Compact and unobtrusive HTPC cases for living room media servers with a focus on silent performance.
HTPC Cases
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HTPC cases are characterized by their flat, compact design and are usually made from durable aluminum. This makes them perfect for use in the living room. For example as a media server for movies, series and other digital content or as a replacement for Blu-ray or CD players.
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What defines an HTPC case?
HTPC cases are often considered mini cases. They are primarily designed for small server systems that take up little space and remain visually unobtrusive. Depending on their features and configuration, they can also be used as compact PCs.
- Motherboard compatibility: HTPC cases typically support motherboards up to ATX size, although some models may also support larger boards
- Hardware clearance: Depending on the model, space for GPUs, CPU coolers and power supplies can be very limited
- Air cooling: The number of fans is often limited, and some models feature passive cooling without fans
- Liquid cooling: The tight interior of HTPC cases usually does not allow the installation of AiO liquid coolers or custom loops
- Drive bays: Since HTPC cases are often used to store media files, many models allow the installation of multiple drives
HTPC Cases for Silent PCs
There are also HTPC cases with passive fanless cooling. This allows them to operate almost silently, making them ideal for silent PC builds. Enjoy your movies and series without distracting background noise.
Additional Features of HTPC Cases
HTPC cases often offer special features that are less common in other case sizes. This includes VESA compatibility on some models – ideal if you want to mount your PC to a wall and save space. Some models also provide rackmount options.
Do you want to build a discreet gaming PC and are looking for a suitable case? Take a look at our Micro-ATX cases.
HTPC Cases – Questions and Answers
Which graphics cards fit into an HTPC case?
Due to the limited space, most HTPC cases only support low-profile GPUs, which can still deliver strong performance.
Which motherboards fit into an HTPC case?
The maximum supported motherboard size depends on the model. Some cases support only Mini-ITX boards, while others may also support Micro-ATX or larger formats.
Is passive cooling sufficient?
Yes, for a pure media PC it is usually sufficient. For gaming PCs we recommend cooling with fans or radiators.
