HTPC or Home Theatre Personal Computers are better than you standards PCs. This is due to their advancement in management capabilities and media handling. They are designed to provide more storage space to enhance your media experience.
HTPC is a multi-dimensional technology that offers you various outputs in multiple ports and drive bays. It will be the all-in-one source for various entertainment content such as movies, television shows, virtual reality, and photographs. You can get quick access to any content with optimum control.
Alongside a good HTPC device, you would also require a suitable HTPC case. The guide reviews some of the best HTPC cases and provides a guide of necessary considerations during purchase.
Need a quick decision?
Top Picks for Best HTPC Cases
The Silverstone Technology home theatre computer case is equipped with Positive Pneumatic Force Configuration. This means that this system has an impressive cooling system but with a very quiet operation.
There are sections for accommodating an ATX power, ATX motherboard, 3.5 inches, 5.25 inches, and 2.5-inch drives. You will also find drive limiters in this case which are used for mounting the PC. The whole structure is planned, and you can keep objects only at their dedicated slots.
The durability of the case is high with a brushed aluminum front. Moreover, due to the presence of different mounts, the case’s whole construction has been made very sturdy. Even though the case’s overall structure is small, the sizes of the ATX power and motherboard are variable.
Pros
- Lightweight at 7 liters
- Variable mounts for easy adjustment
- Sturdy and durable construction
Cons
- The top cannot support large gadgets
- Multi-purpose segments restrict airflow
The Thermaltake Core G3 ATX Slim stands up to its name of having one of the slimmest constructions in this category. This compact case with dimensions 17.9 in x 5.5 in x 14.6 in can fit easily into any entertainment center or workspace. This case is also perfect for traveling due to the presence of GPU cushion supports and travel foam.
You can accommodate variable sizes of ATX, Micro ATX, and MINI-ITX motherboard in this case. There are two expansion slots and two drive sounds of 3.5 inches and 2.5 inches. The case is also equipped with 3.0 USB ports, one 2.0 USB port, and one HD audio port.
The ventilation system of the case is amazing, with two front fans and one top fan. This ensures that there is proper airflow in the case and the unit does not get heated.
Pros
- ATX Motherboards supported
- Budget-friendly option
- The case size is reduced with the help of SFX power
Cons
- The board link is not good
- Slightly low-durability construction
The In-Win Desktop Case is highly recommended for its perfect ventilation framework. It has one fan of 90 mm at the case’s front. The case has a traditional and clean design, with slots for installing mini-ATX and micro-ATX motherboards. This case is also equipped with the TFX300W12V Force.
Despite being slim, the case has numerous slots that would let you accommodate the necessary components. There are two 3.0 USB ports and two 2.0 USB ports, along with four developmental beginnings. You will find two external inlets of 5.25 inches and 3.5 inches in the case. Additionally, there are two internal inlets of 3.5 inches and 2.5 inches.
Due to the slim construction, you can fit the unit anywhere without needing much space. Moreover, the whole setup is very lightweight, which means you can carry them anywhere you want very easily.
Pros
- Expandable case
- Installation is easy
- The side cover has a quick-release feature
Cons
- The internal cooling system is restricted
The RGeek computer case is perfect for your theater PCs due to its very small size. This compact and lightweight HTPC case is just for an ATX motherboard. Moreover, you can fit a mini-ITX motherboard in this case. You can only consider this case for small setups with dimensions 197 mm x 197 mm x 80 mm.
There are two different drives in this case: the 2.5 inches SSD or SATA drive and the 3.5 inches hard drive. You will find two 3.0 USB ports at the front of the case. Despite being such a small design, the ventilation framework in the case is exceptional.
Along with such a traditional design, the quality of the construction is also very high. However, you will not be able to accommodate any larger motherboard in it.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable aluminum construction
- Traditional design
Cons
- It does not have much interior space
- Lack of extension spaces
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
The Cooler Master HAF XB EVO has exceptional ventilation and cooling framework that prevents your PCs from getting overheated. Most PCs face liquid cooling issues due to the lack of a cooling plan in the case. However, this case handles all of these problems and much more.
The framework is removable and can be changed according to the needs of the user. For people who open their PCs regularly, the top board can be spread while you can remove the side. Moreover, the motherboard plate is removable, which gives you lots of space for setting up your unit.
The case is equipped with two optical drive biases of 5.25 inches and two 3.5 inches HDD space. There are two 3.0 USB connectors and two fans of 120mm for enhanced air cooling.
Pros
- VGA with a maximum length of 334mm can be accommodated
- Sides are equipped with covey handles
- Amazing wind current
Cons
- Heavyweight
- Case is square-shaped
The Silverstone Technology mini-ITX slim is a gaming framework that is very rare in the market. This model has a common motherboard form factor that comes with passive cooling vents. Moreover, the model is dependent on the CPU cooler and PSU cooling system.
