Cheap case needed

[weirdlookinguy]

Hey guys, I need a cheap case ASAP. My parents want me to build a cheap computer for some family friends that are going through some really hard times (we're talking living in a motorhome) and whose only computer (a 9-year-old Fry's branded POS) just broke.

Can you guys make suggestions on cheap, but acceptable quality cases? I know there is the $15 mac-like case that Ratdude likes. That is on my list. Are there any other cheap clearance cases you guys can suggest?

If it was up to me I'd get them a nice Antec Solo like I have for my main system. I love that case. But we're on a very tight budget for this system.

EDIT: reason I need it ASAP is we want to give them this computer for Christmas. I've gotta order this thing today.

[ratdude747]

Re: Cheap case needed

look on ebay... there are a lot of older antec cases cheap out there... the mac clone case must be dremel modded... keep that in mind before you buy...

[weirdlookinguy]

Re: Cheap case needed

What dremel mod does it need? Do you still have the link? I am having a hard time finding it on geeks.com

[seanc]

Re: Cheap case needed

Something like an Antec VSK2000 or NSK4000, add your own PSU.

Failing that, scour your local IT places for spare cases? We have loads of defunct MATX cases lining our corridor.

If you're building a cheap PC, as long as the case looks acceptable and keeps everything inside where it should be, i'd go for a cheaper one (flimsy aluminium rubbish). Just make sure the parts inside are of better quality.

[weirdlookinguy]

Re: Cheap case needed

Damn, I found ratdude's case on Geeks and they no longer carry it. It would have been perfect.

seanc you read my mind. Fuck it, I think I am just going to go for an ok-looking shitty cheap case. As long as it's decent enough to hold up for a few years it'll pass. The budget is $200 and I'd rather spend the money on RAM and a zippy hard drive. It's not a personal system for me, so who cares. I'll stop by Fry's on my way home from school today, it'll be too much of a gamble as to whether or not it gets here in time if I order one online.

Gotta get two finals done today. I'm sitting here in the library reading badcaps.net and listening to music instead of studying .

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Cheap case needed

Why don't you use their old case?

Or maybe go with a laptop since they are in an RV and space matters.

.

[weirdlookinguy]

Re: Cheap case needed

I would, but their old case is a torn apart mess. It was a cheap POS to begin with and it's been through 9 years of constant moving and abuse. I am going to re-use their PSU (an earthwatts 380), cardreader, and optical drives. New MB, CPU, RAM, HDD, and case. I think it can be done for $200.

[ratdude747]

Re: Cheap case needed

did you relook or just follow the thread link? i think thry have it if you search the site.

[weirdlookinguy]

Re: Cheap case needed

I followed the thread link.

I couldn't find it by searching their website.

[acstech]

Re: Cheap case needed

I find that the cheaper Coolermaster cases tend to work well. I don't know how "cheap" you meant by "cheap" though.

[weirdlookinguy]

Re: Cheap case needed

$20-ish. I think I'm going to have to bump it to $30.

Anything not made of 0.8mm+ steel and with a robust front panel is cheap in my eyes.

[seanc]

Re: Cheap case needed

How old is the Earthwatts and has it been re-capped?

[ratdude747]

Re: Cheap case needed

for $200, you could get a used netbook.... you could get a newer used tower for less than that.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Cheap case needed

Check Craigslist for a used Dell and recap it.

[acstech]

Re: Cheap case needed

Check Craigslist for a used Dell and recap it.

Quoted For Truth. This is probably one of your best options. Another source is Goodwill.

I find that 5 or so year old Dell's typically run well with a recap and memory upgrade.

[NxB]

Re: Cheap case needed

Goodwill or other "thrift" stores are good. You can find a decent case and just ditch the internals.

[ratdude747]

Re: Cheap case needed

Quoted For Truth. This is probably one of your best options. Another source is Goodwill.

I find that 5 or so year old Dell's typically run well with a recap and memory upgrade.

agreed... i know the prices for even good used towers are low on cl... i tried to sell a pimped out dell but i got undercut and lowballed... it is getting donated to my robotics team for a member login terminal...

plus they already have the COA. if you go dell with xp pro, there is a good torrent for the dell edition xp pro install disc. it has sp3 slipstreamed... i used it on my two dell towers i am finding homes for and my laptop... if you get anythong with xp home for a COA, any xp home OEM cd will work... even the sp2 ones... again, there is a good torrent for it (used it on my toner box computer).

is your board micro ATX... if so, i might have a case for you... its a compaq presario case with standard connectors and front usb. i have 2... one has a xp home COA, one has it removed (maybe... it is at my old hose right now). it is one of the black and silver cases... i have all the hardware for the the drive slots, which i will include. PM me if interested ($10+ shipping?).

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Cheap case needed

The LA Computer Fair is this weekend, December 18 & 19, 2010 at Fairplex in Pomona, CA
.

[Topcat]

Re: Cheap case needed

too bad you're not anywhere near me. I've got stacks of cases, I'd be happy to give you one...

[brethin]

Re: Cheap case needed

Same here, if you want to pay shipping I can send you a free case.