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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: acantha on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:24:12

Title: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: acantha on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:24:12: 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)
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: lcs on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:25:12: hide it under the table and buy more keyboard stuff!
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: baldgye on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:25:22: the plain looking Lian-Li cases are probably the best looking PC cases IMO
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:28:54: You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

(http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/b/b3/b3f987df_vbattach124991.jpeg)
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: SpAmRaY on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:29:40: Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:28:54
You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image
(http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/b/b3/b3f987df_vbattach124991.jpeg)

Whoa!! Watch your fingers.....and cats.....;)
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: acantha on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:41:46: Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:28:54
You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image
(http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/b/b3/b3f987df_vbattach124991.jpeg)

yeah thats actually kinda awesome. except for the aforementioned danger to digits and pets.... pretty easy to cool i bet.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: ekw808 on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:47:04: 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
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Flyersfan1 on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:54:20: 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.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Badwrench on Mon, 12 August 2013, 17:20:12: Quote from: baldgye on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:25:22
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.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: phoenix1234 on Mon, 12 August 2013, 17:35:37: Quote from: acantha on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:24:12
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...
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 12 August 2013, 18:26:51: Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:28:54
You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image
(http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/b/b3/b3f987df_vbattach124991.jpeg)

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
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: noisyturtle on Mon, 12 August 2013, 19:08:56: Anyone have a fishtank submerged computer they wanna post up?
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 20:54:14: What about one mounted in a mini refrigerator?
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Thimplum on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:02:24: Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:28:54
You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image
(http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/b/b3/b3f987df_vbattach124991.jpeg)

I've ALWAYS wanted to do this.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:13:46: Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 20:54:14
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
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:14:09: Quote from: Thimplum on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:02:24
Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:28:54
You should really go caseless.

Something like this:

Show Image
(http://assets.overclock.net.s3.amazonaws.com/b/b3/b3f987df_vbattach124991.jpeg)

I've ALWAYS wanted to do this.

no you don't
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:24:51: 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.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: tp4tissue on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:28:44: Quote from: rowdy on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:24:51
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..
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: sth on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:30:56: Quote from: tp4tissue on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:28:44
Cooling is always better in open configs.

not when you have components specifically designed to dissapate heat with outside help. airflow, dawg!!
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: rowdy on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:32:32: Quote from: tp4tissue on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:28:44
Quote from: rowdy on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:24:51
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.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: nullstring on Mon, 12 August 2013, 21:38:17: I'm partial to the antec three hundred two.

That Fractal Design R4 doesn't look too bad either.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Linkbane on Thu, 15 August 2013, 04:47:42: 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.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Feign on Thu, 15 August 2013, 05:07:37: 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.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: lucifurburch on Sat, 17 August 2013, 03:45:52: 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.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Sat, 17 August 2013, 04:08:32: 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.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Photekq on Sat, 17 August 2013, 04:32:31: I use an 800d with no LEDs.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Tym on Sat, 17 August 2013, 05:19:06: 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
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Findecanor on Sat, 17 August 2013, 08:08:56: Quote from: jdcarpe on Mon, 12 August 2013, 16:28:54
You should really go caseless.
Accidentally drop a coin down there and witness the magic smoke. (happened to me... not fun ... :( )
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: microsoft windows on Fri, 23 August 2013, 18:15:41: I JUST USE A BEIGE BOX CASE WITH MY BEIGE KEYBOARD. THEY BOTH WERE FROM THE 90'S SO THEY GO GREAT TOGETHER.
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: ApocalypseMaow on Fri, 23 August 2013, 18:53:39: CaseLabs!!! I'm a bit of a fan...
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: rowdy on Sat, 24 August 2013, 04:07:02: I currently use a Model M connected to a Mac mini.

Could go either way ...
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: microsoft windows on Sat, 24 August 2013, 12:19:48: EEW
Title: Re: my computer is too ugly for my keyboards...
Post by: Leslieann on Sat, 24 August 2013, 21:30:35: 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.