Downsizing, much smaller case...

BennyC

BennyC

BennyC

Soldato
Joined
25 Sep 2006
Posts
14,455
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
 
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?
 
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?
 
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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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?
 
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.
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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!
 
Raikiri said:
I modded my G50 to fit the PSU in the front... then Lian Li stole my Idea :p

Nice choice of speakers though ;) I was lucky enough to get them for £50 when RS had a sale on.

I would go for the A-05 out of any of the similarly sized cases, v600 looks nicer though.
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Probs easier to buy the one with it mounted at than waste money time and band aids for the sake of £30!

Yeh i got mine in that sale too :p i brought 2 pairs as its my starter home cinema system, got the Cresta 20c center speaker too and a XLS200 to deal with the bass, wiring into a Denon Avr-1907 does me nicely!

Ive sold my eclipse now to a friend when he gets paid!

All I have to do now is wait till next week when i can order, and ill put some pics up for you guys :)
 
chaparral said:
How about a HTPC case like the Antec Fusion...would this give you more space...as you could put it where your DVD player,sky box etc goes

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-060-AN&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=160
Click to expand...

I did consider a 'desktop' style case but that ones a bit expensive and i think i prefer the conveintial style cases.

I'll have a look at the Super Lanboy

EDIT: The lanboy is a little bit taller than the A05B but about 1cm thinner. Not too keen on the looks either. Less is more :)
 
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