Recommend me an inexpensive mATX gaming cube case

[TestKing123]

I'm looking to build a new sandy bridge setup. This time around however, I want to build a PC that's powerful yet small enough to sit next to my big screen 3DTV. It's basically going to be my "PC Gaming console".

I like the idea of a gaming cube. I stumbled across this on the net:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146044

Like the way it looks, however it's too expensive and not even made anymore. I need something that's basically equivalent at a cheaper price ($50-$70), has good cooling, and able to house a Radeon 5870 graphics card. I plan to keep it as barebones as possible (motherboard will have most functionality built in, only plan to add a single high capacity HDD [no optical drives] along with the power supply).

Any recommendations for a gaming cube case that fits my criteria?

 

[bart1975]

If you would consider Mini ITX the Sugo SG05 is nice. It will be hard to find a decent cube for $50 to $70.

 

[TestKing123]

I am not too versed in Mini ITX vs Micro ATX. Are there any considerable differences between the two besides form factor? I'll be building a P67 Sandy Bridge setup with a Core i5 (2500k), 8GB of DDR3 1600hz memory (minimum), and the motherboard should have built in 5.1 or 7.1 surround, networking, etc..

I also found this case on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Thermaltake-VF...4905564&sr=1-2

Seems to offer everything I need at the budget I'm looking for.

 

[bart1975]

Mini ITX motherboards tend to only have 1 pci-e slot so SLI/Crossfire it out. That Thermaltake case looks decent. Do you already have the PSU for it?

 

[TestKing123]

I'd like to re-use the power supply from my current system. It's a Rocketfish 700w ATX power supply: http://www.amazon.com/Rocketfish-700.../dp/B001FHUYPI

Been using it reliably for a year now.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

I need something that's basically equivalent at a cheaper price ($50-$70), has good cooling, and able to house a Radeon 5870 graphics card.

Any recommendations for a gaming cube case that fits my criteria?

I'm very familiar with mini-ITX systems and I am reasonably certain such a case simply does not exist. The Radeon HD 5870 itself (reference version) is 280mm long. There are not many mini-ITX cases that will house that (e.g. Lian Li PC-Q08), and all of them are over $100.

Unless someone can tip us both off to what you're looking for, you're going need to compromise somewhere.

 

[bart1975]

Well for example in a case like the Sugo SG05 it will take video cards up to 9.5 inches in length. I agree the OP has to decide what he really wants. Either a slightly less powerful video card or a non cube case.

 

[dorion]

MITX will probably have more trouble with overclocking, most of them aren't meant to handle a 5GHz overclock. You'd want to make sure the MITX motherboard is happy pushing the amount of power you'd need, or go MATX.

 

[Skott]

Its not a cube exactly but allows for lots of goodies. Downside though is that with its size you might as well go mATX.

http://www.cubitek.com/products/chassis/mini-tank/features.html

Also not cube: http://www.pcgameshardware.de/aid,8...ebit/Gehaeuse/News/bildergalerie/?iid=1489443

 

[muskie32]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811144232

I have it. It is for my dedicated minecraft server box. Sweet little case with alot of room! have not tried the stock psu though...

 

[Skunkwourk]

I know this is slightly out of your price range but I think its worth the extra cost. Considering you want it next to your HDTV. I think it would fit in much nicer with your other equipment than other cases.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163112

I myself use this which is out of your range, but when I built my HTPC, I had the same criteria as you in mind, minus the price range.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-222-_-Product

 

[TestKing123]

Thanks for the input guys. I decided to go with the Thermaltake Lanbox Lite for $69 shipped after verifying it could house a 5870 from other owners. It also has nice built in cooling and I like the glossy look.