List of "Steam Machine"-like cases

E

eggDK

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I've been wathcing all these "Steam Machine" scratch builds lately, and don't get me wrong, I looove looking at this stuff :) But in every single thread people are asking "When can I buy this!?!?!" So I have concluded that we need a list of all cases in this category.

Please share your findings :) - Let's set the volume limit at 10 liters, and let's agree that some modding will naturally be required for these cases to support gaming hardware.

I'll start with the ones I have looked at:

- LogicSupply MC600, 4.23 ltr. : http://www.logicsupply.com/components/cases/expandable/mc600/
- Travla C158, 4.6 ltr. : http://www.mini-itx.com/store/~C158-80W
- Powercool 2020C, 5.1 ltr. : http://ebay.eu/18h5peR
- G-Alantic GA620, 5.32 ltr. : http://ebay.eu/17touJC
- Travla C210/C215, 6.64 ltr. : http://www.casetronic.com/corporates/153-c215.html
- InPC DW16, 7.93 ltr. : http://inpc.com.ua/data/dw16.html
- Silverstone LC19B, 9.23 ltr. : google it...

Added:
- Powercool T01b (found by hoggy): Will require heavy modding), 4.94 ltr. : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powercool-T01B-Desktop-Chassis-Supply/dp/B008XI7F6I#productDetails
- Casepro KI-N1525 (found by hoggy): http://www.casepro.cn/EnProductShow.asp?ID=255
 
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Nice list, mostly some cases using dc boards, but this travia C215 which is quite nice:
c215.jpg

400W version should be enough to build i7/E3 + 750/750TI combo
Not sure about the PEG connectors in this build - looks like those might not fit and the PSU might not have them.
 
For a Valve steam machine prototype alike case, you cant use external brick. The Valve steam machine prototype house an internal SF psu
 
lvyelion said:
For a Valve steam machine prototype alike case, you cant use external brick. The Valve steam machine prototype house an internal SF psu
Click to expand...

You're right... But I'm flexible on that matter, and I think that goes for a lot of people.
 
Didn't say it was easy, it's exactly the same as my test project. Throw away the tfx psu, shift mb into its place, cut / fab new back IO Plate. Insert dc dc psu and off you go....

Alternatively by the t01 type C.... (although they don't seem to be interested in selling me one)

I have asked if they will simply make it a bit deeper, then you can shove a flex atx 1u in and be done with it
 
G-Alantic GA620 is the only one that's closer to a Steam Machine, without needing custom VGA bracket. I really like their solution, but i don't want their psu, which drives the price up.
 
DG25 said:
G-Alantic GA620 is the only one that's closer to a Steam Machine, without needing custom VGA bracket. I really like their solution, but i don't want their psu, which drives the price up.
Click to expand...

well, unlike the Valve pototype, the GA620 requires external power brick
 
DG25 said:
G-Alantic GA620 is the only one that's closer to a Steam Machine, without needing custom VGA bracket. I really like their solution, but i don't want their psu, which drives the price up.
Click to expand...

Are you saying that all the others need a special PCI bracket to work? For example the Travla C210/C215, they look normal to me...
 
eggDK said:
You're right... But I'm flexible on that matter, and I think that goes for a lot of people.
Click to expand...

yeah, I understand, but what unique of the Valve prototype is that it fit a full size GPU, a SFX psu in a very small package. Not many other cases I see can achieve this
 
lvyelion said:
yeah, I understand, but what unique of the Valve prototype is that it fit a full size GPU, a SFX psu in a very small package. Not many other cases I see can achieve this
Click to expand...

But then again... The Steambox Prototype comes in at 7.1 liters, so the Travla boxes can still compare.
 
You can pick out any set top box, eg. dvd/bluray player which is 7L but that doesn't mean its comparable to steam box...
 
If single slot cards were more prolific, then that Silverstone LC19B would be a lot more attractive...
 
Fair point, seeing as no one seems to like external PSU's and is scared of using a Dremel ;)

CasePro / Cablematic / Rackmatic .... KI-N1525
1.5U (68mm) tall SFX PSU Case with 2x PCI Slots and HDD Bay.

Bit wide for me and not the best looking case but the rack mount handles come off...

www.casepro.cn/EnProductShow.asp?ID=255
 
hoggy said:
Fair point, seeing as no one seems to like external PSU's and is scared of using a Dremel ;)

CasePro / Cablematic / Rackmatic .... KI-N1525
1.5U (68mm) tall SFX PSU Case with 2x PCI Slots and HDD Bay.

Bit wide for me and not the best looking case but the rack mount handles come off...

www.casepro.cn/EnProductShow.asp?ID=255
Click to expand...

Interesting, but two things bothers me:

1. USB 2.0 only
2. net weight of 5.5 KG!!!!! ( according to the datasheet http://www.casepro.cn/datasheet/1525-datasheet.pdf although the website says 3.5kg)
 
Yeah probably not the most portable. Great for replacing a multi-gym though..
 
lvyelion said:
well, unlike the Valve prototype, the GA620 requires external power brick
Click to expand...
I think it can be modded for SFX support, it's only ~3 cm shorter than it needs to be (on the PSU side). Not an easy mod, requires some creativity so it does not look like crap.


eggDK said:
Are you saying that all the others need a special PCI bracket to work? For example the Travla C210/C215, they look normal to me...
Click to expand...

No. All others are fine, but they'll have bigger width than the original Steam Box. The only way to achieve 300mm width is:

1. with a custom pci bracket (Valve Steam Box)
2. ingenious (but ugly, some say) pci bracket holding mechanism (GA620)
 
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