Silverstone GD01MX Grandia HTPC Case Review

Siverstone’s GD01MX is one of the most robust HTPC enclusures available. The aluminum front bezel is not cluttered, which allows it to blend in nicely with other audio and entertainment equipment. Some may not like the asymetrical look (as most DVD players have their drives located in the center), and the drive doors give a clue that this is a PC and not “authentic” entertainment equipment. The LCD display looks alot more like displays on consumer equipment, and is very bright, crisp, and attractive.

The case is very quiet (although no HTPC is going to be 100% quiet). The included fans only generate a whisper, and I cannot hear the hard drives at all (thanks to the special drive mounting considerations). The remote control is full featured can be used as both a keyboard and mouse, but isn’t as user friendly as a Media Center remote.

The Silverstone Grandia GD01MX has enough features for a robust HTPC or home theater server, and looks like one too.

	REPORT CARD : Silverstone GD01 HTPC Enclosure category rating comments Quality 4 The finish is excellent, the materials good, I wish a VFD was included instead of LCD Innovation 5 Excellent case layout, with room for 5 hard drives without compromising space Aesthetics 4 Although the LCD display is unique, it has a limited viewing angle. Drive doors may not look enough like audio equipment for some. LCD software isn’t 100% reliable, but works most of the time. Installation 5 One of the best HTPC layouts. Motherboard installation is great, routing cables is easy thanks to the considerable space between sections, and hard drive installation is great. Value 4 Good quality build, and will last a lifetime. A VFD instead of LCD would definately make it a better value. FINAL VERDICT: 4 out of 5 stars