Please Recommend a Case for my Needs

[SKYMTL]

Well, I have determined that my Antec Sonata just doesn't cut it anymore. You all know that I am constantly changing in and out PSUs for my reviews but as you can see, it is IMPOSSIBLE to change out the PSU without removing the whole mobo.

Now remember; I am reviewing SIX PSUs for this new roundup. Add to that the fact that the 8-pin and 24-pin connectors are nearly impossible to get at and you can see my problem....

This is what I need (good luck):

- Enough space between the mobo and the PSU rail to change out the PSU easily
OR
- A different PSU mounting system than in the Sonata II
- It must have at least one front USB port
- Should allow for easily removing hardware
- Good Ventilation (No 80mm main fans)
- Must be BLACK
- Cannot be higher than 20"
- No pimp-my-rig looking cases
- Must be able to fit 2 8800GTX cards

Optional (but great options):
- Provides good cable routing (behind mobo tray)
- Water cooling grommets
- Below $300

I have pondered long and hard as to what I REALLY need to get my reviews off the ground and this is it. I waste an incredible amount of time wrestling with this case and then patching mysef up afterwards.

Thoughts????

[SHaCK]

A full tower lian-li with the psu at the bottom of the case and a removable mobo tray :D

Don't know if the tray is removable on this one though : http://www.lian-li.com/Product/Chass...C_PC-V1000.htm

OR

CM Stacker! You can mount the psu either on top or bottom and you can't ask for more space.

Intro
http://www.coolermaster.com/special_...01/stc-t01.htm
All the stackers
http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/Prod...aspx?catID=614

IMO they both look great and more importantly not toy-like.

That's what I can think of on top my head right now.

[enaberif]

Antec Titan 550 - $180
Coolermaster Stacker CM - $180

This is the Antec Titan 550 and all the drives load through the front of the drive through swingable doors. It also has a TON of room inside, almost enough for a small kid :D



Don't fall into the hype of the Antec 900 or Anten P180 as they are both messy cases for wiring.

[SKYMTL]

Check out my height limitation guys.....

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by SKYMTL

Check out my height limitation guys.....

20" and not like the Sonata II? Good luck.

[SKYMTL]

The Sonata is only 16 1/2" so I have a good 3 1/2" to play with.

[SKYMTL]

Well, its official. I need a new case. While trying to unplug the EPS12V connector, I cut myself REALLY bad on one of the AC64 Cooler fins. 7 stitches and a bucketfull of blood later, I'm putting the 500W PSU roundup on hold until I can get a new case.

[Babrbarossa]

But why black and 20"? why not just get something like the torture rack? much better than your iron maiden and no more thumbscrews;-)

[SKYMTL]

I want something that will simulate real-world conditions. The torture rack is open with no way of closing in the test area and therefore cannot simulate a closed-case environment.

[Babrbarossa]

Good point!