Looking for the smallest decent ATX case...

A

AXiOS

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Oct 22, 2009
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Hi

I was wondering if anyone could recommend me a small but high quality ATX case for a high spec gaming machine?

I've been playing around with mATX builds for the last few years and have had a lot of fun modding cases to get the most out of them. However, I'd like to go back to ATX now, mainly because I want to build a high-spec gaming rig that is both reliable, easy to maintain and fairly quiet. That being said, I still need to cram it into a fairly tiny space so giant cases are out of the question.

I've got my hands on an Antec NSK4480 case, which is very small but seems a bit cheap and would require extensive mods to boost the airflow; something I'd rather avoid.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Axios
 
May want to give us some dimensions you need to fit in and what hardware you are going to use. Not sure what High-Spec means to you, to me it would mean at least a HD5870.
 
Lian-Li PC A-05N. It would be a good idea to buy the top with the blowhole though, or mod one yourself.
 
Pretty sure the thread has been solved with the A-05N with an accompanying top exhaust.

Just throwing the NZXT Panzerbox out there too.
 
I would suggest the Antec 300 if height is not the issue, the width and depth are about the same as the Lian Li, but it is ~ 80-90 mms taller, great airflow though, I have a full ATX mobo, 5 hdds and a 4870 stuffed into mine...
 
Hi All

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'll start by saying I absolutely love the A-05N but if the quoted measurements of 210mm x 381mm x 490mm (19.29" x 8.27" x 15.00") are correct, it will be too long to fit on the shelf unit thing I use to store my machine on. I have an SG03 atm but the shelf can realistically take a case (with leads) up to about 46-47cm in depth at the very most. Height-wise, about the same. I'm really pushed for space.

In terms of gear - to answer Power5's question - I will be aiming to fit the following kit:

i7 930 CPU
12GB DDR3 1600
1000w PSU
ATI HD5970 or 2x HD5870
Corsair H50
2x 2.5" SSD
1x 2.5" HD
DVD drive
Scythe Kaze Master Pro
Antec Veris Elite

This will be the last new PC I build for a few years (for myself at least), so I'm aiming to make it fully loaded :) I'm looking into the Antec 300 now but I've heard rumour its a bit flimsy in some areas from friends. Panzerbox looks nice too - anyone tried swapping the fans out on one?

Lastly, does anyone have experience of Sharkoon cases? They've recently released a Rebel9 Aluminium which is small and looks pretty slick but I've never heard of them.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Axios
 
I dont think the case youre looking for exists in ATX format. The A05N is pretty much your smallest "high quality" ATX option that can fit some serious hardware. In fact, you may even have trouble fitting a 1366 socket board with a 1000w with the A05N. Look around a bit and see if anyone else has pulled that off....interference with ram is the concern.

Sharkoon looks like it fits your bill...no idea on quality though.

Antec 300 will too...however i consider Lian Li a step above Antec in terms of quality (maybe more so style?)...also the 300 is 1.3 inches shorter yeah...but 3 inches taller...that being said...i had an Antec P182 and was quite happy with the build quality.
 
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