If you have a fairly small workspace or do not want your computer to take up a lot of space at your home, then it can be a great idea to get something small and compact. For all such computer buyers, a mini ITX motherboard can be a great choice.
But to use such a compact motherboard, you will also need an equally small cabinet like the best mini ITX cases stated down below that offer these features:
- Motherboard Compatibility: Just per the name, a mini ITX case is designed to be used with mini ITX motherboards. Although, a few mini ITX cases may also work with other small form factors like micro ATX or mini DTX. Hence, it is quite important to check the motherboard compatibility of your mini ITX case.
- Side Panel: While it may not affect the versatility or the cooling performance of your PC case, the side panel surely affects the aesthetics of your computer. If you would like to showcase all of the components present inside it, then you would love to get a mini ITX case with a tempered glass side panel instead of the standard steel one.
- Warranty: Even though your PC cabinet has no moving parts or complex IC chips, you should still check its warranty to ensure that it can last for a long time. Thankfully, you will find most mini ITX cases to feature a 2-year warranty or similar.
Despite the fact that these features are quite important, you should still check the detailed buying guide which should be handy for picking up the best mini ITX cases.
Best Mini ITX Cases
Mini ITX Cases | Motherboard Compatibility | Side Panel | Warranty | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|---|
Corsair Mid-Tower ATX Case | ATX, micro ATX, mini ITX | Tempered Glass | 2 years | Check the Price |
Cooler Master Mini-ITX Case | Mini ITX, mini DTX | Steel | 1 year | Check the Price |
NZXT H210 Mini-ITX PC Case | Mini iTX | Tempered Glass | 2 years | Check the Price |
SilverStone Mini-ITX Case | Mini ITX, mini DTX | Steel | 3 years | Check the Price |
InWin A1 Mini-ITX Tower | Mini ITX | Tempered Glass | 1 year | Check the Price |
Lian Li Tu Mini-ITX Case | Mini ITX, mini DTX | Tempered Glass | 1 year | Check the Price |
Montech Flyer Micro ATX/Mini-ITX | Micro ATX, mini ITX | Tempered Glass | 1 year | Check the Price |
Best Mini ITX Cases Reviews
1. Corsair 4000D Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX Case
Corsair is one of those PC parts brands that needs no introduction since it has been making all sorts of products for a pretty long time.
The Corsair 400D mini ITX case is present in the 1st position in this list since this can be a great pick if you wish to make a high-end computer with a lot of components. For starters, other than mini ITX, you can also use ATX and micro ATX motherboards inside it. You can also install 2 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 3.5-inch drives inside this computer case. Because it has a PSU shroud and a tempered glass side panel, it also looks quite premium.
Despite the lack of any mesh intakes of this mini ITX case, you can still expect excellent cooling performance from it. This is due to the reason that it supports 3 x 120 mm front, 2 x 140 mm top, and 1 x 120 mm rear fans. With this many fans, you can easily cool high-end components like up to a 170 mm CPU cooler and up to a 360 mm GPU. A great thing about this cabinet is that it includes an audio port, USB 3.0, and even a USB type C port on the top for ease of use.
Best Features:
- Compatible with ATX, Micro ATX, and mini ITX motherboards
- Made out of steel
- Features a tempered glass side panel
- Supports 3 x 120 mm front fans, 2 x 120 mm top fans, 1 x 120 mm rear fan
- Includes 1 x 120 mm front fan, 1 x 120 mm rear fan
- Compatible with up to 170 mm tall CPU cooler and 360 mm long GPU
- Offers 2 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 3.5-inch drive bays
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Excellent cooling performance
- Quite large for all sorts of computer components
- Supports a large number of fans
Cons:
- Not a compact computer case
2. Cooler Master NR200 White SFF Small Form Factor Mini-ITX Case
Another PC component and parts brands that you should keep in mind is Cooler Master since it offers some of the best high-performance products.
Cooler Master’s NR200 mini ITX case is present in the 2nd position in this listicle as it is the most compact option stated here. But even then, it is the perfect option for high-end computer builds thanks to its support for up to a 155 mm CPU cooler and a 330 mm GPU. Not only that but it also supports a large number of fans including 2 x 120 mm top, 2 x 120 mm bottom, 2 x 140 mm side, and 1 x 92 mm rear fans. You also get 1 x 120 mm top and 1 x 92 mm rear fans installed in this cabinet out of the box.
