Which case do you like?
Go for the N400, more space for the GPU than the other 2.
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Make sure you check them out in a store before ordering. I had a Silverstone TJ09, which was a good, functional case, but the thing felt pretty cheap in construction. In retrospect, I don't move my computer around, so I prefer something more sturdy even if it means more weight.
Btw, I mention Silverstone because the Cooler Master N300 looks a bit like it.
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I would go for N400. It looks nice and it is pretty good, also I prefer having all ports like USB and audio on the top side of the case.
Also, if you like Lian Li's design it is pretty strange you haven't mentioned Fractal design cases like this. I recently (in fact two weeks ago) built a PC with Define S and it is really great: it got awesome stock coolers, so quiet my ears 'hurt' from the silence (my previous PC used pretty shitty and old loud coolers), it looks great, got ports on upper panel and there are awesome cable management capabilities, all cables are hidden and well organized. The only downside I found is that I can't use 'angled' SATA connectors, only straight ones, in case that matters to you.
Also such a shame I got window-less one as Fractal Design cases are almost twice as expensive in my country, couldn't afford paying even more just for the window, even if it is beautiful.
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Out of three, I like how Lian Li looks most, and it should be a bit better quality (in theory), but it seems to be the smallest.
I use another Cooler Master at home (I call it "colander"), and I think they are pretty good, too. The best usb/audio sockets placements are on N300, but I don't like power/reset buttons placement at all. Other than that, I don't see any significant differences between it and N400 (maybe N300 looks a bit better).
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I have the N400, it's nice but one thing to keep in mind with the Cooler Master cases I have worked with - the back slot plates are not replaceable. Once you remove them, they snap off and can't be placed back in. This is really only a concern if you are worried about airflow and/or looks.
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I've got an Antec 12 here (full tower case) they do make smaller ones too, if that is what you are going for. I'm not sure what else you have picked out though, so I am not sure how much room you need, if you will grow, etc. Coolermasters are also good choices, but as stated above, replacing tings can be an issue.
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I don't really think it's worth splurging on a case. Airflow will be good enough, courtesy of the size of the thing, even if you've got a more cramped thing, as long as you don't intentionally obstruct it with big objects (you would literally have to try and obstruct the airflow for it to really matter in most cases). So as long as the case is not too uncomfortable to work with, and the buttons & usb ports are located where they are easy to reach based on where you intend to place the thing (hard for us to tell), go with whatever you think looks best, and is relatively cheap.
(Airflow has become one of those buzz-things that a lot of people talk about the importance of, without really understanding it. Much like people talking about how you need a massively powerful PSU, where in fact you don't and only waste your money buying those 600-800W beasts)
The N400 has more front-facing USB ports, and that to be would be a big enough plus to consider it over the other ones (the Lian-Li only has 2, the N300 has 3, and the N400 has 4).
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Bit late but never not Fractal Design tbh. Consistently release great bang/buck cases.
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i would recomend the Lian Li, cases with open front grils can be a bit noisy.
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For gaming I got my rig in an Azza Genesis 9000 (full tower). It does have the two items you don't care for (lights and side window), but has insane airflow, room for two PSUs (if needed at some point) and multiple spots for added water cooling as options. When I got my case I opted for something I won't need to replace because it ran out of room or airflow. The lights can be turned off as well, and the side window is somewhat small, most of it is for additional cooling (230 side fan).
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Have you think the silencio series?
The price is up, but a silent pc for me is a must have nowdays.
Bye!
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always get the bigger case, and use it to store your hardware that you don't use, that way you know where they are when you need them,
i'll suggest you that one http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147157
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I got a Corsair Carbide 100R. ~40Euro. Great Case in my opinion.
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I'm not familiar with the N300/N400 but I have built a number of computers using the HAF series cases and I love them. The cases are solid and easy to install components. The only complaint I've had is the front USB ports not allowing the USB components to be swapped out.
