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HTPC - need case and PSU

Last response: in Systems
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Hello to all.
I posted this thread in the PSU section, but did not get a lot of feedback, so decided to post here too. Here is the original question:
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I have a PC that currently runs with:
CPU: Celeron G540
MB: Foxconn H61S mini-ITX
RAM: 4GB
HDD: 500GB
GPU: HD 6850
PSU: OCZ ZS 550 Wats
Case: no-name generic

My new project is to take the MB+CPU+RAM+HDD (the HD6850 may or may not go into that new project, depending on whether the new enclosure and PSU can take a dual-slot card like hd 6850) and turn it into an X-box/PS3-like PC, i.e. capable of both HTPC work and moderate gaming. I have not built in a Mini-ITX enclosure yet, but I am willing to try. I have the following questions:
1. What is the smallest and cheapest enclosure and PSU that will fit the MB+CPU+RAM+HDD and the current GFX card? I can live with a USB DVD.
2. What is the smallest and cheapest enclosure and PSU that will fit the MB+CPU+RAM+HDD and a more humble, but smaller single-slot card like HD 7750 or GF 650ti? I can live with a USB DVD.

Thanks in advance.

More about : htpc case psu

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boyabunda said:
Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced - Mini-ITX Computer Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX Hybrid Computer Case: http://www.amazon.com/Fractal-Design-Mini-ITX-Computer-...

BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Not bad, that was exactly what I was looking for in terms of looks (maybe smaller size would have been better, but I know there are limitations). Would those take the current PSU and GFX card? If so, this is one side of the question solved.
The other side would be if I want to go smaller on PSU and GFX card (but not lower than HD 7750). The MB is tiny and the CPU runs very cool and quiet. I guess that would enable a smaller enclosure. My question is - how much smaller would it be, if I can go down to, e.g. a low-profile HD 7750 card (I guess there are such cards). As I mentioned, I can do with an external DVD.
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Someone Somewhere said:
Your current PSU isn't that bad. OCZ's newer PSU's are pretty good.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/cooler-master-case-rc120ak...
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/2003/1/

Looks pretty good and should fit the 6850. You might want a B75 or H77 board for the USB3.0.

Thanks, I know it fits the HD 6850, it has been working for more than half an year with it :D  . New board is not an option, all components are in place and I only need to "recast" it to a smaller enclosure, maybe only swapping the GFX card.
Homebuilt system Expert

I meant the case, but that was a bit ambiguous. Sorry.

You probably don't want to go too much smaller. You can't go much smaller without shifting to a different PSU size, and a 7750 is quite a bit less powerful than a 6850.

K-beam said:
Not bad, that was exactly what I was looking for in terms of looks (maybe smaller size would have been better, but I know there are limitations). Would those take the current PSU and GFX card? If so, this is one side of the question solved.
The other side would be if I want to go smaller on PSU and GFX card (but not lower than HD 7750). The MB is tiny and the CPU runs very cool and quiet. I guess that would enable a smaller enclosure. My question is - how much smaller would it be, if I can go down to, e.g. a low-profile HD 7750 card (I guess there are such cards). As I mentioned, I can do with an external DVD.


This might be smaller than the Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced and could also fit a 7750:
SILVERSTONE Sugo Series SG06BB-450: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

It has a built-in SFX 450W with 80 PLUS PSU. So, your OCZ PSU would pretty much be useless.
As you said, there are limitations.

Or try the Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX Case: http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=75056
This is the cheapest one ($82.76), second to the Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced ($49.99).

SilverStone Sugo Series SG07-BW: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Someone Somewhere said:
I meant the case, but that was a bit ambiguous. Sorry.

You probably don't want to go too much smaller. You can't go much smaller without shifting to a different PSU size, and a 7750 is quite a bit less powerful than a 6850.

Great review for the Coller Master!

Someone Somewhere said:
I meant the case, but that was a bit ambiguous. Sorry.

You probably don't want to go too much smaller. You can't go much smaller without shifting to a different PSU size, and a 7750 is quite a bit less powerful than a 6850.

I actually would not mind to step down to a HD 7750, this will be plugged into an HDTV, which for some odd reason would accept full HD resolution on the desktop (actually by forcing the resolution), but would accept only 1280*720 in a game (full HD, even after forcing it through the game's .ini, would pan on the screen, the screen only showing some part of the in-game since it remains at 1280*720 while the game ffeds full HD resolution to it). So, HD 7750 would not be that bad.
So, let me put it this way - would there be a small and cheap case+PSU (PSU may even be an external brick and the DVD may also be external) that will support HD 7750 and the current configuration.

Someone Somewhere said:
That sounds like a driver issue.

To me too, but I have tried with numerous Catalyst drivers to no avail.
I also thought that there may be a driver needed for the TV, but there is no info on the manufaturer's web site. Windows uses a generic driver for the TV.
I guess I will simply have to put up with it.
So, the question still remains: would there be a small and cheap case+PSU (PSU may even be an external brick and the DVD may also be external) that will support HD 7750 and the current configuration?
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