Have you considered the time and cost of adding the additional cooking fans to the Shinobi[?]
"The Antec 300 was our previous favourite but, thanks to better design, cooling options and versatility; this is now the case to buy if you want quality without breaking the bank."
PC Pro - August 05, 2011
If me I would choose the windowless version and cooling fans without LEDs.
NB: Off to check your other topic now
Yes, I was actually looking at Newegg's prices for adding additional fans and I'd be willing to take the time and extra coin to make sure the case is properly vented...and perhaps get a neat fan controller too.
Hmm, that quote is interesting. I always thought the 300 would have more/better cooling options. (though they could be talking about the number of fan placements rather than actual airflow etc.)
I'm also in the same boat as you, the windowless model appeals more to me just because I'm not really partial to windowed systems as I don't really see the point save for perhaps checking to see when it needs internal cleaning. The windowless one looks more elegant in my opinion and with the addition of a few fans I think it would work very well and look good doing it. I figured if I went with the windowless Shinobi I would purchase these and not worry about a bottom fan. I find it odd that the windowed version comes with more fans by default but I don't consider it to be a huge issue. Alternatively I'd buy that aforementioned fan set as well as two 14cm fans to go on top, that way I'd have fans for all placements plus one extra since the rear fan is already installed.
I also read an announcement by BitFenix (though I can't remember what website it was on) that they're going to be upgrading the I/O panels on a few chassis in the product line to come with USB 3.0; so instead of four USB 2.0 ports, it would have two 2.0 and two 3.0. The Shinobi was on the list of cases to receive this upgrade but its product page does not yet reflect this change. If I go with the Shinobi (which currently is most likely given how much I'm talking about it XD) I'll probably contact BitFenix to make sure that the upgrade has already been made so that the unit I order will have it.
Edited by Roentijen, 08 April 2012 - 05:23 PM.