A good desktop case for an entertainment center?

robilium

Member
Feb 19, 2001
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Hey guys,

I am looking into putting a DVD player into my entertainment center.
Currently consisting of Wega 32", Yamaha reciever, digital cable, Boston Accoustics VRS dipole rears, VR towers fronts and a VR center.

However, I would rather do a cheap system for near the price of a decent DVD player. That way i could use it to play MP3s, DVDs, Games etc. I have WiFi in the crib, and was thinking of doing the following:

MSI nForce 420d = TV-Out, and s/pdif
USR Wireless PCI = Network connectivity
Plus some quiet fans and cpu, ram etc.

However, I am having trouble finding a nice case :(
All the desktop computers are white it seems. I found one charcoal one from Directron, but I am not sold on it.
I know there are also the nice shuttle barebones, but those are more of a tower computer and wouldnt look good in my entertainment center. Plus the suttles are a little pricey. The pricey factor goes for the coolermaster too.

So anyone got any good recommendations for a case, besides these three?

Newegg cooler master atc 600
Directron black desktop

Thanks guys!
 

Mattster

Senior member
Nov 5, 1999
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Check out the CoolerMaster ATC-600. Looks to be a very nice case for what you want to do, but it may be a little hard to find. I have looked around a little bit, but haven't had too much luck. And probably not going to be cheap either, since its aluminum and acrylic.

Matt
 

kluge

Member
Jun 16, 2002
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The Coolmaster ATC-600 is a hell of a lot for a case, but if you can afford it I think it would work really well for your system (and any system for that matter). Go for it. But as you ask for a recommendation besides those that you mention, I'd also check out the Lian-Li cases.
 

robilium

Member
Feb 19, 2001
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I like the cooler master case, but i must say at 215$ it would cost more than the components.

the colorcases case looks good too. It is cheap, but gets pricey quick becuase it doesnt include a power supply and the shipping is high.

Anyone ever use the colorcase one?
 

FenrisUlf

Senior member
Nov 28, 2001
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I use this one for my DVD/CD/DIVX player. It has built in network and composite and S-video out. I painted it all black except the grey faceplate and it blends right in with the rest of the stereo components. The case/mobo is a bit more expensive, but I think it's worth it for the compactness and full range of features. I also bought a remote IR keyboard/mouse combo. I took out the IR reciever in the case and replaced it with the one from the KB/mouse so now I have an integrated soloution. Also, this MB can take a Tualatin celeron - fairly low heat and more than enough performance for DVD/DIVX. I also installed a card fan and a SoundBlaster Live 5.1 in the two PCI slots. This keeps the system cool and gives me coax digital out (and I built an additional optical digital out for about $3, PM me if you need details). Now all I have to do is to teach my multifunction remote the IR signals for the keyboard shortcuts and I'm done.
 

Morph

Banned
Oct 14, 1999
747
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Well I've been wanting to build something like this for a while but haven't taken the plunge yet. IMHO if you're going to build something to fit into and look good with your entertainment center, it should be small and slim. Something like this case would be cool: Text (unfortunately I have no idea where to buy that case)

Only problem is you need a micro atx motherboard and low-profile cards. I think that would eliminate the MSI nforce board. Actually, assuming you wanted to go small and slim, the best motherboard might be the upcoming ATI IGP-320 based motherboards with built-in tv-out. You get onboard Radeon-class graphics with the excellent ATI tv-out functionality, and there are boards available for both Athlon and P4. Take a look at the ones at Sapphiretech.com for an example.
 

schizoid

Banned
May 27, 2000
2,207
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Funny you should mention this. I've posted quite a few times asking for the same thing, with little response. For me, I want just a dedicated MP3 player (I have a DVD player and don't watch any TV, so I don't need PVR stuff).

(I also think it's cool that I have the same BA setup you do. I have the Lynfield 960's or something...the one's with the 8" 80-watt driver in the towers....All run through a Denon 3801. I'm sure yours is just as nice....)

So, my research has found me the following:

There's this, which is cheap.

Then there is this. If you unwrap the link the guy (his AIM is listen) was VERY helpful and pointed to me where that case can be obtained. (it might be this, which is VERY nice.

There is, of course, the Coolermaster. The problem with that is, the silver one seems to look a lot better than the black one, and I want black (since the rest of my components are black).

Another possible option, is a simple 2U 19" rack mount case. Again, these are expensive, and limit the amount of add-on cards you can have, but they usually look pretty clean (and are black).

Then, if you want the king of all of them, there is this.

The point is, to REALLY do this right, it's going to be around $250, without the PS.

Honestly, what you just read is probably the best HTPC Case primer availible right now. So, there you go!
 

robilium

Member
Feb 19, 2001
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Woah!

You guys have been great!

ABit makes a nice flex atx nForce board.

I do like the enlight case, but your point is very valid about where the heck do you find half height cards?:(

I was looking at the MSI board too. But i was really worried about the power of the onboard 4mb video.

The ATI IGP looked good. But for somereason FIC has an exclusive on it I read (May not be true). I havent had the best of luck with fic. Plus the IGP south bridge isnt available yet. :( So they are just using a via for now.

It is amazing the lack of easy to find good case solutions!

As an aside....
Should i bother getting a DVD hardware decoder like the hollywood one, or just go winDVD with a nForce or radeon?

These are all great suggestions, any more opinions??
 

robilium

Member
Feb 19, 2001
192
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0
Woah!

You guys have been great!

ABit makes a nice flex atx nForce board.

I do like the enlight case, but your point is very valid about where the heck do you find half height cards?:(

I was looking at the MSI board too. But i was really worried about the power of the onboard 4mb video.

The ATI IGP looked good. But for somereason FIC has an exclusive on it I read (May not be true). I havent had the best of luck with fic. Plus the IGP south bridge isnt available yet. :( So they are just using a via for now.

It is amazing the lack of easy to find good case solutions!

As an aside....
Should i bother getting a DVD hardware decoder like the hollywood one, or just go winDVD with a nForce or radeon?

These are all great suggestions, any more opinions??
 

robilium

Member
Feb 19, 2001
192
0
0
what the heck? Konquerer is being stupid... i didnt post that message twice!

I did post something to the following:

I am now excited that there exists a HTPC market. Home theater PC...

Now I am thinking a normal mobo with a perosnal cinema or ati card so i can do TIVO, DVD, Wireless, IR Remote, MP# etc....

I need the IR remote or my fiance will never use it.
 

robilium

Member
Feb 19, 2001
192
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I havent really decided yet.

I like the DIGN, but I cant find anyone who sells it.

So i am looking at the $249 HTPC one. But then I would need to buy a remote.

So then.... I was thinking i might get creative and make my own mod of sorts using a small led or lcd and an old stareo case of something....

But then in the end i may cheap out and go for the simple black one.....

I would love to get my hands on the DIGN or another HTPC designed case....

For now I am in the design stage.... trying to figure what i want to end up with:)

 

nemo160

Senior member
Jul 16, 2001
339
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i've always thought a nice black 2u case would be cool to have for a system of this type, adds way too much to the expense though :(