Recently small form factor builds are becoming a trend and for all the best reasons. We all know as the technology advances, efficiency of products increases and their size decreases and this is exactly what happens with Mini-ITX cases. A lot of traditional ATX with mid-tower builds are planning to build a smaller but powerful system. Mini –ITX cases are small in size but they are as capable as any other system. Every day new companies are creating smaller and more capable mini-ITX systems because of their popularity.
These days a lot of gamers are buying the mini-ITX build cases and disposing of the bulky mid-tower build towers. They think that it is nice to a PC which is the same size as the Xbox OneX but is still as efficient as its bigger counterparts. Plus Gamers with a limited budget also go for mini-ITX since they are cheaper.
We have listed the Best Mini-ITX Cases 2021 in the following table.
Dancase A4-SFX V4 is the most well-known case available in the market. It is called the king of small form factor cases. It is one of the smallest PC cases with just 7.2 L volume.
This unique product is excellent in terms of quality and durability. It is small but it can easily handle a high-end graphic card of about 295mm in length and 2 slots in width. It has multiple fan mount that increases the cooling effect.
It is one of the most expensive but also one of the most advanced mini cases in the market. It is very small but it houses advanced components such as Core™ i7 processors and full-length GPUs like GeForce RTX™ 2080. It is also compatible with high-end graphic cards like RTX 2080 Ti etc.
This version (V4) is far better than the original version of this case which had only one case fan mount. It is also very portable because of its small size. You can easily carry it from one room to another. It is good for those people who have to move a lot.
It is an ideal choice for those gamers who want a high-end case for the premium gaming experience. If you are willing to spend a little on a mini-ITX than Dancase A4-SFX V4 (7.2L) is your best option. It is easy to carry and it will take less space on your desk.
LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII (8.2L) is the only rival of Dancase A4-SFX V4 (7.2L) in this list. It is known for its premium performance and good build quality. The dimension of this case is about 188 x 140 x 322 mm.
It is 8.2L in volume and its features are very much similar to A4-SFX. However, its cooling system is far superior as compared to A4-SFX. This case is an advanced high-performance mini-ITX case.
It can support GPUs up to 305mm with 2 slots in width. Moreover, it is compatible with even high tech 2080 Ti graphic card. Its CPU cooler system works excellently and coolers up to 66mm height can fit in the LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII (8.2L) case. Especially Scythe Big Shuriken 2 is known to be a great cooler pair for LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII.
It is known to be the best mini-ITX case for airflow and water cooling since it can expand to install larger radiator setups. However, remember that if you decide to install the larger radiator then the size of this case might increase and come closer to the size of NCase M1.
Another downside of buying this case is that it is expensive. It is available for $245 in the market. As said earlier those who are buying their first mini-ITX case might not be willing to spend this much on a case.
Plus there are gamers who are looking out to set up a budget gaming setup, they might not buy it because of its price. $245 retail price is bound to make many people think again about buying LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII (8.2L).
However, it is a good option for those who are willing to spend a little to get a good quality case. It’s good for gamers too as games run just fine on it. You won’t be disappointed with quality if you decide to spend on a LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII (8.2L) It’s certainly worth the price.
Pros
Premium Quality.
Best Cooling system.
Compatible with advanced graphic cards etc.
Cons
It is a little expensive.
If you decide to install the larger radiator then the size of the case might increase too.
The Sliger SM550 (9.7L) is the latest but also the hottest SFF case available in the market in 2021. It was bought by few mini-ITX enthusiasts who posted some good reviews of this case and truthfully it deserved them. It is manufactured in the US and it has good build with various premium features that make it very appealing.
This mini-ITX has 9.7L volumes. It can support GPUs up to 310mm in length and dual slots. It can also adjust GPU coolers of up to 55mm in height. This case has good airflow as it comes with two fan mounts for 120 x 25mm fan. This feature ensures that the case has good airflow and cooling. It also comes in three colors so you can choose the one you like.
