Plexiglass Cases

[captaincurran]

I went to a local computer store, they had one of those plexiglass cases in the window. I of course asked how much they were and the guy said it wasn't worth it to buy. Apparently they are not solid enough to use good. I was just wondering if the guy didn't put it together right or if all plexiglass cases were bad. So those of you guys with the plexiglass cases out there, are they good? or bad?

[MONKEYMAN]

I used to have one made by sunbeam, havent seen them around anymore but mine was fairly sturdy, the only weak point was around the front near the drive bays. Plenty strong enough overall though.

[Gizmo]

As long as it is made out of 1/4" plexi, it should be reasonably strong. I have seen some made with 1/8" plexi, and I would tend to think that those would be a disaster waiting to happen. However, I have no personal experience with either.

[calgar]

i dont have any personal experience with them, however the only problem i have heard anyone say about them is that finger marks and any slight amount of dust ruin the look

[Got EpOx]

A smear would show up too easily, you would forever be cleaning it.

[chrisbard]

Originally Posted by Got EpOx

A smear would show up too easily, you would forever be cleaning it.

1. They are ok, solid
2. Any particle of dust is visible
3. They are quiet because will not vibrate as the metal ones
4. Clean it once a week
5. If bad design the cleaning could take one to two hours

[Got EpOx]

If you can put up with the cleaning and the visible dust particles then you are truly worthy of a plexiglass case.

[aghastpumpkin]

I disagree. They are far too brittle. If you mean plexiglass as in acrylic, then it is a very brittle plastic. It is also a thermoplastic, so if you have a couple of raptors or ltos of stuff the plastic may soften slightly.

[Got EpOx]

I disagree. They are far too brittle. If you mean plexiglass as in acrylic, then it is a very brittle plastic. It is also a thermoplastic, so if you have a couple of raptors or ltos of stuff the plastic may soften slightly.

I suppose you're right aghastpumpkin, But who would use a plexiglass case if they soften slightly under high thermal conditions, imagine a SLI setup and a couple of raptors in there. If you are gonna put a simple computer in a plexiglass case then by all means do it. For high performance pc's always go for a case which offers good air ventilation and sturdiness when being transported etc.

[aghastpumpkin]

I have the unfortunate habit of buying sexy items that I am constantly cleaning. My AG Neovo E-17 has a optical filter that shows up every smudge, and my Aigo F660 has a mirrored OLED display that also shows up every smudge! It's bad enough with just these, I think an acrylic case would be even worse!
I think they were more of a FAD then anyhting else. I do not see them much anymore, and do not know anyone who wants one. They have the subtlety and style of a slap in the face with a wet fish, by your girlfriend wearing a toutou.
And also the practical reasons I outlined earlier. You say people wouldn't put anything that powerful in one anyway, but why show off a AMD 2000 with 128 of Ram, a single HDD and a MX4400 graphics card?
A pleixglass case is there to show off your powerful new rig.

[Got EpOx]

Yeah i suppose you're right.

[Skiracing108]

i have plexiglass it is flexible but i got really pissed of and punched it and it didnt dent or crack or anything so go for it and you can see all the components inside so it looks cool

[radcon56]

Mine is much more quiet with less vibration and/or humming and an added bonus was that the case came with taller standoffs so the board sits higher and stays cooler.
Another nice touch was the included gloves to minimize prints during setup.It is not a case that you want to open and close alot though.You build and then leave it alone.

[skool h8r]

I really don't like the look of plexiglass cases, they seem to have a light green tinge to them. Thy are sturdy by the looks of them though. But yeah, they were just a fad and aren't that popular these days.

[cloasters]

And what about a proper electrical ground? Do folks wire all the components together with ground straps which run to a good ground? Been wondering about this for a while.

[radcon56]

I haven't wondered about that at all. Good point.

[Wildfir3]

Originally Posted by cloasters

And what about a proper electrical ground? Do folks wire all the components together with ground straps which run to a good ground? Been wondering about this for a while.

but if the MB is earthed via the psu then shurley everthing is earthed as its conected to the MB or the PSU anyway

Had a perspex/acrylic case for about six months, its not brittle at all actually its seems to bend a tiny bit. the case i have is unlike other i have seen as its supported by aluminium cross beams and as such is very sturdy. I just clean my case with "Pledge" its an antistatic furniture cleaner about one a month, give a really high shine and stops fingerprints showing up so bad