Final Words
We at AnandTech want to stress that we believe certain issues are much more important when deciding on an HTPC, and other issues which normally matter a lot in the desktop environment simply don’t anymore.
Namely, an HTPC really doesn’t need all the tool-less features of a nice desktop case. They’re certainly appreciated, but a home theater computer most likely shouldn’t need to be upgraded that often, if at all.
So, what then are the more important aspects? Certainly, styling is up there, as no one wants components to dress down their living space. In this realm, we really feel that all four cases really have to be considered equal, since users have such different perspectives on what "good looking" means. The possible exception is the Overture, simply because it doesn't attempt to stealthily cover any of the external drives, but even then, it's still just a matter of preference to what one considers attractive. Also, glossy black metallic paint jobs aren't really all that common, and fingerprints can be a bit of a pain (at least Antec does include a cleaning cloth with the Overture II).
In our own opinion, the Tenor makes the boldest statement aesthetically and would probably fit in nicely with a more modern décor. At the other end of the spectrum is the more discrete Mstation, but with the problems with both of these case's optical drive systems, it's a bit of a gamble if they're the right case for you. Looking at the heat and noise charts alone, the Overture II appears to be a solid winner, and it's true that if noise and temperatures are the most important aspects, that would be a smart choice.
Does this mean that we think the Overture II is the best case in this roundup? No, each case in this roundup has something unique to offer and ultimately, it just comes down to what the prospective buyer is looking for. Basically, we feel that the ~$90 Tenor is a great value, which offers the most options and expandability and would be the best for the power-user who expects to build a very extensive media PC. The ~$130 Lian Li only gets our nod to users who love the perforated look (and slightly odd dimensions), and want as trouble-free of an installation as possible. If hot components aren't a problem, the Mstation definitely takes the cake as the quietest, sleekest performer - but beware the picky optical drive tray cover. Sadly, it doesn't appear very easy to get a case from 3R System in the U.S., so we really don't know what one could get the case for here. 3R is a Korean based company, and if the case really appeals to someone, we'd recommend checking them out in more detail at http://www.3rsys.com/english/main.asp. Lastly, the ~$100 Overture II is a cooling-performance-per-decibel marvel that is the perfect choice for users who don't want to have to get a separate power supply and then plan on getting a nice looking optical drive and perhaps floppy/card reader drive.
With quite a few little strikes against each case, we simply cannot justify giving any an editor's choice award. However, all four of these cases are still excellent, and combined with the proper components, they won't give users any problems. These types of cases have already improved ten-fold, so we can only imagine what the next generation of HTPC enclosures will offer. Hopefully, they'll be just as quiet and simply get the little things like stealthy drive covers and power supply and motherboard clearance issues straightened out.
We at AnandTech want to stress that we believe certain issues are much more important when deciding on an HTPC, and other issues which normally matter a lot in the desktop environment simply don’t anymore.
Namely, an HTPC really doesn’t need all the tool-less features of a nice desktop case. They’re certainly appreciated, but a home theater computer most likely shouldn’t need to be upgraded that often, if at all.
So, what then are the more important aspects? Certainly, styling is up there, as no one wants components to dress down their living space. In this realm, we really feel that all four cases really have to be considered equal, since users have such different perspectives on what "good looking" means. The possible exception is the Overture, simply because it doesn't attempt to stealthily cover any of the external drives, but even then, it's still just a matter of preference to what one considers attractive. Also, glossy black metallic paint jobs aren't really all that common, and fingerprints can be a bit of a pain (at least Antec does include a cleaning cloth with the Overture II).
In our own opinion, the Tenor makes the boldest statement aesthetically and would probably fit in nicely with a more modern décor. At the other end of the spectrum is the more discrete Mstation, but with the problems with both of these case's optical drive systems, it's a bit of a gamble if they're the right case for you. Looking at the heat and noise charts alone, the Overture II appears to be a solid winner, and it's true that if noise and temperatures are the most important aspects, that would be a smart choice.
