Slim MiniITX case that will fit stock Intel coolers

[dkm777]

Hi guys,

My father's laptop is on its last legs and since he doesn't use it as a laptop - it always sits on a desk - he is looking into a MiniITX build as a replacement. The problem is the thing will have to be easy to transport, so no BitFenix Prodigy or any such monsters will do. What we're looking for is a slim case that is not too slim in order to fit a stock i7 3770S cooler. Right now I have a Chieftec FI-01B as the only candidate, but I really don't think it will cope with the heat. Is there something similar, but slightly bigger and better cooled?

 

[Zap]

I've only encountered two cases which wouldn't take a normal stock Intel HSF (but probably would a low voltage version), the Mini Box M350 and an In Win case (forgot model). There are also some slim cases I've seen, but never owned, that probably wouldn't fit. Most others fit.

Does your father need an optical drive? If not, how about an Antec ISK 110? If he does, Antec ISK 300-150.

Alternately, how about just another notebook computer? Unless you already have parts (and a monitor) it might be easier to go the notebook route. Decent deals abound if you are patient. For instance Fry's Anniversary sale (I think this weekend) has a Dell 13Z (Inspiron?) with a Core i3 and 6GB RAM for $299. Woot! had an HP notebook sale event recently where you could get an actual ultrabook (Core i3 ULV, 128GB SSD) for $384 shipped. Dell Outlet coupons happen every couple weeks.

 

[Seraphimcaduto]

Can you define slim in your case? A stock intel cooler is 46mm tall and the antec isk 110 will BARELY fit it in there, I know because I have one. Fully loaded, it's about the same weight as my aluminum MacBook. It's a good little case, but the only fan is the processor fan, something to keep in mind. In addition to the antec isk 300, there is also the habley ECM-600 and 800 series as well as the istarusa S21 and the M3A2 mini (indiegogo project that just started up). The habley and istarusa cases are in the server case section on newegg and the last one is m3cases.com. Sorry I didn't include all the links, I'm typing this on my cell; I can include links later if you would like.

 

[MrK6]

If you haven't ordered the parts yet, look at getting an AIO 23" desktop unit from Dell or similar. Honestly, it's hard to beat that quality when you can get them for <$400 with coupons.

 

[2timer]

Since the processor you want is rated 65W TDP, it's possible that you can do a Thin-ITX build as well. Using this cooler: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835203012

And this motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135344

You could use laptop SODIMM RAM and go with a case like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811108432

Also, if you're not interested in gaming on a discrete graphics card, have you thought about an NUC? Something like this might be a good replacement for a portable PC that is mainly used as a desktop: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...FQ9yQgodhDgACA

 

[Zap]

A stock intel cooler is 46mm tall and the antec isk 110 will BARELY fit it in there... It's a good little case, but the only fan is the processor fan, something to keep in mind.

What other fan does it need? Big cases need a lot of fans because you have to cycle the whole volume of air out to cool the inner components. With a case like the ISK 110, the CPU fan will get cool air directly through the side mesh grill.

 

[Seraphimcaduto]

What other fan does it need? Big cases need a lot of fans because you have to cycle the whole volume of air out to cool the inner components. With a case like the ISK 110, the CPU fan will get cool air directly through the side mesh grill.

I didn't see that he was using an intel i7-s part, the stock heatsink should be plenty. The cabling in the antec case tends to restrict airflow going out of the case. I have an A8-3820 in my isk-110 and I had overheating issues until I changed the cooler and redid the cabling to account for the lack of airflow going out of the case.

 

[dkm777]

I found the Antec ISK 310-150:

http://www.antec.com/product.php?id=2231&fid=293

Seems a little roomier if you don't install an optical drive, which I'm sure my dad hasn't used in years, he's just conservative and wants one "just in case". I'll convince him to get an external USB one. Also looks more "business" which is important, since it will be residing in his office most of the time. As for the monitor - he already has some LG 22" IPS one that he can use.

 

[Alan G]

I'm going through somewhat the same exercise right now. I'm considering a build to replace my wife's old HP Pavillion slim line. She only uses MS Office and Internet so it doesn't need to be high end. I'm looking at the new Lian-Li PC-Q27B which is passively cooled. Since I'm only going to be putting an i3 and use the on board graphics cooling the lack of a fan inside shouldn't be an issue and the Intel stock cooler should be fine. The big issue is whether to put in an optical drive since they really are not used much anymore. I'm leaning to just getting a USB optical for the times when she needs to view a DVD or write something to disk. This will free up some space as well.

 

[dkm777]

Dad's laptop has finally kicked the bucket and I'm building him a rig in an Antec ISK 310-150. After looking at many pictures and reading reviews I saw that this case can be modified for forced convection like FT-02 when laid on its side. Should make for very good temps and very low noise.

 

[Seraphimcaduto]

Dad's laptop has finally kicked the bucket and I'm building him a rig in an Antec ISK 310-150. After looking at many pictures and reading reviews I saw that this case can be modified for forced convection like FT-02 when laid on its side. Should make for very good temps and very low noise.

I'm glad you decided on a case and I hope everyone was of some help.

 

[Seraphimcaduto]

What other fan does it need? Big cases need a lot of fans because you have to cycle the whole volume of air out to cool the inner components. With a case like the ISK 110, the CPU fan will get cool air directly through the side mesh grill.

@ Zap
I realized after rereading my last two posts, they sound confrontational and they weren't meant to be. I was just trying to share my experience with that particular case.

 

[Seraphimcaduto]

I'm going through somewhat the same exercise right now. I'm considering a build to replace my wife's old HP Pavillion slim line. She only uses MS Office and Internet so it doesn't need to be high end. I'm looking at the new Lian-Li PC-Q27B which is passively cooled. Since I'm only going to be putting an i3 and use the on board graphics cooling the lack of a fan inside shouldn't be an issue and the Intel stock cooler should be fine. The big issue is whether to put in an optical drive since they really are not used much anymore. I'm leaning to just getting a USB optical for the times when she needs to view a DVD or write something to disk. This will free up some space as well.

I know I don't use mine all that much, maybe once a month or so. Pretty easy just to toss an external drive in the desk and use as needed.

 

[piasabird]

Maybe try a thermaltake SD101.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133214

This is not super-thin, but it is fairly compact. Simple no-frills case. Can use standard Components. Not very cheap at $109.00.

You might try Thin Mini-ITX case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163219

Little Cube:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163231