Need suggestions for an EXTREMELY sturdy desktop chassis

[RupTheKid]

Well, this is pretty much self-explanatory. I'm trying to save desktop real-estate, and really don't want a midtower solution.

- I'd like to set my monitor on top of it just like "back in the day" desktop systems
- The monitor weighs 93+lbs!
- A slimmer profile is ideal.
- Prefer a silver finish to match my monitor.
- MicroATX is a minimum requirement (no ITX please)
- Need one external slot for combo burner

I'll Probably have a 2.5-3.0GHz CPU, 1GB or RAM, and a 7200RPM EIDE HDD. Not bad, but nothing stunning. Video will likely be an ATI FireGL series or NVIDIA Quattro. All I need this for is internet and big-ass CAD files to run at 1900x1080 res.

Any suggestions are very much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[wisdomtooth]

I have a Sony CPD-G500 (which weighs in at 60 pounds) sitting on top of my desktop case. The case I have is the Silverstone LC03. The bezel is solid aluminum while the chassis body is steel. Very sturdy case, should be able to hold your 90lb monitor no problems.

These cases also look nice and might fit your bill:

Silverstone LC10

Silverstone LC13

HTH!

 

[RupTheKid]

Thanks! Will start looking into it.

 

[RupTheKid]

I like the LC11 because of it's slimmer profile. Think it'll hold?

 

[wisdomtooth]

Heya,

Three caveats with the LC11:

1. It's a MicroATX case. It will not take a full-size ATX mobo (the 03, 10 and 13 can take full ATX).

2. It has no internal stiffener brace like the other ones do.

3. It's made of thinner steel-- 0.8mm SECC (the other ones are 1.0mm SECC).

It's probably not a good idea to put 90 pounds on the LC11.

What are your system/mobo requirements?

HTH!

 

[RupTheKid]

Hiya,

Thanks for the quick reply. I have no real system requirements - the PC is my new CAD workstation, and I'm building it from scratch . Probably have a 2.5-3.0GHz CPU, 1GB or RAM, and a 7200RPM EIDE HDD. Not bad, but nothing stunning. Video will likely be an ATI FireGL series or NVIDIA Quattro. All I need this for is internet and big-ass CAD files to run at 1900x1080 res. Micro ATX is not a problem, though I'm sure I don't want ITX. Just that I already have an Apple taking up real-estate, and with the printer/phone/paperwork I'm not sure I can squeeze another mini-tower here without feeling overwhelmed.

I saw the .8mm SECC; I was debating if that were close enough to the 1.00mm SECC. I thought the internal stiffener brace existed, but from the photos now I can see that's on the bottom of the case and not the top (damn).

Thanks!

 

[RupTheKid]

Any thoughts on the Cooler Master ATC-620-SX1 silver?
Or the NMediaPC ?


Thanks!

 

[wisdomtooth]

Yep, the Coolermaster ATC-620 is a good case.

I've built HTPCs with that case before. Just make sure you get a good-venting PSU with a 120mm fan, which will help keep that case cool, like a Seasonic Super Tornado.

HTH.

 

[tonyou]

I wouldn't count the LC11 out in terms of strength. Becuase of its upside-down orientation, there is a motherboard tray right underneath the top panel. So essentially you have a 1.60mm thick steel plate (0.8mm + 0.8mm) holding the case. I am pretty sure it will hold your monitor up.

 

[ribbon13]

Forego the desk and get one of thesse and sset your monitor on top of it
http://us.enlightcorp.com/products/server/detel.php?kind=servercases&serial=23
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10355094&loc=101&sp=1

 

[wisdomtooth]

LOL!! Imagine putting THAT on a desk! :laugh: