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Mini-ITX cases are known for their compact and space-saving designs, making them perfect for a minimalist setup or a build with portability in mind. Despite their smaller size, they still offer enough room for essential components and even some high-end hardware. If you’re looking to build a system around a Mini-ITX motherboard, ensuring you have the right case is key to success. The right case should provide efficient cooling, easy assembly and offer space for the components you plan to use.
Choosing the right Mini-ITX case can ultimately determine the performance and longevity of your system. You’ll want a case that can efficiently dissipate heat, accommodate your required components, and offer ideal portability. Like seeds in well-aerated soil, the wrong case can choke your build with insufficient airflow, restrictive layout, and even incompatibility with your components.
When buying a case for your Mini-ITX build, it’s crucial to pay attention to important features such as cooling options, size, interior layout, and materials. The best Mini-ITX cases typically balance these factors well, offering practical features while maintaining a compact form factor. Although, with tons of options available on the market, choosing the perfect Mini-ITX case can be quite a task.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with recommendations on the best Mini-ITX cases we have tested and used. Based on our unbiased assessment, our aim is to simplify your decision-making process by outlining the defining features of each case. With our insights, you can select a Mini-ITX case that offers the maximum benefits for your unique build while staying within your budget. We assure you, by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to build a compact yet potent system.
Best ITX Cases
Selecting the right Mini-ITX case is the cornerstone of creating a powerful and portable system. The case should offer excellent heat management, sufficient space for your desired components, and easy assembly. With a plethora of options crowding the market, choosing the best one can be a daunting job. With this guide, we simplify your task by providing our top recommendations for the best ITX cases. As we have utilized and examined each contender, our suggestions are based on real-world user experience and testing. We are passionate about enabling you to make the most informed decision possible.
Thermaltake Core V1 SPCC Mini ITX Cube Gaming Computer Case Chassis, Interchangeable Side Panels, Black Edition, CA-1B8-00S1WN-00
If you’re looking for a compact and stylish gaming case, the Thermaltake Core V1 SPCC Mini ITX Cube Gaming Computer Case Chassis is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The cube design with interchangeable side panels allows for unique customization options.
- The case is built with SPCC, ensuring a solid and durable construction.
- The Thermaltake Core V1 is compatible with Mini-ITX/Mini-ITX Factor 1.0/Mini-ITX Factor+ motherboards.
Cons
- The case may be too small for some larger components.
- The included fans may not be sufficient for heavy cooling needs.
- The case does not come with a power supply.
We’ve used the Thermaltake Core V1 SPCC Mini ITX Cube Gaming Computer Case Chassis for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance and design. The cube design with interchangeable side panels is a unique and stylish touch, allowing for endless customization options.
The case is built with SPCC, ensuring a solid and durable construction. It’s also compatible with Mini-ITX/Mini-ITX Factor 1.0/Mini-ITX Factor+ motherboards, making it a versatile option for a variety of builds.
One potential downside to consider is that the case may be too small for some larger components. Additionally, the included fans may not be sufficient for heavy cooling needs. However, these issues can be easily addressed with the addition of external cooling solutions.
Overall, we highly recommend the Thermaltake Core V1 SPCC Mini ITX Cube Gaming Computer Case Chassis for anyone looking for a compact and stylish gaming case with unique customization options.
S300 – Mini-ITX PC Gaming Case
If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful gaming PC case, the S300 – Mini-ITX PC Gaming Case by Deepcool is a great option.
Pros
- The front I/O USB 3.0 Type-C port is a great addition, making it easy to transfer files quickly.
- The cable management system is excellent, with multiple cable holes and a removable HDD cage, making it easy to keep your case clean and tidy.
- The build quality is solid, with a durable steel construction and a sleek aluminum front panel.
Cons
- The PSU shroud is a bit flimsy and may not fit all SFX PSUs.
- The case may be a bit cramped for some users, especially those with larger components.
- The side window is a bit narrow, which may make it difficult to install larger cooling solutions.
We’ve been using the S300 – Mini-ITX PC Gaming Case for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The front I/O USB 3.0 Type-C port is a great addition, making it easy to transfer files quickly. The cable management system is excellent, with multiple cable holes and a removable HDD cage, making it easy to keep your case clean and tidy.
The build quality is solid, with a durable steel construction and a sleek aluminum front panel. The case is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions and well-labeled components.
However, the PSU shroud is a bit flimsy and may not fit all SFX PSUs. The case may also be a bit cramped for some users, especially those with larger components. The side window is a bit narrow, which may make it difficult to install larger cooling solutions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact yet powerful gaming PC case, the S300 – Mini-ITX PC Gaming Case by Deepcool is a great option. It’s well-designed, easy to assemble, and performs well. If you can overlook its minor flaws, it’s definitely worth considering.
Corsair Airflow Mini PC Case – Steel Mesh Panels – Three-Slot GPU Support – Optimized Cooling – Modern I/O – Black
If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful gaming PC case, the Corsair Airflow Mini PC Case is a great option.
Pros
- The front I/O panel has a modern look and is very convenient to use.
- The steel construction and large front fan provide excellent airflow.
- The case is compact yet spacious, with room for a 240mm radiator and full-size graphics cards.
Cons
- The side panels are secured with thumbscrews, which can be difficult to remove if you have larger hands or nails.
