Micro BTX MB in non-Micro BTX case

  • Thread starter Thread starter Just a citizen . . .
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J

Just a citizen . . .

I have a D945GCZ Intel MB - it's in a micro-BTX case. It's a normal home
machine - no separate graphic card, a single hard drive, nothing fancy, no
gaming requirements, or anything like that. I'm looking for a different
case to reduce the excessive fan noise. I have replaced the CPU's thermal
module with a replacement from Thermaltake and it's near silent - all of the
noise seems to be coming from the power supply fan. To test, I briefly
stopped the PS fan and the machine was silent. I have replaced the PS once
already, with a model that was supposed to be quiet, and it wasn't - there
was virtually no difference. Additionally, I was never happy with the
overall cooling of the machine - so I'm trying to find a different case
that''ll work with this board, but I'm not having any luck - the micro-BTC
seems to be rare.

Any suggestions on an alternative case that'll work, AND run very quietly?
THANKS!
 
Howdy: I'm no expert by any definition, but I run my Asus A8N-E board
in a BTX case. From what I can tell, if the MB holes line up, it
doesn't matter which board/case you use. The only difference I can
tell is that your I/O layout on the back will be reversed (top to
bottom) and the power supply will be on the bottom instead of the top.
Which makes for a better center of gravity. Also, you have to get used
to the removeable case cover being on the opposite side.

The only thing that I had a problem with was cable lengths. The ports
on the MB will be at opposite ends and your cables might not reach.
 
The problem is with the micro BTX case power supply - I KNOW that's where
the noise is coming from - it's a CFX form factor (kinda L-shaped), there
are VERY few of them available - I've already replaced it once and it's
still noisy.

Some of the Thermaltake cases that have a BTX "adapter" would be OK, but by
the time ya get the case and the adapter and a quiet PS, it's pushing $250.

I am seeing some other hybrid ATX cases - less expensive - that advertise to
handle a BTX board - that's probably gonna be the fix for me - with
something other than a specific micro-BTX case, I'll have other PS options -
including some of the ultra quiet PS units that are out there.

Worst thing I ever did getting that micro-BTX board and case . . .
 
Tried that - it was a bit quieter until it popped and died - I think an
unmodified PS will be safer - I'm a SW guy, always have parts left over when
I fix something.

I'm finding a few cases that might work - without the 10 drive bays that the
ones from Thermaltake have - typically with an adapter to handle the
microBTX form factor - I should be able to easily get a quiet PS for a
standard (ATX) case - other fish to fry right now - back later.
 
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