HTPC ATX Build

Introduction

Okay, after doing an insane amount of homework and research behind what computer case would be the best for me, I've finally come to the conclusion that I'm best off going for a HTPC full ATX case. I previously had the idea of going for a mini ITX case or a micro ATX case, but there's a lot that you have to sacrifice, which is fair enough when you try to build a high end PC in such a small enclosure.


Why HTPC?

Well, originally I was JUST trying to find the smallest case possible, but I then begun to take into account a tonne of variables, including heating issues, PSU lengths, GPU lengths, CPU clearance, etc. While there are some mini ITX cases out there that will actually allow you to have a super high end system, and will allow your components to run cool, there's still down falls. One major downfall I seem to be finding is that a lot of mini ITX cases and MATX cases sacrifice storage bays, big time, again it's totally understandable.

Well now, after looking at the different sizes, and actually working out how many litres 'z' case can hold, I've come to the conclusion that maybe a full ATX HTPC case may just be the best solution. For me, something like the Thermaltake Core G3 Slim ATX would be perfect, however, if I'm not mistaken you can only store 2 drives. Well me being the most awkward person ever, this is an issue for me individually. I need at least 3~4 storage solutions, and I mean even if it's using a 'ghetto mod', and using something like double sided sticky tape to hold an SSD down, that would be fine. Another example of a case that would be great for me is something like the Lian Li PC-O7SW ATX case, IF it wasn't so freaking expensive, it's gorgeous, but I'm personally not prepared to pay that much money just on a case.

I can't stress this part enough, I'm looking for a HTPC case that can be stood upright, it doesn't even need to be able to be sat down on its side, and it also doesn't need to be optional. But I do need it to be able to stand up right, after I've rearranged my setup a bit, I've found that my current case is still too big for my room and my setup, end of. However, the only issue I have is the width, my current case is about 210mm wide, if I could find something around 25%~50% smaller or even less, that would be orgasmic.


My Requirements

Can any of you guys point me in the right direction for a case that matches my needs?

  • Slim BUT can be tall as hell and/or deep as hell, I just need it to be slim.
    -- When I say slim, I mean something around 140mm would be awesome, I don't want it to be too slim to the point where cable management and airflow is a pain.
  • Can store a full size ATX motherboard.
  • Can store any PSU, as long as it has SOME breathing room, even if it's an SFX PSU.
  • Needs to be able to store 4 storage drives.
    -- [2 x SSD] + [2 x HDD]

Additional Notes

I've decided to not even bother with a mini TIX case or a MATX case, simply because of the fact that they can be a ball ache and a half to build in, sometimes. Plus when you look at the litres that they hold, sometimes there's not that much difference at all, my current case holds about 45L. The smallest case I have found that can hold a decent system can actually hold only 11.5L, which is the Silverstone Sugo SG13B. But things like airflow and cable management in a case that small will without a doubt be something to worry about. But if you look at something a bit nicer to build in and something that can house an MATX motherboard, I'd point to something like the Silverstone Sugo SG10B. This exact case can house about 22.5L, which isn't bad by any means, but it's still not as good as what it could be.

  • I'd like to make this part clear too, I am not a Silverstone fanboy, they do just genuinely make good small form factor cases.

ANYWAY. I then discovered the Thermaltake Core G3, and I looked up the specifications in terms of dimensions, and it turns out that this case can store 23.8L, which is gorgeous in my opinion, as it can house everything awesome, like an ATX motherboard, and a full size GPU. But, me being the pain in the ass customer that I am, I want more, again, if I'm not totally wrong, this case can only store 2 x HDD. If it could store 4, I'd buy it this very second and not even think twice about it, but I can't stress out enough how I also need to be able to store the 2 additional 2.5 drives. Like I've also said, even if I do a ghetto mod and include double sided sticky tape, as long as it would work, that would be great.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163195&cm_re=silverstone_htpc_case-_-11-163-195-_-Product

This is the case I use and its great.

1 Like

It looks great and I do really like Silverstone products, they're very well designed, but my only questions is... Can you stand it up on its side, using the feet?

Nope you would block airflow.

God damn it, that's the only problem I have with a lot of HTPC cases, there's not a tonne of them that allow you to chose between a vertical position and a horizontal position. Like I've said, I'm such a pain in the ass when it comes to looking for a case because my needs and requirements are so specific.

i mean usually when you go vertical case you look at desktop cases and when you want horizontal you go with htpc cases.

for the hdd do they need be a 3.5 inch or with 2.5 inch suffice because silver stone makes this case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163282&cm_re=slim_pc_case-_-11-163-282-_-Product

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I don't have advice on the case, but if you go full ATX consider raid 5/6 and make sure the motherboard supports it all. I've got 4 3tb drives jammed in with the os on a 128 ssd and the 6th sata port for an optical drive. works great unless the psu dies... Check the io and port speeds and realize that hiding a bigger box is easier than it seems.

That's why I was considering the RVZ01 or the ML08, they support both, worst comes to worse, I guess I could sacrifice 1 of my HDD's and buy an external enclosure for it, rather than just let it go to waste.

I know, that's yet again, another reason why I'm such a pain in the ass. I'm trying to find an ultra slim ATX tower, I mean it doesn't have to be specifically a HTPC case. I just thought it would be easier to find a HTPC case that can be stood upright, rather than finding a midi tower that's super slim.

  • The Themaltake case I mentioned is apparently meant to be a bit of both.

I've heard really sketchy things about the riser cable Thermaltake uses. Disregarding how silly I find the GPU layout, apparently some of the cables make things go pop.

With 88% of reviews giving it a 1 out of 5, I would not trust it.

1 Like

Well, I'm glad you've pointed this out, but surely you could replace that with your own PCI extension cable?

But thank you for pointing that out to me, so I'll probably write that case off the list. I also dislike hoe there's no cable management feature's too.

Hmm. Any recommendations? Maybe I should entertain the thought of a MATX case again?

I think this may have actually put me off of Thermaltake all together to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of their products anyway, I mean I've never disliked them ever, but those reviews, they've made me have serious reservations with Thermaltake.

I don't think there's anything on the market that is 100% like what you want, but if you don't mind some changes it will work. The Silverstone TJ08B-E and Fractal Core 1500 are both relatively narrow, being not a whole lot wider than a standard ATX PSU, but they are wider than a 140mm fan.

If you want something really narrow you might want to look into 3u or 4u server cases and just plop them sideways. Certainly won't win any fashion awards, but they are functional.

Yeah, I think I'm starting to discover that, I'm starting to think, MAYBE a cube case would be best for me, simply because if you can find a compact-ish cube PC, then that would be the next best thing I guess, I mean it either has to be tall, long and narrow. OR maybe not so long, but tall and kinda wide, more cube like, or something more like the Silverstone FT03 case. It's annoying as hell, I also apologise if you also find this annoying, just because of the fact that I am asking for something so specific, and I'm not sure if what I'm asking for even exists...