Ever dreamed of a powerful computer that fits on a small desk or even a shelf? Building a PC can be exciting, but picking the right case can feel like a puzzle. There are so many different sizes and styles, and it’s tough to know which one is best for your needs. You want something that looks good, keeps your computer cool, and doesn’t take up too much space. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to find that perfect fit!
That’s where understanding ITX cases comes in. These compact wonders pack a punch, offering a way to build a mighty machine without the bulk. If you’re ready to explore the world of small-form-factor PCs, this post is for you. We’ll break down what makes an ITX case special and guide you through the choices. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident about picking an ITX case that’s just right for your next build.
Our Top 5 Itx Cases Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Itx Cases Detailed Reviews
1. Cooler Master NR200 Mini-ITX PC Case Ready
Rating: 8.9/10
The Cooler Master NR200 is a fantastic Mini-ITX PC case that packs a punch in a tiny package. It’s built for performance and lets you fit some seriously powerful hardware, like the latest Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti or AMD RX 9070 XT graphics cards, horizontally. This case is ready to go with support for SFX power supplies and plenty of room for cooling, making it a great choice for DIY PC builders.
What We Like:
- It has a small size (18.25L) but fits Mini-ITX motherboards.
- It can hold big graphics cards horizontally, even up to 330mm long.
- You can add a 240mm or 280mm liquid cooler to keep things chilly.
- It fits SFX power supplies up to 130mm.
- You can install tall CPU coolers (165mm) and lots of fans (up to 6).
- The vented steel panels let air flow freely to keep your parts cool.
What Could Be Improved:
- The triple-slot GPU mount might limit some very thick custom-cooled cards.
- While it supports many fans, managing all the cables in a small space can be tricky.
This case is a smart pick for anyone wanting a powerful gaming rig without a giant footprint. It offers great cooling and supports high-end components, making your DIY build a breeze.
2. Lian Li A3-mATX-WD-26.3L Micro Form Factor Chassis-No Fans Included-Supports 360mm AIO-Modularity Design-for M-ATX
Rating: 9.4/10
The Lian Li A3-mATX-WD-26.3L is a cool case for building a small but powerful computer. It’s made in partnership with DAN Cases, so you know it’s designed well. This case looks great with its black finish and a stylish wood front panel. It’s perfect if you want a compact build without sacrificing performance. You can fit a lot of different parts inside, and it’s built to be flexible.
What We Like:
- It supports many power supply sizes, like ATX, SFX, and SFX-L. You can even mount the power supply in different ways.
- The sides and top have steel mesh, which helps your computer stay cool by letting air flow freely.
- The wood front panel gives it a unique and premium look.
- It fits both M-ATX and ITX motherboards. You can also install a really big graphics card (up to 415mm long) with 4 slots.
- You can put a 360mm liquid cooler in it, which is great for keeping your CPU from getting too hot.
- The case is designed to be modular, so you can change things around easily.
- It can hold up to 10 fans, so you have plenty of options for cooling.
What Could Be Improved:
- This case does not come with any fans, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
- The price might be a bit high for some people.
This Lian Li case offers a fantastic blend of style and functionality for small form factor PC builds. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to create a compact yet high-performance gaming or workstation setup.
3. S300 – Mini-ITX PC Gaming Case – Front I/O USB 3.0 Type – C Port – SFX Power Supply 100-130mm – Cable Management System – luminum Mini-ITX Motherboard Small Portable PC Case-Black
Rating: 9.2/10
The S300 Mini-ITX PC Gaming Case is a compact powerhouse for gamers who crave portability without sacrificing performance. Its sleek black design, crafted from pure aluminum with a wire-drawing finish, makes it look good anywhere. The small leather handle on top means you can easily take your gaming setup with you. This case is designed for Mini-ITX motherboards, making it super small and easy to carry.
What We Like:
- Super portable size at only 8.1 liters, measuring 12.2 x 5.3 x 7.6 inches.
