Hello,

 

I bought the fractal define xl case and really really love it. The only problem is that it can only fit one 5 in 3 icy dock and I would like to place three. I'm looking for another good slick case. By slick I mean all sides are black, nothing is sticking out, no windows. I'm not that fond of the antec cases and could not find the Lian Li's PC-A17B anywhere. I was wondering if someone can give me a recommendation for some other cases or review what I have now.

 

Currently:

case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352005&cm_re=fractal-_-11-352-005-_-Product

icy dock:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817994028&cm_re=icy_dock_5_in_3-_-17-994-028-_-Product

 

Cases thinking about that will fit 3 5-3 icy docks:

http://www.eastluna.com/details.php?id=3925&id2=b

http://www.eastluna.com/details.php?id=3668

 

Thanks

COOLER MASTER MIDITOWER CENTURION 590 ATX BLACK

 

That box is almost impossible to find. I looked at google shopping and none of the sellers had it. And those that showed that they did(compu-america or upgradebay) would call back to notify me that they actually don't have that box in stock and I should order another .

the 590 is a part of history now.

 

The nexus edge is a really nice case. I am not sure if you can get 3 x "5 in 3 bays" in there though. if you can, that would be a NICE 24 drive tower....

 

i was gonna say this one... http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-NoWindow-VI1000BNS-System-Cabinet/dp/B0012I94G0 take the fan out but it is history too...

 

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=41021&CatId=1509 and take the led's out of the side fan? maybe you can buy 2 for a second smooth door?

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112240 no idea..

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811196039 .. never seen this one before.. cheap.. not sure if i like it

 

I had the same issue a few months back and just bought a  $40 disposible case. then got a Norco when i had the cash..

 

good luck

 

Nexus edge has 8 external 5.25 so you can get two 5in3 and one 3in2 cage for a max of 9 hotswap, the nine internal 3.5 cannot fit any bays from the looks of it. So 9 hotswap and 9 internal is not a bad deal, but @ $215 is a bit steep.

 

Prominent 9 is pretty sweet with 9 external 5.25 hotswap but with the Azza Helios trending $60AR its hard to justify an extra $85 for some nice sound proofing?

Thermaltake V5 will, but it has a very small window on one side.  But it is a small window (probably the smallest window I've ever seen on a box).

Rosewill Destroyer. $40-50. 8 external bays, 9 if you remove the IO panel. It does have stamped drive support rails so you'll need to bend them back for cages.

 

It's no Lian Li but parts & construction are quite reasonable if not amazing for the price.

Hi,

 

@Johnm

 

Thanks for taking a look into some of the boxes. The other boxes were not my cup of tea but I really like the LIAN LI ARMORSUIT PC-P50. That was a great find.

 

@ilovegoodnugz

Now that I take a look at it you are 100% correct about the Nexus edge. Since I'll have to look at that box often and it will be in my room I don't mind adding a little extra to the cost for quietness and aesthetics(preferably no more than 200USD).

 

@KYThrill

The Thermaltake V5 looks pretty good but the handle on top of it is a little too much ><. I'll have to pass on it. Thank you for the recommendation though .

 

@cyrnel

The Rosewill Destroyer looks like a really good box and I am going to consider it.

 

So far on the list are Prominent 9, LIAN LI ARMORSUIT PC-P50, and Rosewill Destroyer. Thank you everyone for your awesome suggestions \o/

Just a note on the Rosewill Destroyer case... You get 9 bays by removing the I/O panel on the front, but here is the problem:

 

1) The Power/Reset buttons and LED indicators are on this panel. You will have to relocate them somewhere

2) The way the top of the front bezel goes on, it will NOT fit around a 5x3 in the top bays without surgery. You will need to cut off the top section of the front bezel with a dremel or hacksaw for it to fit around the 5x3. I guess you could push the drive cage in further so it's not flush instead...

 

With that said, it is a nice looking case and it WILL fit 3x 5x3 drive cages with the above "remodel" to the front bezel. And for $50 it is one of the cheapest cases around that looks halfway decent AND can fit 3 drive cages.

If you could learn to love (or even simply accept - think of it as an 'architectural feature') the handle on top of the Thermaltake V5, it really is a very good case for fitting three '5in3's (without requiring any surgery - other than the usual flattening of the support rails).

 

From a functional point of view, the handle does prevent you from laying anything on top of the case and obstructing the fan outlet!