Very small HTPC chassi cases for Mini-ITX motherbards discussion thread

[ZTOctavian]

Couldnt find a thread to aid people in getting together a list of project options in terms of hardware and I have spent some time looking for a decent small glossy case with possible upgradeability in terms of PCI-E x16 without having to change case if needed but for now this will definitaly do the trick approx price:

€330 - 350 euros.

Apex MI-100BK mini-ITX Case w/250W PSU (NB: mATX PSU internal and PCI Slot!!)
DG45FC x4500 HDMI Media mITX mobo
Intel e8400 CPU @ 3.0Ghz
HIPER HFC-10828-C2 ultra-slim heatsink
4gb of Kingston pc6400 RAM
Hard drive undesided but anything goes

There you have it! anyone wishing to post other specs fire away!
Keep it clean for newcomers to just view specs not to make it a discussion thread! ;)


Regards,
Nick.

[joflow]

anyone know if its possible you get audio via HDMI working in linux with that board?

[nugentgl]

I experimented with that setup and ended up pulling the internal PSU out of the case and installing a PICO PSU. Also, cut a window on each side with fans for better airflow.

[eriksmith200]

For a quiet, small, cheap, 720p capable replacement for my old xbox I will build the following system:

Case: In-Win BM639, black, 120W, dimensions (D x W x H): 264*112*230mm
http://www.in-win.com.tw/products_pccase_series.php?cat_id=1&series_id=49

Jetway NC62K (GeForce 8200 chipset, onboard audio with S/PDIF)
AMD Athlon X2 5050e (45W tdp)
Kingston ValueRAM KVR800D2N5/2G (1x2GB)
Samsung SN-S083A slimline dvd-rw drive
AC Ryan ACR-CR51004 Cardreader 50++ 3.5"
Nexus PWM Real Silent Case Fan 80 mm to replace the BM639 case fan

I have a 60GB 2.5" HDD leftover from my macbook.

All this will cost me < 300 euro. I've just ordered the case, will order the other components once I've received it.

Open issues:

I need a quiet, low profile CPU cooler. I'm looking at a Scythe Shuriken but I'm not sure if other components like memory are too close to the CPU... Does anyone have suggestions for a CPU cooler?
The case fan of the BM639 is 80x80x20mm, I'm not sure whether there is enough space between the motherboard and the case for a 80x80x25mm fan. Guess I'll find out :p
In the future I will probably replace the PSU with a 120W picoPSU with a 90 or 110W external adapter
This setup will probably not play most(?) 1080p content, but for me that's no problem


By the way I propose to make this thread specific to ITX setups, not necessarily 1080p ITX setups. There are plenty of 1080p / 720p hardware threads (and it's all just about CPU anyway).

[eriksmith200]

I experimented with that setup and ended up pulling the internal PSU out of the case and installing a PICO PSU. Also, cut a window on each side with fans for better airflow.

Which picoPSU + adapter did you get and what's your CPU's tdp?

[nugentgl]

PICO PSU - http://www.mini-box.com/picoPSU-120-power-kit;jsessionid=0a0101431f43a0045656785c404b80b7a60 a9a862d4f.e3eTax4KaN0Le34Pa38Ta38Oa3v0?sc=8&category=981

I am running an Intel E8500 which is a 65W proc.

The inside of my case was extremely hot (even after switching to the PICO PSU) until I cut a window on each side and installed a fan on each side (one pushing and one pulling). I dressed up the windows with trim and modders mesh and now it looks good and runs very cool.

[eriksmith200]

PICO PSU - http://www.mini-box.com/picoPSU-120-power-kit;jsessionid=0a0101431f43a0045656785c404b80b7a60 a9a862d4f.e3eTax4KaN0Le34Pa38Ta38Oa3v0?sc=8&category=981

I am running an Intel E8500 which is a 65W proc.

The inside of my case was extremely hot (even after switching to the PICO PSU) until I cut a window on each side and installed a fan on each side (one pushing and one pulling). I dressed up the windows with trim and modders mesh and now it looks good and runs very cool.

