One of the most essential things in any computer build is the case, in this article I will focus on the five best home theatre PC (HTPC) cases 2017. There are various PC cases on the market. When it comes to HTPCs, form factor is key. The smaller form factor forces you to balance your HTPC's needs. For instance, do you need a full height GPU and a full size ATX motherboard for your gaming needs, or can you do with the smaller Mini-ITX sized motherboard and a low profile GPU? This is something you have to consider before you decide on which case suits your HTPC needs. Learn about the best HTPC cases 2017.
What makes a solid home theatre PC case? Primarily, a balance of a small footprint and expandability. Because most HTPC cases will remain in a media center, a compact case is best. But since the average HTPC user values upgradeability, it's best to have a case which features the likes of multiple harddrive bays. Check out the top home theatre PC case 2017 options!
This case is not only great for HTPC use, but also for gaming as it supports up to ATX sized motherboards. It offers a fair amount of space for the components such as graphics cards, CPU, and drives. On the cooling aspect, the case is compatible with most liquid cooling kits. With up to 110mm tall CPU cooler and a 240mm radiator. With the right combination of components such as CPU and GPU, this case will be able to do VR and 4K.
Form Factor
Slim ATX
Compatibility
ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards
Drive Bays
3.5”/ 2.5” x 2 (Hidden)
Front Ports
USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, Audio
Expansion Slots
2
Graphics Card
Up to 310mm
Power Supply
SFX
Cooling
Front: 120mm x 1, Top: 120mm x 1 Fan, Exhaust Vents
This case is intended for HTPCs with a small form factor and supports up to mini ITX motherboards, 330mm GPUs and SFX PSUs. The cooling in this case is passive and there are exhaust vents on the sides and at the rear of the case. The front of the case contains two USB 3.0 ports and audio ports. The case can be placed both vertically and horizontally. This case is a great choice for a powerful, but compact HTPC. That is why it is on the list the of best HTPC cases 2017.
Form Factor
Mini-ITX Slim Case
Compatibility
Mini-ITX Motherboards
Drive Bays
3.5” x 1, 2.5” x 2, External Slim optical 12.7mm or 9.5mm x 1
Front Ports
USB 3.0 x 2, Audio
Expansion Slots
2
Graphics Card
330mm (regular graphics card)
Power Supply
SFX & SFX-L
Cooling
Exhaust Vents at Rear & Sides (Passive Cooling)
Features
slim optical drive slot, Support two Kensington locks, PCI Express riser card set x 1
The Fractal Design Node 202 Offers A Small Footprint But Lots Of Room
The Fractal Design Node 202 case offers a high-end experience on a small form factor case. The case can come bundled with a 450W PSU(80 Plus Bronze) and dust filters. It supports mini-ITX motherboards. The case supports up two 120mm fans on the front, and graphics cards up to 310mm. On the front you will find two USB 3.0 and audio ports.
The Thermaltake Core V1 is one of the best budget mini ITX cases for HTPCs. The compact case has good ventilation and it got a 200mm fan on the front, and space for two 80mm fans on the rear. On the front you will find 2 USB 3.0 and audio ports. It supports up to 260mm long graphics cards, PSUs up to 180mm and CPU coolers. When it comes to storage this case offers space for two 3.5” and two 2.5” drives. All in all, this case good option if you're on a budget and don't need a high end graphics card such as the Nvidia 1080. If you intend to do a lot of gaming on your HTPC I would recommend to look else where as this case is better suited for media consumption and light gaming.
Form Factor
Mini-ITX
Drive Bays
3.5” x 2, 2.5” x 2
Front Ports
Audio, USB 3.0 x 2
Expansion Slots
2
CPU Cooler height
140mm
Graphics Card length
260mm
PSU length
180mm
Fans & Cooling
200mm x 1 (Front), 80mm x 2 (Rear)
Features
Dust Filters, Cable management, Advanced Ventilation. Liquid Cooler support
This is another good mini ITX budget option. This case has vents all around for good airflow. On the front there is 120mm fan installed but there is also the option to install a radiator. On the side panel you will find one 80mm fan. This case supports full sized GPUs up to 343mm long, which means it is possible to install a high end card and ATX PSUs. On the front of the case you will find audio ports and 2 USB 3.0
Form Factor
Mini-ITX
Drive Bays
5.25”, 3.5” and 2.5”
Front Ports
Audio, USB 3.0 x 2, USN 2.0 x 1
Expansion Slots
2
CPU Cooler height
65mm
Graphics Card length
343mm
PSU length
180mm
Fans & Cooling
120mm x 1 (Front), 80mm x 1 (Side)
Features
Cable Management, Liquid Cooler support (120mm), Smart Airflow System
Conclusion on the best cases for HTPC use in 2017
For HTPC users who have space constraints, I would opt for a mini ITX case such as the Cooler Master Elite 130 or the more expensive Fractal Design Node 202. If space is not an issue, I would go for the Thermaltake Core G3 as it offers ATX sized motherboards. Choosing the right case is also about choosing the right components to fit inside of the case. Here are two examples builds: low budget build and medium budget build. If you have a recommendation for a case i didn't mention in this article, about the best HTPC cases 2017, you can recommend it below.
