Best microATX case?

[Mltsao]

Looking in to building a new LAN system... i have never had any experence with mATX cases.

Any suggestions?

 

[sad]

I'm looking to build a mini computer too. If I had the money I'd get a Chilli Pro case. It's pretty pricey though. I'll probably end up getting a black Casper II from Directron. That case is really small, and actually look half decent compared to other cases.

 

[rondeemc]

I would go with another case from Directron, the Fong Kai 611L. I have used the case for several systems and it is not to bad to work in, finish is very good. Has a fan in the rear (80 or 90 optional). Main thing is it comes with an excellent 300 watt and 5 drive bays. Most of the other units have around a 150. Nice to not have to worry about keeping your power requirement in check, specially if you will have a raid setup and a high end card.



link

 

[Jhhnn]

Gotta go with Rondeemc- You can only go just so small without having to sellout on the psu. That's no big deal for a net-surfing/word processing box having a 700 celeron, works great. Add 1800+XP and power hungry vid card, fans, extra drives, etc.- you've got a problem.

The Fong Kai he mentions is easily the best buy I've seen in the category- there are other suitable cases, but they come with wimpy psu's that you have to change out, many have poor ventilation and need mods- The lite0n fs050 and the 500 series superpowers just need bigger psu's, the Inwin v500 needs that and major cooling mods, too.... and they're all about the same size as the Fong Kai....

 

[Athlex]

I've built a couple of micro systems with Inwin cases and they're quite nice as far as layout goes. I'm using an Inwin micro desktop case for my game box and a generic micro desktop case for a dedicated UT server. These small cases are great.
As mentioned, your power supply choices are limited. Fortunately, Directron sells Enhance's 200W "e-machines" style power supply which is a welcome step up from most 145W power supplies that come with most mATX systems.
Lian-Li's PC42 is also superb if you can find it. www.so-trickcomputers.com had it, but doesn't appear to list it now.

 

[Mandrill]

I have to toss in a vote for In-Win. I have an In-Win V-700 and it is very well put together. It comes with a 145w ps but it is the same width and height of your standard atx PS. this means you can replace it with a more powerful PS and it will fit with no problems. The case also has removable side panels, slide out 3.5" bays, and 80 mm fan ports both in front and in back so you can really move some air in there. I highly recommend this case.

 

[clumsum]

I have used both ........ the Inwin V500 and the Fong Kai 611L, ..........
As Jhhnn and rondeemc and others stated:

The Fong Kai 611L is the best buy, and also has the best built-in cooling options ...........

Having said that though, the Inwin V500 is the sturdiest, most solid unit and does have sufficient cooling in the P-4 version....... w/180W mATX psu.
It would be my choice if planning on drastic mods or adding extra fans, windows, etc.............!
Also the top panel is easily removable and aids accessibility to cramped quarters, and also lets in more light.

They are both excellent choices .............. my 2 cents worth!

 

[MCS]

Another vote for the Casper II or YeongYang A102 as it also known. Just put a system together in one of these and I like it a lot.