Best Small/Slim Case for Micro ATX

C

computer

Weaksauce
Joined
May 22, 2009
Messages
119
Updated****see post #13.


I am looking to build a new computer and cannot decide which case to purchase.

I will be purchasing the following components to fit inside the case:

i3-530
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-S2H
or
athlon ii x3 435
GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 AMD 785G
(I have not yet decided which of these 2)

AND

1 hard drive
1 dvd/rw drive
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600

I will be using integrated graphics at first (I do not really game), but I would like be able to fit a dedicated card in the case in the future (at least a low profile card like this).


- I would like to spend a max of about $100 including the case and power supply, so my choices are pretty limited.
- I would prefer a slim case, or a small matx mini tower.

Here are some cases I was considering:

Antec New Solution NSK3480 Black/ Silver - Not a slim case like I was wanting, but at least it is not a huge case. I might also be able to fit a non slim profile card later on!

Rosewill R379-M Black/ Silver - I am worried about the power supply being substandard, and a video review mentioned it was not a standard size to replacing it might not be easy/possible.

Antec Minuet350 Piano Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case - My problem with this one is that in several reviews people say the DVD drive does not line up with the front bezel. This one supposedly has a proprietary power supply too..maybe it's like this in most slim cases?


I have also looked at a dell, gateway, and hp slim computers with similar specs and they cost $529-$559 (i3-530, 4-6GB Ram), and I can build a computer with basically the same specifications for cheaper since I can download Windows 7 through my university.


Are there any other options for cases that I'm overlooking or suggestions for the problems in the cases I mentioned?
 
Last edited:
computer said:
Antec New Solution NSK3480 Black/ Silver Not a slim case like I was wanting, but at least it is not a huge case. I might also be able to fit a non slim profile card later on!
Click to expand...
Personally don't care for this case looks/price wise


Rosewill R379-M Black/ Silver[/URL] - I am worried about the power supply being substandard, and a video review mentioned it was not a standard size to replacing it might not be easy/possible.
Click to expand...
I personally like the style of this case and have been on the verge of buying it so many times, I will eventually get it for a bedroom HTPC

Antec Minuet350 Piano Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case[/URL] - My problem with this one is that in several reviews people say the DVD drive does not line up with the front bezel. This one supposedly has a proprietary power supply too..maybe it's like this in most slim cases?
Click to expand...
I wouldn't pay more for it over the rosewill

Also, check newegg HEC Compucase cases. I have been using them non stop since I first used one a year ago. The quality is rocking for the price, and they all are nice and thick metal too. If you go micro atx tower they have one smaller than the first one you listed for $30+shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121091 . Usually they have free shipping on them, but seems not this week.

This one is $30 shipped, just slightly larger than the first one I posted.

I have also looked at a dell, gateway, and hp slim computers with similar specs and they cost $529-$559 (i3-530, 4-6GB Ram), and I can build a computer with basically the same specifications for cheaper since I can download Windows 7 through my university.


Are there any other options for cases that I'm overlooking or suggestions for the problems in the cases I mentioned?[/QUOTE]
 
Have you considered the Cooler Master Elite 360?

Very nice compact case with surprisingly decent cooling and acceptable drive bay space. Even fits full ATX.
 
Yeah, that 360 looks nice. Fits ATX and full size cards, and is still pretty slim, just a couple inches thicker than the slims the OP posted.
 
And if you live in the LA / Orange County area, I got one for you haha. :D
 
i don't wanna thread-jack but i'm also looking for the best choice for a microATX so i'll be sticking around here. i'm having a reallly hard time deciding =[
 
computer;1035334914 [URL="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129039&Tpk=antec%20slim%20case" said:
Antec Minuet350 Piano Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case[/URL] - My problem with this one is that in several reviews people say the DVD drive does not line up with the front bezel. This one supposedly has a proprietary power supply too..maybe it's like this in most slim cases?
Click to expand...

I have this case.i don't have any problem with dvd not lining up.
Power supply runs quiet..it is a slim type power supply
a regular video card or pci card will not fit in this case..
i installed a wireless pci card but i had to removed a mounting bracket to fit..
 
I would also take a look at the Antec Mini P180. It is a little large for a mATX case, but it is quiet and the build quality is excellent. I would also take a look at Silverstone's SG04.
 
I was about to mention the P180 Mini also, but I don't like the styling. Looks like a mini fridge that stores Red Bull behind the bar.
 
I finally bit the bullet and ordered an i3-530 processor, a gigabyte h55 matx motherboard, a WD 500gb blue harddrive, and a dvd/rw drive last night thanks to the bing cashback thread in the hotdeals section (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1502160).

I wanted to bring this post back up because I still need to purchase a case and still haven't settled on one.

I've found a different case than those mentioned in the first post that seems to meet my qualifications. It seems to have a decent power supply (80+, Active PFC, 350W, +12V1@18A and +12V2@18A) as well and can be placed vertically: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129040&Tpk=nsk1480. Has anyone had any experience with this and would the stock Intel heatsink (for the i3-530) be able to fit into this case? It seems to be the same case as the Antec Black M Fusion 350 without the display (which I do not want or need).

Is there anything with a better or equivalent power supply with the slim form factor in this price range, or is this the best?
 
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