[SOLVED] HTPC computer case

[joeacejr15]

Hello, I want an HTPC computer case, that meets the following.

MANDATORY:

1. Slim
2. Provides a separate GPU enclosure
3. Provides support for 140, 240, or 280 MM liquid cooling
4. Removable dust filters
5. Under 100 dollars
6. I'm not designing it in CAD or something
7. USB 3 (though this is less of a concern because there would be USB 3 in the back of the motherboard)

OPTIONAL:

1. PSU Shroud
2. Side panel window

 

[navinraj5583]

Fractal design define R5. Tho I'm not sure if it's under 100. But it does have no. 3, 4, 7, and side panel window with 8 bays which can fit 2.5 or 3.5 disk drives and also 2 dedicated 2.5 mount behind the mobo.

I'm not sure of what a separate gpu enclosure is tho.

 

[tennis2]

Slim = Fractal Node 202. You can get a 120mm AIO in it with some minor modifications.

If you want something bigger, but still slim, check out the Thermaltake Core G3

 

[joeacejr15]

Fractal design define R5. Tho I'm not sure if it's under 100. But it does have no. 3, 4, 7, and side panel window with 8 bays which can fit 2.5 or 3.5 disk drives and also 2 dedicated 2.5 mount behind the mobo.

I'm not sure of what a separate gpu enclosure is tho.

In HTPC computers, instead of the GPU being perpendicular to the motherboard, it is parallel to the motherboard and it connects using a PCIe extender.

Also, the case is not a slim case but thank you for trying.

 

[joeacejr15]

Slim = Fractal Node 202. You can get a 120mm AIO in it with some minor modifications.

If you want something bigger, but still slim, check out the Thermaltake Core G3

But do I have to mod the Fractal design node 202 at all to fit that AIO cooler? How would I have to mod it? The other case is too large. There's this compartment in my RV bedroom that I want a thin but powerful gaming computer to fit in. No, im not getting a PS4 or Xbox one or a gaming console. I want to build it.

 

[tennis2]

https://youtu.be/5RBi7wObZM4
PS, he gets it right at the end without disassembling the AIO.

You can build a powerful gaming PC inside a Node 202 without an AIO.

Perhaps we should start at the beginning - what are the dimensional limits of the hole you'll be putting this in? (width x height x depth)

 

[joeacejr15]

https://youtu.be/5RBi7wObZM4
You can build a powerful gaming PC inside a Node 202 without an AIO.

Perhaps we should start at the beginning - what are the dimensional limits of the hole you'll be putting this in?

I am well aware of that, however I want to build a PC that I will be overclocking on a future Ryzen 4000 series processor and a GPU with 2 fans (not extending higher than the PCIe bracket). I am getting the Ryzen 3 2200g now, upgrading from an fx 4300 and gtx 650. Anyway, the compartment that the PC will fit in can easily fit a PlayStation 2 (not the slim variant) with tons of depth and length (not height) to spare. Then again, I do not want to choke the PC, so I may be gluing on some felt feet if the PC doesnt have any.

 

[tennis2]

Need dimensions.

Also, is the back of the hole open for airflow? Top bottom and side clearance doesn't make much difference if you don't have any fans on those sides with a front to back airflow in the case.

 

[joeacejr15]

Okay, the Playstation 2 is 12 inches wide, 7 inches deep, and 3 inches tall. The hole that I want my computer to fit in is around 3.5 to 4 inches tall, around 2 feet wide, and 1.5 feet deep. However, I dont want my PC to be that big. I want my computer to be about the same size as the PS2, maybe a little bigger in terms of depth and length. Also, the case that I chose has to at least support standing upright, but I can figure out how to make it lay down without impeding airflow too much.

No, the back hole is not open for airflow, but there is a hole where the cables run up to my monitor and the outlets. My PS2 doesnt get too hot. Like I said, I want the CPU to be liquid cooled with an AIO. I am looking into getting a dual fan sized GPU. In terms of power supplies, the case can NOT support ATX power supplies, it has to only support SFX power supplies. Dont worry so much about thermals, I can figure that out later.

