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Opinions on HTPC case

All cases start with no reviews. People actually have to buy them first in order to review them. I would compare similar cases by the manufactor. Lian Li is a quality brand which have always cost a bit more. I have to admit after looking at it I'm interested in getting one.

Due to the thickness, keep in mind you may have to buy a GPU designed for low form factor.
 
OP, what kind of system are you looking to put in there? Any specs for us? How big of a case do you want?
 
You can probably find a similar product for $49 or less. It is hard to say why a case is worth what it is. A lot depends if it is a gaming case or for some other use. Most people that build HTPC are using low wattage CPU's and focusing on storage and fuctionality. Some are gaming also. I think the air flow is also important.

This site has some useful information on it. They can pack a lot of functionality into a small case. A lot depends on what kind of things you put in the case like a TV/Tuner card, and maybe a 2tb hard drive or an SSD. They use some different cases on this website. Look at their collection of photos and stuff. It might give you some ideas. Since they build and sell HTPC's maybe they know things I dont. I have never purchased anything there, but it looks promising.

http://dvr.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/..._&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http://assassinhtpc.com/

Example Pictures:
http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=154
 
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If the height of the case you initially linked isn't the big draw for you (personally, I hate half height pci cards, but I think I may be a little picky.), I urge you to check out the Antec 2480. I've been using one for my HTPC since about 2008 and it (and it's PSU) have held up wonderfully. Replace (or undervolt...) the 120mm fans with something a bit quieter, and you're in business.

Edit: forgot the obligatory newegg link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129034
 
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My gaming/HTPC build was largely influenced by SPCR as well. I built one nearly two years ago using the Silverstone GD05 case, coupled with the i5-760, HD5850, H55 motherboard and a plethora of peripherals.

Been very happy with the performance (and look)!
 
I used a Silverstone ML03. I love it and at $60 it's pretty darn cheap. It looks the part and is very nice in quality.
 
Zalman HD160 here. Got it a few years ago so HTPC cases were still rare so it was quite pricey.

Just remember that you'll be limited by what pcie cards you can use because it's only half height.
 
I like that case; but if you want to put more internal HDDs I think that case won't be able to handle it. I suggest you get something fatter.
 
With a $150 case you're probably gonna be spending close to $500 on the HTPC... if you don't have components already why not look at a mac mini?
 
silverpig said:
With a $150 case you're probably gonna be spending close to $500 on the HTPC... if you don't have components already why not look at a mac mini?
Click to expand...

Can you put a Ceton PCIe card in a Mac Mini?

I have the Silverstone GD05B and have been very pleased with it.
 
Another vote for the Silverstone GD05B. Great cooling, unobtrusive looks, and pretty quiet. I have one with a G620, passive heatsink, Radeon 7750, 50GB SSD, and two 2TB hard drives.
 
Another happy Silverstone GD05B owner here, got it for $85 too. The LIAN LI Black Aluminum PC-C37U Micro for $150 is a bit pricey, unless space is a concern I see no reason for that price.
 
boomhower said:
I used a Silverstone ML03. I love it and at $60 it's pretty darn cheap. It looks the part and is very nice in quality.
Click to expand...

I have this one too and really like it. The only annoyance is the blue lights, but that's easily solved with electrical tape. I wrote up a review of it somewhere around here.
 
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