Why do they call the cube cases small footprint?

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panfist

Gawd
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These cases have a large footprint. Sure, they are shorter than a midtower, but literally if you look at the surface area of the footprint it is much larger.

So what gives?
 
Its more or less the overall "space" it takes up vs a tower. Dunno about you but comparing "Black Ice" to my old "Silent Fantasy" case, i'd say thats a smaller "footprint" don't you?

compare.jpg
 
I think the small footprint refers to a comparison with desktop case sizes and the space they occupy on your desk.
 
;) I think you're thinking a bit too much into this, man! It's merely a phrase for the size of the case, as the above poster stated.
 
But even in terms of volume, it's not smaller. The overall volume is the same. They are just...shorter.

And to Freezebyte...you are comparing entirely different form factors. A mATX case to a full tower? That's ridiculous! That would be like saying...why doesn't my Macbook Air play games as good as my Alienware? They're the same price!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811190094
This is small footprint. Even if you turn it on its side, it's still almost the same "footprint" as a cube style.

The cube cases are nice for some people. I have one. It just doesn't have a small "footprint" by any stretch of the imagination.
 
Its not about volume but is only the footprint on the desk, see posts 3, 4 and 5 :)
Footprints describe area not volume.
 
I know footprint is about area. See post 1, lol. These cubes have a freaking HUGE footprint! I was responding to post 2. See post 2.

Let's do the math.

Silverstone cube style case: 10.5" x 15.5" = 162.75" squared.

Cheapest possible Midtower ATX case on newegg ($15): 8" x 16" = 128" squared. 80% of the size of the cube.

Slim mATX tower ($45): = 3.9" x 15.75" = 61.5" squared. 38% of the size of the cube.

See? Even a regular ATX midtower has a smaller footprint.

Don't make me do the math on the volume.
 
Put a tower on your desk and we'll see whose computer has a smaller "footprint".
 
It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that only about half of the posters here actually understand the term "footprint"

its a well defined piece of terminology. As was said - it's referring to the area of desk space. Area is also clearly defined as L x W. to use the term outside of these definitions is inaccurate. No one is interested about opinions on which takes up more room in three dimensional space... footprint refers to a very very specific set of measurements.

and to that end - yes, cube systems often have larger.. sometimes much larger footprints than other small form factor systems... and even larger footprints than many full sized systems.

that's not to say that two dimensional desk area is the only application by which space savings is measured... a cube case can fit where towers can't, depending on your desk, shelves, etc...

but we're not arguing the opinions over which is more space-useful.. we're arguing the incorrect usage of clearly defined terminology.
 
Lmao, argue away without me. This is just like one of those pointless debates that keep going forever.
 
do you disagree with the proper definition of "footprint"

sure its no big deal to mess up terminology when dealing with a piece of consumer electronic equipment sold to neophytes and hobbyists... but if I were speccing out industrial machinery and had a poor understanding of the terminology i was quoting to the manufacturer.. it would be a very costly mistake.

So yes, perhaps arguing on without you would be for the best.. so we can dispense with the misinformation that's being presented.
 
Just get a Shuttle. Same width as a tower, 3/4 the length, 1/2 the height.
 
Yep no debate about it, when you sit the motherboard horizontally the case will have to be wider to accommodate.
 
panfist said:
And to Freezebyte...you are comparing entirely different form factors. A mATX case to a full tower? That's ridiculous! That would be like saying...why doesn't my Macbook Air play games as good as my Alienware? They're the same price!
Click to expand...

I was comparing the sizes, not the hardware that each one was capable of, where the fuck did that come from?

And this really is a pointless debate. Either you want/need the room of a full ATX tower or you don't. Period.
 
Freezebyte said:
And this really is a pointless debate. Either you want/need the room of a full ATX tower or you don't. Period.
Click to expand...

The point is why do they call it small footprint, when clearly it is not. I dunno why you brought a full ATX tower into the thread when we are in the SFF forum.

Calling these cubes small footprint is like calling short-shorts warm, or full tower cases small, or if you called bacon diet food.

The point is that these cases are ADVERTISED as "small footprint." Whoever came up with that should be taken out and shot.
 
ok, I ll bite.

where do you see all this SMALL FOOTPRINT!!!!!!!!1111 advertising ?

I know, I m feeding the troll =/
 
panfist said:
Calling these cubes small footprint is like calling short-shorts warm, or full tower cases small, or if you called bacon diet food.

The point is that these cases are ADVERTISED as "small footprint." Whoever came up with that should be taken out and shot.
Click to expand...

Since when was marketing ever truthful?


I dunno why you brought a full ATX tower into the thread when we are in the SFF forum.
Click to expand...

Because you said this

These cases have a large footprint. Sure, they are shorter than a midtower, but literally if you look at the surface area of the footprint it is much larger.
Click to expand...

A midtower has the same "footprint" as you describe it as a regular ATX tower, unless you speaking of which of mATX midtowers which have basically the same damn footprint as most ATX case which negates this thread/argument moot.

If you want a "small" footprint, Dell would be happy to order you one of these

dell-green-pc.jpg
 
Met-AL said:
Yep. Got it a couple of years go and really like it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, this was my first computer desk I bought for me before I moved outa my folks home few years ago also, still serves me well. Table top doens't handle scratches very well though.
 
burnin8r said:
ok, I ll bite.

where do you see all this SMALL FOOTPRINT!!!!!!!!1111 advertising ?

I know, I m feeding the troll =/
Click to expand...

Ok, one, I'm not trolling. This is a discussion forum, and I'm asking a question. Sure, maybe it's a stupid question, but I'm not out there to piss anyone off.

Second, here's your link:http://3btech.net/chfcsmfoalmi.html . I have been seeing "small footprint" tidbits all over the place for these cube cases, and this is the last one I saw that prompted me to come over here and post. That, and the fact that I have an Ultra Micro Fly which I really don't like.

Thirdly, the primary motivation for this post was not to disseminate marketing tactics or the lack thereof, but to get my post count to 50 so I can post in Hot Deals, where I can have more or less meaningful discussions about whether I should bite or not on new items.

You found me out. Have a cookie.

edit: want to see a real troll thread?
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1367587
 
panfist said:
Thirdly, the primary motivation for this post was not to disseminate marketing tactics or the lack thereof, but to get my post count to 50 so I can post in Hot Deals, where I can have more or less meaningful discussions about whether I should bite or not on new items
Click to expand...
lol
 
I am a fan of the cube layout because I think towers are antiquated and I dont have a need for 10 optical drives / hard drives. I m sorry if your microfly isn t working out for you, I had a QPack and I don t think internally they are the most intelligent design. That site you also linked to advertised a "super slim" case that was 6" wide... I think maybe they just need someone writing better, more accurate copy. no [H]ard feelings, eh ?
 
It means the product companies need to write and describe better. Fail once again.
 
Shuttles have about 2/3 the footprint of a tower case and 1/3 the volume.
 
You don't hear Reese's pieces called Roose's poocies. SOUND SO WRONG YES!
 
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