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Unofficial mini-ITX case thread - Page 5

post #121 of 643
3/3/11 at 10:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by mariner888 View Post

Thanks Rene for this single slot bracket beauty.

Will it fit in Lian Li PC-Q07?

Well, there is a 3.5" drive bay beneath the expansion slot. Look at this picture. If you remove it and use a 2.5" HDD, maybe you can attach a 2-slot card (with a 1-slot bracket).
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post #122 of 643
3/4/11 at 12:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bjterry62 View Post

Flexible risers are just that....flexible! You can bend / twist them all over the place and an 1x is really small and comes in several different lengths.

BT

Good to know, the only problem left is the 60w supply. I envision, one slot being used for Hauppauge Colossus and using flex adapter with a HD5670 for a bit more than casual gaming @720p.

Current draw would likely be north of 100w, so I could still use provided brick but need to put a DC to DC supply inside the case, if that's possible?

These types of cases are rare right now, but the black version looks like it would natural next to a D*TV H24.
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post #123 of 643
3/4/11 at 7:26am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

Well, there is a 3.5" drive bay beneath the expansion slot. Look at this picture. If you remove it and use a 2.5" HDD, maybe you can attach a 2-slot card (with a 1-slot bracket).

One of my big complaints about the PC-Q07 is the lack of ventilation. It relies on the PSU to vent the case. I had a i3-540 in the case with a EA-380D and the CPU fan was always running high because it had nowhere to go. It was less of an issue with an e3300 and Seasonic SS-350ET which has a large 120mm fan. I can't imagine also sticking a discrete GPU in that case and a PSU large enough for it. IMHO and from my experience in practice, it's really not a case that's good for anything high-powered that generates a lot of heat. Removing that EA-380D, putting in a picoPSU and fashioning that custom plate with the 80mm fan made all the difference in the world -- from noisy and hot running to quiet and cool running.

The PC-Q11 seems to address those issues but it's $40 more. To me, that'd be worth it to have for-real double slots and a 120mm case fan if I was going to use a GPU. I haven't tried the PC-Q11 yet but from everything I read it's really just the PC-Q07 with all my issues addressed (well, except for the 12 tiny screws thing -- PITA).
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post #124 of 643
3/5/11 at 10:53am
I'm thinking about putting together a Zacate system with an Antec ISK 300-65. This system would have no optical drive, but I want to put a normal 3.5" desktop HD into the thing.

Does anyone know if its possible to fit a standard desktop hard drive into this thing's optical bay with adapter rails? This case looks just about perfect, aside from not supporting desktop HDs.
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post #125 of 643
3/5/11 at 5:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by StardogChampion View Post
This case caught my eye when it was first released. I figured it would be my de facto nettop case until I read all the Newegg reviews. I am still thinking of giving it a try however.

Antec ISK 100
http://store.antec.com/Product/enclo...5-15170-2.aspx



2 x 2.5" internal drive bays
No expansion slots
Side 100 mm two speed fan with switch controls
Front ports
- 4 x USB 2.0
- HDA/AC'97-compatible audio in/out
Motherboard compatibility: Mini-ITX only
Includes 90 watt internal adapter
- Energy Star Level 5 qualified
- 80 watt DC-to-ATX PCB mounted directly inside case - up to 92% efficient
- Universal Input - works on any 100V - 240V electrical grid
Unit Dimension
- 248 mm (H) x 108 mm (W) x 212 mm (D)
- 9.8" (H) x 4.3" (W) x 8.3" (D)
Here's one used as a desktop with Gigabyte AMD Zacate board -

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2144118
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post #126 of 643
3/6/11 at 9:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

Well, there is a 3.5" drive bay beneath the expansion slot. Look at this picture. If you remove it and use a 2.5" HDD, maybe you can attach a 2-slot card (with a 1-slot bracket).

A picture speaks a thousand words. Thanks Rene.

Quote:
Originally Posted by StardogChampion View Post

One of my big complaints about the PC-Q07 is the lack of ventilation. It relies on the PSU to vent the case. I had a i3-540 in the case with a EA-380D and the CPU fan was always running high because it had nowhere to go. It was less of an issue with an e3300 and Seasonic SS-350ET which has a large 120mm fan. I can't imagine also sticking a discrete GPU in that case and a PSU large enough for it. IMHO and from my experience in practice, it's really not a case that's good for anything high-powered that generates a lot of heat. Removing that EA-380D, putting in a picoPSU and fashioning that custom plate with the 80mm fan made all the difference in the world -- from noisy and hot running to quiet and cool running.

