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Mods: Sorry if this should be somewhere else. Please move it!
THANKS!
This is a lot to read, so take your time, maybe break it up so you only read and contribute on one section and then take a break.
The sections are: Categories, Requirements, and Bonus Points
I've come up with an idea for a case contest for my channel. The winning case that matches my requirements will become the case I use for my next build.
I've already run it by Tony Ou, the marketing manager at SilverStone in California and he's suggested that I get the entire project done before Thanksgiving, which gives me until about November 15th to find the contact info for as many companies as possible, email the invitations, receive the cases, evaluate each and put up a review, and then the video announcing the winners and maybe overall ranking(?) and for each category. I'm thinking about taking vacation time if necessary to ensure that it gets done if there are a lot of cases. The goal, then, is that I announce the case I'll use for my AMD build, and there'll be a bunch of reviews out, plus the winners and runners up in each category.
I'll allow manufacturers to enter one OR two cases per price category. What do you think?
I've worked out most of the requirements, as well as a list of bonus point things, and I'd like to get your thoughts. I live in the Cincinnati area...
I'm also going to need help getting the word out, if people are okay with that. (looks fearfully at the mods: If this is not an okay message, please tell me and I'll remove it!)
Here are my ideas for categories. Please give me your thoughts. If you have category ideas, let me know. I do realize I'll need to find someone to make the digital seals for me. Not sure what shape I'll use yet.
Categories
Price King (Best Budget), etc.
I'm not familiar with the pricing for cases. I know that a lot of cases are under $100. Tony seemed to suggest that I break those up into two categories, but I'm not sure about that. He also suggested that above $150 or $200 are luxury cases. I don't want to have TOO many categories, because I don't want my entire apartment, which is already crowded, filled up with cases, but I also don't want to discourage any companies that live at just one part of the spectrum.
Case of Cases (or) Ace of Cases
I'm thinking that this'll be the title for the winner in each category. But what about the runner(s) up? "There can be ONLY ONE!"
Beastly Plain Jane
From the outside, it doesn't look like anything interesting but, when you open it up, you realize it's a beast of a case!
Mesh Master
Kinda doesn't need any filtering to figure it out, dust it?
Hidden Gem
One thing that I'd like to focus on, if it's reasonable, is finding cases that are great but not that well-known. "You'd never know it from the looks, but diamonds come from coal."
Modernity
There are tons of cases with older tech, like USB 2.0, and there can be a category for those, but I think going for things that make it more leading edge tech is going to be important. I guess that could include things like lights, fans, hubs, repeaters, included PSUs, but what else? "If it isn't bleeding, it isn't leading!"
Mod Squad Boss
The winner of this award makes it easy to change the case inside and out, but not because it's super flimsy!
Foreign Alien
The most outlandish case to be sent in.
Bespoken Beauty
This case is often spoken about, not just because it's attractive but because it helps you to customize the appearance in more than just a superficial way....Should come with accessories to dress it up.
Oldie But a Goodie
These are the ones that have a lot of old tech but are still decent overall. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." A little bit of a compliment but also a poke at 'em for being behind the times.
Builder's Friend (or) Frustration-Free
These near-mystical cases are the boon of every PC builder because they're just so easy to build in, and it's not because of the size! "Size don't always matter, baby!"
Gorgeous PC
This computer is so beautiful that when you go to look at it, you stop and just look instead of ever using it. Kinda like Narcissus and the lake, except you don't turn into a flower.
Scissored Hands (or) Slicer (or) Blender
The manufacturer forgot that a computer shouldn't resemble Edward Scissorhands. This is a badge of shame!
Blind Man's Bluff
The case looks like it was put together by a person who'd never seen a case before, let alone built one. More shaming!
Shaking Cabinet (or) House of Cards (or) Glass House
A case that is so fragile that you think it'll collapse if you don't tiptoe. This is a badge of shame, too! I can't imagine anyone would voluntarily send a case this bad, but we'll see!
