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Best Micro ATX HTPC case? Anyone have one of these??? - Page 2

post #31 of 55
12/2/12 at 9:33am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dropkick Murphy View Post

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.

No optical and one SSD only.
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post #32 of 55
12/2/12 at 9:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

No optical and one SSD only.

If that's all your using the ML03 would work fine plenty of room and good ventilation, front 3.0 USB seems the choice pretty much comes down to size and looks.
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post #33 of 55
12/2/12 at 10:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by staknhalo View Post

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?

http://www.apevia.com/productsInfo.asp?KEY=X-Master-BK/500

this is what I use

i have four shoe horned into it and could fit another if i didnt need the external 3.5 spot for my ir sensor

-one in the single hard drive cage behind the power buttons and led
-one in the unused 5.25 bay
-one screwed onto the back left of the case (case has spots for fans or hard drives to hang)
-one squeezed under the psu on the front left. this is probably a lousy idea.
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post #34 of 55
12/2/12 at 11:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

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

I have one to these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856115045
which i believe is the same case.

The small case fan was noisy. I replaced and it's less noisy. I install an Infinitv4 and use it as a DVR. I use extenders so the noise isn't a big issue to me. Case is pretty solid. The front is smokey plastic and the whole thing is hinged to access external bays.
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post #35 of 55
12/2/12 at 11:32am
You'll be kicking yourself if you don't get a case with front panel USB 3. They are critical.
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post #36 of 55
12/2/12 at 1:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

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

Yes, it's not as deep as a ATX PSU.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

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

Yes, this too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

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 ?

Yes and yes.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

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

IIRC, it is only 100mm deep, well under the 140mm maximum for the ML03.

I have this power supply in my server, a PC-Q08. I use this power supply for SFF cases that take a regular ATX PSU.
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post #37 of 55
12/2/12 at 1:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by StardogChampion View Post

Yes, it's not as deep as a ATX PSU.
Yes, this too.
Yes and yes.
IIRC, it is only 100mm deep, well under the 140mm maximum for the ML03.
I have this power supply in my server, a PC-Q08. I use this power supply for SFF cases that take a regular ATX PSU.


Awesome thanks.

I'm ordering whatever I decide this week.
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post #38 of 55
12/2/12 at 3:39pm
I don't know ow this affects your decision but, I would get rid of the Coolermaster PSU. If it's from the family I'm thinking off I wouldn't want to have it running a server. So this gives you a good opportunity to make use of it in a appropriate situation. I had a Coolermaster 500 watt in my first PC build. It would cause all kinds of problems when I would game even though it should have had enough wattage. I've got a second hand one now that I wouldn't want to use on anything other than a low power build. The issue is that they are an older design. With a server you are interested in what they can put out on the 12V rail. In the case of those PSU's they can't put out very much at all. If you look at what is printed on the side of the PSU it should tell you what the 12V is rated at. My 600 watt Coolermaster should only be considered a 380 watt PSU by todays standards.

Like I said I don't know how this factors into the decision, but you don't want that PSU in your server. So this is your chance to make use of it. So if that means you don't have to look for a PSU for your brother maybe that will have an impact on the case choice. Good luck.
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post #39 of 55
12/2/12 at 5:21pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by josrq View Post

I have one to these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856115045
which i believe is the same case.
The small case fan was noisy. I replaced and it's less noisy. I install an Infinitv4 and use it as a DVR. I use extenders so the noise isn't a big issue to me. Case is pretty solid. The front is smokey plastic and the whole thing is hinged to access external bays.

That looks like a decent little deal for a HTPC.

You like it ?

Do they ever go on sale?
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post #40 of 55
12/2/12 at 5:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by duff99 View Post

I don't know ow this affects your decision but, I would get rid of the Coolermaster PSU. If it's from the family I'm thinking off I wouldn't want to have it running a server. So this gives you a good opportunity to make use of it in a appropriate situation. I had a Coolermaster 500 watt in my first PC build. It would cause all kinds of problems when I would game even though it should have had enough wattage. I've got a second hand one now that I wouldn't want to use on anything other than a low power build. The issue is that they are an older design. With a server you are interested in what they can put out on the 12V rail. In the case of those PSU's they can't put out very much at all. If you look at what is printed on the side of the PSU it should tell you what the 12V is rated at. My 600 watt Coolermaster should only be considered a 380 watt PSU by todays standards.
Like I said I don't know how this factors into the decision, but you don't want that PSU in your server. So this is your chance to make use of it. So if that means you don't have to look for a PSU for your brother maybe that will have an impact on the case choice. Good luck.