The PC-Q11 seems to address those issues but it's $40 more. To me, that'd be worth it to have for-real double slots and a 120mm case fan if I was going to use a GPU. I haven't tried the PC-Q11 yet but from everything I read it's really just the PC-Q07 with all my issues addressed (well, except for the 12 tiny screws thing -- PITA).

Thanks StardogChampion for the detailed feedback. Will check out the PC-Q11.
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post #127 of 643
3/7/11 at 11:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ceaton View Post

I'm thinking about putting together a Zacate system with an Antec ISK 300-65. This system would have no optical drive, but I want to put a normal 3.5" desktop HD into the thing.

Does anyone know if its possible to fit a standard desktop hard drive into this thing's optical bay with adapter rails? This case looks just about perfect, aside from not supporting desktop HDs.

I would say no, not with any off-the-shelf rails. This case requires a slim optical drive, and it has a bracket for two 2.5" drives above the optical drive. It looks like one 3.5" drive could fit in place of the optical drive if you remove the 2.5" bracket, but you would need to secure it with something other than the standard mounting screws.

See this Antec ISK 300-65 review.

If you choose a different mini-ITX case that fits a standard optical drive, then you can use a 3.5" to 5.25" adapter to mount a 3.5" drive in the 5.25" bay. Adapters are available from many case manufacturers, such as Antec, Lian Li, Silverstone, and Cooler Master. The Silverstone FP55 lets you mount one 3.5" and two 2.5" into one 5.25" bay!
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post #128 of 643
3/8/11 at 3:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dj4monie View Post
Good to know, the only problem left is the 60w supply. I envision, one slot being used for Hauppauge Colossus and using flex adapter with a HD5670 for a bit more than casual gaming @720p.

Current draw would likely be north of 100w, so I could still use provided brick but need to put a DC to DC supply inside the case, if that's possible?

These types of cases are rare right now, but the black version looks like it would natural next to a D*TV H24.
Yeah, 60w is not gonna get it. You best bet is a Pico 160XT with a 150W brick. Not sure how much the 5670 uses when loaded, but you may still be cutting it close!

BT
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post #129 of 643
3/8/11 at 3:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ceaton View Post
I'm thinking about putting together a Zacate system with an Antec ISK 300-65. This system would have no optical drive, but I want to put a normal 3.5" desktop HD into the thing.

Does anyone know if its possible to fit a standard desktop hard drive into this thing's optical bay with adapter rails? This case looks just about perfect, aside from not supporting desktop HDs.
I've done some work with the ISKs and it will be a job fitting a 3.5" HDD in there. The HDD tray rests on top of the ODD tray and both are suspended above the MB. There is room between the front of the case and the motherboard, but the stock PSU is there. If you replace the stock PSU with a Pico then you can put the 3.5" HDD there. You'll still need to make a custom mount with something. Seems like a lot of work when you can get 2.5" HDDs pretty cheap!

BT
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post #130 of 643
3/9/11 at 6:59am
Thread Starter 
Sorry I still haven't gotten to the PC-Q09 review. I started a new job last week and I've had little time for anything. I am sure with the prices at $140 now vs. the $70 a couple of weeks ago you're all chomping at the bit to read what I have to say anyway
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post #131 of 643
3/14/11 at 7:36am
Thread Starter 
I did another build this weekend with this case. It's definitely my go-to case for a low-budget build. This is by far the easiest case to work with. It took maybe 20min to put it all together. This one is for my daughter's preschool.



Intel BOXD525MW Atom dual-core 1.8GHz motherboard
Kingston 2GB SO-DIMM DDR3 800 RAM
WD 320GB AVVS Green A/V SATAII HDD
Lite-On ODD
Windows 7 x86

This PC will be used solely for kids' educational games -- it's not even going to have internet access -- so this is more than enough horsepower. $350 with monitor, keyboard and mouse and all of the above (budget was king).

I love this case.

WEI results are not too shabby (See attachment).
LL
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post #132 of 643
3/14/11 at 11:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bjterry62 View Post

I've done some work with the ISKs and it will be a job fitting a 3.5" HDD in there. The HDD tray rests on top of the ODD tray and both are suspended above the MB. There is room between the front of the case and the motherboard, but the stock PSU is there. If you replace the stock PSU with a Pico then you can put the 3.5" HDD there. You'll still need to make a custom mount with something. Seems like a lot of work when you can get 2.5" HDDs pretty cheap!

BT

Thanks for all the tips, guys. I didn't feel like turning this build into a metal shop project, so I bough myself a APEX MI-008 case, and swapped the included PSU for a Pico PSU.

