A First Look at the HTPC Case Genre with the Ahanix D.Vine 4

Checklist - What to look for

In search of a well designed HTPC case, we have created a list of things to look for when seeking the perfect chassis. We have also listed some aspects of a case that we can do without for a home theater PC solution.

What to look for:

• Integrated LCD/LED display - To view "What's Playing" or other various information about on-screen content
• Easy access to drive bays - e.g. a standalone DVD/CD player, accessing the HTPC's optical drives should be hassle free
• Access to external audio and video ports - Most, if not all, home theater equipment have various audio/video inputs and outputs to accommodate external devices. Most motherboards with onboard audio come prepared for front panel audio.
• IrDA capabilities - The home theater experience is obstructed if computing methods of input, such as keyboards and mice, are required for operations. Motherboards and IrDA expansions can only go so far if a chassis is not capable of allowing IrDA equipment to be installed. Look for HTPC cases that have places to install IrDA transceivers.

What we can do without:

• Heavy modding - Bright lights, gaudy designs, anything that will make it stand out from the rest of the home theater equipment
• Loud fans, power supplies - Home theater equipment should run as quiet as possible so it doesn't take away from the audio experience
• Complicated designs - The HTPC should be as easy to use as any other component of a home theater system

So, those are the basic ground rules by which we will follow, for now, when choosing the right HTPC case. Of course, there is always room for improvement, and as we continue our quest for the best HTPC cases out there, we will modify this list to complement changes in hardware and standards as well as newly introduced features.