How much does a case matter?

I'm trying to buy a new computer and this is my final concern. I have the parts ready to buy and all but does a gaming case really matter?

Some core parts of this rig are its

I5 2500k processor

GTX 560 TI GPU

4gb ram

Enermax dual silent high performance fan (push-pull airflow)

I'm going to be using a xion echo gaming case.

I would link it but google chrome doesn't work with this stupid clipboard. It's pretty basic and its not full tower but I think its around 17-19in and it will have the fan upgrade.

Or should I shoot for a more expensive one.

Also, does anyone think I should upgrade to 8gb of ram for certain games like running crysis 2 on high or am I good?

I really like HAF X cases. They are easy to work with and provide great airflow. Airflow is pretty much the #1 thing to look for in your case. HAF cases range in price from $50-$200 so finding one in your price range is quite easy. However, there are other options I just stick to cooler master.

I really like HAF X cases. They are easy to work with and provide great airflow. Airflow is pretty much the #1 thing to look for in your case. HAF cases range in price from $50-$200 so finding one in your price range is quite easy. However, there are other options I just stick to cooler master.

Smoke89

haha thanks for the help guys

Completely agree with Gameguy6700.

I had always used cheap casings but only a few weeks ago I got the HAF 922. A few years ago I would have laughed off the thought of me getting a $100 casing but now my mentality has changed alot. I think about the long term now, as stated the casing lasts more than any other component so why not just invest in it heavily once and be done with it?:)

Not to mention that the cooler your components run the higher the lifespan or higher overclocks(whatever you prefer).

I can overclock my CPU to 3Ghz with just the stock cooler, it's all because of the large 200mm top exhaust fan, with my previous casing it wasnt possible.

My GPU also runs at 76C instead of 87C which allows me to overclock it as well.:)

When I first built my own computer, I had a cheap case (no fans at all!). It was fine, since I had a whole bunch of mid-range components (The GPU was a 7600GT). However, as soon as I put the next upgrade in - a better PSU and an 8800GTX, it wasn't up to the task and would intermittently overheat.

So I bought the Antec 900 you see in my sig - it's still going strong now after multiple upgrades and a complete replacement of everything inside, bar the DVD drives. It was a good buy 5 years ago, and it will continue to be that way. My 5770CF sometimes gets a bit too toasty, but that seems to be the fault of Crysis 2 rather than the case...

Here is my opinion on cases. If you are building a standard machine the case you choose is based mostly on what looks cool, clean, or classy to you (sexy even?). For more advanced users who tinker with over clocking, water cooling, and all the other fun stuff involved with high-end rig tweaking, then yes the case can matter.

I am a user who dabbles in the over clocking a bit so my main priorities are air flow and expandability.

Meh, its just a case, I care whats on the inside, its like having a Ferrari body shell and a measly 4 cylinder engine, its still slow. I'd rather have a V12 in there and the worst looking shell in the world, or no-shell, it'll keep it cool and its fine.

Thats what I do with my case, leave the side panel off and just vacuum the dust every 3-4 days when I'm doing the house.

Rosewill says no.

A good case is a must if you're concerned with airflow and cooling, space, efficiency, and ease of changing/removing/upgrading parts.

[QUOTE="Grey_Eyed_Elf"]Cable management to improve cooling and fans to cool your system... cheaper cases don't have cable management and good cooling. A midrange case is perfect for anyone single/sli build. Full towers are a waste if you only have one GPU... waste of money and space. gameguy6700

I've been using the same case for about 10 years already.... My idle temps are in the low 30C's and 40C max. And the case I'm using isn't fancy. It's an old Antec SX1030b. So, personally, I feel, as long as it's a Server sized case, with fans in front and fans in back... it doesn't really matter.

A nice quiet case with insulation is my best friend. PC be so quiet. Antec p182 here.

It does matter. I was using an old case from a pre-built HP for my previous build before I ugpraded to a HAF-X. Now I have cooler temps, better cable management, and just plain easier to work with all around. I also have peace of mind knowing that this case will be around for a long time and will likely fit everything.

Sure you could go cheap-o with a sub 30 or 40 dollar case, and it will get the job done, but without the benefits (which I have listed above) of a quality case. Even still, a quality case doesn't have to be expensive either. Rosewill challenger and the CM HAF-912 are both around 60 dollars and are excellent budget cases.

Quick tip. Go with a plain jane case. You might want that case with the flashy lights and the clear wall. In a few months you'd wish you got a normal case when you get past the aww of blue LEDs. Also spend more on the case, why? if will stay with you. My case was about $150. It is nearly 10 years old, I don't plan in buying a new one.SinfulPotato

I wish antec cases had LED switches as I really like their designs.

[QUOTE="SinfulPotato"]Quick tip. Go with a plain jane case. You might want that case with the flashy lights and the clear wall. In a few months you'd wish you got a normal case when you get past the aww of blue LEDs. Also spend more on the case, why? if will stay with you. My case was about $150. It is nearly 10 years old, I don't plan in buying a new one.Elann2008

My power supply's blue light also gives the same kinda illumination and I am happy to have gone with a window version.:)