How small is too small

[coolred]

I am building a PVR/HTPC to incorporate into my entertainment system. The spot I would like to place it is approximately 19.5"Hx19.5"Dx15.25"W. What would be the biggest case you would feel safe putting in this space and still get adequate airflow? I am planning to build a cool and quiet system, no overclocking or anything extreme. I am considering a couple of Antecs, the sonata, the SLK3700BQE, maybe the aria, maybe somethign else. I am also looking at some of the cases that have a nicer/more home theater like look. ANy suggestiosn for a case would be nice. But my main question is would it be okay to put a case in an enclosed space of that size? The sonata, and likely the SLK3700BQE worry me a bit as they will only have 1.25 inches of clearence in the depth department(where I think you would want the most open space)


19.5x19.5x15.25

 

[Nickel020]

You certainly want some space in the depth department as otherwise all the hot air will accumulate at the back. Also there should be some way for the hot air to escape at the top of wherever you are putting the case as otherwise it will get pretty hot in there even if you've got 1' of space at the back.

 

[Jaxidian]

I'd say run some duct work out the back of your case and out the back of your entertainment center. If you can't rig something up your self with stuff from Home Depot, try something like this. Basically, mount this where your outtake fan in the back of your pc is so all of the hot air it blows out goes into this. Mount the other end of this onto the back of your entertainment center where you cut a hole in it for all of the hot air to blow out of. If this isn't good enough, then do another for your PSU fan. This should keep the compartment cool enough that even with very little side/top/back space you would be fine. And if even this isn't enough, mount a case fan to the back of your entertainment center near the top of the compartment to suck warm air out of it.

I have a feeling just one duct from your rear outtake fan would be good enough though.