Hardware News

HTPC Case Review Roundup

Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan

2009-09-11 11:00:00.0


Benchmark Reviews, Metku, TechwareLabs, and XtremeComputing have reviewed Home Theather PC (HTPC) cases from Chieftec, nMediaPC, SilverStone, and Thermaltake.

Here's what they had to say:

  • Benchmark Reviews: nMediaPC HTPC 8000 Wood MCE Caseþ Review:

    "In conclusion, I am completely satisfied with the nMediaPC HTPC 8000. Very few wooden cases exist on the retail market, and even fewer offer the beauty and finish that this HTPC enclosure offers. For the money, you're getting more than you pay for; including space and features. The HTPC 8000 will work best as a standalone unit, since it demands a footprint larger than most entertainment centers can afford. The final perk is the wood construction, which allows the enthusiast builder to modify the HTPC 8000 into just about anything they desire... including some of the ideas I've shared in this article."


    Click here to read the full review.


  • Metku: SilverStone Grandia Series GD03 HTPC Case Review:

    "After taking a thorough look at the GD03, I can't help but think how awesome choice this must be for those looking to build a combined HTPC/file server-rig. The thing is that when SilverStone makes quite literally dozens of different HTPC-models, they can afford to make such specialized choices. With the GD03, the choice seems to have been to maximize the amount of HDD-bays. Also the hot-swap drive bays seem to fall in the same category of making cases to a rather specific group of customers.

    Overall the GD03 is a decent HTPC-case, it features the thick, classy front panel, but steel is used elsewhere. This choice seems the right way to go for me personally, as my HTPC would just get stacked with other AV-equipment and the lovely front bezel would be all I ever saw."


    Click here to read the full review.


  • TechwareLabs: Thermaltake DH-202 HTPC (Media PC) Chassis Review:

    "The Thermaltake DH-202 is a spectacular case. It offers everything you need and more in a Home Theater PC Case. The brushed aluminum and black paino finish give it a stunning look and will fit perfectly in with your home theater entertainment center. The installation of the components into the case went very smoothly. The MediaLab software worked perfect with the front panel display and could handle everything I wanted it to do and more. Overall I had no issues with either the installation or the ease of use, which is why I would have to say that this is truly an amazing product. Although the price tag might be a little hefty for some consumers it is still very affordable when compared with other HTPC (media PC) cases on the market with similar features."


    Click here to read the full review.


  • XtremeComputing: Chieftec Media/HTPC (HT01SL) Micro ATX Case Review:

    "The Chieftec HT-01SL is a nice case, it looks very nice, and it was relatively easy to work with for a small case. I did originally intend to fit a non standard cooler but it was too tall so I had to resort to a stock AMD cooler, albeit a heat pipe cooler from a quad core cpu so this should have been more than enough to keep my dual core under control. However with the lid on the case within 20 minutes or so the temperature had risen an indicated 10 degrees and the fan speed had increased by over 1000 rpm and the noise from it was becoming noticeable, this was with the pc at idle, less than 1v on the core and running at 800mhz so it would seem my concerns about airflow weren’t entirely unfounded."


    Click here to read the full review.

Enjoy!

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