Need a cube case (or suitable SFF) for HTPC/Gaming rig

[twjr]

I am after case for an upcoming rig that I am looking to replace my tiny ITX HTPC with. I am going to do some more gaming with this rig so was looking to move to an mATX motherboard for a bit more expandability.

I am constrained by size that I have my AV setup in. The case can't exceed dimensions in height or width of 330 mm. Depth I am more flexible with but I would like to stay under 400 mm if possible. I also don't wan't anything too garish as it is in a living area.

I haven't settled on components or a price so if something comes up with the ideal form factor I would consider that and build the rig around the case. Otherwise I will just get something cheaper and less space constrained and hide it.

There are a couple of cases I have spotted that would almost do the trick but are either out of stock everywhere or discontinued. Also I live in Australia so some cases may not be available here.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Topweasel]

The SG05 with a 450w PSU is 222 mm (W) x 176 mm (H) x 276 mm (D), Can support up to the 680 in cards (to small for reference 7950 or 7970). The SG-08 600W, is longer but the height and width will still be the same.

Both of them support Dual slot coolers.

 

[_Rick_]

332 x 216 x 198 mm LxWxH for the new shuttle barebone.
Looks are very restrained and classy, fits everything you'll need, of course, it's expensive, and locks you into the mobo and PSU, and you won't get full mATX either, but there are two slots instead of one, so if you use onboard graphics (should be good enough with IB), and don't need PCI, you should be well served. Additionally there's a miniPCIe and mSATA on the board, so if you want internal Wifi and an SSD, you're catered for.

Good luck with your search!

http://global.shuttle.com/main/productsDetail?productId=1581

 

[twjr]

They are both options. Ideally though I wanted a case that could take more internal hard drives. Currently I have 5 external drives which is just too messy and I wanted to be able to fit at least 4 3.5" drives and maybe an SSD too.

 

[Topweasel]

They are both options. Ideally though I wanted a case that could take more internal hard drives. Currently I have 5 external drives which is just too messy and I wanted to be able to fit at least 4 3.5" drives and maybe an SSD too.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0383057

Its pretty awesome.

 

[_Rick_]

For lot's of drives (but with mini DTX or mini ITX form factor) there is the Fractal Array R2, as mentioned above.
If you want to keep µATX, there's really only the excellent Lian-Li PC-V354, which is 420 mm long, but arguably the best the cube world has to offer.

 

[bleucharm28]

Im waiting for Bitfenix Prodigy, you can put a full aftermarket cooler in mini itx itx case.

 

[twjr]

For lot's of drives (but with mini DTX or mini ITX form factor) there is the Fractal Array R2, as mentioned above.
If you want to keep µATX, there's really only the excellent Lian-Li PC-V354, which is 420 mm long, but arguably the best the cube world has to offer.

That was the case I had been drifting towards. The length is manageable and it fits the other dimensions.

However I think I am going to scrap trying to fit it within the space I had and just go with a freestanding mATX case. Probably the Fractal Design Define Mini.

 

[_Rick_]

In that case, be sure to also consider the slightly less-computerish looking boxes, like that Lian-Li snail look-a-like or Silverstone's Fortress 03 'mini-fridge/dustbin'.
The latter has been released in Titanium look recently, and I must say, if I hadn't had a black one last summer, I'd be going right for it.

 

[Meghan54]

For lot's of drives (but with mini DTX or mini ITX form factor) there is the Fractal Array R2, as mentioned above.
If you want to keep µATX, there's really only the excellent Lian-Li PC-V354, which is 420 mm long, but arguably the best the cube world has to offer.

That Lian-Li case is very nice and arguably the best in its class. Too bad this case isn't in production any longer as I still consider it to be the all-time best of the class....but you can find them if you look around a bit:



http://www.xoxide.com/pclab-qmicra-v2-case.html

 

[twjr]

That Lian-Li case is very nice and arguably the best in its class. Too bad this case isn't in production any longer as I still consider it to be the all-time best of the class....but you can find them if you look around a bit:



http://www.xoxide.com/pclab-qmicra-v2-case.html

The qmicra case was my first choice as soon as I saw it. Had nearly perfect dimensions for the space I had and enough drives for what I wanted. Then I found out it was discontinued and was bitterly disappointed. I might try to find one in the second hand market but in Australia I think that is highly unlikely. I also cringe to think what the postage of one to here from the US would be.

 

[Meghan54]

I also cringe to think what the postage of one to here from the US would be.

Yeah, that'd be damned expensive. Packed, its weigh approaches 22#, or 10kg, and according to the USPS, the cheapest I've found btw, shipping is almost $160 U.S.D.