Overclock.net › Forums › Case Mods & Cases › Computer Cases › Looking for a good small (mATX) case.
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Looking for a good small (mATX) case.

post #1 of 16
Thread Starter 
Hi,

I'm looking for a good (pretty) case that wouldn't be bigger than a mid tower to host my mATX board and a cheap Heatsink (maybe a CM 212 something).
My budget for the case would be around 50€ and for the Heatsink not over 20€ (I'm selling it to someone who doesn't know the first thing about computers and will be moving it every week, my stock cooler failed a bit before I water cooled the CPU and that's why I need a new one otherwise I'd leave him the stock one).

US prices and EU (FR) prices are sometimes very different so I guess some $100 cases could be around 50€.

Thanks.
Current rig
(17 items)
 
   
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-860 Dell Inc. 0T568R PNY XLR8 GTX 560 Ti "mutant" No Name 4*1 gig 
Hard DriveOptical DriveCoolingOS
Crucial M4 64 Gig (7mm version) Random DVD writter. Stock Windows 7 Ultimate 
MonitorKeyboardPowerCase
LG Flatron W2243S 21.5" 1080p Razer Lycosa OCZ StealthXstream 2 700W NZXT Phantom White / Blue 
MouseMouse PadAudioOther
Razer Deathadder 3500dpi Razer Scarab Razer Carcharias Roccat Apuri mouse Bungee / usb hub 
Other
Samsung HDD 7200 rpm 1To 
CoolingPowerOtherOther
EK Supreme HF CU Full copper MCP350 Alphacool DDC plexi top EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 2x D14SM-12 Yate Loon... 
OtherOtherOtherOther
EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 4x NF P14 FLX Noctuas... Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex 250ml reservoir 8/11mm ClearFlex60 tubing Mayhems Blue Berry Pastel + full bottle of Mayh... 
Other
Phobya fittings: 2x 45° | 2x 90° | 6x Straight 
  hide details  
Reply
Current rig
(17 items)
 
   
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-860 Dell Inc. 0T568R PNY XLR8 GTX 560 Ti "mutant" No Name 4*1 gig 
Hard DriveOptical DriveCoolingOS
Crucial M4 64 Gig (7mm version) Random DVD writter. Stock Windows 7 Ultimate 
MonitorKeyboardPowerCase
LG Flatron W2243S 21.5" 1080p Razer Lycosa OCZ StealthXstream 2 700W NZXT Phantom White / Blue 
MouseMouse PadAudioOther
Razer Deathadder 3500dpi Razer Scarab Razer Carcharias Roccat Apuri mouse Bungee / usb hub 
Other
Samsung HDD 7200 rpm 1To 
CoolingPowerOtherOther
EK Supreme HF CU Full copper MCP350 Alphacool DDC plexi top EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 2x D14SM-12 Yate Loon... 
OtherOtherOtherOther
EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 4x NF P14 FLX Noctuas... Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex 250ml reservoir 8/11mm ClearFlex60 tubing Mayhems Blue Berry Pastel + full bottle of Mayh... 
Other
Phobya fittings: 2x 45° | 2x 90° | 6x Straight 
  hide details  
Reply
post #2 of 16
I really like my case. Coolermaster Elite 341. 1x 120mm front fan, 2x 120 side fans and one rear. Cheap, non flashy, simple, and effective.
Costed me like $45. I think they stopped producing it but might still be able to find it for sale online somewhere.
Manny Pacquiao
(15 items)
 
  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
2500k 4.6 ghz ASUS Maximus GeneZ MSI 560ti TFII/OC (950/1900/2200) A-Data 2x2gb 1600c9 
RAMHard DriveOptical DriveCooling
Gskill RipJaws X 2x4gb 1600c9 x2 F3 500gb Raid0 HP Lightscribe Antec Kuhler 920 Akasa Viper P/P 
OSMonitorPowerCase
7 x64 Ultimate Acer 23" 1080p XFX 650w Cooler Master 341 
  hide details  
Reply
Manny Pacquiao
(15 items)
 
