[bstrong]

Any feedback on rackmount or desktop cases for HTPC?


I really like the cases from d.vine but the 3" and 5" bays are limited.
http://www.ahanix.com


Any other cases that people really like?

 

[fstopp]

I just use a standard desktop case on mine. But if you are looking for more case options you might want to try directron(dot)com and go into the cases then HTPC section. They have pretty good prices and very good service.


Sorry I did not post the link have not hit my fifth post yet.

 

[debennett2]

I have used Directron on several occasions (for me and some customers). You really can't go wrong with them...

 

[aafflyer]

I'm not sure if this is for you or your clients, but I would use a client / server approach thus taking "limited drive bays" out of the equation as it relates to your HTPC at the "theater location".


My bias may be showing through, but I want my HTPC in the A/V rack to not look like a PC, but rather to match the style and characteristics of the other equipment there.


Charlie

 

[jeffleonard]

Antec makes some pretty spiffy cases. I am putting together my htpc and got a "overture" in piano black. Even my wife thought it was pretty. It might be too deep for an AV rack, though.


The power supply & exhaust fans are super quiet, can't hear them unless I put my head next to it. But the damn Pentium fan whines. Not too loud, but it's annoying after I bought this super quiet case.

 

[nightfly85]

I was looking at the antec case as well. The problem for me is that I want to be able to put in a video card. This one requires a "low profile" expansion cards. My A/V rack is not vertical space challenged so I can have a 5 inch high case if need be to fit full size PCI cards.

 

[itsteveg]

well I just tried to put a bunch of links but it won't let me because I dont have 5 posts yet


here are some names then:

you already found ahanix,

atechfabrication.com

kanam.co.kr

The antec lifestyle series (not very cool but it works)

Aopen A340 series

then lian-li.com PC-9320B or PC-9300


just a few of them.

 

[itsteveg]

Hey look at that 5 posts .. so here are the links


see http://www.ahanix.com/ here, http://www.atechfabrication.com/HTPC...order_form.htm here, http://www.kanam.co.kr/ here
http://www.antec-inc.com/us/pro_en_lifeStyle.html Antec Overture or Minuet,
http://usa.aopen.com/products/Housing/A340series.htm Aopen A340 etc..
http://www.lian-li.com/product.php?a...258729385054ab
http://www.lian-li.com/product.php?a...258729385054ab


There are a bunch of others too but this is a snippet of an article I am in the middle of writting.

Hope that helps

 

[bstrong]

Thanks.


Good catch on the Antec. My video card won't fit.


Saved me some headache since I was also looking at that case.

 

[bstrong]

If we are going for best looking, these two cases get my vote.

Anyone have experience with them?

http://www.ahanix.com
http://www.kanam.co.kr/

 

[RayL Jr.]

All I can say is the hard fact that "form follows function". One doesn't keep putting up thousands of stick built houses in Florida's "hurricane alley". Or do they (guess no there's read The Three Little Pigs)?


IMO, I like the Antec PLUS 1080AMG w/TruePower PS. SUVs are big and clunky, & I see millions are putting up with them.

 

[mike_orst]

Check out these cases..


The Lascala cases look great. I especially like the LC03. Just saw them at the consumer electronic show a couple weeks ago. Very nice in person too.

the web site is ...

w w w. silverstonetek .com /products-enclosure . htm



sorry for the spaces, i haven't posted enough yet.


There is also a review over at ... w w w. htpcnews .c o m

 

[jeffleonard]

My 9700 pro fits in the Overture.


Are you putting a Voodoo6 or something in there

 

[TommyGun]

A few pieces of feedback:

I have both the Antec Sonata and Minuet cases and have tried the Silverstone LaScala LC02 case.

The Minuet only accepts 1/2 height PCI cards and microATX mobos. It's a nice quiet case with good PS and cooling but the PCI height and mobo form factors may be too restricting.

The Sonata is very nice and quiet. It accepts FULL height PCI and full ATX or micro ATX mobo's. It's pretty deep though.

The LaScala fit what I was looking for exactly. It has a great size. Only 4 inches high! It accepts full or micro ATX mobo's. It can also accept full size PCI/AGP cards b/c it uses risers. 1 AGP riser and 1 PCI riser included in the box. BUT...the power supply is VERY hot and the air flow/cooling in the case was terrible. So bad that it overheated during a win XP install. I added 2 60mm fans to the case, 1 for air intake and 1 for expelling hot air and that prevented the over heating, but it still ran too hot for me. CPU temps and case temps were peaking around 55-60C under burn-in testing.

I RMA'd the case to newegg and had another sent out. Maybe my power supply was faulty???

I also exchanged emails with Silverstone folks and they were kind enuf to send me a new case cover that includes vent holes above the CPU area. The case I bought from NewEgg did not have these.

I will see how it performs when I get the new case from NewEgg.


Right now I am exploring having my own case built to my specs because I am so frustrated with current offerings out there.


I want a desktop oriented layout(pizza box), no higher than 4 inches, aluminum, accepts either 2 full size PCI or 1 full pci and 1 full AGP. Takes micro or full ATX mobo's. 1 external 5.25 slot, 1 external 3.5 slot, 2 internal 3.5 slots. 250w power supply.


Hope this information is useful!


-tommy

 

[RayL Jr.]

Quote:

Originally posted by TommyGun I want a desktop oriented layout(pizza box), no higher than 4 inches, aluminum, accepts either 2 full size PCI or 1 full pci and 1 full AGP. Takes micro or full ATX mobo's. 1 external 5.25 slot, 1 external 3.5 slot, 2 internal 3.5 slots. 250w power supply. Hope this information is useful! -tommy

I hope you do not want the new Pentium 4's coming out in February! IMO - "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen". For HTPC'ers it might be one heck of a nice kitchen too!

 

[TommyGun]

Ray, why do you think this case would not work for the new p4's?


Power supply? or something else?

 

[RayL Jr.]

Quote:

Originally posted by TommyGun Ray, why do you think this case would not work for the new p4's? Power supply? or something else?

I can't say that it wouldn't. The new P4's are said to run hotter (but I really like the new features this time around). Considering the fact & Murphy's Law (if something can go wrong it will go wrong), I'd be extra cautious...

 

[AntecRep]

Minuet= 1/2 height expansion cards/MicroATX

Overture= normal expansion cards, standard ATX.


AntecRep

 

[Salmoneous]

My bias may be showing through, but I want my HTPC in the A/V rack to not look like a PC, but rather to match the style and characteristics of the other equipment there.


Charlie


Here's my bias... I'm wondering what your HTPC is doing in your A/V rack in the first place. Having your HTPC out on diplacy requires shelling out $ for a pretty case, compromised choices on parts, greater sound worries, etc.


In 95% of setups, it seems like you could put the HTPC out of sight and save yourself a lot of trouble. No?

 

[Kei Clark]

Quote:

I'm wondering what your HTPC is doing in your A/V rack in the first place.

Are you kidding? Not only is it cool, it's a guy-magnet.


Seriously, if you hide it, it's more of a hassle to change DVD disks.