Computer Cases that look like Consoles

[Bob_Barkerson]

So here we are testing out the SteamOS, which is supposed to bring PC gaming into the living room, or a way to play games without forking over an extra $100 for Windows license.

However surely some of us don't want to put a giant tower desktop in our living rooms, do we?

I've decided to put a list of nice looking computer cases, that would look nice on, or in that living room cabinet, right next to your TV. Feel free to add some extras to the list, if you find some nice ones I didn't notice.

APEX DM-387:
http://www.amazon.com/Expansion-slots-MicroATX-Silver-DM-387/dp/B00286SIFS/

Rosewill R379-M:
http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-MicroATX-Computer-ATX12V-R379-M/dp/B004EMSH9Q/

Powercool T01B: (No video card mouting?)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powercool-T01B-Desktop-Chassis-Supply/dp/B008XI7F6I

Powercool 2020C:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008XI7F2C/

[Air]

Here's another: Silverstone Tek SG05BB[www.amazon.com]
I'm going to use this for the next PC I intend to build.
Edit: And another nice looking one: http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Elite-120-Advanced/dp/B00BCXF4HI/ (this one supports full-sized PSUs and graphics cards, I may just switch my mind on what case I want to use)

[Arsoul]

Most people still want to be able to fit a full size PCI card into their mini ITX system. Cases like the Valve prototype and similarly the Silverstone RVZ01 use a riser card to hold the PCI card horizontally, allowing a compact console like form factor with plenty of raw power.

[Bob_Barkerson]

Originally posted by Arsoul:

Most people still want to be able to fit a full size PCI card into their mini ITX system. Cases like the Valve prototype and similarly the Silverstone RVZ01 use a riser card to hold the PCI card horizontally, allowing a compact console like form factor with plenty of raw power.

I wanted the Silverstone RVZ01 for my current computer build, and was going to change my GTX 650 to a 750 Ti, however the case itself is quite expensive, and required a special TFX sized PSU, so I had to settle for the Apex DM-387.

[KIM J.]

merdfe

[Stents 👽]

These cases are really nice.

http://www.streacom.com/products/chassis/

There's a lot of variety so it works if you don't need a GPU.

[Big_Hat]

канешь

[Scientist Dog]

I have this one for my Steam Machine: http://www.winsis.com/product_detail_5.html
Is a rebranded Chieftec with another front: http://www.chieftec.eu/en/chassis/itx-tower/fi-01b-u3.html

Here a review: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/mini-itx-gaming-radeon-hd-7750,3369.html

You could fit a 3.5" HDD, a 2.5" (I put a 15mm velociraptor bending two guides), a slim ODD, and still have space for 2nd 2.5" above the ODD.

The only thing is it only supports low profile single slot cards. So for now a 7750LP is the fastest card you can put (but there are some low profile 750Ti announced). Or a Kaveri APU with a R7 240/250 on dual graphics could be a nice option (for Windows, not for SteamOS).

[DiamondPugs]

I still find many of those way too big. VALVe's prototype is the only one I've liked.

[Martel]

I just picked up an Asrock M8 for my Steam Machine build. If you lay it flat is looks pretty console like. http://www.asrock.com/microsite/m8/

[Air]

Originally posted by Martel:

I just picked up an Asrock M8 for my Steam Machine build. If you lay it flat is looks pretty console like. http://www.asrock.com/microsite/m8/

Is there any way to buy just the case?

[Arsoul]

I considered building my own machine for a long time, even bought the parts and assembled one, but the way I'm starting to see it is things may just be better by buying one of the pre-built ones. Not only do they come in small cases, but they also come completely ready to go out of the box. For the controllers, Valve is using a custom wireless stack, if you build your own machine you will need a dongle - I am definitely not a fan of having USB dongles in my systems. Ultimately I think I'll go with iBuyPower's steam machine, solid components at a competitive price.

[Air]

Originally posted by Arsoul:

if you build your own machine you will need a dongle - I am definitely not a fan of having USB dongles in my systems.

I hope that the controller will have Bluetooth support so that a USB connection won't be necessary(considering that you have a wireless chip installed with Bluetooth support).

[Arsoul]

Well because it's using technology developed in house by Valve and not bluetooth, I'm not sure it will.

[DiamondPugs]

Originally posted by Arsoul:

I considered building my own machine for a long time, even bought the parts and assembled one, but the way I'm starting to see it is things may just be better by buying one of the pre-built ones. Not only do they come in small cases, but they also come completely ready to go out of the box. For the controllers, Valve is using a custom wireless stack, if you build your own machine you will need a dongle - I am definitely not a fan of having USB dongles in my systems. Ultimately I think I'll go with iBuyPower's steam machine, solid components at a competitive price.

Truth is that some Steam Machines are really cheap, so cheap that building one for yourself is more expensive. This most be some kind of marketing trick for getting people to buy them.

[Air]

Originally posted by MadXav:

Truth is that some Steam Machines are really cheap, so cheap that building one for yourself is more expensive. This most be some kind of marketing trick for getting people to buy them.

Actually, some of the Steam Machines are basically medium to medium-high powered PCs($500-$900 range). And I'm not sure if this applies to any of the Steam Machines but some companies(like HP) can implement sub-par motherboards, PSUs, and hard drives to cut prices because most people don't really look at those specifications. Thought I believe that at least one of the Steam Machines was basically meant for streaming.