As computers become more and more versatile and advanced, home theater PCs are getting more popular by the day. We have been tracking the evolution of HTPCs ever since desktop cases morphed into their latest manifestation – computers which are easy to use with only a remote control and feature small TFT touch screens on the faceplate. By the looks of it the evolution won’t stop any time soon. GMC recently released a HTPC case, the AVC-S1, which packs a load of features but it is designed to suit narrow spaces, mainly matching mini-HiFi systems. GMC managed to surprise us with several innovative and quality products in the past. Let us see if the Korean manufacturer managed to impress us again with this small desktop case.

Packaging and bundle

The AVC-S1 comes packed in a normal cardboard box, which is perhaps overly large and thick for a case of its size. The case is held in the middle of the box between two large Styrofoam pieces, making it almost impervious to damage during transportation. The box itself is very simply designed, which doesn’t really matter since you will rarely see a case packed inside its box while browsing store shelves. Inside the package you will find a fairly rich bundle, but nothing out of ordinary. Besides the needed screws and standoffs there is also a bracket for a low profile VGA card, a manual and a quick start guide, the iMon remote controller and its software CD plus a stand which allows you to place the AVC-S1 vertically as well.

The Case Exterior

Outside the box, the AVC-S1 looks very classy. It is narrow and short while being rather deep. The whole case is silver except for the chromed stripe covering most of the faceplate. The stripe is a bit hard to keep clean, as it is prone to fingertip marks, but it also makes the front of the case look exceptionally sleek. You will find more than a simple power button at the front of the case. The small power button is present at the top left side of the case, right next to the large volume control knob. By pressing the knob inside, you can mute the sound completely. A few basic media keys which you can control basic functions in the media applications (up-down-left-right, enter, back and the windows key) are located at the right side of the volume control knob. The USB, audio and firewire ports are placed at the lowermost right part of the faceplate and are completely exposed. Some kind of door or hatch to hide the front ports would possibly aid the aesthetics of the case even further. The feet of the case are much alike those found beneath high quality home theater devices, made of rubber and encircled in golden rings. They are removable, enabling you to place this case vertically on its stand.

The AVC-S1 also has a good cooling system in place. The two sides of the case are almost entirely perforated, as is the area above the expansion card slots. A few more holes and the case would look more like a fishnet than a HTPC. You can mount up to 4 fans inside the S1. The first is an 80mm fan right above the CPU area, which can be mounted as an intake or exhaust. You can mount another 80mm fan at the front part of the case, behind the faceplate, to aid the cooling of your HDDs. Finally you can mount two 40mm fans at the rear of the case as exhausts, which we think will be more a source of noise than a cooling aid. The 40mm fans are too small to push a respectable amount of air without creating a lot of noise. None of these fans are included.