HTPC Case Suggestions

July 17, 2008 · Filed Under Suggested Hardware

Here are some of the most common cases and a list of their pros and cons. This is by no means an exhaustive list of cases, nor meant to be a review comparing the different cases.

When choosing a case there are quite a few things to consider, such as looks, airflow, size and the hardware they can accommodate. There is no one best Home Theatre PC case, they are all good cases for different reasons, it is a matter of assessing your requirements and your budget, and picking the case that is right for you.

Antec Fusion
Pros
-very good looking
-includes a VFD screen
-includes a decent and quiet PSU and silent features
Cons
-mATX case so only fits mATX motherboards
-only space for 2 HDDs and 1 optical drive

See the Antec Fusion at Amazon.

Antec NSK2480
Pros
-good budget case
-2 120mm fans means its quiet
Cons
-lower PSU then the Fusion
-no display panel

See the Antec NSK2480 at Amazon.

Silverstone LC17
Pros
-good price
-decent and quiet PSU
-good airflow
-lots of room
Cons
-small 80mm fans
-quite large looking

See the Siverstone LC17 at Amazon.

Thermaltake DH101
Pros
-large case with lots of room
-well constructed
-LCD screen
-nice piano black finish
Cons
-expensive
-no hard drive cooling

See the Thermaltake DH101 at Amazon.

Coolermaster CM Media 280/281/282
The 280 is the basic case, the 281 has a media kit, which includes a screen, and the 282 has a touch screen.
Pros
-can be used upright or horizontally
-reasonably priced
-fits all full sized components
Cons
-not the best looking case
-difficult to find