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The Best Mini ITX Cases
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The Best Mini ITX Cases

Mini ITX Cases

Welcome to our Mini Itx Case roundup! In this article, we delve into the world of compact yet powerful computer cases, measuring at just 170mm x 170mm. We've gathered up the best Mini Itx Cases that you can consider for your next project, taking into account factors such as form, functionality, and affordability. So, whether you're an enthusiast or a pro looking for a miniature marvel, let's embark on this exciting journey together!

As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive compensation from qualifying purchases

Reviews

g-skill-z5i-mini-itx-curved-tempered-glass-case-black-gc-mkgw1-z5i-1

As an experienced builder and enthusiast of compact systems, I recently had the opportunity to try out the G. SKILL Z5i Mini-ITX case in my daily life. This case features a unique 5-sided pentagonal design that fits perfectly in tight spaces, yet it still offers an impressive feature set for a small build. With its curved 4mm tempered glass side panels, my eyes were drawn to the stunning visual impact it made in any lighting.

One of the best features of this case is its tool-less side panel hinge design, allowing for quick and easy access to the interior components. The magnetic top dust filter also proved to be very helpful in keeping the case clean and free of dust buildup. The support for high-end graphics cards up to 330mm in length and 280mm AIO radiators made it a perfect choice for my needs.

However, I did notice that the product is not ATX PSU compatible, which might limit some users' options. Additionally, the compact nature of the case meant that cable management could be somewhat challenging. But overall, the G. SKILL Z5i Mini-ITX case provided a great combination of performance, style, and convenience, making it a winner in my book.

ssupd-meshroom-s-pcie-4-0-mini-itx-mini-tower-computer-case-black-1

The Meshroom S is a sleek and compact SFF case boasting a fine 1.5mm mesh design for superior cooling capabilities. It offers the best of both worlds by providing the size and sleekness of an ITX case with the versatility of an ATX chassis. Measuring in at only 14.93 liters, yet still capable of supporting larger GPUs and full-sized power supplies, this case delivers on compatibility and performance.

The tool-less external panels also add to its user-friendly design, providing easy assembly and disassembly. Overall, the Meshroom S PCIe 4.0 Mini-ITX Mini Tower Computer Case is a standout for its balance of size, functionality, and visual appeal.

jonsbo-v11-cube-silver-v11-silver-1

Recently, I decided to try out the Jonsbo V11 Cube Silver for my small system. I was pleasantly surprised by its compact design and the ample mesh for cooling, making it perfect for a gaming or media center setup.

The 2.5-inch bays are convenient enough for storing your storage drives or optical drives, and the aluminum and steel construction ensures durability. The tempered glass panel with an anti-dust filter adds a sleek, modern look to the case. However, I found that the case can only support HDD sizes up to 2.5 inches, which may limit its usability for larger drives.

Overall, the Jonsbo V11 Cube Silver is a great choice for a mini ITX case, as it not only provides ample cooling, but also a clean and professional look.

razer-rc21-01400100-r3m1-tomahawk-mini-itx-computer-case-1

The Razer Tomahawk Mini-ITX was undoubtedly a game-changer in my desktop setup. It's the epitome of form and function, combining compact dimensions with full-size performance capabilities.

One of the most impressive features of this gaming case is the cable management. It's easy to set up and incredibly organized, ensuring a neat and orderly setup. I find that this feature adds a level of professionalism to the whole rig that I really appreciate.

The case also has excellent ventilation, which is a crucial aspect when it comes to gaming setups. It ensures that everything stays cool, even during the most intense gaming sessions. And the RGB lighting. . it's just stunning.

However, one downside I did encounter was the noise level. Despite the impressive performance and features, the sound this case produces can be quite distracting, especially during late-night gaming sessions.

Overall, the Razer Tomahawk is a top-notch mini-ITX gaming case. It's sturdy, attractive, and designed for optimal performance. And while it may not be perfect, it's certainly worth the investment for any serious gamer.

thermaltake-ca-1r3-00s6wn-00-the-tower-100-mini-chassis-snow-1

I recently tried out the Thermaltake CA-1R3-00S6WN-00 The Tower 100 Mini Chassis, and I must say, I was quite impressed with its performance and style. It reminded me of a miniature, sleek, yet powerful supercar - compact yet capable of handling high-end components.

The case is designed with a vertical body to minimize its footprint, making it a perfect fit for small and crowded spaces. I was thrilled to find that it still offers ample room for high-performance hardware. Building a high-end gaming or workstation PC in this small package was a breeze.

