4U Short Depth as HTPC Case?

[crashtech]

I was looking to upsize my HTPC case, now having enough room for something similar my RX-V1600, and suddenly realized it's close to the same size as a short 4U case like this*. Has anybody done this? Anything to watch out for?

*I don't think I'll get that particular one, it's just an example.

 

[Zap]

You can get even shorter with a case like the Silverstone GD04/GD05/GD06.

 

[watdaflip]

You know, that had never crossed my mind to do that.. I'll have to look into doing the same.

Looks like it'll fix ATX and mATX so you should be covered there, and from the picture looks like a standard PSU will fit. I'd imagine the only problem you might have is heat depending on where you are putting it.

 

[crashtech]

I think it would be nice to open up some other options. While the Silverstone cases are pretty nice, I have occasionally come across some retired server stuff that is pretty stout and really inexpensive.

 

[tracerbullet]

IMO an HTPC sits w/ the rest of your A/V equipment, in plain sight, and should look good. Generally speaking that's an HTPC case. Sure others would work, I think the question is how will they look.

Generally I'm all about function > appearance, but for something like this IMO the appearance thing gets a lot more weight than normal.

 

[Vertaxis]

The stocks fans in rack chassis tend to be loud. Be prepared to change out the fans.

 

[crashtech]

I like the industrial look of some of the 4U chassis I see. Tastes vary, but I can't see it attracting to much attention, especially if it has a door as most do. As I browse and compare it sometimes looks to me like some HTPC cases are just modified versions of their server cousins. And yeah, it's a given that most server fans are way too loud, but I usually change out the cheap fans that come with the average case anyway.

 

[piasabird]

Here is an interesting case on this website. Not too fancy.
http://www.idotpc.com/TheStore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=450&idcategory=151