Before I do anything about the innards, it's probably best to decide what I'm putting the system in. And have I run into problems here...
There's no such thing as a reasonably restrained, problem-free, nicely built PC case. I'm sure on that. Having trawled through reviews, adverts, supplier sites and forums, each and every case I've looked at has been shot down for some reason or other, be it noise, size, ease of build, value or simply because they look appalling. In the latter category I'd definitely include anything with a fan bigger than the case (Aerocool, are you listening?).
For a while, the Antec Nine Hundred looked good, until I realise that my proposed PSU probably wouldn't have the reach to get a hidden cable up to the top power connector on the motherboard - and would also have to have been mounted upside down for the fan to have any effect, unpretty in the extreme.
Other Antec cases suffer from the same concerns, or are simply outdated, poor cooling etc.
There are some acceptable Thermaltake and Coolermaster caskets out there, and I think my final selection will come from there. My main aesthetic concerns include looking at placement of the front (or occasionally side) USB connectors, dust filters and the front panel, and even case finish (this piano-black does not appeal). Whilst at one point I would have thrown the idea of a windowed case straight out of the, er, window, it now has a certain appeal - but if I do there there are more visual issues to be concerned about.
Decisions, decisions.
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