HTPC / Desktop case for ATX psu?

t31os · 16 Mar 2008 at 12:00

Hi guys,

Looking at buying a desktop or HTPC style case to move my 2nd system into.

Now the only problem i have is that i have a perfectly functioning ATX psu i would like to keep for the system.

Other factors to also consider are that it needs to be able to also house an x1800gto fitted with a zalman, 2 sata HDD's, 1 sata DVDRW (no ide devices).

I'm not picky about the size or the price, this is purely a consideration... if nothing can match the requirements i'll keep it in the atx case and work on silencing it some more, damn thing is too noisy. Would be nice to sit the system under my AMP (or on top) though....

would look nicer then just having it sat under the desk.

EDIT::

james.miller said:
silverstone lc17 afaik its still the only decent desktop htpc that'll fit an 8800gtx/quad core system in addition to two optical drivers and 3 hard drives, and has the capacity for 2x 80mm rear fans, 1x80mm side fan (cpu area) and 2x 92mm front fans. oh and a full atx board. it might be a little on the big side depending on your expectations though.

lol timing....

Yes indeed does look ideal.... and the design looks gorgeous....

The system will be getting upgraded soon with a Micro-ATX s775 board and a cheapo Core2, if a suitable case is found...

So are there any cases out there that meet the requirements?

t31os · 16 Mar 2008 at 12:08

After looking over this forum i think the Silverstone would be a great solution, it supports ATX and will hold all my hardware....

SilverStone SST-LC17B
http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc17&area=usa

Mental Note: Remember to spend more time using Search....

t31os · 16 Mar 2008 at 12:10

Think i'll stick to ATX then and grab a Silverstone....

How are noise levels for you with the hardware you have?

t31os · 17 Mar 2008 at 19:27

Thanks for all the comments guys, all the cons for the Silverstone to me seem very very minor in comparison to the cons of cases i've worked with.

PSU placement is fine with me, same as sticking the front on the DVD drive, i don't mind at all, it's hardly going to take much effort by anyones standards.

Here's what i plan to put in the system, with some parts coming from the current system that is getting the upgrade....

Core2Duo E2140/E2160
1gb of spare PC4200 (until i upgrade my main rig with 4gb then the 2gb in here now will go in)
MSI P35 Neo2-FR iP35
Sata 2 Western Digital 500gb
Sata 2 Western Digital 250gb
Sata Samsung DVDRW
Thermaltake TR2 RX 450W Modular PSU
X1800GTO with Zalman cooler

Any suggestions regarding fans for the case?...... i have a few spare volt mod cables if necessary for the fans.

t31os · 17 Mar 2008 at 20:07

Will have a modular PSU as suggested in my last post...

It's a cracking PSU for the price, picked it up at something ridiculous like £35-£40 new... *from competitor*.

Agreed the silver looks nicer, and with the stick on drive front it could well be an option, but everything else here is black so it would kinda look out of place...

Looking at one of the threads here, from the pics i think things will fit perfectly fine, my main concern now is the choice of fans of whether to use volt mods....

EDIT:: Pics above are those i saw before, perfect example of build and space... thanx james...

t31os · 10 May 2008 at 10:45

Well finally got my Lascala elsewhere as Overclockers didnt have the model i wanted and when they did stock it the price was more then elsewhere.

The build quality is amazing and the looks is also very sleak.

The only problem i have with the case is restrictiveness caused by the 3.5 cage in the middle due to the positioning of sata ports etc on my mobo.

Regardless i still got everything installed but opted to give my brother the x1800gto and stuck in a spare passive 6200LE as i will likely only use the system for downloads, converting, media sharing, music and the like.

Also purchased a Corsair 450W PSU to go into my bro's PC. CBA to write a review of the PSU but i will say again the build quality is amazing and it works wonderfully, and plenty of connectors.... The effort that went into the packaging by Corsair was a nice addition to, it gives the impression they care about quality.

Have now also put Vista onto all the systems. Since i play games i know there be a point where i must be on Vista, so i figured why wait.

No piccies as i crammed the rebuild of 2 systems into the space of an evening and chore of taking pictures did not appeal at the time.. (sorry guys)..

£70 Inc VAT for the Lascala LC17B.... could not of spent the money any better.

Thanks for all the previous comments and pics guys...