Small Full ATX HTPC Case

[superxero044]

Does such a thing exist?

I recently upgraded my main rig and have all the components minus a case that I want to use. Its x58 with a 920 so I don't want to have to buy a new mobo just to fit it into a smaller case especially since the x58 cases are pretty pricy.

I can sacrifice drive bays. TBH a case that had no drive bays whatsoever would be perfectly fine as all the storage I'm going to use for this system will be a SSD.

Thanks

 

[stevech]

Silverstone is closest I can find, for micro ATX. But what I want I've not found:

Small form factor for micro ATX (not ITX).
front panel: 2x or more USB3 and 1x eSATA.

that's all I want. Can't find it.

 

[superxero044]

Yeah I think I'm going to settle for the Silverstone GD08. Just gonna wait until it comes in stock on Amazon so I don't have to pay $20 shipping. Hopefully I can find something smaller before then though. The thing I like about that particular case though is that it uses 120mm fans and not 80 or smaller.

 

[Boulard83]

I have a LianLi PC-C60B as my HTPC case but its not what you can call small. Its an HTPC form case that can accomodate pretty much anything you need, full ATX, 8 drives, full sized PSU and more.

 

[Binky]

Tough specs. You want a small, full ATX case that can house a x58 with a 920? Are you sure that you don't want to just buy a lower power spec CPU and MB, and stick it in a much more available micro-atx case? My memory says that the 920 was a heat monster, and that isn't the best start for an HTPC box.

 

[weovpac]

Never mind...

 

[Quake6]

Have you considered trading that components for mATX 1155? Maybe something like mATX case from Lian Li V35x or maybe Silverstone FT03 + e.g. Maximus V Gene and 2600k/3770k

 

[superxero044]

Thanks for the advice.

This would be great and all but its going to cost quite a bit more than just a case. I don't think the 920 is going to be too hot at stock. But yeah if you know someone who would trade a quad sandy or ivy for a 920 x58 I would do it. But the idea here is not spending more than I have to.

 

[Slugbait]

I have an LC17, and whereas I still love it as much as the day I bought it, I'd probably go with the GD08 if I were building an HTPC today...the GD08 has some really nice refinements, such as spring-action bay doors, pull-out drive cage, several 120mm intake fans, USB3 on front panel, etc.

Which leads us to your first issue: your x58 may not have a USB3 header, so the front panel ports will be silent...but I think you can use this as a workaround: http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-Ex...ata/B005FE726G

And unlike the LC17, the GD08 doesn't have a front panel FireWire port, while your mobo likely has a FireWire header. Not a biggy for most people, and I seldom connect my FireWire devices to my HTPC anymore.

But a bigger consideration is that the LC17 width is about a half-inch less than the GD08, and height is slightly lower by 2/10 of an inch, so if every millimeter counts the LC17 might be a good option. It doesn't come with any 120mm intake fans, but does come with a pair of 80mm exhaust fans: air is naturally drawn in from the side by those and the heatsink fan, and my C2D/EE runs very cool with stock HSF as a result. But you can add a couple of 80mm/92mm intake fans if needed.

There are always give-and-takes with every case, and even Silverstone isn't perfect for every specific desire. But I wouldn't hesitate to buy Silverstone ever again.

 

[Binky]

I don't think the 920 is going to be too hot at stock. But yeah if you know someone who would trade a quad sandy or ivy for a 920 x58 I would do it. But the idea here is not spending more than I have to.

The problem isn't only the CPU running hot, it's how much heat it will be dumping into a relatively small space with limited fans. Give it a shot. The worst that can happen is that it just runs too hot inside the case and you have to pick up something cooler.

 

[Slugbait]

The problem isn't only the CPU running hot, it's how much heat it will be dumping into a relatively small space with limited fans. Give it a shot. The worst that can happen is that it just runs too hot inside the case and you have to pick up something cooler.

Nah...it would just mean he'd have to buy one or two 80mm fans for the exhaust fan slots to reduce the positive air pressure. Then the HSF would be within about two inches of the side mounted 120mm intake fan, and about two inches from the exhaust fan(s), certainly better cool air flow than the majority of cases the 920 has been installed in over the years.

 

[EarthwormJim]

Does it have to be a HTPC case?

A Lian Li A05 or A55 are about the smallest full atx cases you can find.

 

[superxero044]

I would like to have it in a stack w/ my receiver. Probably under my receiver. I don't have a picture to post but the whole idea would be to not have a tower but something that blends better w/ home theater system.

 

[Binky]

Is this machine going to be in an enclosed space, or a partially enclosed space (i.e. A/V cabinet)?

Do you play to do anything other than HTPC stuff? Any gaming? What video card are you planning to install?

 

[superxero044]

Not enclosed. Gtx 260 if it fits

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[Agenesis]

Lian Li A05 as others have mentioned, there isn't that big of a market for small atx cases.

 

[Zardnok]

Not exactly what I would call small, but the nMedia 6000 blends well with other audio equipment. I have the silver version, but they also have a black.

 

[silvscorp]

depends on how much stuff you want to fit. I have silverstone gd01 with 2HDs, HD6970 installed (with minor interior modification)