1600 af versus 3600 units.
1600 af versus 3600 units.
I own a Mattrexx 30. It looks decent but takes a lot of effort to assemble. I've spent years handling complex cable routing and still found it tough to get everything looking good. For a compact setup, I'd recommend the Masterbox mATX (with PSU shroud) or even the Cougar MG130, which is simpler and still offers a solid mid-tower build with glass fronting.
Features include a 120mm fan on the front and another on the rear.
I quickly went through a video and it looks great overall. The PSU has a sleek design with no grommets but includes nice cable cutouts, plus a spacious area behind the motherboard tray to conceal all the wires. It requires six 120mm fans for optimal cooling. The only question is where the SSD is placed—though I’d go with an M.2 SSD just in case. Just keep the GPU cooler thin enough so the fans don’t get too close to the PSU shroud and won’t work properly.
It's available for $60 at Micro Center nearby. Amazon currently lists it a bit higher, around $72, which feels reasonable for a solid case. I believe it offers performance comparable to the Mattrexx 30 and has excellent support from Lian Li. Regarding the DarkFlash, I checked a build once but found many reviews on Amazon showing damaged units because of bad packaging. It also lacks fans, doesn't include cable grommets, and the PCIe slot covers are basic "breakaway" style.
Aesthetics plays a big role in choosing a DarkFlash, especially because of its varied color options—though they seem limited now. I opted for the Thermaltake S100 instead when my wife needed a white mATX build, as the white 205M model wasn’t available back then. If he doesn’t require the extra speed of the 3600 over the 1600 AF, investing in a better case makes sense. A durable case can withstand multiple upgrades and new builds, and for his first build, a practical design is more important.