Looking for an inexpensive mATX HTPC case that doesn't suck

[mazeroth]

I already have my mATX mobo and Celeron E1200 CPU and will eventually be getting a dedicated PCI-E video card for gaming. I'm now lost trying to find the perfect HTPC case (which will be kept in an in-wall shelving unit I'm building) and was wondering if anyone here might know of some that I've overlooked. I've checked out the offerings from the obvious manufacturers like Antec but wanted to make sure I looked at every option before pulling the trigger.

Also, if it comes with a decent PS all the better.

Thanks.

 

[Zepper]

Did you use the case search engine in Newegg? I think the Aerocool M40 is a nice case. The Silverstone SUGO 2 would be another option. Get a nice PSU for either at the link to my FS/T listing below.

.bh.

 

[desolate]

I to would recommend the Aerocool M40, it's a very nice case.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

There's the Antec NSK on newegg for $90 with 350w psu. It can put out 300w on the 12v rails, so thats pretty good (36 amps on a 350watt is unusual)

 

[PianoMan]

I think OP is looking for one of the AV sized cases out there (17" width). I have the same thinking cap on - now that I've got a BD-ROM drive, I was thinking of moving it to an HTPC case so I can watch Blu-Ray on the main TV.

My first two choices would have been an Antec Fusion and (gulp!) the Silverstone CW03. But both are too much $$$.

I did the search on NewEgg, and you've got AthenaTech, InWin, hec, and Linkworld offerings. Meh. I'd consider the APEVIA X-Master:

APEVIA X-Master

But that it still has me leery. The Fusion sits at $170 - maybe I can wait for a good rebate or somthing...

 

[Zepper]

Don't have to pay the Fusion price when there is the NSK2480 available... It always pays to look outside the obvious choices.

.bh.

 

[PianoMan]

I vaguely recalled the little brother version of the Fusion, but didn't know if it was still offered.

Now that you bring it up, I think the NSK2480 is perfectly in the price point for OP.

But no VFD and cool knob... (call me shallow, but I love knobs! )

 

[mazeroth]

Thanks for all the replies.

The NSK2480 goes on sale B-Stock on antec.com quite often, right? If so I may just wait. That case does look like it would work perfectly for me. I have the Antec P180 which is very similar. I love this case.

 

[Zepper]

B-stock shipping is usually terrible - often almost as cheap to buy new from a place with reasonable shipping charges (though everywhere is getting high ship costs).

.bh.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Don't have to pay the Fusion price when there is the NSK2480 available

That's the case I use for my HTPC. It replaced a Cooler Master ATC-620 and I love it (the Antec). I'm using the stock PSU and fans, and have a Scythe Mini Ninja on the CPU. just a note, the video card can't have anything sticking up over it (like an AC Accelero S1).

 

[PianoMan]

Agree w/Zep - I've priced the B-Stock stuff when I was looking for a P180 - shipping sucks, and I live down in San Diego, just a ways south. I was considering driving up there and getting it, but then CompUSA (I miss their B&M sales) had it on rebate.

I'd also wait around for a free ship deal from the Egg. Those seem to rotate pretty frequently.