HTPC Cases

[vcd4me]

I'm looking for a computer case for a HTPC.

I really want it to be mostly black and be able to fit 2 5.25" drives dvd writer and dvd player.

So far the only 2 I have considered are the old coolermaster (which I can't seem to find any more, and the antec sonata. I am also looking for places to buy them as well.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance
VCD4ME

[vcd4me]

I hate to do this but.... bump

There's has to be someone out there who has built a HTPC

Thanks in advance
VCD4ME

[Faustus]

Depends on if your going standard sized Mobo or MicroATX, also if you want half PCI or full PCI slots. Also depends ALOT on how much you want to spend. Here is a link to start.

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=Go&description=d%2Dvine

[vcd4me]

flaystus,

I know this may sound backwards but I actually want to figure out what case I want first before buying the other components. It will be in an audio cabinet and I don't really want it to stick out like a sore thumb I want it to kinda blend in.

I suppose it is easier to find full sized pci components than half sized right? I have never see half sized pci components to be honest. I have only built one pc and I bought it in kit format the only thing I had to add was a video card (ATI AIW).

I also forgot to mention I want the case to have 2 external 5.25 slots one for dvd drive, and one for dvd writer.

BTW- I posted the wrong antec model the model I am actually thinking of buying is the Overture.

Thanks in advance
ED

[vcd4me]

flaystus,

I just went to newegg thanks for the link. I searched through all their cases and it looks like I need to get a micro atx board. The had a lot of cases that I am now considering but there were only 5 that could use atx boards, and there were about 20 that used micro atx. I think this is my best bet . I appreciate the link and the help no I can order my mobo.

Happy Holidays
VCD4ME

[Faustus]

MicroATX is fine, but make sure to get a case that can use full sized PCI cards else everything is a pain in the butt. (its the case that decides this usually, not the board) Basicly just measure how much room you have then look at the case measurements and see what fits.

[vcd4me]

MicroATX is fine, but make sure to get a case that can use full sized PCI cards else everything is a pain in the butt. (its the case that decides this usually, not the board) Basicly just measure how much room you have then look at the case measurements and see what fits.

I Got ya.

When I was looking at the cases I was also looking at the pci slots. Like I said there are plenty to choose from and plenty of time to figure it out.

I am actually buying my pc parts from tigerdirect and this cheap case for now http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=506067&Sku=S450-4010

Thanks again
VCD4ME

[Faustus]

Be careful with tigerdirect, alot of people have bad tales of them. I placed my first order with them last week and just canceled it today because after days and days they still had not shiped and had no info on when it would. I guess they would be fine tho for a case or something. Parts wise I'd look more to newegg.com they are a dream to deal with even if something goes wrong.

[vcd4me]

flaystus,

Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate the newegg link I now have a place to buy a case when ready.

I have ordered from tigerdirect a few times with out any problems. I feel comfortable ordering from them . My brother has also used them with out incendent as well.

A few years ago when I mentioned I was intrested in learning how to build a computer my brother gave me the tigerdirect catalog and I found a kit in their catalog that came wth a 67 page book on how to put the kit together.

Hey look at it this way sometime people have bad experiences and will never buy from a company again.

Here is a perfect example:
I bought a toshiba 32" tv (open box at Best Buy (I saved 40%)) . I came home turned it on it worked for 30 seconds. I then called them and they sent someone out. They told me 1 weeks to get the part. I called after a week of not hearing anything and they said the part was back ordered and would take 8-12weeks. I then called Toshiba direct and flipped out and basically asked why I could have one today. I said isn't there an identicle tv on an assemly line somewhere that you can get the part from. They told me that's not how they deal with replacement parts. I then said that this was riduclious and asked to speak to someone higher up. The outcome was I got a brand new tv delivered in less than a week. Well about a 1.5 years later the tv died completely and I had to use the extended warranty and get a new tv. I got a diffrent brand to say the least.

Now having said that in April 03 I was in the market to buy a 65" tv for my home theater and of course toshiba was right up there on the quality list but My thought is if they can't make a 32 tube tv then why should I spend over $2000 on their RPTV. However there are plenty of people how swear by their Rptvs, but because of this story I will never give toshiba my business again.later the tv . I bought a Mitsubishi rptv

Happy Holidays
VCD4ME