Whats the difference between all the case types??

[junglist_soldier]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

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