I am looking at a 650watt Seasonic... an MKIII and a Rosewill that is platinum certified with 8 Sata.

I agree 100% that the new build needs something better.

My original server was build on an openbox H61 mobo for $45 and a G630 CPU. I was cutting corners everywhere... including using cheapo SATA card and reusing a Thermaltake tower case.

My next build I will be upgrading many of the areas I cut corners on. PSU is near the top of that list.
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post #41 of 55
12/2/12 at 5:25pm
Thread Starter 
I am leaning towards the Silverstone even though it's over budget because I just think the look is really good.

I'll be buying something this week.
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post #42 of 55
12/2/12 at 5:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

I am leaning towards the Silverstone even though it's over budget because I just think the look is really good.
I'll be buying something this week.

Good choice. Just curious what changed your view on spending a little more for a better looking HTPC case.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

The funniest thing to me is I see people spend an extra $100 on the HTPC case and pay a massive premium without blinking an eye just to make it cool.
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post #43 of 55
12/2/12 at 6:23pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Good choice. Just curious what changed your view on spending a little more for a better looking HTPC case.

lol.

I am not sure. I just like it.

It's not even for me. It's for my brother. I just want to give him something nice. It will be in his living room.

He knows nothing about PC's so if the case looks cool- and it works good he will think it is great.

He won't know it's a used open box H61 motherboard I bought for $45 and used for 6 months in my server inside. But he might know the fit and finish of the case I use.

I guess it's like a book with a nice cover given to someone who can't read that well. haha...
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post #44 of 55
12/6/12 at 6:18am
Thread Starter 
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 think this is the one. It just looks nice. I am going to order today unless anyone knows a sale?
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post #45 of 55
12/6/12 at 9:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruiner View Post

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.

I second nMedia. I got it on sale for $35 shipped.
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post #46 of 55
12/7/12 at 6:59am
Thread Starter 
I ended up getting raped on the silverstone.

$69 plus $14 shipping.

I bent over for it.
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post #47 of 55
12/7/12 at 7:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

I ended up getting raped on the silverstone.
$69 plus $14 shipping.
I bent over for it.

Could have gotten the GD05 for only $8 more.
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post #48 of 55
12/8/12 at 7:08am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Could have gotten the GD05 for only $8 more.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008308%2050002031&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=690%7C11-163-174%5E11-163-174-TS%2C11-163-205%5E11-163-205-TS

2" taller.

I am not seeing a price that close either.


Lastly- I am not sure I know what makes the 05 better. I might be ignorant. Is the 05 better for some reason ? [note I am serious as I wish to know, I am not being a smart ass]

opinions ???
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post #49 of 55
12/8/12 at 8:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mfusick View Post

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100008308%2050002031&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=690%7C11-163-174%5E11-163-174-TS%2C11-163-205%5E11-163-205-TS
2" taller.
I am not seeing a price that close either.
Lastly- I am not sure I know what makes the 05 better. I might be ignorant. Is the 05 better for some reason ? [note I am serious as I wish to know, I am not being a smart ass]
opinions ???

Easier to cool. More flexible on parts and upgrade choices (like PSU, expansion/graphics cards, etc. Can possibly choose a cheaper full ATX CPU that may negate the increased cost of having to buy a specific short PSU for the other case). Looks better (personal opinion). More room for hard drives if needed. Etc.

Usually $90-$95 online. I got mine for $80. I like the GD04 better as far as looks go but the GD05 is usually significantly cheaper.
Edited by assassin - 12/8/12 at 8:17am
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post #50 of 55
12/8/12 at 2:06pm
Will a Ceton InfinTV 4 PCIe fit inside that ML03B?
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post #51 of 55
12/8/12 at 2:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BillBragg View Post

Will a Ceton InfinTV 4 PCIe fit inside that ML03B?

No, unless it comes with a half height bracket. That case is too short to hold full height PCI-E cards.
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post #52 of 55
12/8/12 at 3:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiddles88 View Post

No, unless it comes with a half height bracket. That case is too short to hold full height PCI-E cards.

The InfiniTV 4 comes with a half height bracket. I am using mine.
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post #53 of 55
12/9/12 at 7:32am
Thread Starter 
There you go...
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post #54 of 55
12/27/12 at 2:39pm
Mfusick -

How did the ML03B case work out?
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post #55 of 55
12/28/12 at 6:42am
Thread Starter 
Very nice. I'll post up some pics later. Brother loved it.
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