HTPC Audio Rack Case

[MuteThis]

Hi, I got some components for x-mas that were Windows MCE compatible. I had an old AMD 1200 laying around so I set it up. Let me say, I'm very impressed. Now I'm ready to beef it up. Currently, my (basic) cable goes into the PC. The PC is connected to the audio system and big screen. I now have a TV guide, pause live TV (which I used on a Packers game Sunday when I ran out of beer...), and other goodies. Since I'm so happy with it, I'm ordering a DVD burner and spid out audio card... I'm hoping that the PC will be able to replace my VCR (it already has) and my DVD player. It will replace the DVD player if it is able to feed dolby signals to the receiver, which I'm sure it will...

This leads me to my question, what case do I use? I'm putting it in my audio rack, so a shuttle would look out of place. The only cases I've really seen so far that would fit in are Ahanix.

I found one at newegg, looks good Click here, but I'm hesitant to spend that much on a case that has a so-so review. Newegg pointed me here for questions, so I thought I'd ask

Can anyone recommend a good case for what I'm trying to do? I'd prefer black, all of my stereo gear is black, soo I'd like to keep the case that way.

Anyway, thanks for stopping in

MuteThis

 

[trikster2]

What dimmensions are you working with? Max height, depth width?

The ahanix looks nice but low profile PCI cards (is that a problem?) and the only exceptional dimension is height Dimensions: 15.7"(D) x 12.95"(W) x 3.5"(H)

If you can stand 13.5x13.5 x 5.5 (if I remember correctly) and matx, I got this for $31 at ewiz.com:

http://server5.uploadit.org/files2/010104-IMG_3300s.jpg

http://server5.uploadit.org/files2/010104-IMG_3352s.jpg

If you have to have that home stereo look, check out some of the silverstone and coolermaster cases.

 

[QueBert]

this is my take on the HTPC case you're looking at. I have read reviews of various Dvine cases and a lot of them thought the case was hard to work inside. But on a HTPC how often will you actually be pulling it apart and mod it? Probably very rarely. As for cooling, the cases are smaller so yes you'll get less air-flow. But with a decent 80mm fan mounted you'll be fine. Honestly when it comes to HTPC the most important thing to me would be the apperance, once I built it I would leave it alone, except for the occasional cleaning.

I think that is the best looking black HTPC case I've seen, I plan to get a 5 (silver) when I get off my lazy ass and start putting together a a a/v setup.

Ahanix makes very nice looking cases, that Dvine 7 you're looking @ on newegg is stylish and sexy. It's hard to find elegant cases now-a-days. They're either too damn flashy, or just plain ugly (or both)

It's not as "rack" looking, but check this HTPC case it wouldn't look out of place, Cooler Master HTPC caseand CoolerMaster makes GREAT cases. I find this one sexy and stylish too.

I've never used the one you're looking into, but how could you go wrong with it?

 

[optimistic]

I love this case!. Price is right too. I'm tempted to buy it's big brother to match my 1900FP.

FYI, latest Minuets have a 80mm top exaust/intake fan. Free will call if you live nearby.