Picking a new case

Hey everyone, I'm on the hunt for a decent, standard case in the $60 range. Ideally, I'd love something that actually has space for two 80mm fans.

In that same ballpark, you’ve got the BB Zalmani options: Z3+ & R1. Honestly, don't even bother looking at extra fans—especially those tiny 80mm ones—since you're already getting 3 or 4 pre-installed 120mm fans right out of the box.

Hi there, I'm looking for some case recommendations within a $167 budget. Right now, my top pick is the Thermaltake Versa H35, but I was wondering if anyone knows of anything better out there. Thanks!

Hmm. Is the $167 Zalman Z3 ($100) still considered a top-tier Best Buy? I was also looking at something similar, maybe a Cooler Master Deathclaw
.
https://www.newegg.com/cooler-master-deathclaw-case/p/N1E2

Over at Micro Center, the Cooler Master Aviator and Octagon models caught my eye too, though I'm not entirely sure if they're worth the extra premium.

If you want to step up a couple of classes above all those, you really can't beat the Fractal Design Define R4 (but you'll have to check $200 for that)

I've got a Zalman on my shortlist as well, though I'm still a bit undecided. What's your take on this Thermaltake model? I'm leaning toward it because it supports liquid cooling, it's modular, and it actually looks like there's plenty of room inside. I don't see myself swapping out my case anytime soon, so I'd rather just pick something meant for the long haul.

Most decent cases these days come with dedicated liquid cooling mounts. Honestly, space is tight; you won't be able to squeeze an air cooler like a hyper 212 in there.

CPU cooler height limitation:
155mm
VGA length limitation:
278mm(with HDD rack)

+ It’s pretty pricey, and you only get two pre-installed fans (whereas the Z3 + and Deathclaw both pack three). It’s not much of a bargain. Plus, plenty of people complain about the build quality and thin materials used by Thermaltake.

I might end up going with Zalman after all. I’m planning on picking up a Zalman mouse and keyboard anyway, so I might as well keep everything in the same brand family. I wonder if it would be worth stepping up to the Zalman Z9 neo, though? It comes with five pre-installed fans and seems to offer better cable management and enough clearance for a 420mm GPU. The price gap is $50 compared to the Z3 + (the white version).

Also, is it safe to order from Playac? I haven't used their online shop before, but their prices look pretty decent... so now I'm just not sure.

Personally, I don't think the price difference is worth it. If that's the case, I'd honestly rather just save up a bit longer until I can grab the Fractal R4.
I haven't heard anything about that shop.

edit

The link you shared shows some pretty decent cases too, specifically up to $167 (brands like NZXT, Corsair, or Cooler Master).

Thanks for the suggestion.