MicroATX Build

[Billxor]

Hello TBCS! I am a new member here on the forums, though I've followed the websites mods and review postings for a few years.

So I am looking to build a new gaming computer based off a Micro ATX form factor motherboard. The last rig I built used the Thermaltake Lanbox Lite case, which was a really nice case. But for this build, I want to go even smaller.

I've done some searching and I can't seem to find a case much smaller than the Lanbox that will support a full-sized video card and an ATX power supply; they all end up being just about the same size and layout. The main thing I am looking to reduce is the length of the case.

I was wondering if anyone had any cases they knew of that would fit the bill, or just some suggestions of places to search for such cases.
Thanks

[biggoofy]

Here's a page with some mini cases. Only thing I could find atm.
http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=3&name=Barebone-Mini-Computers

[Billxor]

I am looking to build with my own motherboard and power supply, so those barebone systems won't really work for me. Also, I think I have exhausted Newegg's selection of cases >.<

[x88x]

By 'full-size video card', are you referring to the length of, say, a GTX series? Because iirc they only have about an inch of clearance in the LanBox Lite.

If you're wanting to get as small as possible and still get a pretty powerful system, you could get a mini-ITX board and a 5750 in a Lian-Li PC-Q07 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112227). I think that's about the smallest you're ever gonna get and still have a full-size ATX PSU.

[Billxor]

I have to say, Lian Li makes some very nice looking cases :)

A mini-ITX build was another thing I was considering. I found this really cool Silverstone case (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163149) that I could use with this motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500022) to make a pretty slick gaming computer. The only issue with mini-ITX is the lack of expansion ports (I have a TV tuner card that I very much enjoy).

[x88x]

There's also this DFI (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136073) if you want a socket 1156 instead of 775. It's even got an X-Fi embedded.

The lack of expandability is one of the very few drawbacks of the mini-ITX standard, though most things you can also get in USB form. It really depends on how much that extra few inches is worth ;)

[Billxor]

I have to say, after taking a closer look at that Lian Li case, I am pretty impressed. The only thing I could see wrong with it was lack of active cooling - but with the case being made of aluminum cutting some holes for a fan wouldn't be hard at all