Smallest Case for ATX Mobo
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Devonavar
Smallest Case for ATX Mobo
I am building a new HTPC. I have a MicroFly that would suffice but it uses mATX mobo. I would prefer to build with a full size ATX mobo which gives me more choices. BUT I want the HTPC to fit in my TV cabinet and NOT cost an arm and a leg for fancy front panels, etc and, of course, must also be QUIET.
Any recommendations?
Any recommendations?
The Lian-Li PC-A05 is the smallest full ATX case I'm familiar with. The black version is currently ~$80 US at newegg.
That said, it's not:
That said, it's not:
- - a great case for silent computing out of the box
- - a typical HTPC form factor
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I've got a Silverstone LC02 (380wx100hx295d). It's tiny, takes a full ATX and fits in great with my stereo components, but not the best in terms of cooling. I'm using a picopsu, notebook HD, older sempron CPU and a 9600LE video card, plus an external USB tuner. I tried a passive 9550 and a 6600 with a zalman cooler, but it overheats If you go this route I'd strongly recommend you REALLY do your research and choose very cool running components.
These previous threads may be of interest:
• What is the smallest case that takes ATX PSU ?
• Smallest case fitting a full size ATX Motherboard and PSU ?
• Looking for smallest Full ATX case
Unfortunately, compromises are inevitable and they're not going to help in terms of cost, heat or noise.
• What is the smallest case that takes ATX PSU ?
• Smallest case fitting a full size ATX Motherboard and PSU ?
• Looking for smallest Full ATX case
Very interesting. This case (140mm × 440mm × 370mm) is also interesting, though the space-saving placement of the PSU could create heat problems and/or damage the motherboard. I considered Antec's Overture II horizontal media case (432mm × 133mm × 489mm), but the reports weren't too positive and it requires a custom PSU.mimwdv wrote:I've got a Silverstone LC02 (380wx100hx295d).
Unfortunately, compromises are inevitable and they're not going to help in terms of cost, heat or noise.
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- Joined: Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:53 am
Uhhhh... why did you link to a review of the NSK2400 when you're talking about the Overture II? They are VERY different cases...HueyCobra wrote:horizontal
Aye, that they are. However, the first paragraph of the review contains a pertinent statement about the noise/cooling characteristics of horizontal media PC cases and mentions the Overture II by name.
Mike Chin with Devon Cooke wrote:Like most case makers, Antec now offers several horizontal PC cases in their lineup, including the fairly large Overture II and the smaller Minuet II. We have examined these in the past but found them average for noise or cooling. This is a common problem with all the horizontal media PC cases we've seen, examined or reviewed thus far. They are not great for cooling or low noise; usually both are problems.
I think I found the Right One for me
After much research on this and AVS forums, I decided to go with someone's recommendation. Silverstone LC13. It was a little more expensive that I wanted to pay but it sits in the main room and the better half had something to say about its looks.
I hope to be able to keep it cool and quiet with all the things I learned here.
Thanks to all.
I hope to be able to keep it cool and quiet with all the things I learned here.
Thanks to all.
Re: I think I found the Right One for me
Good luck, treker. If you have the time please let us know your progress with the LC13.
For those interested in the Silverstone LC13 case...
The Egg delivered fast, as usual.
PRO: Very heavy steel with aluminum front panel. High quality was evident through out. Nice rounded edges. Long cables with ferrite core for interference dampening. Front drop down panel uses cam gearing. Fast customer support for question.
CON: Lateral Bar support front to back (non removable) is directly over the cpu which SEVERELY limits your choice of HSF. No tower here! I had to use Zalman 7000 low profile. LOUD 80mm front fan with severe air restriction. Medium noisy rear dual 60mm fans. No RESET button! Very bright blue LEDs.
Removable cover is painted in a very soft finish, easily scratched.
I returned the LC13, incurring the 15% penalty and hefty shipping charges. It just wasn't worth keeping. Overall, I am disappointed. The rear fans, restricted front air movement, no hsf tower allowed, scratched cover...
Just not what I wanted in a HTPC case.
The Egg delivered fast, as usual.
PRO: Very heavy steel with aluminum front panel. High quality was evident through out. Nice rounded edges. Long cables with ferrite core for interference dampening. Front drop down panel uses cam gearing. Fast customer support for question.
CON: Lateral Bar support front to back (non removable) is directly over the cpu which SEVERELY limits your choice of HSF. No tower here! I had to use Zalman 7000 low profile. LOUD 80mm front fan with severe air restriction. Medium noisy rear dual 60mm fans. No RESET button! Very bright blue LEDs.
Removable cover is painted in a very soft finish, easily scratched.
I returned the LC13, incurring the 15% penalty and hefty shipping charges. It just wasn't worth keeping. Overall, I am disappointed. The rear fans, restricted front air movement, no hsf tower allowed, scratched cover...
Just not what I wanted in a HTPC case.