The external power brick from that link is 60W, is that the one you have as well?

[quake101]

nugentgl, are you willing to share pictures of your setup? I wouldn't mind getting a smaller case for mine.

[nugentgl]

The external power brick from that link is 60W, is that the one you have as well?

Sorry, I got the 110W version. I called the company and told them my PC specs and he recommended the 110W brick.

[nugentgl]

nugentgl, are you willing to share pictures of your setup? I wouldn't mind getting a smaller case for mine.

No problem. I will snap a couple pics tonight after work.

[nugentgl]

Sorry guys, I have the Apex MI-008 mini-itx case not the MI-100.

This is mine: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154091

Sorry for the confusion. Maybe I will learn to read soon...

[Dwolf]

my recent windows XBMC htpc build.. which replaced the xbox in my main room

DG45FC x4500 HDMI Media mITX mobo
Intel e8600 CPU
HIPER HFC-10828-C2 ultra-slim heatsink
Patriot 64gb 2.5'' warp SSD
4gb of Kingston pc6400 RAM
120watt PicoPSU
Aopen S120 mITX case (cheap, tiny, and very nice piano black finish)
Logitech Harmony One Remote + USB-UIRT to control everything

[SystemLord]

I'm also planning to build a small system based on a mini itx (DG45FC) with a
E8400, preferable a total fanless system.

Searching for a way to cool the E8400 and the DG45FC chipset passice & nicely i came across this case:

http://www.atechfabrication.com/information/DG45FC_Blu-ray_player.htm

http://www.atechfabrication.com/images/htpc/products/HeatSync%202500%20085-700.jpg

http://www.atechfabrication.com/images/htpc/products/2500_DG45FC%20028-1280.jpg

When i first saw this system, i was in love until i noticed the prices....:shocked:

To be honoust, the price is reasonable for the quality you get, but the question is do you want to spend it...

[SpiffBB]

Hello
Yeah, nice but expensive. I have found another case also without fans and a bit cheaper. Se:
http://www.mcubed-store.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=52_54&products_id=305
About 330 Euro for case with heatpipes and powersupply (about 180 Euro for just the case).

http://www.mcubed-store.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=305&image=0

[SystemLord]

Hello
Yeah, nice but expensive. I have found another case also without fans and a bit cheaper. Se:
http://www.mcubed-store.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=52_54&products_id=305
About 330 Euro for case with heatpipes and powersupply (about 180 Euro for just the case).

http://www.mcubed-store.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=305&image=0


Yes, i am aware of the hfx cases. Only the micro as you described can't cool a E8400 passive (my goal). The mini heatsink is not desgined for that (35w max) and the case (max 50W) Then i doubt if it fits 3 heatsinks (CPU,NB,SB), which is 1 heatsink which covers all with the heatsink 2500 from a-tech.

So, the closest option is the HFX Mini or Home server, but this case is bigger, and more expensive than the mini...

[SpiffBB]

Yes, i am aware of the hfx cases. Only the micro as you described can't cool a E8400 passive (my goal). The mini heatsink is not desgined for that (35w max) and the case (max 50W) Then i doubt if it fits 3 heatsinks (CPU,NB,SB), which is 1 heatsink which covers all with the heatsink 2500 from a-tech.

So, the closest option is the HFX Mini or Home server, but this case is bigger, and more expensive than the mini...

Hello again
There maight be hope!
Look att mcubeds forum (you have to register first).
http://www.mcubed-tech.com/forum/
Mcubed have built the Micro with a E7200 and a Intel DG45FC, there are some problems about the southbridge getting to hot so you will have to put a heatsink or mod a heatpipe to it. Also look at this Swedish site about a Micro with a Q9100 witch probably run hotter then the E8400 (just a "crazy" overkill test from the Swedish distributor).
http://tystpc.nu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3741
Maybe google can translate to you or feel free to ask if there is something you cant understand.

