Desktop ATX Case

[Sanada]

At some point I'm going to build a new computer (most likely around January time) but I'm first looking for a case. I found this one which I like but I'm unsure about something.

http://www.sundialmicro.com/silverstone_desktop_htpc_case_sstlc14sm_1699_914.html

First, it says it's ATX but I'm still skeptical as to whether a ATX board will fit. I know some GFX cards are also very long as well but I don't think I'll be getting a 8800GTX or anything.

Second, it comes with an IR sensor for remote and VFD display along with front USB, Firewire and audio ports. The USB and Firewire should hopefully be easy to connect to the motherboard but what about the IR, VFD and audio ports? I'm guessing the former just connects to USB but the where do the audio ports connect to? Is it intended for a motherboard with intergrated audio or can they be connected to a soundcard?

Thanks.

 

[hool10]

I like my Antec 900. It's silent too when the fans are on low which is usually the case. *I got a 8800GTX and it fits in comfortably btw.

 

[Asus]

An atx motherboard should fit. It's ATX. You would have to figure out the length between the back slot and the front drive cage to see if a long GPU would fit.

I have a case similar (lay on its side and for multi-media use) and the USB and front ports plug were pin connections so they plugged into the motherboard. Would have to see if your sound card had those audio pins on the card itself. The display and stuff also plugged into an internal USB connection directly on the board (not the back). Although it came with 1 adpter from internal pins-to-regular USB. You'll have to see about your case.

my case with 120mm fans

 

[Sanada]

So everything should fit which is great. The Antec ones are really nice but they only do MATX as far as I know. There was one ATX I think but it's discontinued now. Right now, I'm stuck between the one in my original post and this one.

http://www.thermaltake.com/product/Chassis/desktop/mozart/vc4001sns.asp

They're both pretty much the same spec wise but the VC4001SNS is quite a bit cheaper (?120.70/$240.55 from Amazon while the SST LC14S-M is ?168.15/$335.12). I do want to get a nice, quality case this time round though.

 

[hool10]

That's a home theatre case. If you want the Antec 900 it's still an ATX: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&Tpk=Antec+900

 

[MRG]

At some point I'm going to build a new computer (most likely around January time) but I'm first looking for a case.

You'll find that each of the sites listed below carry a wide selection of accessories such as colored fans, Cold Cathode, grills, Heatsinks & fans, watercooling supplies, equipment to custom mod towers, power supplies, cables plus a whole lot more.

Xoxide - Huge selection of computer cases from over 25 Manufacturers
http://www.xoxide.com/allcases.html

ATX Cases - Large selection of computer cases and accessories.
http://www.atxcases.com/

Newegg - Best online computer company on the planet if I do say so myself.
http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/Category.asp?Category=9&name=Computer-Cases

Tiger Direct - Need I say more?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=32

Crazy PC - Large selection of cases & accessories
http://www.crazypc.com/

NextDayPC - Large selection of cases & accessories.
http://www.nextdaypc.com/main/cat/subcat.aspx?id=computer+cases&cat=components

Geeks - Large selection of cases & accessories.
http://www.geeks.com/products.asp?cat=CAS

AmaMax - Large selection of cases and accessories.
http://amamax.com/bestseller-cases.html

The above, like I said is only a small listing of the sites that are available online. However, I feel confident that if you don?t find what you are looking for from one of the above vendors, chances are that part does not exist.

I hope this helps.

-MRG

 

[function9]

Silverstone makes solid products (maybe a tad on the expensive side), but you should be pleased.

Second, it comes with an IR sensor for remote and VFD display along with front USB, Firewire and audio ports. The USB and Firewire should hopefully be easy to connect to the motherboard but what about the IR, VFD and audio ports? I'm guessing the former just connects to USB but the where do the audio ports connect to? Is it intended for a motherboard with intergrated audio or can they be connected to a soundcard?

To hook up the IR/VRD there are 4 connections that need to be made, Silverstone has a guide on their site about this, I'm sure they include it in the manual as well:
http://www.silverstonetek.com/downloads/vfdguide.jpg

The audio ports would connect to integrated audio, yes. I don't believe any soundcards are compatible with front panel audio connectors. It would take away sales from their own custom front panel audio setups.

 

[Sanada]

hool10: I'm kinda looking for a desktop case (the ones that lay flat on the side) and not a tower. I know it's weird but I don't have much desk space or room space for that matter so with a desktop I can atleast put the monitor on top. Plus, they come with the displays and remote etc.

MRG: They're all good but I live in the UK, unless they allow shipping to overseas? I would like to buy from US outlets as it's much cheaper but the shipping probably would be horrendous if I could. I have been planning to buy my stuff from either www.overclockers.co.uk or www.ebuyer.com

function9: Ah, good. So it just uses a USB connector. It's a shame about the audio. I might try and get a board with a good onboard audio chipset if they exist.

 

[function9]

Actually I must apologize, I'm not incredibly familiar with audio cards, the last time I looked at this issue there wasn't anything out there. But it seems there are (at least) a few that can support this:

http://www.auzentech.com/site/products/x-meridian.php
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=669&product=15853&nav=1
http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=209&subcategory=669&product=15855

Though I'm not sure if the Intel HD Audio spec (I'm not 100% what this means in regards to the front panel connector) will make compatibility an issue. The connector on all the cards seem to be a 10pin connector. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable on this topic can chime in.

 

[Ridge]

I wanted to do a media center case for my build as well, but wasnt able to because no available case would fit my 8800GTS...

 

[Sanada]

I'm not going to worry to much about the audio. If I can't get it working then great otherwise it's no biggy. I found the Silverstone one cheaper somewhere else so I think I'll go for it.