Recommendation for HTPC case that looks like an A/V Receiver?

OrigenAE do some nice looking cases

I'm using the Zalman HD160XT with Windows Vista and it works pretty well, with some minor caveats (nothing too serious).

This is my 2 cents but I really like the Omaura TF series.

http://omaura.com/hardware.html

Good shopping!

Charles

I have the Zalman HD160 plus, and am very impressed with it. All aluminum, very well built. Around $300 at various resellers.

Have a look at the Antec Fusion Black as well.

I like the Origin line. I've got the X11. I bought it a couple of years ago, so I don't even know if that's a current model or not. Will you be controlling the volume directly on the HTPC or through a receiver/amp? I ask because if the latter, then having big volume knobs are useless. Personally, I think any sort of non-power button/knob (and LCD) on an HTPC case is a waste anyway (that's what a remote is for), but that's just me.

Do you have a microcenter store close to you ? If so, visit one - they have a couple of very reasonably priced and decent looking htpc cases, @ ~ U$200 .

http://microcenter.com/single_produc...uct_id=0280946

Here's one I'm looking at. Great price and good reviews. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811190100

Tom

I like this Lian Li PC-C37 which will be available by the end of July '08 (?)



The Omaura TF series were also very nice, but supplies from Dell were so limit (about 2-3 months waiting) and I think I'll wait for the reviews of this new Lian Li then make my decision.

I have the silverstone case that you first posted and its great. The VFD is readable and the software that it comes with is pretty good. The use of 120mm fans and good airflow allow for a silent HTPC easily. Great case.

+1, I love my X11. I've modded it a little: removed the cage and built my own to make the HDDs quieter, volt-modded the fans, added resistors to the PWR button LED (make it dimmer), added mass-loading material to the lid (reduces resonance).

If I had to do it again, I would get something without a VFD/LCD. It's worthless and in this case only functions because it's part of the assembly with the IR receiver.

I use the M-station HT-3000. Its a little bit trick to mount, but its nice and beautyful.

http://www.3rsys.com/english/product...ase&idx_num=81

I go the silverstone lc-17 in black

Big enough to put my gaming computer and video card in it, and looks great. Has space for 2 dvd drives and more for hard disks.

What it needed was a HD fan, because it has no airflow up in the front.

It was cheap too.

Whatever case you choose, I imagine you are going to put it into an entertainment center of some sort.

I highly recommend that you MEASURE the depth of the shelf it will sit on. Most ATX-compatible case are over 17" deep and most entertainment centers only go that same distance in. That leaves no room for inflexible HDMI and power cables. Find out how much room you have and add 2 inches for the cables to attach and bend.

The Omaura 11 is not very deep, but Dell doesn't seem to know when it can ship. Everything they make is 3-5 weeks or later before shipment. I talked to some Dell people and one said it is not in stock and not on order and another checked a different computer system and found it available. And they wonder why their sales are slipping?
Also, consider some of the SFF (small form factor) cases. I am looking at the Aerocool M40 if I am willing to go the mATX route.

I think I would have found some other word to plaster my case with in my advertising than "LEMON"...

I just got the Antec Fusion 430 and it looks amazing. For an mATX build, it gets my vote.

+1

I have built a few around it and the cheaper NSK2480. Love the dual 120mm fan. Keeps everything cool and quiet.

"Lemon Tree", actually...

Actually you can! I used Front Panel Express to design a custom front panel for an Antec 2480 case. It has a 4x20 VFD display, a Powermate rotary controller, a USBUirt, and a variety of other things I wanted. Total cost of the front panel was around $130. I've attached a picture. I'd be glad to share my design (although its not perfect...) and answer any questions if you decide to go this route.

- Peter

http://http://www.directron.com/sstlc16bmr.html


It's cheaper than the Zalman or similar competitors' cases and I was happy with the purchase from Directron.com. I've got the slightly older silver version (came with a USB input drive in the 3.5" bay instead of the current one's card reader) that I've just now finished assembling and will be plugging in to my plasma this week.

It is one of the nicest looking cases I've seen, definitely more high-end A/V component - looking than most other cases on the market. It will hold 6 hard drives and comes with a VFID display and IMON software and remote control to run it and the whole system.

Biggest caveat: it won't do for any sort of hard-core gaming, as the case is too short to hold more than an 8.5-9" long video card. My fairly standard sized Diamond HD 2600xt (DDR3) fits with only an inch to spare. I think you could fit an HD 3650 card in there with no problems, but the 3850 I've got in my HTPC/gaming rig won't fit in the Silverstone.

That's a great looking case. Omaura lists Dell as their US distributor, but the TF5 is not shown as available on the Dell site. The TF HDD is listed at a steep price..

Although it doesn't show in this pic there is a blue led on the bottom left, the VFD might not fit in with your requirements but it is a very minimal design. I have it in silver and love it

A pic of it in my rack but with older 'silver' kit...





There are some pics etc. of the interior on page 5 of this thread.

Adam

the origenae cases look the best by far
I went for the antec one as you can't beat that for the price
pic from google images http://www.planetx64.com/gallery/g2d...R/DSCN2004.jpg
brushed aluminium front panel
blue leds
hidden door
vfd
ir receiver
large volume knob
quiet antec atx psu
quiet 2x120mm fans
matx mobo factor
cool & quiet due to good ventilation holes/fans
fits two hard disks
lots of room
top comes off in one second (one thumscrew) no sliding/matching holes
2x usbs on front panel
nice front feet
clever design makes it look wider than taller

I spent ages (about 18 months ago) trying to find a nice clean looking HTPC case and the H6 was the best I could find at the time. They aren't cheap and also don't have the best cooling but modern components won't generate much heat anyway. I love it personally, sort of a timeless design

I have the Silverstone LC14 and really like it. It does have the control buttons on the front, but they are handy when the mother-in-law can't figure out how to use a remote. It also has two DVD drive bays. I use one for a Zalman fan control. I just open the bay and turn up the fans when playing a game. I leave them at medium most of the time and turn them all the way down (but not off) for movies and music. The integrated VFD and IR receiver are also nice. It works great with the Harmony remotes.

I have the Zalman HD160 standard. I love it, looks great. The only real problem is the HDD cage.




Review here:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article603-page1.html

User review here:
http://www.htpcnews.com/forums/index...howtopic=20611