Second HTPC build - cheap one - case question

If it worked for Asassin , it will work for you . He does not say the fan is very close . What he say's is that the psu will slightly touch the standard fan( 60 mm height) and cannot "fully recommend" this approach . However , if you get the Intel low profile fan( 38mm height) you should be fine . The motherboard stand offs determine the height of the board in the case and depending on how high the rear connections cut out is in the case will determine which height standoff screws u will use as the case will come with the correct ones . You should be fine . It is the fan that determines the height . Watch what ram you use as tall heat spreaders will not work .

OOOHHH ! Foxconn for the MB ... really ? Where in the guides is this a recommendation ? There are much better mini itx Intel boards as I have never used Foxconn but have also never heard anything good either . I got the fact that u want cheap as u can but I suggest picking another area to be cheap in ... not the MB .

Just my $ .02

BTW ... there is a rumor that there may be a build that would fit you in the next few weeks if you can hold out a bit

Look at post # 13657

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1302559/assassins-simple-beginner-htpc-buying-guide/13650
Edited by flocko - 7/19/12 at 7:11pm

The low profile Intel fan is not expensive by any means .

You are correct . Heading into an Intel board would be in that dollar range . I am sure there are other boards that are cheaper than Intel but better than Foxcon . It was just a suggestion .

Good luck

I got my parents the Foxcon barebones with Atom Dual core for $75 shipped (I think it was shell shocker). Added RAM, HDD and ODD, and they LOVE it!

Just keep an eye on those "bookshelf" PC's that drop under $100 here and there.

Edit: I have used the same Apex MI-008 tower and STOCK AMD fan for Athlon X2 fits under the PSU.

The Intel stock CPU cooler fits underneath. But it does touch.