Chiller
The only spare gig I have is an old HP Pavilion that I don't even know if it has standard mounting holes or produces much heat, so I'd need a solution for that or I can't do the testing.
Maximus Mutemus
This should be easy since I've got some really noisy fans I could put in the cases. "Huh? What'd ya say? SPEAK UP, DANGNABIT!"
Mighty Mouse (and?)
If you guessed that this one is for ITX case winner, you're right. Too much? Moooaaarrrrr! What should I call the cases in other sizes? Should it just be ITX, MATX, ATX, and E-ATX, or should I allow for even smaller (and larger?) cases? "Lightning Giant" for the largest category perhaps?
Requirements
These are the requirements in order to be chosen as the case I'll use for my build. It doesn't mean there aren't any winners, just that this is THE winner for my AMD build. Please give me your ideas here, but keep in mind that while I may increase the requirements, and add more, I won't decrease any of them without very good reason, because I'm going to be testing in this case.
The company can submit cases even if they don't expect them to be chosen for my build, because I'm not going to choose anything too small or too big since I'm building an ATX PC and I have limited space. See below for clarifications.
I'm running a dual contest! Unless you specify that something is only for of these two contests, each case will be entered into both.
I will be delighted to provide a certificate for your winning cases if that is desired, and I will provide digital seals winners and runners-up in categories (TBD) that you can use on your website (linked to my review, please), and on your product packaging and marketing material as long as your use does not misrepresent the meaning of the award.
In order for the contest to proceed, I'll need to receive at least 3 cases, otherwise it'll look ridiculous to declare a winner. I'll still announce my choice, though!
Here's what I need. I am realistic about case quality, but I am not concerned with whether it's strong enough to sit on it, as long as it's strong enough to safely contain a PC. I am also concerned about how easily it'll break or fall open/apart with little to no input. You can send me any shape, or physical appearance at all (any color, but I would love to see something different!), as long as it meets the following requirements - I'm sure many of my viewers will be looking closely at appearance, though! Anything you send that is not part of the case should be indicated as as a separate purchase.
General Requirements for ALL entries
Requirements to have your case chosen for my AMD build
If it meets ALL of these requirements, please put a note in/on it so that I know.
Bonus points
If something is a separate purchase from the case, please indicate that it is so that I can tell my audience. Most bonuses apply for both contests.
Soft deadline for submission to the general contest: November 15th.
Hard deadline: November 19th. Videos on the 21st
Past that date, I will still review it, but the general contest will be done.
Soft deadline for the AMD build case contest: January 5th.
Hard deadline: January 10th. Anything received after this date will still be reviewed, but there is no guarantee beyond that.
Conclusion
Crap! That's a wall of text! There you have it. A whole lot of stuff. I may not respond to everything individually. Thanks for your input!
This is a lot to read, so take your time, maybe break it up so you only read and contribute on one section and then take a break.
I've come up with an idea for a case contest for my channel. The winning case that matches my requirements will become the case I use for my next build.
I've already run it by Tony Ou, the marketing manager at SilverStone in California and he's suggested that I get the entire project done before Thanksgiving, which gives me until about November 15th to find the contact info for as many companies as possible, email the invitations, receive the cases, evaluate each and put up a review, and then the video announcing the winners and maybe overall ranking(?) and for each category. I'm thinking about taking vacation time if necessary to ensure that it gets done if there are a lot of cases. The goal, then, is that I announce the case I'll use for my AMD build, and there'll be a bunch of reviews out, plus the winners and runners up in each category.
I'll allow manufacturers to enter one OR two cases per price category. What do you think?
I've worked out most of the requirements, as well as a list of bonus point things, and I'd like to get your thoughts. I live in the Cincinnati area...
I'm also going to need help getting the word out, if people are okay with that. (looks fearfully at the mods: If this is not an okay message, please tell me and I'll remove it!)
Here are my ideas for categories. Please give me your thoughts. If you have category ideas, let me know. I do realize I'll need to find someone to make the digital seals for me. Not sure what shape I'll use yet.
Categories
Price King (Best Budget), etc.
