TL;DR – These are the Greatest Mini ITX Instances:
1. Cooler Grasp NR200
Greatest Mini-ITX Case
Cooler Grasp’s NR200 case is right here that will help you construct a succesful, compact gaming PC. This case has a constrained dimension with simply 18.25 liters of inernal quantity, however it could truly match a substantial CPU cooler and decently massive graphics card. You may even set up a 240mm radiator for a liquid-cooled processor.
The Cooler Grasp NR200 comes pre-installed with a 120mm high fan and a 92mm rear fan, however there’s assist for an extra 5 followers for severe air flow. You will not be hurting for cupboard space on this case both, as it could maintain two 2.5-inch drives and one 3.5-inch drive in devoted bays in addition to an extra drive of both dimension in a combo bay. There’s little or no in the way in which of compromise with this case – simply be sure to’ve received a compact energy provide and haven’t got a monstrously massive CPU cooler or graphics card.
2. Thermaltake Core V1
Greatest Funds Mini ITX Case
For a smaller cube-style case that may nonetheless pack a whole lot of {hardware}, the Thermaltake Core V1 has rather a lot to supply. At a dirt-cheap value of simply $45, the Core V1 gives a smaller footprint than Mini ITX “towers,” whereas nonetheless providing sufficient room for a full-size graphics card, an ATX energy provide, and even water cooling.
A closed-loop liquid-cooler would match simply, however a small customized loop would require you to get artistic. At round 22-liters, it’s nonetheless on the bigger facet of “medium” ITX instances, nevertheless it’s nonetheless rather more compact than a regular mid-tower case (and has metal building, in addition).
If you need one thing a bit smaller on an identical finances, the 19.8-liter Cooler Master Elite 130 and 15.4-liter Elite 110 are each nice options. Their smaller dimension means you’re a bit extra restricted by way of airflow and cable administration, however the trade-off could also be value it in case you’re on the lookout for a extra modest footprint.
3. Fractal Design Node 202
Greatest Console-Type Mini ITX Case
While you’re on a mission to construct a gaming computer that is extra highly effective however smaller than a console, there isn’t any substitute for the Fractal Design Node 202. It is a 10-liter chassis that may match full-sized graphics playing cards inside and preserve you on finances with its $145 price ticket with an included 450W energy provide, although a $70 value mannequin and not using a energy provide can also be obtainable. Higher but, it has a really clear, fashionable aesthetic that would not look misplaced in your house leisure heart.
There are solely two mounting factors for 2 120mm case followers, however they’re going to need to be low-profile and the identical goes on your CPU cooler—you may neglect about liquid-cooling your CPU. Nonetheless, even with none further followers, the Node 202 gives loads of air flow for the CPU and GPU areas, that are additionally all protected by mud filters.
4. SilverStone LD03B
Greatest Compact Mini ITX Case
For those who’re going with a Mini ITX case, you clearly need to preserve issues tight. The SilverStone LD03B will allow you to do exactly that, nevertheless it will not drive you to make a whole lot of sacrifices to get there.
The SilverStone LD03B helps surprisingly tall 190mm CPU coolers, letting you get loads of cooling potential. It could possibly even slot in a graphics card as much as 309mm in size. It manages this with a tall, boxy design that retains its total footprint small with out going too tight in any dimension. SilverStone additionally contains two 120mm followers on the high and backside of the case to maintain scorching air shifting out.
5. NZXT H210i
Greatest Massive Mini ITX Case
Mini ITX isn’t at all times about constructing the smallest PC possible. Generally, it’s nearly having a PC that is smaller a tower whereas packing as a lot gear as you may. The NZXT H210i isn’t tiny, and a few would possibly argue it approaches the dimensions of a microATX case, however all that further room makes it a flexible chassis that’s simple to construct with.
It’ll match a full-size ATX energy provide, a customized water cooling loop with twin radiators and two 3.5” exhausting drives if you’re stockpiling knowledge. It additionally brings some distinctive styling with its punched-out facet air flow areas and an built-in RGB strip. The H210i additionally comes fitted with a wise hub, which works primarily with NZXT’s array of Aer2 RGB followers and Hue2 lighting peripherals. After all, in case you do not want any of the lighting or related smarts, you may go for the stripped-down NZXT H210.
If you need one thing a bit snazzier (albeit bigger and costlier), you’ve gotten numerous different choices just like the 34-liter Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX. You may additionally go together with the case that began all of it: the BitFenix Prodigy, or—in case you’re a Portal fan—its newer turret-shaped cousin. All of those instances present totally different appears to be like and configuration choices for a bigger, stuffed-to-the-brim Mini ITX construct.
6. Phanteks Evolv Shift Air
Greatest Excessive-Airflow Mini ITX Case
Whereas a whole lot of Mini ITX instances appear like online game consoles of the previous, the Phanteks Evolv Shift Air appears to be like extra just like the Xbox Series X. The chimney-like design has loads of cooling potential with room for as much as three 120mm or 140mm followers. And, because of entensive air flow by way of mesh panels, you could be positive your system will get sufficient airflow.
This case can accomodate a compact air cooler for the CPU, however you may simply go for an AIO cooler as an alternative. You will not miss out on graphics energy with this case, as you may slot in even the beefier playing cards that measure 350mm in size. There might not be as a lot entrance I/O on this case as you’d discover on different, however you will not miss it, as Phanteks retains your entire motherboard’s I/O inside attain behind a lid on the high of the case.
