Looking for a really cool looking "cube" case

[idea]

I am looking for a case to serve one specific function -- to look good next to my TV. Something small and modern. It will house a MicroATX mobo, two hdds, one dvdrw, and one card reader if it has an external 3.5". no more than that. Nothing on newegg really stands out. Anyone know of anything?

 

[BlueWeasel]

I've been hearing pretty good things lately about the Ultra Microfly cases

 

[Zepper]

I just saw a new one on the http://www.aerocool.com.tw - looks like a variant of the X-Qpack/MicroFly family. Not sure about the smaller one as I haven't checked it out very thoroughly. And I'm not sure whether you can get it here yet or not.

.bh.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I just saw a new one on the http://www.aerocool.com.tw - looks like a variant of the X-Qpack/MicroFly family. Not sure about the smaller one as I haven't checked it out very thoroughly. And I'm not sure whether you can get it here yet or not.

.bh.

Both cases seem very interesting. I dont know about build quality, but they use MicroATX with normal ATX PSUs and 120mm rear fan... If the quality remains up, this definitely beats the Microfly.

 

[WobbleWobble]

Most cube cases I find are tacky looking. Even though it's not the best case in terms of room/cooling, the Antec Aria and NSK1300 are very sleek looking cases.

 

[aigomorla]

Problem with cubes:

1. space
2. space
3. space
4. Space so its VERY LOUD


so not having space means... cluttering of wires, hard to get connectors in.... hard to mount extra fans to help cooling in... Limited range of parts you can use in a cube case...

Options if u really need a cube case:

go mobile cpu with mobile board variant.... very expensive but low heat means higher clocks and less cooling required... 1 have one from AOPEN.... its the imac wannabe clone that uses a doltan CPU.... they have ones for core2duo meron if u want that route.

I wouldnt go cube... there usually built less sturdier then a case, also be prepared for war scars!!! meaning ur gonna cut yourself or something when u build it.

EDIT::

AHHHH u want to make a HTPC... Get a HTPC CASE instead... Those are much better.. Good ones are from silverstone. HTPC CASE for the wise! instead of cube!

 

[wpeng]

I finally saw the Ultra Microfly in person today. It must be the ugliest thing I have ever seen and it is a lot larger than I thought it would be. If all cubes are that large, I may as well get a minitower.

 

[Zepper]

There are "cubes" and then there are SFFs, one is mainly proprietary, the other is not. Up to you.

.bh.

 

[ShockwaveVT]

Lian Li PC-V300 is cube shaped micro ATX... but like folks have said, these small cubes have a lot of limitations...
IMO your best bet for a HTPC is something that looks like a receiver or DVD player that will fit in with the rest of your A/V equipement
A good example of a HTPC case that looks the part and has a good interior layout is the Antec NSK2400. SilverStone also makes some nice looking HTPC cases.

Alternatively you could go with a 'shorty' mid-tower like the Lian Li PC-A05 or SilverStone TJ-07

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: wpeng
I finally saw the Ultra Microfly in person today. It must be the ugliest thing I have ever seen and it is a lot larger than I thought it would be. If all cubes are that large, I may as well get a minitower.

All cubes are fairly large. But the good thing about cube cases is you can usually drop in a full sized video card, something you can't usually do with most other SFF cases.

If you want small, check out the Aopen Mini PC.

 

[idea]

I don't like any of these cube cases. I couldn't tell you why, but I like this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811204007

Its just a funny looking, odd case. It looks loud with the funny PSU placement though. The fan blows out the front. I'd unplug the side fan and one of the 60mm's. I won't be overclocking it. I want it to be as quiet as possible.

 

[Zepper]

Yes, the nMedia 300 is a cleverly designed case that is compact for a full ATX box.You can lay it on it's right side if you put some of those audiophile isolation feet under it to get it an inch or so off the surface it's resting on. The Egg says aluminum, but it's mostly steel w/ a partly aluminum bezel.

Jpac used to carry a similar box called the Nja but I don't see it any more.

.bh.

Shockwave,

The LL PC-V300 is fugly, IMO of course. And their spec says it's only 11" wide. But that's only if you don't put any optical drives in it. I'd say that's false advertising...

.bh.

 

[curtisfong]

Antec Fusion, it's much more functional than any other htpc case out there.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

"Cube case", that you can put your TV on. LOL

 

[BassBomb]

wheres that one VinDSL keeps posting

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
"Cube case", that you can put your TV on. LOL

I LOL'd :laugh:

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
"Cube case", that you can put your TV on. LOL

I LOL'd :laugh:

It's plenty sturdy enough. Me and my wife took turns riding it across the living room when we moved into our last house...

 

[cheesehead]

NEXT cube.

Q.E.D.