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Untitled Document
In the history of the PC as we know it, until comparatively recently the case
has been merely a box to hold together the motley collection of parts we call
a computer. In recent years, the computer case has become a geek fashion statement
and for some, an entire hobby.
We have taken it upon ourselves to look at a selection of ten cases currently
on the market. These are all of the high quality mid tower variety, roughly
in the £75 to £150 price range. A case with an asterisk next to
its name denotes one that has won an award.
Silverstone TJ01
Silverstone TJ05
Beantech Igloo 4 OB
Beantech Igloo 8 OB
Beantech Igloo 10 OB
Lian Li 6070A
Coolermaster ATC 201 "Praetorian"
*
Quiet PC C6607
Thermaltake VA3000 SNA "Tsunami
Dream" *
Aerocool "Lubic"
As with anything else, trends in computer cases come and go. As the whole modding
scene took off, we saw beige tin cans replaced with hulking great black boxes
which were judged solely on the number of cooling fans they could accommodate.
Lian Li started the craze for all things aluminium and the last couple of years
have seen the rise of cheap pre-modded cases in every garish colour imaginable.
The current fashion runs towards curvy front panels of thick aluminium and
sophisticated tool free designs. Silver and black remain by far the most popular
colours. The emphasis seems very much on understated style and subtle elegance,
with some cases in this group test having a definite retro flavour. None of
these cases have the "pre-modded" feel which was so popular recently.
Case windows are not the must have item they once were, as only half of these
cases come with one as standard. Cases with doors on the front panel have made
a come back, with the flimsy plastic affairs now replaced with solid aluminium
panels which give the case a whole new look, rather than merely hiding the drive
bays.
This case roundup includes some very well known brands, such as Coolermaster
and Lian Li. There are also a number of high quality cases from names you may
not have heard of before. Silverstone are very new to the UK market, but have
already gained a reputation for high quality products. Beantech is another name
you may not have heard of. This amusingly named company makes a number of Lian
Li style aluminium cases.
Many of the cases in this group test were supplied by www.thecoolingshop.com
and it is worth noting that the quoted prices for these cases include free delivery.
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