Sliger SM550 comes with a variety of exceptional features like a front panel with 3.1 Gen 2 Type C, Type A plus an audio jack. It also comes with a neat side panel to show off the component of your PC. All these features make Sliger SM550 an excellent choice for everyone.
The price of this case is $180. It is a cheaper alternative to LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII (8.2L) and Dancase A4-SFX V4 (7.2L). The price of Sliger SM550 is reasonable if we consider the quality of its components and the unique additional feature present in the case. The price of Sliger SM550 makes it reasonable for gamers who are looking for good quality mini-ITX motherboards in a budget.
Also just for information, Sliger has announced two more ITX cases which are slightly larger in volume as compared to SM550. They also have more internal space as compared to Sliger SM550. They are called Sliger SM570 (13.9L) and SM580(15.9L). You can check them in case you need something good in quality just like SM550 but with more internal space and volume.
However, people who are familiar with Small factor build community don’t trust just any new case. They take precautions and consider several factors before going for a new model case.
Pros
It comes with good quality and exceptional features.
It is cheap as compared to LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII (8.2L) and Dancase A4-SFX V4 (7.2L)
Cons
It is a newer product and needs to stand the test of time.
Fractal Node 202(10.2L) is the recommended case for console/HTPC style setups. The design of Fractal Node 202 (10.2L) is sleek and elegant. It is flat in shape so it can fit in any space. It can easily be kept under a TV console. You can choose to place it both vertically and horizontally as it suits you.
Node 202 (10.2L) is a compact case mini-ITX PC with only 10.2L volumes. It has 3 slots for graphic cards of about 310mm in length. It also supports CPU coolers up to 56 mm in height. Although the Scythe Bug Shuriken 2 rev.B is the recommended CPU cooler for Node 2020 as it will give the best thermal cooling.
The main attraction of this case is its price. It is far cheaper as compared to the cases we have discussed so far. It costs only $80 which is totally appropriate according to its features. This is an even better choice than Sliger SM55 for those who are looking forward to buying a mini-ITX in a tight budget.
It is a beautifully designed compact case that can even be used for a gaming set-up and it will work as fine as any other ATX traditional builds mid-towers. This makes Node 202 (10.2 L) a great choice for gamers who are just starting gaming or gamers with a tight budget.
However, one thing that you should keep in mind is that if you use CPU cooler with Node 202 (10.2 L) you will need to go for a low profile RAM so that the CPU cooler could fit in. If you are okay with it then you should go for Node 202 (10.2L) since it is a good mini motherboard with a small budget.
Pros
It is cost-effective since it is cheap as compared to Sliger SM550 (9.7L).
Sleek design.
Cons
You need to have a low profile RAM for a CPU Cooler to fit in.
The NCase M1 (12.6L) was the first mini-ITX case that helped the small form factor community in getting where it is today. It has a volume of 12.6L. It is also regarded as the best ITX case for airflow.
It is a premium case with a classy and elegant design. The dimensions of this case are 240mm x 160mm x 328mm. Plus NCase M1 (12.6L) has a very small footprint however not as small as the previous mini-ITX cases mentioned in the list.
It can adjust the graphic cards up to 317mm in length and 3 slots in width so you can fit any advanced card you like in NCase M1(12.6L). It can also adjust a slim optical drive in the front top positions.
The front panel consists of two USB 3.0 ports, a microphone jack, a headphone, and a power button. They are located at the front bottom area. NCase M1 (12.6L) can be paired up with Arctic Accellero II and 14S and it will create the best possible SFF build for you.
It can adjust CPU coolers up to 130 mm which is impressive. It can also fit a 240 mm radiator in its case for an AIO build case or if needed it can also adjust up to five 120 mm case fans inside it which is remarkable.
However, the decent cooling setup for this mini-ITX case is 3 fans, two for graphic cards intake and one on the side also as an intake. This is the optimum setup to get decent thermal performance for this case.