Does this mean that we think the Overture II is the best case in this roundup? No, each case in this roundup has something unique to offer and ultimately, it just comes down to what the prospective buyer is looking for. Basically, we feel that the ~$90 Tenor is a great value, which offers the most options and expandability and would be the best for the power-user who expects to build a very extensive media PC. The ~$130 Lian Li only gets our nod to users who love the perforated look (and slightly odd dimensions), and want as trouble-free of an installation as possible. If hot components aren't a problem, the Mstation definitely takes the cake as the quietest, sleekest performer - but beware the picky optical drive tray cover. Sadly, it doesn't appear very easy to get a case from 3R System in the U.S., so we really don't know what one could get the case for here. 3R is a Korean based company, and if the case really appeals to someone, we'd recommend checking them out in more detail at http://www.3rsys.com/english/main.asp. Lastly, the ~$100 Overture II is a cooling-performance-per-decibel marvel that is the perfect choice for users who don't want to have to get a separate power supply and then plan on getting a nice looking optical drive and perhaps floppy/card reader drive.
With quite a few little strikes against each case, we simply cannot justify giving any an editor's choice award. However, all four of these cases are still excellent, and combined with the proper components, they won't give users any problems. These types of cases have already improved ten-fold, so we can only imagine what the next generation of HTPC enclosures will offer. Hopefully, they'll be just as quiet and simply get the little things like stealthy drive covers and power supply and motherboard clearance issues straightened out.
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BigandSlimey - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
These guys http://www.atechfabrication.com/products/HTPC_case...">http://www.atechfabrication.com/products/HTPC_case... have been designing their cases in conjunction with the HTPC guru's at avsforum. I'd suggest anyone planning to build a HTPC to go to http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=...">http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=... and do some reading, there's a lot to consider.I'm also surprised at your omission of the Ahanix cases http://www.ahanix.com/ahanix_product_list.asp?cid=...">http://www.ahanix.com/ahanix_product_list.asp?cid=... which IMO look a lot better than any of the options on your article.
See also: http://www.origenae.com/products_htpc.htm">http://www.origenae.com/products_htpc.htm
http://www.silverstonetek.com/product-case.htm">http://www.silverstonetek.com/product-case.htm
ceefka - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
Those Origenae look very nice. I meant the X15 in my earlier comment. This one will cost around 500 bucks. Expensive, but very pretty.lukecon - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
All well and good on the review love AnandTech's review but I think you guys forgot something - The TV tuner in your system - I mean it is a Home Theater PC.Tamale - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
The tuner shouldn't really pose any additional problems with a particular case, and the 6600GT we use gets as hot or even hotter than most video cards with built-in tuners.Perhaps the cooling in an HTPC would be changed dramatically though if another expansion card is also in the system.. hmm.. I'll have to think about that one. Thanks for the comment.
BigLan - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
Actually, tuners can get pretty toasty, maybe not as hot as a video card, but they don't have active cooling on them. An MCE-500 dual tuner stuck in the last slot with no airflow could be a problem.If you are adding a soundcard as well, it can also impede airflow which exacerbates the problem.
tkr2099 - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
Very nice review! I'm planning on building a HTPC this holiday season, so this review could not have come at a better time. Thank you, Anandtech, for another extremely well written and helpful review!tayhimself - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
IMO Silverstone especially and less so Ahanix are specialized HTPC vendors. Either you didnt know this, didnt bother to do research, or didnt get a free sample from them. None of which is a terribly good thing.AFAIK no 3R systems cases have been available in North America since about 3 years ago when newegg carried a few. Theyre a Korean manufacturer of quality cases that are quite popular in Australia (I'm in Canada FYI).
Also, why the POS power supply along with the lousy thermaltake heatsink with a hot P4 system? Not too many people are building HTPCs with P4s, and they tend to use better components than Mad Dog and ThermalTake (no offense to the *bling* obsessed).
The measurements dont jive with the subjective measurements as a 9 dB difference between the loudest and quietest is almost twice as loud.
A poor review, that doesnt belong on AT. I could probably write a better review and I've never done one before.
MPE - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
I could probably write a better review and I've never done one before.Cop out - not to mention inconsequential, immature, ad hominem, and probably false.
tayhimself - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
ad hominem? Go to http://dictionary.com">dictionary.comceefka - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
Isn't that just perfect? If you can get these temperature numbers with P4, you know that a 90nm s939 is going to do just fine.There are so many cases to chose from. Even with built in LCD screens (not cheap btw). Maybe AT can inlcude HTPC's in their entry/mid-range/high-end reviews and builds. On the other hand, this could be a totally different category by itself. You'd also have the opportunity to chose platform.
This brings forth the next question: How long before Apple makes a Home-Pod, HTPC based on Mac ingrediënts. They should be able to make/develop one by now.