Best looking + performing HTPC or small case?

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23 Jun 2009
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I'm looking to downgrade my PC footprint and have a small pc case either beside or under my TV, but at the same time want to be able to have a decent CPU cooler + full size graphics card like a 5870/gtx480.

Budget is around £100. What sort of case fits the bill with the budget being a secondary consideration?
 
I've run a socket 775 Shuttle with a Q6600 (also an E8500) and a GTX280. The Shuttle used the ICE CPU cooler and my temps were fine all round. Helped by the fact that the GTX had the standard cooler which was exhausting the hot air.

If you don't want the expense of a Shuttle have a look at a Lian Li 351B. I currently have one running a 5770 and E8500 (at stock) using the Mini Scythe Ninja. I've replaced the standard front 120mm fans with Noctuas' and the rig is virtually silent. Runs very cool but it isn't stressed as it's SWMBO's machine, and she doesn't game.

Big cooling, if required, can be achieved in a PC Labs QMicraV2, which is about the same size as the 351B. I've got one sitting about that was modded (a little untidily) for watercooling, but you could put two 120mm fans on one side as intakes and have two exhausts on the opposite side. It will run the likes of a True, as far as I know.
 
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