Help me decide on a HTPC Case

[RKS]

I really unsure about what features I want so any input is appreciated.

HTPC: for BR/HD movies/ mpeg4 rips/music/ family pics.
Case: $200 +/- $50 that can accomodate ATX / mATX (at least ATX)

I will be buying the following:
BR/HD combo drive
3870 w/ HDMI (unless I can get by with a slower card)


I have a remote(880)
PSU FSP 400W
HDDs
HD tv tuner (even though I probably won't need it)
NF-4 w/ 3800+ with onboard sound and 2 GB ram

edit: I like the Fusion 430 but it only takes a mATX

Got it down to these choices:

OrigenAE X11 HTPC Case with VFD/IR Module and MCE Remote, Black X11-B $279

OrigenAE X10 HTPC Case with VFD/IR Module and MCE Remote, Black X10-B $200

nMEDIAPC Home Theater PC Computer Case, w/ 20x2 VFD Display and Remote, Model: HTPC 500BAR $155

Moneual MonCaso 832B Aluminum HTPC Computer Case, VFD, Remote Control, Black $289

Zalman HD160B $250

Silverstone LC16M $270

I really like the Silverstone

 

[tylerdustin2008]

Maybe some of these?

Mozart Sx

Thermaltake Bach VB8000SNS

Thats all I can find atm.

 

[ChefJoe]

I just picked up a Silverstone LC17 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811163054 for $120 to refresh my old Antec Aria P4 HTPC with a little more room.

So far I like it... only downsides I am thinking about are 1) 80mm fans rather than 120's like most quiet computers and 2) how close the back of the DVD drives may get to the board. I'll be sure to send a message when I finish my migration and let you know how it worked out.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

I have an older silverston lc-13 thats a good case though it has limited hard drive space, the new lc-20 looks very nice IMHO.

 

[RKS]

I am leaning towards the Silverstone LC20 (black) but there are so many choices. Some Lian Li cases are nice as well. I have a lot of reading to do over at the avsforum.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

also check out silentpcreview.com I can't agree with everything they say over there but, for the most part it's good info so long as you remember that they're experienced opinions and not facts, as are most things you'll read on here quite frankly.

 

[RKS]

help me choose

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: RKS
help me choose

Between? I can say if it was mine it would be in an LC-17, an LC20 or a PC-C32B, accept that I own an LC-13 cause I bought it about 3 years ago but, if I was buying one today, it would probably be in an LC-17, least expensive of the bunch and good performance for an HTPC case. Not the most silent out of the box but, with some fan upgrades it's a great case.

 

[RKS]

Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12

Originally posted by: RKS
help me choose

Between? I can say if it was mine it would be in an LC-17, an LC20 or a PC-C32B, accept that I own an LC-13 cause I bought it about 3 years ago but, if I was buying one today, it would probably be in an LC-17, least expensive of the bunch and good performance for an HTPC case. Not the most silent out of the box but, with some fan upgrades it's a great case.

I updated my original post with links to pics/specs.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Silverstone makes some gorgeous HTPC cases. Then again, they make good cases all-around.

 

[DerwenArtos12]

Originally posted by: RKS

Originally posted by: DerwenArtos12

Originally posted by: RKS
help me choose

Between? I can say if it was mine it would be in an LC-17, an LC20 or a PC-C32B, accept that I own an LC-13 cause I bought it about 3 years ago but, if I was buying one today, it would probably be in an LC-17, least expensive of the bunch and good performance for an HTPC case. Not the most silent out of the box but, with some fan upgrades it's a great case.

I updated my original post with links to pics/specs.

i somehow missed that, been doing that a lot lately. Any ways, you seem to be targeting cases with a display up front, I have to warn you, if you get one of the cases besides the Zalman or the Silverstone you're probably going to be very limited with what info ends up on the display depending on how they're hooked up. I know first hand that the silverstone has a lot of community support and very good software right out of the box so, my nod goes to it. Not to mention the standard reasons for recommending a silverstone case.

 

[Fallen Kell]

Well, I just recently purchased a new case to update my aging Silverstone LC-10M-B. I just ordered the CoolerMaster Media 280. Yes it is big. But it actually uses 120mm fans! 1x120mm front intake, 1x120mm side, 1x120mm top, and 1x120mm rear. Yes, it only comes with one fan stock, but you can order others.

Does it have some issues with visuals/looks and possibly some issues with the CD/DVD drive cover, but for cooling, being able to fit full sized boards (9" cards will fit, and possible even a 8800GTX judging from pictures), this case if going to be hard to beat. Especially at around $120+shipping (www.directron.com).

While mine hasn't arrived yet, I would say to at least consider one. I am sick and tired of my LC-10M-B due to it poor air intake and exhaust. The only way to get good airflow was to put a high performance (read "loud") 92mm fan up front, which can CLEARLY be heard from anywhere in the room, even if I was standing/sitting next to a window air conditioner unit that I sometimes have to put on.