Silent, small HTPC case, sans optical and HDD

[Keylimesoda]

I'm looking to rebuild my gaming/HTPC. I need a case that is either small, or at least looks good in my component stack (my current Antec Solo fails both criteria).
The PC only has a few key components:
- Core i5 2500
- AMD 6870
- 400W PSU
- mini ITX Mobo
- 64GB SSD
I don't need a full HDD bay, I don't need an optical bay.
I need small/stylish, silent, good airflow, and room for the GPU and a largish CPU cooler.

 

[MrK6]

Just released: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Fractal_Design/NODE_304/

 

[teh impaler]

Just released: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Fractal_Design/NODE_304/

I agree, that’s the case I'm going to be using for my HTPC build.

Good luck getting one right now. Node 304 sold like hot cakes. Fractal says that they should be in stock beginning of December.

 

[Keylimesoda]

Seems like you could make a case even smaller by removing those big drive bays and putting the power supply in that position.

I haven't seen any reviews yet talking about the noise from the Fractal? Is it comparable to classics like the Antec Solo?

 

[MrK6]

Seems like you could make a case even smaller by removing those big drive bays and putting the power supply in that position.

Without a doubt. The Silverstone SG08 and definitely the SG05 are both much smaller, but they are configured for slim optical drives. If you don't mind having the empty bay, something else to thing about.

I haven't seen any reviews yet talking about the noise from the Fractal? Is it comparable to classics like the Antec Solo?

Seems pretty quiet: http://www.anandtech.com/show/6470/...tx-case-review-paving-the-way-to-the-future/5

 

[kleinkinstein]

All these Node recommendations is not surprising, not in the least. But also Lian-Li PCQ16, Q25 Or the Q07 and Q11 and do what I do. Use the 5.25" bay for a display.

 

[charlywiggin]

I just bought the Q11, its bigger than I expected.....or as wide as my midtower ATX....

 

[MrK6]

I just bought the Q11, its bigger than I expected.....or as wide as my midtower ATX....

I had a V351 for awhile and I've worked with a Q08 and my biggest complaint about Lian-Li microATX and miniITX cases is that they aren't efficiently designed for space-optimization. The concepts are good in theory, but there's wasted space/areas that make the overall volume much bigger than necessary IMO. I've since favored Silverstone cases for mini-ITX builds.

 

[Fallen Kell]

All I have to say is look at this pic and make sure you have a power supply that would work for the Fractal Node304: