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Minimal Micro-ATX case for external PSU

ASRock N100M

https://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/N100M/

Intel Quad-Core Processor N100 (up to 3.4 GHz); Supports 1 DDR4 DIMM; 1 PCIe 3.0 x16 (x2 mode), 1 PCIe 3.0 x1, 1 M.2 Key E for WiFi; Graphics Output Options: D-Sub, HDMI, DisplayPort; Realtek ALC897 7.1 CH HD Audio Codec; 2 SATA3, 1 M.2 (PCIe Gen3x2); 1 USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (Rear), 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 (2 Rear, 2 Front); Realtek Gigabit LAN; Supports ASRock Auto Driver Installer

Hello everybody,

I recently purchased some parts for my first homeserver, but I am not really happy with the case, because it just a tremendous waste of space.

I am running an ASRock N100M micro-ATX with two Sata SSDs and one PCIe x1 NIC and Pico PSU to power it. So I am looking for a minimal/small case to fit exactly this.

What I find usually has no accommodation for PCIe cards, or wastes 50% of its space for a full ATX PSU and an optical drive tray... or it just cost more then the whole PC together. Since it is such a minimal setup I am hoping to pay the lower end of case prices (~30-50euro).

Does somebody here has an idea?

Best wishes

11 comments

just_another_person

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Fractal Design would probably have something.

Landless2029

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Last PC I built was fractal and it was a dream. Amazing quality.

deadbeef79000

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They do!

See their Era, Mood, Ridge, Terra cases.

NullGator

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Look into PICO PSU. Its a small powersupply that uses a power brick to downsize internals. It's used by homelabbers sometimes.

pipariturbiini

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OP is already using one based on the post text.

NullGator

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Oops!

69420

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It has space for a standard PSU inside, but I'm pretty happy with this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785GRMPG

I've been running it for about 4 years now.

If you have a fat GPU, you might have trouble with additional PCIe cards. You'll definitely need more cooling as it only comes with one tiny fan.

helenslunch

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ETA Prime on YT has a bunch of SFF builds. Not sure if any of them have external PSUs but it's a good place to start.

anticonnor

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For my ITX build I went with this open frame so I can really customize the placement of each component and keep everything nice and compact. I'll probably build a cover to go over this frame at some point. ITX Motherboard PC Computer Case,Mini ITX Open Air Frame Computer Overclock Case Computer Motherboards PC Test Bench, Aluminum Mod Base Motherboard Test Bench Support ATX Power

justme

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I really like the idea, but for my purpose an open case is a no-go. It's for my Homeserver and I have two hyper active cats ;) but I was already thinking to get some kind of skeleton like this and put someone around. Is this applicable for micro ATX Mainboards?

anticonnor

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I feel ya. I have a dog and three cats, but so far have not had an issue with hair or cable chewing. The frame is essentially just a kit of 2020 extruded aluminum t-slot rails with connectors. If I were to do this again, I would probably not go with a kit and instead just buy the rails and connectors I need for my specific motherboard/components. Also, any extra rails/connectors you get could go toward a DIY 3D printing frame (that's my next project)!