• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

microATX case advice

B

Buxton

Member
This isn't going to be easy, or maybe even possible......BUT, I'm looking for a case for a microATX mobo that will hold 2x5.25 drives (cd burner and dvd-rom) and really as many HD's as possible, 5 or 6 being the bare min. I need. I got this mobo as a gift (asus p4b533-vm) and can't take it back or return it or anything. I have everything else I need (520W PS, 512 of DDR memory, 2.4 533fbs chip, all the drives, etc. etc.) just no case to put it in. If anybody has any suggestions please let me know, all advice is appreciated. Thanks in advance.



Bux
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but a mATX mobo will fit in any ATX case. Unless you are looking to find a small case to build the smallest PC you can.

If you are looking for small, then you may be better off constructing a custom case, because it's highly unlikely that you will have space for 8 drives in any retail compact case.

If this is not the "case" (pardon the pun, but I can never resist) then obviously any standard case will do.


 
ness,
If you are sure that the microATX mobo will fit in any case labeled ATX then I'm golden, there are tons of cases out there with the specs I need. I don't give a damn about the size of the case, I just need it to hold those 8 drives (and if there is more room I might spring for another 120GB 8MB cache 🙂 ). If anybody else can confirm this it would be much appreciated, I'd hate to order a case and it not work. Thanks again.



Bux
 
from direction.com:



Home >> Cases, Fans, Power >>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A micro-ATX case has smaller footprint and much fewer expansion slots (typically 3-4) than a regular ATX case (typically 6-8). MicroATX cases require special micro-ATX motherboards. However, a micro-ATX motherboard will fit inside a regular ATX case. Not all microATX motherboards have the same physical sizes. Check out the sizes before purchasing. Some microATX cases use normal ATX or mini-ATX power supplies while some use microATX ones. Flex ATX cases are even smaller than micro ATX.. Many newer flexATX cases will also take MicroATX motherboards.



Link here
 
ness,
you are the man.

Now the PS issue comes up though. It seems fine to me, but I want to make sure this makes sense. The mobo mentioned above, with a "normal" (I say normal because I don't know if there are ATX v. mATX PS's) 520W PS, and a typical ATX case, say the Lian-Li PC-6100 http://www.pc-beyond.com/case-Lian-Li-PC-6100.htm should all go fine together, correct? Meaning, the PS will plug into the mobo no problem, and all the goodies on the back of the mobo will line up with the case. If so that would be totally KICKASS. Again, thanks for all the help.


Bux
 
It'll work fine. Anything with the "ATX" in it has the same kind of plug on the motherboard, and although it won't take up the whole mobo tray, the mobo will line up with the IO panel. 😉


You're clear for takeoff 😉
 
ROCK ON!!! Thanks for all the help guys.


With the mATX crap out of the way I just need to fine a kick ass case now and cram all that stuff into it. Are the Lian-Li cases really worth the extra money or is something like cheap like http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage.asp?style=album do just fine for me. I know with all those drives heat is an issue, but I'm thinking either the link I pasted or the Lian-Li's have enough fans to keep it cool enough in there. I've been looking at newegg.com, but if you guys got some good sites to check out please let me know. Thanks in advance,


Bux
 
You might look around for an Antec SLK3700 too. It has dual 120mm fan mounts and a large stack of HDD mounts right behind the front 120mm fan, for direct cooling of them. www.antec-inc.com is their site, but the best diagram they have to offer at the moment is a PDF file. Anyway, I think these are on the market now and if you need help locating one I'll try to help after work.
 
Yes please mechBgon, point me in that direction if you could.

Anybody else have any feelings on Lian-Li cases? Do they cool well enough for those 8 drives I want to have in there? Are they worth the extra $$$. I'm not trying to skimp on the case, I know if its too hot in there that nothing will run so I want to do this right. Thanks in advance.


Bux
 
I personally dont think the Lian li cases are worth teh extra money. I would just get a better looking black antec case for half the money and with a good power supply. Staples has a good one with a great power supply.
AMG1080
 
Well, I already have a nice 520W PS, so a case without one would be the best thing for me so as I don't have to pay the extra $$ for a PS I won't be using. Not sure if that changes anybody's case advice, but let me know if it does. Thanks.


Bux
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top