Ideal SFF Case Features

[sirspotti]

From what I can tell, cooling is the biggest problem with SFF systems. That, and of course the weak selection of motherboards for those going the mATX route. I'm trying to make a list of things that would be good for a modded SFF case and could use some help.

My first instinct says that it should be oriented the opposite way of a typical "Shuttle-type" system with the front wider than the sides. That way you could put a nice big psu in there and it wouldn't be too noticeable. Also, that would allow for 2 X 120mm fans to draw air from the front (or 1 X 120 front and 1 X 80 side) and it could be exhausted by a two 80 mm fans (psu and case).

Anyone have any thoughts on this or any additional suggestions?

 

[Paul]

it doesn't sound like a SFF system anymore...

 

[loup garou]

Fvck that! I want them smaller, quieter, less fans, smaller footprint! If you want it to be big and full of fans, buy an ATX or mATX system.

 

[sirspotti]

Actually, I'm looking to build something about the size of the ARIA but with half decent cooling. Seems like everyone's projects lately are posts like "Rate My Rig" when really there's nothing to rate. It's just a contest to see who can put the most expensive pieces into a metal box and maybe add a cold cathode or two. I was hoping to make a case from scratch that would be somewhat small but still have excellent cooling, hence the request for features in well-made SFF's that would allow this.