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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warped6 - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
I purchased one of these back in the late spring. I too tried putting the DVD in the bottom position and it didn't fit. I then found out that it wasn't meant to hold an optical drive. It's meant to hold a VFD display so you can have the extra little door open to see the display. You can see this on there web site.Unless there is a short optical drive that I haven't found yet.I also replaced all of the fans with quieter ones. That helped quite a bit as far as noise.
I've been very happy with the box, now if I could just get the software to work the way I want it too and so the wife can deal with it, I could move it into the living room. :-)
bearxor - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
I know a lot of people are complaining because you reviewed some fairly low-end HTPC cases, but these are all in the price range that I'm looking at, which is 90-130. I was settled on a Cooler Master case, but after reading what you guys wrote about the Tenor, I might just go with it. I had decided against it because of the blue LED lights, but like you said, I could just disconnect them.Not all of us are willing to spend 200-300 dollars on just a case for our HTPC, this review was for us.
bschuler2004 - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
I still contend the best HTPC is a HTPC out of sight controlled via RF remote. Why even have a pc in the living room? Your cable company doesn't put it's Video On Demand servers in your living room.. why would you? It just doesn't make sense. Plus, then you can use any case, can be as loud as you want.. cuz nothing in the living room is as quiet as an Svideo,Rca, etc cable.. You save money, space, and alot of headaches.BigLan - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
I agree, to a point. My HTPC is a generic mid-tower which has similar dimensions to my sub. It doesn't really look too out of place except fot the blue LED in the power supply.I've been thinking more and more that the ideal setup would be a non-descript PC box on the floor or hidden, with an external usb DVD drive (or two) and the remote control receiver placed near the amp/receiver.
Most of the current htpc cases seem to appeal to the bling factor, which I learned the hard way meant loud fans and inadequate cooling.
PDubya - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
On page 5, the "removable cap" looks to be recessed, so I'm guessing you could place some filtration medium in that capped area. Just my two cents.Tamale - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
but that's the exhaust.. I'm still not sure what good putting a filter on the exhaust side of the power supply would do...bldckstark - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
I agree that putting a filter on the exhaust side would be useless, but the cover is there for some reason. I have several machines here at work that have covers very similar to this that are used for air intake filters. Was the PSU checked for air flow direction? Maybe they reversed it in this application.bldckstark - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
The users manual states in the cooling section that you should not "block the air intake vents on the top panel, the front left side (at the filter) or the back (ventilated PCI slot covers." They are calling it an intake. This is the EC manual, not the US version. They are quite different, and there is no mention of the cover in the US version.http://www.antec.com/us/support_productInfo_detail...">EC users manual in English - pdf
Check page 6 under "Important Notes On Cooling"
UrQuan3 - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
I understand that this review is geared more towards gaming rigs in the livingroom than for video recording/playback machines, still I'd like to know about some of those systems as well. I've been looking at picking up either an ATX P4 or a mini-ITX Pentium M machine from http://www.hushtechnologies.net/">Hush. Just wondering if anyone has tried one.OrSin - Tuesday, November 22, 2005 - link
500 is the low end of those case. They you pay extra for stuff like a reset buttom.Crazy over priced. I could see going as high $ or even alittle more if you want the front display, but $500+ ?. I guess if I spent $10,000 on Theathe systems it would not too bad. But $500 you could just hide a regular systems in the wall or something.