Please re-read: Help finding a small case with good cooling.

[garritynet]

I have purchased a copy of Vista Premium, a ASUS mATX MB and AMD 6000+ for my new computer herby dubbed: "Project Sensible".

I plan on purchasing the following in the next few weeks.

2x2gig DC DDR2 800
MSI 9800GT <<dual slot cooler
WD Caviar 640gig
Corsair PSU
DVD/Blu-ray drive
Wifi card
.......ect

What's important is that I need a case that will fit the 9800gt, properly cool it and at the same time be as small as possible.

So far I really like the Antec NSK2480 but I don't know if the video card will fit. I also don't want to pay for an extra PSU.

I am also interested in hearing if the Antec NSK3480 or Centurion 541 would work for me.

At this point I am beyond wanting a HTPC case, now I just want something as small as possible that will fit my VC.

I prefer cases without doors, lights or clear side panels.

I am willing to spend as much as $150 but would prefer to keep it closer to $75ish.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Antec Fusion cases are great (well from AVS threads and reviews online).

Silverstone makes some solid cases as well.

What price range are you looking at?

 

[garritynet]

Up to $150 but this is supposed to be a bit of a budget build so less is more.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Antec Fusion cases are great

The Fusion is kind of pricey because it comes with a remote and a VFD display. For the same chassis but at a lower price and with a decent PSU included, take a look at the Antec NSK2480. It comes with an excellent EarthWatts 380W (normal ATX sized), supports two optical drives and two hard drives, has great air flow and supports micro ATX motherboards. It is black, with a silver face.

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Antec Fusion cases are great

The Fusion is kind of pricey because it comes with a remote and a VFD display. For the same chassis but at a lower price and with a decent PSU included, take a look at the Antec NSK2480. It comes with an excellent EarthWatts 380W (normal ATX sized), supports two optical drives and two hard drives, has great air flow and supports micro ATX motherboards. It is black, with a silver face.

I have one and have no complaints with it. It's a bit larger than you might expect in a case that only takes micro ATX motherboards, but I think it's the best you'll do under $100.

 

[Binky]

I'll throw in another vote for the Antec NSK2480. Excellent case for the price, especially if you can get in on a crazy rebate deal for $50 or less. Nmedia also makes some interesting HTPC cases if you like the look of them.

 

[ther00kie16]

Why does it have to only support mATX? Why not one that supports full ATX? The Apevia on newegg is interesting as it offers room for 120mm fans on the sides. I got the aluminum Eagle Tech from newegg when they had the $100 rebate so it was $40 after rebate. It's probably around $100 a few places and comes with remote and lcd but takes some modding to get things the way one would prefer.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
Why does it have to only support mATX? Why not one that supports full ATX?

Why not mATX? A mATX board based upon the upcoming GeForce 9300 chipset looks pretty juicy for a budget HTPC setup, with IGP that can do audio over HDMI and decode BluRay/H264. What could you possibly need in an HTPC that will take up more than the four expansion slots on a mATX board?

 

[ther00kie16]

Originally posted by: Zap

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
Why does it have to only support mATX? Why not one that supports full ATX?

Why not mATX? A mATX board based upon the upcoming GeForce 9300 chipset looks pretty juicy for a budget HTPC setup, with IGP that can do audio over HDMI and decode BluRay/H264. What could you possibly need in an HTPC that will take up more than the four expansion slots on a mATX board?

What I meant was that a case that accepts only mATX limits the choices considerably. It would exclude the Apevia HTPC cases for $90 shipped from newegg for example.
So unless space is a factor, which wasn't mentioned, then cases supprting up to ATX MBs should be considered.

 

[garritynet]

I will look at the Apevia.

I want as small a case as possible. Tired of huge towers. On the other hand I want a case that is big enough to house a modern video card and has proper cooling.

 

[garritynet]

Will a Antec NSK2480 fit a 9800GT?

 

[garritynet]

I think I found it!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811163112


I just need one of these to go with it

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811999192

or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811999191

 

[WoodButcher]

Both TV cards I have came w/ a remote, why do you need another?

 

[garritynet]

Gonna get one or the other, not both.

Not sure if the little screen is worth $50 to me but it sure is cool.