 

[tennis2]

If 4" is your limit, the Node 202 for $50 is your case. 4" is pretty darn thin.

I've got a build list for that case. What's your budget? Are you in the US?

 

[joeacejr15]

I am in the USA. Did you liquid cool that PC? I would like to see it.

As far as budget goes, I am going to buy the BEST overclocking motherboard I can (mini itx) for around 200 dollars. For now, the Ryzen 3 2200g will be cooled using the included cooler (Wraith Stealth). I really dont have a set budget, just whatever I can get my hands on.

 

[tennis2]

If you can't wait a few months for Ryzen 3000 CPUs and AMD Navi GPUs (as well as GTX1660Ti) to launch, you can start with:
Fractal Node 202 = $50 - good price
Ryzen 2200G = $95
2x8GB DDR4-3000 = $90
XPG SX8200 Pro = $110 - cheaper options available
Gigabyte B450i Aorus Pro = $120
Corsair SF600 = $90

If you're going to get a 2 fan GPU, you won't have room for a 120mm AIO, so the Reeven Stereopes = $35 is the best cooler that will fit in the allowable height.

 

[joeacejr15]

If you can't wait a few months for Ryzen 3000 CPUs and AMD Navi GPUs (as well as GTX1660Ti) to launch, you can start with:
Fractal Node 202 = $50
Ryzen 2200G = $95
2x8GB DDR4-3000 = $90
XPG SX8200 Pro = $110 - cheaper options available
Gigabyte B450i Aorus Pro = $120
Corsair SF600 = $90

Im going to wait a year or so to upgrade to AMD Ryzen 4000, but I need something now to prepare to overclock, lets say, a 4000 series processor from AMD next year. By next year, the Navi GPUs will have already launched, and possibly the next generation GPUs in 2020. I am going to go with a 1 TB SATA 3 M.2 drive. All I need right now is something with a decent amount of memory, is small, power efficient, quiet, overclockable alot (im willing to stress test the computer for blue screen after blue screen if I have to.in order to get a stable system that is overclocked, and for that I need a Mini ITX X470 motherboard).

 

[Gam3r01]

What is your reasoning behind OCing an HTPC? Thats generally not necessary, or advised.

 

[tennis2]

You don't need X470 to overclock. You need X470 if you want more than one GPU. The mITX B450 boards have the same number of VRM phases as the X470 ones.

I haven't looked/heard if Ryzen 4000 series CPUs will be compatible with AM4 mobos. I know 3000 CPUs will be.

As Gem3r01 said, OCing [to the extent you're talking] will be a challenge, not only in the small case you need to have for height, but with it sandwiched inside the short cubby you intend to put it in.

 

[joeacejr15]

What is your reasoning behind OCing an HTPC? Thats generally not necessary, or advised.

Just to be clear, it is NOT going to be a home theatre PC, thats just the form factor it is going to be. Remember when you could overclock the Xeon's from back in the day to 4.5 GHz and they would deliver monster performance? That's what I want to do with Ryzen 4000 if the 3000 leaks are true.

 

[Gam3r01]

Given the 1 and 2000 series history of OCing, thats not going to happen.
Its also generally not advised basing a build around an unreleased generation based on another unreleased generation.

 

[joeacejr15]

You don't need X470 to overclock. You need X470 if you want more than one GPU. The mITX B450 boards have the same number of VRM phases as the X470 ones.

I haven't looked/heard if Ryzen 4000 series CPUs will be compatible with AM4 mobos. I know 3000 CPUs will be.

As Gem3r01 said, OCing [to the extent you're talking] will be a challenge, not only in the small case you need to have for height, but with it sandwiched inside the short cubby you intend to put it in.

Link me some of those Mini ITX B450 motherboards that are excellent overclockers and have nice premium features. As I said, I am willing to go through blue screens, stress testing, and resets to get an overclock that works for me at 1.35 volts or lower. Im NOT sticking with stock speeds if I can get 10 to 20 percent more performance for free from overclocking a Ryzen 4000 processor like you were able to overclock a Xeon processor by overclocking the shit out of it assuming Ryzen 3000 rumors are real..

