Antec Mini ITX Case ISK300-65 Review

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(More customer reviews)I've built many of my own computers systems over the years so I was excited to assemble my first Mini-ITX based system. The whole point of Mini-ITX is size so the Antec ISK-300 case caught my eye right away. After comparing a few others (Apex, Lian Li & Cooler Master) the Antec case was my choice.

The case arrived before I ordered any of my other components so there was plenty of time to inspect it. First, this thing is heavy duty with a slightly thicker metal than most of the cases I've purchased in the past. Heavy is fine with me, how often do you tote your computer around anyway? The finish is very well done and it came with everything required to do a quality build, right down to zip ties and the tiny securement screw for a slim CD/DVD. Including all of the right components ranks high in my book.

The interior layout is my only complaint. Antec could have done a better job when they designed the power distribution board. The layout and placement of that single board is responsible for the extended length of the case. Antec chose to place this board flat on the bottom of the case meaning your Mini-ITX is essentially extended in length to accommodate two circuit boards. Kinda dumb in my opinion. The CD/DVD door design is the only 'cheap-out' on this case, like other reviewers I think it could have been done better.

The only other complaint is that the I/O section of my Zotac board didn't fit against the trim plate very tight. This may be a Zotac problem, but either way it's a perturbing little gap that looks like an amateur build. I did plenty of head-scratching with this problem and there's no way to adjust it better. Gaps like this equal air/dust infiltration and improper air flow and it just annoys me to no end. It's a very small gap but it just shouldn't be there.

After completion, the case seems to cool well. The three speed case fan does a good job but I might need to find a better fan if I try to overclock the board. It's refreshingly quiet, small and made for a nice build. I'd rank it an 8.5 out of 10.

Summary: The Antec ISK300 is solid, simple and well supplied with a rich black finish, a little better interior layout could improve the design but this is a great 'little' case for the price.

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Product Description:
Mini-ITX is the next "big" thing. Designed exclusively. Mini-ITX motherboards. With three drive bays, a side 80mm TriCool fan, and a stable 65-watt power adapter, the ISK 300-65 can handle many of the tasks of a traditional PC, in half the space. And with a 0.8mm cold rolled steel frame, the ISK 300-65 is not only nimble but durable. From petite desktop option to silent home theater, Antec's ISK 300-65 is an epic case of mini proportions.

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Apex MI-100 4BAY Desktop Blk/Silver 250W ATX12V Mitx Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Update (March 26, 2010):
I bought another one of these for someone else.The case that I have (purchased about a year after my initial review) now comes with 2 SATA power plugs, and both sides now have air vents rather than just one.Overall still very pleased with the case.

Original Post (March 09, 2009):
I bought this case and matched it with a D945GCLF2 MB, 2 GB RAM, 640 GB HD, and a 22x DVD burner, and added an 80mm fan to the vent hole side.Very tight fit, but if you plan things ahead of time you can run the cables where you need them, and tuck them away and tie them off with large twist ties, or small zip ties if you are feeling confident.Go with SATA for both DVD and HD to increase airflow (has only one SATA plug so you need to buy a MOLEX to SATA power adapter for more).I initially had an 80GB SATA and a 40GB IDE drive in the case (made room for the IDE in the open spot below the DVD and 80GB slots so that nothing would block the side vent).Does not seem to run too hot, all readings showed both cores and the HD running at ~38 to ~40 degrees Celsius while crunching DVDs into .WMVs.The case is a fingerprint and scratch magnet, but looks very nice and compact and does not seem too out of place in the living room.

Things I would change:
-Add a spot for a case fan.
-Get rid of the "mirror finish front" and just make it black
-Make it easier to open for upgrades
-2 SATA instead of 1

Things I like:
-Compact
-Place for everything
-Nice black finish
-Sturdy
-Comes with a power supply

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Product Description:
With its highest quality construction and stylish design, X Series is versatile to accommodate your personal style and perform extreme needs. It tooled with latest features and case technology. It loaded front USB port & incredible cooling architecture. Come check out this awesome case.

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SilverStone Sugo SG02W-F ABS/SECC Steel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case - Retail (White) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a great improvement over the earlier SGO1 case. Its greater depth allows for longer cards if you have a 12" long card. I was also able to use the larger BFG 550 power supply with all of the extra cable lengths it includes. Although a modular PS would make it some easier, I was able to set the extra cables in the unused drive bay. I could have used the side area of the case but this was easier and I can still do that if I install a second optical drive etc. The included fan for the HD cooling is a little noisier than my other fans but not too much to need a change. I will reduce its speed later on with an adjustable control to lower its noise level
This is by far the quietest build I have ever made. It makes a very nice looking HDPC.

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Product Description:
The SG02F, as the successor to the SG02 is an evolutionary step forward in both performance and the capabilities over the original Sugo chassis, the SG01. With the case now capable of handling even more powerful graphics cards than ever before, the SilverStone engineers were still able to keep the smaller dimension in tact. Although SG02F's front panel design is unchanged from its predecessor, its styling and function continues to stand out from ordinary SFF designs. The same can also be said of its tried and true chassis layout, which is still capable of accepting larger ATX power supply or optical drives than other SFF cases available. Built based on a brand new steel structure, the SG02F is sure to please potential builders looking for primarily silent applications.

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