5 Best HTPC cases 2017: Computer cases for HTPC use

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.

5 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!

1. Thermaltake Core G3

Best Htpc Cases 2017 - Thermaltake Core
Try Out This Case For Your Htpc Needs

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 FactorSlim ATX
CompatibilityATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards
Drive Bays3.5”/ 2.5” x 2 (Hidden)
Front PortsUSB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, Audio
Expansion Slots2
Graphics CardUp to 310mm
Power SupplySFX
CoolingFront: 120mm x 1, Top: 120mm x 1 Fan, Exhaust Vents
Features240mm Radiator support and a transparent Window.

2. SilverStone RAVEN RVZ02

Best Htpc Cases 2017 - Raven
Sleek And Sexy, This Is A Top Htpc Case

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 FactorMini-ITX Slim Case
CompatibilityMini-ITX Motherboards
Drive Bays3.5” x 1, 2.5” x 2, External Slim optical 12.7mm or 9.5mm x 1
Front PortsUSB 3.0 x 2, Audio
Expansion Slots2
Graphics Card330mm (regular graphics card)
Power SupplySFX & SFX-L
CoolingExhaust Vents at Rear & Sides (Passive Cooling)
Featuresslim optical drive slot, Support two Kensington locks, PCI Express riser card set x 1

3. Fractal Design Node 202

Best Htpc Cases 2017 - Fractal Node
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.

Form FactorMini-ITX Slim Case
CompatibilityMini-ITX Motherboards
Drive Bays2.5” x 2
Front PortsUSB 3.0 x 2. Audio
Expansion Slots2
Graphics CardUp to 310mm
Power SupplySFX (450W PSU included)
Cooling120mm x 2 (in graphics card chamber), Vents
Features3 Dust filters, cable routing & management

4. Thermaltake Core V1

Best Htpc Cases 2017 - Thermaltake
Compact Yet Robust, This Is A Nifty Htpc Case

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 FactorMini-ITX
Drive Bays3.5” x 2, 2.5” x 2
Front PortsAudio, USB 3.0 x 2
Expansion Slots2
CPU Cooler height140mm
Graphics Card length260mm
PSU  length180mm
Fans & Cooling200mm x 1 (Front), 80mm x 2 (Rear)
FeaturesDust Filters, Cable management, Advanced Ventilation. Liquid Cooler support

5. Cooler Master Elite 130

5 Best Htpc Cases 2017 - Cooler Master Elite 130
The Cooler Master Elite 130 Is A Solid Htpc Case

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 FactorMini-ITX
Drive Bays5.25”, 3.5” and 2.5”
Front PortsAudio, USB 3.0 x 2, USN 2.0 x 1
Expansion Slots2
CPU Cooler height65mm
Graphics Card length343mm
PSU  length180mm
Fans & Cooling120mm x 1 (Front), 80mm x 1 (Side)
FeaturesCable 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.

Which HTPC cases for 2017 do you recommend?

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Jens

Hey i like to tinker with Linux and other projects involving computers.