New case for HTPC... choices?

[aerospyke]

lookin to buy a decent build HTPC case that is

• quiet
• <$300
• airflow back-to-front or vice versa, not side to side
• has built-in IR and VFD (VFD optional but preferred, IR mandatory
• does not have to have PSU but takes standard units

I have to like the look of it obviously but you can't know wht i do and don't like, but i can try n describe what i like.... can't be boxy, prefer stealth cd drives (either as the drive is part of the fascia, or its covered).... ummm prefer silver but black is also on the cards.... on beige or other colours... and no non-controllable lights (can't be turned off for unobtrusive viewing).

Sofar i've looked at these

• Silverstone GD01S-MX
• Silverstone GD02B-MT
• Silverstone LC20M-S

I've been impressed with Silverstone styles, hence those i've chosen are all silverstone... antec i don't like the looks of which is why they aren't in here, Lian Li i like the looks of them but only the very xxxxy ones, so they are out of my budget. THats all i've found sofar though... anything else readily available in OZ i'm very interested to hear about them!

[andczo]

I used to have a Silverstone Lascala LC14M, then got sick of the VFD as you really don't get too much meaningful info from it anyway. The novalty after 2 years wore off and i purchased a Nexus Caterpillar Silent System. Love it! Super quiet and temps are really cool due to the two 120mm silent case fans... doesn't look the sexiest, but can be well hidden and the sliding from door allows my two drives and my 55-in-one card reader to bea easily hidden. Just using the stand MCe remote with IR receiver remotely located... lucky for the long cord!

[nikko1974]

Bah, after making a few HTPC's out of the horizontal/desktop style cases I'm never going back to those again. Is not for everyones tastes - but if your eye and loungeroom setup allows it I find a compact traditional midi style tower case much better.

Easier to work in - FAR better cooling dynamics, quieter and with proper dust filtration - something thats completely unheard of in desktop style HTPC cases.

Obviously it just depends on your tastes and where you're placing it - lucking my lowline cabinet fits one easily and is behind a glass door - so can hardly be seen.

Some very nice options on the market that are discrete and overall give far better bang for buck than desktop style....BUT I know 90% of people just like the hifi/amp type look of a desktop style case - so few will go this path.

Is an option to keep in mind if your setup allows it though as for functionality/cost/silence they're streets ahead.

[aerospyke]

Originally Posted by nikko1974

Bah, after making a few HTPC's out of the horizontal/desktop style cases I'm never going back to those again. Is not for everyones tastes - but if your eye and loungeroom setup allows it I find a compact traditional midi style tower case much better.

Easier to work in - FAR better cooling dynamics, quieter and with proper dust filtration - something thats completely unheard of in desktop style HTPC cases.

Obviously it just depends on your tastes and where you're placing it - lucking my lowline cabinet fits one easily and is behind a glass door - so can hardly be seen.

Some very nice options on the market that are discrete and overall give far better bang for buck than desktop style....BUT I know 90% of people just like the hifi/amp type look of a desktop style case - so few will go this path.

Is an option to keep in mind if your setup allows it though as for functionality/cost/silence they're streets ahead.

Interesting thought mate, got an example of a case that is SFF that I may be interested in?

[nikko1974]

Originally Posted by aerospyke

Interesting thought mate, got an example of a case that is SFF that I may be interested in?

Um well if you're after true SFF style cases I can't recommend any - as thats another things all together.

All I can say is a few midi cases work very well as HTPCs - as they are presentable enough that they don't look poor if able to be seen and they're far more functional than their horizontal cousins.

eg Bargain one is an Antec Sonata III - very quiet case, good airflow, great PSU (EW500w) - just be careful with the front door.

Antec P180 mini - fantastic case

Silverstone make some nice little cases but I don't like aluminium cases as they resonate a LOT.

Really depends on where you want to place your HTPC - its its on show all the time and you're a wife/GF - these cases won't fly....but if its hidden to a degree then these are great choices.

Suffice to say none of them have a VFD - which many will say are kinda a waste anyway.

I think you've prolly after something you can display - so perhaps the horizontal HTPC style may suit you better.

[aerospyke]

Originally Posted by nikko1974

Um well if you're after true SFF style cases I can't recommend any - as thats another things all together.

All I can say is a few midi cases work very well as HTPCs - as they are presentable enough that they don't look poor if able to be seen and they're far more functional than their horizontal cousins.

eg Bargain one is an Antec Sonata III - very quiet case, good airflow, great PSU (EW500w) - just be careful with the front door.

Antec P180 mini - fantastic case

Silverstone make some nice little cases but I don't like aluminium cases as they resonate a LOT.

Really depends on where you want to place your HTPC - its its on show all the time and you're a wife/GF - these cases won't fly....but if its hidden to a degree then these are great choices.

Where are you thinking of placing it?

hi mate, thanks for the thoughts... unfortunately its in an entertainment unit, where the only hidden places are in drawers, or behind glass doors (both already full) ... so it will be in the shelves that are generally used for DVD players, set top boxes etc.. that kinda thing... and yea the soon-to-be-wife (will be married in 6 weeks) wants it to be presentable and at least fit in/like the look but hey, if she likes the looks of the other ones then she will "let" me get them instead

[nikko1974]

As I suspected.....ummm then SilverStone's are a great choice - personally I like the Lascale LC-17.

Its able to take full ATX motherboards - is more roomy than some others. Cheap at about $120 and gets very good reports from all I've read from users.

No VFD - but I'm not a fan can't see from the couch, and just another thing to go wrong.

You can't go too far wrong with any of the Silverstones.

[CraigMBecket]

aerospyke,

I am also a fan of Silverstone. Living room MCE case is LC18 but having forked out the $900 plus for the case came to the conclusion the screen is next to useless. Bedroom MCE, only built just over a month ago, case is LC17. Only problem is the very bright blue LCDs, solution is not to attach the cables for the power LCD and the HDD LCD.

Craig.