Multimedia/HTPC Build- Cases?

[Budza]

I'm going with old specs for now, but am looking for a case that will last. Understated, classic and spacious are the keywords here.

I am fairly set on the CM RC 282 case: http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_info.php?cPath=50_52&products_id=17482

It's going for R1853.00, which is barely justifiable...

It includes a Media Centre Remote, and has a VFD display.

My current bits and pieces should fit, but am looking for something with good upgradability. This seems fairly solid and should fit any GPU at the moment.

Anyone here got one of these? What do you think about it? Is the cooling adequate enough to result in a nice quiet & capable HTPC?

 

[AmonRe]

This is so ironic i just bought the chasis before xmas, and am loving it. works great with most atx boards, some aftermarket coolers dont work in it but thats to be expected! were u based?

 

[Budza]

Am in Cape Town.

I have one of those monster Gemini 2*120mm fan heatsinks, but can swap that dor something smaller if needs be. Will need only one of the cd drive bays- what to do with the others?

I was thinking a 5.25-3.5 HDD converter/cooler combo. If I get a 1,5TB SG or 2 GB WD drive, I will want to keep it happy

 

[PostmanPot]

I was thinking a 5.25-3.5 HDD converter/cooler combo. If I get a 1,5TB SG or 2 GB WD drive, I will want to keep it happy

Good idea.

 

[Dolby]

Very cool case ...

What does the LCD screen show? Does it work out the box, or do you need something else?

 

[Budza]

Says something about supporting Vista. Probably the MCE version. I am hoping I can just map the RC functions to VLC&Winamp, volume and open close certain apps.

Anyone got one of these and know much about the RC's functionality?

 

[xrapidx]

I have this case: http://www.zalman.com/ENG/product/Product_Read.asp?idx=190

Shows what ever you want on the LCD - uses a motherboard USB port - in my case it shows what ever's play in Media Center

 

[ToxicBunny]

How much did that Zalman set you back xrapidx?

 

[xrapidx]

How much did that Zalman set you back xrapidx?

Can't remember - had it a few years (2007 I think) - I'll see if I can find out quick.

 

[Budza]

Wow! Is nice!

Looks a little pricey though. I'm still keen on the CoolerMaster, unless any other amazing suggestions pop up...

 

[Dolby]

Yea wow R4,500.00 for a case ...

Awesome case though!

 

[Dolby]

Eh ... almost R7,000.00 for this one with a 7" touch screen ...

http://www.digitalsaonline.co.za/ca...product_info&cPath=1_114_117&products_id=2864

 

[xrapidx]

Yea wow R4,500.00 for a case ...

Awesome case though!

Which ones R4,500?

 

[Dolby]

The one in your link ... HD160 :/

 

[xrapidx]

The one in your link ... HD160 :/

Oh - lol - no ways did I pay that, I paid under R2000.00 - looking for it in MS Money at the moment.

 

[ToxicBunny]

Back then it was prob only that much.. they're charging R4500+ for it now....

 

[Dolby]

If I hadn't gone on a spending spree over the past 2 and a bit months, I'd get it ; really looks awesome!

 

[xrapidx]

Found it in money

Bought it 2nd hand for R1600 with motherboard, cpu and psu it looked almost new except for a scratch at the back... the power button wasn't working - but I fixed that

EDIT: Wasn't a media center spec motherboard and cpu - so I used the insides to build a pc for my mom and dad....

 

[AmonRe]

Says something about supporting Vista. Probably the MCE version. I am hoping I can just map the RC functions to VLC&Winamp, volume and open close certain apps.

Anyone got one of these and know much about the RC's functionality?

You can remap the keys as you like www.soundgraph.com is the manufacturer of the display and software.They do a good job! one downside is that u cant use a CM Gemini cooler on an amd 939 cpu, some am2's work havent had time to test my intel 775 in there i also no for a fact u cant use the thermalright si-128 se in it as the mounting plate pushes the board to high. Have played with this chassis alot and will test anythin if u have queries!