Imagine building a powerful computer that fits on your desk like a book. That’s the magic of ITX cases! But when you start looking, the choices can feel overwhelming. You want something small, but also something that can hold all your awesome parts and keep them cool. Finding that perfect balance can be tricky, right?
This is where the challenge lies. Many people dream of a compact PC, but get stuck trying to figure out which ITX case is the best fit for their needs. You worry about airflow, compatibility with your graphics card, and if you’ll even be able to get your hands inside to build it! It’s a puzzle many builders face.
But don’t worry! In this post, we’re going to break down the world of ITX cases. We’ll help you understand what to look for, what the common problems are, and how to avoid them. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident in picking the perfect tiny home for your powerful PC.
Our Top 5 Itx Cases Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Itx Cases Detailed Reviews
1. Cooler Master NR200 Mini-ITX PC Case
Rating: 9.5/10
The Cooler Master NR200 Mini-ITX PC Case is a small but mighty powerhouse. It packs a lot of performance into a tiny 18.25L space. This case is built for Mini-ITX motherboards. You can fit big graphics cards in it, even the powerful RTX 4080 Super. It also has room for liquid cooling to keep things chill. This case is perfect for building a compact yet high-performance gaming rig or a powerful workstation.
What We Like:
- It’s super small, so it won’t take up much desk space.
- You can install big graphics cards horizontally, up to 330mm long.
- It supports 240mm or 280mm all-in-one liquid coolers for great cooling.
- It fits an SFX power supply up to 130mm, which is also a small size.
- There’s plenty of room for fans to keep everything cool.
- The vented steel panels let air flow freely, keeping your components from overheating.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with Mini-ITX motherboards, so you have fewer choices.
- Building in a small case can be a bit tricky for beginners.
This case is an excellent option for anyone who wants a powerful PC without the large size. It makes building a high-end compact system achievable.
2. Lian Li A3-mATX-WD-26.3L Micro Form Factor Chassis-No Fans Included-Supports 360mm AIO-Modularity Design-for M-ATX
Rating: 9.0/10
The Lian Li A3-mATX-WD-26.3L is a cool computer case that’s not too big. It’s made for smaller computer parts like M-ATX and ITX motherboards. This case looks really nice with its wood front panel and black body. It’s a special design from Lian Li and DAN Cases working together. You can build a powerful computer inside this compact case.
What We Like:
- It has a unique and stylish wood front panel.
- You can fit big graphics cards, up to 415mm long.
- It supports large liquid coolers (360mm AIO) for keeping your computer cool.
- The case is flexible and lets you mount different kinds of power supplies (ATX, SFX, SFX-L).
- It has good airflow with steel mesh side and top panels.
- The inside is designed to be changed around easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- No fans are included, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
- The small size might make building a bit trickier for beginners.
This Lian Li case is a fantastic option for building a compact yet powerful PC. It blends style and performance really well for those who want a unique setup.
3. JONSBO/JONSPLUS Z20 Black Micro-ATX Mini Tower PC Case
Rating: 8.5/10
The JONSBO/JONSPLUS Z20 Black Micro-ATX Mini Tower PC Case is a compact powerhouse for your next build. This case is designed for gamers and PC enthusiasts who want a small footprint without sacrificing performance. It’s easy to move around thanks to its detachable carrying handle, making it perfect for LAN parties or just rearranging your setup. The Z20 offers smart design choices that make building your PC simpler and more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- Its small size (around 20L) fits easily on any desk.
- The detachable carrying handle makes it super portable.
- It’s built with strong 2mm steel panels for durability.
- Lots of ventilation with square openings helps keep things cool.
- Magnetic dust filters catch dust and are easy to clean.
- A clever removable PCI-E piece makes installing longer graphics cards a breeze.
- It supports big graphics cards up to 363mm.
- You can use different power supplies (ATX, SFX, SFX-L), and SFX can be mounted on the side.
- It fits a 240mm AIO liquid cooler.
- There’s plenty of room for CPU air coolers (up to 164mm).
- You can install multiple storage drives (2x 2.5″ SSD + 1x 3.5″ HDD or 3x 2.5″ SSD).
- Front panel ports include USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, Audio, and Mic.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it supports many parts, checking for specific hardware compatibility is important, especially for PSU placement to avoid interference.
- The fan support is good, but users might want more options for very high-end cooling configurations.
This Z20 case is a fantastic option for building a powerful yet compact PC. Its thoughtful features and strong construction make it a joy to work with and a great-looking addition to any space.
4. 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: 8.8/10
The Thermaltake TR100 SFF Chassis in stunning Matcha Green is a game-changer for anyone looking to build a small, powerful PC. It’s designed for mITX builds, packing a lot of punch into a compact 18.9-liter space. This case is perfect whether you want a neat setup at home or need to take your PC on the go.
What We Like:
- It’s built to be portable and compact, making it great for small spaces and travel.
- The dual-chamber design is smart, giving you lots of room for your mITX components.
- Even though it’s small, it fits big parts like 360mm GPUs and 280mm radiators.
- It supports SFX and SFX-L power supplies and has 68mm for CPU coolers.
- The included PCIe 4.0 riser cable is a big plus, ensuring fast speeds for your graphics card.
- The removable PCIe bracket makes installing your GPU super easy.
- It also has a built-in GPU brace to keep your graphics card secure.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers good clearance for many components, very large or unusually shaped CPU coolers might still be a tight fit.