If you haven't committed on the cooling aspect, I recommend looking at Noctua. I bought the NH-D15 and installed it. I was so impressed with the quality and how quiet the 2 fans were, that I bought more. As open as the HAF cases are, I don't hear them at all while the computer is on unless I'm really pushing the system and even then, still quiet.
Noctua NH-D15 6 heatpipe with Dual NF-A15 140mm fans
Noctua SSO2 Bearing, Retail Cooling NF-F12 iPPC 2000 PWM
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Going to have to agree with the recommendations of a case by Fractal Design. Go with either the Define S or the Define R5, depending on whether or not you want the 5.25" bays (for a fan controller or an internal DVD drive) and extra drive slots, or if you'd prefer to pay less and have an extra fan slot.
I went with the Define S for my computer. Plenty of room in it, incredibly quiet, good temps. No regrets. I don't have a DVD drive, but I could always buy an external one down the road if I ever need one.
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I can recommend Antec's Three Hundred. It's very solid, robust, has a lot of space and it's easy to install whatever drives you may need.
But most important, it's really inexpensive. So if I take it from your selection above, that you're the type who rather wants a solid case than
some facy glowing thing with red backlight, then you should check it out.
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N400 for sure, it has slightly better cooling options than N300 and far superior than the Lian-Li. I recommend you get 2 extra fans (1 for top and 1 for left side) for the best cooling of your components too.
If you want a budget friendly option I would recommend NZXT S340 too and my personal favorite under $100 case is Fractal Design's Define S.
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I gotta post this quick because I need to go to bed. I have to get up in a few hours and should have been in bed 3 hours ago. I'm building a new PC and have everything except a case picked out. I was hoping to place the order tonight, but I'm still undecided on the case. I've narrowed it down to these three cases:
I like simple designs. I don't care for lights or windows and actually prefer not to have them. If you have any other suggestions post below. I'd list my pro's and cons for each, but like I said, I'm posting this quick so I can go to bed. Sorry, no GA (yet), I really have to go to bed,
OK, I've got a little time to add more detail. I should have also mentioned that I do not want a case with a full length front door either. I found one that had a top opening door, but I marked it off my list for some reason. The case will be sitting on my desk. I thought about moving it to under the desk, but then when I need to open it up to clean it or upgrade it, I will ether have to unplug everything and set it on the desk or work on it bent over on the floor. I've decided to keep it on the desk for easier access, and it will probably stay cleaner up on the desk too.
Another requirement I should mention is that it needs to have a 3.5" external drive bay because I have a card reader that mounts in a 3.5" drive bay. It also has a USB3 pass through which will give me an extra front USB port.
My current case is a Lian Li PC-8N. I like the all aluminum case as it acts as a giant heat sink for the system. It's very sturdy, light and my system runs cool. I have an H50 liquid cooler with a 120mm fan in the rear and a 120mm fan in the front. They're controlled by the system and when the system is idle or doing light tasks, the fans stay at a low RPM and are barely audible. Those two fans keep the system temps in normal range even overclocked from 2.66GHZ to 3.8GHz. It only has two front USB2 ports plus the USB3 port on my card reader. I've never needed to use more than two ports before.
The Cooler Master N300 and N400 cases are identical inside, the only difference is the front panel and the N300 has a window. I don't mind a window, but I'd rather not have it because then I get picky about making the cables look nice. I do take my time to route them so they're functional and not blocking air flow, but adding a window makes me feel the need to put extra effort into making them look nice too. The thought did occur to me that with these two cases having a full mesh front that they may be louder.
Here are the my pros and cons for each case.
The N400:
The N300:
The Lian Li:
I am going with another liquid cooling system, but I was thinking of getting one with a 240mm radiator. If I want to go with a 240mm radiator, that rules out the Lian Li case since it doesn't have room. For some reason, although I have more cons marked on the Lian Li case, I am kind of leaning toward it more than the other two. I like the looks and it should be quieter since it's a more closed case.
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