So, I'm fairly certain that I am going for the CM Storm Enforcer. I keep re-reviewing, but the only mid-tower cases that look sharper IMO are the Corsair Graphite (too expensive) and the NZXT Phantom 410 (side ventssss). I probably checked out 5-7 review videos now, so I think I know what I'm getting into. It's got everything I want: Good cable management, bottom mounted PSU, dust filters on all intakes, all black interior, RED/BLACK aesthetic, all in a mid-tower that's <$100 (actually $65 right now) and isn't chock full of mesh. The consensus that I see most often is that it's a dolled-up HAF 912 for a higher cost. As for me, I think the extra $20 is worth the improved look and door (I'm one of those weirdos that likes doors). So, the question is should I buy now ($65 after MIR) or wait until building?
The PCPartPicker price history says that it has been this cheap before, but not any cheaper. Think it'll drop in price at all before April? Do I buy now? Ergh.
So, CPU coolers. If I'm going for something <$30, it's going to be a 212+ or 212 EVO. Both are the same size, and basically the same design. It seems that the EVO has marginally better air movement, and a smoother bottom surface for paste, for $10 more. I guess that's worth it. So, if(cost <= 30){buy(CM212EVO);}. (is that right?)
But I'm still considering higher end coolers. Zalman coolers all seem pretty well reviewed, but I'm not crazy about that copper frill look. The Thermaltake Frio looks really nice, but I'm not going to spend more than $50 here. No, I think I'll stick to Cooler Master. Wouldn't go with the V8 again (impossible to clean), and the Hyper N, and a few others look like trumped up 212s (though the
X6 elite does some neat stuff. So, my options are a couple which face out from the motherboard (like the
GeminIIs and the
Vortex), and I'm not sure how they would play with the general airflow in the case, and the
V6 GT. Admittedly, I'm probably paying for the aesthetics for the V6, but ooh. Unless the GeminIIs are really worth checking out, I think it's if(cost >30){buy(CMV6GT);}. Will have to watch for it to drop below $50 though if I actually am going to get it.