NZXT Source 220 CA-SO220-01 Black Steel / Aluminum-like finish ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $30 AC AR FS @Newegg

Newegg has NZXT Source 220 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (CA-SO220-01) for $50 - 20% off promo code EMCNBHB237 - $10 rebate = $30 with free shipping. Thanks celeritini

Price Research: Our research indicates that NZXT Source 220 ATX Mid Tower Computer Case (CA-SO220-01) is $15 lower (33% savings) than the next best available price from a reputable merchant with prices ranging from $45 to $60. - yuugotserved

I have the NZXT 210 from a previous SD. I also have the Antec 300 and Cooler Master Elite 300, all purchased AR at this price. I just put together a build of accumulated AR components, and worked my way down to the NZXT 210, which looks from the Newegg photos to be identical to the 220 except it does not have a screw-less mounting system, and it has an included 140mm top fan.

Pros:
1. Better cable management than the other two cases, enough room to put the cables behind the motherboard tray. With the PSU being bottom mounted, this is sweet as on mine all but the four pin MB cable could run completely underneath until you put them through the cutouts on the motherboard tray for the final 2-4". Very nice.

2. Large, roomer CPU cutout on the motherboard tray (other two cases had them too, I cannot remember the relative sizes though). Easy access from the back if mounting a large cooler and you have to add a back plate.

3. Uses 140mm fans. Finally something to mount those Cooler Master AR fans. It can take a third on the case side above your video cards. They have a double set of holes, so you can use either 120mm or 140mm fans in all three of those locations. When using a 140mm fan you can mod them for 5v (switch the red for the yellow pin on a molex adapter and mark it clearly so you never use it for anything else) and they run very quietly at 5v. You can find how to do this on line, it simple consists of moving two pins. You will also find people doing this for a 7v mod - DON'T do that, it consists of using the 5v pin essentially as a ground, and that is rough on any PSU and will kill old ones.

Cons: No front mounted 3.5" bays. This is because there are two 120mm front fan mounts, and the 5.25" bays start at the top of the fan grills. Vaguely irritating when you have 3.5" card readers (and no 5.25" face plate adapter with them which means you have to cut out one to fit a 3.5" face plate), and which is more valuable depends on your build. Also no 2.5" bays built in, but adapters can often be found on sale and for an SSD (versus a laptop drive) good quality velcro works very nicely.

Nice touch: The case front is slightly asymmetric, tapering to the side with the front USB and sound plugs. This means you don't have to try to reach under the overhang. If this is on the floor by your computer desk, trust me it's a nice touch. It doesn't jump out at you, it's only a couple of millimeters but it's very convenient.

Possible problem: Side panel is steel. Does have a dual 120mm/140mm mount over video cards as mentioned above, but if you want to add one of the monster slow fans there you will have quite a lot of modding.

Got one of these last month. Very happy with it. For $30, it's a great basic case.

If you're looking for a very quiet case, this is probably not for you. It is well ventilated at the expense of a little additional noise. The top is about 1/2 mesh and the 140mm fan is clearly audible. Pushes plenty of air though.

Like Mr. Harley, I also have the Antec 300. Also very nice, but a few more bucks even when on sale/rebate. Out of the box, the Antec's a bit quieter because you can turn down the tri-cool fans and it has less mesh.

