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The SMALLEST case possible I could fit an ATX mobo in?

M

MDesigner

Platinum Member
I was looking at some small form factor solutions, like Shuttles and micro-ATX, but it's too pricey for me at this point. And I already have a Socket A ATX m/b and CPU.. all I need really is a HD and some RAM. So I'm looking for the smallest possible ATX case. Any ideas? I like the size of those Dell Optiplex GX270 machines. Something like that size would be cool.

Thanks for any info..
 
I've built an HTPC using the Silverstone LC02. This is a pretty small case that can take a full-size ATX motherboard.

The drawback with such a small case is that you are restricted to using just two expansion slots, using 1U rackmount server risers (can cost you up to another $70 depending on the layout of your motherboard), and that you have to use a slimline notebook optical drive. The package is very compact though at 12 inches deep, 5 inches high, and 16 inches wide: My HTPC

You can also go with the slightly taller Silverstone LC04, which lets you mount a standard optical drive.

These cases are not cheap however-- The cheapest I've seen an LC04 go for is about $150 before shipping. Also, these are designed to look like home theater rack components, so they aren't designed to stand like a tower case.

HTH.
 
I have some cases that are 17" deep, 14" tall and 8" wide. They are cheapo ATX mini tower cases. When standing up, the power supply is next to the motherboard's CPU area. Not the best airflow and really cramped inside. If you really, really, really want a small ATX case and can't find one this small elsewhere, PM me.
 
to Wolfshanz:

LOL, well, chasses like the LC02 are actually considered SFF cases.. Not meant for more than 1 optical drive, 1 HDD, and 2 expansion cards. It still boggles my mind that I can actually cram a Zalman CNPS7000AlCu heatsink in there. 😀

Definitely NOT a candidate for a full-blown desktop PC! :laugh:
 
All I need to put in the case is a motherboard, one HD, one DIMM, and a DVD-ROM drive. I want to build a Linux box and just shove it under my desk. So, the smaller the better..
 
I have yet to find a case smaller than Silverstone LC02's dimensions (12" deep, 5" tall and 16" wide) that can take a full-size ATX motherboard, so I think the LC04 is your best bet (LC02 if you are willing to go with a slimline notebook optical drive).

So good luck, and let us know how it goes!
 
There is a Suntek Group STK9311/9511 plastic sided case that is one of the smallest I've seen but very hard to find a place to buy them. Sometimes Axiontech.com can special-order them. Have to be very caerful about things like height of RAM modules, location of CPU etc. for clearances.
. And the Antec SLK2xxx series and the similar SLK1xxx models are relatively compact.

.bh.
 
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