  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
2500k 4.6 ghz ASUS Maximus GeneZ MSI 560ti TFII/OC (950/1900/2200) A-Data 2x2gb 1600c9 
RAMHard DriveOptical DriveCooling
Gskill RipJaws X 2x4gb 1600c9 x2 F3 500gb Raid0 HP Lightscribe Antec Kuhler 920 Akasa Viper P/P 
OSMonitorPowerCase
7 x64 Ultimate Acer 23" 1080p XFX 650w Cooler Master 341 
  hide details  
Reply
post #3 of 16
Thread Starter 
Thanks for that but it's actually "too basic". By that I mean it sort of looks like what you'd find at school. The person I'm trying to sell it to wouldn't be convinced by that case.
So you can have a better idea of what I'm looking for I like the basic looks of the Fractal Design cases or even the Silverstone TJ08-E case. That's the kind of size and "basic looks" I'd be going for but they're way over 50€. Oh and I'm not saying other fancy cases wouldn't be what I'm looking for, I can't tell until I've seen them but I think that at that price the only fancy ones would be Advance ones and I'm not taking any of their cases'.
Current rig
(17 items)
 
   
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-860 Dell Inc. 0T568R PNY XLR8 GTX 560 Ti "mutant" No Name 4*1 gig 
Hard DriveOptical DriveCoolingOS
Crucial M4 64 Gig (7mm version) Random DVD writter. Stock Windows 7 Ultimate 
MonitorKeyboardPowerCase
LG Flatron W2243S 21.5" 1080p Razer Lycosa OCZ StealthXstream 2 700W NZXT Phantom White / Blue 
MouseMouse PadAudioOther
Razer Deathadder 3500dpi Razer Scarab Razer Carcharias Roccat Apuri mouse Bungee / usb hub 
Other
Samsung HDD 7200 rpm 1To 
CoolingPowerOtherOther
EK Supreme HF CU Full copper MCP350 Alphacool DDC plexi top EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 2x D14SM-12 Yate Loon... 
OtherOtherOtherOther
EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 4x NF P14 FLX Noctuas... Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex 250ml reservoir 8/11mm ClearFlex60 tubing Mayhems Blue Berry Pastel + full bottle of Mayh... 
Other
Phobya fittings: 2x 45° | 2x 90° | 6x Straight 
  hide details  
Reply
Current rig
(17 items)
 
   
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-860 Dell Inc. 0T568R PNY XLR8 GTX 560 Ti "mutant" No Name 4*1 gig 
Hard DriveOptical DriveCoolingOS
Crucial M4 64 Gig (7mm version) Random DVD writter. Stock Windows 7 Ultimate 
MonitorKeyboardPowerCase
LG Flatron W2243S 21.5" 1080p Razer Lycosa OCZ StealthXstream 2 700W NZXT Phantom White / Blue 
MouseMouse PadAudioOther
Razer Deathadder 3500dpi Razer Scarab Razer Carcharias Roccat Apuri mouse Bungee / usb hub 
Other
Samsung HDD 7200 rpm 1To 
CoolingPowerOtherOther
EK Supreme HF CU Full copper MCP350 Alphacool DDC plexi top EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 2x D14SM-12 Yate Loon... 
OtherOtherOtherOther
EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 4x NF P14 FLX Noctuas... Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex 250ml reservoir 8/11mm ClearFlex60 tubing Mayhems Blue Berry Pastel + full bottle of Mayh... 
Other
Phobya fittings: 2x 45° | 2x 90° | 6x Straight 
  hide details  
Reply
post #4 of 16
I don't think you'll find anything as elegant as the Fractal Design Arc Mini..

I personally use the NZXT Vulcan, for an mATX case it has a ton of vents for airflow (side panel is almost entirely mesh). Though this case has more of an aggressive gamer-ish look to it.. maybe if you remove the carrying handle it will look a bit more boxy
Spartan
(13 items)
 
Comrade
(10 items)
 
 
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-3570K ASRock Z77 Pro4-M 1155 mATX Zotac GTX 660 G.SKILL Sniper DDR3-1600 (8 GB) 
Hard DriveMonitorKeyboardPower
SanDisk Extreme SSD Dell E2011H Microsoft Sidewinder x4 600W OCZ ModXStream Pro 
CaseMouse
NZXT Vulcan Razer DeathAdder Black Edition 
  hide details  
Reply
Spartan
(13 items)
 
Comrade
(10 items)
 
 
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5-3570K ASRock Z77 Pro4-M 1155 mATX Zotac GTX 660 G.SKILL Sniper DDR3-1600 (8 GB) 
Hard DriveMonitorKeyboardPower
SanDisk Extreme SSD Dell E2011H Microsoft Sidewinder x4 600W OCZ ModXStream Pro 
CaseMouse
NZXT Vulcan Razer DeathAdder Black Edition 
  hide details  
Reply
post #5 of 16
Fractal Design core 1000 Is good And For cooler Coolermaster Hyper TX3 Evo It only just fits in my Core 1000 and does a good job at cooling.
Mint
(14 items)
 
