case suggestion for ZOTAC IONITX-A-U Atom N330

[graysky]

I'm looking to get a ZOTAC IONITX-A-U Atom N330 MB to use as a fileserver and potentially a DVR. I'm looking for case suggestions for this mini ITX form factor MB. Important features to me are:

1) Design/ergonomics (i.e. I can install the MB and get into it without problems)
2) Good airflow to allow for optimal operating temps
3) Quiet/silent fans in the case

Thanks in advance.

 

[Zap]

4) Can hold more than one HDD.
5) Does not come with own PSU.

I just ordered one of those boards to play around with, and I'll have to scare up a case for myself as well. Bring on the suggestions!

 

[graysky]

@Zap - you planning to use Linux on the machine? You'll have to share some details with me if so.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: graysky
@Zap - you planning to use Linux on the machine?

Probably not. Not exactly sure what I'll use it for. I got it because it was a good deal.

 

[faxon]

how much hdd space do you need. how big do you want the case to be. whats your budget. these things, we must know them! you could install that board in a HAF932 for all i care with the information you provided. it fits all your criteria! its a good case! so why the hell not! lol, just kidding, but you know what i mean

 

[DietDrThunder]

graysky,

Have you found a case yet? I'm about to purchase the ZOTAC GF9300-G-E with a Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Yorkfield 2.66GHz processor, Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 4GB (2 x 2GB) of ram, Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM Internal Hard Drive, and a to be decided DVD burner, and I'm looking for a good case as well. I don't want the case to be too large, and I don't want to spend more than $120 on a case.

 

[Zap]

I'm about to purchase the ZOTAC GF9300-G-E with a Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Yorkfield 2.66GHz processor, Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 4GB (2 x 2GB) of ram, Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAJS 320GB 7200 RPM Internal Hard Drive, and a to be decided DVD burner, and I'm looking for a good case as well. I don't want the case to be too large, and I don't want to spend more than $120 on a case.

Are you going to be using a graphics card with it? If using just onboard video, you can consider the Antec mini ITX case (don't remember model, but they only have one). It comes with a 150W PSU (more than enough for your specs), is pretty compact and is one of the quieter ITX cases. If you might be using a smaller single slot graphics card such as a 9800 GT low power model, you can consider a Lian Li (they only make one ITX case so you can't miss it). Strangely it does use a normal ATX PSU (not included) but basically you end up with an attractive miniature Lian Li aluminum tower. How cute! If you plan to use more of a midrange graphics card then your choice is the Silverstone ITX case (few models, but all based on exact same chassis). It comes with a 300W PSU and can take any dual-slot graphics card up to 9"+ with a single 6-pin PCIe power plug.

I think some of the Foxconn and In Win ITX cases also look pretty decent (if not using an external graphics card) but I don't know how quiet they are.

 

[rudder]

If I can do without upgrading my main rig... this will be my next purchase:

http://www.chenbro.com/corporatesit...79&PHPSESSID=70890f14dd4bbafec99591b6a0e9ae7d

The primo ITX case. Right now my home server is in a small itx case and utilizes 2.5" drives and external drives for storage. It is expensive... but when you look at prices of other ITX cases.. it is really not that much of a jump.