- Features a modern front USB 3.0 Type-C port for fast connections.
- Three-sided mesh panels help keep your components cool by letting air flow freely.
- Supports SFX and SFX-L power supplies (100-130mm) for flexible builds.
- Accommodates graphics cards up to 305mm long and 55mm high (2.5 slots).
- Includes a premium PCIe 3.0 16X Riser Cable so you can connect your graphics card.
- Offers a cable management system to keep your build tidy and airflow smooth.
What Could Be Improved:
- You must manually set your motherboard’s BIOS to GEN3 for the graphics card extension line to work.
- The CPU fan height is limited to 60mm, which might restrict some cooler choices.
This case is a fantastic option for building a small, powerful gaming PC that you can take on the go. It balances portability with the features needed for a capable gaming rig.
4. JONSBO/JONSPLUS Z20 Black Micro-ATX Mini Tower PC Case
Rating: 8.8/10
The JONSBO/JONSPLUS Z20 Black Micro-ATX Mini Tower PC Case is a compact powerhouse for your next computer build. It’s designed for gamers and creators who want a small PC that can still handle demanding tasks. This case is easy to move around thanks to its detachable carrying handle, and its 20L volume means it fits nicely on any desk.
What We Like:
- The case is built tough with 2mm thick steel panels.
- It has lots of ventilation with many fan mounts for good cooling.
- You can fit big graphics cards (up to 363mm) and a 240mm AIO cooler.
- It works with different power supplies like ATX, SFX, and SFX-L.
- A removable PCI-E fixing piece makes installing longer GPUs easier.
- Magnetic dust filters keep your PC clean.
- It has modern front ports like USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C.
- The case is small but offers good space for hardware.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual for PSU mounting might need careful review to avoid interference.
- While it supports large GPUs, the exact clearance can depend on other parts you install.
This JONSBO/JONSPLUS Z20 case is a fantastic option for building a powerful and portable PC. It balances size, cooling, and hardware support really well.
5. Thermaltake TR100 SFF Chassis; mITX Support; 18.9 Liters; PCIe 4.0 Riser Cable Included; 360mm GPU Clearance; 280mm Radiator Support; Removable PCIe Bracket; Matcha Green; CA-11A-00SENN-00
Rating: 9.3/10
The Thermaltake TR100 SFF Chassis in a vibrant Matcha Green is a super cool mini-computer case. It’s designed to be small and easy to move around, making it great for your desk at home or for taking with you on trips. Even though it’s tiny, it can still hold powerful computer parts.
What We Like:
- It’s small and light, perfect for taking anywhere.
- It’s built for mini-ITX computers, giving you lots of room for parts inside its two sections.
- You can fit big graphics cards (up to 360mm) and cooling systems (280mm radiators) inside.
- It comes with a PCIe 4.0 riser cable, which helps your graphics card work its best.
- Putting in your graphics card is easy because the bracket can be removed, and there’s even a support to keep it steady.
- It supports SFX and SFX-L power supplies and has enough space for CPU coolers (68mm).
What Could Be Improved:
- The 18.9-liter size might be a bit tight for some builders.
- While it supports a 280mm radiator, fitting it might require careful planning.
This Thermaltake TR100 chassis is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a powerful computer that doesn’t take up much space. It balances portability with the ability to house impressive components.
Choosing Your Perfect ITX Case: A Mini-Build Masterclass
Building a small PC, or a “mini-ITX build,” offers a lot of cool advantages. These tiny computers fit almost anywhere and look super sleek. But picking the right ITX case can feel a little tricky. This guide will help you find the perfect mini-ITX case for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features in an ITX Case
When you’re shopping for an ITX case, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Dimensions: ITX cases are small, but they still come in different shapes and sizes. Some are as small as a shoebox, while others are a bit taller. Measure the space where you want to put your PC before you buy.
- Cooling Support: Small PCs can get hot. Look for cases with good airflow. This means places for fans and vents. Some cases have special designs to help hot air escape easily.