And yes, Ryzen 4000 will be compatible.

 

[tennis2]

I linked you the one I'd choose.

Gam3r is right again. Modern many-core CPUs already push themselves within less than 10% of their max at stock. About the best you get these days is to run all cores at the single core max freq.

For your APU OCing endeavors, anandtech has this helpful article

 

[joeacejr15]

I linked you the one I'd choose.

Gam3r is right again. Modern many-core CPUs already push themselves within less than 10% of their max at stock. About the best you get these days is to run all cores at the single core max freq.

For your APU OCing endeavors, anandtech has this helpful article

Just to be clear, im NOT overclocking the Ryzen 3 2200g. I want to overclock a later 3000 or 4000 series processor and I need the VRM's and all the power phases I can get with excellent cooling on them.

 

[tennis2]

I already counted power phases on all the mITX B450 and X470 mobos on newegg before I made my recommendation. You're welcome to do it also. If you want to discuss why you think ___ mobo is better than the one I recommend, I'm open to that.

I think you have unrealistic expectations for a PC the size you're wanting (as well as the CPU frequency limitations mentioned previously). Whether you like it or not, that's the reality.

 

[joeacejr15]

I already counted power phases on all the mITX B450 and X470 mobos on newegg before I made my recommendation. You're welcome to do it also. If you want to discuss why you think ___ mobo is better than the one I recommend, I'm open to that.

I think you have unrealistic expectations for a PC the size you're wanting (as well as the CPU frequency limitations mentioned previously). Whether you like it or not, that's the reality.

I am not going to say it again because I said it 2 or 3 times already. I am willing to go through multiple blue screens, crashes, and resets in both my house and RV to find something that works for me on the go and at my house.

How do you count power phases on a motherboard?

Also, that motherboard has fake power phases and poor voltage control as mentioned in the reviews. I also have horrible experience with Gigabytes motherboards. I had to jerry-rig a 120 MM fan to cool off the VRM's of the motherboard because they were getting so hot they were making scary ass noises. Dont ask about it now, because its resolved with the fan blowing on it.

 

[tennis2]

And what model mobo was that?

Look, I'm not going to argue with you. I've provided the info you need. If you don't want to listen, have fun. You'll learn by experience. I'm out.

 

[joeacejr15]

And what model mobo was that?

Look, I'm not going to argue with you. I've provided the info you need. If you don't want to listen, have fun. You'll learn by experience. I'm out.

ga-78lmt-usb3 R3

Okay, im sorry. I wont talk about overclocking on my mini itx system on this thread anymore. You said that x470 motherboards are meant for SLI or crossfire. Most to all mini itx motherboards only have 1 PCIeslot, so according to what you said, what is the point of a mini itx motherboard that is x470 if they have 1 slot?

 

[tennis2]

The extra connectivity of X470 is wasted because you can only fit so much on a mITX board.
X470 was released 3 months before B450. I think that's the main reason why there's any X470 mITX boards at all.

To count VRM phases, count the square bits (chokes) next to / around the VRM heatsink by the CPU. Generally, 2 phases are for the memory (sometimes these end up sitting above the CPU), so the remaining are for the CPU. Be wary when you see a board with 2x as many chokes as the majority of other boards in the same price range, they're likely using phase doublers (pretty easy to spot on AM4 mITX boards since most are a 4+2). At a high level, if implemented properly, a board with, say, 4x2=8 chokes for the CPU sits somewhere between a 4x1 and an 8x1.

To add more confusion to the mix, mobo manufacturers aren't overly transparent on the components they're using in their VRMs (the info IS out there though). Add to that, if you don't have the components list you really need to remove the VRM heatsink to discover if there's phase doublers. Phase doublers are relatively new. And not all review sites go through the trouble of drilling down far enough to know all this, many still just count the chokes and move on.