MicroATX HTPC "Sexy" Case Build - Can't decide

[Simon84uk]

Hi all,

Been using OCUK a while now for parts and the forums for searching for information. But I've spent the last few days researching a slight upgrade to my HTPC build, but there's so much good information on here it's hard to work out what fits my bill. So I thought I would open it up to the wealth of knowledge on here, what better way to start my first post than a build question.

Currently I'm running a very ugly boring HP DC7900 SFF and tbh it pretty much does the job, but is just ugly as sin in my media cabinet.

I've had a look at my cache of old PC bits and am trying to work out a cost-effective way of getting something aesthetically pleasing up and running to replace it. Will definitely need a new case as all I have abouts is a spare Gaming tower case.

The "sexiness" is the most important aspect for me as I have my gaming rig for performance, and I don't really play any console stuff nowadays. I've seen some lockable ones about (Silverstone GD07 and ML04B) which this feature is very high on the list for me, as my 1yo loves powercycling my current one!

I'm planning on using an i3-2100 and MicroATX mobo setup as the btx setup in the HP currently wont fit in any nice cases.

Here is the spare parts I have available to pull from where possible:
- i3-2100 and ASUS MicroATX mobo
- Corsair TX-850W PSU (not the new V2 one, and yes is pretty overkill!)
- Corsair Dominator 4GB RAM (2x2GB Sticks)
- Random 4GB RAM (4x1GB sticks? unknown in HTPC)
- Corsair A50 CPU cooler
- Slimline GFX card in HTPC at moment (can't remember what one now, but does the job)
- MSI HD6950 with 6970 Unlock (but the stock cooler is just too damn loud, also no HDMI IIRC)
- Few noisy-120mm fans (rather not use)
- 5.25" DVD drive (from HTPC)

Parts required:
- Case
- Extra fans not with case
- CPU Cooler to fit case (should the A50 not fit, needs to clear the dominator ram also)
- Anything from the stockpile that won't fit (PSU possibly)

Budget-wise, don't want to go too overboard (£100-£200), but open to suggestions. Mainly as have a lot of parts I want to try and make use of.

As mentioned earlier I've looked at the Silverstone ML04B and GD07, but I'm sure there are alternatives about. I don't need a lot of space for additonal HDD's as my NAS holds all that, just the OS SSD and a small local storage one, so a full-ATX (GD07) case seems a bit overkill for something just to send some media about.

Please help me as I just don't know the best route, just tired of having the constantly powercycled ugly box and think I've over-researched my options and confused myself further Sorry for the WOT, just a lot of information to get down.


Many thanks,
Si

 

[Simon84uk]

Been running some comparisons on builds using the two Silverstone cases.

ML04B
Pros:
- Small
- Lockable
- "Sexy"

Cons:
- PSU won't fit
- CPU Cooler won't fit
- No fans included
- Only 1 x 5.25" bay (so no room for fan controller should I want one)

Rough build (+ PSU):
YOUR BASKET
1 x Silverstone SST-ML04B Milo HTPC Case - Black £55.99
1 x Silverstone Argon SST-AR05 CPU Cooler £22.49
4 x Akasa 80mm Black Aluminium Fan Filter [GRM80-AL01-BK] £2.99 (£11.96)
4 x Silverstone SST-FN81 FN Series 8025 - Black £2.64 (£10.56)
Total : £110.59 (includes shipping : £8.00).




GD07
Pros:
- PSU Fits
- Scalability room?
- Lockable
- "Sexy"
- Comes with most fans

Cons:
- Ruddy massive
- Even though it's massive cooler still won't fit
- Will need to look to get a GFX card at some point.

Rough build:
YOUR BASKET
1 x Silverstone Grandia GD07 Home Theatre Server Case - Black (SST-GD07B USB 3.0) £104.98
1 x Silverstone Argon SST-AR05 CPU Cooler £22.49
2 x Silverstone 120mm Black Case Fan £4.99 (£9.98)
2 x Akasa 80mm Black Aluminium Fan Filter [GRM80-AL01-BK] £2.99 (£5.98)
2 x Silverstone SST-FN81 FN Series 8025 - Black £2.64 (£5.28)
Total : £161.00 (includes shipping : £10.25).




The GD07 would fit fine in the media stand as is same size(ish) as my amp, but it seems like it's a bit overkill for my needs. It works out roughly the same cost in either route (factoring in the PSU), what do you guys think would be the better solution?


Cheers,
Si

 

[Simon84uk]

Aye, that would solve a lot of issues for many people! Just a combination of the slimline drive and essentially what you get in a PCI dial fan controller.

I wanted to be able to control the fans via software so was looking at maybe the BitFenix one, but I'm not concerned about that at the moment. Either case would do the job I reckon, I just don't know the best use of what I have stored away.

I'm beginning to lean towards the full GD07 build now, as it leaves plenty of room for future proofing. As when I eventually get round to updating my gaming rig I can use the ATX Mobo and bits from that for another up-cycle. Just waiting on the right game to push me to do it (HL3 would do the trick ) as it's been a while since I touched the mobo/cpu.

What are you're guys thoughts on the following build:

Case: Silverstone GD07 (plus extra 80mm + 120mm fans)
CPU: Intel i3-2100
Mobo: ASUS mATX (can't remember the code, USB3 though)
RAM: 2 x 2GB Corsair Dominator 1600Mhz DDR3
Cooler: Silverstone Argon SST-AR06 CPU Cooler
PSU: Corsair TX-850 (v1) 850W (80Plus, think I read 83% avg. so not quite bronze)
SSD: Corsair F60 (Win7 OS drive)
HDD: Maxtor? 7200rpm 250GB (For bit of local storage, nothing important)
DVD: Random DVD drive (will replace with BD in near future)
GPU: MSI HD6950 (unlocked to 6970)

Open to suggestions and tweaks for current build, and what would be some good initial upgrades say a few months down the line?


Cheers,
Si

 

[Simon84uk]

Element Q has a 3.5 inch bay, I am sure they make 3.5 fan controls.

That could be an option as does look very nice, but trying to fit the Micro ATX mobo wouldn't work , I do like the look of the Element Urban ones also.

But, I haven't been able to find anything that outweighs the Silverstone GD07 with a lockable front. The GD10 was an option, but it's not "sexy" imo. looks like a bread bin. Also considered the Fractal Designs ones (605), but have been unable to find anything lockable, although these are some of the "sexiest" cases I've ever seen. Considering one of their DEFINE R5 or XL R2 for my gaming rig instead of the HAF!

I've decided to change the cooler to a Raijintek Aidos Direct Contact CPU Cooler, as I'm not sure on RAM clearance of the horizontal coolers. I'm having to get the 92mm one as it was under the 136mm height allowed by the case. Hoping I can blow through the cooler and out the 80mm's at the back, not quite a push-pull but will be some flow. Will see how temps are before sticking on a second fan to the cooler.

I'm going to wait and see what the weekly specials are on Wednesday then refine the list and order the bits to build on Thursday and Friday.

Potential issues with build are:
- Graphics card might be too long, or the top mounted 6-pin connectors will be under the HDD cage.
- No idea how loud the stock fans are
- RAM clearance with cooler
- Unknown temps due to unknown flow (hoping front and side intake and rear as exhaust)
- Am I going to get an issues using such an overkill PSU


Cheers,
Si