my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...

[acantha]

i'm not a hardcore gamer, so i don't go in for the neon fans and other gamer case flash, but i really wish there were pc cases with half as much style as some of the keyboards i own. i've got an ugly old case with my linux server in it and a macbook pro. the macbook is nice but aesthetically kind of clashes.

anyone else feel this way? what cases are people using that go with their keyboards?

(full disclosure: i'm on a gibson/cyberpunk tear right now, so this complaint is at least partially inspired by a frustration that my gear doesn't look like a cyberspace deck)

[lcs]

hide it under the table and buy more keyboard stuff!

[baldgye]

the plain looking Lian-Li cases are probably the best looking PC cases IMO

[jdcarpe]

You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

[SpAmRaY]

You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image

Whoa!! Watch your fingers.....and cats.....;)

[acantha]

You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image

yeah thats actually kinda awesome. except for the aforementioned danger to digits and pets.... pretty easy to cool i bet.

[ekw808]

Corsair has a good pretty line of plain cases, depending on what you need to house, I'm sure their cases would be sufficient.

http://www.corsair.com/en/pc-cases/carbide-series-pc-case.html

[Flyersfan1]

If you're interested in a case that provides good bang for your buck, I'd recommend a Fractal Design R4.  It has a really nice minimal/sleek look to it and provides great cable management options along with great airflow.  It's also whisper quiet too.  Only con might be that it's pretty gigantic.

[Badwrench]

the plain looking Lian-Li cases are probably the best looking PC cases IMO

This.  I had an old PC-65B, and went to a Corsiar 650T in white.  Too big and heavy.  Went back to Lian Li (PC-A05F- modded to inversed A05).  Much better and smaller.  I don't tinker near as much as I used to, so no need for a giant case. 

[phoenix1234]

i'm not a hardcore gamer, so i don't go in for the neon fans and other gamer case flash, but i really wish there were pc cases with half as much style as some of the keyboards i own. i've got an ugly old case with my linux server in it and a macbook pro. the macbook is nice but aesthetically kind of clashes.

anyone else feel this way? what cases are people using that go with their keyboards?

(full disclosure: i'm on a gibson/cyberpunk tear right now, so this complaint is at least partially inspired by a frustration that my gear doesn't look like a cyberspace deck)

First, I think it depends on form factor: micro ATX, mini ATX, ATX...
Second, it depends on how much you gonna spend.
Third, it depends on how convenience the case is: fans, usb3.0 ...

If you prefer something small, you can take a look at these brands :
- Zotac Silver Stone
- Factal
- Lian Li

If you prefer something huge, you can take a look at these brands :
- Cooler Master
- Factal
- NZTX
- Corsair
- Thermaltake
...
So, to choose a right case, actually it is a very hard decision. )
For example, Case CM - N200:
http://www.coolermaster.com/product/Detail/case/mini-tower/n200.html
could be a very good choice for someone who needs usb 3.0, cheap, small form factor but can support big graphic card, SSD, 3 fans...

[tp4tissue]

You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image

No do not leave it horizontal like that.

Dust will settle in the small grooves, and if the humidity is just right.. some small shorts can occur.


Use a regular case, and just open the side door, so the setup is vertical, and the dust will not settle directly on the pcb

[noisyturtle]

Anyone have a fishtank submerged computer they wanna post up?

[jdcarpe]

What about one mounted in a mini refrigerator?

[Thimplum]

You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image

I've ALWAYS wanted to do this.

[tp4tissue]

What about one mounted in a mini refrigerator?

Bad idea. mini-frig cannot pull heat away fast enough to make it worth your while.

On top of that, you still have to deal with condensation.

Also, exotics such as compressor cooling is non-practical for 24/7 use unless you wire the computer to be in the basement.  WAY TOO LOUD otherwise

[tp4tissue]

You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image

I've ALWAYS wanted to do this.

no you don't

[rowdy]

I've done that, but only while testing hardware and only for a few minutes.

I would not want to leave a PC like that - apart from fingers and pets, dust would accumulate.  Cooling would suffer.  EMI would increase.

[tp4tissue]

I've done that, but only while testing hardware and only for a few minutes.

I would not want to leave a PC like that - apart from fingers and pets, dust would accumulate.  Cooling would suffer.  EMI would increase.

Cooling is always better in open configs.

EMI may increase, but Nothing in a normal desktop is terribly sensitive to EMI..

[sth]

Cooling is always better in open configs.

not when you have components specifically designed to dissapate heat with outside help. airflow, dawg!!

[rowdy]

I've done that, but only while testing hardware and only for a few minutes.

I would not want to leave a PC like that - apart from fingers and pets, dust would accumulate.  Cooling would suffer.  EMI would increase.

Cooling is always better in open configs.

EMI may increase, but Nothing in a normal desktop is terribly sensitive to EMI..

Cooling in a hot humid room would be worse without fans directing airflow across the components.

I was thinking about EMI caused by the computer and affecting nearby devices.

[nullstring]

I'm partial to the antec three hundred two.

That Fractal Design R4 doesn't look too bad either.

[Linkbane]

Probably just because I'm a fan of their KBs, Cooler Master makes some great looking towers. I wouldn't use one, as a laptop person, but you know.

[Feign]

I like the look of a lot of Lian Li stuff. I have a pretty beefy Lian Li PC-A76. Kinda looks like a Fractal Design R4 - also nice.

[lucifurburch]

I'm a big fan of case labs they make cases with a range of customizable options most of them are more like server cases then your typical pc. i have the MAGNUM STH10 i got it because it has a lot of room for water cooling and cable management also its hidden hard drive/ssd bays are nice. Its good if you need a lot of internal space but want a professional looking gaming pc.

[CommunistWitchDr]

My ideal case would be a solid matte black perfectly shaped rectangular prism. The on button would be capacitive touch, and have zero visual indication to it's location. It would have to be extra tall to allow for the cd drives and the like to be on the back of the case with the ports. None of those stupid clear side panels either. I instantly hate your computer if it has a clear side panel.

Actually I would like most things to be matte black rectangular prisms. I am not one for flair.

Also it's 1/8 inch thick anodized titanium.

[Photekq]

I use an 800d with no LEDs.

[Tym]

Fractal Design XL R2 is wonderful!

I have a thread where people suggested alot of good cases here

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=46100.msg970080#msg970080

[Findecanor]

You should really go caseless.

Accidentally drop a coin down there and witness the magic smoke. (happened to me... not fun ... )

[microsoft windows]

I JUST USE A BEIGE BOX CASE WITH MY BEIGE KEYBOARD. THEY BOTH WERE FROM THE 90'S SO THEY GO GREAT TOGETHER.

[ApocalypseMaow]

CaseLabs!!! I'm a bit of a fan...

[rowdy]

I currently use a Model M connected to a Mac mini.

Could go either way ...

[microsoft windows]

EEW

[Leslieann]

I hate how they call anything with lights "gamer", I don't know what lighted fans have to do with gaming. It's just a lame marketing ploy.
Most of my lighted fans, I cut the leads to the lights.

I'm more a fan of the cube/refrigerator look, just a small ominous black box with decent cooling works for me.
And then I shove them in a corner of my basement. LOL

Personal favorites are the Fractal Core 1000 and the cheap Powerspec line. $25-$40 for a full mesh fronted MATX case... I've had 3 of each. With very little modding you can put a 240mm watercooler in front and with a bit of work. I even converted a Core 1000 to full ATX. All with plenty of airflow.