Case choice for Untangle box, LGA775/Core2 Duo

Hi all,

I am considering building a box to serve as a router, based on the Untangle distro of Linux (http://www.untangle.com/).

Although I "learned" basic programming in an academic UNIX environment, it would be my first Linux box, built with the following:

ASRock G41C-GS LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Core 2 Duo 2.6ghz

My question is, would one of those modular/small form factor cases have adequate cooling, or do I need a typical mid-tower type enclosure? It is for a home network with 2-3 users max, mainly as an experiment/learning experience.

Thanks in advance.

 

I have set up several point-of-sale systems over the years using SFF cases. So long as the box is out in the open (not in a closed cabinet such as an entertainment center with doors), you should not have any problems with cooling.

The main benefits to a mid-tower case would be greater expansion room (if you ever decide to turn it into a multi-drive server) and easier/cheaper replacement of the standard ATX size power supply if it fails.

Hope this helps.

 

That last part made it a no-brainer. This will be a Frankenstein built of the cannibalized parts of dead/shelved units, so I can't really tolerate any lack of compatibility. I had not considered that aspect of it. Also, mid towers are just so cheap and ubiquitous. Cheers!