Mini ITX chassis for steam box build

O

ODTech

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Hi All.

I want to build a steam box i can install next to my consoles in anticipation of the steam controller launching in november (Family from the US is visiting so i'll have them bring one :D). The machines has to be as small as possible and preferably a book type case.

I have five requirement for which i found 2 chassis but one of those are too expensive and the other i don't care much for the shape. I'd like to know if anyone can recommend something that is localy available and similar to the lian li chassis i linked below but cheaper. In the end if nothing else is available i'll go with the lian li but i'd prefer not to.

Requirements

1.VGA supported lenght must be 275mm+
Re-Using my GTX670

2.Two expansion bays
VGA Card needs two slots

3.Form Factor iTX
The build has to be a small as possible

4.Standard ATX PSU
Re-using my corsair GS700 PSU (Probably only until i realise i need a modular psu for cable management)

5.120mm Watercooler radiator support
Re-using my watercooler


Here are links to the chassis i've found for reference and incase someone is interested in doing the same.
Ugly case
http://www.chyangfun.com/cfi-a0121bb.html
Expensive case
http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-O6S/
 
It will be difficult to find a small book type case that meets all those criteria. You may be able to find more suitable cases of the cube or mini-tower type. When I last looked at those types of cases they were not significantly smaller than the equivalent mATX cases, which killed the enthusiasm a bit.
 
ODTech said:
Hi All.

I want to build a steam box i can install next to my consoles in anticipation of the steam controller launching in november (Family from the US is visiting so i'll have them bring one :D). The machines has to be as small as possible and preferably a book type case.

I have five requirement for which i found 2 chassis but one of those are too expensive and the other i don't care much for the shape. I'd like to know if anyone can recommend something that is localy available and similar to the lian li chassis i linked below but cheaper. In the end if nothing else is available i'll go with the lian li but i'd prefer not to.

Requirements

1.VGA supported lenght must be 275mm+
Re-Using my GTX670

2.Two expansion bays
VGA Card needs two slots

3.Form Factor iTX
The build has to be a small as possible

4.Standard ATX PSU
Re-using my corsair GS700 PSU (Probably only until i realise i need a modular psu for cable management)

5.120mm Watercooler radiator support
Re-using my watercooler


Here are links to the chassis i've found for reference and incase someone is interested in doing the same.
Ugly case
http://www.chyangfun.com/cfi-a0121bb.html
Expensive case
http://www.lian-li.com/en/dt_portfolio/pc-O6S/
Click to expand...

A Mini-ITX that supports a 120mm Water Cooler is an extremely tight fight. Placing the fans in the case can be a prob as well.
I have not found a Mini-ITX case that supports the standard PSU, only those that support SFX and they go up to 450W, from what I've seen.

Take a look at this beauty though.
http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=533
 
CamiKaze said:
A Mini-ITX that supports a 120mm Water Cooler is an extremely tight fight. Placing the fans in the case can be a prob as well.
I have not found a Mini-ITX case that supports the standard PSU, only those that support SFX and they go up to 450W, from what I've seen.

Take a look at this beauty though.
http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=533
Click to expand...

Both cases i linked meets my requirements including standard psu. I'm just not sure about the watercooler on the CFI case.
The Lian-Li chassis cost around R4000 which i'm not eager to pay, i'd rather just rebuild a pc for my cmstorm trooper case and park it next to the tv.

spiderz said:
http://www.falcon-nw.com/desktops/tiki
http://www.maingear.com/custom/sff/xcube/index.php
Click to expand...

Thanks but i'm looking for something available localy.
 
ODTech said:
Sort of but if it's the right physical size i don't realy mind.
Click to expand...

That uses an SFX power supply. If it fails you may have trouble getting a replacement locally.
 
It would really help if you send a pic of your living room

I also went from a cube chassis to a wall mountable one to one that looks like a receiver to fit the aesthetics of its surroundings.

I would really hate to have a cube or any other form factor chassis sitting on the side of my plasma unit.

A simple design is key when it comes to an HTPC setup with its surroundings.
 
CamiKaze said:
It would really help if you send a pic of your living room

I also went from a cube chassis to a wall mountable one to one that looks like a receiver to fit the aesthetics of its surroundings.

I would really hate to have a cube or any other form factor chassis sitting on the side of my plasma unit.

A simple design is key when it comes to an HTPC setup with its surroundings.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer but i don't need help with interior decorating just a pc chassis xD
 
ODTech said:
Yes i realise a cube case will be the next best solution. I looked at the coolermaster cubes, i might go for one.
Click to expand...

I have the CM130, it fits everything you require and it looks super tidy too.
fits nicely with my other media stuff under the tv.
 
Rocket-Boy said:
I have the CM130, it fits everything you require and it looks super tidy too.
fits nicely with my other media stuff under the tv.
Click to expand...


Yeah i'm about done looking and gonna settle for second best. I found something that was close but not quite there.

http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/node-series/node-202-integra-sfx-450w-psu
It seems to be localy available but i can only find out on monday.

It takes a sfx psu and no room for watercooler so not realy useful for me but maybe someone else is interested.
It does take the big gfx card though so you can build a nice gaming machine in it.
 
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