A common question I am asked is what computer to buy. I don’t know your needs, your budget and definitely not the thousands of pre-built computers available. So this is a question that I simply can’t answer for you. One thing I can tell you is that you’ll often find the best computer is the one you assemble yourself and it isn’t that difficult if you can handle a screwdriver.

One of the first decisions you need to make is the case to choose. Price and looks certainly play a part in this decision. You’ll want a case sized appropriate for the components you need. What isn’t always as obvious is a case that is well laid out, provides good ventilation and does this with minimal noise. The wrong case can make your office sound like a wind tunnel!

At right is the Thermaltake New Soprano case in black. It sells for around $140 so it isn’t too expensive for what it provides. I think it looks pretty good and best of all is that it runs really quiet!

It is a mid-tower case which means it isn’t massive, but it also isn’t the smallest case available. You can still pack a lot into the case as it has four drive bays as well as four slots for 5.25″ devices (think DVD and Bluray drives). You don’t see those in the image shown as there is a front door you can open to access them.

For those who want a color other than black, the case is also available as the Thermaltake New Soprano Snow Edition shown at left. It has all the same features, just a different color scheme.

No matter which color you choose, either case would make a great starting point for your next computer. Which one do you prefer?