Looking for small form factor solution...???

[movieman000]

I am wanting to build a system in a smaller case size to fit on top of my desk. The issue I have is that the desk is against the wall, and also has side panels at the end where the box would be sitting. I am concerned about airflow "around" the case, and the restriction of it being so close to a closed surface.

I was thinking of maybe an htpc style case, as it would be stylish in the setting, or should I consider a shuttle style case? I am worried about the heat being exhausted in an efficient manner, and don't want anything really restricting the airflow.

Do you guys have any ideas on a certain case that might work on the desk area and not possibly have heat build-up?

I am thinking about a setup including:

Core i7
VelociRaptor
xp pro
2gb ram
dvd burner
gtx 260 card

THANKS!

 

[racolvin]

I personally prefer the Shuttle cases. The only model currently doing Core i7 is the SX58 http://us.shuttle.com/barebone/Models/SX58H7.html

Whether you can physically get a GTX 260 in there is another story ...

 

[ShockwaveVT]

I suggest reading up on the Lian Li PC-A05. Very compact ATX tower that actually draws air from the rear and exhausts it out the front.

As for HTPC style with good airflow, the Antec NSK2480 is worth looking at. (downside is that it is micro-ATX only)

For "shoebox" or shuttle-style micro-ATX cases, the Apevia X-Qpack2 has great airflow. The Qmicra v2 also has great airflow, but is a bit larger than most shoebox cases and carries a hefty price tag.