Mini-ITX cases are compact computer enclosures designed to accommodate mini-ITX motherboards, ideal for building small-form-factor (SFF) PCs. The primary benefit of a mini-ITX case is its compact size, which occupies far less room compared to the best PC cases in mid-tower or full-tower cabinet sizes. This results in increased desk space for accommodating additional peripherals and other accessories. Moreover, this compactness enhances its portability, making it convenient for transportation to LAN parties or a friend's residence.
The compact size of mini-ITX cases means they require careful planning when choosing components. They typically support smaller power supplies, such as SFX units, and often have limited room for large graphics cards or cooling systems. Many users opt for low-profile GPUs or all-in-one liquid cooling solutions to manage the thermal and spatial constraints.
Despite their size, these cases can host powerful hardware configurations, making them a favorite for enthusiasts who want high performance in a small footprint. If you want to build a great ITX PC, then you really need one of the best mini-ITX cases.
Best mini-ITX case for beginners
Cooler Master Masterbox NR200
- Easy to build in
- Good drive support
- Excellent value
- Great cooling support
- No USB Type-C header
| Specification: | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 376 x 185 x 292mm |
| Power supply support | SFX-L, SFX |
| GPU support | Up to 330mm length, 156mm height |
| Max CPU cooler height | Up to 155mm, 76mm when using GPU in vertical position |
| Fan support | 2x 120mm bottom (slim profile recommended), 1x 92mm rear, 2x 120mm top |
| Front I/O | 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm audio jack |
The Cooler Master Masterbox NR200 is one of the highest-rated mini-ITX cases on the market. With a starting price of under $100, the NR200 is an 18.25-liter case that is available in standard black or white color options. It is also available in cyan blue, orange, pink, and purple colors for a slightly higher cost. Then there is the NR200P, which comes with a tempered glass side panel along with the standard mesh panel.
The case can accommodate mini-ITX or mini-DTX motherboards with an SFX or SFX-L power supply and up to a triple-slot GPU. You can even fit an ATX power supply using a special bracket which is sold separately. Fan support includes two 120mm fans on the top and bottom, a 92mm on the rear, and two 120mm or 140mm on the side panel bracket. It can fit air coolers up to 155mm tall, and it supports water-cooling radiators up to 280mm on the side or 240mm on the bottom.
Storage mounting is actually pretty decent for a mini-ITX case as you can install a total of three 2.5-inch drives or two 2.5-inch and one 3.5-inch drive. The case also comes bundled with two 120mm fans to mount on top and a rear 92mm fan depending on the model you purchase.
If you can push your budget, there is also the NR200P Max that comes with a pre-installed 280mm AIO cooler at the top, an 850W SFX Gold PSU, and a PCIe Gen 4 riser cable. Additionally, the new NR200P V2 is also out in the market, but it prioritizes liquid cooling as the GPU is mounted vertically, leaving less space to mount a traditional air cooler.
Best mini-ITX case with premium aluminum design
Fractal Design Terra
- Elegant design
- Movable center spine
- Can accommodate large GPUs
- Slightly expensive
- Limited cooling options
| Specification: | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 343 x 153 x 218 mm |
| Power supply support | SFX, SFX-L |
| GPU support | Up to 322mm |
| Max CPU cooler height | Up to 48mm (Configured for Max GPU), up to 77mm (Configured for Max CPU-Cooler) |
| Fan support | 1x 120mm |
| Front I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20Gbps), 1x USB 3.0 Type-A (5Gbps) |
Fractal has doubled down on its PC cases and one of its most distinctive offerings in the mini-ITX space is the Terra. It looks very elegant with its aluminum finish and the tiny wood accent at the front, which is unique on every single unit. Like many compact cases, this one comes with a sandwich layout, but comes with an adjustable spine. Thus, one can adjust the internals to offer more space either for the GPU or the CPU cooler.
Speaking of which, cooling options are limited as there is only a single 120mm fan mount at the bottom. For CPU cooling you can install an air cooler with up to 77mm height when configured for max CPU-cooler and 48mm when configured for max GPU clearance. There are no options for liquid cooling, which does restrict you to CPUs that are less power hungry. You can, however, install GPUs with up to 322mm length, 72mm width, and 145mm height depending on the spine configuration.