I'm not familiar with the pricing for cases. I know that a lot of cases are under $100. Tony seemed to suggest that I break those up into two categories, but I'm not sure about that. He also suggested that above $150 or $200 are luxury cases. I don't want to have TOO many categories, because I don't want my entire apartment, which is already crowded, filled up with cases, but I also don't want to discourage any companies that live at just one part of the spectrum.
Case of Cases (or) Ace of Cases
I'm thinking that this'll be the title for the winner in each category. But what about the runner(s) up? "There can be ONLY ONE!"
Beastly Plain Jane
From the outside, it doesn't look like anything interesting but, when you open it up, you realize it's a beast of a case!
Mesh Master
Kinda doesn't need any filtering to figure it out, dust it?
Hidden Gem
One thing that I'd like to focus on, if it's reasonable, is finding cases that are great but not that well-known. "You'd never know it from the looks, but diamonds come from coal."
Modernity
There are tons of cases with older tech, like USB 2.0, and there can be a category for those, but I think going for things that make it more leading edge tech is going to be important. I guess that could include things like lights, fans, hubs, repeaters, included PSUs, but what else? "If it isn't bleeding, it isn't leading!"
Mod Squad Boss
The winner of this award makes it easy to change the case inside and out, but not because it's super flimsy!
Foreign Alien
The most outlandish case to be sent in.
Bespoken Beauty
This case is often spoken about, not just because it's attractive but because it helps you to customize the appearance in more than just a superficial way....Should come with accessories to dress it up.
Oldie But a Goodie
These are the ones that have a lot of old tech but are still decent overall. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." A little bit of a compliment but also a poke at 'em for being behind the times.
Builder's Friend (or) Frustration-Free
These near-mystical cases are the boon of every PC builder because they're just so easy to build in, and it's not because of the size! "Size don't always matter, baby!"
Gorgeous PC
This computer is so beautiful that when you go to look at it, you stop and just look instead of ever using it. Kinda like Narcissus and the lake, except you don't turn into a flower.
Scissored Hands (or) Slicer (or) Blender
The manufacturer forgot that a computer shouldn't resemble Edward Scissorhands. This is a badge of shame!
Blind Man's Bluff
The case looks like it was put together by a person who'd never seen a case before, let alone built one. More shaming!
Shaking Cabinet (or) House of Cards (or) Glass House
A case that is so fragile that you think it'll collapse if you don't tiptoe. This is a badge of shame, too! I can't imagine anyone would voluntarily send a case this bad, but we'll see!
Chiller
The only spare gig I have is an old HP Pavilion that I don't even know if it has standard mounting holes or produces much heat, so I'd need a solution for that or I can't do the testing.
Maximus Mutemus
This should be easy since I've got some really noisy fans I could put in the cases. "Huh? What'd ya say? SPEAK UP, DANGNABIT!"
Mighty Mouse (and?)
If you guessed that this one is for ITX case winner, you're right. Too much? Moooaaarrrrr! What should I call the cases in other sizes? Should it just be ITX, MATX, ATX, and E-ATX, or should I allow for even smaller (and larger?) cases? "Lightning Giant" for the largest category perhaps?
Requirements
These are the requirements in order to be chosen as the case I'll use for my build. It doesn't mean there aren't any winners, just that this is THE winner for my AMD build. Please give me your ideas here, but keep in mind that while I may increase the requirements, and add more, I won't decrease any of them without very good reason, because I'm going to be testing in this case.
The company can submit cases even if they don't expect them to be chosen for my build, because I'm not going to choose anything too small or too big since I'm building an ATX PC and I have limited space. See below for clarifications.
I'm running a dual contest! Unless you specify that something is only for of these two contests, each case will be entered into both.
- I am planning to build an AMD PC, so I'm offering the chance to submit an appropriate case. Each manufacturer is welcome to send as many cases as they deem appropriate and that match my build requirements.
- The general case contest will be for all entries, from the smallest to the largest, the plainest to the most astounding, the most inexpensive to the most pricey, and so on! This is your chance to raise awareness about your cases prior to the holiday season!
