The case you choose says a lot about the type of
computer owner you are. A cheap and functional chassis might mean you’re only
interested in keeping costs down, but it can also tell people you care more
about what’s happening inside than what they see when whey look at your
computer. On the other hand, a flashy case can make an otherwise unremarkable
machine truly stand out from the crowd, and a uniquely decorated or styled case
is the easiest way to make a system your own. With a variety of sizes, shapes
and forms available at all sorts of prices, choosing a case isn’t easy. Allow
us to help.
Although cases are simple components, there
are a number of specs that you need to keep an eye on to make sure you choose
the right one for the system you’re planning. Also, don’t think that just
because it’s a case, it’s a purely aesthetic matter. Here, we’ll explain what
you need to be aware of when buying one and how to tell one from another purely
on specs.
There are several sizes and forms factors
of chassis that you’ll find on offer, orientated around the motherboard that
fits inside them. Unless you’re specifically opted for specialist hardware
(you’ll know if you have), then your motherboard will either be micro-ATX or
ATX size. These boards will fit into one of three standard-sized cases.
The one you’ll probably find most familiar
is the mid tower, which is a mid-sized vertically oriented case. Either side of
this, you’ll find the mini tower, which crams a similar number of components
into a considerably smaller space, and the full tower, which offers extra drive
bays and considerably more space (enough to fit eATX boards). Each size has its
own virtues, but it goes without saying that mini towers are the best for
compact, low-price systems and that full towers are good for
performance-oriented users who want lots of space to modify and upgrade their
machine.
There are other factors that differ from
case to case, such as the number of drive bays and whether a power supply is
included or not, the type of cooling – if any – and of course, how it looks.
These are often personal considerations, however, so keep you own needs in mind
when following our advice.
Casecom 6630
For some people, it doesn’t matter what a
case looks like or whether it has a bunch of features that its competitors
don’t. All that matters is getting the most components housed for the cheapest
cost. For those people, Casecom has produced this: the Casecom 6630, which, if
bought without a PSU, will cost roughly the same amount as a takeaway pizza.
It’s tough to argue with that value.
Don’t expect build quality to be sky-high;
it’s made of thin, flimsy metal (which at least means it’s light) and there are
a few rough edges inside that might gouge your fingers if you’re not careful.
It’s clearly not designed to accommodate a lot of internal fiddling, although
the side panels are mounted with thumb-screws if you do want to go and have a
nose around.
There’s
space for multiple fans: 120/80mm at the front, and 80mm at the side or back
There’s space for multiple fans: 120/80mm
at the front, and 80mm at the side or back. As an example of how money is
saved when you go cheap, the fan mountings on the side only have two holes
drilled through, so you’ll either have to mount the fan with two screws, or
drill out the second pair yourself.
Although presented as an ATX-sized tower,
it tends towards the smaller end of the spectrum, and can get cramped using a
full ATX board. However, it does offer plenty of space for sub-ATX boards,
particularly when you consider how many drives you can mount in it. If you’re
after as small a case as possible that can still fit an ATX board, it’s a good
choice, but if you have a lot of internals that need space to breathe, it’ll
fall short, particularly if you have a large graphics card or PSU.
There’s no question that this chassis is
aimed at people who are going cheap with their system build, and on that level
it succeeds: you won’t find a better case at a cheaper cost. However, you could
find a much better one at only a little extra cost, so it’s tough to recommend
outright. It has its benefits – it’s light, cheap and functional – but don’t
expect any surprises other than the frustration of fitting your components in.
Details
|
Price
|
$15
|
|
Size
|
Mid
tower
|
|
5.25’’
bays
|
4
|
|
3.5’’
bays
|
7
|
Verdict
Ideal for those looking to shave as much as
possible off the budget, but if you’re spending any serious money on the rest
of your system, don’t waste your time here.
