Looking for an mATX case recommendation *details inside*

[Mxster]

Hi,

I am new to AnandTech and enjoying the forums. I am looking for a recommendation on an mATX case for purchase. I notice I tend to favor designs that go for minimalist/essential. elements and ATX cases are just too big for my tastes. I never plan on purchasing a monstrous video card, and I typically use only 1-2 hard drives, so what's the point?

I am not looking for just any mATX case. I am looking for a case that really stands out from the pack. I would like a case that feels well constructed and has at leastbrushed aluminum front bezel. I would prefer the front USB ports to be on top, although this is not a deal-breaker. The closest thing I have found to what I wanted in a case is a Cooler Master Centurion 5 II, although this is an ATX case and it sadly lost some of the aluminum in the update from the 5 I.

So I was wondering if I could get you guys thoughts. Is there anything like the Centurion 5 II that is strictly an mATX form? Or should I just stick with.the more familiar ATX mid tower territory?

Thank you in advance for any feedback!

 

[weovpac]

For a ATX case that is not too big check out, PC-A05NB:
http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=289&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=62

For info and what can be done with the PC-A05NB, look here:
http://www.overclock.net/t/880913/the-official-lian-li-pc-a05-club
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1133290

The above might hard to find. So the newer version of that case, PC-A05FN:
http://www.lian-li.com/v2/en/product/product06.php?pr_index=578&cl_index=1&sc_index=25&ss_index=62


For mATX, perhaps TJ08-E:
http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=303&area=en

Edit: Size comparison of some cases:
http://sizeasy.com/page/size_comparison/34322-PC-V700-vs-Define-R3-vs-TJ08-E-1-vs-PC-A05N-
http://sizeasy.com/page/size_comparison/34314-PC-K60-vs-PC-V700-vs-PC-A05N-vs-PC-A05FN

 

[Mxster]

Thanks a bunch!

That Lian Li case is nice but it just looks kind of fat. Do u think so too? It reminds me of a Shuttle, and I was never particularly attracted to it. Plus - and trust me I can understand that this is going to sound silly - but the front bays are not uniform. I don't like that look. I think I'm just totally obsessive about the front face. I figure that's more important than the case internals (reasonably) because even if you have a tough time installing the hardware, mainly it is just a one-shot deal. But you have to look at the front of your case everyday, right?

The Silverstone TJ-08E I am digging a lot more. There is no hard drive front bay, and the front USB and speaker ports are on the same horizontal alignment as the 5.25" bays. This makes it more uniform and pleasing, to my eye at least lol. I just wish the buttons were gray brushed aluminum like the Centurion case, and not black. I really like the black/gray aluminum style!

I am pretty obsessive about the small details lol. Sorry if I overwhelmed you with all my opinions, I tend to do that a lot! Lol

 

[lehtv]

Fractal Design Define Mini (black)

EDIT: looks like ncix doesn't have it in stock after all. newegg link now

 

[Topweasel]

Can't stray to much from the pack while still being elegant then this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...63176&Tpk=FT03

 

[lsv]

Can't stray to much from the pack while still being elegant then this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...63176&Tpk=FT03

So expensive though, also a pain to setup.

+1 for the Define Mini here

 

[dawp]

have you thought about going with the mini-itx form factor?

 

[Mxster]

Fractal Design Define Mini (black)

EDIT: looks like ncix doesn't have it in stock after all. newegg link now

Oohh.. *strokes chin appreciatively*. That is a damn nice case! The front ports are right at the top, which I like! And the bays are covered by a smooth swinging door. Cool! It's a little pricey yes. But dammit, sometimes you just want what you want.

Thanks a bunch, man! That one is going on the shortlist, along with the TJ80-E!

 

[Mxster]

Can't stray to much from the pack while still being elegant then this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...63176&Tpk=FT03

Wow, this is just... drool. A case I could dream about (lol yea I'm a nerd.) But sigh.... so pricey. Don't think I could justify shelling out so much. Maybe it will go on sale.

 

[Mxster]

have you thought about going with the mini-itx form factor?

I have. I've only looked at it very superficially I admit. I think it ended up being just too restrictive as a main rig, both in terms of space and number of models available .. .. it kind of seems like the main manufacturers have the itx market pigeonholed a little. Like maybe they are thinking most people would usr itx ff for htpcs? I don't really know. For a NAS or home server though I'm all for it.

Thanks so much guys, do appreciate all the great suggestions.

 

[Blue Shift]

You should definitely consider the FT03, even with its high price. Remember that it can fit full-length video cards, and provide adequate cooling for them.