- The case may not fit larger power supplies, so you may need to upgrade to a modular PSU.
- The case is made in China, which may be a concern for some buyers.
We’ve used the Corsair Airflow Mini PC Case for several months now, and we’re very happy with its performance. The front I/O panel is very convenient to use, with two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C port, a headphone jack, and a microphone jack. The steel construction and large front fan provide excellent airflow, keeping our components cool even during intense gaming sessions.
The case is compact yet spacious, with room for a 240mm radiator and full-size graphics cards. We were able to fit our NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card and a 240mm liquid cooling system without any issues. The cable management system is also very well-designed, with plenty of room behind the motherboard tray to route cables.
One potential downside to the case is that the side panels are secured with thumbscrews, which can be difficult to remove if you have larger hands or nails. Additionally, the case may not fit larger power supplies, so you may need to upgrade to a modular PSU. Finally, the case is made in China, which may be a concern for some buyers.
Overall, we highly recommend the Corsair Airflow Mini PC Case for anyone looking for a compact yet powerful gaming PC case.
Thermaltake Tower 100 Black Edition Tempered Glass Type-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2) Mini Tower Computer Chassis supports Mini-ITX CA-1R3-00S1WN-00
If you’re looking for a compact yet spacious mini-ITX case, the Thermaltake Tower 100 Black Edition is a great option.
Pros
- The front I/O panel includes 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x HD Audio, 1x Mic, and 1x Power/Reset button.
- The case supports Mini-ITX, Mini-ITX HTMG, and M-ATX motherboards.
- The PSU shroud offers a clean look and hides the cables.
Cons
- The case is quite heavy, weighing in at 7.05 pounds.
- The side panel thumbscrews are a bit difficult to use.
- The case only supports standard ATX PS2 power supplies.
We’ve been using the Thermaltake Tower 100 Black Edition for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its build quality and overall design. The case is made of steel, which gives it a solid feel and helps to reduce vibration.
One of the standout features of this case is the front I/O panel, which includes two USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, and a HD Audio and Mic jack. This makes it easy to access your most frequently used peripherals without having to open the case.
In terms of compatibility, the Thermaltake Tower 100 Black Edition supports Mini-ITX, Mini-ITX HTMG, and M-ATX motherboards, so you should have no problem finding one that fits your needs. Additionally, the case supports standard ATX PS2 power supplies, which are widely available.
While the case is quite compact, it still manages to offer plenty of space for your components. The PSU shroud helps to keep things tidy and hides any excess cables. However, the case is quite heavy, weighing in at 7.05 pounds, which may make it difficult to transport.
Overall, we would recommend the Thermaltake Tower 100 Black Edition to anyone in the market for a compact yet spacious mini-ITX case. Its solid build quality, convenient front I/O panel, and ample internal space make it a great choice for any build.
SSUPD Meshroom D Mini-ITX Small Form Factor (SFF) Case – Full Mesh Side Panel – Tool-Free and Easy Accessibility
If you’re looking for a mini-ITX case with a full mesh side panel, the SSUPD Meshroom D is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The full mesh side panel provides excellent ventilation, making it a great choice for those who want to build a high-performance system in a small form factor case.
- The tool-free design makes it easy to build and upgrade your system, while the magnetic side panel allows for quick and easy access to your components.
- The SSUPD Meshroom D is compatible with mini-ITX, mini-DTX, and ITX motherboards, making it a versatile option for those who want to build a small form factor system.
Cons
- The case is made of steel, which may make it heavier than some other mini-ITX cases on the market.
- The power supply unit (PSU) is sold separately, which may be a downside for those who are looking for a more complete solution.
- Some users have reported issues with the front I/O panel, which may require some troubleshooting.
The SSUPD Meshroom D is a solid choice for those who want to build a high-performance mini-ITX system with excellent ventilation. The tool-free design and magnetic side panel make it easy to build and upgrade your system, while the compatibility with mini-ITX, mini-DTX, and ITX motherboards makes it a versatile option. However, the case is made of steel, which may make it heavier than some other mini-ITX cases, and the PSU is sold separately, which may be a downside for some users. Overall, the SSUPD Meshroom D is a great choice for those who want a small form factor case with excellent ventilation and easy accessibility.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best ITX case, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Size and Compatibility
The first thing to consider is the size and compatibility of the case. ITX cases are designed to be compact, so it’s important to choose a case that will fit your components. Make sure to check the dimensions of the case and compare them to the dimensions of your components, such as your graphics card and CPU cooler.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of the case are also important factors to consider. Look for cases made from high-quality materials, such as steel or aluminum, that are built to last. Additionally, consider the design of the case and whether it features any additional features, such as dust filters or tool-less access.
Cooling
Cooling is another important factor to consider when choosing an ITX case. ITX cases often have limited space for cooling components, so it’s important to choose a case that offers adequate cooling for your components. Look for cases that feature efficient cooling systems, such as liquid cooling or high-performance fans.
Connectivity
Finally, consider the connectivity options of the case. Look for cases that offer a variety of connectivity options, such as USB 3.0 ports, HDMI ports, and audio jacks. Additionally, consider the placement of these ports and whether they are easily accessible.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best ITX case for your needs and ensure that your components are protected and cooled effectively.
