Building a computer from scratch: The case of the perfect case.

Last week on August 10, I gave to you my first blog post of a series which will help you follow me through the adventure of my very first ever computer build. In that post I outlined the project and sought your advice regarding parts selections because I want your help in doing this. I received good information, both on screen and off. Now, I will walk you through how I made my purchasing decision for my new computer case and power source.

My first decision was where to shop. It would be too expensive for me to go to the nearest Best Buy or Circuit City store, so it was easy to decide to do my purchasing on line. I investigated six of what appeared to be the largest online retailers of computer parts. By a simple process of elimination based on each retailer's prices, product offering and website experience, I narrowed the field to two retailers who would compete for my money. My two choices to shop at for my computer building project are Tiger Direct and Newegg.


Keeping in mind the requirements I outlined in my first project post, I first looked at the computer case offering at Tiger Direct (T.D.). Starting off at the very base of their price scale, T.D. offers the Power Up, AK-2 mid-tower case. I could add a 400w power source to it and have the whole package for under $40. Personally, I don't buy the bargain model of any electronics, under the; you-get-what-you-pay-for theory, but that's not to say this wouldn't be a fine starter package for a run of the mill home computer.

Towards the top end of the price scale at T.D., I found this NZXT Lexa, Aluminum ATX mid-tower case with a panel for viewing inside. I can add a 600w power source and have the package for about $150. It has a bunch of features I like a lot, but I question the item's toughness and I would like a 700w power source.

The third model under consideration from T.D. is a Thermalake Soprano RS101 ATX mid-tower case. I think it's a good mid-grade choice and at just under $60, I think it would be a fine case but it doesn't look quite rugged enough for my needs because I see the day coming when my computer will do much more than it does now.

At Newegg (NE), I also looked at a full range of models. The first one that caught my eye was an Antec Nine Hundred steel ATX mid-tower case. This one looks real nice, stout and mobile. I can have it without power source for about $100. This unit has a five star rating after over 800 reviews.

The second model from NE which interested me was this Cooler Master, Stacker 830 Evolution Aluminum, ATX full-tower case. This appears to be a top-of-the-line, home / business and gaming unit that's up to par. It comes coupled with a 1000w power source and a hefty price tag of just about $300. I think it's a bit more case than I need.

So, based on my sense of what I need and want, I have decided that I'll buy the Antec Nine Hundred from Newegg. It looks well made and it offers what I want. Now though, I'll have to purchase a separate power source.

For a power source I have decided I want 700w or perhaps a tad more. 400w to 500w is fine for running a computer that's not having a lot of peripheral demands put upon it but I know I'll be asking more from my computer in times to come. I want to make sure I have adequate wattage for an active visual communication machine. I can always upgrade to 1000w of power later if I feel I need to.

I narrowed the power source field to three competitors:

OCZ GameXStream, 700w: This model looks top of the line at $140.

The SilverStone ST75ZF, seems to be a good match to the OCZ model, but ten more dollars gets you another 50w for a total of 750w.

I decided on this model, the Ultra X-Pro 750w power source. It will give me the same 750w as the SilverStone model, in the same price bracket but it seems to place very high emphasis on connectivity and I like that...decision made.

So there you have it. The first two building blocks for my new computer shall be the Antec Nine Hundred case and the Ultra X-pro 750w power source. I think it's a fine start and the combination will only cost about $250. I'll be ordering those as soon as my blogging check comes in! I'm still looking for input from our readers about my power management unit / surge protector and how to best bridge tiny gaps in the voltage supplied to my computer.

Please feel free to give your input. Did I miss something? Are there other things about a case and power source that I need to consider? Can I assume that parts from different manufacturers will work well together? Unless I get warned-off my choices, the order will be sent. Now, I'm going to begin looking at CPUs and hard drives! What can you tell me about those little monsters?