About the heatpipes, as i understand it its 30w/pipe - not 30w total. Then there is also a limit for the case (seen different numbers but probably a bit under 100w). Therefore most CPU:s would make it with 2 heatpipes.

I have just ordered a Micro to serve as a 24/7 MythTV backend (running XBMC as frontend on two other machines) with a E5200, will probably use 2 heatpipes for the CPU, 1 for the GPU and the last one to the bridge.

Beside HFX and A-Tech there is Hush (high price) and Zalman (discontinued) - are there any more manufacturers of heatpipe cases for more "normal" computers (not week VIA Mini-ITX)?

Regards
Oscar

[SystemLord]

Hello again
There maight be hope!
Look att mcubeds forum (you have to register first).
http://www.mcubed-tech.com/forum/
Mcubed have built the Micro with a E7200 and a Intel DG45FC, there are some problems about the southbridge getting to hot so you will have to put a heatsink or mod a heatpipe to it. Also look at this Swedish site about a Micro with a Q9100 witch probably run hotter then the E8400 (just a "crazy" overkill test from the Swedish distributor).
http://tystpc.nu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3741
Maybe google can translate to you or feel free to ask if there is something you cant understand.

Thanks! Will do some reading over there.

About the heatpipes, as i understand it its 30w/pipe - not 30w total. Then there is also a limit for the case (seen different numbers but probably a bit under 100w). Therefore most CPU:s would make it with 2 heatpipes.

Yes, for as far i understand the 30W/pipe is max, the safezone is 15W/pipe
But as you told the numbers are different everywhere. :confused2:


I have just ordered a Micro to serve as a 24/7 MythTV backend (running XBMC as frontend on two other machines) with a E5200, will probably use 2 heatpipes for the CPU, 1 for the GPU and the last one to the bridge.

Great, will you post the results and your findings with this case here?

Beside HFX and A-Tech there is Hush (high price) and Zalman (discontinued) - are there any more manufacturers of heatpipe cases for more "normal" computers (not week VIA Mini-ITX)?

Not that i am aware off.
I asked a-tech if they sell their heatsink and pipes as a stand alone product, (was planning to use that heatsink in the hfx mini) but they only sell complete packages.

[SpiffBB]

"Great, will you post the results and your findings with this case here?"
Sure, but just ordered so it will take a few weeks.

[ZTOctavian]

my recent windows XBMC htpc build.. which replaced the xbox in my main room

DG45FC x4500 HDMI Media mITX mobo
Intel e8600 CPU
HIPER HFC-10828-C2 ultra-slim heatsink
Patriot 64gb 2.5'' warp SSD
4gb of Kingston pc6400 RAM
120watt PicoPSU
Aopen S120 mITX case (cheap, tiny, and very nice piano black finish)
Logitech Harmony One Remote + USB-UIRT to control everything

Hey dwolf!
I sourced and ordered everything on you setup even the case.
I also got one of those little northbridge heatsinks for the chipset as it gets very warm at 92!!! So if should drop temps by 35 def or so.

Had you any heat related issues?
Nick

[Dwolf]

Hey dwolf!
I sourced and ordered everything on you setup even the case.
I also got one of those little northbridge heatsinks for the chipset as it gets very warm at 92!!! So if should drop temps by 35 def or so.

Had you any heat related issues?
Nick

minor heat issues (no problems as such, but monitored temps were too high in my opinion so I set out to reduce that)

one has to build a very neat case to help improve airflow (especially considering how tight everything is)

so.... I modded a Enzotech CNB-S1 for the southbridge to help cool it, way too hot without.

I replaced the northbridge HS with a Enzotech CNB-R1 + Scythe 40mm Silent Fan.

The two 60mm in the case I found were too noisy at 12v so I volt modded them to 5V, I also reversed them to intake air rather than exhuast. I also cut out the metal on that side case to improve airflow for the fans

Also note that the picopsu installed in this case is a tight fit, the voltage regulators on the psu module will touch the ram on the slot closest (so i put a thin piece of thermal material to barier them. Also note that the other side of the psu module will touch the front led/button pcb (my solution was to resolder the psu's molex cable to point upwards rather than horizontal.

