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PC Cases (1011)
HTPC Cases
Cases for HTPCs
HTPC stands for Home Theater Personal Computer. This primarily means that an ordinary PC is meant to merge with a home theater system. And that’s the whole concept of HTPCs. Both PC and home theater are combined in one case and can be used for both purposes. Since a home theater system is usually set up in the living room, it is clear that HTPC cases should look aesthetically pleasing. Many HTPC cases are designed to seamlessly blend in with the hi-fi equipment of a typical living room.
Size, Shape, and Function Vary Among HTPC Cases
HTPC cases can vary in size. They usually accommodate motherboards with form factors ranging from Mini-ITX to Micro-ATX. Due to their small size, there are often compromises in terms of powerful hardware or cooling. While many HTPC cases can now accommodate high-end graphics cards, they may only allow for one fan inside the case. HTPC cases also do not necessarily have a slot for an external drive. Those who wish to watch DVDs or Blu-rays on their HTPC should look for the appropriate slot.
Certain extras such as a card reader, an infrared receiver for a remote control, or special ports may or may not be included. Those looking to purchase an HTPC case should consider its intended use and the hardware they plan to install. When buying an HTPC case, the following aspects should be considered:
- Design: Does it fit in with the rest of the hi-fi equipment in the living room?
- Performance: What hardware can be installed, and what slots/ports are available?
- Extras: Are there any special extras (card reader, IR receiver, etc.)?