Smallest Case for Standard Size Parts.

[zzglenn]

Hello,

I need some help on picking out a new case to refresh my current setup. What I want to do is get down to as small as possible with the parts I have so I can eventually move over to the TV. My setup is below. I originally built it to over clock hence I bought a large case with a bunch of fans (IN WIN Dragon Rider), but never got there. Now the case is falling apart (power button is broke, vents tabs are breaking), and I move my computer around quiet a bit (LAN's, TV, etc.). I was hoping to get something that's small enough for all my parts, and still be able to keep the temps normal. I would also like to keep the price under $100. Thoughts?

Intel i5 2500k Sandy with Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
AsRock Z68 Extreme3 Gen 3
16gb Ram
AMD Radeon R9 290x
DVD-Rom
1TB WD Red
2 2.5 SSD's

 

[XavierMace]

Having a full sized ATX case and a massive heatsink are going to limit how small you can go. Are you looking for a tower case, or were you trying to get an HTPC-ish case since it's moving to the TV?

 

[zzglenn]

Honestly I just want it as compact as possible. So either way is fine. I believe there would be more options in the tower category so we could go that route.

 

[ClockHound]

Streacom F12C - 26L, not under $100 tho...unless used.

Caselabs BH7 - 30L and over $200

RIOTORO CR1080 - 35L and under $100

NZXT S340 - 38.5L under $80

anidees AI-07 - 42L just under $100

Corsair 400C - 43L around $100

Those are the smallest ATX board holding cases that have decent distribution that I know of.

I have a Silverstone FT05, which is only 46L volume, but looks like 60. ;-)

 

[dave_the_nerd]

If you're not overclocking, any chance you still have the original HSF that the CPU came with? That might help.

 

[piasabird]

A lot is determined by where you see the computer being placed. Some people are fine with a black tower sitting next to their black TV and some people want a horizontal desktop or a tower on its side or maybe a rack style or an HTPC case that does not take up too much room and is not too expensive. It depends what you want in appearance and functionality. You should also think about if you want a mouse and keyboard or something wireless to control it.

I have tried this with three different options:
Square Cube Case: (ITX)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1133260&cm_re=itx_case-_-11-133-260-_-Product
I purchased this because it looked cute. The Cube has enough room for a fairly tall CPU cooler and a decent sized video card.
The Left and right side and the top are all exactly the same size. The bottom and the front are also removable. Power supply mounts under the motherboard (ITX)

Elongated flattened cubical case: Cooler Master Elite 130 (ITX)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1119286&cm_re=itx_case-_-11-119-286-_-Product
I found this case hard to set up and run wires with not enough room for a large cooler.

Tower Black: Antec 300 Series Imagine a black tower from any manufacturer.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2F81NH2708&cm_re=itx_case-_-11-129-180-_-Product
I have the older version that weighed quite a bit. It is large and sturdy. An MATX is slightly smaller.

 

[XavierMace]

Silverstone GD09 at 26.8l is probably about the smallest you're going find under $100. But your EVO won't fit in that. You'd also have to ghetto rig one of the SSD's.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

This is usually a topic I give least attention. I had focused all along on computer cooling, recycled last-gen cases to new systems, and generally dragged my heels for fear of even more clutter. For me, the Caselabs linked by Clockhound might be a place to start.

Interesting thought for me, even if I'm loving my new Skylake in an 8-year-old Stacker 830. Loving it! With 25' gold-plated HDMI cables around the room's floorboard to the AVR/HDTV. I'd want to keep the TR LG Macho cooler.

Also, you'd like to have an option to stack two or more small cases with feet secured by a notched case-top underneath.

I think there's a CM HAF model. I'd have to search and review.