This case is a very very tight fit, proper hidden cable management is required to help fit all the components in this case.

this thread has lots of good info for this mobo; I modelled my build after john's at avsforum http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14808858&highlight=s120#post14808858 (although I didnt extend the case with the drive extension like him, his would have a bit more breathing room because of that)

If i get time I will post a few pics of my build. Once eventhing is completed, the components in this case; and the build required is quite a work of art

also @ SystemLord .. that atechfabrication case is gorgeous; my brother went that route; quality of it is perfect, nothing like it, but again way too expensive. Its nice, but I perfer the tight & power build the S120 case provides

[SystemLord]

Mmm, a new s775 mini-itx is comming soon from zotec, looks promosing.

http://www.techpowerup.com/81384/Zotac_Releases_New_GeForce_9300_ITX_Platform.html

http://www.zotac.com/images/stories/products/Mainboards/9300-wifi/9300-itx-wifi-2.jpg

http://www.zotac.com/images/stories/products/Mainboards/9300-wifi/9300-itx-wifi-1.jpg

Processor Support
- Intel Core 2 Duo
- Intel Core 2 Quad
- Intel Core 2 Extreme
- Intel Pentium
- Intel Celeron
- LGA775 Socket
- Up to 1333 MHz FSB

Chipset
- NVIDIA GeForce 9300


Front Side Bus
- 800/1066/1333MHz FSB (HT Support)

Memory
- Two DDR1 Sockets Supports up to 8GB (DDR2 800)

I/O Onboard
- One Channel Parallel ATA133 Connector (Support up to 2 Devices)
- One DVI (HDCP w/Audio)
- One HDMI (w/Audio)
- One VGA
- Two SATA (SATA 3.0 Gbps)
- One e.SATA (SATA 3.0 Gbps)
- One PS/2 (Keyboard)

LAN
- Onboard 10/100/1000 Mb/s

USB
- 16 USB 2.0 (6 on back panel, 6 on pin header)

[nugentgl]

Mmm, a new s775 mini-itx is comming soon from zotec, looks promosing.

http://www.techpowerup.com/81384/Zotac_Releases_New_GeForce_9300_ITX_Platform.html

http://www.zotac.com/images/stories/products/Mainboards/9300-wifi/9300-itx-wifi-2.jpg

http://www.zotac.com/images/stories/products/Mainboards/9300-wifi/9300-itx-wifi-1.jpg

Processor Support
- Intel Core 2 Duo
- Intel Core 2 Quad
- Intel Core 2 Extreme
- Intel Pentium
- Intel Celeron
- LGA775 Socket
- Up to 1333 MHz FSB

Chipset
- NVIDIA GeForce 9300


Front Side Bus
- 800/1066/1333MHz FSB (HT Support)

Memory
- Two DDR1 Sockets Supports up to 8GB (DDR2 800)

I/O Onboard
- One Channel Parallel ATA133 Connector (Support up to 2 Devices)
- One DVI (HDCP w/Audio)
- One HDMI (w/Audio)
- One VGA
- Two SATA (SATA 3.0 Gbps)
- One e.SATA (SATA 3.0 Gbps)
- One PS/2 (Keyboard)

LAN
- Onboard 10/100/1000 Mb/s

USB
- 16 USB 2.0 (6 on back panel, 6 on pin header)

yep, saw that over on avsforum and I can't wait to go smaller without going the G45 route.

[Gamester17]

Compucase 8K01 (8K01BS-SA100U) and 8K07 seems like a really cheap and nice looking Mini-ITX chassi (if can find it for sale online):
http://www.compucase.com.tw/
http://www.hec-group.com.tw/pccase/8k/

http://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c2.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c3.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c4.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c5.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c6.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c7.jpg

[SystemLord]

Compucase 8K01 (8K01BS-SA100U) and 8K07 seems like a really cheap and nice looking Mini-ITX chassi (if can find it for sale online):
http://www.compucase.com.tw/
http://www.hec-group.com.tw/pccase/8k/



Well, these cases are very nice!

