While thinking about future upgrades I stumbled upon an interesting idea some case manufacturers delivered - dual system cases (eg. two motherboards in a single case). Usually these are the standard ATX/mATX cases with support for additional mini-ITX board.

 

This seems like a great alternative for some people, who might want a home server alongside the desktop PC. I'm definitely considering doing something like that in the future.

 

If anybody knows some other cases, besides the mentioned ones, please share and I'll include them.

 

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Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL

1st system: mATX

2nd system: mini-ITX

Price: DS variant with PSU splitter included - $180

 

 

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AZZA Fusion 4000

1st system: up to XL-ATX

2nd system: mini-ITX

Price: $240-260 (seems to be sold-out though)

 

 

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LIAN LI PC-D666WRX

1st system: up to E-ATX

2nd system: mATX, mini-ITX

Price: about $600

 

 

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Some more cases comming soon from Phanteks:

Phanteks Enthoo Primo DS

Phanteks Enthoo Elite

 

 

I believe some of the Lian Li Computer Desks support dual boards.

Thermaltake Core W200

 

CaseLabs was super peeved about it.

 

Mountain Mods makes absolutely cavernous cases. Some of them actually remind me of old Mainframe PCs from the 80's.

 

http://www.update.uu.se/~pontus/bild/MicroVAX3300.jpg[/img]http://www.mountainmods.com/gallery/_data/i/upload/2013/09/13/20130913215848-a9dd8b9d-me.jpg[/img]

 

Cases can be converted to house two full size ATX MB/s. 2nd one is upside down.

 

http://www.mountainmods.com/gallery/_data/i/upload/2013/09/13/20130913220353-24d6ac3f-me.jpg[/img]

 

I built one for a customer. Cases are pretty sturdy, but it's not my favorite design. Looks like the minecraft of PC cases. Things fit fine, the case has lots of powder coat and polish, but everything needs at least 4 screws. No drive trays, and it's a PITA to cleanly route cables in.

That Thermaltake case...  might have to contain my next build!

That Thermaltake case...  might have to contain my next build!

 

I've been seriously considering it as well. The only downside I can find is that you need to drill and tap some standoff holes yourself, if you are wanting to put an SSI-EEB or extended ATX motherboard in it (it does support XL-ATX). That's not a show-stopper, though.