Quote from Mr. Harley : I have the NZXT 210 from a previous SD. I also have the Antec 300 and Cooler Master Elite 300, all purchased AR at this price. I just put together a build of accumulated AR components, and worked my way down to the NZXT 210, which looks from the Newegg photos to be identical to the 220 except it does not have a screw-less mounting system, and it has an included 140mm top fan. Pros: 1. Better cable management than the other two cases, enough room to put the cables behind the motherboard tray. With the PSU being bottom mounted, this is sweet as on mine all but the four pin MB cable could run completely underneath until you put them through the cutouts on the motherboard tray for the final 2-4". Very nice. 2. Large, roomer CPU cutout on the motherboard tray (other two cases had them too, I cannot remember the relative sizes though). Easy access from the back if mounting a large cooler and you have to add a back plate. 3. Uses 140mm fans. Finally something to mount those Cooler Master AR fans. It can take a third on the case side above your video cards. They have a double set of holes, so you can use either 120mm or 140mm fans in all three of those locations. When using a 140mm fan you can mod them for 5v (switch the red for the yellow pin on a molex adapter and mark it clearly so you never use it for anything else) and they run very quietly at 5v. You can find how to do this on line, it simple consists of moving two pins. You will also find people doing this for a 7v mod - DON'T do that, it consists of using the 5v pin essentially as a ground, and that is rough on any PSU and will kill old ones. Cons: No front mounted 3.5" bays. This is because there are two 120mm front fan mounts, and the 5.25" bays start at the top of the fan grills. Vaguely irritating when you have 3.5" card readers (and no 5.25" face plate adapter with them which means you have to cut out one to fit a 3.5" face plate), and which is more valuable depends on your build. Also no 2.5" bays built in, but adapters can often be found on sale and for an SSD (versus a laptop drive) good quality velcro works very nicely. Nice touch: The case front is slightly asymmetric, tapering to the side with the front USB and sound plugs. This means you don't have to try to reach under the overhang. If this is on the floor by your computer desk, trust me it's a nice touch. It doesn't jump out at you, it's only a couple of millimeters but it's very convenient. Possible problem: Side panel is steel. Does have a dual 120mm/140mm mount over video cards as mentioned above, but if you want to add one of the monster slow fans there you will have quite a lot of modding.

Thanks for your numerous useful insights. I just bought one to salvage my pre-Ivy Bridge system as a second one for HD rendering for edits, and the minimalist design (i.e., no toy lights, etc.) plus low cost is perfect.

I had this case for a pc i sold, and i liked it a lot. I would buy it again if i had a need for another case

30 dollars AR AC....hmmmmm. I need a yes or no from somebody who would know: do you think there will be a better deal on a case than this (in this price range 30-50) within the next 2 weeks? thanks and will rep

$30 is about the best price you would get for a case with these features. A case with these features typically go for 40. But once in a blue moon there would be a better deal like the cougar case with similar features i got a couple weeks ago for $18 ac ar. So if i were you i would buy it as i wouldnt expect a better price anytime soon.

Quote from SuperXero : $30 is about the best price you would get for a case with these features. A case with these features typically go for 40. But once in a blue moon there would be a better deal like the cougar case with similar features i got a couple weeks ago for $18 ac ar. So if i were you i would buy it as i wouldnt expect a better price anytime soon.

repped. thank u

Quote from afa3 : Got one of these last month. Very happy with it. For $30, it's a great basic case. If you're looking for a very quiet case, this is probably not for you. It is well ventilated at the expense of a little additional noise. The top is about 1/2 mesh and the 140mm fan is clearly audible. Pushes plenty of air though. Like Mr. Harley, I also have the Antec 300. Also very nice, but a few more bucks even when on sale/rebate. Out of the box, the Antec's a bit quieter because you can turn down the tri-cool fans and it has less mesh.

Repped. My NZXT didn't come with a 140mm fan, so it's handy to know the one included with this case is not silent. As I said, it's easy to take a molex adapter - 4 pin power - and swap the red and yellow wires, dropping the fan current to 5 volts (ALWAYS label the connector, hook it up to anything else and it's fried). My 140mm Cooler Master fans are whisper quiet at that voltage, as is the rear 120mm fan, and move plenty of air away from the CPU. Haven't added a 140mm fan over the SLI'd 9600 GT cards (this is a spare/old parts build) but with 3 x 140mm and 1 x 120mm fan I expect the case to still be cooled even with the fans only moving half as much air.

Quote from joshownsyouall : 30 dollars AR AC....hmmmmm. I need a yes or no from somebody who would know: do you think there will be a better deal on a case than this (in this price range 30-50) within the next 2 weeks? thanks and will rep

I agree with the other poster. There is a chance you'll get a better price, but it's not very big. I think this is a good price for a good product. When cases like this hit $20 - I stock up like any good SDer.

Perfect timing. I've been looking at the 210 and recently discovered the 220 and this is exactly what I needed.

Got one from the last deal, anyone familiar with the nzxt rebates? Do they come in a timely manner?

+5% cashback from Chase Freedom

Quote from Mr. Harley : I agree with the other poster. There is a chance you'll get a better price, but it's not very big. I think this is a good price for a good product. When cases like this hit $20 - I stock up like any good SDer.

repped. I went with the antec three hundred illusion for 20 more dollars. I have the nine hundred two from a previous really good SD on my other PC and absolutely love the look, so it's like a mini version of that one.