Clear Mini-ATX

[jhayx7]

Does anyone make a nice, clear acrylic mini-atx case?

 

[Zap]

Milwaukee PC, a chain that's somewhat local to me, carries acrylic mATX cases.

clear

blue

black

Note that these use SFX power supplies, which are NOT included. The "best" SFX power supplies are made by Enermax and Fortron. I own these following three:

Enermax 270W
Mine is an older version w/o 24 pin, lower amperage on +12v and a secondary 60mm fan. I pushed it hard and it never complained (well, maybe a bit if I tried overclocking more). I still have it.

Enermax 320W
I currently use this one on a San Diego core A64 at 3.12GHz, 2GB RAM, 400GB SATA, DVDRW and a 7900GTX.

Fortron 300W
I have the non-R version. I think the difference is this "new" version has an adaptor plate to fit it into a standard ATX spot. This is a more "modern" PSU than the Enermax because it has Active PFC and dual rails. It is also a bit smaller than the Enermax units because the fan is an innie and not an outie. According to Fortron the combined amperage on +12v is 22.5A, so it is a hair weaker than the higher wattage Enermax, and a hair stronger than the lower wattage Enermax. I never had a problem with mine, though Newegg reviewers claim some DOA or dying for these units.

 

[Zepper]

The best Stretch SFX PSU is the new Sparkle 350. It is about an inch deeper than the standard SFX form factor. Looks like it should fit OK in that case - use short chassis optical drives for extra clearance.

IMO, it isn't a good idea to use a clear case for regular use:
1- no RFI/EMI shielding
2- Noisy but you can ameliorate that problem by isolating drives, fans, etc. from plastic with rubber or silicone grommets/gaskets (but perhaps a bit better in this regard than thin aluminum usid in some cases)
3- Very hard to keep clean (static cling for dust...)

Useful for store or trade show displays, science fair exhibits, etc. - other than that, don't do it.

.bh.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Zepper
The best Stretch SFX PSU is the new Sparkle 350. It is about an inch deeper than the standard SFX form factor. Looks like it should fit OK in that case - use short chassis optical drives for extra clearance.

eWiz used to have it, but it is no longer listed. VooDooAddict has owned these PSUs and he said they get noisy. They use a 60mm fan. The optical drives won't interfere with the PSU in these cases, but can interfere with larger CPU heatsinks. The PSU will interfere with the hard drive.

 

[Zepper]

Hey Zap,

I meant the extra length might make it tight with full length ODs and/or mobile racks in the plastic cases linked above as they are only about 14" deep. Makes it a bit tight with the HDDs in the A100 series. I'd probably also do the 60 to 80 outside the box mod on that PSU anyway...

.bh.

 

[VooDooAddict]

Sparkle --- Well ... maybe they are better now. I don't think I've used that "stretched" model.

If I needed to replace another unit that size I'd spend try to spend the little extra on a Enermax or Fortron. But, I'm really sick of the lack of options for that form factor PS. Even if you get a reliable unit ... these small units get very hot. My brother had an almost identical mATX Clear case as the ones linked above ... Let's just say that combining:

The extra heat of a SFX power supply +
Acrylic's ability to insulate (keep that heat in) +
Less space for airflow +
Smaller Noisy Fans
------------------------------
= Overheating waiting to happen.

My brother later switched out to a spare tower case and Power supply I had laying around... and went "Office Space" on the acrylic case.


If you really want something transparent ... you might want to try one of these and let us all know what you think They handle full size ATX power supplies. I haven't had a chance to get my hands on one yet though so this isn't a hands on recommendation ...

Clear - $140
http://www.mountainmods.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_64&products_id=276

UV Transparent Blue - $150
http://www.mountainmods.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_64&products_id=320

True it can handle Full ATX, but the foot print is more like a large UltraFly/X-QPack. If you want to view components the layout is great! I've not seen a better idea for a "Clear" case.

The other option I try to give people looking for "Clear" is the workbench style open air "cases". True this isn't exactly LAN friendly ... but it's nice to have none the less.

Standard Size "Black" - $80
http://www.frozencpu.com/products/5111/...ech_Station_Standard_Size_-_Black.html

 

[VooDooAddict]

double post