Small, cheap case for HTPC

[Leros]

I'm building a low-budget HTPC. see this thread

I'm using a micro-atx mobo and I would like a smaller case (media center style is not necessary). Since my budget is low, I'd like to stick around $50-60. I can budge a bit if necessary. PSU included is a HUGE plus since I'm trying to keep the budget low.

My current plan is to use:
HEC micro-atx media center case w/psu - $49.99

Any better suggestions?

 

[Zap]

I would choose something like this Athenatech. The reason is that it uses a normal sized SFX PSU so if you need a replacement you can find good ones from FSP, Enermax and even Seasonic. The fans will need to be undervolted for quietness. This chassis will take normal sized cards. These go in/out of stock all the time and are availble with 200W, 270W and 350W PSUs. IIRC the 270W and 350W units are FSP. The 350W is on the noisy side because it uses twin 60mm fans, thus the 270W version is a balanced choice between power/cost/noise.

 

[Zepper]

I like the Athena A100 case as well for the reasons Zap mentioned. I found you have to watch the front panel on those as on the one I had, it was quite loose and easy to accidentally pull off. Cooling needs some upgrading as well.

.bh.

 

[takeru]

this one is what I use currently as my HTPC case.

 

[Zepper]

The Rosewill can't take full-height cards either. There are several others out there like the Athena if you don't like its looks or something.

.bh.

 

[VirtualLarry]

link

I picked up two of these cheap, and they do the job. Includes 300W PSU. (What form-factor is that PSU, btw? The screw holes don't quite line up with ATX that I can tell?)

Unfortunately, they are now OOS.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: VirtualLarry
link

I picked up two of these cheap, and they do the job. Includes 300W PSU. (What form-factor is that PSU, btw? The screw holes don't quite line up with ATX that I can tell?)

Unfortunately, they are now OOS.

I also bought two of those, LOL. Saved on shipping that way. AFAIK the PSU is proprietary, but close to SFX in size (a hair larger). I'm not sure they'll ever get more back in stock as I think it was some stock buyout or something... and it's been OOS forever (along with the slimline aluminum case which they no longer list).

 

[VirtualLarry]

Yeah, I bought a couple of those GlobalWin slimline cases too, they look really slick. Being limited to half-height cards kind of sucks though. Those had 200W proprietary PSUs in them.

 

[nerp]

Originally posted by: takeru
this one is what I use currently as my HTPC case.

I have the same and I love it. I have a backup Flex PSU waiting in the wings in case the one that came with the case dies. The PSU is near silent. I did replace the top exhaust fan with a quieter one which I'd say is a requirement with this case, especially if you're going to use it in the living room or hooked up to a TV.

For MCE purposes, you really don't need full-height card slots anyway. Just get a 780G board like I did or something. Everything you could possibly need is right there already.