Small Form Computer Case

[pokemon]

I had a friend that was looking for a case that look better in a living room environment, like those shuttle cases. I've seen some of the nice looking barebones cases like the <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16856153003" target="_new">Epox</A> one and the <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16856115014" target="_new">Biostar</A> one. The only two real criterias are that we are going to need an ATX Power supply for the components and a bit more cost effective. I was wondering where we could find some of these kind of cases just as a case and not a barebones. And do most of these type of case allow ATX power supply support?

<A HREF="http://www.big-boys.com/articles/leeroy.html" target="_new">Leeroy you phenom!</A>

 

[fishmahn]

None that I've seen use ATX PSUs and also use custom mobos so no case only versions. Many have problems with airflow and heat when a high-powered graphics card is installed.

I'll suggest a desktop case - Most are almost the same size as a tall Audio component and are full ATX. They even come in silver/black so it fits into a living room setting right beside (or on top of) the receiver and CD/Tape/etc.

I went to newegg to link you a few but there were so many (30-something) in different styles that its better just for you to look yourself.

Mike.



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[poly4life]

Consider the Cooler Master ATC-620C-BX1 Aluminum Mini Tower Case. It provides adequate cooling and can employ an micro ATX mobo and up to an ATX PSU.

http://hardware.gamespot.com/Cooler-Master-ATC-620C-BX1-1271-S-16-22

 

[Crashman]

You could get the Coolermaster Micro ATX desktop that resembles a home stereo amplifier. The advanatages? It's 16.7 inches wide, which is a nearly perfect match to full sized home audio components (fits perfectly in a rack). It's also only 5.5 inches tall, holds full sized cards, takes any number of ordinary Micro ATX motherboards, and uses a FULL SIZE power supply.

<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119024" target="_new">The CoolerMaster Micro ATX desktop</A>

If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of flexibility to get a shorter case, <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811163040" target="_new">Here's a 3.8" tall Silverstone Micro ATX case</A> The Silverstone uses a smaller-than-standard power supply and limits you to AGP graphics cards, I'd go with the Coolermaster.

Now I feel a bit bad for you. Really. The reason I feel bad for you is because you did two things: 1.) You listened to Tom's or another web site, who promoted bad ideas with SFF cases, and 2.) You were foolhardy enough to believe them. Sorry.

SFF is bad. You only get two slots. SFF cases are usually 8.5" wide by 8" high, which makes them WIDER than most towers (you don't save desk space) and TALLER than most desktops (you don't save rack space in a home theater). Not only that, but because home stereo components are usually 17" wide, an 8.5" wide component that's TWICE as tall as the other components looks totally out of place, no matter how cool it looked sitting by itself.

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[pokemon]

He was looking for something that felt more like a console and could be hauled around on the go if needed. He didn't want it flashy, more professional and attractive. I think he could go for anything that isn't as big as a normal computer case you would get from dell, compaq, etc.

<A HREF="http://www.big-boys.com/articles/leeroy.html" target="_new">Leeroy you phenom!</A>

 

[Crashman]

You can get tower cases similar to the desktops I linked, but turned upright. A relatively narrow tower is easier to carry than a cube, because it's less likely to bang against your leg.

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