  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
[AMD] FX 4100  [Gigabyte] GA-880GM-USB3 (Rev 3.1) [MSI] Radeon HD 6770  [Crucial] Ballistix tactical tracers (2x2GB) 16... 
Hard DriveHard DriveCoolingOS
[Seagate] ST1000DM003 1TB (Storage) [SanDisk] 64GB SSD (Boot) [Coolermaster] Hyper TX3 Evo [Windows] 7 Professional x64 
MonitorPowerCaseMouse
[LG] Flatron W2246 22" [Novatech] PowerStation 500W PSU [Fractal Design] Core 1000  [Gigabyte] M6800 Gamings Mouse 
Mouse PadAudio
[Ozone] Groundlevel S Gaming Mousemat [Gigabyte] Onboard Audio 
  hide details  
Reply
Mint
(14 items)
 
  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
[AMD] FX 4100  [Gigabyte] GA-880GM-USB3 (Rev 3.1) [MSI] Radeon HD 6770  [Crucial] Ballistix tactical tracers (2x2GB) 16... 
Hard DriveHard DriveCoolingOS
[Seagate] ST1000DM003 1TB (Storage) [SanDisk] 64GB SSD (Boot) [Coolermaster] Hyper TX3 Evo [Windows] 7 Professional x64 
MonitorPowerCaseMouse
[LG] Flatron W2246 22" [Novatech] PowerStation 500W PSU [Fractal Design] Core 1000  [Gigabyte] M6800 Gamings Mouse 
Mouse PadAudio
[Ozone] Groundlevel S Gaming Mousemat [Gigabyte] Onboard Audio 
  hide details  
Reply
post #6 of 16
Thread Starter 
@mingqi53, I don't really like the Vulcan and I know it'll probably not be possible to get anything as good as that Arc Mini tongue.gif.

@Adrenaline, Looked at that one like a year or half year ago when I was considering selling my rig for the first time. It's not bad but it just hasn't got what I'd need (which isn't surprising considering that case is only 30€ wink.gif). For some reason that TX3 Evo was part of the 212 series so yes, that'd be one of those I'd consider.

I'm liking the NZXT Source 210 (and Elite versions). By looking at the pictures I figured the Elite had an additional 120mm Fan, screwless 5.25" and 3.5" bay tools and a USB 3.0 port (which really wouldn't be of any use, if anything it'd be an issue since the mobo doesn't support it). The basic version is a bit less than 40€ and the Elite is around 45€ so if I end up getting one of those it'd have to be the Elite version.
Ideally I'd want a smaller case though as that one supports up to ATX and so that'd just be extra useless space. But if they're really isn't anything better and he likes it I'd get that one.
Current rig
(17 items)
 
   
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-860 Dell Inc. 0T568R PNY XLR8 GTX 560 Ti "mutant" No Name 4*1 gig 
Hard DriveOptical DriveCoolingOS
Crucial M4 64 Gig (7mm version) Random DVD writter. Stock Windows 7 Ultimate 
MonitorKeyboardPowerCase
LG Flatron W2243S 21.5" 1080p Razer Lycosa OCZ StealthXstream 2 700W NZXT Phantom White / Blue 
MouseMouse PadAudioOther
Razer Deathadder 3500dpi Razer Scarab Razer Carcharias Roccat Apuri mouse Bungee / usb hub 
Other
Samsung HDD 7200 rpm 1To 
CoolingPowerOtherOther
EK Supreme HF CU Full copper MCP350 Alphacool DDC plexi top EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 2x D14SM-12 Yate Loon... 
OtherOtherOtherOther
EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 4x NF P14 FLX Noctuas... Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex 250ml reservoir 8/11mm ClearFlex60 tubing Mayhems Blue Berry Pastel + full bottle of Mayh... 
Other
Phobya fittings: 2x 45° | 2x 90° | 6x Straight 
  hide details  
Reply
Current rig
(17 items)
 
