Let's face it: putting together an HTPC or home server is a beautiful way to spend your time; but it can also be very expensive. Starting from the case, names such as Intel NUC HTPC or GigaByte Brix Pro can surface, with the expensive price tags that accompany them, of course. This explains why I was gladly surprised today when writing this SilverStone GD06 review. A neat case, with lots of space for full-size components, and a small price tag. Many other features in this HTPC case caught my eye, so let's see what the SilverStone Grandia GD06 holds in store for us. [Read: Energy efficient budget HTPC-NAS combo build 2016]
The Silverstone Gd06 Home Server Case Has Lots Of Room For Your Components.
First things first, the Grandia Series GD06 is big. Not as big as full-featured desktop PC towers, but big nevertheless, if compared with other options in the HTPC market. Depending on what you want, the size of the SilverStone GD06 home server case may be a blessing or a curse. Blessing, because you will be able to fit components that would otherwise be made for desktop computers, even some normal-sized graphics cards. This means you could turn your HTPC into a decent gaming PC as well, so if you use Kodi for Windows, you could take full advantage of addons such as Kodi Steam addon or Kodi ROM Collection Browser addon. Its size could also be an unwanted feature, if you want a smaller HTPC.
SilverStone GD06 review: keep components cool and clean
In our SilverStone GD06 review, we noticed that the cooling system in this case is based on possitive-pressure cooling. There are filters in place as well, which help the case keep the inner components clean without dust. You could fit 4 3.5" hard drives and a 2.5" or SSD hard drive in this case, which is, honestly, more than one would need in average. The case fits comfortably inside a home theater cabinet, thanks to its 340mm depth. Let's have a look at the specs on the SilverStone Grandia GD06.
The Dimensions Of The Silverstone Gd06 Are Not As Small As Other Htpc Cases, But This Is A Tradeoff For Its Increased Internal Space.
SilverStone GD06 review: technical specifications
Brand Name: SilverStone Technology
Item model number: GD06B
Item Weight: 16 pounds
Product Dimensions: 22 x 17 x 10 inches
Item Dimensions L x W x H: 22 x 17 x 10 inches
Color: Black (GD06)
Three silent 120mm fans included,support expansion cards up to 11 inches,2x hot swap drive bay
Positive air pressure design
Incredible 340mm depth to fit comfortably inside home theater cabinet
Support 4 x 3.5" hard drives and 2.5" hard drive or SSD (Solid-state drive)
Includes two front USB 3.0 ports
As you can see, this case also includes USB 3.0 ports, that will be useful in expanding the storage capabilities of the SilverStone Grandia GD06 via external hard drives, even beyond the drives it already accepts. Basically, you could turn this case into a high capacity home server, ready to stream to your devices via Emby or Plex. [Read:5 best Plex clients in 2015 for your HTPC]
SilverStone GD06 review: Do you recommend this HTPC case?
Two Front Usb 3.0 Ports Are Hidden Below The Front Lid, Increasing The Potential Uses And Capabilities Of This Htpc Case.
I would recommend trying out this case if you're planning on building a home server and don't care about its size. Since the SilverStone Grandia GD06 fits on most home theater cabinets, this would be a good use for it. However, if you want a smaller case, then be aware that the SilverStone Grandia GD06B might not be the case you're looking for. In any case, it's price tag makes it really attractive when compared to other options in the market. If you put together a home server, make sure to monitor its performance constantly, to prolong the useful life of your components. You can use solutions such as Monit: Home server monitoring, or one of these Three free android apps to remotely monitor and administer Linux servers, in case you install Linux on your setup. Protect your investment and take control of your server, even if you're not close to it!
Alejandro is an electrical engineer, working as a software developer and part-time writer. He has a passion for technology, languages and games, and has been around the web since 2004.