The the Apex isn't as small as the Antech, but it let me re-use my HVR1250 PCIe tuner, it looks pretty nice, and is VERY quiet when cooled with a low speed 100mm case fan.
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post #133 of 643
3/18/11 at 2:05pm
Thread Starter 
I have pictures of two recent mini-ITX builds: one with the Lian-Li PC-Q09FA and the other with the Rosewill RC-CIX-01 on my blog. The link is in my signature.
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post #134 of 643
4/4/11 at 11:00am
If someone is considering using the Habey 800B with a Sandybridge MB/CPU - reconsider

I tried it this weekend and although after drilling an extra hole in the drive holder and mounting a 2.5" drive behind the BD slim drive (as opposed to underneath), I still can't quite close the lid as the drive holder is resting on top of the stock i3-2100 cooler.

Running some stress test using the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility for like 1/2h I had temps on one of the cores over 80C (82C max). this was a 5010 fan installed, albeit a fairly low cfm one. With a slightly more efficient fan (but louder), core temps maxed out around 80C.

I'm thinking I'll get a Wesena case (once the logo issue is resolved) instead as I know Andy @ missing remote has tried it with sandybridge and it fit.

/Anders
LL
LL
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post #135 of 643
4/4/11 at 11:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by andersa View Post

If someone is considering using the Habey 800B with a Sandybridge MB/CPU - reconsider

I tried it this weekend and although after drilling an extra hole in the drive holder and mounting a 2.5" drive behind the BD slim drive (as opposed to underneath), I still can't quite close the lid as the drive holder is resting on top of the stock i3-2100 cooler.

Running some stress test using the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility for like 1/2h I had temps on one of the cores over 80C (82C max). this was a 5010 fan installed, albeit a fairly low cfm one. With a slightly more efficient fan (but louder), core temps maxed out around 80C.

I'm thinking I'll get a Wesena case (once the logo issue is resolved) instead as I know Andy @ missing remote has tried it with sandybridge and it fit.

/Anders

Thanks for reporting your findings! I had this very same question this past week.
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post #136 of 643
4/4/11 at 12:37pm
Would any of the Zacate boards fit no problem with the 2.5 and slim DVD?
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post #137 of 643
4/4/11 at 12:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emerlin View Post

Would any of the Zacate boards fit no problem with the 2.5 and slim DVD?

In what case?
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post #138 of 643
4/4/11 at 12:45pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

In what case?

HA - sorry the Habey 800B.

I do like the look of the case, but not the price of slim BD drivess...
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post #139 of 643
4/4/11 at 12:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emerlin View Post

HA - sorry the Habey 800B.

I do like the look of the case, but not the price of slim BD drivess...

I don't have a zacate board so I can't say for sure. It is cramped in there as the case is only 3" tall.

/Anders
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post #140 of 643
4/4/11 at 1:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by andersa View Post

I don't have a zacate board so I can't say for sure. It is cramped in there as the case is only 3" tall.

/Anders

If you don't use a BD/DVD drive and only have a 2.5" HD, would a Sandybridge fit in the Habey? Thanks
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post #141 of 643
4/4/11 at 1:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by genro View Post

If you don't use a BD/DVD drive and only have a 2.5" HD, would a Sandybridge fit in the Habey? Thanks

You might be able to.

The bracket that holds the BD drive and the HD comes in two pieces. The bottom piece holds the BD drive and rests against the i3's cooler which angles the bracket and thus won't let me close the lid.

If you got rid of the bottom piece of the bracket and mounted the drive to the top bracket as I did I'm pretty sure the lid will close. You might even be able to use the pre-drilled holes (I drilled a new one so I could put the HD behind the BD drive).

You'll end up with hole in the front where the BD drive goes though. No blank cover provided (only a ugly piece of white plastic was provided).

There's also the Habey 600 series w/o the slot, but it'd probably be an either bigger challenge to squeeze a Sandybridge + HD into it as it is only 2.25" tall.
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post #142 of 643
4/4/11 at 1:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by andersa View Post

You might be able to.

The bracket that holds the BD drive and the HD comes in two pieces. The bottom piece holds the BD drive and rests against the i3's cooler which angles the bracket and thus won't let me close the lid.

If you got rid of the bottom piece of the bracket and mounted the drive to the top bracket as I did I'm pretty sure the lid will close. You might even be able to use the pre-drilled holes (I drilled a new one so I could put the HD behind the BD drive).

You'll end up with hole in the front where the BD drive goes though. No blank cover provided (only a ugly piece of white plastic was provided).

There's also the Habey 600 series w/o the slot, but it'd probably be an either bigger challenge to squeeze a Sandybridge + HD into it as it is only 2.25" tall.