One of the most interesting features of this mini chassis is the dual-chamber design, which separates the power supply and hard drive compartments from the main motherboard compartment. This improvement in airflow and reduction of heat buildup was a definite plus for my system's performance. The pre-installed 120mm fan on top also delivered impressive cooling results.

Another cool aspect was the support for graphics cards up to 330mm in length and CPU coolers up to 190mm in height. It's great to see that such a compact case still caters to enthusiasts with powerful graphics and cooling requirements.

The tempered glass side panel was a treat to look at, providing a panoramic view of the internal components and adding a touch of sophistication to the case. The case also includes a built-in USB 3.2 Type-C port and two USB 3.0 ports, making connectivity seamless.

That being said, I have to admit that the case is quite heavy, making it less ideal for a portable build. It's also worth mentioning that the vertical design does make it a bit louder than expected, which might be a downer for those who prefer a more silent operation.

In conclusion, the Thermaltake CA-1R3-00S6WN-00 The Tower 100 Mini Chassis offers a fantastic combination of style, space efficiency, and performance. Although it might not be the perfect fit for all, especially a portable build or those seeking silent operation, it's an outstanding choice for anyone looking to pack a powerful punch into a compact, stylish package.

deepcool-ch160-wh-white-mini-itx-abs-spcc-tempered-glass-computer-case-1

I recently had the chance to try out the DEEPCOOL CH160 WH, a compact computer case that's perfect for space-constrained setups. Despite its small size, this little powerhouse offers high airflow, making it an ideal choice for gaming or serious computing.

One of the standouts for me was the sheer versatility. The CH160 WH made it so simple to accommodate my drives and power supply, with a layout that felt tailored to my specific needs. And speaking of components, it happily accommodated graphics cards up to 305mm long – a feature that came in handy when I upgraded to my RTX 4070.

However, nothing's perfect right? My only gripe would be the case size. Given its portability, I wish it had a few more PCIe slots for additional expansion options. Still, it's a small price to pay for such a convenient and feature-packed design.

All in all, the DEEPCOOL CH160 WH is a top-notch mini-ITX case that effortlessly combines compactness with high-performance capabilities. It's definitely worth considering if you're looking for a portable computer solution that won't compromise on power.

in-win-mini-itx-tower-black-computer-case-901-1

The In Win 901 is a sleek and attractive Mini-ITX computer case designed with both performance and aesthetics in mind. Its minimalistic exterior hides a range of innovative features, allowing users to build powerful and attractive systems in a compact package.

The case is beautifully crafted from aluminum and tempered glass, providing enhanced durability and a high-quality look. Two USB 3.0 ports offer easy connectivity, while the 2-cooling systems work together to efficiently dissipate heat for optimal system performance.

Despite its compact size, the 901 is capable of accommodating a wide range of components, including 200mm power supplies and 300mm high-end graphics cards. It also supports liquid cooling radiators and CPU heatsinks up to 130mm, making it a versatile and powerful choice for builders.

While the case has received high praise from users, some have expressed concerns about cable management and the need for a slim optical drive. Additionally, the rear fan location may pose issues for certain radiator setups, requiring modification to achieve optimal cooling performance.

Overall, the In Win 901 is a well-designed and well-built computer case that offers a combination of functionality and style. Despite a few minor drawbacks, it is a great choice for anyone looking to build a powerful Mini-ITX system with a sleek and attractive design.

asus-rog-z11-mini-itx-dtx-case-1

The ROG Z11 Mini-ITX/DTX Case is a premium offering that impresses with its sleek and stylish design. Its patented 11° tilt design offers optimized airflow and superior thermal performance, ideal for high-powered systems.

The built-in Aura Sync RGB lighting provides a unique and visually striking touch, but the case fell short in cable management and ventilation. The sturdy construction and ease of installation make it a solid choice, despite these minor shortcomings. Overall, while not perfect, the ROG Z11 proves to be an attractive and sturdy addition to any compact build.

corsair-2000d-airflow-mini-itx-case-black-1

The Corsair 2000D Airflow Mini-ITX Case in black is a compact wonder that provides great airflow for your gaming setup. It has mesh surfaces on almost every side, making sure your components stay cool and your system runs smoothly. The case is spacious, allowing for plenty of cooling solutions, and its slim design is perfect for smaller rooms.

