Micro ATX Case...Which one do you reccomend?

[ChrisADuffy]

Micro ATX Case...Which one do you recommend? I am currently ooking at the INWIN T515 MicroTower Case.

Please let me know what Micro ATX case you are using and or recommend. Thanks in advance.

 

[Phunktion]

I've always liked the Fong Kai FK-611.. though I've been avoiding mATX based system building for awhile..

 

[ChrisADuffy]

Thanks for the input Phunktion, Hopefully I can get more input on this.

 

[ChrisADuffy]

Anyone out there using Micro cases, I am currently building one to bring to and from work, etc.

 

[mudboy]

My favorite is the Palo Alto PA-450, though it's a bit hard to find. Chenbro has apretty cool looking MicroATX cse that I would like to get my hands on, but haven't been able to find a supplier...I think it's the PC303.

Pete

 

[ChrisADuffy]

The chenbro is nice I checked it out Here. I like the Palo alto's swing out power supply Linked. The Fong Kai is a nice one Linked.

 

[ChrisADuffy]

I like this one too but not enough performance for heavy gaming. Shuttle sv24

 

[CanOWorms]

I think that Shuttle one uses a flexatx motherboard (FV24).

You could try making your own case! That's what I'm going to try with a miniature mobo I'm getting. I'm going to see if I can get the entire case in a 7 or 8 inch cube

 

[rondeemc]

Have used the FK611 (from directron) on about 7 computers now and been happy with it. It has the largest PS I could find for a micro at 160w which is a plus. Also their supplies seemed to be underrated. Also has a secondary rear exhaust fan in the right place. The ps fan is a little loud. Built one based on the Inwin T515 and it was ok. Don't like the placement of the secondary fan. Also if you set it on the floor it is ackward. The handle was nice.

Bought my last one for $30 plus shipping from here (read the details) which has a full warranty

 

[ChrisADuffy]

Thanks for that info, I did not know directron had such a program on cases. That is great. I will be using that in the future to save $.

 

[Phunktion]

Thanks.. you just got me interested in building smaller computers again cuz a friend of mine wants me to plan one out for him and he didn't want a large case..

BTW I think I've chosen to go with this one.. but it's really small.. don't know if it would fit your needs.. Link

It's a Yeong Yang Casper A102.. what caught my attention though is Directron offers it with a 200W P4 mATX PSU.. and YY is a quality brand in my experience.. they make the awesome server cubes.. Linky

 

[rondeemc]

Phunktion
That's the largest PS for a micro I have seen. Now if the nforce would finally get resolved this has some major possibilities!

 

[clumsum]

Chris,

Last month I built a pc for my Aunt and I used the Inwin V500 which I really liked, it's very sturdy and has an 80mm rear exhaust fan if you get the P4 ready model........... it also accepted a 300W ATX psu.
Another thing I liked about it was the top panel was easily removable, a real plus when working in these tight cases........

I have a Fong - Kai 611L mATX case on order from Directron, ........... that comes with a 300W Enhance psu (P4 ready) for $59. plus shipping.
This is my first time building with this case but I want to compare it to the V500, F-K usually has good cooling and high-quality construction.
Fong-Kai (or maybe it was Directron) says the case will accept an 80 or 90mm rear fan ........... should be here in a couple of days.

There are several more candidates, but the make/models that everyone mentioned in this thread seem to be about the best choices for the money ..................

 

[ChrisADuffy]

CanOWorms, What kind of materials would you use for the case?

 

[ChrisADuffy]

Phunktion, That looks to be a top notch Micro ATX case. Thanks for the info. YY is definitely one of the better case mfgr's.

 

[ChrisADuffy]

clumsum, Thanks for that info. The fk-611 is a strong contender.

 

[rondeemc]

Looks like the choices are improving with 300watt models coming out. I will be very interested to hear how you like the 611L. Strange the Inwin would not make the rear fan standard on all models. Nice that the Inwin takes a regular PS which puts it ahead of the FK in my book. Those micro PS's are pricey for what you get and harder to find.

 

[mobly99]

I'm interested in this Lian Li PC-42 at So-Trick

So far, I've not found any reviews of it anywhere, and so-trick is the only retailer that is carrying it.

 

[ChrisADuffy]

tHAT lIAN-LI LOOKS PRETTY SWEET, ANYONE SEEN A REVIEW ON THAT PC-42?

 

[Jhhnn]

I think it depends on what you plan to build in a Matx case. If it's a celeron or p3 system, most anything will work, largely because of the low power/ventilation requirements. If you're talking about a high end AMD XP, hot vid card, etc, then it's more problematical.

I've been toying with the idea of a Matx AMD XP system for a while, and came to the conclusion that I wanted something that will accept a full size 300w ATX PSU and that has good stock ventilation potential. Narrows the field considerably, particularly because low noise is also a concern.

The Inwin v500 fell out because there's no rear fan, The FK 611 is a contender, as is this case-

L1

Never seen one in person, but it's a LiteOn, probably not junk.

And there's the Superpower 5xx series, here-

L2

These guys seem a little overpriced, but they have the features, and the mid tower Superpowers I've dealt with were well built, sturdy. These micro-superpowers are hard to find.

Lately I've switched directions a little, trying to get all I want into an even smaller custom enclosure. Now I'm holding out for the Epox EP-8KHM, little brother to the EP-8KHA- anybody seen 'em for sale anywhere?

 

[ChrisADuffy]

Finally went with THIS ONE