Mini-ITX cases are small form factor PC cases made for compact builds. Builds for people who don’t have lots of space under their desk or for tiny HTPC builds sitting under a TV. For portable rigs that are always moved. Or for console-like gaming PC builds that need to take as little space as possible next to a PlayStation or Xbox.
No matter the reason why you want to get a Mini-ITX case, finding the best Mini-ITX case for your needs can prove difficult. As with most other components, manufacturers flooded the market with different models, many of which are pretty good choices. But which models are the best ones? Well, if you want to find the answer to that question, scroll below and check out our list of the best Mini-ITX cases.
You’ll find ultra-compact cases, cases with great airflow, a couple of excellent budget options, a few chunky cases, and one high-end case made for building eye-catching gaming rigs. Now, since most ITX chassis have less than stellar airflow, you’d probably want to check out our guide for the best RGB case fans that can improve in-case thermals. If you plan on building a compact HTPC system, we recommend reading our list of the best low-profile graphics cards. Finally, do visit our low-profile RAM kits guide if your cooling method of choice is air, even when it comes to Mini-ITX housings.
1. Cooler Master MasterBox NR200: Best value mini-ITX case
Cooler Master have made the best Mini-ITX case of 2020, and the MasterBox NR200 continues to shine even today. Considering its price, design, thermal performance, and compatibility, this is the best choice for most people.
First of all, this is a quite large ITX case, so it can host triple-slot GPUs up to 330mm in length as well as a 158mm tall CPU air cooler or up to a 280mm AIO radiator. This allows for impressive builds made for 4K gaming. You can fit most RTX 3080 models inside this case without issues while also putting a high-end gaming CPU cooled by a 280mm or a 240mm AIO (for better compatibility).
Add a couple of fans to the top and bottom (the case can house up to five 120mm case fans), and you’ll get an unbeatable Mini-ITX case when it comes to thermals. Even if you decide to air cool the CPU, thermal performance will remain impressive. The NR200 is also suited for custom loops and is one of the best ITX cases to build in.
The only downside is the cable management, but that’s an issue tied to a large number of mini-ITX cases. When it comes to storage support, you can fit up to three 2.5” drives and up to two 3.5” drives. The NR200 also supports a vertical GPU mount and comes in a version with a glass side panel and a couple of preinstalled fans, the NR200P.
2. SilverStone SG13: Best mini-ITX case for low profile builds
The SilverStone SG13 is an amazing little case for those on a budget. The mesh front panel and lots of vents on all sides allow excellent airflow for such a small case. The design is pretty good. There aren’t lots of details, but that mesh on the front does look attractive.
The case supports only one 120mm/140mm fan or AIO radiator. But, the aforementioned vents and side intakes allow the CPU and GPU to remain relatively cool. There’s room for two 2.5” SSDs or one SSD and one 3.5” HDD. The maximum PSU length is 150mm, but the manufacturer strongly advises using 140mm PSUs. Also, be sure to use a modular power supply.
The GPU can be up to 270mm in length, and you can use either a Mini-ITX or a DTX motherboard. With a capacity of just 11.5L, the SG13 offers a lot. Just don’t forget that the installation will be complicated because of the limited amount of space inside the case.
3. Thermaltake Core V1: Best budget mini-ITX case
The Core V1 from Thermaltake is much larger than the SG13, but it offers more room and better airflow. The design is excellent. The front mesh looks superb, and the top see-through panel allows for RGB effects to shine. All that, complemented by the low price, makes the Thermaltake Core V1 the best budget case around.
The case supports up to three fans, with one 200mm fan coming with the V1. You can also install a 120mm/140mm AIO radiator instead of the preinstalled fan. The case offers four storage bays, two for HDDs and two for SSDs. Max GPU length is 285mm. You can use a regular ATX PSU with the case along with Mini-ITX boards. Other features include an optional transparent side window and two expansion slots.
Overall, the V1 is another budget Mini-ITX case that offers lots for the money. Great design, excellent airflow (for a Mini-ITX case), and lots of space for cable management. Downsides include a bit disappointing quality of HDD trays, which look fragile.
4. Fractal Design Node 202: Best mini-ITX case with console-like design
The Fractal Design Node 202 is a perfect case for those who want a console-like small form factor gaming PC to use in their living room. The case is very thin, and you can place it horizontally or vertically.
The limited size also limits the space available inside. You have to forget about using HDDs since the case offers only two 2.5” bays. Next, there’s room for two 120mm fans in the graphics card chamber. This chamber is physically divided from the rest of the case to increase airflow around the GPU.
The case supports SFX (small form factor) PSUs with lengths no longer than 130mm. The length of the GPU can be up to 310mm, and you can use dual slot models. The installation will be tough, and you have to watch about stuff like cable length and CPU cooler (the cooler clearance is just 56mm), but if you want the best console-like PC case on the market, this one’s it.
5. NZXT 210: Best mini-ITX Case for water cooling builds
If you’re looking for the best Mini-ITX case for water cooling builds, the H210 from NZXT is the best budget case around. Yes, it’s fairly large for a Mini-ITX case, but that means more space, easier component installation, and lots of room for cable management.
The larger size also brings better airflow with support for up to four fans, with two 120mm fans included (one on the back and one on the topside). You also have room for two 120mm or one 240mm radiator on the front and one 120mm radiator on the back. There are plenty of drive bays; three 2.5” and one 3.5” bay which you can use for another SSD.
The H210 can host graphics cards up to 325mm in length and CPU coolers up to 165mm in height. When it comes to design, this case looks extremely attractive. The signature NZXT design with two-tone color choices, tempered glass side panel, and subtle yet striking side vents makes for a perfect combination.
