yet another recommend a case for me thread

nageov3t

Lifer
Feb 18, 2004
42,808
83
91
my needs are pretty simple... I want the smallest case possible that can still fit a standard atx motherboard, large heatsink, full-sized modern video card, and 4 hard drives.

I'd "prefer" something without a door, but that's really a small preference. I overclock, but my PC uptime is generally in the 6-12 hour range. definitely not a 24/7 machine (generally speaking, all I use my desktop for anymore is downloading and working from home)

I've been rocking my P180 for 6 years now and I think the old girl is finally starting to go... after moving 4 times back and forth across this state, the front door is warped and the side panels are starting to pop off (which I could probably just fix with superglue, but after so long, I think it's about time for a new case)... I love the case, but I'd really prefer something smaller that I can actually comfortable put on top of my desk instead of my deep-pile carpeted floor.

my heatsink is relatively new, but I wouldn't turn down an otherwise acceptable case just because it was bundled with one.

edit: my price point is vague under $200... if it's everything I need, I don't really care about the cost, assuming I'm going to be using it for another 5-6 years (and given that the super crazy expensive cases are definitely more than I need)
 
Last edited:

Obsoleet

Platinum Member
Oct 2, 2007
2,181
1
0
Stick with Antec or LianLi. I just ordered what you're looking for. It's been around a few years, but it's a great case. Checkout the LianLi PC-A05NB, it's the smallest full ATX case.

I'm moving my stuff out of an Antec 900 because I'm looking for something a little more mature, no exposed grills or fans or lights. I think that Lian Li should fit your needs too, it's $100 shipped on Newegg.
 

alfa147x

Lifer
Jul 14, 2005
29,307
106
106
I'm a big fan of the Fractal R3. I use the P180 at home and the Fractal R3 at work.
 

nageov3t

Lifer
Feb 18, 2004
42,808
83
91
looks like there's only room for 3 drives in the Lian Li A05NB, though.

my system is running 2 RAID1's, so 4 drives total.
 

alaricljs

Golden Member
May 11, 2005
1,221
1
76
looks like there's only room for 3 drives in the Lian Li A05NB, though.

my system is running 2 RAID1's, so 4 drives total.

You said nothing about a floppy, so the 3 internal / 1 external 3.5" adds to 4 3.5" drives.
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,402
8,574
126
Stick with Antec or LianLi. I just ordered what you're looking for. It's been around a few years, but it's a great case. Checkout the LianLi PC-A05NB, it's the smallest full ATX case.

power supply go in the front?

edit: yup, appears to. i suppose you'd want a straight through (80mm fan) supply?
 
Last edited:

Obsoleet

Platinum Member
Oct 2, 2007
2,181
1
0
The LianLi should work for your 4x HDD setup. But if it didn't, honestly I'd figure something else out to use that case anyway. I like it that much at least.

Not to mention, the Lian Li is USB3.0 upgradable if you care to do so http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=509&cl_index=2&sc_index=50&ss_index=131

I use SSDs for my internal drives and USB 3.0 externals for storage so this is important to me. Though if you have a USB 3.0 add-in card, the orientation of the motherboard in this case means you will likely have the USB3.0 ports near the top of the case, lending itself nicely to sitting a USB 3.0 external on top of the case (as opposed to the floor as my Antec 900 requires).

It's tough to find the USB 3.0 front port adapter but you can order it for about $25. For your requirements- not goofy looking, no front panel cover (I hate those 2 and refuse to buy cases with them), and small as it gets for a fullsize ATX board, that Lian Li is really your best bet..

mine shipped out yesterday. I've wanted to replace my 900 with one of these for years. The 900 has done well. :) I try to go Antec everytime because they take care of their customers (will ship you replacement parts for free), but their designs lately have not done it for me. I ordered the 900 on launch day many years ago and while it was ridiculed by a lot I found the design fairly low key and edgy but it's time to move on.