One of my favorite features of this case is the easy installation. It takes just a few minutes to set up, and I'm impressed with the sturdiness of the case. The ventilation is superb - it's lightweight and quiet, keeping my system cool and noisy when in use. The case itself is also very attractive, with the mesh panels adding an extra touch of cool to any setup.

Despite the overall excellent quality of the case, there are a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, the mesh panels might not be to everyone's taste, as they could be easily damaged by pets or accidental bumps. Secondly, the case could be a bit snug when installing some components, especially graphics cards. However, these are minor drawbacks, and overall, I'm very happy with my purchase. So if you're in the market for a compact, well-ventilated gaming case with easy installation, give the Corsair 2000D Airflow Mini-ITX Case a try.

goodisory-a01-aluminum-mini-itx-htpc-desktop-computer-chassis-black-tempered-glass-1

The Goodisory A01 is a mini-ITX HTPC desktop chassis that certainly makes a statement with its drawing lines aluminum appearance. It was my go-to option for a new HTPC setup in my living room. Its sleek and compact design perfectly complements the mini-ITX motherboard it supports. However, it does come with a few quirks.

One of the initial setbacks I faced was the need for an external Pico PSU and adapter for power supply. This meant a little more research and investment in the appropriate components. On the positive side, the A01 provides plenty of storage space with two hard drives that can be swapped between 2.5 and 3.5-inch form factors.

The Goodisory A01 may require a bit of DIY customization, but for those looking for an attractive, yet durable mini-ITX HTPC chassis, it's definitely worth the effort.

hyte-revolt-3-small-form-factor-premium-itx-case-white-1

I recently took the HYTE Revolt 3 Premium ITX Case for a spin and was impressed by its sleek, compact design. This case is perfect if you're looking to pack a punch in a small package without compromising performance. It easily accommodated my ITX motherboard, fitting in like a glove. The case even made it a breeze to manage all my cables with ease, thanks to its tool-free accessibility. The 360-degree panel removeability makes installing and modifying components a breeze.

As a gamer, I love the versatility of the Revolt 3. It supports a wide range of high-performance components, allowing me to achieve top-tier performance in my LAN parties and tournaments. Its customizable style and easy portability are also great bonuses. The only downside I can think of is that it may not be the best case for users with larger graphics cards, but for my needs, it was spot-on.

Overall, the HYTE Revolt 3 is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a stylish and powerful small form factor case. Whether you're a gamer, designer, or programmer, this case will have you covered and looking good while doing it.

asus-ap201-micro-atx-mesh-case-black-1

The Asus Prime AP201 Computer Case is a compact, versatile solution for users seeking a stylish and functional computer case. With its small tower form factor, it fits seamlessly into any workspace without compromising on performance. The easy connectivity options include front USB ports and audio jacks, offering convenient access to peripherals, while the versatile expansion options provide multiple internal and external bays for added storage and expansion cards.

Efficient cooling is a top priority with the installed fan and support for up to 6 fans, ensuring optimal airflow and temperature management. The case is compatible with Mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards, providing flexibility in component selection. In addition, the Asus Prime AP201 Computer Case is environmentally friendly, RoHS certified, and lightweight. Weighing only 12.79 lb, made from high-quality mesh material, this case is built to last with a sleek black design.

Despite its small size, the Asus Prime AP201 offers ample room for CPU coolers up to 6.69 inches for efficient heat dissipation. This case is a perfect blend of functionality, style, and performance, making it an excellent choice for upgrading your computer setup.

Buyer's Guide

Mini-ITX cases are remarkable, compact, and adaptable options for assembling small-scale desktop computers or exceptional multimedia centers. These exceptional cases are meticulously crafted to accommodate a broad spectrum of hardware components, such as top-notch graphics cards, multiple storage devices, and numerous expansion choices. In this comprehensive guide, we will thoroughly discuss the crucial aspects, factors to consider, and expert recommendations to assist you in making the wisest choice for your Mini-ITX case requirements.

Dimensions and Surface Area

Mini-ITX cases distinguish themselves with their diminutive dimensions, usually measuring about 6.7 inches x 6.9 inches x 1.4 inches (170.16 mm x 175.26 mm x 35.56 mm). This petite size designates them as the perfect option for restricted environments or those seeking a stylish, compact appearance. Before making your purchase, double-check that the available space in your setup can accommodate the case's dimensions, as well as any additional components or peripherals you intend to use.

