On 2019-09-18 11:51 p.m., William Park via talk wrote:

I built all of my computers, last one being a basic i3-4170.  There is
one part that I was never satisfied with, and that is "computer case".
Selections at Canada Computers and Newegg are disappointing.  If you
were building a full-tower computer, which case would you buy?  And
where?

I just build a graphics workstation recently and used the Fractal Design Define R6:

https://www.newegg.ca/black-fractal-design-define-r6-atx-mid-tower/p/N82E16811352091?Description=frectal%20design%20r6&cm_re=frectal_design_r6-_-11-352-091-_-Product

I don't know where the cutoff between "Full tower" and "mid tower is" but this case is pretty big. It can fit most long video cards and tall CPU coolers.

My needs were:

1. Low noise. This case has integrated sound dampening (bitumen infused foam)
2. Room for 185mm cooler.
3. Mounts for 4 - 3.5" hard drives. This case has trays for 6
4. No windows - no LEDs except for Power/HDD. All my builds are plain black cases.
5. Top mounted USB slots, because the case is under a desk and I need to see the slots
6. Front panel USB C. A want not a need, (thinking of future proofing)

The integral sound dampening attenuates mainly low frequency noise (spinning hard drives etc.) The high frequency noise from fans and airflow can be reduced by choosing large fans, which can move the same air as smaller fans at lower speeds. The R6 comes with 2 - 140mm fans (2 front intake 1 rear exhaust). I was a bit leery of not being able to pick my own fans but the supplied fans turned out to be pretty good. The CPU cooler I chose is the Noctua NH-U14S: https://www.newegg.ca/p/N82E16835608041?Item=9SIAB984BD8391 which comes with a 140mm fan. In normal operation the 4 fans all spin at about 600rpm (nearly silent)

Overall I am very pleased with the result. The case was one of the trickiest components to choose, mainly because it has to accommodate all the other previously made choices.

My only real disappointment was not with the case, but the Mobo. The board specs claimed USB C support, and it does, but only on the back. To connect the cable from the front USB C slot to the Mobo I will need an adapter to connect to the USB 3.0 20Pin header on the board (about $30 on eBay). I won't do this until I have something that plugs into USB C.

I paid $200 not the $220 Newegg is asking for this case now. A bit more than I was planning to spend on a case but features such as lots of drive slots and the sound dampening add to the cost.