IS this a bad idea?

[coolred]

Okay I am buidling another rig mainly used for PVR/HTPC and as a server of sorts. I was considering an Antec Aria since I liked the small form factor, but that limits me to mATX motherbaords, of which there aren't many, and I have hard they can get kinda warm and have some QC problems. SO I think I may be going to my backup option of an Antec Sonata(H16.75xW8.13xD18.25"). I am thinking this will likely go in my main entertainment center, but it could end up in my bedroom. If its in the bedroom then I have no problem. But if I put it in my EC then I would like to hide it. As you can see in the link it has a frosted door compartments on each side. The dimensions of these compartments are H19.5xD19.5xW15.5. So as you can see it fits, but will be a bit tight in the depth department.

I am planning to build a cool running quiet computer, so hopefully the heat will be kept to a minimum, so would confining the case to this small area be a bad idea, or do you think there will be sufficent air space to make it work?

 

[Jaxidian]

Initial thoughts to give you ideas of how to pull this off:

If I were you, I would make use of an Athlon mobile chip (runs at low voltage), some duct work, and rear fans (maybe 1 front intake). PCI Slot fans will help you too. I think I would also get one of those 5 1/4" "Hard Drive cooler" bays that sucks air in from the front and use that as a second front intake fan. Of course, make sure you get quiet ones.

With a setup using these things, you could probably do it.