It is available for just $195 in the market. It is a reasonable price for a case that can support CPU cooler up to 130mm which is double then what Dan Case A4-SFX is capable of. Plus the 317 mm graphic card slot is another plus point. It is a great choice for anyone who wants a good mini motherboard for their daily use or gaming setups.
Pros
It can support CPU cooler up to 130 mm in height.
Best case for airflow.
It can support graphic cards up to 317 mm in length.
Cons
The price tag might be too expensive for some consumers who might be able to find alternative cases in lesser amounts.
The Cougar QBX (19.9L) is regarded as the best budget mini-ITX case available in the market. It is available for just $50 which is such a good price. It is the best option for people who are looking for a small form factor build case but do not want to spend a lot on it. Because of its price, it is known as the best option for people with a tight budget. It also provides good airflow and thermal performance.
Even though it is very cheap but it still functions as it is supposed to. It provides good thermal performance. It also supports graphics cards up to 350mm in length and CPU cooler of about 105mm. These features are good enough for a case that costs this much.
It is even compatible with ATX form factor PSUs. However, the recommended CPU cooler for the Cougar QBX case is the Cyrorig M9 which is also very cost-effective just like Cougar QBX itself. It is also compatible with the Core i5 or Ryzen 5 systems.
Its layout is very similar to the Ncase M1 and it provides good airflow. The cooling performance of this case is excellent for its reasonable price.However, its build quality is average. It’s not too bad but you cannot compare it to Ghost S1 or A4-SFX in terms of build quality. You can buy this mini case as long as you are ready to compromise on the build quality. But it’s still a good choice for gamers who are looking forward to setting a budget gaming set up.
It costs only $50 and it provides decent thermal and very impressive airflow performance. It’s a great choice for someone who is looking forward to buying their first mini motherboard in a budget.
Thermaltake Core V1 is cubed shaped case that provides optimized airflow and cooling performance. It has a tool-free drive bay design and it is known for providing maximum cooling. It’s a good option for both gamers and regular users if they are looking forward to getting a motherboard with an exceptional cooling setup.
It has two chambers while the upper chamber is responsible for cooling performance and the lower chamber is responsible for PSU and cable management. It provides optimum interior space so that you can install the additional cooling setup. It also has two hidden 2.5”/3.5” Drive Bays.
Thermaltake Core V1 also provides advanced ventilation as it supports all types of cooling systems like air cooling units and DIY/AIO liquid cooling systems. It also comes with a large 200 mm fans preinstalled on the front side and two mm 80mm turbo fans at the rear side. Hence you can play any game you want on your PC but your motherboard will not heat up.
It has an interchangeable side Panel that allows you to adjust the panel to get your desired result i.e. you can arrange them to get the best visual presentation or cooling performance. There are also dust reduction filters and adjustable shockproof rubbers within the bottom panel of the Thermaltake Core V1 which help in prolonging the PSU usage.
The list of good features does not stop here. Thermaltake Core V1 also supports handy I/O ports like 3.0 dual USB port along with HD audio connector with the reset and power button right on the side of the front panel.
NZXT H200i is a premium quality case that is made of steel. It is available in four color combinations. It comes with RBG LED strips and several other modern smart features. Its weighs 6.0 Kg and its dimensions are W: 210mm H: 349mm D: 372mm.
NZXT H200i has HUE+ and GRID+ with V3 digital controllers. Plus it has a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing all-steel build. It also has a tempered glass panel along with the PSU shroud showcase that adds to the graceful build of the case.
It has two preinstalled fans and RBG strips. It houses a smart device that performs several functions. The CAM-powered smart device that controls the RGB lighting and the performance of the fan.
Plus it has many I/O ports. It has two USB 3.1 Gen 11 ports. NZXT H200i also has Adaptive noise reduction that optimizes cooling and balances the noises for the best gaming experience.
It features new and better cable management so you do not have to scratch your head and worry about arranging cables so they don’t get entangled. NZXT H200i features pre-installed channels and straps that have made installation and expansion of cables and components easy. It also supports excellent cooling functions. Plus t has made the installation easy for both AIO and custom loop configurations.
