | (low) 342/9 (high) 333/5 |
(low) 341/8 (high) 320/2 |
330/3 | 339/7 |
| Anti and Extra Features | ||||||||
| Top fan conflicts w/PSU | Motherboard mounts finicky | Tool-less PCI locks poorly designed | PSU far from motherboard | Tool-less PCI locks could be better | Big PSU's make it hard to fit six hard drives | |||
| -1 | -0.5 | -1 | -0.5 | -0.5 | -0.5 | |||
| Easy side door | Five 5 1/4" bays | Duct for expansion cards | Extra sound dampening | Light weight | Easy side doors | |||
| 1 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Hard drive rails difficult | Duct for expansion cards | Specific, targeted cooling | ||||||
| -1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | ||||||
| Six HDD bays | Six HDD bays | |||||||
| 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Total Score | 8.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 15.5 | 14.5 | 20 | 17.5 | 17 |
| Score + Ranks | 15.5 | 25 | 20.5 | 20.5 | (low) 22.5 (high) 20.5 |
(low) 30 (high) 28 |
30.5 | 23 |
First, an explanation of the "Score + Ranks" field; this simply means that we took the total features score, then added the number of ranks (10 for temperatures, 9 for noise due to a tie), then deducting the rank that the case actually received in the respective test. For instance, the Aspire case received 7 total rank points, because it placed 8th in the noise rankings (9 - 8 gives it one point there), and 4th in the temperature rankings (10-4 gives it 6 points there). This is merely a system that we're trying to use to compare the cases against each other. The simple "total score" field is more reflective of how the case is on its own, but obviously, if there are features which are more or less important to the individual, then these scores must be taken with quite a bit of caution. One nice thing is that we had no issues with any of these cases in terms of sharp edges, so we didn't even bother including a field for the "feature" of rounded edges. Also keep in mind that we didn't consider the inclusion of power supplies for any of the cases as a feature, since buying these cases from different distributors can affect what power supply is included, if any is at all.
Now, in terms of analyzing the results, we were rather amazed at the performance of the P-180 and Eclipse cases. It was satisfying to see cases that we felt so good about in our examination score so well. Also, the exceptional air-moving capabilities (not to mention high-pitched whine) of the Panaflo fan that we added have to be taken into consideration on the F3323's final score. With a more mid-range fan in place, it might not have scored nearly as well.
Perhaps most interestingly of all is the Lian Li's seemingly poor performance, but this is a case where the scores simply can't quite capture certain traits of a case that's so different. The PC-V1000 is still our favorite out of all of these in terms of sheer usability, and it offers a certain look that if it's what one wants, it's one of the only options out there like that. That being said, most all of the cases in this roundup have very unique looks that will certainly satisfy people looking for a particular style.
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Quanticles - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
$200 for a case really isnt that bad when you're paying $400 for a GPU, $300 or more for a CPU, $200 on memory, etc etc etc. If you're building a budget system, then of course this would be a horrible buy. But if you're building a nice system, then you might want a nice case. I have a black v1000 w/ window and it looks great, and was great to work with. As far as noise, I have 4 120mm fans in here, but the system is nearly silent with the help of a cheap sunbeam rheobus.OvErHeAtInG - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Exactly. Check out the V1100 , it comes with sound-damping precautions. I'm a 3-year user of the PC60 (old kind before they changed it) and I still love it. Yes, a little loud, but hey. Drooling on the V1100.flatblastard - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
...to only include one fan with their best-looking case. Then the P-180 comes with 3 fans, more features/functionality and doesn't really cost that much more than the sonata. I guess the Sonata is the better value overall considering the included PSU but damn that P-180 doesn't look too shabby either. Dang ole decisions, decisions...man, i tell ya whut....man, dang ole Antec man.swtethan - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
made the right choice buying one :-)imaheadcase - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Because half of those cases just screamed "Burn me in the nearest fire!". lolI mean seriously, why do case manufactors make these crap cases, I would rather have a plain beige case than something made with freakin lights all on the outside covered with cheap plastic peices. Not to mention looks like they had there 3 year olds draw out the designs on ourside.
I don't care care if its the best case in the world inside, if its ass on the outside im not buying it. I can get the same thing in beige..hehe
Some of those look ok though..except.
1. Aspire: Oh please tell there designers to stop asking there 3 year old kids to do there work for them. This case screams crapplastic. it would prob melt if your coffee was to close..
2. Dynapower: This one does not look half bad, the drive bays could use a all black cover or a matching grill cover.
3. Sunbeam: Pretty cool looking case. Remove the lame blue circles though, all the stuff you can do when on the PC, who is going to glance at that anyways when most are on the floor or out of the way.
4.coolmaster: What would make it cool is without the pillars of salt on the side...hehe Remove those it would look sweet.
5. Both Antec cases: Looks good to me. Antec seems to make some nice cases in the budget area.
6. ThermalRock: What in gods name is that red circle for? That ruined the front of case, without that red circle it would look good.
7. Lian Li: Ohhhh Ahhhh! me likey alot.
Bonesdad - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
Gotta agree on the Coolermaster case...I got the Centurion 5 last year...glad I didn't wait. The older Centurion 5 is a really nice looking, well made case that looks like it was made for someone with a level of maturity over 16 years old. I can see using this case for many years to come...manno - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
you're not kidding out of all those cases the only ones I would touch with a 10' foot pole were the Antech's, and the Lian Li. For the love of god stop putting side windows on your cases it's drinking beer with a straw tacky.Tamale - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
a LOT of people still look for windows on the side - it's still a fad that's 'catching on' to most people.Quanticles - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
I have a window so I can check my watercooling easier. Besides, they look cool.ElFenix - Thursday, September 8, 2005 - link
no, they look dorktastic.