The case can only accommodate mini-ITX motherboards and is limited to SFX and SFX-L power supplies. Available in graphite (black) and silver color options, the Terra is also offered in a jade green hue which makes it one of the most unique cases out there. It is a tad bit expensive at $180, and is currently quite limited in terms of availability.
Premium full-mesh mini-ITX case
SSUPD Meshlicious
- Premium steel build
- Full-mesh panels
- Support for up to 280mm radiator
- Support for SFX and ATX PSU
- Down-facing GPU I/O
- Can accumulate dust
| Specification: | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 245 x 166.4 x 360 mm |
| Power supply support | ATX, SFX-L, SFX |
| GPU support | Up to 336mm (four slot mode), up to 332mm (three slot mode) |
| Max CPU cooler height | Up to 73mm (three slot mode), up to 53mm (four slot mode) |
| Fan support | 2x 120mm/140mm (front) |
| Front I/O | 1x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C |
The Meshlicious comes from SSUPD (Sunny Side Up Designs), a sub-brand of popular case maker Lian Li. It features high-quality powder-coated steel mesh panels all around, including the sides, front, and top. Available in white or black color options, you can purchase the case in full mesh or a single tempered glass side panel to show off your components. Featuring a sandwich-style layout, the motherboard and power supply are mounted on one side and the GPU on the other. The most unique feature of this case is that it can accommodate up to a 280mm AIO liquid cooler on the front, which is impressive for a sub-15-liter case.
It also offers a special bracket to mount three 2.5-inch drives or two 3.5-inch drives, provided you are using a small-form-factor GPU. Available with a PCIe Gen 3 or Gen 4 riser cable (for an extra cost), the Meshlicious can accommodate up to a 336mm four-slot GPU in a standing orientation and up to 211mm in a vertical orientation (without a radiator). The case supports SFX or SFX-L power supplies and, if you are brave enough, an ATX PSU with very little wiggle room for cable management.
Offering excellent thermal performance, the Meshlicious is one of the top mini-ITX cases that can surprisingly accommodate a lot of components. However, the build process can be tricky, and the fact that the GPU I/O is at the bottom may be an issue for some users.
Best vertical mini-ITX case
Corsair 2000D Airflow
- 360mm AiO support
- Multiple fan mounts
- Does not require GPU riser
- Small footprint
- Bottom facing motherboard I/O
- Cable management needs attention
| Specification: | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 271 x 200 x 458mm |
| Power supply support | SFX-L, SFX |
| GPU support | Up to 365mm |
| Max CPU cooler height | Up to 165mm |
| Fan support | 3x 120mm front, 3x 120mm/2x 140mm right panel |
| Front I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A, 1x Audio in/out |
Corsair finally launched a new mini-ITX case this year. The 2000D Airflow is pretty impressive for a small form factor vertical chassis. Apart from offering a fairly large clearance for an air cooler for the CPU, it also has the option to install up to a 360mm AiO cooler on the side. The front can accommodate three 120mm fans, and you can also install two slim fans at the back for extra cooling for the GPU.
It support large GPUs with up to 365mm length and best of all, it does not require any riser cables as the GPU can directly slot into the motherboard at the rear. For storage there is the option of up to three 2.5-inch SSDs, but sadly no provision for larger hard drives.
PSU support is limited to SFX or SFX-L and you do need to be mindful of cable management, especially the ones coming out of the power supply. Another point of concern is the motherboard rear I/O which is placed at the bottom due to the internal orientation, which can be annoying in everyday use. Thankfully the front I/O is decent including a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 type-A ports and an audio jack. Available in white or black color options, the case has mesh panels all around for optimum airflow, and if you go for the more expensive RGB model, you get three pre-installed fans at the front. Pricing starts at $139, which is a little steep, although it is currently selling for $119 on Amazon.
Best mini-ITX case for tight spaces
Fractal Design Ridge
- Clean aesthetics
- Slim profile
- Included two 140mm fans
- Not the cheapest
- Limited CPU cooler options
- Noisy at heavy loads
| Specification: | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 374 x 110 x 395mm |
| Power supply support | SFX-L, SFX |
| GPU support | Up to 335mm length, up to 137mm height |
| Max CPU cooler height | Up to 70mm |
| Fan support | 2x 120mm/140mm side, 3x 80mm top |
| Front I/O | 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C (20Gbps), 2x USB 3.0, 1x audio jack |
The Fractal Design Ridge is a slim, compact PC case aimed at users building sleek and minimalist setups. It accommodates mini-ITX motherboards and is particularly suitable for media center PCs or small-form-factor gaming systems. The case's vertical or horizontal orientation options make it versatile for placement in various environments, such as living rooms or tight desk spaces. Aesthetically, the Ridge features a clean, modern design with a fabric front panel that balances airflow and style. However, its slim profile introduces some challenges, particularly with component compatibility.