   
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-860 Dell Inc. 0T568R PNY XLR8 GTX 560 Ti "mutant" No Name 4*1 gig 
Hard DriveOptical DriveCoolingOS
Crucial M4 64 Gig (7mm version) Random DVD writter. Stock Windows 7 Ultimate 
MonitorKeyboardPowerCase
LG Flatron W2243S 21.5" 1080p Razer Lycosa OCZ StealthXstream 2 700W NZXT Phantom White / Blue 
MouseMouse PadAudioOther
Razer Deathadder 3500dpi Razer Scarab Razer Carcharias Roccat Apuri mouse Bungee / usb hub 
Other
Samsung HDD 7200 rpm 1To 
CoolingPowerOtherOther
EK Supreme HF CU Full copper MCP350 Alphacool DDC plexi top EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 2x D14SM-12 Yate Loon... 
OtherOtherOtherOther
EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 4x NF P14 FLX Noctuas... Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex 250ml reservoir 8/11mm ClearFlex60 tubing Mayhems Blue Berry Pastel + full bottle of Mayh... 
Other
Phobya fittings: 2x 45° | 2x 90° | 6x Straight 
  hide details  
Reply
post #7 of 16
How about this case: IN WIN Dragon Slayer. Its got a really nice look to it, design and construction looks good, its a bottom mount PSU case, and it has alot of good reviews. The price is right up your alley too.

EDIT: youtube review
Edited by Namwons - 9/22/12 at 8:24am
Manny Pacquiao
(15 items)
 
  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
2500k 4.6 ghz ASUS Maximus GeneZ MSI 560ti TFII/OC (950/1900/2200) A-Data 2x2gb 1600c9 
RAMHard DriveOptical DriveCooling
Gskill RipJaws X 2x4gb 1600c9 x2 F3 500gb Raid0 HP Lightscribe Antec Kuhler 920 Akasa Viper P/P 
OSMonitorPowerCase
7 x64 Ultimate Acer 23" 1080p XFX 650w Cooler Master 341 
  hide details  
Reply
Manny Pacquiao
(15 items)
 
  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
2500k 4.6 ghz ASUS Maximus GeneZ MSI 560ti TFII/OC (950/1900/2200) A-Data 2x2gb 1600c9 
RAMHard DriveOptical DriveCooling
Gskill RipJaws X 2x4gb 1600c9 x2 F3 500gb Raid0 HP Lightscribe Antec Kuhler 920 Akasa Viper P/P 
OSMonitorPowerCase
7 x64 Ultimate Acer 23" 1080p XFX 650w Cooler Master 341 
  hide details  
Reply
post #8 of 16
Thread Starter 
@Namwons, it's true that that case's interior is perfect and the size couldn't be any better. I'll ask if he likes it next week when I see him. You never know, if he doesn't have the same tastes as me he could really like it's looks smile.gif.

Oh, just found out about NZXT's Source 220. It's exactly the same as the Source 210 Elite but with a way prettier front (all mesh). Can't seem to be able to get it in France yet, can't even find its price.
Current rig
(17 items)
 
   
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-860 Dell Inc. 0T568R PNY XLR8 GTX 560 Ti "mutant" No Name 4*1 gig 
Hard DriveOptical DriveCoolingOS
Crucial M4 64 Gig (7mm version) Random DVD writter. Stock Windows 7 Ultimate 
MonitorKeyboardPowerCase
LG Flatron W2243S 21.5" 1080p Razer Lycosa OCZ StealthXstream 2 700W NZXT Phantom White / Blue 
MouseMouse PadAudioOther
Razer Deathadder 3500dpi Razer Scarab Razer Carcharias Roccat Apuri mouse Bungee / usb hub 
Other
Samsung HDD 7200 rpm 1To 
CoolingPowerOtherOther
EK Supreme HF CU Full copper MCP350 Alphacool DDC plexi top EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 2x D14SM-12 Yate Loon... 
OtherOtherOtherOther
EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 4x NF P14 FLX Noctuas... Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex 250ml reservoir 8/11mm ClearFlex60 tubing Mayhems Blue Berry Pastel + full bottle of Mayh... 
Other
Phobya fittings: 2x 45° | 2x 90° | 6x Straight 
  hide details  
Reply
Current rig
(17 items)
 
   
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i7-860 Dell Inc. 0T568R PNY XLR8 GTX 560 Ti "mutant" No Name 4*1 gig 
Hard DriveOptical DriveCoolingOS
Crucial M4 64 Gig (7mm version) Random DVD writter. Stock Windows 7 Ultimate 
MonitorKeyboardPowerCase
LG Flatron W2243S 21.5" 1080p Razer Lycosa OCZ StealthXstream 2 700W NZXT Phantom White / Blue 
MouseMouse PadAudioOther
Razer Deathadder 3500dpi Razer Scarab Razer Carcharias Roccat Apuri mouse Bungee / usb hub 
Other
Samsung HDD 7200 rpm 1To 
CoolingPowerOtherOther
EK Supreme HF CU Full copper MCP350 Alphacool DDC plexi top EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 2x D14SM-12 Yate Loon... 
OtherOtherOtherOther
EK Coolstream XTC 280mm | 4x NF P14 FLX Noctuas... Alphacool Cape Corp Coolplex 250ml reservoir 8/11mm ClearFlex60 tubing Mayhems Blue Berry Pastel + full bottle of Mayh... 
Other
Phobya fittings: 2x 45° | 2x 90° | 6x Straight 
  hide details  
Reply
post #9 of 16
Quote:
Originally Posted by steelkevin View Post

Thanks for that but it's actually "too basic". By that I mean it sort of looks like what you'd find at school. The person I'm trying to sell it to wouldn't be convinced by that case.