The case is equipped with two 3.0 USB or audio ports in the front. With so many amazing plans, the case would be the perfect addition to your theater setup. With just a weight of 10 pounds, this case is also very lightweight. It has two 2.5 inches drives along with a 130 inches space for inserting graphics card.
The case has a drive feature that is a tool-less and very efficient cooling system. The passive vents ensure that the unit inside is not headed even after hours of usage.
Pros
- Drive cage is tool-less
- 13 inches graphics card supported
- Lightweight
Cons
- The outer construction is of plastic
- Low durability
The Antec Slim Desktop Micro ATX-Case is for users who like easy-to-use setups. There are mini-ATX and micro-ATX motherboards set up in the case. A 3-year warranty is provided with the case, which makes this a successful and long-term investment.
The case has many yield ports and three drive biases of 2.5 inches, 3.5 inches, and 5.25 inches. You can open the case body with the delivery button very easily. Moreover, you can push the board backward with the delivery catch. Users can access the HDD and ODD compartments by using the same delivery catch.
When it comes to cooling, the case has a fan of 92 mm, which is temperature-controlled. Additionally, this case is very lightweight, which makes it easily portable. For vertical installation, the case has an organization base.
Pros
- HDD and ODD system accessed with delivery catch
- Vertical installation made easy with base
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for gaming
- Basic low-profile designs
The In-Win Desktop 300W Haswell Case is best for its sturdy and slim design. This case is small in size and is a great option for people who travel frequently. You cannot go for a large motherboard size since the form factor is compatible with Micro-ATX, DTX, and mini-ITX.
For drive expansion, you will get external drive space of 3.5 inches and 5.25 inches. Moreover, there are two internal drive spaces of 3.5 inches and one of 2.5 inches. Due to the case’s small size, you can easily fit the unit in your theater bureau.
The case features PPCT, which is partition plate cooling technology. This is an exceptional innovation that ensures noise separation and advanced warmth. Moreover, the air channel is removable along with customizable air vents.
Pros
- Standard tool-free expansion slot covers
- Four slots for drive expansion
- Users can set it up vertically in the theater bureau
Cons
- Very basic design
- It does not let users customize the space
Things to Consider While Buying HTPC Cases
While buying any HTPC case, there are certain things that you need to ensure are present. Without these considerations, you would end up choosing the wrong product. Below are some of the important factors that you should not avoid when purchasing an HTPC case.
Form Factor
There is variety in the shape and size of computer cases, and the one you choose should be suitable for your HTPC unit. Motherboard form factors are a major concern when you are choosing an HTPC case. You need to know the type of motherboard and the power supply that the case would accommodate.
The case should also provide the necessary space for drives, interface cards, and other peripherals. That is why you need to choose a case that is compatible with the unit you are buying. It is better to look for the same manufacturer cases since they will have more common areas.
Construction
Your HTPC unit will have slight vibration and will produce sound during operation. That is, there are two major features when looking at the construction of the cases. The case should be able to control the vibration effects as much as possible and provide sound isolation and insulation.
The construction of the case should be very sturdy so that it does not wear out easily. When you buy a large case, there may be plenty of space left even after accommodating your HTPC unit. However, it will be hard to fit it into your desired location. That is why the size needs to be accurate along with a durable frame.
Ventilation
The case that you buy should have appropriate space for airflow and ventilation. If the case does not have proper ventilation, the unit will heat up. In terms of cooling, you will find fans and other ventilation components in the case. You need to ensure that, along with proper ventilation, the components function noiselessly.
You need to opt for a case with quiet operation components so that the environment is not disturbed. Loud cooling components can be a great nuisance for you and other people. Most HTPC cases have better airflow vents and a well-directed cooling process than ordinary PC cases.
Appearance
HTPC cases are more prone to be visible to people than desktop cases since they are generally kept in your home’s entertainment centers. That is why the appearance of these cases is an important consideration. You do not want people to come to your home and see a cheap-looking unit.
The color, fit, finish, and size of the case matters a lot. That is why you need to ensure that your choice is elegant and has a proper finish. Even in budget-friendly options, you should never go for cases that look cheap.
Make sure that the case fits perfectly inside the case and there is no extra space left. That is why you need to measure the size of the unit before you choose the case size.
Price
The budget and the case price are important to determine since your whole purchasing decision will depend on this factor. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, you need to ensure that the HTPC case has the necessary features. You cannot compromise on the features for a lower price range.
The guide showcases a mixture of budget-friendly and high-range products for different users. One of the best things is that even the budget-friendly options come with amazing features. Therefore, no matter which price-range you go for, you will not be disappointed with the product.
Summing Up
Buying an HTPC case is not an easy decision and requires you to go through several important points. There is a lot of research about the HTPC case that needs to be done before making the final decision. Whether it is the availability of slots for flash drives or the number of ports present, you need to look for several features.
With the guide, you will get proper assistance in your decision-making process. Whether you choose to buy any of the products mentioned here or not, you will have a clear idea of which HTPC case you are looking for.