Recommended case for my HTPC build.

[elsmandino]

Hi everyone,

I have finished putting together a media computer build that I hope is as cool and quiet as possible:

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA785GPM-UD2H
CPU: Athlon II x2 240
HDD: 1.5TB WD Eco Green, partitioned for OS
OS: Windows 7 using MCE
PSU: Corsair 450VX
CPU Cooler (only if needed): Scythe Orochi
TV Tuner Card: Black Gold BGT3595 (when release next month)
RAM: 2x2GB Corsair DDR800
Optical Drive: LG BluRAy Player

All I have left to do is choose a case. I like the idea of the Remote Fusion Remote Max for its good reviews for low noise but have heard that the Silverstone SST-LC16M is an even better case - though quite expensive!

Can anyone vouch for either of these cases or suggest a better alternative?

Your help would be very much appreciated.

[smargh]

I bought an SST-LC-16M many years ago for a HTPC. It's crap. The front LCD, buttons and massive volume control only works with the iMon application which is crap, and the LCD part fried itself after a year or two of non-HTPC use. It's huge, cooling is crap because everything is crammed into a small space, cables go everywhere, the HDD is a pain in the ass to remove when required, the fans start whining after a year, I cut myself a few times on the case, and the WAF ("wife acceptance factor") is ultra-low because it is so massive and looks ouf of place with a TV.

My mother is currently using an Antec NSK-2480 which works very well. The PSU has its own compartment so that is cooled well, ventilation on the top is aligned to where the heatsink on a passive GPU would be[1], and the two fans on the side provide very quiet cooling. It has a GA-E7AUM with an E5200 and can do 720p[2] with the built-in graphics perfectly. Windows 7 RTM with Media Center runs perfectly on it. I decided to go with the proper Microsoft IR receiver and remote - the black USB unit is not noticeable. The Logitech DiNovo Edge is also an awesome but expensive keyboard.

The Scythe Orochi would probably be very good for the slight breeze it might create around the built-in GPU of whichever board you choose.

I actually have two E7AUMs - one in the HTPC, one as my gaming and "general random crap" PC. My sister might end up with one, too, for her HTPC in a few months. They are very good boards. Perhaps Gigabyte has released better ones in the past few months though - I dunno.

The Remote Fusion Remote Max looks too tall and perhaps might look out of place in a home HTPC setup. I also distrust built-in LCDs - I've always found that they are either too bright, too dim, don't offer any functionality or useful information, and/or the IR receiver doesn't work with the standard MS MC remote. The Silentpcreview discussion about the case is quite informative: http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums...c.php?p=439776 Quote: "Part of the problem is that the case is mislabeled as an HTPC case while it is really a high end gaming case - which can also be used as an HTPC (or whatever other sort of PC). "


[1] You can feel the air coming in - it can cool a fanless Gigabyte ATI HD4850 very well.
[2] ... and 1080p when I last tested it, but I'm not sure whether I noticed some occasional stuttering in scenes with a lot of movement.

[Methanoid]

BGT3595 is unlikely to be released next month (or thats what BG said to me). Its a pity you've bought your components as I would have suggested Asus Pundit 780G for the case/mobo/psu combo. Cheaper plus smaller and does same job. Two PCI-E x1 slots for the BG card(s).

Still the InWin BL639 (I think thats it) is a nice mATX case with 4 LP slots (and BG card is low profile).

[shaithis]

I just built a HTPC based on the Chieftec HT-01

It's not the smallest or most beautiful HT case around but it is mATX and has room for 2 x 3.5" and 2 x 2.5" drives, plus external optical bay.

Pretty happy with it so far and it comes with VFD, remote and PSU.

[llololloy]

Is the Orochi really the best HSF for use in a htpc case? Not being funny, but most people choose as small a case as they can to blend in with AV equipment (unless you have a mahoosive amp).
I use an antec fusion black (or veris, or whatever it's called these days), and it's preyy good for mediapc use. Looks good (though the lcd could be better), fits 1 optical, 2 hds and cooling is pretty good (though I'm no expert on that). Is also quiet from the get go.
Really doubt it'd fit the orochi though, so all this is probably irrelevent.

[errata]

I just built a HTPC based on the Chieftec HT-01

It's not the smallest or most beautiful HT case around but it is mATX and has room for 2 x 3.5" and 2 x 2.5" drives, plus external optical bay.

Pretty happy with it so far and it comes with VFD, remote and PSU.

Hi if you use it how good is the remote for range, have used imon based dispalys and remotes in the past and ahd to revert to MS remote sensor due to poor range and angles on the imon type.