Help me choose an HTPC case that can handle OC

[wfn]

Hello everyone,

I'm planning to build a relatively inexpensive HTPC primarily geared toward smooth h.264 playback. I was planning to use parts recommended in Anand's midrange system OC guide along with some of my spare parts:

c2d e4300
ultra 120
gigabyte ds3
jetram 2x1gb
2 x sata hdds
2 x opticals (one optical is ok too)
some nvidia pci-e card w/ purevideo

So far I've found two cases that would seem to fit my needs:

Silverstone and Lian Li

I'm also planning to recycle my Sparkle FSP550-60PLG EPS12V PSU for this project

Please critique my choice of cases or other components.

Thanks!

 

[Zepper]

For full ATX or microATX?

.bh.

 

[wfn]

I believe the DS3 m/b is regular ATX, as are both of the cases I listed as my choices.

 

[Skott]

I dont know much about these kind of HTPC cases but considering the Silverstone is larger and has what looks like a better cooling system (more and larger fans) that it would be the better choice. You mention AT's Midrange OCing guide so if you plan to overclock the Silverstone would look more appealing I would think. Yes?

 

[wfn]

Originally posted by: Skott
I dont know much about these kind of HTPC cases but considering the Silverstone is larger and has what looks like a better cooling system (more and larger fans) that it would be the better choice. You mention AT's Midrange OCing guide so if you plan to overclock the Silverstone would look more appealing I would think. Yes?

sounds logical.. the lian li had me fooled with its curves and holes!

 

[Zepper]

You might want to consider the CoolerMaster Media 28x series of cases. Kind of deep at around 19" but roomy for good air flow - basically a mid-tower case that can be configured for either vertical or horizontal use like the NZXT Duet (but I think the Duet is mATX only) - nope, the Duet can do ATX too but these are only pre-configured for 80mm fan mounts (up to four of them). Tt and nMedia PC (div. of Enermax) have some decent HTPC cases too.

.bh.

 

[Imagination]

I don't know about the Silverstone, but I have a Lian Li V880 (looks almost identical but added cooling fans) and there is no way your going to fit a Ultra 120 in that Lian Li V800 case. I barely made it with a Zalman 9500.

Also, its a very tight fit w/ that case. The bottom drive bay is useless unless your using a floppy or something of the same size. If you put a DVD burner on the bottom bay, it will butt right up against the motherboard and you won't be able to connect the power connector or IDE cable. With the DVD Burner in the top bay, if you want to add RAM later on, you will have to disconnect the IDE ribbon just to get at the second set of RAM slots. Also depending on the size of the power supply, about 15-20% of your motherboard will be covered by it (not counting the cables coming out the back). So its very hard getting to the SATA connectors or anything else in that region. Sticking a 7950GT or something of the size that uses the PCI-E power connector will butt right up against the power supply. Also there is no easy way to hide the cables your not currently using (unless your PS is using modular cables).

 

[bigi]

Silverstone Lascala 13. You can easily attach 120mm front fan (after some cutting)
It is large, looks great.
Review: http://www.modthebox.com/review384_1.shtml

 

[wfn]

@all - Thanks for all the replies guys.

Imagination,

Can you recommend something that would do me fine with Ultra120 or should I just suck it up and get a mid-Tower and put it on the side?

 

[Zepper]

You didn't ask me, but the coolermaster media 280 I mentioned will handle most exotic HSFs.

.bh.

 

[ColdFusion718]

Originally posted by: wfn

Originally posted by: Skott
I dont know much about these kind of HTPC cases but considering the Silverstone is larger and has what looks like a better cooling system (more and larger fans) that it would be the better choice. You mention AT's Midrange OCing guide so if you plan to overclock the Silverstone would look more appealing I would think. Yes?

sounds logical.. the lian li had me fooled with its curves and holes!

Sounds dirty LOL!

 

[Noubourne]

Aside from the fact that the CM 280 "media" is butt-ugly compared to the Silverstone cases he mentioned, you'd definitely have the best chance of fitting the Ultra 120 into that case.

I would consider a top-down cooler though. You just don't put a tower cooler into a case like that.

That or a compact water cooled design with a rad hanging off the back. A P160 Thermochill rad would do the trick. You'll get a much higher OC this way, but it's a lot more expensive, and quite frankly, I'm not sure a Media center rig needs that kind of OC.

 

[wfn]

Originally posted by: Zepper
You didn't ask me, but the coolermaster media 280 I mentioned will handle most exotic HSFs.

.bh.

I saw the review and it seemed rather ugly. I may as well just get a mid-Tower and lay it on it's side. The only problem/inconvenience I will be dealing with then would be vertically challenged opticals. I don't think my DW1640 burners are...

Thank you for suggesting the CM280 though, it got me considering mid-Towers.