HTPC case suggestions...

[corwin]

OK, so I am finally going to ditch my standard case and buy a "real" HTPC case. It needs to have at least 5 1/2" internal height for my CPU HSF (preferrably 6"), handle a full ATX MB, be black, and preferrably would like to have 2 external 5 1/2" bays and space for 6 HD's with fans on them as well. I am using integrated video (ATI HD3200) so video card length isn't an issue. I know ya'll can give me some nice suggestions

 

[Zepper]

Generally, the companies that make most HTPC cases are: Silverstone, Lian Li, nMedia, Thermaltake and Cooler Master. The search tools at Newegg can help you get a look at most of them. Old-timey desktop-style cases are still available and could be an option - certainly a lot easier on the budget than specifically HTPC cases. Compucase, InWin and NZXT (Duet) usually have some of those. Your 6 HDD spec will put most, if not all, true HTPC cases out of the running - just not enough room inside. Not sure about the C-M 280 series media cases, but they are pretty large for an HTPC box and they aren't widely available - not even listed on the North America site any more, but are on the Global/English site.

.bh.

 

[DSF]

6 hard drives? How big is each drive? It might make more sense to go for something like a NAS setup to reduce the heat (and therefore noise) as well as the size requirement. When you're watching content from your HTPC you don't really want to hear the noise from 6 hard drive fans plus whatever other cooling devices are in there.

Having fewer drives would also increase your case options dramatically as Zepper said. If you're reusing six smaller (200-400GB) drives, why not consider consolidating into a couple 750GB-1TB drives?

 

[mikeford]

Isn't there an option with some raid cards to locate all the drives in an external case?

Seems like even foot or two of cable would allow a LOT of stashing the drive box out of sight and masking the noise.

Nobody has some specific case suggestions?

 

[garritynet]

This case has six interior 3.5 drive bays and two external 5.25 bays. It is 6.7" tall so it might fit your HSF or you may have to replace your HSF in order to use this case.


There are 18 cases on Newegg in the HTPC cases section that have 6 internal 3.5 bays.

 

[corwin]

I went ahead and just did a ton of digging and came up with the Silverstone GD01B-R. Smooth lines, what I hope is plenty of room, 6 drive bays, and a front card reader to boot. Now all I have to do is put it together Thanks for all the replies and assistance.