mATX HTPC case that can hold an ATX PSU?

[Banderon]

Hi all.

I'm putting together an HTPC/Gaming system. I'd like to plop it into a mATX HTPC case, the cheaper the better.

I only need room for 2 HDs, 1 optical, and a full-sized graphic card. I wanted to use an Antec earthwatts EA380 380W as my PSU, so I need a case that's made for an mATX board, but has room for a full-sized card and a regular ATX PSU.

Cost is definitely the deciding factor here, but I'd hope to be able to avoid the mini-towers out there and instead fine a nice horizontal/desktop case that suits my needs.


Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Spike]

I don't know how these compare to other mATX cases but check out the X-QPack and X-Qpack2. They can fit full size PSU's and are very light for easy transportation. I use a 2 as my lanbox and once you toss the crappy PSU it comes with you have a decent case. At this point I have used an OCZ stealthextreme 500, Earthwatts 500, and NeoHE500 all in the case with no problems. I think most PCP&P PSU's are probably too big but most should fit. They also can fit two HDD's and sport a 120mm exhaust which is usually the only fan you need.

On the downside they are rather expensive, probably accounting for the included PSU, and they have rather flimsy build quality. They work AWESOME as a lanbox but I would never again put an HTPC in one. I attempted that but due to the thin aluminum and lots of vent holes (great for cooling) it is a very loud case, even if you use quiet components.

X-Qpack
X-Qpack2

I have heard good things about the mini-p180 but those are pricey and not very light. They would probably work great as a HTPC but not so much as a lanbox though someone who has actually used one will have more info.

Good luck!

P.S. Check my sig, thats what I currently run in my x-qpack2.

EDIT* I missed your vid card comment. My qpack normally sports an 8800GTS 512 in it and it has at least 3" of additional space after that so it can probably hold just about any GPU out there.

 

[Zap]

I currently use an Antec NSK2480 for my HTPC. The same chassis is used in the Antec Fusion Remote HTPC Enclosure (also available in all black). The more expensive Fusion product comes with a big-azz volume knob, remote control and an LCD with integrated IR receiver but internally is the same (minus one 5¼" drive bay for the LCD).

I think I got my NSK2480 for around $80 shipped on-sale somewhere. Here's what I like about it:

Clean looks, goes well with my silver-faced Onkyo receiver.

Cheap for an HTPC case (it is marketed as just a desktop case).

Comes with a 380W PSU (EarthWatts EA380 or SU380, both are basically the same).

Probably some of the best ventilated and quietest cases for HTPC.

Comes with the BEST HDD grommets in the market for the two drive bays (those soft white Antec grommets).

Has two side-mounted 120mm fans for the best ventilation. Fans are Antec TriCool and they are barely audible left on low setting. A better solution would be undervolted Yate Loons, but the Antecs are okay on low. I have a passive Scythe Ninja Mini cooling my CPU with the help of these fans.

Caveats:

The side mounted fans will make this case not work in an enclosed rack, but then again most decently powerful computers won't work too well that way and still be quiet.

The biggest card it can fit is probably 9.5-10" meaning you can forget about using a top-end graphics card.

It fits full-sized cards, but barely. This means you can't have any cooler that is taller than the video card.

Possible solution: You can probably mod this case by cutting out the HDD bays which are blocking long video cards. Then, mount one HDD below your optical drive using a 5¼" to 3½" adapter. Mount the second one somehow on top of the power supply. I actually have a 1TB HDD sitting there right now, not mounted to anything but with a rubber sheet underneath it to keep it from sliding.

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: Spike
I don't know how these compare to other mATX cases but check out the X-QPack and X-Qpack2.

I'm not sure how the Qpack2 is, but with the original version a full sized PSU will butt up against the back of most optical drives.
I solved this by getting rebranded lite-on drives that are only ~6.5" deep.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: MrPickins
I'm not sure how the Qpack2 is, but with the original version a full sized PSU will butt up against the back of most optical drives.
I solved this by getting rebranded lite-on drives that are only ~6.5" deep.

The "2" is deeper by an inch or so, which really helps. Similar cases are also deeper, such as the MicroFly.

 

[Jabbernyx]

Chiefmax FC-DV21M : http://3btech.net/chfcsmfoalmi.html
Built a HTPC for the folks around a Gigabyte GA-G33-DS2R and E5200 @ 3.5GHz.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Jabbernyx
Chiefmax FC-DV21M : http://3btech.net/chfcsmfoalmi.html
Built a HTPC for the folks around a Gigabyte GA-G33-DS2R and E5200 @ 3.5GHz.

Hey, back in stock!

 

[wwswimming]

Originally posted by: MrPickins

Originally posted by: Spike
I don't know how these compare to other mATX cases but check out the X-QPack and X-Qpack2.

I'm not sure how the Qpack2 is, but with the original version a full sized PSU will butt up against the back of most optical drives.
I solved this by getting rebranded lite-on drives that are only ~6.5" deep.

i had to deal with the same thing. got a seasonic 430. did some snooping, the cable bundle exits the PS case, that hole's been moved over a few inches. so there's plenty of room for the optical drive and the PS.

on another XQPack, i didn't get the seasonic 430, i got the seasonic 650. i had to snip the cord that holds the cable bundle in one big 1 1/2" diameter bundle, so the cables can bend easier around the optical drive.

 

[Bl0cks]

I have the Thermaltake Lanboxlite and its a pretty sturdy case. You can fit a 9"-10" card in there, but anything longer, you will have to take out the removable hard drive holder. Cooling is limited, but I was able to fit my Coolermaster GeminII cooler in there (thats without the 2 X 120mm fan bracket). And yes, it does fit a full size PSU with room to spare.

My mobo tray with GeminII cooler

 

[Beanie46]

Depends on how much money you have to burn.............if $$$ is not a problem and you may want to watercool a tad down the line, the QMicra by PC Labs should be on your list. But since cheap is the requisite, then have you considered the Lian Li PC-V350A, or the Silverstone Sugo SG01-Evolution, or the Bgears b-Envi Cube Case. All will hold standard ATX power supplies..............and all within a few dollars of the QPack.