What would make a good UHD HTPC

[Jamie]

Thanks for bringing me back to reality..

Actually the Razer PC gave me some ideas on the case design I am looking for in a HTPC and Desktop PC. I think corsair mini itx had what I wanted but it is sold out. I will watch what you have to say, but I will look into this direction before I choose a case

[Pauven]

If you're interested in the Razor, there is a case out there that mimics the similar XBox Series X case design.

[Jamie]

Okay here are two cases I will go with depending how you judge them. Regarding size they both are a little larger than my sister's HP pavilion slimline series PC which I feel is okay.

I think these cases will hold a regular GPU card. Please let me know if that is not true. What do you think about each one. I am leaning toward the less expensive cool master. Is it a good choice?

Regarding a UHD optical drive. I bought 3 friendly internal drives a few years ago. I can buy a usb external optical drive enclosure nd place it above or beside the case. Is this a good choice?

1. https://www.amazon.com/Razer-Tomahawk-M ... PMRTG?th=1

2. https://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Tr ... B08G3PMRTG

3. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... html/specs

I am not crazy about water cooling. What do you think? Do you think it will be too noisy and is there a way to find out their noise factor before buying?

[Jamie]

If you're interested in the Razor, there is a case out there that mimics the similar XBox Series X case design.

Yes, it's a NZXT H1. I like it. It was a little over $300 on amazon and I think Microsoft wasn't too happy about it. It has been taken off the Amazon site.

Jamie

[Pauven]

If you're thinking of using an external usb enclosure, I'd recommend buying one first and testing it out, before buying a case. That way you can choose a different case if the external route doesn't work.

Both cases seem good. I think the cooler master can handle longer and wider video cards than the razer, but being that these are both itx cases, definitely double-check video card measurements and make sure the case can handle it.

I'd avoid water cooling, a proper htpc should be low power with low heat generation, and water cooling pumps would add noise beyond what air cooling produces at these low temp loads.

I'm still confused by your direction. You're choosing a really cool case, but forcing yourself to use an external drive, and most full size enclosures are pretty ugly. One way around this may be too buy a Buffalo BRUHD-PU3. You can get a pre-flashed friendly one without to much trouble.

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[Jamie]

You're right there are very few external DVD\Bluray drive cases available. The enclosure that I bought for my desk top a few years ago is sold out or overly price. I think it looks pretty good. The problem is finding it at a non scalped price

I will have to see whether I can get a good deal on ebay.

https://vantecusa.com/products_detail.php?p_id=51

Jamie

[Jamie]

I got one at Fry's for $45. Everyone lese wants $72, if they have them in stock at all. I had to check multiple times to make sure it was not a slim model which seems to be the only type in stock.

Vantec 5.25" DVD/CD/SATA USB 3.0 External Enclosure NST-536S3-BK

Thanks for bringing this to my attention!!!!!!!!

Jamie

[Pauven]

Brand new NUC case that I think you might like:

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/akasa ... turing-qlx

[Jamie]

Here are the cases I am contemplating. The modular series 9 NUC may get some more looks.

I believe that I found all my case possibilities.

1. https://www2.razer.com/eu-en/gaming-des ... r-tomahawk

2. Elite 130 https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/ca ... /elite130/

3. NR200P https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/ca ... ox-nr200p/

4. https://www.silverstonetek.com/product. ... 41&area=en

5. NC 100 https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/ca ... ase-nc100/

Going over what we discussed yesterday, I found that I like this case #4. You are probably shocked to hear this seeing tht I bought the dvd enclosure. I have other thoughts on that and I like to keep spares around too.

Right now I like the coolmaster and the silverstonetek and my final case will be either one of these two. Plus the NUC.

[Jamie]

Okay, can a guy change his mind. I like this NUC case.

https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/ca ... ase-nc100/