I will be delighted to provide a certificate for your winning cases if that is desired, and I will provide digital seals winners and runners-up in categories (TBD) that you can use on your website (linked to my review, please), and on your product packaging and marketing material as long as your use does not misrepresent the meaning of the award.
In order for the contest to proceed, I'll need to receive at least 3 cases, otherwise it'll look ridiculous to declare a winner. I'll still announce my choice, though!
Here's what I need. I am realistic about case quality, but I am not concerned with whether it's strong enough to sit on it, as long as it's strong enough to safely contain a PC. I am also concerned about how easily it'll break or fall open/apart with little to no input. You can send me any shape, or physical appearance at all (any color, but I would love to see something different!), as long as it meets the following requirements - I'm sure many of my viewers will be looking closely at appearance, though! Anything you send that is not part of the case should be indicated as as a separate purchase.
General Requirements for ALL entries
- Contact person's name, email and phone number.
- Good cases only - please don't embarrass your company. I am very honest and forthright about products. If I make a mistake, I will apologize, though.
- Won't fall apart by being nudged. If this happens, I will issue a special negative seal.
- Well packaged so that it doesn't get damaged in transit, especially if you're sending it through Amazon. If it arrives damaged, I will give you the option to replace it if there's time, otherwise I'll have to use it as is. If it appears that it wasn't packaged well enough, that will be pointed out, as will also happen if the case was handle by abusive and careless people.
- No sharp edges. If this happens, I will issue a special negative seal.
- You really hope that it'll sell out during the holiday season.
- Must reach me before November 15th. After that date, I cannot guarantee entry because I have to have my contest videos done and posted before Nov. 21st. I would prefer to have the review videos done by that time but, at the latest, before Black Friday itself to maximize results for your company.
- Any size, any price. Categories to be announced, but they will likely include price, size, appearance, customizability, mod-friendly, ease of building in, features, thermal performance, noise profile, completeness, and so on.
- If there are particular aspects of cases that reviewers often overlook, please let me know so that I cover them.
- If you only want it to be considered for the general contest or the AMD build case contest, please specify.
- Appearance is not important to me - only the buyers know what they want.
- I recommend sending cases for kids, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors, and/or a mixture of flamboyant, kiddie and elegant cases.This is your chance to have your cases shine against competitors, so choose wisely!
- Items that must be separately purchased must be marked as such and NOT attached to the case. They will be shown but not used for evaluation in the general contest. I encourage you to send them to entice customers!
Requirements to have your case chosen for my AMD build
If it meets ALL of these requirements, please put a note in/on it so that I know.
- compatible with ATX mobo (additional sizes are fine);
- Similar in size to the Corsair 5000X Height +10mm/-0 not including feet
- >=2 USB 3.2 gen 2 type A and >=1 3.2 gen 2 type C on the I/O panel, plus power, reset and sound jack
- air cooler height >=200mm
- GC length >= 340mm
- Can accept a front-mounted 360mm radiator of any thickness (reference: LF3 38mm, Hyte Thicc Q60: 52mm, plus fans), which means about 92mm of space (max dimensions: 400x120x92). This is rare, and important for my testing.
- airflow from front to back and/or back to front
- good thermals
- Add-ons and cosmetics allowed, but must be indicated as extra if it will be in the general contest, too, and should not be attached so that I can review the stock case first and then attach them for the AMD build case contest. You may contact me with photos to ask if something appeals to me aesthetically.
Bonus points
If something is a separate purchase from the case, please indicate that it is so that I can tell my audience. Most bonuses apply for both contests.
