HTPC/ITX Case Recomendations

[Slottr]

I just got rid of a loud squealing gaming laptop and am looking to replace it with a cheaper ITX system for my living room, and need HTPC case recommendations.

My current build plan is to use a 3400G, and (if possible) an ATX power supply- have one laying around, but that can be altered.

 

I would also like some room for a GPU in the future.

 

Not too worried about IO, just looking for something decently space saving and not too bulky. I'd like to avoid chunkier sized ones such as the H200.

 

@Fasauceome I know you're like Silverstone's unofficial advertiser for the SG13 lol, why do you like this one so much?

[DailyProcrastinator]

I have an SG13 and love it but I just ordered a Velkase 3 and I'm pretty excited to see how it compares, shipping takes a while so it still might be a month away.

 

Its comparable to the DanCase product but cheaper. 

 

https://www.velkase.com/preorder/velka-3-rev-12-mini-itx-computer-case

[Slottr]

1 minute ago, JM21 said:

 

Totally forgot this one even existed. Definitely one to keep in mind, though it doesn't look like it's too readily available

 

Let me know how it is once you get it!

 

[DailyProcrastinator]

This is my insight into building a system in the SG13

 

Case: Start by removing all panels. you will need to leave the PSU shroud/support bracket for ATX PSU's. 

 

Cooler: A 120mm AIO is a good choice. The stock cooler won't fit anyways. if you change up your PSU and go SFX you can go push/pull with a 120mm AIO (what I did). Or if you just get a small/mini GPU you can get a 140mm AIO.

 

GPU: limited to dual slot twin fan cards or mini cards, nothing else will work or fit.

 

PSU: Reasoning for going SFX over ATX is to allow more room for a second AIO fan and it allows for more room to cable manage as well as a admittedly janky, but helpful 80mm exhaust fan. Otherwise this case only vents passively, you can turn your PSU the other way around to draw air out but then you are keeping your PSU under high operating temps, not ideal. I just held this fan in place with twist ties, it is perfectly fine and helps pull hot air out of the case. If you go SFX the cost is higher and you may need and SFX to ATX PSU shroud but its something to consider. 

 

 

Lastly if you care about dust consider getting some magnetic fine dust filters. Other than that expect a mess of wires but otherwise is fairly straight forward.

 

And a few more pics:

[DailyProcrastinator]

Just now, Slottr said:

Totally forgot this one even existed. Definitely one to keep in mind, though it doesn't look like it's too readily available

 

Let me know how it is once you get it!

 

Yeah it's pre-order right now, I just got a confirmed shipment date of like middle of November with a few weeks for actual delivery. And you need a flex-ATX PSU. With very limited CPU cooler options, I am just going to use my Cryorig C7, it doesn't get much smaller than that.

[Slottr]

8 minutes ago, JM21 said:

Yeah it's pre-order right now, I just got a confirmed shipment date of like middle of November with a few weeks for actual delivery. And you need a flex-ATX PSU. With very limited CPU cooler options, I am just going to use my Cryorig C7, it doesn't get much smaller than that.

True, it is quite limiting. But honestly no different than many of those other enthusiast SFF units.

[DailyProcrastinator]

Just now, Slottr said:

True, it is quite limiting. But honestly no different than many of those other enthusiast SFF units.

Yeah not to different at all, and since I am just using integrated graphics I don't have to try and squeeze a GPU in there as well.

 

That's the nice thing about the SG13, for the most part you can fit normal hardware in the case with no real issues, there are some limitation but nothing that makes finding parts or building the system difficult. 

[DailyProcrastinator]

Here is great article with tons of detail on ITX cases:

https://gpunerd.com/guides/best-mini-itx-cases

[Slottr]

6 minutes ago, JM21 said:

Here is great article with tons of detail on ITX cases:

https://gpunerd.com/guides/best-mini-itx-cases

Took a read through, super informative. Thanks!

[Tonberry]

Any Silverstone's slim cases like the Node 202 or their RVZ series maybe?

[TVwazhere]

The SG13 is good for small cases that need an ATX Psu, but if you can nab an SFX PSU you can get into some really nice cases.

 

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bvfmP6/silverstone-case-sstml08b

[Slottr]

51 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

The SG13 is good for small cases that need an ATX Psu, but if you can nab an SFX PSU you can get into some really nice cases.

 

https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bvfmP6/silverstone-case-sstml08b

Getting an sfx unit is definitely an option, especially looking at what you linked. That looks pretty ideal 

[TVwazhere]

17 minutes ago, Slottr said:

Getting an sfx unit is definitely an option, especially looking at what you linked. That looks pretty ideal 

It's slightly smaller than the Node 202 or the RVZ series of cases (and looks more like an HTPC than the RVZ series) the only downside is the optional handle for portable usage seems to be pretty poor, mostly from an ergonomic standpoint (it's got ridges on thee bottom that dig into your hand when you try to carry it)

[Slottr]

24 minutes ago, TVwazhere said:

 

I have to put it in a backpack!?

 

...oh noOo..!

 

/s

[orbitalbuzzsaw]

My pick would be the Metallic Gear Neo Mini, but availability seems to be limited on that these days . If you can find one seems like a great case tho.