Product Link - http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=6623
A Review - http://www.pro-clockers.com/cases/1134-coolermaster-elite-100-mini-itx-case.html
The above review site used an ITX motherboard for installation.
Today, I'll show how it is with a microATX XD
The Skinny: If you're willing to compromise your mATX mobo (see all below) with the restrictions of a super small case, restricted cable positions, no expansion slots allowed, and a 2.5" hdd instead of a regular 3.5" hdd, then this may be the case for you (it was for me!). If not, maybe you should look elsewhere. Otherwise, peer on...
I had actually already had this case for quite a while, however it was with a cheaper mATX motherboard plus I didn't have a proper cooler -
Angled:
Back I/O View:
With just plain VGA, I wanted more - and an oversized cooler, obviously I couldn't make it fit pretty.
So today, my task was to switch mATX motherboard, one that's bigger, but had what I wanted - HDMI out. Imagine a full-fledged PC capable of 1080p output via HDMI, sounds intriguing doesn't it? Well, that was what my goal was. Also, I wanted to show all the shortcomings you'd have to deal with if you picked this case.
The PSU over the PCI/PCI-E ports:
The strain on the USB expansion cable: (note this affects Front Panel audio also)
Here, I wanted to show how 2.5" and 3.5" hdds are mounted.
2.5" on top, and 3.5" also mounted sideways on the bottom, via this removable top plate.
The swappees!
See how the new mATX case is longer. Also see exactly how tiny this case really is!
Swap done! I ended up using a regular all-aluminum stock cooler (definitely not my 1st choice...) that came with the Celeron E3300. I had been looking for one with a copper bottom, but a lot of people had bigger versions. I believe the Q9550 has the same dimensions, but just a copper bottom. Anyone willing to donate?
Top down view after. Notice how "snug" everything fits, because all the PSU cables are being covered by that top plate:
If a 3.5" hdd was mounted, it would go on top of where the ATX connector on the motherboard is, not letting the top plate close:
Last thing I want to show is, it might be a little PITA to get these tabs to let loose to take off the front faceplate. Make sure your fingers are nimble enough to reach underneath to push down on those tabs ;-)
-------------------
So that's it! If you can deal with the 'stipulations' of owning this case (2.5" hdd, squished PSU blocking ports over mobo, slim DVD drive only), it might be the case for you.
If you like the pictures/grievances against this case, post! Also, I can try to answer any questions regarding this case. To me (a person whom had just a motherboard *literally* behind the TV [see one, two, three, this case was perfect!)
A Review - http://www.pro-clockers.com/cases/1134-coolermaster-elite-100-mini-itx-case.html
The above review site used an ITX motherboard for installation.
Today, I'll show how it is with a microATX XD
The Skinny: If you're willing to compromise your mATX mobo (see all below) with the restrictions of a super small case, restricted cable positions, no expansion slots allowed, and a 2.5" hdd instead of a regular 3.5" hdd, then this may be the case for you (it was for me!). If not, maybe you should look elsewhere. Otherwise, peer on...
I had actually already had this case for quite a while, however it was with a cheaper mATX motherboard plus I didn't have a proper cooler -
Angled:
Back I/O View:
With just plain VGA, I wanted more - and an oversized cooler, obviously I couldn't make it fit pretty.
So today, my task was to switch mATX motherboard, one that's bigger, but had what I wanted - HDMI out. Imagine a full-fledged PC capable of 1080p output via HDMI, sounds intriguing doesn't it? Well, that was what my goal was. Also, I wanted to show all the shortcomings you'd have to deal with if you picked this case.
The PSU over the PCI/PCI-E ports:
The strain on the USB expansion cable: (note this affects Front Panel audio also)
Here, I wanted to show how 2.5" and 3.5" hdds are mounted.
2.5" on top, and 3.5" also mounted sideways on the bottom, via this removable top plate.
The swappees!
See how the new mATX case is longer. Also see exactly how tiny this case really is!
Swap done! I ended up using a regular all-aluminum stock cooler (definitely not my 1st choice...) that came with the Celeron E3300. I had been looking for one with a copper bottom, but a lot of people had bigger versions. I believe the Q9550 has the same dimensions, but just a copper bottom. Anyone willing to donate?
Top down view after. Notice how "snug" everything fits, because all the PSU cables are being covered by that top plate:
If a 3.5" hdd was mounted, it would go on top of where the ATX connector on the motherboard is, not letting the top plate close:
Last thing I want to show is, it might be a little PITA to get these tabs to let loose to take off the front faceplate. Make sure your fingers are nimble enough to reach underneath to push down on those tabs ;-)
-------------------
So that's it! If you can deal with the 'stipulations' of owning this case (2.5" hdd, squished PSU blocking ports over mobo, slim DVD drive only), it might be the case for you.
If you like the pictures/grievances against this case, post! Also, I can try to answer any questions regarding this case. To me (a person whom had just a motherboard *literally* behind the TV [see one, two, three, this case was perfect!)
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