Thanks for the info!

Too bad about the Habey, as I think it's one of the better looking ITX cases for a reasonable price. I'm wary of doing a zacate HTPC because I prefer running ffdshow (via CPU not dxva) to be able to get subtitles and such working easily, so i was hoping an i3/sandybridge would be feasible for this case.
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post #143 of 643
4/4/11 at 2:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by genro View Post

Thanks for the info!

Too bad about the Habey, as I think it's one of the better looking ITX cases for a reasonable price. I'm wary of doing a zacate HTPC because I prefer running ffdshow (via CPU not dxva) to be able to get subtitles and such working easily, so i was hoping an i3/sandybridge would be feasible for this case.

Agreed, had it just been another 3/4" - 1" or so taller it would have been perfect!

/Anders
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post #144 of 643
4/4/11 at 7:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by genro

Thanks for the info!

Too bad about the Habey, as I think it's one of the better looking ITX cases for a reasonable price. I'm wary of doing a zacate HTPC because I prefer running ffdshow (via CPU not dxva) to be able to get subtitles and such working easily, so i was hoping an i3/sandybridge would be feasible for this case.
Quote:
Originally Posted by andersa

Agreed, had it just been another 3/4" - 1" or so taller it would have been perfect!

/Anders
Yea, thanks for the info as well. I really liked that case a bedroom HTPC. I was also thinking of using one for a SB build but I guess not. The search continues.
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post #145 of 643
4/4/11 at 8:00pm
Athenatech A1089xx.150 (aka Rosewill RC-CIX-01, aka CFI A8989), anyone have any idea where I can find one? They seem to be out of stock everywhere at the moment.
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post #146 of 643
4/5/11 at 9:55am
I saw one with a black bezel listed on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DUEFNS/...SIN=B002DUEFNS

However, it says "Only 1 left in stock--order soon (more on the way)"

I also saw the same case with glossy black, red and white front panels:
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Itx-Tower...034070&sr=1-13
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B002DW97Q6
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B002DW97H0

I have used these cases on 3 builds so far, they are inexpensive, rugged and good quality. It's the only one I found with the power supply in front, leaving plenty of overhead for the stock Intel cooler.

My build is at: http://technocatsblog.blogspot.com/
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post #147 of 643
4/5/11 at 1:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by technoHD View Post

I saw one with a black bezel listed on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DUEFNS/...SIN=B002DUEFNS

However, it says "Only 1 left in stock--order soon (more on the way)"

I also saw the same case with glossy black, red and white front panels:
http://www.amazon.com/Mini-Itx-Tower...034070&sr=1-13
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B002DW97Q6
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B002DW97H0

I have used these cases on 3 builds so far, they are inexpensive, rugged and good quality. It's the only one I found with the power supply in front, leaving plenty of overhead for the stock Intel cooler.

My build is at: http://technocatsblog.blogspot.com/

Thanks, I was able to the glossy black one. When I checked yesterday afternoon it was listed as OOS. I appreciate the help.
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post #148 of 643
4/5/11 at 4:15pm
Thanks for that. Debating on waiting on one of these, or getting a Lian Li PC-Q07 and using my 3 year old (rarely used) Antec Earthwatts 380W PSU
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post #149 of 643
4/6/11 at 7:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by chewietobbacca View Post

Thanks for that. Debating on waiting on one of these, or getting a Lian Li PC-Q07 and using my 3 year old (rarely used) Antec Earthwatts 380W PSU

I've used the EA-380D in the Lian-Li PC-Q07 and it's not a good combination. First, there's just too much cabling on the EA-380D. You have to really jam the cabling against the front of the PC-Q07. Second, there's no fan in the PC-Q07 case so what they don't tell you is they rely on the PSU to exhaust the case. The EA-380D does a very poor job of that. It's really better suited to a PSU that has a large open fan on the side. So, what you get (I had a i3-540 in mine) is your CPU fan racing all the time trying to keep cool, especially since it's inches from the side of the EA-380D making airflow even worse. Once I got a picoPSU in it, temps went way down, the CPU fan stopped racing and it was basically silent.
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post #150 of 643
4/7/11 at 5:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by StardogChampion View Post
I did another build this weekend with this case. It's definitely my go-to case for a low-budget build. This is by far the easiest case to work with. It took maybe 20min to put it all together.



I love this case.
This case has been discontinued which is a HUGE problem and leaves a huge void in the ITX HTPC case options.

I agree that this case is by far the best budget ITX out there.

I see the Athena options but those are already deactivated at Newegg as well.

So what's going to be the new go-to ITX case once these models are completely gone???
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