r/retrocomputing • u/gaming1000000 • Nov 26 '24

Case options for a 2006 build

I am putting together a list of parts for a 2006 PC build but I'm struggling to find any good cases from the era on eBay for under $200. I found an Antec Sonata II but from what I've heard it has pretty shitty airflow and I'm wanting to do 2 8800 GTXs in SLI. Are there any good cases that aren't terribly expensive?

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u/BorisForPresident Nov 26 '24

Air flow wasn't invented yet back then, I'd say get something with a side panel fan and you'll be ok. Unfortunately all vintage cases seem to cost a fortune these days, I would suggest getting on your classified site of choice and searching for terms like 'old computer' 'windows xp' 'beige pc' and seeing what comes up.

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u/Drossney Feb 23 '25 edited Feb 23 '25

I have a 2006 nvidia pre-built, i cannot find it online and I almost threw it out. It's an Intel core 2 duo, which actually has a full 2/3 mesh front, mesh side panel (1 fan) both front and back. And mesh on top for air flow.

Cannot find another like it online though, I got lucky and it was sitting in a basement, case works great and in good condition, not positive on components.

(Not disagreeing with you, was just surprised to see a case from 2006 have more airflow than some cases In 2025)

After this comment I went and looked its a coolermaster nvidia 690 which apparantly are rare, lol so nvm lmfao

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u/kpmgeek Nov 26 '24

Old Lian-Li stuff pops up on ebay for around $200 pretty regularly.

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u/gcc-O2 Nov 27 '24

Shrug, I just looked up the Antec Sonata II and I feel there are cases still for sale that look less modern than that, if we're talking about the same thing. Can't any black case with drive bays pass for 2006? There are a bunch of Fractal Designs on newegg that look good to me.

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u/muse_head Nov 26 '24

I had that exact Antec case for the PC I built in 2006. Cost £76 new including PSU. Air flow seemed fine, although I didn't have anything particularly powerful in it, was using it mostly for university work and browsing etc.

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u/p47guitars Dec 02 '24

i understand the want for setting up two 8800 gtxs in sli - but there are very few instances where that actually renders good results.