Silverstone Technology Home Theater Computer Case (HTPC) with Faux Aluminum Design for ATX/Micro-ATX Motherboards (SST-GD09B-USA)

I am just finishing my testing on my first HTPC build. SilverStone seemed to be the go-to manufacturer for cases for a HTPC situation.I can see now that I could have gone with one of the shorter models, but shelf space isn't an issue. Instead I am happy with this model because it let me install 120mm case fans instead of 80mm, and the copious empty space inside means great airflow.The case never got in the way of the build. I had most of the components in and out of the case several times as the configuration refined itself. And everything went on the MB after it was installed in the case. Only real lesson learned overall was that I recommend that you take the structural crossbar out of the case (or at least loosen it) if you are going to handle anything large w/in the case--especially the optical drive support.I didn't really challenge the case. One SSD drive that I put on the underside of the optical drive mount rather than on the case floor by the PSU. The MB was microATX, so that wasn't a challenge. Two case fans on the MB side of the case so they blow (positive pressure) across the CPU (and its fan) and down to a passive PSU. The fans are MB-controlled and often the unit runs cool enough that only one fan is switched on. The PSU is modular, so only the cables I actually need are in the case. Only place with anything approaching conflict is where the SATA data/power cables exit the DVD drive. They are a little close for comfort to the CPU fan, but still acceptable.Everything is reasonably intuitive in terms of fitting gear in the case. The passive PSU caused me to debate how to orient it so that the air flow would serve it best. Mounting the SSD was another that I had to think about for a while. Removing the covers/filters from the side of the case where I mounted the fans was not too intuitive, but once learned everything was fine. I thought I was going to break the covers before I got them to where I could see their 'bayonet' style clips. And the top cover is as no-nonsense as any case I have used.An abundance of spare fasteners.Probably my 10th build from scratch, and I have been inside of about 20 distinct case styles. This case was as accommodating and pain-free as any I have handled.

I bought this case to replace a Silverstone Milo entry level HTPC case, so that I could fit a full height 4K graphics card, which, hopefully, is going to give me a higher refresh rate than the ZOTAC half-height one I was using before.Overall, the case is up to Silverstone's usual impeccable build quality, ingenious layout, etc. and with no nasty pressed steel edges to cut your fingers on like you find on some very cheap cases. The paint is solid and deep, the finish excellent, and there's a more than good enough bag of extra screws. What I didn't find, although I may have missed it, is a USB3.0 two-into-one adaptor, so if your motherboard doesn't have a USB 3.0 "double width" connector you'll need to get one.The case is impressive, although a proper aluminum front cover would have been nice, as the plastic one feels a bit flimsy - more Chevrolet than Mercedes if you get my meaning. The top and bottom are mostly solid but the rest of the case could best be described as a "collection of holes surrounded by steel", which, don't get me wrong, is great for ventilation.The case comes with one 120 mm fan on the right side (as you look at the front) with space for another one on the same side. The front quarter of the case on the right where the fan is also contains the CD/DVD/BD drive bay and space for two 3.5 inch hard disks. This is good because it means the supplied fan is blowing cold air over the drives.A micro ATX motherboard looks lost inside this case, and I'm sure a full ATX board would fit without problems.Overall 4.8 out of 10, with 0.2 being knocked off for the plastic front cover.You would think there is room for two more fans on the left, but the back left corner is taken up by the power supply, meaning only enough space for one more fan.The reason I say all this is because YOU CAN ONLY FIT A SINGLE 120MM FAN SIZED LIQUID COOLER RADIATOR IN THIS CASE. That should be enough, but don't buy a bigger one and make sure the hoses are long enough to reach across the case. Fitting the radiator on the right side next to the disc drives won't be possible for most people, as the radiator (and accompanying fan) will clash with the edge of your motherboard.