Downsizing, much smaller case...

BennyC

BennyC

BennyC

Soldato
Joined
25 Sep 2006
Posts
14,450
Hi guys,

i currently have a Akasa Eclipse 62 which is an awesome case dont get me wrong. About this time last year i was fidling with my PC non-stop and it was great as it provided plenty of room and lots of space etc etc. But now i just tend to use my computer for day to day things like msn and listening to music/watching films.

I was wondering whats the smallest case that there is out there. I have a DS3 which is a fairly small mobo, but then the XT1800 isnt a small graphics card! I only have one drive and one HD.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-059-AN&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=160

Something like that would be ideal, but i dont have a micro mobo!

Is it possible that theres something out there that compacts most of the components into small a space as possible similar to that? Or should i just sell my desktop and buy a 'micro' pc as such? Im trying to save as much space as possible so i can get rid of this huge desk and get my room back!

Thanks for any help guys.

Benny C
 
Having MATX for a while, and sig machine, I would not downsize, have had and having problems with size of the thing (HD overheating, CPU HSF mounting, limited HD mounting options etc etc.

That MATX Cube case is even worse, PSU is over the CPU.

Keep your 62. Isn't the DS3 ATX board?
 
PinkFloyd said:
The Lian Li V600 should do you nicely. As will the Lian Li PC-A05

Alternatively buy a mATX motherboard to replace your DS3, and get a microATX case.
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Thanks for those. I'll get my tape mesaure out and see how they stack up!

One question, in a microATX motherboard, can you use standard desktop components like hard drives etc etc, is it just the mother borad that needs to be teenie tiny?

Also why are microATX systems so cheap? around the £300 mark? or is that for just the case, power supply and motherboard?
 
Depends on the case, but usually can fit 3.5" but not that many. Problem is CPU HSF, PSU, and extra cards. Because it's so cramped fitting something "unusual" ie a large CPU will block something else, meaning have to move that elseware, or not at all.
 
squiffy said:
Depends on the case, but usually can fit 3.5" but not that many. Problem is CPU HSF, PSU, and extra cards. Because it's so cramped fitting something "unusual" ie a large CPU will block something else, meaning have to move that elseware, or not at all.
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Ahh right i see. SO are those microATX systems full systems more or less ready to go?
 
link please, I guess looking at "MATX base unit?"
Overclocking on MATX is usually quite limited, also everything runs hotter. TJ08 here..

1246-1.jpg


Managed to fit Ninja, but that meant cage is blocked, trying to fit 3.5" elseware but because of no direct airflow it's baking.
 
It's a Shuttle, you're buying into properitary format, it's not MATX. I guess ok for a kids system, but not if you're a "tweaker"

I think you should buy MATX system, but don't sell off your main rig, you might regret it. My MATX isn't adequate as the "main system" spec wise it is, but not for storage, even with a 600GB NAS elseware
 
I'll have a look into MATX systems. Ive got a Sony Vaio C series Laptop which i got for my birthday which is fairly powerful for its size. Which is why i have the notion of selling my main rig.

EDIT: Which case is that in the post above?
 
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I wouldn't recommend a barebones shuttle system....If the motherboard dies then the rest of it (i.e PSU,case ETC) is just about useless..
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Yup I agree

Benny06 said:
EDIT: Which case is that in the post above?
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You mean the black one I posted picture of? It's the Silverstone TJ-08.
 
The Lian Li G50 is about the smallest full ATX case going and it will fit 8800GTX etc. if you needed it to. However I would just keep your Akasa or move to something like a Silverstone Sugo with an mAtx board as the G50 isn't that much smaller...

G50 compared with my v1200+

dscf1877xj4.jpg
 
thanks for that Raikiri. We have the same speakers :) Kef Cresta 10's.

Ideally i dont want to change my mobo to mATX. I wouldnt mind doing it, but will i see a decrease in power/performance? and will that allow me to use a mATX case too? or will i need a smaller power supply as well?

Also need to consider weather the cost of downsizing is worth the cost considering how much smaller it is, or if ill just stay standard sizes and get a small case. If that makes sense?
 
Benny06 said:
thanks for that Raikiri. We have the same speakers :) Kef Cresta 10's.

Ideally i dont want to change my mobo to mATX. I wouldnt mind doing it, but will i see a decrease in power/performance? and will that allow me to use a mATX case too? or will i need a smaller power supply as well?

Also need to consider weather the cost of downsizing is worth the cost considering how much smaller it is, or if ill just stay standard sizes and get a small case. If that makes sense?
Click to expand...

MATX do have limited overclocking ability You can fit a MATX board into ATX case, but you can't fit a ATX board into a MATX case, unless you snap the motherboard in two.

If you want a MATX case I'll swop my TJ-08 for your Eclipse 62. :)

Some MATX cases allow standard size ATX PSU's (Antec NSK2400, TJ-08, Silverstone Sugo, Antec Q-Pack, but the depth of the case means the PSU cables will smoosh into optical drive, if you have modular cable it'll probably mean you won't be able to push the writer in. Unless you buy a short optical drive, or mount it in a slot that's not opposite the PSU connectors/cables.

Some MATX cases have there own type of MATX PSU, ie look at the really slimline PSU's, it's long, but height and width are quite short..with a little fan buzzing away.
 
After reading a review the G50 is the same size as the PC-A05 . Except the G50 has to have the PSU at the back of *** case directly over the CPU which makes tall coolers an issue. So am leaning towards the AO5 atm due to this. Its a shame because its a great looking case, not too expensive either, just has that major flaw!
 
squiffy said:
MATX do have limited overclocking ability You can fit a MATX board into ATX case, but you can't fit a ATX board into a MATX case, unless you snap the motherboard in two.

If you want a MATX case I'll swop my TJ-08 for your Eclipse 62. :)

Some MATX cases allow standard size ATX PSU's (Antec NSK2400, TJ-08, Silverstone Sugo, Antec Q-Pack, but the depth of the case means the PSU cables will smoosh into optical drive, if you have modular cable it'll probably mean you won't be able to push the writer in. Unless you buy a short optical drive, or mount it in a slot that's not opposite the PSU connectors/cables.

Some MATX cases have there own type of MATX PSU, ie look at the really slimline PSU's, it's long, but height and width are quite short..with a little fan buzzing away.
Click to expand...

I experimented with overclocking but it wasnt for me! I think also using MATX components limits upgrades too. So finding the smallest case possible at the moment seems to be the best option! However, if a friend isnt interested in buying my Eclipse you can have first dibs. Dont want to break forum rules so PM if you want to talk.
 
what do i think?

Seems nice and compact with plenty of room for a big cooler. But i'd have to cut about 2 inches off the bottom of my mobo!
 
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