[ZLS]

Just curious, are the fan filters on the Shinobi easy to access (for an average person, not a computer enthusiast)? And how effective are they (compared to say, an Antec 900's filters)?

[prestonyuen]

Just for your quick reference, I've reviewed the BitFenix Shinobi Window just a couple of months back (http://aphnetworks.c..._shinobi_window).

Dust filters are only found behind the front panel cover and on the bottom. The bottom filters are quite easy to access as nothing is blocking it. However, the ones behind the front panel are quite a hassle to get to because the front panel takes quite a bit of effort to take off. Taking off the top panel may give you a slight upper hand in taking the front panel off, but even so, it still takes a bit of time to work on. I wouldn't be too concerned about dust getting through the front unless you got your computer situated on top of carpet or in places where dust will be attracted to. As well, that section is well protected from settling dust, so you should not have too much concern. The real concern about settling dust is the top panel with no dust filters.

Being a value-oriented case, I can't specifically speak for other cases in the same category such as the Antec 900, as I haven't reviewed much of these types. However, having said that, there should not be too much variation between dust filters from one company to another, if at all.

[ZLS]

prestonyuen, on 04 October 2011 - 06:43 PM, said:

Just for your quick reference, I've reviewed the BitFenix Shinobi Window just a couple of months back (http://aphnetworks.c..._shinobi_window).

Dust filters are only found behind the front panel cover and on the bottom. The bottom filters are quite easy to access as nothing is blocking it. However, the ones behind the front panel are quite a hassle to get to because the front panel takes quite a bit of effort to take off. Taking off the top panel may give you a slight upper hand in taking the front panel off, but even so, it still takes a bit of time to work on. I wouldn't be too concerned about dust getting through the front unless you got your computer situated on top of carpet or in places where dust will be attracted to. As well, that section is well protected from settling dust, so you should not have too much concern. The real concern about settling dust is the top panel with no dust filters.

Being a value-oriented case, I can't specifically speak for other cases in the same category such as the Antec 900, as I haven't reviewed much of these types. However, having said that, there should not be too much variation between dust filters from one company to another, if at all.

Thanks for your detailed response. Are there any other cases in the same price range ($40-70) that you would recommend? I'm looking at the Antec 300 perhaps, but it has no window, and the inside isn't painted. Not a huge deal, but for $70 it seems to be a pretty basic case.

[prestonyuen]

Personally, I have not reviewed much cases in this range, but I have seen cases such as the SilverStone PS05B at Memory Express (http://www.memoryexp...29%28ME%29.aspx) that is quite decent for its category within that price range. I have also reviewed the Cooler Master Storm Enforcer (http://aphnetworks.c..._storm_enforcer) and the Thermaltake Armor A60 (http://aphnetworks.c...ltake_armor_a60), both of which are commendable cases for its category. However, both of these cases are priced at $89.99 at press time. I'm not sure if they have dropped in price in the last little while, so you might want to check up on them.

This post has been edited by prestonyuen: 04 October 2011 - 07:38 PM

[chconline]

We have also reviewed the Silverstone PS05, by the way.

http://aphnetworks.c..._precision_ps05

My favorite is still the Define R3 in terms of fan filter design, but it might be slightly out of your budget, and NCIX is the only Canadian retailer that has it as far as I know.

[ZLS]

prestonyuen, on 04 October 2011 - 07:08 PM, said:

Personally, I have not reviewed much cases in this range, but I have seen cases such as the SilverStone PS05B at Memory Express (http://www.memoryexp...29%28ME%29.aspx) that is quite decent for its category within that price range. I have also reviewed the Cooler Master Storm Enforcer (http://aphnetworks.c..._storm_enforcer) and the Thermaltake Armor A60 (http://aphnetworks.c...ltake_armor_a60), both of which are commendable cases for its category. However, both of these cases are priced at $89.99 at press time. I'm not sure if they have dropped in price in the last little while, so you might want to check up on them.

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll definitely look into them.

chconline, on 04 October 2011 - 08:52 PM, said:

We have also reviewed the Silverstone PS05, by the way.

http://aphnetworks.c..._precision_ps05

My favorite is still the Define R3 in terms of fan filter design, but it might be slightly out of your budget, and NCIX is the only Canadian retailer that has it as far as I know.

I know, I love the look of the R3 myself. Wish Memory Express had them in stock so I could see one in person.

[Big Bang]

The chc's pics are better than in Person.

http://aphnetworks.c...-jonathan-kwan/

http://aphnetworks.c...esign_define_r3

[chconline]

For the Define R3, just look at a fridge and that's basically what it looks like

But yeah it's a nice case. You won't be disappointed. It just costs higher than your budget.

[TL6MT]

Well to ask, what's wrong with your current case?

[ZLS]

TL6MT, on 06 October 2011 - 09:05 PM, said:

Well to ask, what's wrong with your current case?

Well, there's nothing really wrong with my case, I'm asking because I plan to build another computer soon for a friend.

[JarolToe]

ZLS, on 07 October 2011 - 08:53 PM, said:

Well, there's nothing really wrong with my case, I'm asking because I plan to build another computer soon for a friend.

You should convince your friend to get the R3 Just sayin'; he'll have one of the best ATX chassis on the market, not to mention building a system with the R3 will be that much more fun for you

[chconline]

If it's for a friend, might as well just pick it up. You won't be disappointed. But I must warn you, you might end up buying one yourself