It is available in the market for $69.83 which is a reasonable price for NZXT H200i. This case has CAM-powered smart device plus enhanced cable management. It comes with RBG lighting and two Aer fans that provide aesthetics and good airflow respectively. NZXT H200i is worth its price tag. It’s a good mini motherboard that will run every game you play very smoothly.
However, remember the smart device does not always work properly. A lot of users have complained about the malfunctioning of the smart device. You should keep this in mind while buying NZXT H200i. Overall this mini case is a good option in this price range.
The Corsair Crystal 280X RGB is a premium Micro-ATX case with three beautiful tempered glass panels. It comes with aesthetic iCUE software-controlled RGB lighting and with a clean look. It has a dual chamber that gives a neat look to the internal layout.
It highlights the important component of your PC and keeps the cables and drives neatly tucked into the rear chamber. The dimensions of this case are 398mm x 276mm x 351mm.
It has rooms for about six 120mm fans or a 240 mm radiator in the roof, a 240mm radiator in the front and a 240mm radiator in the floor. Hence it was good thermal performance and airflow. Plus the Corsair Crystal 280X RGB case has an iCUE controller that will allow you to have complete control over your system with the help of CORSAIR iCUE software.
The Corsair Crystal 280X RGB also has PSU dust filters in the front, floor and roof that protect your system against dust. It also has direct airflow that provides path cooling. Cool air is directed towards hottest components to keep their temperature down.
This makes Corsair crystal 280X RGB a great choice for gamers who might be into playing heavy games. With this mini motherboard, you can play any game you want but your system won’t heat up.
It is compatible with 300mm GPU length and 180mm PSU length which is decent. The maximum CPU cooler length this case can support is 150mm. All these features are pretty decent and good enough to run a computer. Plus it can adjust two o 3.5” drives and three 2.5” drives that will keep your system organized while giving you enough storage capacity.
The price of this case is $169.98. It might be too much for some people since there are cheaper alternatives available. Gamers and other consumers can go and buy another mini-ITX case for the cheap price. However, if you want a motherboard with beautiful design and good features then you should go ahead and buy Corsair Crystal 280X RGB.
Pros
Dual-chamber that enhanced the management of cables and components.
Aesthetically pleasing.
Cons
Some people might find the price tag to be unreasonable.
Now you can evaluate the qualities of every case available on this list and decide which one you want according to your needs and budget. Every case listed here has some pros and cons so as long as you keep them in mind and make a decision according to your needs, you should be okay.
I tried to list premium products with high prices for those who are willing to spend on their case but I also tried to list some suitable low budget cases for those who might be buying them for the first time. Hopefully, you will be able to find the best Mini-ITX cases in this list.
No! They are not a suitable option for gaming as they don’t have powerful motherboards and only possess 1 PCIe slot with limited RAM. Plus they are very expensive so small factors are not good choices for gaming.
Is Mini ITX the smallest?
Yes! Mini ITX is the smallest motherboard and is designed for those who do not want to cramp their desk because Mini ITX obviously does not require the space required by a normal computer.
Are mini ITX worth it?
Well! It depends; if you do not have a tight budget and you do not have a lot of space for your rig then mini ITX is certainly worth investing.
Why are mini ITX cases so expensive?
Mini ITX is relatively new and they are very much in demand so obviously, they are going to be expensive. And it takes a lot of effort and innovation to fit in all the working parts of a motherboard into a smaller Mini ITX case so they are expensive.
Zakriya is right from Pakistan. He was raised with a quest for gaming craze with an organization of specialized folks. This is the place he understood that computer games can grow your creative mind to unlimited universes. Gaming is no longer for him only a method for amusement, yet enthusiasm. From the youthful age of 8, gaming was simply the main method for communicating. At whatever point he got the opportunity to play computer games, he took it with two hands and played for quite a long time. Much to his dismay that gaming would turn into his closest companion.
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