Looking for a decent full width microatx case for HTPC

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
I

inkbrush

Member
Aug 31, 2005
34
0
0
Hi,
I am looking for a compact microatx case that will fit my socket 754 microatx motherboard to be used as a htpc. I want a case that is as compact as possible while being able to fit full height pci cards. As for the drive bays, just one is good enough. The ideal dimension seems to be around 14 * 14 * 5.5 inches. I found such cases on newegg.com, but they all seem to be low quality cheapos. Check this one out: Powmax MicroATX Case Does anybody know of a quality case with similar dimensions? Thanks.
 
Z

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
0
0
Athenatech, Enermax Venus (they also have another series I've forgotten the name of) and I think CoolerMaster has one. Most of the ones at ST's link are too rich for my blood. I can't see paying over $100. for a case..

.bh.
 
I

inkbrush

Member
Aug 31, 2005
34
0
0
Originally posted by: Zepper
I can't see paying over $100. for a case..
Click to expand...

Yeah, I agree with you there. I am looking into an Athenatech case. Athenatech A100 Series These received pretty good reviews among newegg customers, unlike the Powmax cases.

I really like these mATX cases by Yeong Yang, (Link) but I couldn't find a US store that sells them on google. It seems YY don't have a very strong market here.

 
R

RobsTV

Platinum Member
Feb 11, 2000
2,520
0
0
After trying dozens of cases for HTPC's, Athenatech A100BB. Pix shows it as tower, but it is really a desktop that can be used as a tower. It also has nice 4"x6" screen vent on cover (not shown in any pictures), right above the CPU, that allows air to flow into case, over HSF, and out the back. Back vent grilles should be cut out to allow better flow as well as silient operation. A really great use of limited space.

Beats all other case tested for ease of assembly, build quality, decent power supply, low cost, excellent cooling, small size. It is a $100+ range case priced at almost 1/2 that range.
 
Z

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
0
0
As RobsTV wrote, I also have put together several systems using the A100 series of cases (I think the SC version looks very nice) and the cooling does need some work. The hard drive in particular can get very warm. What I've done is cut out ALL the fan grills front and rear, adapted one of the 60mm mounts to a larger fan (80 mm) mounted to the outside of the rear of the case, reversed the other one and replaced with a 25mm thick one for more intake air, took a leftover 60mm fan and cut a fan mount into the bottom of top HD tray so it will blow down onto the HD in the tray below (or to the left of) it. I also connect the PSU fan either direct to +12 or to a manual fan controller - that helps quite a bit with total system cooling. This arrangement seems to work pretty well for me.

. The standard PSU (230W HighPower/Sirtec) is a bit puny. Some offer that case with the new Athena Power 400+ Watt unit, though that PSU seems to be a bit unreliable. I often use the Enermax 270W unit for upgraded power in that case.

.bh.
 
I

inkbrush

Member
Aug 31, 2005
34
0
0
Hey all,
Thanks for all the help. I found two Athenatech cases at ClubIT.com. They are having a free shipping promotion for purchases over $50. I think I will buy some other little trinkets and enjoy the free shipping. Would you guys know the difference between these two models? One is A100SC with the PSU and the other one is the A106SB with no PSU.

Athenatech A100SC.270 Black/Silver
Athenatech A106SB Silver/Black Steel MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case NO PS
Athenatech A100SB Silver/Black with NO PS

Heh, some more questions. I am guessing the Athenatech cases probably don't take a regular ATX psu. Any recommendation for a reliable and stable power supply around 300-350 watts for the Athenatech case?

And would this product help with cooling the HDDAOC HDD cooling fan

Thanks a lot for the help. This sounds exciting.
 
Z

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
0
0
Except for the exterior styling they are the same. As I said earlier, the Enermax 270W units are about the best I've found other than the Athena Power of over 400W on which I've seen reports that it is a bit unreliable plus it is a bit longer than the standard size which makes the interior behind the HDs a little cramped. Make sure your mobo powers the CPU off the +12 rail (has the P4-12V) and you should be all right with the Enermax. It has a 20A rating on the +12 and you can get it with or w/o active PFC.
. Most of the SFX size PSUs that will fit these cases in the 300-400W range are by 3rd or 4th string players most of which I've never heard of before. But I haven't checked in a while. Newegg's PSU configurator can bring up all microATX or SFX PSUs quite quickly. Take a look at the Enermax 270s first that will give you an idea of the shape and size you're shooting for.
. I just took a look at Newegg and there are a couple I hadn't seen before. The Fortron for about $40. has 300W and a similar Coolmax also has 300W but the Fortron has active PFC and looks like it will fit. So there may be some others out there too. Check the usual sites.

..bh.
 
J

Jhhnn

IN MEMORIAM
Nov 11, 1999
62,365
14,681
136
Meh. If you're going to the trouble to upgrade the psu and modify the cooling, why bother when the Enermax venus does all that right out of the box, and is a better buy?
 
Z

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
0
0
The Venus isn't very good on cooling either, but what really compact case is.?. But Jhhnn is correct in that the Enermax comes with a better PSU (but not the active PFC version which I would prefer). From what I've seen so far, I'd select the Enermax 270W or Fortron 300W PSU with the silver Athenatech sans PSU. That combo should come out about the same as a Venus and give you an active PFC PSU.
The AOpen H420 is another to look at that comes with a decent (Fortron/Sparkle) PSU. Hard to find right now. And the NMedia (Enermax) HTPC-100S or -100B (silver or black). A bit more expensive but looks like the even higher dollar HTPC cases and takes mATX mobol

.bh.
 
I

inkbrush

Member
Aug 31, 2005
34
0
0
Aaahhh, only if I had more money! Those HTPC cases look great, but the price is way out of my range. Check out this case from Kanam (about $220 a pop):
Kanam HTPC Case
It's a little bit too big for my taste, but the panels... I guess I can buy them separately from xoxide.com or some other store after I save up more money.

I am still searching, but I am really leaning towards the Athenatech case. The price is good, and it's one of the smallest ATX cases I have seen that can fit a full-height PCI card.

Thanks for all the tips. If you got any more, keep them coming.

P.S. That aopen H420 case looks badass
 
Z

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
0
0
Those NMedia (Enermax) HTPC-100x cases can be had for around $100. +sh (ewiz et al.) including the Enermax 270 PSU (non aPFC). That keeps them in my ballpark. Plus it includes a 9-in-1 flash card reader...

.bh.
 
I

imported_ST

Senior member
Oct 10, 2004
733
0
0
although Uneed, Ahanix, and Silverstone are priced with a premium, you do get what you pay for in quality and performance (noise and heat disappation). For HTPC's that are set in the living room and on almost 24/7, the are not just nice features, they are mandatory.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom