What should I look for in buying a case besides having intake and exhaust fans?

http://www.systemcooling.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1692 http://www.systemcooling.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1630 They both have intake and exhaust, and I believe they are both good. Yet, they are very much different.

1. Material that they're made out of (plastic, metal, etc.) 2. size (full tower, mid tower, etc) 3. Accessories (front usb/firewire/audio ports) 4. Buttons/gadgets (sleep button, etc.) 5. Locks/chassis intrusion system (if your mobo supports it and you want it) 6. Enough bays to hold your drives, etc... 7. Aesthetics/looks

First, look for unrestricted intake and exhaust grilles and metal stampings. First and foremost you gotta get air in and out of your new case. Try for a case with a front air inlet. Many are made today to act like a vacuum cleaner by intaking air from under the case. You need a good case and not a vacuum cleaner. Many of these bottom slots are also blocked by front panel audio, USB, and FireWire connectors and cables. After you feel good about the cases ability to let air in and out, the rest is up to you. Look for interior photos if you're shopping online and take a look inside if you're going to buy from a local shop. Skip

What about a blowhole on top. Is it necessary if the casing already has 2 intake, 2 exhaust (back)and one from the power supply?

Blowholes in the top are ok if the case happens to come with one but I wouldn't go to any great lengths to get one. My case has one with louvers so small dust cant get through. In other words, pretty much useless. If I were using a top blowhole, I'd run the fan on +5vdc instead of the normal +12 volts. Just enough to move a bit of air and be dead silent. It's likely that the 2 80mm intake and one 80mm exhaust working with the power supply fan will do the job. Skip

I like to have removable motherboard trays.