Question 1

does it need low profile RAM or standard desktop RAM?

Accepted Answer

Either is fine. For example, I am running this RAM in there. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233180

Question 2

Does this case support regular desktop size Optical drives?

Accepted Answer

Yes but not all drives are the same size. SATA would be a better fit and power supply size also matters. Optical drives are not that expensive so if the one you have doesn't fit a new small one will work. Check out openelec dot com for pictures and help.

Question 3

Has anyone tried standing this case (ML03B) on it's side?

Accepted Answer

i used this ML03B case for an office workstation with a 24" monitor sitting on top of it.  i wouldn't recommend standing it on end as there is no accommodation for 'feet' and it would have stability issues.  one end has vents for the power supply and the other has vents for cpu cooler and additional fans - i highly recommend using it 'as designed' and pictured on this page...

Question 4

What size psu (in mm) is recommended? 120mm 140mm?

Accepted Answer

120 is the biggest you can put in here with fitting all the wires. Technically a 140 will fit, but the wires may be pinched or even break trying to fit them. What ever system you will fit in here will never take enough power to require a high powered 140 psu anyway. the video card has to be a low profile card. This case will not fit something like a gtx 660, but a gt 220 will fit with the added adapters. Hope this helps.

Question 5

How or where would I mount case fans? I want to use two 80mm fans

Accepted Answer

80mm fans can be mounted on the right side (as you look at the front panel).  The mesh all along the right side (you can see in the front profile picture) has mounting holes aligned with standard 80mm fan screw holes so you can mount the fans.

To install:

1) take the top cover off
2) align each fan on the inside of the case to the 80mm mounting holes.  There is about a half inch gap between where the fan sits and the edge of any microATX motherboard you install in the case, so there is adequate clearance for the fans.
3) screw 80mm mounting screws from the outside of the case into the fan mounting holes to secure the fan.  Recommend black 80mm fan mount screws to keep the aesthetics clean.
4) plug the fans into either the motherboard fan power headers and/or power connectors from the power supply.

Question 6

will the SILVERSTONE Strider Plus ST50F-P 500W ATX 12V v2.3 & EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply fit in this case or is it to big?

Accepted Answer

Any ATX power supply will fit in this case perfectly. However, the SILVERSTONE Strider Plus ST50F-P 500W ATX 12V v2.3 & EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply will not leave any room for an optical drive.

There are two ways that I have been able to fit an optical drive and power supply into this case. Either use an SFX power supply with bracket, or use an ATX power supply without modular cables that can be tucked out of the way.

Question 7

Will this case take a full-height PCI-Express card, or only half-height cards?

Accepted Answer

Sorry, there can only be Half Height Cards only. The Slot above the motherboard is facing the wrong way to put in a card it is basically a utility slot. I use it for the Hauppauge A/V Bracket and Cable Set for my TV card as an extra capture slot.

Question 8

If I put an 2.5 SSD behind the power supply and the bracket that holds the 5.25 optical drive - How big can the power supply be.  Can I use a 120mm power supply? Thank you for your answers.

Accepted Answer

I installed 2.5" SSD under the 5.25" DVD drive and a regular size PSU fits fine.  I also was able to fit in Creative Sound Blaster Z SBX PCIE Gaming Sound Card on top of the CPU fan, horizontally, by using PCI extension cables.  It barely touches the CPU fan.  I added 2 silent 80mm case fans to blow into the CPU and my temps are kept low.  CPU is i3-2100 with 8Gb RAM and onboard HDMI.  I still have room for a low profile video card, if needed as well as one 3.5" hard drive (may be able to squeeze two in there).  It's a very nice HTPC case, I like it.

Question 9

Will a GTS 450 (single fan) fit in here?

Accepted Answer

everyone right on that, I have the case and its low profile only. some cases come with a 90 degree adapter to be able to take a full height video card, but this one dose not. Looking on Newegg it seems that there was a low profile gts 450 but its no longer carried.

Question 10

Is it a good idea to put a monitor on top of this?

Accepted Answer

Maybe a small 20" monitor might be okay.  But if where talking something in the 32" and above.... I wouldn't.

Questions & Answers