For me i'll take another route, my main concern was to have a box in the livingroom which has to be silent, and not to big (WAF). Passive cooling looked as the solution, but is rather expensive.

Thinking about that, with today's motherboards which can handle HDMI and SPDIF etc, i came across the fact that the HDMI and SPDIF cables kan be up to 50 meters in lenght.

In my house i have a small cabinet (meter cupboard) which is seperated from my livingroom and about 10 meters aways in cable lenghts.

So i should be able to place my small machine in there and put some cables under my house. In fact i already did that and tested the lenghts with succes. So now the system has not to be in my living room which i really like.

I control xbmc with my ipod touch, and have wlan everywhere.

As a case i gonna make use of a small industrial well ventilated wall mount case:

http://linitx.com/viewproduct.php?prodid=12244

http://www2.multithread.co.uk/mtcshop/images/linitx.com/products/Pack-Box-G_Ventilated_Enclosure_main.jpg

So, my setup i'm thinking of, will be:

- Mini itx board (intel dg45fc or the new zotec, waiting for the price)
- The Packbox G case as described above
- Intell E8400 proc
- Some memory
- A 2.5 inch hdd (7200rpm)
- A Pico PSU
- A low profile cooler (the hyper one is difficult to get so i'm aiming for the NT07-775 from silverstone:

http://www.sundialmicro.com/silverstone_sstnt07775_cpu_cooler_1740_1494.html

So, just to share my thoughts, to place your machine anywhere, since hdmi and spdif etc can be up to 50 meters, i tested it with 10 meters, so don't now if above the 10 meters still works without delays... This in combination with the xbmc control on a ipod touch/phone.

And the cabinet (meter cupboard) i wrote about also houses my cable modem, wifi router. So everything is in reach.

This cabinet (meter cupboard) should apply in the dutch households (meterkast) most of the houses has them, can't speak for other country's.

[gurkburk]

Compucase 8K01 (8K01BS-SA100U) and 8K07 seems like a really cheap and nice looking Mini-ITX chassi (if can find it for sale online):
http://www.compucase.com.tw/
http://www.hec-group.com.tw/pccase/8k/


As you live in Sweden you should check out Prisjakt :grin:
http://www.prisjakt.nu/produkt.php?p=376442

[TomJensen]

XBMC is a fairly lightweight app, and shouldn't require a C2D to run it. It's not so much the added cost, but the added power (and heat, and noise) that goes with running a "mainstream" PC.

I think this is a better solution:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/12/nvidia-ion-platform-gets-demonstrated-at-ces/

The Atom 330 (which I'm presently running for my HTPC) is perfectly capable, and requires very little power. The only big strike against it for now is Intel's ancient chipset. With the Nvidia 9000 chipset, it can now easily do 1080p, and still retain its low-power and small-size advantages.

[eriksmith200]

I ordered the InWin BM639 mini-ITX case but it took the shop 3 weeks to figure out that they can't ship to the Netherlands *grumble*

I'm thinking about going for the Procase Noah (black) w. passive 80W PSU, but I'm not fully sure if the PSU is strong enough for my setup (Jetway NC62K with AMD Athlon X2 5050e).

http://www.procase.nl/details.asp?ID=920

http://www.procase.nl/Images/CRS3988B-80HA-BK-1.jpg

[Dwolf]

XBMC is a fairly lightweight app, and shouldn't require a C2D to run it. It's not so much the added cost, but the added power (and heat, and noise) that goes with running a "mainstream" PC.

