Why are BTX cases?

Snapshot · 21 Nov 2006 at 09:53

Is it just me or do others find BTX cases completely pointless? I accidentally bought a Lian-Li V600 instead of a PC60 and have been trying hard to make it work for me but just can't get on with it.

Good points:
Looks great
Good side panel retention system
Good HHD retention system
Video and other cards right way up

Bad points:
Clearance between PSU and CPU so can't use upright HSF
Huge gap between front panel and fan but no filter
Mobo wrong way up so can't use one with heatpipe like DS4
HDD cage a looong way from the mobo SATA connectors

Yes, as many good points as bad but it's that first bad one that kills it for me. My old dual PIII/1133 is the only system that seems happy in there so it looks like I'll sell it on with that and get a nice, conventional ATX case.

Rant over

Jonathan

BoomAM · 21 Nov 2006 at 21:44

...thats because your system components arnt BTX, specifically your mobo. If your mobo was a BTX one then it'd all fit perfectly in that BTX case.

Raikiri · 21 Nov 2006 at 21:52

Because the v-600 and G-50 aren't conventional BTX cases. They are designed to be as small as possible while still supporting standard ATX motherboards.

I just got the G-50 and am modding it so I can fit the freezer 7 pro in there with everything else

Snapshot · 22 Nov 2006 at 08:39

Thanks, gents. Looks like a double whammy. I'll stick the old P3 mobo in there and get shot of it.

Raikiri · 22 Nov 2006 at 11:19

Snapshot said:
Bad points:
Clearance between PSU and CPU so can't use upright HSF - You should take this into account when buying it, like I said though there will be space in mine
Huge gap between front panel and fan but no filter - There is a filter
Mobo wrong way up so can't use one with heatpipe like DS4 - Yes you can
HDD cage a looong way from the mobo SATA connectors - Nothing is a long way in this case, it is too small But fair enough

Rant over

Jonathan

Snapshot · 22 Nov 2006 at 13:08

As I said, I meant to order a PC-60 but clicked in the wrong place...

Boogle · 25 Nov 2006 at 23:08

Snapshot said:
As I said, I meant to order a PC-60 but clicked in the wrong place...

And all the confirm dialogs? :eek:

Someone was in a rush.

I like upside-down motherboards, it means the graphics are the right way up for you to oggle at the heatsinks

On a more serious note, some heatpipes work in both directions, it depends on whether the manufacturer went for a cheap one-way, or a more expensive two-way.

Either way, that case isn't BTX. Its just that way since you get better airflow & space usage allowing the case to be smaller.