Smallest Full Size ATX cases

[ardenJ]

I'm planning to assemble a couple of computers out of the spare parts I have laying around, so at least I can get some use from them (possibly install linux on one, so I can learn it). However, there isn't much extra space in the room I want to have them in, so I may not be able to use full size ATX tower cases.

I have an extra standard ATX case that I bought on sale at Fry's and I also have an HP case from my old computer (17"w x 18"L), but I don't want to use those, as they take up too much room. The HP tower case, isn't like the newer small HP desktops (the ones that are so hard to work in).

Since I don't have very much room to keep the computers in full size ATX cases, and I was just wondering if anyone knew of any small cases that can fit a full size ATX motherboard with. I don't mind if the case is hard to work in, since I won't be opening them up very much. Also, I have full size PCI cards, so I can't use any cases that take half height PCI cards.

Also, does anyone remember a link to one of those very small barebones computers (almost the size of an opitcal drive), and all you have to add is a notebook hard drive and notebook disc drive? I remember seeing a thread on one here on AT.

 

[Zepper]

small barebones used to be at directron.com et al. And I think there was a thread on small ATX cases here less than two weeks ago. Suntek STK-9311/9511 are the only ones I know of - and are very hard to find a place to buy from - CompUSA used to carry the 9311, but I haven't been to one of their stores in ages. See the other thread for further details. Link: http://www.suntekgroup.com/

.bh.

Text from earlier message in thread: ATX mobo in mATX case..

Agree w/ CCats! mATX case has room for only 4 add-on card slots while an ATX mobo has seven card slots. Typical mATX mobo is only 9-10" wide... But there might be a rare possibility you just have to judge how much room there looks to be between the last card slot and the side or bottom of the case - needs to have at least 3 extra inches. There are some fairly compact ATX cases out there but you have to search for them. If I recall, Suntek made one (STK9311 - 15x8.6x15"). Here's a link to their US page: Linkage . The STK9511 is similar but has a top handle and optional front USB (have to install your own port panel in the 9311 - use a 3.5 or 5" drive bay) - convenient for LAN Party box. If I recall correctly, the 9311 has storage for a few frequently used CDs on top (used to sell it at CompUSA here so I've actually seen the 9311 in the past). Neither comes with a PSU unless added by your reseller.
. Note the tight fit (click on some of the links near the bottom of the pages to see more pix) - may have to use low profile memory, compact HSF (e.g. Thermal Integration V77L), use the new short-chassis optical drives, etc. The Suntek cases are also very hard to find here in the states. And you may have to think 'outside the box' (literally) for cooling options.. But it is a very clever design - I particularly like the black/white color scheme (click on the little color dots to see the various schemes) - the black is actually smoked translucent.
.bh.

 

[ardenJ]

Yeah, I saw that thread about 10 minutes after I posted this one. I went to the site, and I'm interested in one of those cases. They seem to be like the really small HP ones, but a little bigger, and some even have a motherboard tray that tilts out, so it'll be easy to work with. However, just like you said, I can't find any places selling them online.

I may check out the couple of CompUSA's in my area to see if they carry them. Thanks for your help, Zepper.

Does anyone know of any other cases?

 

[Zepper]

I would give Suntek a call (phone no. is at the bottom of each web page), maybe they'd sell to you directly since their cases are so hard to find. I have sent them an email over a week ago (whenever I posted to the other thread) asking where to buy - no reply as yet. Not a good sign...
.bh.

 

[ardenJ]

Originally posted by: Zepper
I would give Suntek a call (phone no. is at the bottom of each web page), maybe they'd sell to you directly since their cases are so hard to find. I have sent them an email over a week ago (whenever I posted to the other thread) asking where to buy - no reply as yet. Not a good sign...
.bh.

Yeah, I think I'll try giving them a call sometime. By the way, would you happen to know the price range of these cases?

 

[Zepper]

I have no clue, one of their cases is available at axiontech.com and it's not too expensive. Perhaps Axiontech can special order it for you as they do carry that one model. Worth a shot if calling direct falls through. And directron has it on their list of brands, but when you click it no models pop up - could try them for a special order.
.bh.

 

[imported_chx]

The smallest ATX case is the Silverstone LaScala LC-04. This is a very pretty HTPC case, dimensions are 16.5" x 5.0" x 12.25".

 

[trexpesto]

Originally posted by: chx
The smallest ATX case is the Silverstone LaScala LC-04. This is a very pretty HTPC case, dimensions are 16.5" x 5.0" x 12.25".

Yah there are a buch of silverstones now at newegg. Not too cheap. 150 but they come with the fanless PSU usually. 220W.

Edit: Monarch too.

 

[cirthix]

i have designs for a full atx case, with lots of room and owrkability, within the dimensions of 13" tall+feet, 8"wide, and 15.75" deep, this case would house an internal full size cpu, with full 12*9.6" mobo, 4 5" bays, and 2 extranal 3" bays, with 4 internal 3" bays, it has 2 120mm exhaust fans and 2 120mm intake fans placed right where u need em, along with a 92mm intake fan, with the psu as the exhaust for that. the case should be very cool, with 2 fans on hdds, power supply nearly taking ambient temp air, a fan over vid card, a fan over cpu, and 2 fans near cpu exhausting air. pm me if you want designs, but u gotta agree not to sell my ideas, cause tis case is the best on earth.. small yet cool, small yet more upgradable than larger cases, also with big fans, it can be as quiet as a whisper while keepin ur stuff very close to ambient. no exact designs (screw holes and such are not in the 3d design yet) are made yet.. yet, but i have the location of all compenents in it and there is PLENTY of room to spare. did i mention it looks really good (from the rendering) and sports 4 thermal monitoring lcds as well as front usb+audio+firewire and a really nice feature that no other case has(that i know of) a bios reset switch on the front. can you tell i've put a lot of thought into this case? the only thing i'm lacking now is contact with a large case manufacturing company.. anybody know anybody who can hook me up?

 

[trexpesto]

Originally posted by: cirthix
i have designs for a full atx case, with lots of room and owrkability, within the dimensions of 13" tall+feet, 8"wide, and 15.75" deep, this case would house an internal full size cpu, with full 12*9.6" mobo, 4 5" bays, and 2 extranal 3" bays, with 4 internal 3" bays, it has 2 120mm exhaust fans and 2 120mm intake fans placed right where u need em, along with a 92mm intake fan, with the psu as the exhaust for that. the case should be very cool, with 2 fans on hdds, power supply nearly taking ambient temp air, a fan over vid card, a fan over cpu, and 2 fans near cpu exhausting air. pm me if you want designs, but u gotta agree not to sell my ideas, cause tis case is the best on earth.. small yet cool, small yet more upgradable than larger cases, also with big fans, it can be as quiet as a whisper while keepin ur stuff very close to ambient. no exact designs (screw holes and such are not in the 3d design yet) are made yet.. yet, but i have the location of all compenents in it and there is PLENTY of room to spare. did i mention it looks really good (from the rendering) and sports 4 thermal monitoring lcds as well as front usb+audio+firewire and a really nice feature that no other case has(that i know of) a bios reset switch on the front. can you tell i've put a lot of thought into this case? the only thing i'm lacking now is contact with a large case manufacturing company.. anybody know anybody who can hook me up?

pic or ban