Whats the difference between all the case types??

junglist_soldier · 08-31-2005, 05:09 PM

Im looking for a case, wot size do i want, does bigger mean better airflow??

Whats the difference between midi, server,mini,tower,shuttle. Theres so many i just dont know what type to get.

Are there any features i shud be specifically looking for. Im building a gaming computer btw.

Thx in advance

Zeus2005 · 08-31-2005, 07:09 PM

well i dont really know the difference between all of them, but the one thing i can say is that i bought a case, its looks awsome, but now i wish id bought a bigger one coz fitting watercooling is a total bummer! So i guess it depends what u need it for, if ur goin to add watercooling etc, make sure its big enough,,,,,,then again if its just for a normal setup id go for a smaller one coz it look better and takes up less room.

Rick G · 09-02-2005, 05:48 AM

Tower is a stand up case instead of a lay down case that used to be popular.
Shuttle Smallest
Mini tower next size up
Mid tower is the most popular, will accept all mobo sizes
Server tower is a bit bigger than the mid but usually too big for most folks spaces, usually over 21 inches tall.

Air flow, weight, features are the reasons to look at different case types.
You want good airflow meaning fans and space to get cables out of the way and increase airflow. Other reasons are case layout for ease in installing and working on the system. One reason the better cases are expensive is that they have features like removable mobo trays, screwless installation, removable hdd enclosures, etc. Look at the Lian li cases to see one of the better layouts then look at a $39 special, too many sharp edges, poor finish, limited features and heavy. Good gaming cases are generally designed to dissipate as much heat as possible and are most often made of alluminium

junglist_soldier · 09-02-2005, 03:25 PM

ok thx for this, i think im gona get a big case like a tower or something. Not bothered about the size as ive got a big room. Just want one so that wen im building a new computer ive got lots of room to do so.

4W4K3 · 09-02-2005, 03:29 PM

for room and airflow a full tower/server case is next to best.

Best would be something like these.
http://www.xoxide.com/xulalcucu.html
http://www.xoxide.com/lian-li-pc-v2100b.html
http://www.xoxide.com/zalman6.html

they are MASSIVE! only the lian-li would fall into the "server" category i think. others have weird layouts.

diduknowthat · 09-03-2005, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick G

then look at a $39 special, too many sharp edges, poor finish, limited features and heavy.

i wouldn't be so sure about the heavy part, my 26 bucks powmax thing is lighter than my minitower emachine

LlamaTronics · 09-03-2005, 12:31 AM

yea, and my $40 case is incredible on airflow, and looks sweet!!

Check it out --> www.llamatronics.com/caseproject

08-31-2005, 05:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
junglist_soldier Silver Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: LOndon, Essex Age: 21 Posts: 118	Whats the difference between all the case types?? Im looking for a case, wot size do i want, does bigger mean better airflow?? Whats the difference between midi, server,mini,tower,shuttle. Theres so many i just dont know what type to get. Are there any features i shud be specifically looking for. Im building a gaming computer btw. Thx in advance

08-31-2005, 07:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
Zeus2005 Silver Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Scotland Age: 21 Posts: 213	well i dont really know the difference between all of them, but the one thing i can say is that i bought a case, its looks awsome, but now i wish id bought a bigger one coz fitting watercooling is a total bummer! So i guess it depends what u need it for, if ur goin to add watercooling etc, make sure its big enough,,,,,,then again if its just for a normal setup id go for a smaller one coz it look better and takes up less room. __________________ http://www.the-money-game.com

09-02-2005, 05:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
Rick G Gold Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Las Vegas, USA Posts: 294	Tower is a stand up case instead of a lay down case that used to be popular. Shuttle Smallest Mini tower next size up Mid tower is the most popular, will accept all mobo sizes Server tower is a bit bigger than the mid but usually too big for most folks spaces, usually over 21 inches tall. Air flow, weight, features are the reasons to look at different case types. You want good airflow meaning fans and space to get cables out of the way and increase airflow. Other reasons are case layout for ease in installing and working on the system. One reason the better cases are expensive is that they have features like removable mobo trays, screwless installation, removable hdd enclosures, etc. Look at the Lian li cases to see one of the better layouts then look at a $39 special, too many sharp edges, poor finish, limited features and heavy. Good gaming cases are generally designed to dissipate as much heat as possible and are most often made of alluminium __________________ New Sys Abit AW9D Max OCZ Plat @ x 1gig OCZ Gamextreme 600 PSU 8800 GTS 640 sony dvd burner WD 200 gig sata hdd Thermaltake shark case Viewsonic 22" widescreen

09-02-2005, 03:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
4W4K3 VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Lewisville, TX Age: 20 Posts: 6,858	for room and airflow a full tower/server case is next to best. Best would be something like these. http://www.xoxide.com/xulalcucu.html http://www.xoxide.com/lian-li-pc-v2100b.html http://www.xoxide.com/zalman6.html they are MASSIVE! only the lian-li would fall into the "server" category i think. others have weird layouts. __________________ My Computer I choose to believe what I was programmed to believe. Can I eat your brain? FOLDING FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND :F@H Team 44358

09-03-2005, 12:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
LlamaTronics Silver Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Land of the cheese Age: 25 Posts: 127	yea, and my $40 case is incredible on airflow, and looks sweet!! Check it out --> www.llamatronics.com/caseproject __________________ LlamaTronics - Technology Forums -- Computer help, Programming, Gaming, and general tech chat! 100+ members 5000+ posts and still growing

09-02-2005, 03:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
junglist_soldier Silver Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: LOndon, Essex Age: 21 Posts: 118	ok thx for this, i think im gona get a big case like a tower or something. Not bothered about the size as ive got a big room. Just want one so that wen im building a new computer ive got lots of room to do so.

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