Thermaltake Xaser Armor or NZXT Lexa?

I've narrowed down my from my original choices, which included the Aspire X-Navigator and the Antec P180. I was seriously considering the P180 until I heard about all of the warping problems it had. I've also concluded that the X-Navigator is just too overpriced, especially for the sub-par build of the case. Alright, I can get the NZXT Lexa for $124.99/$20 MIR/$12.99 Shipping ,totalling at $117.98 and I can get the Thermaltake Armor for $139.99/$25 MIR/$23.00 Shipping, totalling at $137.99. Cooling is more important to me than noise. Plus, I'll be switching out all of the stock fans anyway.

I use an office desk to put all of my computer equipment on. Though, I'm not too sure it'd be sturdy enough for the Armor, so, I'd likely just place it on the floor. The Lexa on the other handle shouldn't be a problem. I just want to know the major quality/performance issues between the two. Also, if you are to suggest another case, Make sure it's not more than $150 with shipping and everything. Looking foward to your opinions.

/bump

Would like to know if any one else has any opinions or experiences about the LEXA - mainly is there anything I need to be wary of when installing the kit within.

I know you said you've narrowed it down but you really should consider the Akasa Eclipse, cooling is second only to the P180 if not better, ease of installation is a dream as the motherboard try is removable and it doesn't come with any fans but you said you'd be replacing them anyway.

Apart from that I can't say anything about any other case because I wouldn't even consider them after using the Eclipse

Another vote for the Eclipse here

Personally, I love my wavemaster. I know a lot of ppl don't (8cm fans are a drawback but that can be overcome) and you either love the look or you don't - but I love a big slab of brushed aluminium so I wouldn't change it.

However I did look at the NZXT Lexa for a machine I put together for a customer recently and I didn't like it (neither did he, he went for something else instead). The front panel looks like metal but it's not, close up and "in the flesh" it looks pretty cheap and plasticy - being plastic and all... The internal layout and whatnot looked pretty good tho so I'm sure it would perform just fine for an air-cooled rig.

Personally I think the Thermaltake case is ugly with a capital UG. Other than in pics I haven't seen or used one so I couldn't say what it's like for features, cooling abilities etc. but I'd have thought it would have a slight edge on the NZXT. I'd really rather have a plain beige box than the Armor tho, sorry! Just my opinion tho, I know some people like it and that's cool, just not to my taste.

EDIT: Sorry, meant to say I've used an Eclipse for someone else and it is a great case. Just wish they made an all aluminium version, i'd be tempted to look at that :)

yes i also think the nzxt is a bit plastacky but i really like the armour but i think i am going to have to go with the others and say the eclipse is far superior in all aspects so much so that i am going to get one soon!:mrgreen: