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Case Conundrums

Hi folks-long-time reader and love the mag. I have a Maingear Shift PC that’s getting long in the tooth (seven-year-old Haswell processor, one panel doesn’t stay in). I’m looking into building a new PC. One minor question, and don’t laugh: My PC sits between my desk and sofa, and because of the height of the PC, it’s a fantastic drink-holder as the height is exactly the same level as the arm on my sofa. Is there an equivalent-sized new case that’s easy to build in that you would recommend? The sharp edges of the Shift were another detriment, although it looks great-thanks!

Jerry

EDITOR ZAK STOREY RESPONDS: This is a tough one, actually more because the dimensions are incredibly difficult to source. We’ve found a review from Tom’s Guide back in 2014 for the Maingear Shift that seems to be the only place that lists the case’s height. And even then they’ve failed to list in which order those dimensions are measured, so we’re assuming that it’s 24 inches tall. It’s a bit problematic as there’s a ton of full towers but some are much taller than that, others much shorter, and some have bizarre top-panel design features, which are a bit annoying if you’re trying to keep a drink on there. One of the closest we can find to that height is be quiet!’s Dark Base Pro 900, but it comes in just slightly shorter at 23 inches.

What I might be more tempted to recommend is that you build some sort of small plinth for your PC out of a few off-cuts of wood, or something along those lines.