To offer such excellent cooling, it does not come with a tempered glass side panel but rather a steel one. Unlike what you would expect from such a compact mini ITX case, it even supports 2 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 3.5-inch drives. On the top, you will also find two USB ports and an audio port for ease of use.
Best Features:
- Compatible with Mini ITX and mini DTX motherboards
- Made out of steel
- Features a steel side panel
- Supports 2 x 120 mm bottom fans, 2 x 120 mm top fans, 2 x 140 mm side fans, 1 x 92 mm rear fan
- Includes 1 x 120 mm top fan, 1 x 92 mm rear fan
- Compatible with up to 155 mm tall CPU cooler and 330 mm long GPU
- Offers 2 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 3.5-inch drive bays
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Highly compact computer case
- Excellent cooling performance
- Supports large CPU cooler and GPU
Cons:
- Does not include a tempered side glass window
3. NZXT H210 – CA-H210B-W1 – Mini-ITX PC Case
NZXT is a fairly high-end brand of CPU coolers and cabinets that can be a viable pick if you are looking for something premium and sleek looking.
The NZXT mini ITX case is present in the 3rd position in this article because it can be a viable option if you want a fairly large ITX case that looks great. Since it comes with a tempered glass side window and a PSU shroud, it looks quite premium and sleek. Other than supporting a mini ITX motherboard, it can also be used with 2 x 3.5-inch drives, 2 x 2.5-inch drives, up to a 165 mm CPU cooler, up to a 325 mm GPU, and much more.
Apart from its included 1 x 120 mm top and rear fan, this cabinet also supports 2 x 140 mm fans at the front for pretty decent cooling. Being a premium offering from NZXT, it comes with an audio port, USB type A, and USB type C high-speed ports on the top for high versatility.
Best Features:
- Compatible with Mini ITX motherboards
- Made out of steel
- Features a tempered glass side panel
- Supports 2 x 140 mm front fans, 1 x 120 mm top fan, 1 x 120 mm rear fan
- Includes 1 x 120 mm top fan, 1 x 120 mm rear fan
- Compatible with up to 165 mm tall CPU cooler and 325 mm long GPU
- Offers 2 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 3.5-inch drive bays
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Decent cooling performance
- Works with large CPU coolers and GPUs
- Includes high-speed front ports
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
4. SilverStone Technology Ultra Compact Mini-ITX Computer Case
In comparison with most other computer accessory and cabinet brands, SilverStone is much more affordable and a viable option for all those who wish to get a high-performance mini ITX case.
While there may be many budget mini ITX cases out there, this SilverStone SST-SG13B-USA is the cheapest one stated in this list. And its given price tag, it supports both mini ITX and mini DTX motherboards for peace of mind. However, being a budget offering, it comes with a steel side panel and not a tempered one. At the front, you will find two audio ports as well as two USB 3.0 ports for high data speeds.
Moving over to the performance numbers, this case offers decent cooling despite having only an optional 140 mm front fan which is possible with its front mesh panel. As for other compatibility specifications, you will find 1 x 2.5 inch and 1 x 3.5-inch drive bays, clearance for up to 61 mm CPU cooler, and up to a 270 mm GPU. Despite being a budget offering, SilverStone has included a 3-year warranty with its mini ITX case.
Best Features:
- Compatible with Mini ITX and mini DTX motherboards
- Made out of steel
- Features a steel side panel
- Supports 1 x 140 mm front fan
- Compatible with up to 61 mm tall CPU cooler and 270 mm long GPU
- Offers 1 x 2.5 inch and 1 x 3.5-inch drive bays
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Pros:
- High-speed front ports
- Quite an affordable mini ITX case
- Decent cooling performance
Cons:
- Limited space for components
5. InWin A1 Plus Black Mini-ITX Tower
InWin is a fairly high-end brand of computer cases that tend to be unique and premium in terms of both features as well as design.
The InWin A1 Plus mini ITX case is one of the most unique cases stated here in terms of its looks as well as functions. For starters, you get great looking ARGB lighting at the bottom, and include 650 watt 80 gold plus PSU, and a 10-watt wireless phone charger on top. And since it also has a tempered glass side window, it also looks quite great. Although, it only supports mini ITX motherboards and not any other size.
