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Best Micro ATX HTPC case? Anyone have one of these???

post #1 of 55
11/30/12 at 2:27pm
Thread Starter 


SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum skin reinforced plastic front panel, 0.8mm SECC body MILO Series ML03B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174

I want to build a basic cheap HTPC for my brother for Xmas gift to him and his wife.

Looking to spend as little as possible on a case, I already have Asrock M-ATX board, G630 CPU and 8GB DDR3 as well as 120GB SSD. I might need a PSU cause the one I have is a 350 watt crap logisys model that sells for like $10 but if I don't find a good $30 or less PSU I might just use that.



Anyone have this case?

Thoughts?

Is there a better one for basic micro ATX build ?
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post #2 of 55
11/30/12 at 2:53pm
This case:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163205

and this PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151086 (supply your own power cord)

and you are set.
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post #3 of 55
11/30/12 at 2:55pm
Instead of making a new thread I'll ask here: Anyone know of any similar looking mATX cases that can house four 3.5 HDDs and one 5.25 optical drive?
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post #4 of 55
11/30/12 at 3:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post


SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum skin reinforced plastic front panel, 0.8mm SECC body MILO Series ML03B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174
I want to build a basic cheap HTPC for my brother for Xmas gift to him and his wife.
Looking to spend as little as possible on a case, I already have Asrock M-ATX board, G630 CPU and 8GB DDR3 as well as 120GB SSD. I might need a PSU cause the one I have is a 350 watt crap logisys model that sells for like $10 but if I don't find a good $30 or less PSU I might just use that.

Anyone have this case?
Thoughts?
Is there a better one for basic micro ATX build ?

That case is pretty common for an htpc build, the XBMC forum is full of them. I have the case and it is very good but the Silverstone GD05 is, IMO, better for a microATX build and can often be found for the same price.......in the UK anyway.

David
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post #5 of 55
11/30/12 at 3:38pm
Cheap/as little as possible: http://www.newegg.com/HTPC-Media-Center-Cases/SubCategory/ID-690?Order=PRICE
the nmedia 1080p is prob not as nice but 20 bucks less. I've got the taller 5000b. It's an 'ok' case but got it on sale with free shipping.

A rig with thermals as low as you're building won't need much. I'd get a brand name PSU though like the one Tiddle posted.
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post #6 of 55
11/30/12 at 4:16pm
I have that case and like it. It can be a little tight between the PSU and DVD Drive.
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post #7 of 55
11/30/12 at 4:27pm
I just saw the ML03B at Fry's today for $59.95. First time I saw one in person & I thought it looked pretty nice. It looked roomy enough inside but it will only take slim cards due to the height. For HTPC that should not be an issue.
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post #8 of 55
11/30/12 at 5:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiddles88 View Post

This case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163205
and this PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151086 (supply your own power cord)
and you are set.

Any reason the SILVERSTONE Grandia Series GD05B is better?

I mean my bro is not a PC guy.. I just care if it looks not cheap. That's all he will notice.

I am using older server parts to make the PC, and an H61 mobo.

I don't know if I need the 05. Wondering what's better about it?

I liked the smaller size and lower price of that one. But I am open to suggestions... as I care if I get it right.
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post #9 of 55
11/30/12 at 5:37pm
More room to expand. Cases should be the last thing to be upgraded, this has USB 3, and it will last and last. Room for expansion and better cooling to boot too.
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post #10 of 55
11/30/12 at 5:51pm
Thread Starter 
I don't think that stuff is a concern for my bro.. he can barely use a PC... lol

He's not going to download or organize a media collection.. rip or anything.

he just wants to stream... have a PC on his tv screen.

I'll set him up with some media from my collection to borrow on a portable 3TB USB.


I am actually looking at this one too:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154087

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post #11 of 55
11/30/12 at 6:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

Any reason the SILVERSTONE Grandia Series GD05B is better?