I think this is a better solution:

http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/12/nvidia-ion-platform-gets-demonstrated-at-ces/

The Atom 330 (which I'm presently running for my HTPC) is perfectly capable, and requires very little power. The only big strike against it for now is Intel's ancient chipset. With the Nvidia 9000 chipset, it can now easily do 1080p, and still retain its low-power and small-size advantages.

for the 1000000000th time, currently XBMC does not use the gpu to decode videos, hence all the processing has to be done on the cpu (atm a nice c3d 3ghz is recommended)

without gpu assistance that atom cpu will hardly have enough grunt to playback low bitrate 720p files

if xbmc ever does use gpu acceleration, then this platform would be fine, but until then ... nope

[DaveNeedsToKnow]

Thought I'd share my little ITX based project

Its based on the Jetway NC62K motherboard in a Travla C137 120W case

http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/ProductImages/Casetronic_C137_Mini_ITX_Case_Black.jpg

For more details see my web page (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/htnpc-21)

[eriksmith200]

Thought I'd share my little ITX based project

Its based on the Jetway NC62K motherboard in a Travla C137 120W case

http://www.itx-warehouse.co.uk/ProductImages/Casetronic_C137_Mini_ITX_Case_Black.jpg

For more details see my web page (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/htnpc-21)

What are your experiences with the Silverstone NT07 cooler? I wanted to get a Hiper HFC 30820-C1 but they were sold out. I now have a cheap Asus cooler, replaced the fan with a nexus real silent fan, but the temps get pretty high (although I haven't done much tweaking yet), thinking about replacing it with the Silverstone. Do you know if the Silverstone has a standard 80mm fan?

[DaveNeedsToKnow]

What are your experiences with the Silverstone NT07 cooler? I wanted to get a Hiper HFC 30820-C1 but they were sold out. I now have a cheap Asus cooler, replaced the fan with a nexus real silent fan, but the temps get pretty high (although I haven't done much tweaking yet), thinking about replacing it with the Silverstone. Do you know if the Silverstone has a standard 80mm fan?

As I say on my web page (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/htnpc-21/detail/B000WL2QY0) I had to replace the stock cooler fan with a lower profile one from the GFXChilla GPU Cooler (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/htnpc-21/detail/B0015LPWK6). So my experiences are specific to this application. It seems fine in the configuration I have, the fan I have put on will have a lower airflow than the standard and is quieter but still seems to give adequate cooling for my 4850e processor (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/htnpc-21/detail/B0017K9F44) (which is only 45W).

The sliverstone fan is an 80x16mm one it is a standard 80mm fitting so if your case can take it any standard 80mm fan could be fitted.

[eriksmith200]

As I say on my web page (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/htnpc-21/detail/B000WL2QY0) I had to replace the stock cooler fan with a lower profile one from the GFXChilla GPU Cooler (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/htnpc-21/detail/B0015LPWK6). So my experiences are specific to this application. It seems fine in the configuration I have, the fan I have put on will have a lower airflow than the standard and is quieter but still seems to give adequate cooling for my 4850e processor (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/htnpc-21/detail/B0017K9F44) (which is only 45W).

The sliverstone fan is an 80x16mm one it is a standard 80mm fitting so if your case can take it any standard 80mm fan could be fitted.

sorry should have read your page :rolleyes:
good info about the silverstone, I have the AMD 5050e, also 45W tdp :)

[Matt Devo]

Compucase 8K01 (8K01BS-SA100U) and 8K07 seems like a really cheap and nice looking Mini-ITX chassi (if can find it for sale online):
http://www.compucase.com.tw/
http://www.hec-group.com.tw/pccase/8k/

http://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c2.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c3.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c4.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c5.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c6.jpghttp://www.hec-group.com.tw/img/pccase/8k/8k_r2_c7.jpg

I have one of these for sale, brand new, if anyone in the USA is interested (just email me thru the forums). I purchased a sample direct from the manufacturer, but am likely going to stick with a mATX setup for now

[Dougie Fresh]

This looks like a nice little mini-ITX case:

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggImage/productimage/11-234-022-02.jpg

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811234022

Anyone have any experience with it?

[TomJensen]

You have at least 3 fans: CPU, PS, case. You will definitely hear them during HD playback.

