SilverStone ML04 Milo HTPC mATX Case Review

By Tom Jaskulka

Manufacturer: SilverStone Technology Co., LTD.
Product Name: Milo ML04
Model Number: SST-ML04B
UPC: 844761010232
Price As Tested: $74.99 (Newegg / Amazon)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by SilverStone.

Benchmark Reviews was recently given the chance to sample the Milo ML04 HTPC micro-ATX case from SilverStone. Possibly an under-appreciated corner of the PC case market, a good home theater case can provide a subtle home for some powerful components. With computers making a gradual shift from the office to the living room and form factors steadily decreasing in size, HTPC cases can offer a home for an older, re-purposed office machine or a sophisticated enclosure for a dedicated media box. Part of the entry-level Milo series designed to offer the full size features of the Grandia series in a smaller size, will SilverStone’s SST-ML04B fulfill the special requirements of an HTPC platform? Why not just use any old computer case and set it in the living room? Let’s take a look and find out if the ML04 is a better option.

One thing I try to mention from time to time is the reason I don’t do objective sound testing for cases. There’s far too many variables to make it relevant, and while you certainly don’t want an obnoxiously loud computer case (especially in a home theater scenario) every user will have their own particular set up and their own tolerance levels for noise determined by the size of the room and the other noise sources in it. I’ll comment subjectively if anything is noticeable, but take any noise observations with a grain of salt. HTPC cases already have an advantage in that they’re usually located across the room from the user (instead of sitting on or near a desk directly in front of them), but their smaller size makes your component choice the main factor in the production of noise, not so much the case itself.

Features & Specifications