HTPC Case

joncy92 · 5 Aug 2015 at 23:23

Hi Guys.

I'm really new to HTPC builds and watercooling.
I've been looking around for a case that may meet my requirement but I have so far been unsuccessful...probably because I'm asking for too much.

So here goes.

I currently have a standard ATX case with the following:

Asus p8z77 LX2 motherboard, Swiftech h220x watercooling system (CPU only), GeForce 650 Ti and a few inessential PCI cards.

What I would like a horizontal HTPC-style case that will be able to support the 240mm radiator (if the fan are outside i don't mind) and the rest of the hardware.

The only thing I've seen close to this is the Silverstone GD06 which has two 120mm intakes on the right side. However after watching various videos of installation and showcase, I am fairly certain the case is unable to support the watercooling radiator, resevoir and pump along with the ATX board.

If anyone has any experience with this case or something similar, I would greatly appreciate your advice on this.

Absolutlely any help welcome.

Many thanks.

Bart_Hunt · 5 Aug 2015 at 23:50

I am pretty sure you can't fit anything but a small AIO into HTPC cases, but check this one. It looks very spacious and it might allow a 240 radiator, not sure about it:
Fractal Design Node 605

joncy92 · 6 Aug 2015 at 14:08

Bart_Hunt said:
I am pretty sure you can't fit anything but a small AIO into HTPC cases, but check this one. It looks very spacious and it might allow a 240 radiator, not sure about it:
Fractal Design Node 605

Hey mate, thanks for the information.

The h220x is actually an AIO; I'm not sure if you've seen one but the problem lies where the reservoir and pump are on the radiator instead of the CPU block.

I've seen the Fractal Design in an installation video and I wanted it straight away. It looks fantastic. But I don't think it will be able to hold the rad and motherboard. unfortunately.

Do you know of anything similar that's maybe slightly wider? I'd prefer not to have to purchase a new mini-ITX mobo as well as a case haha.

Legion · 6 Aug 2015 at 14:22

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-216-SV&groupid=2362&catid=1092

You could floor mount the rad in the GD07 / 08.

Like so:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1456319/build-log-how-does-this-all-fit

Other than that just replace the h220x with an air cooler and take all the headache away and open yourself up to a wider range of cases.

The Noctua NH-D9L is my current pick for under 100mm, superb cooler.
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-028-NC&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2346