Hey all,
 
I recently was lucky enough to acquire what seems to be a nearly factory new EVGA SR-2 motherboard. For no particularly good reason, I really want to build a computer with it; maybe it'll be my first home lab project. I've already ordered some Xeons and other parts from eBay... the minimum amount of stuff I need to test the board to make sure it still functions, since it was sitting on a shelf in its box but without its static protection bag. However, assuming it still works, I'm going to need to put it in a case, which turns out to be the hardest and most expensive problem to solve.
 
I'm going to preface this part with the fact that I live in Canada, and in a more remote area of it. I started with PCPartPicker, to see what my case options were in general but also to see if any reputable retailers were still carrying a compatible case. The short of it: no. The ones that I imagine would have been more commonly available like the Corsair 900D and the Lian-Li PC-A75 seem to have vanished from retail within the past 6 months (though maybe they've been out of stock even further back and it was just third party seller listings). I had the tiniest bit of luck with eBay, as there is one listing of the Xigmatek HPTX case, with multiple for sale from the same vendor. However, I also found, through some Googling, that the EVGA DG-8 series cases *should* fit an HPTX board even if they don't seem to be officially supported. In fact, I found this post of someone putting an SR-2 into a DG-8, but I can't tell from it how well it fits together (but since I'm a new user I can't message them directly yet): 
 
Edit: I can't seem to post a link, so I'll just say it's the forum post titled "EVGA DG-87 & SR-2 Build" by user "Gone Cruising"
 
My question is two-fold then. First, what makes the DG-8 not completely support HPTX? If it's something like having to remove the 3.5" hard drive cages completely, I might look elsewhere since I'd like to load those up for mass storage, but I might be able to live with it if it's just something like missing a few motherboard stand-offs. Second, what other cases might be compatible with HPTX even if they're not marked as such? Considering how limited my options are, I also want to take into account cases that could support the board given a bit of modding.

I just plan on air cooling them; I have a couple of older Zalman 9900 that should fit the socket no problems. No water cooling, since I don't want risk the reliability of it if I'll be using it as a home lab.
 
Do you know any specific SuperMicro models? I tried browsing their website, but... it's difficult to tell whether or not a case is compatible based on their specs and pictures. On top of that, Supermicro's prices seem far less reasonable here in Canada, while having far fewer options (probably because most products come through a third-party seller on Amazon or Newegg, so really it's an availability problem). For example, Supermicro has only 1 page of results for the server chassis section (that are ATX or larger) on Newegg Canada, but 5 pages of results on Newegg US.

Unfortunately, the anidees case is not available on Amazon.ca, and does not ship to Canada from Amazon.com; however, the Nanoxia case seems to be pre-orderable (if expensive at 400$ CAD, though for good reason... it looks amazing and is silenced). More options is more options though, so I appreciate the links 

Agh, I should have populated the info in my user account, my bad. I've set it now
 
I just checked B&H at your request (heard of them, but never bought from them). You would not imagine the surprise when I saw there were 2 HPTX cases available, and then the disappointment when both of them were Lian Li Computer Desk cases, haha.
 
The fact that SuperMicro cases come with PSUs might be a good thing; I have an older 1000W PSU that I was planning on using, but I wouldn't complain if I got an 80 Plus Platinum PSU (not sure if in all cases, but the chassis I just checked had it) with a decent case. Maybe I'll have to trudge the SuperMicro page and just go through every case they have...

Yeah, I've started searching using the "compatible with E-ATX and XL-ATX" as my starting point... if it fits both, then there's a chance it could fit, unofficially.
 
I also agree that the Core W100 might work; it's got plenty of motherboard space, but I agree that it needs some modding (an extra mobo stand-off or two, at least). For the Canadian price though, I may as well order the Naxonia case, since it's sound dampened and everything (though the W100 has casters, which is convenient and cool).
 
So this is what I have so far: The DG-8 is the cheapest solution (I think, according to the selling price on EVGA's store, but I'm not sure about currency conversion and shipping), assuming it fits with the hard drive cages. I really wish those pictures in that EVGA DG-8 SR-2 build showed the full interior. The Naxonia is the guaranteed solution, but it's pricey. The W100 is similarly pricey and requires modding, but is more available generally. SuperMicro probably has a solution, but the problem is finding it.
 
Edit: Good lord, I tried checking out the EVGA DG-8 to find out how much shipping would cost to my location... apparently it's 250$, which is practically absurd. I know it's a case, but still... it costs more to ship the case than the case itself!

Any Updates?

Thanks for the update and keep us up to date on your Progress.
It is going to be an Awesome Build.

Little Devil LD-V8 case supports HPTX, has normal and reverse layout versions.
Lian-Li PC-A75X
Mountain Mods has a few with HPTX tray options.
 
The Lian-Li is by far the cheapest.