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Ahanix D5 Media Center Enclosure
VL writes "Ahanix has delivered an enclosure that gives you everything you would desire in an HTPC. The versatility of using MicroATX or Standard ATX motherboards, the look and feel of high end audio/video equipment and a VFD information center that gives the added information of what is playing. It comes at a hefty price tag mind you, but in this particular situation, you get what you pay for." Now that's what I'm talking about. Anybody know of any other commercially available cases as well suited to putting in a stereo system?
Ahanix has delivered an enclosure that gives you everything you would desire in an HTPC.
Everything but PRICE!
Life is the leading cause of death in America.
On their homepage they say that "Dvine 6 supports Micro ATX motherboard, three 3.5-inch storage devices and two 5.25 inch optical devices." ... With three drives you can get quite far :)
This case has been out for over a year. I bought one last winter, and threw together a HTPC running MythTV. I love it. I needed more space then 2 HDs, so I mounted 3 drives in another machine, and shared /mounted them via nfs(and another via samba)
1+2+1+1 || 1+2+2+1
I jumped the gun on this one by a few weeks and have purchased and assembled my new and shiny HTPC. Looks awesome, but I'm missing a few things...
Frontal USB/FireWire, Additional internal storage, a functional built in remote system, (have to use an external receiver).
I was given the impression this would be the ultimate case for me, but I was wrong. Not that I don't like it, I was just slightly mislead on the actual functionality... Now you can buy an add on kit for a new VFD that has the IR Receiver built in, but that is another $150 or so... But does come with a great remote.
I'm all for these cases, but I was shocked to see what it was missing. Now the D.Vine6 is amazing as it is fully packed, but is restricted to the microATX board...
They may have the look and feel of high end audio equipment, but a component that uses fans is not acceptable.
A lot of high end receivers use fans, as well.
The cases shown in the first link you mention only take MicroATX motherboards, which limits your options significantly.
I picked up a Silverstone SST-LC03 (black) to use as my HTPC enclosure. It's a beautiful looking case, and while expensive, it's not nearly as bad as the one in this article. They also have the SST-LC03V which has the LCD display on the front, if that's your thing.
I'm very happy with the SST-LC03. It takes a full-sized ATX motherboard and power supply. I picked up a quiet power supply and a Zalman AlCu heatsink and the unit is nearly silent.
Silverstone also sells the SST-LC02 which is similar to the LC03 but a lot thinner. It too takes a full-sized ATX motherboard, but unfortunately the small size didn't go over very well with my Athlon XP 2000+. It's a fantastic case as far as looks go, but it's just too small for a modern hot chip. I still have the LC03 by the way, so if anybody's interested in buying it off me, let me know.
Anyhow, I strongly suggest the SST-LC02. Great case.