I have the GD05 (the USB2 version). I don't know if this falls in the "better" category, but the GD05 is a relatively shallow case. For me I needed something that shallow to fit in my cabinet. I suspect the two Silverstone cases have about the same inside volume, but if you think you're going to have an issue with a shallow cabinet, the GD05 is a good choice. If height is a concern, I'd go with the other one.
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post #12 of 55
11/30/12 at 8:50pm
I used this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147098. It is pretty deep (17"), has lots of room, removable drive cage, top and side ventilation and looks pretty good horizontal:
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post #13 of 55
12/1/12 at 7:18am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by olyteddy View Post

I used this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147098. It is pretty deep (17"), has lots of room, removable drive cage, top and side ventilation and looks pretty good horizontal:

Nice looking for $50
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post #14 of 55
12/1/12 at 9:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post


SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum skin reinforced plastic front panel, 0.8mm SECC body MILO Series ML03B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174
I want to build a basic cheap HTPC for my brother for Xmas gift to him and his wife.
Looking to spend as little as possible on a case, I already have Asrock M-ATX board, G630 CPU and 8GB DDR3 as well as 120GB SSD. I might need a PSU cause the one I have is a 350 watt crap logisys model that sells for like $10 but if I don't find a good $30 or less PSU I might just use that.

Anyone have this case?
Thoughts?
Is there a better one for basic micro ATX build ?

I have one and like it, the ML03 is Silverstones entry level case so it's not top notch but once together looks nice and blends in well with an entertainment center . If your going to use an optical drive there are size limitations since the PS and drive back into each other the PS length limit is 140mm the drive cannot exceed 170mm and right angle connectors are a must also if a modular PS were to be had that would be nice in this case. I ended up doing some slight mods inside the case to make cable routing easier. I have an SSD a green WD HD and a BR dirve installed a tight fit but do-able. If I had to do it over again I'd still use the ML03 even though it was a bit of a challenge for me to put together I do like the finished look.

You can't go wrong with the G630 that is one fine cpu that can be had cheap with a little shopping I used one in a throw together Linux machine and it works great.

PS the annoying light up a room blue LED front panel lights on the ML03 may have to be dealt with.
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post #15 of 55
12/1/12 at 10:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave84 View Post

PS the annoying light up a room blue LED front panel lights on the ML03 may have to be dealt with.

Yeah...those lights are bright.
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post #16 of 55
12/1/12 at 11:55am
Thread Starter 
Debating on the better Silverstone vs cheaper one I linked that looks nice and has a PSU.

Thoughts?
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post #17 of 55
12/1/12 at 12:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

Debating on the better Silverstone vs cheaper one I linked that looks nice and has a PSU.
Thoughts?

I believe you asked our opinion and not one person had much bad at all to say about the Silverstone.

I always take the known over the unknown especially if I have reason to believe that the known is excellent (or at least very good).

Clarification: The Silverstone GD04/05 is the Silverstone that I was referring to which you have asked about and received excellent feedback in multiple threads.
Edited by assassin - 12/1/12 at 12:30pm
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post #18 of 55
12/1/12 at 2:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

I believe you asked our opinion and not one person had much bad at all to say about the Silverstone.
I always take the known over the unknown especially if I have reason to believe that the known is excellent (or at least very good).
Clarification: The Silverstone GD04/05 is the Silverstone that I was referring to which you have asked about and received excellent feedback in multiple threads.

I am thinking I want something a bit less tall... or smaller.

It's for my brother - he would appreciate that.

But I am budget limited too. Those silverstones are higher end... and nicer but the cost is the factor there. Trying to find a good solution. My budget is like $80 with PSU or less... I might make the small silverstone work. I like how it looks and it's smaller than the 05/08's
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post #19 of 55
12/1/12 at 2:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

I am thinking I want something a bit less tall... or smaller.
It's for my brother - he would appreciate that.
But I am budget limited too. Those silverstones are higher end... and nicer but the cost is the factor there. Trying to find a good solution. My budget is like $80 with PSU or less... I might make the small silverstone work. I like how it looks and it's smaller than the 05/08's

Be very careful of your parts selection in that smaller Silverstone.

A lot of PSUs and optical drives won't fit together, for instance.
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post #20 of 55
12/1/12 at 2:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Be very careful of your parts selection in that smaller Silverstone.
A lot of PSUs and optical drives won't fit together, for instance.

Thanks for the advice.

