Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized...

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IK Obi
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2013/04/12 16:59:10 (permalink)

Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized...

I have everything need except a case. An i7, 16gb of ram - Long story short. Mobo fried in my last move. Just won't boot up right. Always hated this huge case, so now looking to transition to a smaller case I can keep out of the way without being a huge eye sore.... Any recommendations?
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    Goddard
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    Re:Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized... 2013/04/12 17:12:00 (permalink)
    What size mobo? ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX? 

    What case orientation? Desktop (horizontal, like most HTPC and "cube" cases) or mini-tower (vertical)?


    Also, does the case need to accommodate any "full-height" cards? Or a tall cpu cooler heatsink/fan?
    post edited by Goddard - 2013/04/12 17:15:21
    #2
    IK Obi
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    Re:Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized... 2013/04/14 20:01:46 (permalink)
    Desktop for sure, mobo, not picky in anyway besides fitting 4 sticks of DDR3 ram inside. No cards whatsoever, maybe a graphics card, but I know I can find one to fit or a mobo with built in graphics.
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    Jim Roseberry
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    Re:Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized... 2013/04/15 03:11:33 (permalink)
    If you're wanting a high-quality really small case, there are two nice units for mini-ITX motherboards.
    You're limited to two sticks of RAM, but you can run two 8GB sticks for a total of 16GB.
    The beauty of these two cases is that they allow large heatsinks and large intake/exhaust fans.  Not common on small form-factor (or many rackmount) cases.
    IOW, You can assemble/run a high-performance 4.5GHz machine... and it'll run cool/quiet.

    Best Regards,

    Jim Roseberry
    jim@studiocat.com
    www.studiocat.com
    #4
    Goddard
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    Re:Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized... 2013/04/15 11:55:45 (permalink)
    Go over to silentpcreview.com and look through the case articles/reviews, to get an idea of what's available. 

    Newegg lists a load of cases in all sizes and form factors (and motherboards as well) with links to the manufacturer's websites for more info.
    What i7 processor do you have? If it's a current Ivy Bridge cpu with on-core graphic, then you might be satisfied using the on-core gpu and not need a separate graphics card, if you choose a motherboard offering the appropriate graphics port(s) for connecting your display(s).

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    IronSound
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    Re:Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized... 2013/04/15 19:49:10 (permalink)
    Hello... here is site I have used for Rackmount type of cases... http://plinkusa.net/ accepts paypal thru their EBAY lists too... I put a micro-atx board with four memory slots, into a 3U chassis that was only 11.81" deep, has mounting for a Standard ATX PowerSupply, and plenty of pre-cut case Fan mounts... http://www.plinkusa.net/web3013s.htm ... Considerations in this case build are,
    1) if you want a CD/DVD drive, you need to consider the type of CPU FAN you use, for height clearance...
    2) mine came with four 60mm front mounted fans @12vdc, I changed wire for 5vdc quiet operation.
    3) for full size PCI-e Video card, cut slot into the Drive bay shelf for clearance... but will not affect mounting of drives.

    Was a tight fit... but was very happy with the results for Rackmounting a PC, using Standard Parts, 3U size, 12" deep, and under $100 case. 
    post edited by IronSound - 2013/04/15 20:33:08
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    Ludvig
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    Re:Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized... 2013/04/16 17:04:48 (permalink)
    Jim Roseberry


    If you're wanting a high-quality really small case, there are two nice units for mini-ITX motherboards.

    Hi Jim!


    Just curious if those two cases got any name? I went for the Bitfenix Prodigy for my latest build and really like that case but sometimes I'm tempted to go smaller ...


    Best Regards
    Ludvig

    Intel Core i7 3770K | ASRock Z77 | 16GB Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz | ATI Radeon HD6450 PCI-E | 30" @ 2560 x 1600 | 2x120GB Intel 330 SSD's | 5TB HD's | Win 8.1 Pro 64-bit | SONAR Platinum Everett | All PC-modules | Octa-Capture | Studio-Capture | VS-700 |
    #7
    IK Obi
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    Re:Looking for a decent SMALL case. Almost HTPC sized... 2013/04/16 21:39:13 (permalink)
    Thanks for the sites and recommendations. Any Model numbers from you guys on what cases you are using?
    #8
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