Opinion needed on HTPC case for high end rig.

bigguns

bigguns

bigguns

Associate
Joined
11 Jun 2007
Posts
57
Opinion needed on HTPC case for high end rig. PICS

Hi there, im just looking for a case now for my new pc and i've narrowed the choice down to these cases:


Silverstone LC16 in black
LC16-20Black.jpg
lc16m(1)_sml.jpg

(problem is that it can only support graphics cards which are shorter than 225mm)

Silverstone GD01MX
42202.jpg
SST-GD01S-MXR_P.jpg

(picture doesnt really do the unit justice - http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_photo.php?pno=gd01&area=usa for more pictures. )

Thermaltake VF7001BNS
03_angleView_450.gif

(more pictures click here - http://www.thermaltake.com/product/Chassis/desktop/dh101/vf7001bns.asp Seems like the case would let in a lot of dust - and not as much cooling as the other cases)

Zalman HD160
ram53_eu_zalman.gif
hd160s.jpg

(more pictures here - http://www.zalman.co.kr/eng/product/view.asp?idx=182&code=029 the problem with this case is, its very fiddly to put together)

I really can't decide between them, so im leaving the choice in your hands!
 
Last edited:
1 looks nicest - but you may or may not actually use all those buttons/inputs

3 is least nicest with the silver strip IMO.

Have you looked at a Black Antec Fusion? You say high end so not sure if that is good enough but its been good for me - i am certainly glad i didnt go for anything smaller as it would have been a nightmare to fit it all in.
 
Hi there, thanks for your input mo786

I did have a look at the antec fusion but its just too small for my needs :( shame because it is nice.

the problem with 1 is, that it cant support large graphics cards, and its a mess to install things (too many screws - but it is a once off thing), also the display is very old tech in comparison to the other two options.
I like 3 because of all its features, but you are right that silver strip kills it.
 
I too have been looking into HTPC cases. You have some here i havent looked at before. Thanks.
I was set on a Zalman hd160 but then saw the hd160 xt with 7' lcd. then whilst looking more found out both those models are getting updated.
here
 
jabski thanks for the info - do you have any idea when they are due to be released to the public to buy?
Beddage, i saw those cases, but didnt really like them very much, 'just not my style'. But none the less thanks for your input.
 
the new silverstones are just about the best layed out htpc cases ive seen. stay away from the lc16 if you want an *actual* high end htpc/gaming machine as the middle mounting for the optical drive restricts the length of cards you can use. i wouldnt go for the lc10 either, because it placed the cpu socket right undernieth the middle support beam for the top of the case, limiting the height of the cooler you can use and generally making life more difficult. i used to have an lc03 with the same internal layout and honestly, its not worth it:)

ive got an lc17b, which is the same layout as the gd01 and the lc20 that BENdage posted. ive posted these pics before but what the hell

IMG_1118_small.jpg


more importantly, *HIGH END PC IN A HTPC CASE*

in the case:

2x 92mm front fans
2x 500gb wd aaks's
asus p5w dh deluxe (was an abit ip35pro untill it went bang)
e2160 @ 3ghz
4gb (4x 1gb) pc6400c4 geil
asus xonar d2 soundcard
sony 18x dvd-r sata
pioneer bluray reader sata
corsair 620w psu
thermaltake orb cooler thingy (120mm @ 600rpm, very quiet indeed)
2x80mm rear fans.

8800gtx hehe

IMG_1119_small.jpg


i dont want or need a display in my case. im done playing with the VFD's and whatnot, i like it simple:)
 
Last edited:
I'd really like to get that case, but i would like a VFD - i haven't played with one yet!
For what i can tell, im getting the HD 2900 pro silent, which is said to be 220mm long so it will just fit in the lc16.

You wouldnt believe how hard it is to get info on the size of the graphics card!


Oh can i ask, do your hdd rattle a lot?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom