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?

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?

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.

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.

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).

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. 

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

Thanks for the sites and recommendations. Any Model numbers from you guys on what cases you are using?