7. Lian Li TU150
Greatest Transportable Mini ITX Case
Going with a smaller Mini ITX PC case that will help you save room is sweet however what if it additionally helped make your PC extra transportable. That is precisely what the Lian Li TU150 units out to do as a comparatively compact chassis with a retractable carrying deal with. This case is a bit bigger on the Mini ITX spectrum, nevertheless it has sufficient inner area to allow you to set up an SFX energy provide and a triple-slot graphics card.
Regardless of its small dimension, there’s loads of locations to maneuver air on this chassis as there are mounting factors for 2 120mm followers on the underside, then one other spot on the back and front of the case. The Lian Li TU150 additionally options intelligent cable routing areas behind the motherboard tray and within the roof of the case.
8. NCase M1 V6.1
Greatest Excessive-Finish Mini ITX Case
There is not a extra diehard group of PC fanatics than these within the SFF neighborhood and in order for you a Mini ITX case made for the individuals by the individuals, you want the NCase M1 V6.1. In contrast to most PC instances made by producers, the NCase M1 V6.1 was crowdsourced utilizing concepts of ardent small final Mini ITX PC followers to create the final word case of their goals. The result’s a small chassis that surprisingly massive sufficient to carry nearly any sized graphics card, 240mm liquid-coolers, and extra.
The NCase M1 v6.1 is insanely spectacular when you think about its dimension. The M1’s versatility additionally comes with top-notch construct high quality too, with aluminum building, tool-less panels, and modern aesthetics. It is also extremely tuned for optimum cooling with its over 6,000 air flow holes whereas a few well-placed mud filters will preserve your PC elements clear. That each one mentioned, the NCase M1 is fairly darn costly at $210 and it is solely obtainable in restricted version runs, however in order for you the smallest case doable with out making large compromises, that is nearly as good because it will get.
9. NZXT H1
Greatest Semi-Constructed Mini-ITX Case
One of many difficult issues about constructing a Mini-ITX rig is that there is not a whole lot of room for error. It is easy to finish up with elements that do not fairly match collectively. The NZXT H1 takes a whole lot of the guess-work out of the equation, with most of the elements you want on your rig already included. Higher but, it does this whereas trying elegant and minimalistic.
The case comes with the modular energy provide you will want, in addition to a easy AIO cooler that ensures your CPU does not endure from a cooling resolution that does not work on this case. The small case nonetheless helps full-size graphics playing cards, and an built-in PCIe Riser card will allow you to mount your graphics card vertically. This design offers the CPU, GPU, and PSU every their very own channel for contemporary air movement to assist preserve them cool. It might come at a excessive value, nevertheless it’s bringing rather a lot to the desk.
NZXT does not have inventory proper now, however you may signal as much as see when it is obtainable. You need to nonetheless be capable of get it in time to make players ready for the Xbox Collection X jealous.
10. Razer Tomahawk
Greatest RGB Mini-ITX PC Case
Relating to RGB lighting, few firms do it higher on their PC equipment than Razer. So, it is time to get excited, as a result of Razer now has the Tomahawk ITX case to allow you to go mini in dimension however main in coloration. You may get assist for Razer’s Chroma RGB lighting results on the underside of the case, giving it a trendy underglow that’ll match proper in with all kinds of Razer’s mice, keyboards, headsets and even Razer’s monitor.
The case could also be small, nevertheless it nonetheless has room for a decently tall CPU cooler or perhaps a 240mm radiator for liquid cooling. You may need to be careful on your graphics card size although, as you may solely go as much as 320mm, however you should have room for a thicker card that wants three growth slots. Impressively, there’s nonetheless room on this case for 3 2.5-inch drives, and Razer manages some sturdy port selection on the entrance panel.
What to Know Earlier than Constructing a Mini ITX Case
The principle promoting issue of Mini ITX instances is they are much smaller and do not waste any area, however that is additionally what makes them so difficult to construct in. There is not a single sq. inch of wasted area inside a Mini ITX case, which additionally means every square-inch will likely be important to you for squeezing in a bigger GPU, a second solid-state drive, and even what would appear like a easy energy cable in a bigger chassis.
With that in thoughts, you will need to pre-plan your PC construct earlier than you even begin shopping for elements. Measure the GPU and foremost compartment twice to make sure you can truly suit your desired CPU cooler or graphics card contained in the case. Contemplating how small these PC instances could be, you would possibly even need to purchase some customized cables with shorter lengths, in order that they do not take up any more room than wanted.
Lastly, it is best to rehearse your PC construct beforehand. It may be all to simple to begin putting in your motherboard, CPU cooler, and different elements solely to appreciate that you’ve got blocked off entry to your storage mounting factors a number of steps in the past.
Constructing a Mini ITX system is hard work, however they’re a few of the most rewarding puzzles you may clear up as a PC builder.
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Whitson Gordon is a author, gamer, and tech nerd who has been constructing PCs for 10 years. He eats potato chips with chopsticks so he does not get grease on his mechanical keyboard.
Kevin Lee is IGN’s {Hardware} and Roundups Editor. Observe him on Twitter @baggingspam
