Looking for a Small/Light ATX Case that can be safe for Air Travel

[Srois123]

I am a college student but I travel a lot, especially during breaks. The problem is that I just built a computer and without thinking about my current situation, I bought an ATX motherboard with a Mid Tower ATX Case thats 8.66” x 18.11” x 18.90” (W x H x D) and 19.2 pounds. Well, I am about to travel again but I am afraid that my PC case won't be able to fit in my bag or get severely damage during the flight.
I am looking for the most compact/lightest PC case that I can fit inside my luggage so that I can have space for other things and to not have any problems during a flight. Airport security is also a factor too so make sure the case doesn't look suspicious (So maybe window?). It doesn't need to look fancy or anything but as long as it could carry everything that I need in a compact space.
Thankyou.
____________________________________
My Build:
- Intel Core i7-6700K 8M Skylake Quad-Core 4.0 GHz LGA 1151 91W BX80662I76700K Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 530
- Zotac GTX 1070 AMP Edition
- Gigabyte LGA1151 Intel Z170 2-Way SLI ATX DDR4 Motherboards GA-Z170X-Gaming 7
- EVGA 650 GQ, 80+ GOLD 650W, Semi Modular, EVGA ECO Mode Power Supply 210-GQ-0650-V1
- BenQ XL2430T 24 inch Gaming Monitor with 144Hz 1ms
- Seagate Archive 8TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive
- SanDisk SSD Plus 120GB 2.5-Inch SDSSDA-120G-G25
- Cable Matters (3 Pack) 90 Degree Right-Angle 6.0 Gbps SATA III Cable
- HyperX FURY Black 16GB Kit (2x8GB) 2133MHz DDR4
- Rosewill WolfAlloy ATX Mid Tower Gaming Computer Case
- ARCTIC Freezer 11 LP CPU Cooler for Intel

 

[Vic 40]

Maybe something like this,
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/dsR48d/silverstone-case-gd09b

 

[g-unit1111]

Maybe something like this,
http://pcpartpicker.com/product/dsR48d/silverstone-case-gd09b

I used one of those in a HTPC build and they are not light. They're well built cases but they're about as heavy as a brick. I'd go even smaller like a Fractal Design Node 202: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352058

And stay away from Arctic Freezers - they're some of the worst CPU coolers you can buy. I have one I use as a paperweight.

 

[Vic 40]

From what i've read does he already have those components and does he only need a new case.The one you talk about cannot fitt an atx board inside.

I am a college student but I travel a lot, especially during breaks. The problem is that I just built a computer and without thinking about my current situation, I bought an ATX motherboard with a Mid Tower ATX Case thats 8.66” x 18.11” x 18.90” (W x H x D) and 19.2 pounds. Well, I am about to travel again but I am afraid that my PC case won't be able to fit in my bag or get severely damage during the flight.

 

[g-unit1111]

From what i've read does he already have those components and does he only need a new case.The one you talk about cannot fitt an atx board inside.

I am a college student but I travel a lot, especially during breaks. The problem is that I just built a computer and without thinking about my current situation, I bought an ATX motherboard with a Mid Tower ATX Case thats 8.66” x 18.11” x 18.90” (W x H x D) and 19.2 pounds. Well, I am about to travel again but I am afraid that my PC case won't be able to fit in my bag or get severely damage during the flight.

I wouldn't put full size ATX in the same sentence as "travel friendly". To me something that is travel friendly would be a small form factor PC like a Node 202. Even that Silverstone case or a Node 605 are not exactly travel friendly. The sad thing is I have done tons of research on travel friendly PCs and I've never found an adequate carrying case or anything that could allow a full size PC to travel.

 

[Vic 40]

I understand,but the Silverstone is smaller and lighter and maybe can fitt into a suitcase. It's also still large enough for current parts.
Other choice would be getting a new motherboard as well and go itx as you suggest.
Would be good to take the gpu out anyway during travel,or anything else in the pcie slots.Maybe the hdd as well.

 

[g-unit1111]

I understand,but the Silverstone is smaller and lighter and maybe can fitt into a suitcase. It's also still large enough for current parts.
Other choice would be getting a new motherboard as well and go itx as you suggest.
Would be good to take the gpu out anyway during travel,or anything else in the pcie slots.Maybe the hdd as well.

I don't think you need to do that even. Honestly the best way to travel with a PC is to save all the styrofoam and original box that your case came in, and then if you check it in your luggage mark it with "fragile". Most full towers from system manufacturers like Maingear and Falcon Northwest are shipped that way with no assembly required.

 

[Vic 40]

Shipped like that in the original box doesn't he need a new case.

Don't see him responding so i'm going to wait for that. Not that i don't like to chat to you. 😉

 

[Srois123]

From what i've read does he already have those components and does he only need a new case.The one you talk about cannot fitt an atx board inside.

You are right. I already spent money on these components so I am trying to look for a cheaper alternative. But in all honestly, Silverstone case might be my only option since $74 is a lot more cheaper than buying a new ITX motherboard along with the new case. But thankyou for your help.

 

[Vic 40]

Well you could sell your current motherboard so that would generate some cashback,but replacing a case alone is easier.

And you're welcome.