I've recently upgraded the CPU and MoBo, and the latter has an ATX form factor and doesn't fit in the old case, so I need a new case.
I've searched for a case and after a while I've decided on Fractal Design Core 3000. It looks like a nice budget case with some dampening included. My criteria include:
- Buttons and USB ports at the top (not the bottom or middle). The machine sits on the floor.
- 5 or more HDD slots, with some silence features.
- Anonymous look (not flashy like so many gaming cases and not mysterious like the Define R4). It sits in the corner and should draw little to no attention to it.
- Allows HDD fans on the front.
- I don't really need 5.25" bays, though one bay would be nice.
- USB 3.0 would be nice. This one doesn't have it.
- Damping would be nice as well.
- Well within the $100 range.
My questions are:
- The HDD plastic mounting system has some rubber bits under each HDD. Is that the only point of contact with the plastic for the HDD?
- If I remove the HDD plastic bits, will there be enough room between the HDD and the metal part for me to suspend the HDD's with elastics?
- I haven't found a SPCR review, what are some opinions on this case?
- What are some alternatives in the same $100 price range?