Suggest a case for a HTPC Noob

[bigpow]

I'm going to convert my rig into an HTPC, that's why I'm soliciting AT members for a suggestion.

I'd like to keep my current components, just need a case.
Current components to keep:
Seasonic S12-600, X2-3800+Scythe Ninja+, MSI Neo4 SLI, 1 Pioneer Slot-in DVD-ROM (& 1 DVD-R/W), 2 HDD

It doesn't have to have VFD or any other flashy things.
My main concern is fitting the PSU and Scythe Ninja into an HTPC case.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Zepper]

Your choices are more limited if you have to stick with a full ATX mobo. Most interesting HTPC cases are for mATX. But these mfrs have some for ATX: Silverstone, nMedia (can be used horizontally with a set of audio component isolation feet or similar), CoolerMaster, Thermaltake. All have their drawbacks, you just have to choose those you can live with.

.bh.

 

[krotchy]

What is your price range? because that can be a big difference maker. The Zalman HD-160 is an amazing case, but its also 260 dollars (comes with a remote and sensor). It however does fit a CNPS 9500, which I think is just as tall as a sythe ninja, and it takes full ATX boards. Another sweet case is a Lian-Li V880 or V800, and both take full ATX and (id have to check height) but im pretty sure would fit the ninja.

Silverstone makes a ton of different HTPC cases that are very nice and cheaper than the LL or Zalman, and Im sure there is one that fits full ATX/Ninja. You cant go wrong with silverstone really. As far as cheap HTPC cases go, odds are your looking at uATX only, but there may be a diamond in the rough I dont know about.

 

[dedwards]

Most HTPC cases are going to have trouble fitting the Ninja. If you could change the HSF, it would open up alot more possibilities.

DE

 

[bigpow]

Thanks for the input.
Price range is $100-$200, Silverstone cases fit the bill

I really want to keep Ninja since I really like it.
So far looks like only Zalman HD-160 is tall enough for the purpose

I'll have to either find alternative HSF or swallow the pill..

 

[mshan]

Antec NSK2400 is $71AR shipped at Newegg.com right now: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811129014

If you do PriceGrabber review bonuses, you can reduce your price another $5:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getp...masterid=18192502&search=antec+nsk2400

Silent PC Review here:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article591-page1.html

 

[0roo0roo]

antec p180/150? formfactor isnt same but the silenceis what matters no?

 

[potato28]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
antec p180/150? formfactor isnt same but the silenceis what matters no?

Thats wat I was thinking...

 

[0roo0roo]

oh theres a mini zalman heatpipe fanless case now. TNN300 ...it costs a lot, but not as much as its big brother hehe

 

[Zepper]

If you are willing to consider normal shape cases, then take a look at the Arctic Cooling Silentium cases or the Nexus Breeze as well as the Antecs mentioned above. http://www.svc.com and others carry them. If any of the fans in a Silentium aren't nearly silent when the case arrives, have them replaced under warranty - those A-C open frame fans are fairly easily damaged in shipping.

And I see that Lian Li has several horizontal designs now - too bad they are so poorly designed for the purpose... Rear fan ports almost totally blocked with metal. Front panel mesh to allow sound directly into he room. Top vents that will short-circuit proper ventilation paths (air (like electricity, water and students) takes the path of least resistance). Too much work to get them right. At those prices they should be right just as they come from the factory. Don't reward stupidity!

.bh.

 

[bigpow]

hmm, that Antec NSK2400 offers really good value. Thanks mshan!

I'm going to move away from tower shape (otherwise I'd just keep my Lian-Li PC60).
This is going into the living room, so it's gotta look good & as quiet as possible.

Not too concerned with heat since I'll stop overclocking the 3800+ X2, back to stock.


EDIT:
NM, the Antec case is mATX only.
Plus it won't fit the Ninja even if I buy an mATX mobo

 

[potato28]

Just use ur tower case, but find a position in which u cant c it but its still acsesible and has good airflow.

 

[krotchy]

I just looked and it says the Lian-Li V880B/V800B are 160mm tall as is the Zalman HD-160, so they are the same height and these are some of the biggest HTPC cases that I have seen. The scythe ninja on the website is 150mm tall, so it probably wont work with any HTPC case as far as I know. Even the CNPS 9500 is shorter than a ninja (125mm). So if you use the ninja your likely going to have to use a mid/full tower case.

Otherwise you could go with either of the Lian-Li HTPC cases, a Silverstone, an Antec or something and just have to get a smaller heatsink.

or

You could try going totaly form factor, getting a uATX motherboard, a Silverstone or Antec SFF case, Zalman CNPS8000 SFF heatsink or similar and making a small HTPC.

Im just trying to throw a bunch of options out there, im sure theres more to consider.

 

[marincounty]

Look at the Ahanix D4 cases at Directron/ Axiontech for about $140 with a VFD!
It's kind of big and bulky, and the cooling isn't great, but it's fairly cheap and has a thick machined aluminum front panel (and a VFD).
I modded the power supply with a panaflo l1a and it is very quiet.
The optical drive(s) are behind a door-some people don't like that.
Gotta have a VFD or LCD for the wow factor.

 

[bigpow]

FYI
I contacted both Ahanix & Silverstone for their Ninja friendly ATX HTPC case, and the answers were NO & NO.