New
#11
Zalman Z11+
Zalman Z9+
For a micro ATX form factor then set your mobo up in these beyond cool cases. Up the ante with top quality case fans and you have a form factor winner.
Newegg.com - Thermaltake ARMOR A30 VM70001W2Z Black SECC MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case
Thermaltake VF6000BWS LANBOX Lite Computer Case - MicroATX, Clear Side, 2x 5.25 Bays, 3x 3.5 Bays, 4x Fan Ports, High Gloss Black at TigerDirect
Not at all, it's just a smaller form factor designed with flexibility in mind. The other way to go is look to buy more case then you think you need as in a sweet mid-tower that takes this current mobo. That way when you're ready you can blow the mobo and CPU out and start to build a new rig in the same modern case. I like Corsair cases but there are tons to choose from.
Corsair CC-9011013-WW Carbide Series 500R Mid Tower Gaming Case - ATX, mATX, 4x Ext 5.25 Bays, 6x Int 3.5 Bays, 1x 200mm and 2x 120mm White LED Fans, 1x 120mm Fan, 2x USB 3.0 and 1x FireWire Ports at TigerDirect
Yeah that's what I was thinking too. If I get a mid tower I can upgrade my mobo and CPU when funds permit. That Corsair is quite nice but the only problem is that they are quite expensive (around £90 here in the UK) so I had to go with the z11 which seemed good in my eyes. Hopefully it won't disappoint me!
There are so many great cases out there and they all seem to be learning from the other. Cooling options, cable management and mobo CPU retention plate access all being great advances, then you have hard drive cage options and GPU card size options and you have a wonderful mix to choose from. After that it becomes a choice of style, case materials and costing. Good luck, have fun and please take tons of pictures and post please here under "Show us your rig"
Well im gona throw my hat in there you want good cooling cheap case I have 2 of these and have done outstanding jobs and i have been able to cram alot into this mid case and still have great air flow Micro Center - Cooler Master Elite 371 Mid Tower ATX Computer Case RC-371-KKN1
Cooler Master Elite 371
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Before the case comes are there any precautions I should take while doing this?
I have never removed a motherboard out of a case before. I've also got myself an antistatic wrist band if that's any help.
Remove all external power and cables connected to the board. When you take out the mounting screws go slow and be careful not to drop the screwdriver or anything on the board. You can leave the CPU and cooler and your RAM in the board but remove and expansion cards first. Note the graphics card will have a latch you have to release before pulling it out.
Male sure you have the board stand offs in the proper position in the new case, check there are no extras, they will short the board. A mATX usually has six screws, maybe seven.
Don't lay the board on an anti static bag, the outside is conductive, use a plain piece of cardboard. With the board out it would be a great time to take the CPU fan off and clean the dust from the cooler fins.
I would make some fans intake to make positive pressure in the case to help keep dust out. One more intake than exhaust will do it. Dismount the fan and mount from the other side, fans blow out from the side that is not open. Some are marked with an arrow showing airflow direction and rotaion.
I saw your posts on Overclockers UK too.
Do everything above plus use a wooden table and if possible if you have hardwood or tiled floor be better to work on won't create electric shock but if you are on carpet surfaces use rubber shoes and make sure not to drag your feet the best way to kill any component by electric shock