HTPC case (yet another thread)

[Tiamat]

Hi folks, I just got a nice stereo system, and figure i would like to get an htpc case to place under my integrated amp so I can pump my music through my speakers.

I've read almost all of the previous threads.

My requirements:
Normal PSU
ATX
Black
80mm fan (no 60mm I hate those)
Very Quiet (or ability to be made quiet - no 60mm fans again)
<$180 after shipping

Is the Silverstone LC01 my only choice? This case seems to have all that I need. I will be running an extremely underpowered AMD chip in this, so heat is not a concern.

Thanks for your help!

P.S. If you have links of places that sell them for "cheap" please post. So far, the cheapest I've been able to find is mwave and performance-pcs.

 

[wisdomtooth]

Heya Tiamat,

Unfortunately, all of the Silverstone standard ATX cases except the LC01 uses 60mm fans in the back. But since you are using a low-heat AMD chip, you might get away with just the ventilation from a Seasonic Super Tornado or S12-- In which case (LOL), you can also use the LC03, LC10, LC13 and LC14.

I have a media server using a low-heat P3-800E on a BX board in a Silverstone LC13, and I only have the front 92mm intake fan (on a Zalman Fanmate) and the 120mm fan in the Seasonic Super Tornado 300 PSU running, plus the CPU fansink (also Zalman fanmated)-- The two rear 60mm fans are disconnected. The thing is dead silent and my case temps hover around 30C (25C room temp).

As far as prices go on these HTPC cases and Seasonic PSUs, you should check out PC Alchemy.

HTH!

 

[Tiamat]

Thanks Wisdomtooth. I looked at their entire line up, and as you mentioned, they all have 60mm fans which I hate. I am unsure if I can run with bare psu since it will be an 1800+ that I will be running at 1ghz @ 1.1V. I am not sure if it will still be too dangerous - however, i am sure it will be fine.

Will these cases be able to withstand a 20lb integrated amp sitting on it, or will they warp?

Thanks! I will check out that link!

 

[wisdomtooth]

Yep, all those cases can handle a 20-lb. amp on them no problems-- They are all made of steel except the LC01 (which is made of aluminum with steel bracing so you should be OK there too).

As long as you don't have a superhot graphics card, you should be able to run that AMD with just the front intake fan and the PSU venting. Your system should stay quite cool.

HTH!

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
Yep, all those cases can handle a 20-lb. amp on them no problems-- They are all made of steel except the LC01 (which is made of aluminum with steel bracing so you should be OK there too).

As long as you don't have a superhot graphics card, you should be able to run that undervolted/underclocked AXP with just the front intake fan and the PSU venting and you system should stay quite cool.

HTH!

I think i like the 13 the most. Very minimalistic front.

Thanks for the recommendation!

Where does the front intake get its air from? I dont see any vents?

 

[wisdomtooth]

That's the reason why I chose the LC13 too. Very clean lines, non-obtrusive. GMTA.

Let me know how it turns out! :thumbsup:

 

[Zepper]

CoolerMaster has some nice new cases in the Cavalier series that could be used for HTPC.

.bh.

:moon:

 

[wisdomtooth]

I don't know if there are any new HTPC cases in the Cavalier series coming from Coolermaster, but I would recommend against the current Cavalier HTPC cases-- They all use non-standard, non-swappable PSUs that tend to run hot and loud.

 

[rise]

i'm sick of researching htpc cases, lol.

i think i've resigned myself to a coolermaster or the nmedia i think it is i saw in AT review.

you'd think there'd be a nice m-atx, non-gaudy, 80mm fan/s with a standard atx psu and a smaller footprint. oh yeah, and can take full cards. is that too much to ask?

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: rise4310
i'm sick of researching htpc cases, lol.

i think i've resigned myself to a coolermaster or the nmedia i think it is i saw in AT review.

you'd think there'd be a nice m-atx, non-gaudy, 80mm fan/s with a standard atx psu and a smaller footprint. oh yeah, and can take full cards. is that too much to ask?

rise4310
Senior Member

Posts: 999

Dude one more post left!!!

Yeah, so far there is not "ideal" htpc case. I want something with the inners of the LC01 while the front nice look of the LC13...

 

[wisdomtooth]

Originally posted by: rise4310
i'm sick of researching htpc cases, lol.

i think i've resigned myself to a coolermaster or the nmedia i think it is i saw in AT review.

you'd think there'd be a nice m-atx, non-gaudy, 80mm fan/s with a standard atx psu and a smaller footprint. oh yeah, and can take full cards. is that too much to ask?

Well, the Coolermaster ATC-620 fulfills all of your criteria except the 80mm fan (and maybe the footprint, but it is certainly smaller than a full ATX chassis). It takes a standard ATX PSU and takes full-height cards, and is definitely non-gaudy.

 

[Zepper]

Apparently the OP wants a full ATX mobo - the 620 is mATX. And the PSUs in the CAV2/4 series aren't non-standard, they are SFX form factor and now are available in up to 420 W (Athena Power) from decent PSU makers. Granted you will pay a bit more for SFX size PSUs just because the market for them has been smaller, but I see that turning the corner shortly. The pressure toward smaller and lighter will increase if oil prices stay high or go higher to save on shipping costs.

.bh.

 

[wisdomtooth]

The ATC-620 recommendation is for Rise4310-- He wanted microATX.

If anybody wants a Cavalier 4, let me know. I have one sitting around (minus door-- It was shoddily made and it fell off) after I moved my system to a Silverstone case. It's a free pickup if you are in the Yonkers/White Plains area in New York.

Not worth $100, especially if you are going to go to the trouble of changing the PSU. Might as well buy a nicer Silverstone case and put a Seasonic in there for the same amount of money.

 

[Tiamat]

Originally posted by: wisdomtooth
The ATC-620 recommendation is for Rise4310-- He wanted microATX.

If anybody wants a Cavalier 4, let me know. I have one sitting around (minus door-- It was shoddily made and it fell off) after I moved my system to a Silverstone case. It's a free pickup if you are in the Yonkers/White Plains area in New York.

Not worth $100, especially if you are going to go to the trouble of changing the PSU. Might as well buy a nicer Silverstone case and put a Seasonic in there for the same amount of money.

yup, thanks for the clarification.

I think im leaning towards the LC-01 due to the fact I think i will have an easier time manipulating it. It seems set up so that suspending multiple harddrives is possible.

Dog-gone-it too bad it doesnt have the same front bezel as the LC-13 though...

I let you know how it turns out.

 

[rise]

yes the 620 is the closest i can find, the only thing i was hoping for was a smaller foot print. its still a little too deep for my liking at 16.7 but i think i'll just end up putting it on top of my entertainment case. i'll have to find a new place for my humidor damn it

 

[Negative Zero]

not sure what your budget is, but you might want to check out the Uneed cases just in at PCAlchemy.com. they're both a bit pricey, but IMO are the best looking and most functional HTPC cases currently available. the X-15e was reviewed at HTPCNews.com. good luck