• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Best case for ATX board HTPC

I wouldn't use an ATX mobo for HTPC as it automatically requires the case to be too big in one or more dimensions.

.bh.
 
Not necessarily too big. I just bought a Coolermaster ATC-620 that only fits a mATX motherboard, and it is just about as big as the Ahanix D.Vine.4 I almost got (there's a story behind that "almost"). HTPC cases were made to fit within the confines of a stereo rack, so they will be the same width as stereo equipment, around 17". You wouldn't really want them narrower than that or it would be mismatched with your other components. The height of most HTPC cases have to be high enough to accomidate expansion cards, and those utilizing full ATX motherboards have to fit the width of a power supply (except for those Coolermaster units with proprietary sized power supplies). Also, HTPC manufacturers feel that the disk drives and motherboard should not overlap too much so they make the cases deep enough for that. This means the nominal dimensions of most HTPC cases are 17"x17"x6½". There are some smaller ones, such as those mATX cases that use mATX power supplies (some brand uses Enermax mATX PSUs) but I don't like those because they are too narrow to "match" my other components.
 
Oh, I forgot. ... in one dimension or another, or too expensive - I consider any case over $100 to be "too expensive". The CoolerMaster Cav TO4 or Cav TO2 (at a slight stretch of my cost limit) would be about it for me. But as mentioned above, they do have a proprietary PSU and I've yet to see an exact replacement from any quality PSU company. But the 420W Athena Power or a standard TFX form factor might be pressed into service if the OE unit proves unsatisfactory.
. Here's a review from before they upped the power to 350W: http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=104 . And, as is customary for CM, the user guides for the CAV HTPC cases are abysmal. You'll have to go to the online FAQ for the case to find out how to hook up some of the stuff and perhaps even to have any manual at all.

.bh.
 
What are the components going inside of this, would be, chassis? I ask, because, depending on the components, you may not get the air flow desired or required for the video,cpu,memory,HD's to exhaust out without increasing the noise factor.
 
Originally posted by: Zepper
I consider any case over $100 to be "too expensive"
Click to expand...
C'mon, there are so many cases just over $100 that are so nice. Lian Li 7B-Plus, AOpen A600B, Ahanix D.Vine.4 (no PSU, AR), Antec P160/P180... However, I still like my $40 CompuCase LX-6A19 😀

If Thor decides to use mATX instead of ATX, I'd suggest the Coolermaster ATC-620C. I picked one up from Directron for $83.04 shipped. So it took the scenic route around the USA courtesy of UPS Ground... still arrived 15 days later in perfect shape.
 
Thanks everyone, looks like the LL V800 is a good one. Now just need to find a good deal on one. :beer:
 
I'm looking at building a full ATX boarded HTPC as well ... my stereo cabinet is big and can accomodate pretty good sized components.

This isn't the best looking case, but it's far from ugly, and it includes a good power supply
Antec Overture II
 
I had been holding out for the Ahanix MCE case, but I ended up buying the original Overture when it was on sale for 70.00 at Antec. It looks a bit too much like a computer for my likings, but the internal layout is outstanding.
 
Ahanix, Uneed, and Silverstones are the most popular (for good reasons too). Go to PC ALchemy Store and have fun. Go to HTPC News Forums if you want in depth review on most of the more popular ones. OF course, Im partial to the Silverstones 😉

Just remember to keep in mind your system cooling requirements, and how much noise you can stand (many of these cases offer only 60mm fan options = noisy).
 
Originally posted by: Zepper
I wouldn't use an ATX mobo for HTPC as it automatically requires the case to be too big in one or more dimensions.

.bh.
Click to expand...

LOL - You must have just read up on Tom's Hardware guide to HTPC, huh? 😉

mATX are great, but they make a lot of compromises in cooling and limit how much options / horsepower you can put under the hood.
 
This thread had been dead for two months... :roll: Nothing better to do on Christmas holiday than resurrect zombie threads? 😉

.bh.
 
Originally posted by: Zepper
This thread had been dead for two months... :roll: Nothing better to do on Christmas holiday than resurrect zombie threads? 😉

.bh.
Click to expand...

Yet you replied to it. Thanks, Mr. Thread Cop. Please tell us the length of time before it is unacceptable to respond to a thread so we can avoid travesties like this in the future.
 
.
.
:moon: The "Night of the Living Thread" - OoooooEeeeeeOooooo... :moon:

:lips:


Seriously though, replying to an inactive thread wastes others' time and one learns eventually that one's time is all s/he really owns. You see, there is no way to tell when the thread was started in the Section Index - all that is noted is the date/time of the last post.
. So if the topic is of interest to a person, s/he might drop in only to find that s/he had already played in that sandbox - and that all the droppings there are quite dessicated. 🙁
. So out of consideration for others, let sleeping threads lie... MmKay?

.bh.
 
Originally posted by: Zepper
.
.
:moon: The "Night of the Living Thread" - OoooooEeeeeeOooooo... :moon:

:lips:


Seriously though, replying to an inactive thread wastes others' time and one learns eventually that one's time is all s/he really owns. You see, there is no way to tell when the thread was started in the Section Index - all that is noted is the date/time of the last post.
. So if the topic is of interest to a person, s/he might drop in only to find that s/he had already played in that sandbox - and that all the droppings there are quite dessicated. 🙁
. So out of consideration for others, let sleeping threads lie... MmKay?

.bh.
Click to expand...

How about...no.
 
i second the silverstone htpc case, they look sweet. i don't own one, but after reading reviews... if i ever wanted HTPC with a regular ATX mobo, i'd go with that one.
 
I'm using the Ahanix D4, and I love it, especially the fancy vfd display.
Sure it's huge and runs kinda hot, but I've showed it to people and they can't even believe it's a pc till I pull out my wireless keyboard(wake on ps2).
 
I'm bumping this thread (which I found after a search) because I'm in the market and I need to research these links when I get home.

🙂
 
I just ordered the Ahanix D4 from Axiontech.com for $155 with FREE SHIPPING and NO TAX... amazing deal! Plus the size is somewhat small and it fits both a full amd micro ATX board as well as a regular power supply. Not to mention it includes a power supply and VFD display. Can't beat it for $155 shipped.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top