Budget case for htpc? Rosewill FE-H010?

[peterp11]

How cheap is too cheap for a case?
Looking to build a mid-performance htpc/web use pc. Using ATX mobo for future expansion. My tentative list:

Rosewill Black / Silver SECC Steel FE-H010 $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147149

ASUS M4A785TD-V EVO $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131398

AMD Phenom II X3 705e $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103683

CORSAIR XMS3 4GB $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 $140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116036

M-AUDIO Audiophile 192 sound card $180
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829121008&Tpk=m-audio%20192

500W PSU
basic optical drive
2nd or 3rd hard drive when storage fills up
will start with onboard GPU and upgrade to double slot rear exhaust card later (maybe HIS 5750)
Windows 7

I plan to take my time and watch for deals. I want to build as cheap as possible and will be flexible in choosing many items. I do want a system that will last a while and not need constant upgrades.

The Rosewill case looks like it will hold everything I need, but may compromise cooling. I might mod the front mount PSU area and even relocate the switch and plug to allow for an in and out air flow. The hard drives look like they mount up against one side panel and would also require mods to keep cool. Has anyone played with this case? am I wasting my time trying to go cheap?

It would be nice to find a (budget) htpc case with ATX mobo, rear PSU, two external drives (basic now and add blue ray later), room for 3 hard drives, and good cooling.
If it could look nice and be less than 5.5 inches tall too, that would be nice.

Why can't I have it all for $50?

Thanks for any comments,
Peter

 

[o1die]

The rosewill case will work fine, and leave some room in your budget for a decent ps. I use ocz, antec, corsair, pc power and cooling, enermax, or seasonic whenever possible. All are good brands that don't overstate their load limits.

 

[peterp11]

Last build I used a Corsair PSU and loved it. This time I am trying a Therlmaltake because it was cheap ($25 after MIR).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153052

It is only 70% and I may end up switching it out for something 80 to 90 if I start using this as a DVR.

Any thoughts on cooling with the Rosewill?

 

[o1die]

No special cooling is required with most htpc cases. Use any case fans that fit the vents on the top or side. Mine has one 120mm fan on the side drawing in cool air and the power supply has a 140mm fan pushing warm air out the top vent. I use none on the back.