HTPC/Plex server chassis

[phoenix99]

Looking for some suggestions on a case for my media server/HTPC.

Has to fit micro atx Motherboard.

Smaller is better.

Budget: R1500 is the most I want to spend

so far these are what I've found:

http://www.wootware.co.za/coolermaster-rc-902xb-kwn1-haf-xb-windowed-atx-desktop-chassis.html

http://www.wootware.co.za/bitfenix-...odigy-m-micro-atx-black-windowed-chassis.html

http://www.takealot.com/fractal-design-node-804-window-chassis/PLID34268528

http://www.takealot.com/raidmax-hyperion-black-gaming-chassis/PLID40360617

Thoughts on these?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks peeps

 

[ODTech]

What hardware are you putting in it?

I'm using this which works well with low power setups. Fits neatly inside the closed tv cabinet and can run all day without any overheating issues. When streaming netflix through chrome it generates some more heat so i open the doors to let it cool.
http://www.chyangfun.com/cfi-a6x19.html
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/D1800B-ITX/

Any high performance setups will just overheat without modding.

Edit: Antec ISK-110 VESA Mount mITX Case with 90w Power Supply
This one is also worth mentioning because it can mount on the back of your tv although your limited to only 90Watt brick psu and even less space. The CFI chassis from above you can upgrade to 300Watt since it uses a SFF PSU.

 

[phoenix99]

What hardware are you putting in it?

I'm using this which works well with low power setups. Fits neatly inside the closed tv cabinet and can run all day without any overheating issues. When streaming netflix through chrome it generates some more heat so i open the doors to let it cool.
http://www.chyangfun.com/cfi-a6x19.html
http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/D1800B-ITX/

Any high performance setups will just overheat without modding.

Edit: Antec ISK-110 VESA Mount mITX Case with 90w Power Supply
This one is also worth mentioning because it can mount on the back of your tv although your limited to only 90Watt brick psu and even less space. The CFI chassis from above you can upgrade to 300Watt since it uses a SFF PSU.

as stated it needs to fit an matx board.

 

[Werfetter]

Any other requirements? Ever thought of building something yourself?

I built an entire table that houses my HTPC (and various other devices) for around R1500


That picture does not have the shelf, and glass that covers the actual HTPC on the top yet but you get the idea.

 

[ODTech]

Any other requirements? Ever thought of building something yourself?

I built an entire table that houses my HTPC (and various other devices) for around R1500

View attachment 344297
That picture does not have the shelf, and glass that covers the actual HTPC on the top yet but you get the idea.

Not a bad idea. Some cabinet suppliers will pre cut the panels if you give the measurements.

 

[Werfetter]

Not a bad idea. Some cabinet suppliers will pre cut the panels if you give the measurements.

I did my design in Sketchup and had builders pre-cut everything for me so it was pretty much assembly and painting.

 

[phoenix99]

Any other requirements? Ever thought of building something yourself?

I built an entire table that houses my HTPC (and various other devices) for around R1500

View attachment 344297
That picture does not have the shelf, and glass that covers the actual HTPC on the top yet but you get the idea.

Way too DIY for me, but thanks for the idea

 

[Werfetter]

Way too DIY for me, but thanks for the idea

Haha yeah was quite a bit of work, fun December project though. You can always check what the guys on Instructables have done. They have some seriously easy home made cases that are a lot less work. It really just depends on the space you have to work with and what look you are trying to achieve...

 

[phoenix99]

Haha yeah was quite a bit of work, fun December project though. You can always check what the guys on Instructables have done. They have some seriously easy home made cases that are a lot less work. It really just depends on the space you have to work with and what look you are trying to achieve...

Would prefer something pre built but thanks anyway

 

[calypso]

Ive accidentally clicked this thread 3 times thinking someone has found a nice compact rackmount chassis. Anyways, dont mean to derail, will look elsewhere.

 

[phool]

I have a second hand thermaltake dh202 HTPC case which I'm looking to sell on. It may be a bit big for your requirements but it certainly looks the part in terms of other AVR gear. Perhaps you may be interested.

It also comes with a remote as well which really makes it worthwhile as a HTPC option and navigating Kodi. Here are a review to give you an idea of what's it's like:
https://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Thermaltake/DH_202/3.html

I'm not using it anymore as the mobo in my previous HTPC died and I replaced the whole setup with a Raspberry pi.

Sned me a PM if you have any interest.