Anyone used the Silverstone SG10? (and other misc HTPC gaming ponderings)

[alwayssts]

I'm on the brink of a minor rig overhaul, and seeking advice from those whom perhaps have built a SFF system more recently than myself.

Back when I built my current system, the pc-c50 seemed the way to go, and it's been pretty great, as it fits my a/v shelf perfectly. That said, I'm become ever-frustrated with graphics card length versus performance. I'm tired of waiting, and also want to plan for the future. I would prefer something less deep than the SG10, but it looks to suit my needs. The main concern is a relatively short (preferably less than a foot) case with good aic length for two cards, proper 120mm ventilation, and micro atx.

The plan is to transition the core system; perhaps jettisoning the disc drive and hdd if needed. I plan on grabbing at least a single 290/290x (because cheap), another ssd (like a Samsung evo or waiting on a next-gen alternative), a shorter-but-stronger power supply (I was thinking perhaps the 150mm 850w strider with short cable kit) and probably 2x8GB ram. I'm open to replacing my cpu cooler, but have no problem keeping it if it'll fit (105mm or 130mm tall, currently 130mm.) I'm open to ideas, as I while I like the active mobo cooling from the hsf, and have no noise issues, more open space when adding/changing components is always nice in a small case.

The plan is to have something ready for when Vizio's P series launches (Yes, I know there will probably be better options next year...I'm again, sick of waiting). While I know any current gfx card setup is going to limit me to 4k/30 or 1080p/120, hence my thinking a single decent gpu should be enough for now, I imagine these sets will also be able to do 1440/60 with CRU over hdmi 1.4., which I think will satiate me for the time being. Later, as things unfold (probably the next gk104/Tahiti end of this year, followed by bigger parts by middle of next) I plan on transitioning to a single/cf/sli hdmi 2.0 setup.

I'm not made of money (hence going the 290/vizio route), but I'm not incredibly frugal either...just looking to maximize longevity of components until the next bang-for-buck higher-end parts arrive while having a good video/gaming experience along the way...while using a small case.

Totally open to thoughts, opinions, or anyone whom either has gone a similar route or is thinking of doing so!

Thanks.

 

[THE_EGG]

As far as competitors for the SG10, it might be worth having a look at the Bitfenix Phenom M or Prodigy M and also the Aerocool DeadSilence (DS) Cube.

 

[alwayssts]

As far as competitors for the SG10, it might be worth having a look at the Bitfenix Phenom M or Prodigy M and also the Aerocool DeadSilence (DS) Cube.

Thanks. I do very much like the design of the prodigy, and can see why I've heard so much about it in passing. I wish they made something that size that had more side vents and perhaps less plastic raisers/handles (which I both understand their purpose and I'm sure that would be a great case to mod/break apart to my liking if I had such skills without making it look terrible), but I'm pretty bent on trying to find something some-what sleek in aluminum/steel if possible. The DS cube is wayyy too big for me...if I were going that size I would probably stick with a Lian Li cube, but I appreciate the options.

It's still such a tough call for me to make, and figuring out what can actually fit in these things (and what is realistic given gpu cooler designs and whatnot making that sometimes very different) is such a PITA. I really wish there were something in the desktop/htpc ('laid down') style with an ~350mm depth that was tall enough for 120mm (or even 140mm, height in that style would be a-ok by me) fans/my heatsink/a wide gpu/fan and could fit a decent size card length-wise, bonus points for it being metal and not looking completely fugly.

Does anything like that exist? I almost wish they made the sg10 laid on it's side and then hence taller (or wider if it were).

 

[dom99]

From the sounds of it what you want is the newly released Silverstone GD09. It seems to fit your needs perfectly. I would get one myself but for my HTPC chose to get the Silverstone ML07 instead for the lower height (the ML07 has the wife approved stamp for this reason)

But if you choose the SG10, I currently own one and would be happy to answer any questions you have, its an brilliant case for its size. The styling looks great and plenty of cooling ventilation and fits full size ATX PSU. Here is a link to some pics of it actually with my r9 290

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/your-pc-atm.65012/page-1017#post-3022493

 

[GreiverBlade]

well all the bitfenix case in mATX/mITX base on the prodigy... who is at my taste fairly big.
i use a SG09B (i don't like the flat look of the SG10 and i got my 09 for half the price of it ) the Sugo mATX line is compacter than the Prodigy.

if you seek compact with some interesting features : Sugo
the only BFen who catch my eyes is the Colossus M

here you have my SG09B with a R7 270X (not a short one tho ) and also on the back aside the 2 3.5" you still have the option to fit 4 2.5"