Your loss then. thumb.gif

The Elite 341 is one of the best mATX cases you can get for the money that is actually small. If you want anything that even comes close to rivaling it in cooling capability, you're going to be paying twice as much and for a larger case or one with a 92mm fan in the back rather than a plethora of 120mm fan slots.

But oh well, to each's own. The owners of the Elite 341 know why it's the best kept mATX secret.
Intel Computer
(13 items)
 
  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
[i5 2500k] [ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M] [EVGA GTX 560] [Kingston HyperX 8GB] 
Hard DriveOptical DriveOSMonitor
[Samsung F4 320gb] [Lite-On 24x Combo] [Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit] [Samsung SyncMaster 941bw] 
KeyboardPowerCaseMouse
[Microsft ANB-00001] [SeaSonic 520w M12II] [ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M Box] [Logitech G700] 
Mouse Pad
[Walmart Brand - Cloth Black] 
  hide details  
Reply
Intel Computer
(13 items)
 
  
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
[i5 2500k] [ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M] [EVGA GTX 560] [Kingston HyperX 8GB] 
Hard DriveOptical DriveOSMonitor
[Samsung F4 320gb] [Lite-On 24x Combo] [Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit] [Samsung SyncMaster 941bw] 
KeyboardPowerCaseMouse
[Microsft ANB-00001] [SeaSonic 520w M12II] [ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M Box] [Logitech G700] 
Mouse Pad
[Walmart Brand - Cloth Black] 
  hide details  
Reply
post #10 of 16
Arc Mini ftw wink.gif
 
Lenovo E330
(8 items)
 
 
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5 2500K@4.7Ghz, 1.352v Asus Maximus V Gene (Yeah I know it's mATX - I'... EVGA 680 -> Step-up 780 4x2Gb Corsair Vengeance 1866Mhz@9-10-9-27, 1.5v  
Hard DriveCoolingOSMonitor
Plextor M3 Pro 128gb, WD Caviar Black 1TB Corsair H100 w/ 2x GT-15's Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit / Windows 8 Pro BenQ XL2420T + Samsung XL2370 
KeyboardPowerCaseMouse
Ducky Shine - red light + Cherry MX Red /Steels... Corsiar AX750 Corsair 600T - Silver Zowie AM 
Mouse PadAudio
CM Storm FPS Tactics Onboard + Fiio E9 + DT 770 Pro's 
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5 3210m@2.5Ghz ~3.1Ghz Turbo Lenovo HM77 GT 610m Kingston value pc3-12800 cl11 
Hard DriveOSMonitorPower
Crucial m4 - 128gb + Sandisk 16gb mSATA  Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit 13.3 LED - 1366x768 90W 
  hide details  
Reply
 
Lenovo E330
(8 items)
 
 
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5 2500K@4.7Ghz, 1.352v Asus Maximus V Gene (Yeah I know it's mATX - I'... EVGA 680 -> Step-up 780 4x2Gb Corsair Vengeance 1866Mhz@9-10-9-27, 1.5v  
Hard DriveCoolingOSMonitor
Plextor M3 Pro 128gb, WD Caviar Black 1TB Corsair H100 w/ 2x GT-15's Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit / Windows 8 Pro BenQ XL2420T + Samsung XL2370 
KeyboardPowerCaseMouse
Ducky Shine - red light + Cherry MX Red /Steels... Corsiar AX750 Corsair 600T - Silver Zowie AM 
Mouse PadAudio
CM Storm FPS Tactics Onboard + Fiio E9 + DT 770 Pro's 
CPUMotherboardGraphicsRAM
i5 3210m@2.5Ghz ~3.1Ghz Turbo Lenovo HM77 GT 610m Kingston value pc3-12800 cl11 
Hard DriveOSMonitorPower
Crucial m4 - 128gb + Sandisk 16gb mSATA  Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit 13.3 LED - 1366x768 90W 
  hide details  
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Computer Cases
Overclock.net › Forums › Case Mods & Cases › Computer Cases › Looking for a good small (mATX) case.