- hub(s) for PWM, ARGB and/or RGB devices (each, combined or separate)
- quadruple bonus for PWM, ARGB and RGB hub(s) that use standard connectors (i.e. 3-pin or 4-pin PWM but NOT Molex-D unless combined with the aforementioned, and standard 4-1 pin ARGB (5V) and 4-pin RGB (12V)
- PWM, ARGB and RGB hub(s) that are not proprietary but not standard
- triple bonus for controllers with independent control for each fan instead of hubs
- septuple bonus if the controller also has a display, thermal sensors and controls for other aspects
- minus double points for only Molex-D or SATA power connectors
- quintuple bonus if the hubs/controllers don't require proprietary software
- minus triple points for proprietary connectors
- minus double points for non-standard connectors
- full mesh
- double bonus for covers for unused front I/O ports
- quadruple bonus for USB 3.2 gen 2 type A & C hub
- double bonus for USB 3.2 gen 2 type A hub
- triple bonus for USB 3.2 gen 2 type C hub
- all USB 3.x ports on the front I/O (i.e. no USB 1 or 2)
- minus triple points if there are NO USB 3.0 ports
- double bonus if there are more than 3 ports of type A
- triple bonus if there is more than 1 port of type B
- double bonus if all USB ports are gen 2
- double bonus if all USB ports are 3.2
- quadruple bonus if there are more than 4 3.2 gen 2 type A
- quadruple bonus if there are more than 2 3.2 gen 2 type C
- overall ease of working in
- quadruple points if it weighs less than the average weight for its size but is still reasonably sturdy
- GC anti-sag support
- double bonus for more than minimal "breathing" space for a vertically mounted GC
- minus quintuple bonus for insufficient breathing space
- minus triple bonus if the GC blows hot air into the CPU area
- quadruple bonus if the GC exhausts the hot air out
- quadruple vertical GC mount that actually makes it truly vertical (standing)
- both mic and headset jacks on I/O panel
- double bonus if there is space on the rad for 30mm fans
- quadruple bonus if there is space on the rad for 38mm fans
- quintuple bonus for modularity
- sextuple bonus for true, reconfigurable modularity
- triple bonus each for dedicated air channel for GC or CPU (each)
- double bonus for bottom to top airflow
- double bonus for fan and AIO side-mounting in addition to the front
- double bonus if a fan can be mounted on either side of the
- double bonus for being able to hold larger than 120mm fans
- unusual fan mounting positions (e.g. over the slots)
- triple bonus for fan mounting positions on the sides to cool the CPU and/or GC (each)
- double bonus for ease of mounting fans/rad in any position
- octuple bonus for external mounting options for fans/rads
- backside connections mobo compatible
- good, low air resistance dust filters on all intake positions that are removable/moveable
- nonuple bonus points for a reasonable price
- triple bonus for complete specs
- double bonus for instructions that are actually easy to follow
- triple bonus for instructions that are complete
- triple bonus if the BIOS instructions are complete
- similar size (or larger) to Corsair 5000X
- adjustability of storage cages
- removable storage cases for ease of mounting and for making space
- space for PS both in front of it and to the side (for SHIFT style)
- sensible cable management that doesn't make it difficult to close the case
- triple bonus for 2 or more swappable panel types (e.g. mesh, glass, metal, acrylic) provided by default (single if it's purchasable)
- double bonus for removable mobo tray
- triple if it's easy to remove
- quadruple bonus if mobo and other trays are ALL removable
- captive thumb-screws
- double bonus for truly toolless assembly
- >=50% toolless assembly
- special connector solution in hard-to-reach spots (e.g. under-the-case connectors for a PS compartment storage cage)
- possible aesthetics points
- triple bonus for removable top
- triple bonus for removable front face for better access
- minus triple bonus if it is quite difficult to assemble or work in (each)
- minus quintuple bonus if it is extremely difficult to assemble or work in (each
- double bonus for attention to details
Soft deadline for submission to the general contest: November 15th.
Hard deadline: November 19th. Videos on the 21st
Past that date, I will still review it, but the general contest will be done.
Soft deadline for the AMD build case contest: January 5th.
Hard deadline: January 10th. Anything received after this date will still be reviewed, but there is no guarantee beyond that.
Conclusion
Crap! That's a wall of text! There you have it. A whole lot of stuff. I may not respond to everything individually. Thanks for your input!
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