Inside, the Ridge supports GPUs up to 335mm in length, though users must consider width and cooling requirements carefully. The case includes two 140mm PWM fans for airflow but can feel constrained for cooling high-performance components. While its cable management system is well-designed, builders may face difficulties fitting larger components especially when it comes to CPU cooling. Additionally, users should be prepared for intricate assembly, as the tight space demands careful planning, particularly for cable routing and cooling configurations.
Despite these limitations, the Ridge stands out as a premium option for compact builds, offering a refined aesthetic and functional design for those prioritizing space-saving solutions. It caters well to users seeking a balance between performance and style, especially for systems focused on moderate gaming or media playback. However, its high price point and limited internal space might deter builders with more ambitious performance goals or budget constraints.
Best mini-ITX case to showcase your components
Thermaltake Tower 200
- Good cooling performance and compatibility
- Tool-less panel removal
- Large front window
- Support for full-length GPUs
- Rear I/O access from top
- Cable length maybe an issue depending on the PSU
| Specification: | |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 280 x 300 x 537mm |
| Power supply support | ATX, SFX-L, SFX |
| GPU support | Up to 280mm (with power cover), up to 380mm (without power cover) |
| Max CPU cooler height | Up to 200mm |
| Fan support | 1 x 120mm/140mm top, 2 x 120mm/140mm right side, 2 x 120mm/140mm rear side 1 x 120mm/140mm power cover |
| Front I/O | 1x USB 3.2 (Gen 2) Type-C, 2x USB 3.0 Type-A , 1x 3.5mm audio jack |
The Thermaltake Tower 200 is a highly recommended mini-ITX case if you love showcasing your components. It features a unique "fridge-like" vertical design with a tempered glass front panel and perforated sides, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and optimized airflow. The case supports high-performance components, such as large GPUs up to 380mm in length (including an RTX 4090) and CPU coolers up to 200mm in height. It can also accommodate ATX power supplies up to 220mm long, making it a versatile choice for high-end builds in a smaller form factor.
Cooling performance is a highlight, with two pre-installed 140mm fans and the option for additional cooling setups, including support for a 280mm radiator. Its airflow design intakes cold air from the bottom and sides, expelling hot air through the top and rear, effectively managing thermals even with powerful hardware. The Tower 200 also includes a GPU stabilizer to ensure the graphics card remains secure during transport or use.
The Tower 200 offers convenient front I/O options, including a USB-C 3.2 port, two USB 3.0 ports, and separate headphone and microphone jacks. Thermaltake also offers an optional LCD panel that can be attached at the bottom to showcase GIFs, system stats, and more. Available in a variety of colors, it strikes a balance between compactness, premium features, and hardware compatibility, making it a strong contender for enthusiasts seeking a small yet capable chassis.
What to consider
What is mini-ITX?
Mini-ITX is a small form factor (SFF) standard for motherboards and computer cases. It was developed back in 2001 and has since become widely adopted by various hardware manufacturers. The goal of the mini-ITX standard is to provide a compact, yet fully functional, platform for building small and space-efficient computers.
Mini-ITX cases are compact and tailored to accommodate the smaller size of mini-ITX motherboards and other hardware components while providing efficient cooling and sometimes limited expansion options. These cases are popular among users who are looking to build small and space-efficient systems for various purposes, such as home theater PCs, gaming rigs, compact workstations, and more. Building a mini-ITX PC can be difficult due to the extreme size limitations, but the result can be a tiny PC that's perfect for a living room or even just to create an aesthetically pleasing, clean desk.
What's the advantage of using mini-ITX?
Mini-ITX systems are compact, energy-efficient, and well-suited for small spaces or aesthetically pleasing builds. They're used for tasks ranging from gaming to home theater and industrial applications.
Can I fit a full-sized graphics card in a mini-ITX case?
Some mini-ITX cases can accommodate full-sized graphics cards, but many have limitations on the card's length and width. You might need a riser cable and adapters or opt for smaller GPUs designed for compact cases.