- The 18.9-liter volume, while efficient, still requires careful planning for cable management to maximize airflow.
Overall, the Thermaltake TR100 is an excellent choice for building a compact and powerful mITX system. It balances portability and performance very well.
5. GM100 Mini PC Case 4.3L HTPC Chassis 2X USB 3.0 Fits Flex Power Supply ITX Motherboard (Black)
Rating: 8.8/10
The GM100 Mini PC Case is a super small and stylish black chassis, perfect for building a powerful computer that doesn’t take up much space. It’s designed for ITX motherboards and FLEX power supplies, making it ideal for home theater PCs or compact gaming rigs. This case is even smaller than an A4 sheet of paper, so it will fit neatly anywhere.
What We Like:
- It’s really small, measuring just 0.76 times the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
- It has a slim and sleek look, only 90 millimeters wide.
- You get two fast USB 3.0 ports right on the front for easy connections.
- It supports graphics cards up to 185mm long and 25mm thick, great for a single fan GPU.
- You can fit CPU coolers up to 70mm tall, giving you good cooling options.
- The mesh panels have many small holes that let air flow through to keep your computer cool.
What Could Be Improved:
- It doesn’t include a PCIe riser cable for the graphics card.
- There are some limitations on CPU cooler height when using a graphics card, so check the details.
This GM100 case offers a fantastic way to build a compact and powerful PC. It’s a great choice for anyone wanting a small but capable computer.
Your Guide to Awesome ITX Cases
Building a small computer can be super cool. These tiny towers, called ITX cases, let you make a powerful PC that fits almost anywhere. This guide helps you pick the best one for you.
What to Look For in an ITX Case
Key Features
- Size: ITX cases are small. Some are super tiny, like a book. Others are a bit bigger to fit more parts. Think about where you want to put your computer.
- Cooling: Small computers can get hot. Look for cases with good airflow. This means they have space for fans and vents to let hot air escape.
- Compatibility: Make sure the case fits your computer parts. This includes your motherboard (the main circuit board), graphics card, and power supply.
- Storage: How many hard drives or SSDs do you need? Some small cases have room for only one or two.
- Build Quality: A good case feels strong and well-made. It won’t bend easily.
- Front Panel Ports: These are the USB ports and headphone jacks on the front. More ports are usually better.
Important Materials
Most ITX cases use strong materials. You’ll see a lot of:
- Steel: This is common. It’s strong and keeps your parts safe.
- Aluminum: This is lighter than steel. It can also look really nice.
- Tempered Glass: Some cases have glass panels. This lets you see your cool computer parts inside.
What Makes a Case Great (or Not So Great)
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Good Airflow: Lots of vents and space for fans keep things cool.
- Easy to Build In: When there’s enough room to work, building your PC is much easier.
- Solid Construction: The case feels sturdy and doesn’t rattle.
- Smart Cable Management: This means there are places to hide your wires. It makes your build look neat and improves airflow.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Airflow: If the case is too cramped with no vents, your parts can overheat.
- Hard to Build In: Tiny spaces make it tough to connect everything.
- Flimsy Materials: A case that bends or feels cheap isn’t good.
- Limited Space: Not being able to fit your desired graphics card or enough storage is frustrating.
Who Needs an ITX Case and How They Use Them
ITX cases are perfect for many people.
- Gamers: You can build a powerful gaming PC that doesn’t take up much desk space.
- Home Theater Enthusiasts: These small PCs fit nicely next to your TV for streaming movies and games.
- Office Workers: A small PC can sit on your desk or even behind your monitor.
- Students: A compact computer is easy to move between rooms or take home.
- People with Limited Space: If you live in a small apartment, an ITX case is a lifesaver.
You can use them for gaming, working, watching movies, or just browsing the web. They offer a lot of power in a tiny package.
Frequently Asked Questions About ITX Cases
Q: What is an ITX case?
A: An ITX case is a small computer case designed for ITX motherboards, which are also small. They let you build compact PCs.
Q: Are ITX cases good for gaming?
A: Yes, many ITX cases can fit powerful gaming parts. You just need to make sure the case has good cooling.
Q: Can I fit a big graphics card in an ITX case?
A: Some ITX cases can fit large graphics cards, but you must check the case’s specifications. Many cases have size limits.
Q: Do ITX cases get hot?
A: They can get hotter than bigger cases if they don’t have good airflow. Look for cases with lots of vents and fan mounts.
Q: What is the smallest ITX case size?
A: The smallest ITX cases are often called “SFF” (Small Form Factor) cases. Their sizes vary a lot, but some are as small as a loaf of bread.
Q: How many hard drives can fit in an ITX case?
A: This depends on the case. Many small ITX cases can only fit one or two SSDs or HDDs.
Q: Is building a PC in an ITX case hard?
A: It can be a bit trickier than in a big case because space is limited. But with patience and the right tools, it’s very doable.
Q: What kind of power supply do I need for an ITX case?
A: Most ITX cases use SFX or SFX-L power supplies, which are smaller than standard ATX power supplies. Always check the case manual.
Q: Can I use a liquid cooler in an ITX case?
A: Yes, many ITX cases support liquid coolers (AIOs). You need to check the radiator size compatibility.
Q: Where should I put my ITX computer?
A: You can put it almost anywhere! On your desk, next to your TV, on a shelf, or even mount it behind a monitor.
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.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!