Desktop Cases

nheather

nheather

nheather

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19 May 2004
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Location
Horsham, West Sussex
Can you still get desktop cases?

I currently have a HTTP which I would like to change into a proper gaming PC, to sit horizontally in a shelfing unit under a TV. The HTTP case is too much of a compromise, limiting PSU, case, GPU, cooling. What I want is an old-school ATX desktop case, but as far as I can see they don't seem to made any more, no demand (except me) I guess.
 
If you're not using a DVD drive, you could just get some stick on case feet and use a normal PC case on its side.

As long as it fits on the shelf with a bit of space down the sides and back it should be ok. (front facing power button etc)
 
CaptainCrash said:
Silverstone still make full size ATX HTPC/desktop cases: https://www.silverstonetek.com/en/product/computer-chassis/?filter=HTPC_Desktop
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I have a Silverstone case at the moment, but it is quite a short one because my original PC needs were quite light and it had to compete for space with other home theatre equipment. It’s a nice looking case but I remember it was very tight - I recall buying a small graphics card (GTX 960) and having to return it because it was too tall.

I have seen that Silverstone do taller versions but assumed that they were still compromised. Also the Silverstone cases are quite expensive, understandably so because of the finish, to look like high end home theatre equipment.
 
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freddie64 said:
If you're not using a DVD drive, you could just get some stick on case feet and use a normal PC case on its side.

As long as it fits on the shelf with a bit of space down the sides and back it should be ok. (front facing power button etc)
Click to expand...

That’s a good idea, something to look in to.
 
In the past I used a Silverstone LCS13 case for a full ATX build including a back then full size HD4870 GPU.

Later on I ran a Micro ATX home theater PC with a full size PowerColor passive HD5750 GPU and passive NT01E CPU cooler inside a Silverstone GD02 case, and considered the Silverstone GD09 at £90 as a later option but moved away from HTPC systems.

These days with NVME drives and SSD there is a little more room in these old desktop style cases, but airflow is still severely limited, as is often depth, with the GD09 being 350mm deep roughly, you have around 300mm of GPU length to play with, so dual fan cards, and a severe limit on the CPU cooler height if I remember correct around 138mm. I think 90mm fan towers such as the Noctua NH-9s as an example of CPU cooler limits.

I still like the GD02 and GD09 if a smallish DVD player sized media PC is required, but they have some limitations to carefully explore before deciding upon.

Another newer HTPC style desktop case is the Silverstone Crown H4. But not seen it in the UK and the price looks to be over $500.

But currently the Silverstone GD11 would most likely be the best option for a reasonable priced desktop case. If you have no need for a 5.25 bay.

The GD11 can take a 340mm GPU and a 240mm AIO, so would most likely be my choice if I wanted a gaming only PC inside an audio rack. Price is around £120
 
nheather said:
I have seen that Silverstone do taller versions but assumed that they were still compromised. Also the Silverstone cases are quite expensive, understandably so because of the finish, to look like high end home theatre equipment.
Click to expand...

You want the GD range (GD04 - GD11) - I've seen the GD09 on sale for £89.99 and the GD10/GD11 at £109.99, at places I can't mention for the usual reasons, so while not exactly bargain basement they're not ridiculously expensive either.

They're full ATX cases which will take full-height expansion cards, although I imagine compared to a regular tower they'll still be compromised to some extent in terms of ultimate airflow capability.

edit: or refer to the more informative post above, posted while I was in the loo :)
 
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I made the suggestion about using a normal case as the last time i looked at ATX sized HTPC cases they cost multiple hundreds of £.

That GD11 looks perfect and so cheap. (only 1 left at the place i am looking)
 
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