HTPC case recommendations

Morning all,

Im currently toying witht the idea of building a HTPC. Although I have built a few desktops, I have never attempted a HTPC so dont really know what is good for a case.

I would use the computer primarily for watching/recording freesat and freeview, Blu-ray playback and music, but in the future I may use it for light gaming.

I was hoping for a few recommendations for a case that has decent cooling, quiet and could fit a decent (large) graphics card in the future.

Budget I am looking at is between £50 to £150 depending on how it looks/features.

Also for the HD content what level of processor should i be looking at? Would I get away with an atom/ion system (forgeting any gaming of course).

Thanks in advance!

ION should be sufficient to any HD playback. Most likely you'll need to get Windows, not sure how nvidia supports other OS's i.e. Linux for example.

Without GPU accelerated HD videos require quite a bit, forget any ATOM boards as they're insufficient. I found that to smoothly play 1080p [transcode in fact] I need at least Core 2 Duo chip > 2.5Ghz.

AMD wise I don't really know but there is plenty people here how have setups based on X2's etc. so they'll be able to help.

I recommended some cases for a NAS here, but the mfr has a range of cases that might be suitable. You might also consider a mini-itx design, so have a look at

www.linitx.co.uk

and

www.itx-warehouse.co.uk

Some good cases there. I have bought from all three companies - all gave very good CS.

Do you want a slimline htpc that'd fit in with DVD players / Sky+ boxes / VCRs (hey, I've got one still :P) etc., or would you be happy with a cube type case that'd look a little quirky but quite stylish?

If you can go for a cube I'll never stop recommending the Antec NSK-1380. It's quite pricey and not quite as good as the Aria it replaced (which had a built in card reader and front firewire), but it's a dream to build in and (IMNSHO) looks really good...

Thanks for the suggestions guys,

I am looking for a more traditional styled HTPCcase, similar in looks to an AV amp, rather than a cube.

things like;
Antec Fusion
Antec Fusion Max
Zalman HD503
as quick examples (and quite nice looking cases!)

I just used a silverstone Grandia GD05, really impressive case for a HTPC, fits with AV gear beautifully, silent fans, room for a decent GPU, HDD mounted with vibration absorbing stuff, SSD accomodation. Only about £60 from scan too.

Hawker