VOGONS


First post, by Kahenraz

User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t

With the modern craze of glass sides and airflow, I'm having a hard time finding m/ATX cases that have the typical layout 5.25" and 3.5" front panel bays. There are a few cases with an excess of 5.25" bays, but they tend to be very expensive. What happened to all of the cheap computer cases with standard front panel expansion? I feel like I need to start stocking up on NOS cases.

Reply 3 of 12, by The Serpent Rider

User metadata
Rank l33t++
Rank
l33t++

https://www.silverstonetek.com/en/product/inf … hassis/SETA_D1/ (no stupid "vintage" tax)
https://www.coolermaster.com/en-global/produc … asterbox-cm694/

Last edited by The Serpent Rider on 2026-01-23, 23:10. Edited 1 time in total.

I must be some kind of standard: the anonymous gangbanger of the 21st century.

Reply 4 of 12, by Grem Five

User metadata
Rank Member
Rank
Member

Finding cases with only one 5.25 bay isnt to bad, trying to find a case with one 5.25 and one 3.5 bay much less so. Easier to find a case with two 5.25 bays then one with the 5.25 and 3.5 bay combo.

Best way to get a quick look is use pcpartpicker although when you filter most of the cases on the list are models that are no longer for sale. Listings for one 5.25 bay are still the most plentiful. https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#G=1,1 … rt=price&page=1

Fractal seems to still have the most cases that include bays.

Reply 5 of 12, by Shponglefan

User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t

Best inexpensive source for cases with 5.25" and 3.5" bays is probably thrift stores. I've found that empty ATX cases and various cast-off systems from 2000s onward relatively common in thrift shops. Obviously this islocation dependent, but if you have thrift stores locally, I would start scouring them and see what turns up.

For modern cases, Fractal Designs cases are probably the best source for inexpensive + 5.25" drive bays. I bought a number of their Focus G cases over the past few years and a couple Define R5 cases. I use a Define R5 case in my all-in-one Pentium 4 build.

The Silverstone cases (FLP01 and FLP02) are the best for vintage looking with modern features. But they do carry a premium price tag. I am using an FLP01 case in a recent Pentium MMX build and really like it so far. While I wish it had more than just the one 5.25" bay, at least it can accommodate an optical drive.

When the FLP02 case comes available locally, I'll probably grab one of those as well. Just the fact it has 3 full 5.25" bays is amazing in a modern case.

Pentium 4 Multi-OS Build
486 DX4-100 with 6 sound cards
486 DX-33 with 5 sound cards

Reply 6 of 12, by BitWrangler

User metadata
Rank l33t++
Rank
l33t++

There was some cases in the Brampton Value Village when I was down there last weekend. Two of them were nice-ish. I am over capacity by three cases already though. The more local to me thrifts don't seem to be getting PC stuff like they used to.

Though I think it can vary hugely due to canvassing method of the partner charity they buy off, I get called by a couple of them, one asks for "household items, used clothes, electronics, housewares" the other leads with "clothing, books, housewares" guess which one has better "nerd shit"... yeah the first one. If you're looking for a book though, second one... shows up in the store too, 3 rows of books vs 5 rows.

Unicorn herding operations are proceeding, but all the totes of hens teeth and barrels of rocking horse poop give them plenty of hiding spots.

Reply 7 of 12, by Kahenraz

User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t

I used to buy the Antec Sonata series of cases for years, but they have long been discontinued (the last being the Sonata Proto).

Reply 8 of 12, by The Serpent Rider

User metadata
Rank l33t++
Rank
l33t++
Shponglefan wrote on 2026-01-23, 15:01:

When the FLP02 case comes available locally, I'll probably grab one of those as well. Just the fact it has 3 full 5.25" bays is amazing in a modern case.

Like I mentioned before, you can skip this whole retro pandering and buy Seta D1. FLP02 is using the same chassis, but can't be configured for 4 full 5.25 bays like Seta D1.

I must be some kind of standard: the anonymous gangbanger of the 21st century.

Reply 9 of 12, by Kahenraz

User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t

I like th Seta D1, but it's $170 on Amazon.

Reply 10 of 12, by The Serpent Rider

User metadata
Rank l33t++
Rank
l33t++

Honestly, sourcing something like Antec Nine Hundred V3 in good shape for vintage build would be nicer. Good ventilation and cable management without compromising 5.25 bays.

I must be some kind of standard: the anonymous gangbanger of the 21st century.

Reply 11 of 12, by Shponglefan

User metadata
Rank l33t
Rank
l33t
The Serpent Rider wrote on 2026-01-23, 23:04:

Like I mentioned before, you can skip this whole retro pandering and buy Seta D1. FLP02 is using the same chassis, but can't be configured for 4 full 5.25 bays like Seta D1.

In the case of the FLP02, I do want the retro aesthetics.

Pentium 4 Multi-OS Build
486 DX4-100 with 6 sound cards
486 DX-33 with 5 sound cards

Reply 12 of 12, by BitWrangler

User metadata
Rank l33t++
Rank
l33t++

Those chain stores that just clear stuff out every so often at cents on the dollar, no matter what it is.... gotta start bugging them to stock the FLP02... then wait a year for the sale to hit 🤣

Unicorn herding operations are proceeding, but all the totes of hens teeth and barrels of rocking horse poop give them plenty of hiding spots.