I'm looking for a premium ATX case under $200 that eliminates the 5.25 bays in front. Problem is every premium ATX case I like has a full cage in the front. I don't use these bays, they increase the footprint of the case, and a bayless case has better airflow. So I'd like a compact, high-end case with premium materials and all the the tooless/modular features of a full ATX tower. Something like the Enthoo Mini XL but it without the front bay cages and 360mm AIO front mount instead would be perfect.
Some potential contenders:
- NZXT 510 Elite: right size, but it lacks the tooless/modular features found in full tower metal cases. Also doesn't have the premium construction since it sells for $80.
- Cooler Master Masterbox Q500L: attempts to save even more space but it cuts out a lot of fan support. Not a fan of the aesthetics either.
- Corsair Crystal 280x: I guess I'll have to settle on this but it's made of plastic and glass and I wish it were made of metal.
Some potential contenders:
- NZXT 510 Elite: right size, but it lacks the tooless/modular features found in full tower metal cases. Also doesn't have the premium construction since it sells for $80.
- Cooler Master Masterbox Q500L: attempts to save even more space but it cuts out a lot of fan support. Not a fan of the aesthetics either.
- Corsair Crystal 280x: I guess I'll have to settle on this but it's made of plastic and glass and I wish it were made of metal.