So I've got an HTPC in a Thermaltake Core V1 that I want to put into a more console-sized-and-shaped case. And there's three realistic options that I've seen so far: The Node 202, the Dr. Zaber Sentry, and the S4 Mini cases.
But the thing is, the Zaber and S4 Mini are just so bloody expensive! I appreciate how much smaller they are than the Node, but I can pick up the Node for about $80, even less if I wait, whereas the others are three times the price. I'm just having a really difficult time justifying that massive cost.
The build quality is worth mentioning, all-steel construction vs. a plastic Node, etc. But... seriously, three times the cost. And I wouldn't say any of them are particularly attractive. All three of them are just boxes. The Node actually seems to be the most stylized of any of them.
Anybody else have any observations on this problem? Is there some crucial failing on the Node or some amazing feature on the Zaber or S4 Mini that I'm overlooking that would really make them worth the added cost? Because, at the moment, while I'd like to get, y'know, a nice case, just, the sheer expense is overwhelming. These cases cost as much as my GPU.
The case will house a 4690k and single-fan 1060 6GB. I'll have to buy a new PSU regardless of which case I get.
Thanks, everyone!
But the thing is, the Zaber and S4 Mini are just so bloody expensive! I appreciate how much smaller they are than the Node, but I can pick up the Node for about $80, even less if I wait, whereas the others are three times the price. I'm just having a really difficult time justifying that massive cost.
The build quality is worth mentioning, all-steel construction vs. a plastic Node, etc. But... seriously, three times the cost. And I wouldn't say any of them are particularly attractive. All three of them are just boxes. The Node actually seems to be the most stylized of any of them.
Anybody else have any observations on this problem? Is there some crucial failing on the Node or some amazing feature on the Zaber or S4 Mini that I'm overlooking that would really make them worth the added cost? Because, at the moment, while I'd like to get, y'know, a nice case, just, the sheer expense is overwhelming. These cases cost as much as my GPU.
The case will house a 4690k and single-fan 1060 6GB. I'll have to buy a new PSU regardless of which case I get.
Thanks, everyone!