Question What are some smaller cases (mini-ITX to MicroATX) that are easier to build in/modify?

[boagz]

Just wondering if people had suggestions on smaller pc cases (mini-itx to micro ATX) that actually were fairly easy to build in and have easier modification paths to things like ssd's and maybe gpu since those tend to get swapped out the most. I currently have the lian li mini-itx TU150 but I dont have easy access to swap ssds and it can be a pain to build in (which is to be expected with mini-itx but just curious if there were better options in this regard).

 

[punkncat]

I have dealt with a bunch of M-ATX boards with plenty of access front and back. That shouldn't be too hard to find just in a search on Newegg for something you like with those features, such as cutout in the motherboard tray so you can get m.2 mounted on the back of mobo, etc.

M-ITX, now that is a whole other story. I have owned quite a few. I think the Cooler Master Elite (I cannot recall the model #) was super easy to build in and access for most things. It was almost completely mesh so the biggest thing I didn't like was with little to no space for wire management you just sort of had to bundle them up and ignore it. Thermaltake makes a small tower M-ITX system that I have built in and it's pretty easy to deal with.

I think the best advice I could give you on the M-ITX is to purchase an SFX power supply with adapter plate and use a fully modular PSU so you can only use the cabling you need. Plan out your build as you select parts such that you know things are and will go where you want them.

 

[boagz]

I have dealt with a bunch of M-ATX boards with plenty of access front and back. That shouldn't be too hard to find just in a search on Newegg for something you like with those features, such as cutout in the motherboard tray so you can get m.2 mounted on the back of mobo, etc.

M-ITX, now that is a whole other story. I have owned quite a few. I think the Cooler Master Elite (I cannot recall the model #) was super easy to build in and access for most things. It was almost completely mesh so the biggest thing I didn't like was with little to no space for wire management you just sort of had to bundle them up and ignore it. Thermaltake makes a small tower M-ITX system that I have built in and it's pretty easy to deal with.

I think the best advice I could give you on the M-ITX is to purchase an SFX power supply with adapter plate and use a fully modular PSU so you can only use the cabling you need. Plan out your build as you select parts such that you know things are and will go where you want them.

Okay, thanks for you insight. I will definitely checkout those couple you mentioned to at lease give me a good starting point

 

[punkncat]

Sure thing. I wish I had some more specific information for you. I have built a lot of the ITX based systems in some of the above mentioned cases, some Lian Li, Rajintek, InWin....

The case you list seems to be pretty accessible as well, I mean as well as ITX are. I really like the "go handle" on top, that is pretty slick.

My current favorite is the modified Rajintek Metis I have on hand. I have done quite a few builds in it so at this point I have gotten pretty good with it. The thing is, that first build in this case is a freaking nightmare and especially so with a full ATX power supply. I learned a few tricks with it and honestly is a case that presents well and is made of metal all around. Biggest detractor is the plexi side panel and the fact that if you put really powerful equipment in it runs pretty warm. I took out the plexi and replaced it with critter cage for air flow and works pretty well now. Takes up very little space and looks good to boot.

edit- it is actually the case pictured in my avatar.

 

[ilukey77]

Nr200p max is a amazing case only down side is it not good for alot of high end 3rd party cards and its not black black its more of a dark grey!!
or the upside down mod on the normal nr 200 case like this

this gives the ability to put a 280mm rad up the top and run a vertical mount gpu in the cooler master nr 200p which has a few cool colours and also comes in a black black colour !!

jonsbo d31 is another great case to fit crazy amounts of stuff with a Matx form factor mobo

my current sig build !!

 

[boagz]

Thanks guys. You have given me alot to think about. iLukey those cases do look pretty cool and jonsbo d31 certainly looks tempting.

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[Math Geek]

i went with a Core V1 for my last mini build

Core V1

- Built-in 200mm fan - Interchangeable side panels

www.thermaltake.com

all sides and the top come off so you can easily get to everything. takes a full atx psu if you wish and i was surprised i got an old gpu in it that is actually 11" long!!

took a minute to maneuver it in but it fits and does not hit anything

 

[kira-faye]

The A4-H20 is pleasant as ITX cases go, and the NZXT H1 v1 was pleasant to build in (though otherwise deeply flawed) as well.

 

[geofelt]

ITX is a challenge and not well suited to easy changes after the initial build.
Particularly when there is a hot graphics card and good cpu cooling needed.

MATX has a lot going for it.
The price of MATX motherboards is less.
Some years ago, I needed a case with a dvd drawer and no more than 16" depth.
I built using a Silverstone TJ-08E.
At the time it accommodated aGTX1080ti and a Noctua NH-D15 cooler.
The case is an inverted format and provided support both of these heavy parts.
The front intake is a 180mm fan and it has easily changeable filters.
The best way to appreciate the case is to check out a review:

SilverStone Temjin SST-TJ08-Evolution M-ATX Tower Chassis Review

The TJ08 of yesteryear gets not only a facelift, but a complete rethinking of what makes for a successful Micro-ATX chassis. SilverStone has delivered the latest Evolution; come take a look!

www.tweaktown.com