As for its performance numbers, this case can be used with up to a 160 mm CPU cooler, 320 mm GPU, 2 x 2.5-inch drives, 1 x 120 mm side, 1 x 120 mm rear, and 2 x 120 mm bottom fans. To improve the aesthetics even further, InWin has also included RGB fans for the rear and the side in the box.
Best Features:
- Compatible with mini ITX motherboards
- Made out of steel
- Features a tempered glass side panel
- Supports 1 x 120 mm side fan, 2 x 120 mm bottom fans, 1 x 120 mm rear fan
- Includes 1 x 120 mm side RGB fan, 1 x 120 mm rear RGB fan
- Compatible with up to 160 mm tall CPU cooler and 320 mm long GPU
- Offers 2 x 2.5-inch drive bays
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Includes a PSU and Qi charger
- Premium design and construction
- Decent cooling performance
Cons:
- Single supported motherboard size
6. Lian Li Tu 150-WA Mini-ITX Computer Casetx Computer Case
You can go with Lian Li if you do not have any budget restrictions and want a high-end PC case with various handy features and a premium construction.
Lian Li’s Tu 150-WA mini ITX case can be another viable option if you want to get a premium case. Other than offering a solid steel construction, you will also find a side tempered glass window. Even though it may not be the most compact case, you do get a handy carry handle on the top. You also find two audio ports, two USB Type-A ports, and a USB type C port on the top for ease of use.
Moving over to the insides, this case can be used with both mini ITX and mini DTX motherboards along with up to 165 mm CPU cooler and 320 mm GPU along with 1 x 2.5 inch and 1 x 3.5-inch drives. As for fans, you can use 1 x 120 mm front, 1 x 120 mm rear, and 2 x 120 mm bottom fans with this case where none of them is included in the box.
Best Features:
- Compatible with mini ITX and mini DTX motherboards
- Made out of steel
- Features a tempered glass side panel
- Supports 1 x 120 mm front fan, 2 x 120 mm bottom fans, 1 x 120 mm rear fan
- Compatible with up to 165 mm tall CPU cooler and 320 mm long GPU
- Offers 1 x 2.5 inch and 1 x 3.5-inch drive bays
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- High-end design and build quality
- Includes a handy top handle
- High cooling performance
Cons:
- Could have been more compact
7. Montech Flyer White Micro ATX/Mini-ITX
Montech is a fairly new brand of computer cases and other accessories that still manages to offer decent performance with its products like this PC case.
This Montech Flyer mini ITX case can be another viable option if you are on a budget since it supports both micro ATX and mini ITX motherboards. Other than that, you will also find RGB lighting, PSU shroud, and a tempered glass side panel for a sleek design. Being a fairly large case, it supports up to 320 mm long GPUs, 2 x 2.5-inch drives, 2 x 3.5-inch drives, and much more.
While you get 1 x 120 mm rear and 1 x 120 mm front fans included, this case also supports 3 x 120 mm front, 2 x 120 mm top, and 1 x 120 mm rear fans making it great for cooling. Just like most other cases, this one also includes audio ports and USB ports on the top for high versatility.
Best Features:
- Compatible with micro ATX and mini ITX motherboards
- Made out of steel
- Features a tempered glass side panel
- Supports 3 x 120 mm front fans, 2 x 120 mm top fans, 1 x 120 mm rear fan
- Includes 1 x 120 mm front fan, 1 x 120 mm rear fan
- Compatible with up to 320 mm long GPU
- Offers 2 x 2.5 inch and 2 x 3.5-inch drive bays
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Great for cooling performance
- Decent looking design
- Supports a large number of fans
Cons:
- Slightly large for some buyers
Buying Guide for the Best Mini ITX Cases
Whether it is your computer’s CPU or GPU, you would want either of them to run as cool as possible for optimum performance. This becomes even more important for small and compact PC cases where airflow can be restricted.
Thus, to help you pick the right mini ITX case with proper cooling, we have stated the best mini ITX cases along with all their details and information up above. And now to explain even more features of these mini ITX cases, here is a detailed buying guide for mini ITX cases which will take you through the following factors:
Motherboard Compatibility
Before buying a computer case, it is highly important to ensure that your preferred motherboard will fit inside it. Since all of the cases are made for mini ITX motherboards with standard sizes, you can expect perfect compatibility with all of them. For higher versatility, a few mini ITX cases may also work with other motherboard sizes like micro ATX or even mini DTX in some cases.