Suggest these (no endorsement implied, I just searched for ITX cases):

Morex T3500 Fanless Mini-ITX Case 150W for Intel DG45FC
http://cgi.ebay.com/Morex-T3500-Fanless-Mini-ITX-Case-150W-for-Intel-DG45FC_W0QQitemZ110367258407QQihZ001QQcategoryZ366 9QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Morex T3310 Fanless Mini-ITX Case w/60W Power Supply
http://cgi.ebay.com/Morex-T3310-Fanless-Mini-ITX-Case-w-60W-Power-Supply_W0QQitemZ400036686831QQihZ027QQcategoryZ366 9QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The first is if you want a desktop CPU, the 2nd is for an Atom board. These have external power bricks, which allows the cases to be smaller and also removing two fans (case, PS) from the noise equation.

[TomJensen]

Edit to above: Ignore the 2nd model (T3310) posted. On 2nd glance it looks seriously crappy, and can't take an optical. Better pics of the T3500 here:

http://www.e-itx.com/morex-t3500b-pro.html

$115 in the 150W config, or $85 in the 60W config.

Notes for a mITX box:

. If you're going to use the DVD drive on a regular basis, or if you have hammy-handed people in the household, opt for a slot-load over a tray. The slim tray type is designed for laptops, and isn't robust enough to last for long. My mom remarked that she's always afraid she's going to break the thing when using it.

. Watch out for cheap power bricks. Vendors like these typically will chose the cheapest AC adapters they can find. On my Morex case (bought from mITX.com, on eBay), the 1st 60W adapter was DOA. The replacement died about 2 weeks of use. On the 3rd, I asked for a better quality one, and so far (about 3 months) it hasn't croaked yet.

. With the USB IR I have, I can turn the HTPC off, but I can't turn it back on with the remote. Similarly, if the system goes into S3 state, the remote can't wake the box (but a normal wireless KB/mouse does). So I just disable standby altogether. For the Atom 330 board, this spells out about 20W use.

. Firmware update for the Intel Atom 330 board requires major geekery. First, you have to search for them on the Intel site. Second, you have 5 methods of updating, but all of the easier ones don't work, so you have to do the "blind, total BIOS wipe" update that may possibly lobotomize the board.

[gui]

The small factor psu that come with the mini itx case that i just got has a very noisy fan.
could i remove the fan and keep the psu case open????
would it toast????
is 150w.

[hermand]

I'm getting seriously sick of the lack of kit you can get here in the UK. I'm desperately looking for a nice £30 - £50 case and there have been some nice NewEgg deals posted in this thread, but you can't seem to get them in the UK.

Anyone got any experience?

[Superorb]

Subscribed.

[Sade]

New nice one frome Thermaltake :


http://www.thermaltake.com/db/pictures/modules/PDT/PDT060207001/200812313393610637.jpg

http://www.thermaltake.com/product_gallery.aspx?PARENT_CID=C_00001373&id=C_00001374&name=SD100+Mini&ov=n&ovid=&parent_cp=

[Superorb]

^^ Nice. That could pass the WAF as a snazzy DVD player. Slot-load for me :D

[A|ex]

i just got back from HK and they had mITX computers already made out there for around £100 - £200. They were not bad spec either. Why go ITX as their PSU are custom unlike mATX where you can change PSU?

[Novin]

I'm looking for small HTPC casings without PSU for the Zotac ION ITX-A motherboard. It should also be available in Sweden!

Has anyone got any suggestions?

I have found a few:

Aopen S120:

http://usa.aopen.com/products_detail.aspx?Auno=2367
http://www.dustinhome.se/pd_5010315239.aspx?csref=Prisjamforelse_Prisjakt_5 295

HFX micro S1 (too expensive):

http://www.hfx.se/se/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=90&category_id=23&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=54

Mini-Box M350:

http://www.mini-pc.se/item_link.asp?item_id=10042

Noah 3998:

http://www.mini-pc.se/item_link.asp?item_id=10033

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Please add more!