- Component Compatibility: Even though it’s a small case, you need to make sure your parts will fit. Check the maximum CPU cooler height, GPU length, and PSU size the case supports.
- Storage Options: How many hard drives or SSDs do you need? Some ITX cases have room for several drives, while others are more limited.
- Ease of Building: Some small cases can be a puzzle to build in. Look for cases with good cable management options and easy access to components. This makes building and upgrading much simpler.
- Front Panel Ports: Check what ports are on the front of the case. Do you need USB-A, USB-C, or audio jacks?
Important Materials: What Your Case is Made Of
The materials used in your ITX case affect its look, feel, and durability.
- Steel: This is very common. Steel makes cases strong and durable. It also helps keep noise down.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter than steel. It can make the case feel more premium and is good for heat dissipation.
- Tempered Glass: Many ITX cases use tempered glass panels. This lets you show off your cool PC parts. It looks great, but it can break if dropped.
- Plastic: Some parts of the case might be made of plastic. It’s usually used for accents or internal drive bays.
Quality Matters: Factors That Boost or Lower Your Case’s Quality
A good ITX case makes your build a joy, while a bad one can cause headaches.
- Build Quality: A well-built case feels solid. Its panels fit together nicely, and there are no sharp edges. Poorly made cases can feel flimsy and might have rough edges that can cut you.
- Airflow Design: Cases designed with good airflow will keep your components cool. This means better performance and longer life for your parts. Cases with poor airflow can lead to overheating.
- Cable Management: Good cable management helps keep the inside of your PC tidy. This improves airflow and makes it look much better. Cases with little to no cable management options can be a mess.
- Noise Dampening: Some cases have foam or other materials to reduce the noise from fans and hard drives. This creates a quieter computing experience.
User Experience and Use Cases: Who is an ITX Case For?
ITX cases are perfect for many different people and situations.
- Gamers: Small gaming PCs are great for LAN parties or if you have limited desk space. You can still fit powerful components in them.
- Home Theater PCs (HTPCs): An ITX build can easily fit next to your TV or in an entertainment center. They are quiet and can stream movies or games.
- Workstations: If you need a powerful computer but don’t have much space, an ITX build is a good option. It can handle demanding tasks.
- Travelers: Small PCs are easier to move around. If you need a computer for different locations, an ITX case is ideal.
- Minimalists: People who like a clean and uncluttered look will love an ITX build. It takes up very little space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ITX Cases
Q: What is the main advantage of an ITX case?
A: The main advantage is its small size. This makes it easy to fit anywhere and transport.
Q: Can I fit a large graphics card in an ITX case?
A: It depends on the case. Some ITX cases support long graphics cards, while others are very limited. Always check the specs.
Q: How important is airflow in an ITX case?
A: Airflow is very important. Small cases can get hot, so good airflow helps keep your parts cool and working well.
Q: What kind of power supply (PSU) do ITX cases usually use?
A: Most ITX cases use a small form factor PSU called SFX or SFX-L. Some might accept standard ATX PSUs, but this is less common.
Q: Are ITX cases hard to build in?
A: Some can be a bit challenging due to the small space. Cases with good cable management and clear layouts are easier to build in.
Q: Can I use a standard CPU cooler in an ITX case?
A: You need to check the CPU cooler height limit. Many ITX cases require low-profile coolers to fit.
Q: Do ITX cases support liquid cooling?
A: Yes, many ITX cases support AIO (all-in-one) liquid coolers, often for the CPU. You need to check the radiator size support.
Q: What are the downsides of an ITX case?
A: Downsides include limited space for components, potentially higher temperatures, and sometimes a more difficult building process.
Q: How do I know if my components will fit?
A: Always check the case’s specifications for maximum CPU cooler height, GPU length, and PSU size. Compare these to your chosen parts.
Q: Are ITX cases more expensive than larger cases?
A: Sometimes, yes. The engineering and design needed for compact cases can make them cost a bit more. However, there are affordable options available.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.