SFF/ITX Case recommendation please (yes, another one)

Phate · 17 May 2019 at 09:57

Hi all,

I don't think I have ever posted in this sub forum. So be gentle

Looking to do a build around Aug/Sept time and go full Team Red. First time ever. Currently deciding on a case.

In short, the Louqe Ghost S1 is absolutely perfect for what I would want. Small, compact, high quality and subtle. Most people would think its a NAS until a closer glance...apart from the price. With a top hat kit you're talking about €370 which frankly is just too much for a case.

So I am looking at alternatives. So far what has caught my eye the most is a Fractal Design Nano S. With this I could even put the machine under water if I saw fit. The build quality looks good. It's not as small as I would like (but it does allow for full WC so, trade off) But I like the plain and simple design from an external point of view. The price is also great at currently €75 - being 3 years old, maybe its due to be replaced sometime soon but hey, I am not worried about this.

Before I go ahead and buy, can anyone else recommend anything else for me to check out? WC is not essential. My top wants are

- High Build Quality
- Subtle exterior looks.
- Window is not necessary. If I go for the Nano S I am even tempted to go without a windowed panel.
- SFF/ITX size

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you
Jake

ChugNorris · 18 May 2019 at 14:49

Phanteks Shift or Shift-X. Beautiful ITX cases.

Quartz · 18 May 2019 at 15:38

ChugNorris said:
Phanteks Shift or Shift-X. Beautiful ITX cases.

Gorgeous.

ToXiC-82 · 21 May 2019 at 13:06

Why not take a look at the Dan A4? Stock due mid/end june apparently.

tamzzy · 21 May 2019 at 13:34

silverstone rvz 01 or 02 or 03
they do a version that's more minimalistic looking too - ml 07 or 08

Phate · 21 May 2019 at 17:27

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I have found an utter bargain of a Fractal Design Define Nano S locally here in Lisbon so I am going to pick it up tonight

- can't say no.

Also I am just going to have to put a full WC kit in there. It would be rude not to

ninezerofive · 21 May 2019 at 17:30

I always been a fan of how Fractal Node 304 looks like.

martin363 · 22 May 2019 at 15:15

my vote goes for the Dan, I also have a Ghost, but prefer the Dan, just, fun... and challenging

Phate · 22 May 2019 at 15:26

Nano S picked up last night

ninezerofive · 22 May 2019 at 16:17

Cute

a66as · 27 May 2019 at 12:20

ChugNorris said:
Phanteks Shift or Shift-X. Beautiful ITX cases.

they are beautiful no doubt, but heard the temps arent so great?

Radox-0 · 27 May 2019 at 12:35

a66as said:
they are beautiful no doubt, but heard the temps arent so great?

Temps are manageable but not great, my HTPC is in one under water and even then, can shave off 10 degrees off the by just popping off the front cover to the case. Without popping off the front panel, can remove the fine dust filters on the edges which pop out easy which drops things a couple of degrees, In a revision should make the panels protrude slightly more and have thicker vents on it IMO. Top mesh could also be opened up slightly more.

ChugNorris · 29 May 2019 at 22:27

a66as said:
they are beautiful no doubt, but heard the temps arent so great?

OP wasn't concerned about lots of airflow. Both cases are manageable with the right setup, plus the Shift Air will be available by the end of the year for those who want increased airflow.

a66as · 29 May 2019 at 22:34

ChugNorris said:
OP wasn't concerned about lots of airflow. Both cases are manageable with the right setup, plus the Shift Air will be available by the end of the year for those who want increased airflow.

The air shift looks interesting, are the panels going to be available seperately?

ChugNorris · 30 May 2019 at 14:33

a66as said:
The air shift looks interesting, are the panels going to be available seperately?

Indeed they will be.