BTX and HTPC cases

[bookman]

I was looking into Intel's new BTX form factor. Though I do think that placing the microprocessor and the GPU in the flow of the case cooling fan makes sense, placing this fan in the middle of the case makes for an odd case. Which manufacturers have announced BTX cases? And more specifically, have any anounced BTX HTPC cases? And how the heck do you fit two HDD and two optical drives into a BTX case? If anyone has some insights into this, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[Skiplives]

All of the cases I have seen pictures of so far have been micro-BTX and pico-BTX designs, which are small form factors of the full size BTX design. I have not yet seen a full size BTX case, but they should not be that much different in size than the ATX cases they replace. Many cases currently stack two 80mm fans on the front of their cases, this stack is almost 7" tall. The BTX board requires at least a 10" height for the top of the processor fan, though that fan must be at least 92mm, so two stacked would be almost 8" and two 120mm fans would be right about 10". Also, note that unlike the pictures in the design spec, there is nothing that requires the case be built shallow. I would expect more designs like the Coolermaster server case with fans on the inside, after the equipment racks, which would make the design quieter as well as providing the usual HDD space at the bottom of the case.

I have not seen any BTX HTPC designs, but I imagine that they will accommodate at least 2 HDDs

Chris