Zalman or Silverstone HTPC case?

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20 Jan 2004
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Hi All
I need some help as Im thinking about geting a new HTPC case and was thinking about getting the Silverstone SST-LC20M Black (£132) then I saw the Zalman HD160 (£213). I have tried to find comparisons but they each have their plus and minus points,I was woundering if anyone has either case and wanted to know if the Zalman is worth the extra.
Im also thinking about adding a water cooling kit so heat should not be a problem.

Thanks Mike
 
Well the Zalman has VFD and IR sensor built into the case. Personally wouldn't use a VFD- see no point really- volume will be controlled on the amp, not the PC. Don't require volume knob on the front either. Never used the VFD on CD players or DVD players. Menus will be shown on the TV and require TV to be on (unless you buy the Silverstone case with LCD built-into the case, even then it's still too small to read from 8' away) VFD would be useful for music collection, but rather have another Squeezebox 3 (much larger screen)

The built in IR is handy and less messy than a MS IR receiver dongle, but with the dongle you can place the HTPC out of sight and further away (less noise) with only the dongle showing. Also when you change case the dongle will go with the new machine so saves rebuying a "HTPC" case. The cable for the dongle is around 7' in length. ie I could use my TJ-08 for a office PC so it's not a waste of money, if I want another case for the HTPC.

As you probably guess I just use a "normal" MATX PC case :p Silverstone TJ-08. Personally I would go for the cheaper Silverstone SST-LC20M. Although the door is a bit annoying if you're using the transport side all the time
 
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