Placing an HTPC case in a closed cabinet?

[zachn]

Deal is this, I have an Ikea Mostorp unit, which looks like this:

As you can it houses an AV receiver at the bottom, a PS4 in the middle and a satellite box at the top.

I currently have a system running in a full blown Corsair Obsidian 650D, which is huge and not needed anymore and I want to transfer it to a Fractal Node 605 which can take all my full size components.

Only problem is, unless I remove the AV receiver from the bottom, I can't place it in one of the center shelves. And there is no other place for the receiver to be.

So my question is, would it be safe to place the 605 (Cooled by H100i) in one of the side cabinets? The back of the unit (Where the receiver, PS4, box are) is completely open for airflow, and where the cabinets are, there is a space of about 2 CM at the back, allowing air to pass through from the sides. From the front though, when the cabinets are closed, there is maybe 0.5 CM to allow intake air to pass.

I've searched for other HTPC cases which can take my existing full ATX mobo/PSU and full GPU length which would fit where the PS4 is located, but unfortunately was not able to find any.

So I'm kind of left with this option now.

Would love to get assistance, thanks!

 

[Wolfshadw]

Depending on the HTPC usage, I probably wouldn't recommend it. If it's just for watching videos, you might get away with it (depending on your components), but in all honesty, I'd probably be looking at some sort of custom, rear exhaust set up to the Mostorp unit. Cut out a couple of rear sections for some DIY exhaust fans.

Another option would be some sort of wide base for the HDTV that you could fit both your PS4 and Sat Box under. Then remove the top shelf and place your HTPC just above the receiver.

-Wolf sends

 

[zachn]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Usage wise it would be mainly used for watching 1080p movies, however, I'm using SVP Project which takes up a lot of CPU and GPU usage, so things will get a little hotter than regular playback due to frame interpolation and hardware acceleration.

I actually thought about getting the PS4 out of there and putting it vertically next to the TV, which would clear the shelf at the center, but then I'm still left with the Sat Box at the top and I'd have to remove that shelf as well.

Could you please link to the HDTV base you're referring to?

About the custom fan, I've seen people do it, the only question is would a rear exhaust fan at the back of the unit compensate for the lack of intake air from the front? If so, I might do that. Also is there such a unit which can be powered by one of the mobo USB ports and not by a wall outlet? Already have a outlet strip with 6 devices connected to it there and I wouldn't want to connect more.

EDIT

This looks like it can do the job:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AC-Infinity-AIRPLATE-Cooling-Control/dp/B009CO543S/ref=pd_bxgy_23_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=W96WDCKV78089SX566AB

Powered by USB as well.

 

[synphul]

I agree with Wolfshadw, some sort of ventilation will likely be needed. The various coolers and case fans won't do much good if they can't 'breathe', fresh ambient air in and heated air out. There are many components that aren't pc's, like my dish receiver and surround sound box I wouldn't want to put in a closed cabinet. They would overheat in a heartbeat.

Hard to recommend cutting up your furniture and depends on the type of tools you have available and how comfortable you are doing diy. I might be tempted if it were me to make a hole or two in the bottom of the cabinet just big enough for a couple of 120mm or 140mm fans. The same at the upper rear of the cabinet inside one of the side cabinets. If your pc's psu has a spare molex connector wire then use a fan splitter.

Maybe something like this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812311001&cm_re=fan_splitter-_-12-311-001-_-Product

The fans wouldn't be seen with the door closed. Maybe use something like a fan filter if you put an intake hole on the bottom of the cabinet up front. Just to eliminate a bunch of dust/dirt from getting pulled in. Just something to help cycle air through the cabinet and remove the heat. Even one fan at the front bottom and rear back panel to circulate the air would be better than nothing.

 

[zachn]

Thanks, I went ahead and ordered the AC Infinity S7 Airplate, it's a dual 120mm unit which can be powered by a USB port on the PC which is great. My dad has plenty tools to get the job done well, so i'll move my system to the Node 605, install the fan unit and test temps. I believe the dual 120mm exhaust at the back will do the job well. Cold air intake will be taken from the front, there is a small gap between the cabinet door and the unit where air can flow in, I think that should be just fine.

Also, my apartment is on the first floor, and is counter directional to sunlight, so the room is pretty cool most of the time.

 

[synphul]

Looks like it should work well. It won't need a wind tunnel, just some air exchange. If it turns out you don't need fans in the front even better, less chance of fan noise. Also doesn't look like it will harm the cabinet with a small change like that infinity airplate. If you get around to it when it's done let us know how it goes and the kind of temps you're getting on it. It may help others with a similar situation.

 

[zachn]

Sure thing, I'll definitely do that Thanks for your help bros!

 

[zachn]

While we're on that subject, do you guys know if an H100i will fit into a Node 605? According to the specs there is room for 2x120mm fans next to each other, but I'm not sure if the rad + fans will clear the motherboard slots.

Thx

 

[Wolfshadw]

Looks like there is room for two 120mm fans, but not both the radiator and fans. I don't think you'd have enough space with the power supply in place.

-Wolf sends