Side Panel
With modern computers, a lot of buyers like to get great looking PC cases that not only look modern and sleek but also allow you to look at the various components present inside. This is only possible when your mini ITX case has a tempered glass side panel. Since such transparent panels are made out of tempered glass, they do not get scratched that easily. Although, if you are getting a budget mini ITX case, then it will most likely have a steel side panel.
Construction
Speaking of steel, the construction of your mini ITX case is also quite important to check. As you would expect, any PC cabinet which has a sturdy construction is most likely going to last for very long. Thus, both budget, as well as premium cases, are made out of steel. However, since mini ITX cases are also ideal for portable usage if needed, a few premium cases may be made out of aluminum for much lighter construction.
Cooler Height and GPU Length
While working in a small and compact computer cabinet like the best mini ITX cases discussed earlier, it can be quite difficult to fit large computer components. This includes things like large CPU coolers and graphics cards. Hence, you should check the maximum cooler height and GPU length of your mini ITX case which can be given as around 100 mm and 250 mm respectively.
Fans Support
Another thing to consider while getting a small and compact mini ITX case is its cooling performance. You can get an idea of the same by checking the number of fans supported by it. Usually, these cases allow you to install 1-2 fans in the front, 1-2 fans at the top, and the usual 1 rear exhaust fan.
As for the fan size, that can range anywhere between 120 mm and 200 mm depending on the mini ITX case that you get. Apart from checking the supported fans by your mini ITX case, you should also look out for mini ITX cases that include fans in the box for a better value for money.
Drive Bays
Even though it is advised to use an SSD drive for optimum performance for your computer, you might be still interested in using traditional hard drives for your bulk storage needs. In that case, checking the drive bays offered by your mini ITX case becomes quite important. While not all mini ITX cases may include those, you can find around 2-3 drive bays of both 2.5 inch and 3.5-inch sizes.
Front Panel Ports
Whether you are getting a standard ATX case or a small mini ITX one, having multiple front panel ports is always quite handy. For the most part, you will find computer cases to include audio ports and USB ports other than the power buttons. If your mini ITX case has multiple inputs and outputs, then it allows you to easily and quickly use any device of your choice.
Warranty
Just like the rest of your components, you would also want your mini ITX case to last for as long as possible. And despite the fact that almost all of them are made out of high-quality steel, having a warranty can still be a great idea for a lot of buyers. Thus, you will find most of them come included with a 2-year warranty or something similar.
Conclusion
The mini ITX motherboard for computers is one of the smallest ones out there. It makes for a great choice to be used in smaller spaces where compact computers are more practical.
Similarly, the best mini ITX mentioned earlier are perfect for those who are going for such small and portable computers. To help you in picking up the right one, all of them also have their major details and features along with a thorough detailed buying guide. And based on these factors, here are our favorite recommendations for the best mini ITX cases:
- If you want a budget mini ITX case for a basic desktop, then the SilverStone SST-SG13B-USA can be a great pick. With this budget mini ITX case, you get support for mini DTX and mini ITX motherboards, 1 x 2.5-inch drive, 1 x 3.5-inch drive, 1 x 140 mm front fan, up to 270 mm long GPU, up to 61 mm tall CPU cooler, and much more.
- The Cooler Master NR200 is one of the smaller mini ITX cases out there but still offers excellent cooling for high-end computers. You can use up to 155 mm tall CPU coolers, up to 330 mm long PGU, mini ITX and mini DTX motherboards, 2 x 2.5-inch drives, 2 x 3.5-inch drives, 2 x 120 mm top fans, 2 x 120 mm bottom fans, 2 x 140 mm side fans, and 1 x 92 mm rear fan inside this case.
- In case size is not an issue for you and you simply want to make a high-end workstation PC, then the Corsair 4000D can be a great versatile PC case that also supports mini iTX motherboards. Talking about its other features, you will find vertical GPU mount, 2 x 2.5-inch bay, 2 x 3.5-inch bay, PSU shroud, and a tempered glass side panel in this case along with support for 3 x 120 mm front, 2 x 140 mm top, and 1 x 120 mm rear fans.
The post The 7 Best Mini ITX Cases 2021 Reviews & Buying Guide appeared first on Electronics Hub.
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