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Suggestions for a micro/HTPC case

F

Finality

Platinum Member
Been outta the loop for a while. I was thinking about replacing my current box but nothing out there is really tempting to me.

So I've resorted to a network box which I wanted anyway. Basically gonna stick in 2 SATA 400GB drives as well as a slot loading DVD burner maybe from Plextor.

Anyone got a suggestion for a case micro case I could use possible for HTPC though I'm debating the usefullness of that as I already have an Xbox running Xbox media center.

Also anyone got suggestions for a Mobo? I was thinking about sticking a base Athlon 64 in there.
 
I'm in the same boat as you. I plan on upgrading to a dual-core machine sometime in the fall and transfering my current system into a file server/HTPC.

I think Ahanix makes some of the nicest HTPC cases I have ever seen. The MCE301 looks promising, but only accepts low-pro PCI slots. Silverstone also makes some nice looking HTPC cases. Both companies offer mATX and ATX cases with room for at least 2 HDDs.

I currently use the MSI implementation of the ATI chipset for Athlon 64s and I think it will make a great HTPC mobo. If you are buying an all new system for an HTPC, you might want to check out some Shuttle XPC systems as some of them might make excellent HTPC/File Servers.

Also, HTPC News is a decent site to get you started with your HTPC endeavor. Hope this helps. Good Luck!
 
Finality, are you still at VT? 🙂

I have a Coolermaster Cavalier for my HTPC. I like it, and it's much cheaper than the Ahanix cases (though not QUITE as nice. I've heard that MCE2005 makes for a great PVR with the right hardware (Xbox media center can't do this), but I found it's horrible, really horrible for browsing my videos stored on my main rig elsewhere in the house.
 
just got this silverstone today. its a real nice case and takes a standard atx psu which was important to me as i plan on loading it up pretty good. very easy to work with so far, really nice build quality and i like the sleek simple design.
 
I like the new Aspire X-Qpack or the Enermax Venus series cases. If you need to save bucks and don't need a bunch of drives, the Athenatech A100 series is nice too.

.bh.
 
Atomik: thanks for the great info! I'm leaning towards something from Ahanix, maybe even the MCE601 series 🙂 I never realized that HTPCs had gotten so sleek, I was used to seeing the standard shuttle cases (nice but too squarish).

Even the LC11M looks very nice but I guess my final decisions would be based on noise output and how many dBs the system puts out.

Anyone know if HTPC video cards output to RGB or something similar in quality? My plasma is quite retarded I cant leave any DVI input plugged in or it wont display any RGB outputs.

Anyone else care to chime in?

beatle: I graduated 2 years ago since then I toned down my net presence (couldn't be bothered updating my web profile or system rig) 😛 Are you a Hokie as well? I remember having a very crappy HTPC rig back in 2002, we had this box out in the living room of Foxridge with crappy vid quality output but it was great for music audio pumping through my Onkyo system!

I swear everyone thought I was mad for putting a PC in the living room 😀
 
Finality, I met you at Roanoke St. Apts. after playing Q3A on the VT server. 😛 I graduated May 2002. :beer:

ATI cards have a DVI -> component dongle available for a few bucks. A friend of mine uses one w/his 9600pro and Sony 16:9 HDTV. He loves it.
 
Oh yeah you knew lagwagon 🙂 How is he anywas?

I graduated May 2003, doing pretty well these days 🙂

Where are you staying these days and what are you up to?
 
SVC has the Coolermaster Cavalier for $49.99 right now, in case that's what you were already considering.
 
My Cooler Master Case

I got a Cooler Master case at Newegg for my HTPC, I love it. I'll keep it forever (well for a long time). Looks great by the TV, could easily sit on a desk or get hidden for other uses. Sort of an all-around in my eyes. So - just another thought.
 
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