Smallest case possible for full ATX mobo?

K

Kulith

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 13, 2009
Messages
259
I'm looking to downgrade a lot from my Antec 900.

I have an Abit IP35 Pro, Thermaltake V1 cooler, gtx 260, corsair psu, 2 hdd, 1 dvd drive

I'm trying to fit it into something portable, with no lights/side windows. I'm really not into that anymore. Specifically, I was hoping for a compact cube case? I don't really want a mini tower.

Also, anybody want to buy a used antec 900? :p
 
It's not a cube but it's very compact (close to mATX size) & really nice: Lian Li PC-A05N
Huge thread about it here: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1133290

Not sure you can avoid towers with full size ATX, could you go for a desktop case? I guess it would be like having a mini tower on its' side.
 
Yea thats nice, I guess I don't have many other options though. I might just hold off till my next build and go mATX
 
Just a warning, I have that A05 case and it's not the greatest for cooling. I turned the front fan around so both fans are blowing in and forcing air out the top. It seems to do better that way, you can feel it pushing the warm air out the top vent. The big problem is it traps heat in the top and with a big video card there it gets too hot. With both fans blowing in it pushes that air out.

I just posted in the "ducting" thread about it. You could fashion something to channel the air better, or just put a high power 120mm fan in the back to push in more air that the front one takes out.

BTW, that case is not much smaller than a lot of standard mid towers. 15" high versus 16.5" (some are taller)
 
baneonrt said:
The Coolermaster Elite 360 fits a full atx board.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...119205&cm_re=elite_360-_-11-119-205-_-Product

Steve
Click to expand...

I just built an secondary monitor-driving computer with this on Friday. Got from amazon w/ FS via prime:

http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Elite-RC-360-KKN1-GP-Desktop/dp/B001TUYTZ2

Relatively small case, fits full ATX. I put a microATX in it, though. Pretty happy with it. Wish it came with a 5.25->3.25 adapter (could use to put one more HDD in it).

You'd have the optical drive bay sitting sideways though if you stand it up tower-style though.
 
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another vote for the PC-A05... i still use one and love it... its small, quiet, and cooling is good enough for me...
 
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