No optical drive being installed:

Here is what I have:

Asrock H61 Micro ATX US3S + 8GB Mushkin or Crucial (i forgot which is in there now) 1600mhz DRR3 + G630CPU and stock Intel cooler.
I also have a 120GB SSD I picked up for $50 on black Friday.
I own and currently use a Coolermaster cheapo PSU 460watt. I paid $15 for it.


I could keep using that cheap PSU in my server but I been shopping for a better Seasonic Variant around 600 watts, and if I pull the trigger it frees that one up. Otherwise I have a couple others in basement I would have to look, or just buy a NEO or MKIII or something for $30. Any idea the size of the PSU that works?

I might wait to get the case if I do before I buy. I have to have this done for Xmas. It's a gift for my brother and his wife. I like how the Silverstone looks and I know it would fit on the shelf in his living room with his bluray and surround receiver.

You think that case would work for me? Or have another affordable suggestion ???

I am trying to make this a cheap as possible- We have an agreement we won't spend more than $100 per couple between my wife and I and my brother and sister in law. I'm going to go over but I am trying to manage best I can.
I just really think they would enjoy it. They are constantly asking about mine.
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post #21 of 55
12/1/12 at 3:29pm
Probably $15 more than you're looking to spend but a good solution for the ML03: http://www.amazon.com/FSP-Certified-300-Watt-Supply-FSP300-60GHS-R/dp/B004VF4R4U
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post #22 of 55
12/1/12 at 5:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StardogChampion View Post

Probably $15 more than you're looking to spend but a good solution for the ML03: http://www.amazon.com/FSP-Certified-300-Watt-Supply-FSP300-60GHS-R/dp/B004VF4R4U

Thank you.

Your post is appreciated.

Can I ask are you recommending this because of the size and fit issue ?

Or because it's 80+ and 300watt and would just make a good good choice ?

I guess I could be more clear and ask my concern- Would this PSU fit where most others would not ? Or is it just a good PSU you like ?

I ask because I guess space might be a concern on that case. I like how it looks though.

I'm sure the case will live longer than the $45 open box H61 mobo I put it in- that is second hand from my server.
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post #23 of 55
12/1/12 at 5:29pm
I have that case for my current HTPC and I used an SFX PSU, it fits very well with plenty of room for the optical drive. The thing is very quiet also.

http://www.performance-pcs.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=22_160&products_id=28447

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post #24 of 55
12/1/12 at 5:38pm
Thread Starter 
cool.

Thanks for the pic.

Helps.

SO if I had no DVD drive or optical drive the size would basically be fine for any PSU ?
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post #25 of 55
12/1/12 at 5:55pm
You could try this one - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121100 ? I've used it off and on for years and it always seemed to have the cleanest quality look of the lower cost options to me. It includes the PSU in the ~$60 price; although recent reviews suggest some PSU issues I never had a problem with the PSU that came with mine. The included 80mm fan positioned at the front along with the CPU fan kept everything cool & quiet enough for me with a Athlon x2 65 TDP micro using the MSI K8NGM2-FID with nVidia 6150 chipset graphics (only just retired this m/b from my main desktop in favor of A10 APU smile.gif One thing to watch is the height of the DIMMS versus the length of the BD drive but otherwise worked fine for mATX board.
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post #26 of 55
12/1/12 at 6:15pm
Every PSU with 140mm depth (and an optical drive with 170mm depth or shorter) will fit the case just fine. A deeper PSU will block SDD (if you are going to install an SSD in the bottom of the case).
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post #27 of 55
12/1/12 at 9:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

Every PSU with 140mm depth (and an optical drive with 170mm depth or shorter) will fit the case just fine. A deeper PSU will block SDD (if you are going to install an SSD in the bottom of the case).

Thanks! That makes it easy...
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post #28 of 55
12/1/12 at 9:13pm
I personally really like the Silverstone GD06 I have! Basically the same as the GD05 but a cleaner look in my opinion.

http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=293&area=en
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post #29 of 55
12/2/12 at 8:38am
Thread Starter 
I want the USB on the front for a small black dongle.
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post #30 of 55
12/2/12 at 8:53am
If you're going with a full ATX PSU in that Silverstone case I would definitely recommend a modular. It gets pretty tight in there especially if you're going to fill it with hard drives.
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