Help: Making a list of "small" cases

O

OrangeWolf

Gawd
Joined
Jan 6, 2011
Messages
884
So, as I mentioned in another thread somewhere a few months ago, I'm about to build a new desktop for my parents as a gift for their Anniversary that will double as a house-warming gift for their new house. They're expecting to be moved in mid-October, so I'm not looking at parts just yet, but I did want to compile a list of cases that fit what they are looking for.

They want a small-ish case. Their current desktop is a Dell Dimension E521 and it is "far too large." I don't know the dimensions on it precisely but it's about 17 x 16.5 x 7 in.

I'm up for cases that fit any any kind of motherboard. Cases that lie flat (that you can set the monitor on top of) are fine as well as towers or the boxy HTPC cases.

I'm looking for a list a high quality cases that are "small-ish" so I can give them a list and let them pick which one they think will look nicest. I just want to make sure that I only give them a list of quality ones for the actual build. I don't want to go for something really expensive, but I am not looking for the cheapest either.

Stuff I plan to include: Intel CPU, Mobo (w/e fits the case), SSD (only), DVD RW drive, PSU, 8GB RAM (2 DIMMs), 1080p monitor.

Here's a list I have compiled already (let me know if any of these are crap and what else I should add to the list -- not to mention I'm unsure if some of these cases can even fit a DVD-RW?):

Any others? Thanks guys!

Please let me know of any small-ish cases that have an optical drive slot -- the mobo they accept doesn't matter, no GPU will be installed, and I will only be using one SSD for storage.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
Are all of those high-quality with good air flow and whatnot? I've generally heard nice things about Lian-Li but I'm not sure if all of their cases are good or just some of them.

This looks nice.
 
I love my SG05. Had a slim optical drive slot and can fit largeish video cards.
 
OrangeWolf said:
So, as I mentioned in another thread somewhere a few months ago, I'm about to build a new desktop for my parents as a gift for their Anniversary that will double as a house-warming gift for their new house. They're expecting to be moved in mid-October, so I'm not looking at parts just yet, but I did want to compile a list of cases that fit what they are looking for.

They want a small-ish case. Their current desktop is a Dell Dimension E521 and it is "far too large." I don't know the dimensions on it precisely but it's about 17 x 16.5 x 7 in.

I'm up for cases that fit any any kind of motherboard. Cases that lie flat (that you can set the monitor on top of) are fine as well as towers or the boxy HTPC cases.

I'm looking for a list a high quality cases that are "small-ish" so I can give them a list and let them pick which one they think will look nicest. I just want to make sure that I only give them a list of quality ones for the actual build. I don't want to go for something really expensive, but I am not looking for the cheapest either.

Stuff I plan to include: Intel CPU, Mobo (w/e fits the case), SSD (only), DVD RW drive, PSU, 8GB RAM (2 DIMMs), 1080p monitor.

Here's a list I have compiled already (let me know if any of these are crap and what else I should add to the list -- not to mention I'm unsure if some of these cases can even fit a DVD-RW?):

Any others? Thanks guys!

Please let me know of any small-ish cases that have an optical drive slot -- the mobo they accept doesn't matter, no GPU will be installed, and I will only be using one SSD for storage.
Click to expand...

I think you'll have better luck asking here
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
I did a pretty simple build in a Lian Li Q07 at the beginning of the year--it might be just the right size for what you need. And I've had no problems with heat/airflow, and I keep it in a little cubby.
Here's my thread.
 
Thanks so far everyone! Loads of nice things to add to my list. And if any mods think this would do better in the Small Form Factor sub-forum please feel free to move it.
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
I like the Cooler Master 120 Elite for the simple look.

Not sure about the airflow, but doesn't seem like an issue in your case.

I didn't put a DVD or Blu Ray drive in mine, but it has the space.

And you can use a regular PSU.

What about style preferences?

Have you checked with them about whether they have a style preference? Will the PC be visible anywhere?
 
Thanks Killahurtz! Will add some of those to the list.

Waderunner -- the point of this list is to give it to them and see which one they like the style of best. I wanted to compile a list of quality cases that have good airflow, good parts, good quality build in general first. Then let them pick from those based on looks. Because I've had the impression that a lot of cases that might look nice are lacking in the quality department.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top