lorax - 4:58 pm on Nov 13, 2004 (gmt 0)

After a bit more research (actually a lot more research) I ended up going with an above average case: the Antec P160. Reasons for choosing this case were largely based upon user reviews touting the excellent air flow cooling and case quality and features - like sideways mounted 3.5" bays right smack in front of the air intake offering easy installations, places cable out of the airflow stream, and puts the drives themselves right in the airflow stream.

The case, combined with an antec SL350 PSU (dual 80mm fans - also very quiet) ran about twice as much as I wanted to spend but all in all I think it was the right decision. A little extra $ for better quality and longevity for the components.