My wife has threatened to eject the family PC from the living room. So I've
offered to improve its appearance by buying a new case and a new (TFT)
monitor. She has agreed a stay of execution.

So can anyone recommend a nice looking box for the living room? And, is
there anything in a technical sense I should look out for in a new case?
Money is tight - max. spend £50 (on the case).

Cheers.

Bobby

You should be able to find a very nice case online for less than £50.  I am
in the US; US sources include MWave.com, Computergeeks.com and
Tigerdirect.com.  A google search will reveal many sources.  My personal
favorite is Antec.

Since I just went through this:  Do not go cheap.  Anything under $40 US
will probably not meet your needs for appearance and robustness.  Better
cases cost more.  Many come with a power supply, but you can pull the one
from your old case.  Anything 350 watts or better should suffice unless you
are a serious power user, in which case you will know how much power you
need.

As with the case, do not waste your money on a cheap power supply.  I
learned there are huge qualitative differences with cheaper power supplies.

Good hunting,

Guy

Show quoteHide quote

IMHO, I'd look at cases with 120mm fans and doors on the front which will
keep them quiet. Most new cases have front USB ports now, and some come with
power supplies. Antec Sonata is an excellent box and the company has great
support
Show quoteHide quote

newegg has lots.... but I dont know if they have shipping in Europe. If
nothing else they have lots of cool stuff to give you ideas. And... since
looks are paramount, I suggest not worrying about the technical before
you get an idea of the look or style she will accept. Mine is the typical
beige box because it was going to go nowhere else but under the desk....
out of sight out of mind.

this one looks like something out of star wars but I like the blue
www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=11-146-003&DEPA=1

This is another thats high techie but interesting
www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=11-200-023&DEPA=1

this ones certainly different... dont know about the color.
www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=11-173-001&DEPA=1

another blue one. You think maybe I like blue? ;o)
www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-125-442&depa=1

oh yes, the stainless steel look might be nice.
www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-119-023&depa=1

and just for laughs, show her this and see if she runs away screaming.
www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-105-116&depa=1

Why not re-locate the computer to another room???  Maybe this would be
easier, and cheaper.

My wife has threatened to eject the family PC from the living room. So I've
offered to improve its appearance by buying a new case and a new (TFT)
monitor. She has agreed a stay of execution.

So can anyone recommend a nice looking box for the living room? And, is
there anything in a technical sense I should look out for in a new case?
Money is tight - max. spend £50 (on the case).

Cheers.

Bobby

I just got one from x-oxide.com. $58.00. No power supply. Bought it for the
demon face which lights up on the front and the clear plastic side panel.
Everyone is amazed at what the inside of a computer looks like. Expecially
with a few lighted fans on the inside. It seemed a little flimsy at first,
but after assembled I like it. No vibration and it's quiet. I have seven
fans running inside. Also has a door on the front. PS: My PSU also has LED's
in it that change color constantly. Real cool.
Show quoteHide quote

Bobby wrote:
You probably want some  sort of compact case, either a shuttle or similar
case (but I think they only take small form factors like FlexATX/MiniATX).
You can also buy some desktop shaped cases that look like hi-fi components
and will happily st under hi-fi separates. Can't remember exactly where, but
it was a German website.

Show quote Hide quote http://www.dabs.com/uk
Antec SL3700BQE Quiet Edition W/350Watt PSU
£62.79 inc VAT
Antec SLK2600AMB W/300W PSU
£42.08 inc VAT

http://www.misco.co.uk/promos/consumer/homepage.aspx
ACER 17" TFT
£146.86 inc VAT

regards

Dud

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