6. Lian Li TU150: best airflow mini-ITX case
The Lian Li TU150 is another Mini-ITX case that’s on the chunkier side. It isn’t as large as the H210, but it still offers great airflow and lots of room for cable management. The design is beautiful. The front is minimalistic, like on NZXT cases, with side vents giving it more character. The see-through side panel is there for RGB show-off, and the top includes a retractable handle for easy transport.
If you’re looking for the best Mini-ITX case with a handle, this is the one to buy. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a PC chassis with a handle just bigger, do read our list of the best portable PC cases. Pretty looks and lots of room inside aren’t the only perks of the Lian Li TU150.
First of all, the case supports up to four 120mm fans allowing for excellent airflow. Next, there’s room for large air coolers (max CPU cooler height is 165mm) and long graphics cards (max GPU length is 320mm). Finally, the case supports even the thickest GPUs since it comes with space for three expansion slots. The downsides are small but might greatly matter for some users.
First of all, there’s only room for a single 120mm radiator on the back, so this isn’t the best choice for water-cooled builds. Secondly, you’ll find just two 2.5” bays, with one being able to host a 3.5″ HDD. Finally, the chassis comes without preinstalled case fans, which is a shame for a case that’s not on the cheaper side. But even with its downsides, the Tu 150 is still one of the best Mini-ITX cases on the market.
7. InWin A1 Plus: Best RGB mini-ITX case
The InWin A1 Plus is a highly attractive Mini-ITX case and our pick for the best RGB Mini-ITX case. RGB Implementation includes a single RGB case fan mounted on the rear side but also a circle of RGB LEDs going around the bottom of the case. This makes the A1 Plus look like hovering above the ground on an RGB cloud, with the effect being quite impressive in person, especially in the dark.
The A1 Plus isn’t the easiest case to build in, and it’s quite expensive, but it also has pretty solid thermal performance, it can house dual slot video cards up to 320mm in length and 160mm tall CPU towers. You can also install two fans on the bottom for better GPU thermals, making the A1 Plus an excellent choice for an air-cooled ITX build.
Those preferring AIO coolers or custom loops should look elsewhere because this case supports only 120mm radiators. It’s also worth noting that the A1 case comes with a preinstalled SFX PSU. Technically, you can replace it, but that could be quite complicated.
This is the reason why we’d picked the Plus version since the regular one comes with a 600W 80Plus Bronze PSU. A 600W PSU won’t be enough for high-end gaming builds. The 650W 80Plus Gold PSU found in the A1 Plus, on the other hand, should be enough for an undervolted RTX 3080 combined with a 5600X or a stock 5900X.
8. SilverStone RVZ03: Best vertical mini-ITX case
There’s a fair share of vertical Mini-ITX cases on the market, but most of them are either expensive, have disappointing thermal performance, or both. The RVZ03 from SilverStone is both relatively affordable (for an ITX case) and has excellent airflow. It’s also relatively easy to work in, and it supports dual-slot GPUs up to 330mm in size.
CPU cooler support isn’t great. You can mount an air cooler up to 83mm. That’s limiting, but if you’re planning to build a gaming build, a low-profile cooler such as the Scythe Big Shuriken 3, which can fit into this case, won’t have an issue cooling CPUs such as the Ryzen 5600X & 5600 or the Core i5-12400, all excellent gaming CPUs.
The housing comes with two preinstalled case fans, and it has room for one more. As for the storage support, you can install up to four 2.5” SSDs inside this case. Fans of RGB can get the ARGB version of the RVZ03, which does look sweet. If you like RGB, but the ITX form factor is too cramped for your needs, you can read our list of the best RGB cases.
What to look for in a mini-ITX case
There is a selection of features that are quite important when picking a Mini-ITX case. These cases are extra small, so you have to watch about GPU length, supported PSUs, the number of storage devices you can fit inside the case, and more.
GPU length and CPU fan clearance
In most cases, you cannot fit a full-length graphics card inside a Mini-ITX case. Most cases have max GPU length listed in official specifications. If you don’t want a nasty surprise when trying to fit your graphics card inside your new Mini-ITX case, double-check the maximum GPU length supported by the case.
The same goes for the GPU width. Most Mini-ITX cases can fit dual-slot graphics cards without issues, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Again, check whether the case can fit thick GPUs if you have one. Finally, if you have a tall CPU fan, check the maximum CPU fan clearance on the case you’re eyeing. Some of them don’t have lots of clearance, especially low-profile ones.
PSU compatibility
Most Mini-ITX cases cannot host a full-fledged ATX power supply. Most can fit SFX (small form factor) and SFX-L PSUs, but some low-profile models can only fit nano power supplies. Look out for that when searching for your next Mini-ITX case.
Cable management
As you’d expect, smaller Mini-ITX cases don’t have great cable management. Larger models can have excellent cable management, in line with mid-tower cases.
But most cases, especially low-profile ones, can have problematic cable management that can make assembling your next build extra complicated.
It’s best to scourge through professional and user reviews as well as through forum posts to see whether the case you want to get has decent cable management.
SSD/HDD trays
Small size means less space for storage devices. If you’re a data hoarder, well, just don’t buy a Mini-ITX case. If you’re a regular user who needs a large HDD and one or two SSDs, most ITX designs can fulfill your needs.
Most Mini-ITX cases have three storage bays, but there are models with more trays out there. If you want a low-profile case with a console-like design, be ready to live with only one or two storage bays. Luckily, many high-end Mini-ITX motherboards have two M.2 slots for NVMe SSDs.
DTX motherboard compatibility
DTX is a motherboard form factor that’s between mATX and Mini-ITX in size. There aren’t many DTX motherboards on the market. But if you’re into getting one, check whether your next Mini-ITX case supports such a board.
