The Silverstone LC10B-E case takes the classic desktop configuration and updates it for use as an HTPC. The front panel is both elegant and devoid of any unsightly holes. The two rear 80mm fans configuration provides ample airflow to easily handle the heat from the components. A front I/O panel on the front sports a pair of USB 2.0 ports, a FireWire port and two audio jacks for an easy connection to your peripherals.
Inside the case there is as much space as a standard tower. There are seven internal 3.5” bays so you can set up a huge storage array with RAID data security. The motherboard tray will handle both micro and standard ATX boards. Everything else in your media cabinet is top-shelf; shouldn't your HTPC case be, too?
Supreme ExpandabilityFeaturing one external 5.25" drive bays, and seven 3.5" drive bays, the Silverstone LC10B-E case provides sufficient expandability as an HTPC case.
Efficient VentilationThe Silverstone LC10B-E case features two 80mm rear fans for efficient ventilation and effective system cooling.
Convenient Front I/O PanelThe Silverstone LC10B-E case features a convenient front I/O panel for easy access to one IEEE 1394 port, two USB 2.0 and two audio ports.
Pros: Case fits well with the rest of the equipment in the media center cabinet. Does not look like a computer from the front. Good air movement - at low noise level with 2 X 80mm exhaust fans. Can add another behind the HD stall to pull air in the front if needed. Sturdy, well braced. Compromises needed to get the required components into a small space were intelligently managed.
Cons: Not really a con, but assembly is a bit different that on other cases because the two hard drive stalls and DVD stall cover part of the motherboard - on mine, it was where the ATX cable and Sata cables connected. You have to pull these stalls to install the components anyway, need to attach cables before you put them back in. DVD drive installation a bit weird because of a large gap between the drive face and the front. The external DVD tray cover is a one time shot with a double sided sticky, and the external "open" button would not depress the botton on the LG GGW-H20L Blu-ray without some work with Xacto knife.
Overall Review: Very satisfied with the unit. Attached a Logitech diNovo Mini bluetooth keyboard that worked natively in Vista 64 prem. Radeon 3450 - crossfired with the on-board video chip, (darned if I can tell the difference here). Wireless with WMP110. GA-MA78GM-S2H Mobo - Phenom 9850, 4 gigs Kingston off the memory list - plugged up to a Sharp 52" Aquos. (At first, we had a little HDCP problem that appears to have been solved by turning things on in the right order, nuisance ).