Starting a new modding project, looking for the right parts to get me going

[S_G]

Okay, requesting that this thread be moved to the New Builds forum. I've pretty much turned this thread into a new modding project. Going to pick a case; currently deciding between the NZXT Whisper and Black Pearl, leaning towards the Whisper with an idea of replacing the front bezel with carbon fiber or texalium -- since the Black Pearl is all metal, but the front of the Whisper is plastic. See post #23 for where the real ideas are starting.



Original post below:
Did some quick searching on Newegg.ca for cases made of steel with lots of internal 3.5" racks. Came across this:
Newegg.ca - XCLIO 1000 Black / Silver 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases




Looks ridiculous, but I kinda want one. Apparently weighs 25 lbs out of the box.

I'd have ordered it if it weren't kind of obnoxious with all the LEDs. The internals need a good paint job.


So... Any suggestions for cases? Looking for something that will support eATX motherboards (ATX, but wider), that has at least 6 3.5" HDD bays, and that I can work some water cooling into reasonably easily (I prefer externally back-mounted radiators). I'd also prefer aluminum/steel with less plastic.


Edit, candidates thus far:

• Newegg.ca - NZXT WHISPER WHI - 001BK Black Aluminum / Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases - I really like the internals on this, and the price is awesome.
• Newegg.ca - ABS Aplus ABS-Black Pearl Black Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases - Pre-drilled holes for mounting a rad on top. Made by Lian-Li.

[455olds]

Here is a review on that XCLIO case.
I like the Antec 900 or the silverstone TJ09 but everyone has there own taste. I am not crazy about all the plastic tool less stuff in a lot of the new cases.

[S_G]

Shame about the case. Functionally speaking, it seems great. It's just that the aesthetics are pretty bad.

I'm currently leaning towards the NZXT Whisper case. Enough room for me to add in 3 more HDDs, plus an extra 10 if I get two 5-in-3 HDD trays, and I'd still have one bay left over for my optical drive. Plus, it's got a bunch of sound dampening foam, which is nice to see included, and tubing holes in the back.

The price is low enough that I won't cry a river when I screw something up while modding it. I'd plan on cutting some more cable management holes, as well as another hole behind the CPU socket for easy backplate access, after which I'd give it some paint.

I'd like the front a LOT more if it didn't have that stupid V shaped thing on it, and instead only had the rail type thing.


[youtube]RAxkJhDKJM4[/youtube]

Also, is it just me, or does 3D Game Man always seem super duper hyperactive? I like his reviews though.

[Exmortis]

Lian Li 20xx Plus II series 12x3,5 drives. I have the older 2000 PLUS 2, cooelr with 2x120mm and 2x80mm fans then my old NZXT Zero with 7x120mm and 1x80mm.

[JD]

I've seen that Xclio case in person and Canada Computers and gawd is it awful. No way it's worth $320 (only $240 at Canada Computers). The one on display was actually broken too. On of those door/fan things was busted off and just hanging by the fan cable. And worst of all the plastic used on them was so cheap looking for a rather high-priced case.

I'm fairly sure that ABS one is a Lian-Li, same with the Tagan (I think?) model which looks the same.

[3.0charlie]

You can't go wrong with any Lian-Li's (except they're mostly Alu.) and the Black Pearl.

[Chilly]

That XCLIO looks like something taken out of a house fire.

[S_G]

Guess it's between the Black Pearl and the Whisper. I'm really annoyed right now. I spent an hour in Photoshop mocking up what the Whisper case would look like with my cutting, painting, and water cooling. And the damn thing crashed!

[Infiniti]

Originally Posted by S_G

Guess it's between the Black Pearl and the Whisper. I'm really annoyed right now. I spent an hour in Photoshop mocking up what the Whisper case would look like with my cutting, painting, and water cooling. And the damn thing crashed!

I would prefer the Black Pearl. Maybe because it's higher quality, but it seems like the front of the Whisper is all plastic, which is a big no-no.

[Eagle Eye]

Originally Posted by Infiniti

I would prefer the Black Pearl. Maybe because it's higher quality, but it seems like the front of the Whisper is all plastic, which is a big no-no.

Its the first thing I noticed about the Whisper was how cheap that front panel looked, I couldn't agree with you more Infiniti the tagan says much better qaulity.

Although, S_G the first case has such water cooling potential and I am no expert in that area so that might be less than a credibal assessment.

EE