I'd like to get some input to finish up a HTPC build. My main concern is finding a good case that will fit the PSU 150 x 160 x 86mm (and HD, Blu Ray drive, etc).
Normally, I'd select the case first, but circumstances... I ended up getting the internals first because I pulled the trigger on some great $ deals.
PSU: PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk III Series 400W Modular
Mobo: ASRock H77M Mini ITX
SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 VTX4-25SAT3-128G 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC
HD: one 3.5" to be purchased
BD/DVD Drive: to be purchased
This case is going into an entertainment center next to several standard black AV components.
I had my head set on a horizontal HTPC case, purely for aesthetics. However, I'm realizing now that the case will likely be close to the sides of the rack walls, and may not get sufficient air flow. Plus, I'm reading that some of the horizontal HTPC cases with 80 mm fans can be noisy. However, maybe this build will run cool enough where I don't have to worry to much about the side air intake?
I'm now considering mini-ITX tower and micro-ATX cases. Seems these might be a win-win, as they'll still look ok in my entertainment center, and if I ever re-purpose the PC, the case will be a small "desktop" system.
Requirements:
Budg
Vertical Cases
Fractal Design Arc Mini w/ USB 3.0, 19" height!
Fractal Design Core 1000 Micro ATX Computer Case w/ 1 x 120mm fan USB 2.0, 16.5" height
SilverStone Temjin Series TJ08B-E Black Aluminum front panel, steel body MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case, 15" height, USB 3
SilverStone Sugo Series SG09B Black Steel / Plastic MicroATX Mini Tower, small! 8.66" x 11.61" x 13.94"
Horizontal Cases: (the typical list)
SILVERSTONE Grandia Series GD05B
mMediaPC.... etc.
Thanks in advance for your input.
Normally, I'd select the case first, but circumstances... I ended up getting the internals first because I pulled the trigger on some great $ deals.
PSU: PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk III Series 400W Modular
Mobo: ASRock H77M Mini ITX
SSD: OCZ Vertex 4 VTX4-25SAT3-128G 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC
HD: one 3.5" to be purchased
BD/DVD Drive: to be purchased
This case is going into an entertainment center next to several standard black AV components.
I had my head set on a horizontal HTPC case, purely for aesthetics. However, I'm realizing now that the case will likely be close to the sides of the rack walls, and may not get sufficient air flow. Plus, I'm reading that some of the horizontal HTPC cases with 80 mm fans can be noisy. However, maybe this build will run cool enough where I don't have to worry to much about the side air intake?
I'm now considering mini-ITX tower and micro-ATX cases. Seems these might be a win-win, as they'll still look ok in my entertainment center, and if I ever re-purpose the PC, the case will be a small "desktop" system.
Requirements:
Budg
- et: $130
- Fit: PSU (150 x 160 x 86mm), BD/DVD, HD, SSD
- Dimensions: 18 inches height, width: standard AV/component
- USB: 3.0 ports? My mobo supports 3.0, should I care about 2.0/3.0 in front ports for game controllers?
- Front access for BD/DVD Drive
- Quite Fans (prefer 120+ mm over 80 mm)
- No bright lights
Vertical Cases
Fractal Design Arc Mini w/ USB 3.0, 19" height!
Fractal Design Core 1000 Micro ATX Computer Case w/ 1 x 120mm fan USB 2.0, 16.5" height
SilverStone Temjin Series TJ08B-E Black Aluminum front panel, steel body MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case, 15" height, USB 3
SilverStone Sugo Series SG09B Black Steel / Plastic MicroATX Mini Tower, small! 8.66" x 11.61" x 13.94"
Horizontal Cases: (the typical list)
SILVERSTONE Grandia Series GD05B
mMediaPC.... etc.
Thanks in advance for your input.














