Most compact matx case?

[Fox5]

I'm trying to build a media center PC for my parents, but it needs to fit into their entertainment rack. A typical matx case is about as wide as normal AV equipment, but the depth requirement kills it. Height isn't really a problem (as long as it doesn't involve flipping the entire case sideways), but is there anything with the foot-print of essentially an matx motherboard, perhaps slightly larger at most?

 

[Brainonska511]

What about using an ITX board and case?

IIRC, there are some decent boards that can use a standard processor (and not an Atom-type one). They usually only have 1 PCI or PCI-E slot though. You could always solve that issue though with USB TV tuners or getting some kind of dual-tuner for the PCI/PCI-E slot and sticking with on-board graphics (especially if it is an AMD system, since the graphics aren't as gimped as Intel's).

 

[Fox5]

What about using an ITX board and case?

IIRC, there are some decent boards that can use a standard processor (and not an Atom-type one). They usually only have 1 PCI or PCI-E slot though. You could always solve that issue though with USB TV tuners or getting some kind of dual-tuner for the PCI/PCI-E slot and sticking with on-board graphics (especially if it is an AMD system, since the graphics aren't as gimped as Intel's).

Well, I already have an matx board, otherwise I probably would go for an itx. (or some sort of dedicated, non-pc device)

 

[Brainonska511]

Oh. I can't think you'll find much difference in mATX cases' footprint depths. My QPack at home is maybe 2-3 inches longer than the board is plus maybe another half inch in the back in terms of depth.

 

[IlllI]

but is there anything with the foot-print of essentially an matx motherboard, perhaps slightly larger at most?

i don't know if that is possible b/c most have space in front for an optical drive, and you need space above the processor for your heatsink. you also have some with different placement of the psu. there are tons of itx cases like what you want though

 

[Massive Overkill]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=

 

[Fox5]

The qpack is getting close, but still is fairly big.
The Antec cube is a little smaller still, but starting to get pricey.

Mini-itx boards are fairly expensive too. Something like the shuttle cases, but slightly larger to accommodate an matx board instead of their custom boards would be the perfect form factor. I suppose if I end up buying something new, I'll just get a shuttle, I don't think I'll beat the price for mini-itx board+case+psu, and the shuttles have a pci and pci-express port.

I'm currently waiting on a warranty claim on the matx board anyway, so if the manufactuer doesn't honor the warranty, I guess I'll get a shuttle, otherwise I'll see if the qpack fits, and if not, maybe I'll bite on the antec.

 

[taisingera]

Smallest case supporting microATX is a In-win BK series, that has no case fans and only uses CPU fan for cooling.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811108191

 

[Fox5]

Smallest case supporting microATX is a In-win BK series, that has no case fans and only uses CPU fan for cooling.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811108191

Nice, that's about the size I was hoping for. The price is good too!

Any cooling issues with it? I've got a 45W low power Athlon X2 and a 780g motherboard. Definitely don't plan on putting anything hotter than that into the case.

 

[taisingera]

I don't have the case but I have read some reviews on it and a 45W Athlon shouldn't be a problem. The cooling plate or whatever they call it may not line up well with anything but an Intel retail cpu cooler, but I have seen an Athlon cooler used in it.

 

[Fox5]

Any reviews or write ups about it? I can't find anything online.

 

[taisingera]

These seem to cover the case well and show the cooling partition.

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/549/1/
http://www.thinkcomputers.org/old/index.php?x=reviews&id=634
http://www.tweaknews.net/reviews/in_win_bk623_mt_Jade_review/

 

[Fox5]

Hmm, mt jade is not the product that's on newegg though. What's the difference between the two? I guess it doesn't really matter, I'll probably just go with the cheapest one I can find.

 

[Swivelguy2]

I think the one on Newegg is identical to Mt. Jade, but didn't pay the licensing fees for that name, or something.

 

[taisingera]

Look on In-win page and you'll notice that the BK is similar to the Mt Jade internally. I'd go for one of those but I am worried about cooling even though I have a fairly simple low power system.