SilverStone Milo ML03 HTPC

Setup:

In testing out the SilverStone ML03, an Intel Core i5 2500K, ASUS H67 Micro-ATX motherboard, 2GB of DDR3 system memory, an OCZ Vertex 2 60GB SSD, and SilverStone Strider 400W PSU were installed. SilverStone sent over the Strider 400W (SST-ST40F-ES) power supply as one of their newest compact PSUs and is one that meets the compact requirements needed for the third-generation Milo.

The SilverStone Strider Essential 400W power supply features 80 PLUS certification for power efficiency, a 24-hour continuous power rating of 400 Watts, a single 25 Amp +12V rail, a 120mm fan with a 18dBA noise rating, support for ATX12V 2.3, and utilizes active PFC. The dimensions on this power supply are just 150 x 86 x 140 mm.

Installing this SilverStone power supply along with the Intel "Sandy Bridge" hardware into this low-profile HTPC enclosure had worked out just fine. Handling all of the cables in this case was quite tight even without using a 5.25-inch optical drive (after all, most media is distributed digitally these days and Linux distributions are often installed from USB drives) so the lack of a DVD/Blu-ray drive at least allowed for some room for the cables without blocking any airflow.

There is plenty of ventilation for the components inside thanks to a number of holes, but at the same time, this may result in a build-up of dust and if installing a noisy CPU or case fans this HTPC enclosure could become quite noisy. However, with the Strider Essential 400W PSU and the Intel Core i5 2500K with its integrated graphics, the case worked out just fine and we had not experienced any thermal-related issues.

Conclusion:

While the SilverStone Milo ML03 does not offer any breakthrough features for an HTPC enclosure or even a unique design (if you're looking for a very unique micro ATX case, definitely look up the SilverStone Fortress FT03), it does offer all of the fundamentals that an HTPC user would be after and it is provided at a very reasonable price. As of right now the SilverStone ML03 is retailing for around $60 USD (at Amazon.com or NewEgg.com). If the design does not suit your fancy though, there is always SilverStone's interesting Sugo line-up of compact enclosures. Overall, the SilverStone ML03 is a reliable and affordable HTPC enclosure.

If you are looking for a compact but powerful power supply unit for the SilverStone ML03 or other compact enclosures, the SilverStone Strider Essential 400W retails for around $45 USD.