Airflow and Cooling

Effective cooling is critical for maintaining optimal performance and preventing overheating in a Mini-ITX case. Seek cases with adequate ventilation, often provided by meshed side panels or top-mounted fans. Some cases may even support liquid cooling or custom-designed water-cooling systems, offering enhanced cooling capacity when required. When selecting your case, consider its thermal performance and any included fans or cooling solutions to make an informed decision.

Expansion Capabilities and Upgradability

Despite their small size, Mini-ITX cases still offer an expansive range of expandable options. Ensure that the case you choose possesses adequate space for your preferred components, such as graphics cards, additional storage drives, and any other expansion cards you may require. Some cases also support tool-less drive installation, facilitating seamless upgrades or swaps of storage devices in the future.

Connectivity and I/O Opportunities

Superb I/O connectivity is pivotal for a Mini-ITX case, as it may need to accommodate countless devices and peripherals. Look for cases with a diverse array of front-panel connectors, including USB Type-A and Type-C ports, audio jacks, and other expansion choices. Additionally, guarantee that the case has ample room for cable management, enabling an effortless and organized internal set-up.

FAQ

What is a Mini Itx Case?

A Mini Ilx Case, also known as a Small Form Factor (SFF) Case, is a compact computer case designed to house and protect small form factor hardware components, including the mainboard, processor, and storage devices. These cases are ideal for gaming, media center systems, and other applications where space is limited.

Mini Ilx cases typically feature a sleek design, with some offering tool-less expansion and a customizable temperature, noise control, and fan speed to ensure a stable computing environment. Some manufacturers even offer additional customizable features such as RGB lighting and advanced cable management.

How does a Mini Itx Case differ from larger cases?

The primary difference between a Mini Itx Case and larger cases lies in their size and footprint. Mini Itx cases are designed to house and protect specialized hardware components while taking up minimal space, which is a key consideration for those with limited desk or office space. Large cases, on the other hand, cater to the needs of more robust systems, containing additional hardware and larger power supplies.

When comparing the components within each case, Mini Itx cases generally support smaller hardware like low-profile graphics cards, compact CPU coolers, and slim power supplies. In contrast, larger cases accommodate higher-performance hardware and often feature better cooling systems and improved ventilation.

Do Mini Itx Cases have expansion options?

Yes, Mini Itx Cases often have expansion options, making it possible to add additional components in the future. Many Mini Itx case manufacturers offer tool-less expansion, which allows users to install new components without the need for special tools. Some case models also offer a modular design, enabling users to install or remove parts with ease and without affecting the overall system performance.

It is essential to ensure that the components you wish to add or upgrade are compatible with the specific Mini Itx case model you are using. Be sure to check the manufacturer's documentation or consult their support team for detailed information on expansion possibilities and limitations of your particular case.

Are Mini Itx Cases noisy?

No, Mini Itx Cases are not inherently noisy. Most modern Mini Itx cases come with advanced cooling systems designed to ensure quiet operation. These cooling systems feature customizable fan speeds, noise control, and temperature management, all aimed at minimizing noise while maintaining optimal system performance.

However, it is always important to choose a Mini Itx case with a robust cooling system that can handle the heat generated by the components within the case. Some cases may still emit audible noise due to the system's processing or cooling requirements, but these cases typically come with additional noise control features, such as sound dampening materials or adjustable fan speeds, to help reduce noise levels.

Which Mini Itx Cases offer the best RGB lighting functionality?

Many Mini Itx Cases come with built-in RGB lighting or can be customized to support RGB components. Top manufacturers like Lian-Li, Thermaltake, and Cooler Master offer some of the most popular Mini Itx cases with RGB lighting capabilities. These cases often provide a range of lighting effects and customization options to suit the user's preferences.

When selecting a Mini Itx case with RGB lighting, be sure to consider the available connectors, software compatibility, and ease of installation. You should also consider the case's overall design and compatibility with other components to ensure a seamless integration of RGB lighting elements into your system.

What is the average price range for a high-quality Mini Itx Case?

The average price range for a high-quality Mini Itx Case typically starts at $50 - $60 and can extend up to $200 - $300 for top-tier products. The specific price of a Mini Itx Case depends on the brand, features, and materials used in construction. High-end cases often come packed with advanced features and additional components, like built-in fans, water cooling support, and premium materials designed to provide long-lasting durability.

While there are entry-level Mini Itx cases available for budget-conscious individuals, investing in a higher-end product with extensive features and capabilities can result in a more well-rounded, future-proof solution for computing needs, whether for gaming, media center, or professional applications.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I receive compensation from qualifying purchases

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