Compact, "cube" case with carrying handle questions

KuJaX

[H]F Junkie
Joined
Jan 8, 2001
Messages
15,783
Hello everyone,

I have a client that wants to have some portability with their new computer. It is going to be a AMD X2 4200+ w/ Asus A8N-sli. He wants a small case that he can easily lift with a handle and take with him in the car to another residence (maybe twice a year). Regardless, he mentioned he would like a cube-shaped compact case, as long as cooling will be suffice.

Now, I haven't done anything with micro cases and would like your input. What make/models would be the best as far as durability, looks, and most importantly, cooling. Any issues I should be aware of? Will a Zalman CNPS9500 fit into the case or XP-90? Would they even be neccessary? Thanks to anyone in advance who can contribute!
 
Aspie X-QPack is going to be your best bet. Itll only take a mATX board though.

Asus, and a few others, make decent mATX boards with PCI-X16 slots.
 
SarverSystems said:
Aspie X-QPack is going to be your best bet. Itll only take a mATX board though.

Asus, and a few others, make decent mATX boards with PCI-X16 slots.


I thought the Aspire X-Qpack will accept any ATX form?

Anyone know if it will take Asus A8N-SLI?
 
it only takes mATX... and it won't fit the new big zalman. It will fit the 7000 and on some mATX boards you can fit the 7700. I built a Q-pack w/some old parts as a gift and I used the 7000 and it idles around 26-28. Overall its a really good case for the prics. You will have to swap out the psu if your using high end parts and that will mean you will have to use a shorter dvd drive. Check out the SFF forum on here and you will find the answers to all your questions as well as pics of some qpacks and the other available cases out there.
 
There is only one SLI board that I know of for mATX: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1023993

As for the portability issue, I would not trust the stock Q-Pack handle with the system, especially if it is high-end. An aftermarket handle would have to be modded into the top of the case.

The Q-pack's stock PSU is total sh!t. It claims to be 400w, but tests have showed it is really 310-320w. Even though the Q-pack will take standard power supplies, there are massive clearance issues with the CD/DVD drives. As someone before said, it would be best to ask about all of this in the SFF forums.

A Zalman 7700 or Zalman 7000, or even a Blue Orb 2 will fit in the case, to answer your last question.
 
hive-120x600.jpg
 
I was gonna mention the Hornet, I just couldn't think of what it was called.

If I recall, Monarch is main distibutor for them.
 
Back
Top