Need help finding a Small Case

[Kevin]

I'm trying to conserve some space in my room so I'm looking to trade cases for something smaller. My needs are quite simple although its been a chore trying to find a case to meet the criteria. All I need are 2 5.25" external bays and I need it to fit a standard ATX board (not ready to give up on my A7N8X and do a full-blown upgrade).

I'd like the case as small as possible. I currently have a Chieftec Matrix (Aluminum) so anything noticeably smaller would be great. I don't mind modding the case if for example its made for a Micro ATX but an ATX will fit after some drilling and such.

 

[Zepper]

This JPAC NJA-BK looks interesting. The included PSU is an L&C bottom feeder, but you can easily replace it with a decent PSU and keep the L&C for an emergency backup (I'd be ashamed to sell it to anyone else). Or the Coolermaster Cavalier desktop style cases.

.bh.

 

[Jhhnn]

I don't think that case would cool worth a damn, zepper...

The Antec 1650 is about as small as conventional atx towers can get...

 

[LED]

Depending on the Footprint you're willig to give up...I really like and Use Enlight Cases and that Model Has the side mount PSU

 

[Zap]

The Antec Super LAN Boy is a fairly small case with good ventilation. Anything smaller and you'll have to go with the style of case that LED linked to.

 

[Kevin]

It looks like I'll have to swap to an mATX since every case I see and like is made only for mATX.

Oh well, I'll keep searching...

 

[Zepper]

Kevin did say "his needs are quite simple" and that he is "willing to mod if necessary". There you go. I've been mulling over getting one of those JPAC boxes just to experiment with as it is by far the most compact box I've seen that will fit a full ATX mobo.
. I've added larger exhaust fans to cases with 60mm fans by using a 60 to 80mm adapter mounted on the outside of the case. And if he uses a low-pro HSF, another fan could be mounted to the grill above it. So it's not beyond redemption...

.bh.

 

[andrewbabcock]

SUPER LANBOY

 

[Kevin]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Kevin did say "his needs are quite simple" and that he is "willing to mod if necessary". There you go. I've been mulling over getting one of those JPAC boxes just to experiment with as it is by far the most compact box I've seen that will fit a full ATX mobo.
. I've added larger exhaust fans to cases with 60mm fans by using a 60 to 80mm adapter mounted on the outside of the case. And if he uses a low-pro HSF, another fan could be mounted to the grill above it. So it's not beyond redemption...

.bh.

That JPAC you linked is very small but its just not my style. I'm looking for something along the lines of a Coolermaster Centurion 540. Its not super small but I think the style is a tradeoff. I just wanted to see if I could compact my existing system but it looks like I'm going to have to buy a slew of new parts.

 

[Zepper]

Well, there are several mini-tower cases that mount the PSU vertically that can fit an ATX mobo. You just have to use a Low-Pro HSF like the Thermal Integration V77L that I use.

 

[Zepper]

How about the Antec SLK2650-BQE? Those are on sale about everywhere - check Provantage for sure for Antec. Only 16.5" high and deep.

Provantage - $62.34 + sh - $10. rebate thru Nov 26th

And Directron caries the Enlight EN-7101 - not pretty, but only 14.5" tall. Needs a low-prow HSF.

.bh.

 

[Kevin]

My aluminum Chieftec has a door and I hate it. All it does is get in the way.

I'm seriously thinking about ordering a Centurion 540 BTX and modifying it to fit an ATX. From the pictures I've seen it looks if I remove the HDD cage and relocate the powersupply to the HDD Cage location, the board should be able to fit. I will definately have to change my Zalman heatsink for one of those low-profiles you speak of, the Zalman is HUGE...