Two-year-old GT3 case anticipates slim PC trend
The lean and mean GT3.
(Credit: GTR Tech)Even though it's been out for more than two years, we hadn't heard about the GTR Tech GT3 until earlier today, via the blog of PC business-type Ed Borden. Now that we know about the trim GT3, we're struck by how appropriate such an enclosure seems to today's fascination with pared-down desktop design.
In his blog, Ed compares the virtues of the GT3 with other smaller gaming PCs, in particular with HP's recent Firebird 800-series gaming desktop. That system uses a customized motherboard and laptop-style MXM graphics cards. Ed also draws a comparison to systems like Falcon Northwest's FragBox 2, which require smaller microATX motherboards that generally sacrifice expansion room for space savings. Unlike either of those systems, the GT3 support both full-size ATX motherboards, as well as standard dual-slot graphics cards.
We don't want to sell either the FragBox 2 or the Firebird short. We recently reviewed a FragBox 2 with a pair of doublewide 3D cards and a 1,000 watt power supply jammed inside, so using a microATX doesn't automatically make a desktop underpowered. We also have to credit the Firebird's power efficiency and its visual appeal. Unlike the otherwise attractive GT3, the Firebird doesn't have a giant, electric blue "GT3" emblazoned across its front panel.
The GT3 compared with a full-sized desktop tower.
(Credit: GTR Tech)By offering the DIY system-building crowd a unique, slim chassis on which to build a competent gaming desktop, GTR Tech seemingly anticipated HP's own Firebird design. We also agree with Ed's assessment that the GT3 has a major advantage over the Firebird in that it offers complete user upgradeability. You can't upgrade the Firebird's graphics cards, for example.
We disagree, however, with Ed's suggestion that the GT3 leaves the Firebird with no advantages. Even if HP's gaming system isn't the fastest (or the most affordable) 3D gaming box around, its performance relative to its power consumption is an impressive technical feat. We're also glad to hear that the GTR Tech is apparently working on an updated version of the chassis. We'd love to see a boutique PC vendor use the GT3 chassis to compete with the Firebird on both performance and power consumption.
If you'd like to buy the GT3, it currently costs $189 direct from GTR Tech. Be sure to read GTR Tech's list of GT3-compatible motherboards before diving in.
Rich Brown reviews desktops and various other components and peripherals for CNET. E-mail Rich. 
Nice write up! Ironically, none of the vendors "get it". Looks like you do!
One update to add, Rich. The motherboard list is extremely out-dated. Keeping up with the mobo models out there is a next to impossible.
Users just need to know two things:
#1 )
x16 PCI-Express connector in position #6 or #7. See Image: http://www.sportcompactpc.com/images/GT3_motherboard.jpg
Count from the bottom, up, to determine the position number.
#2) Use a solid capacitor motherboard. This is just being smart. Quality chassis. Why not get a quality mobo to build your system around.
We're busy working away on our web 2.0 site, which will offer *tons* of info and support for enthusiasts, building GT3 PCs, including:
-Acoustic Reports. Wonder how loud your GT3 will be with X, Y, X, config? We've got the data!
-Power consumption reports. Can you say, "Green" The entry level box consumes a miserly 80Ws of power during desktop. The Gamer config sips along at 120W. The using the right PSU for the right config, makes all the difference in the world.
-Thermal Reports. What temp does the CPU/GPU run at? We gotcha covered!
-Performance Reports. Whats the 3DMark score of X, Y, Z config? Again, gotcha covered.
'GT3 PC. The PC, millennium style.'
I'll keep an eye on this article, and respond to any questions. Feel free to fire away!
Cheers!
Sean