It wouldn’t make sense to buy a big computer case if you don’t have much room to spare, right? That is why many people are opting for Mini-ITX Cases nowadays. Not only do they take the least space, but they also help to keep the system cool.

These cases are considerably small and can be transferable from one place to another quite easily. They even allow you to install high-end gaming components despite their tiny size. I was a bit iffy when these came out because fitting components inside them seemed like a pretty exhausting task, but mini ITX cases have justifiably taken the world by storm; especially when it comes to gaming.

Best Mini ITX Cases 2017

PCs can consume a lot of space sometimes. That is why I have started using mini ITX cases frequently while building my PCs. Along with being able to support the components that I need to install, their motherboards can be found for a comparatively cheaper price. If you want your build to take a small space, but also pack a punch, Mini-ITX cases are the way to go.

Listed below are the top 10 best mini ITX cases for you to check out before making a decision.

The list featured below describes these cases in detail:

1. Cooler Master Elite 130 – cheap, has water cooling support

The latest from the Cooler Master Elite series, this could probably one of the best yet cheapest ITX options when it comes to building a small and portable rig.

The Elite 130 has efficient and improved features amongst all the Elite series, including Elite 110 and Elite 120. The Elite 120 series actually has some outdated features that you cannot find in 110 or 120. The improved 130 is the best of both worlds and is the finest combo of its predecessors.

The Cooler Master Elite 130 has a space that allows you full-sized GPU and PSU. The small form factor does not restrict your PC experience in anyway and you don’t even need to purchase costly SFF power supply. It has meshed front panel and extra holes throughout its body that will provide ventilation and keep the parts inside cool. The 120 mm front fan and the 80 mm side fan also help in increasing the airflow. Liquid cooling options are also available thanks to the 120 mm water cooling kit.

With two expansion slots, the Elite 130 also provides abundant expansion options. When it comes to storage, the case supports up to one ODD, three HDDs, and four SSDs, along with two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port on the front panel and audio IO jacks as well.

However, the case has a short clearance of only 65 mm for the CPU cooler. Since it has a unique HDD/SSD mounting bracket positioning, it gives you more space inside. But this also means that you will have a hard time whenever you want to change things like the CPU or the memory. However, considering all the fantastic features it provides, I think this compact case is still a great bargain. You can find it online for around $45.

2. BitFenix Prodigy mITX Edition – customizable, very stylish and attractive

BitFenix cases have always been some of the most noticeable cases around. And this one is not an exception. Aimed for portability, the design of the case is creative outside as well as inside.

The first time I saw this case, the thing that immediately caught my eyes were the handles. Unlike other cases on this list, BetFenix Prodigy comes with four handles that makes it really comfortable while transporting it to your friend’s house for a LAN party. The case is made by BitFenix FyberFlex Composite, which not only makes the case look good, but is also great for shock absorption. It is highly customizable and the mountings can be fixed the way you like it.

The case comes with meshed sides and side panels with holes, so the ventilation is pretty good. It also supports five custom fans and radiator at the top and rear. Huge fan slots help you reduce the noise level and also improve the cooling efficiency. The case supports CPU coolers that are up to 160 mm in height. There are five mounts for 3.5″ hard drives where you can install five hard drives or up to nine SSDs. How cool is that? You can also remove all of the mounts and instead install a 240 mm radiator and long graphics card in case you want better performance and cooling.

Cable management is incredible, making it pretty easy to work inside. For expansion, it provides the users with two PCI slots as well. The bottom compartment of the case comes with easy removable retention bracket for the PSU. It provides max 160 mm (6.29″) PSU, but it can be very hard to fit. It is big for a mini ITX case, both in dimensions as well as weight. The drive trays are tool-less, but are kind of weak. However, if you are in need of a portable, stylish and powerful case, you can find this for around $85 online.

3. Thermaltake Core V1 – easy on the pockets, small but capable

This mini ITX cube from Thermaltake is pretty new, but it is not to be underestimated. This cheap mini ITX case can give a pretty decent fight to even the most expensive cases out there.

The Thermaltake Core V1 is affordable and is one of the best budget mini ITX cases you can find around the market. It has incredible ventilation options, a bottom-mount PSU, and interchangeable side panels. The panels allow the users to customize the case according to their taste. I found this feature pretty entertaining. The case is considered an ideal option when it comes to noise reduction.

The case comes in two color options; basic black mesh model and white snow. The pre-installed 200 mm fan does a good job of keeping the build cool and below critical temperature. A couple of 80 mm fans can fit in the back. The V1 supports liquid cooling and can fit a tower CPU cooler up to 140 mm.

The case is not the smallest mini ITX case around. It supports a standard PSU and up to a 255 mm GPU on the inner chassis or 285 mm on the outer one. You can find this mini ITX cube online for around $50.

4. Fractal Design Node 304 – small in size, silent, minimalist design, efficient

This small mini ITX case has some advanced qualities. But what appealed to me the most about the Node 304 when I first saw it was its simple yet classy design.

Despite the small size, the Node 304 provides many good features. The design allows hybrid functionality with several drive mounts. The fans integrate a high performance cooling system. The two preinstalled 92 mm fans behind front panel draw air from vented intake area at the top while the 140 mm fan works as exhaust on the rear panel.

It allows the option of mounting up to a 12.2″ graphics card, while still retaining room for four HDDs or SSDs. The Node 304 can even support single fan liquid cooling systems or tower style CPU heat sinks up to 165 mm in length. It also provides options for two expansion slots.

However, there are some flaws to this case as well. The ventilation and airflow is not on exceptional levels. The case supports ATX power supply unit only up to 160 mm (6.2″) in length and has no optical drive bay. Because of the location of the PSU, the non-modular power supply takes up space for video card. Cable management capacity is comparatively moderate. You can find this case online for around $75.

5. EVGA Hadron – compact, expensive, incredible performance

EVGA Hadron is one of the smallest mini ITX cases on this list. And also the most expensive. This compact case is pretty unique and is able to carry even high end hardware despite its size.

I first came across this EVGA gem when I was searching for the best mini ITX motherboard for my build. I was hoping to purchase a case from another brand, but I simply stopped in my tracks when I noticed the Hadron. It immediately caught my attention with its glossy front panel and see-through side panel. Most of us are familiar with EVGA due to their graphics cards and motherboards, but it looks like they are taking the market by storm with their mini ITX cases lately.

The Hadron has a lot of amazing features. It is compact and it supports all mini ITX form factor motherboards. The case comes with an integrated 500W Gold Rated Power Supply and supports two hard drives. It also supports up to two devices of the latest USB 3.0 Superspeed protocol.

However, like people say, every good thing has a bad side. And the EVGA Hadron is not an exception. The solid front panel does not allow much air inside; thus, there is a high chance of increment in the internal temperature by a critical degree. It does not accept regular ATX size power supply. And though it has a slot loading optical drive, it does not have a 5.25″ optical drive bay. It supports some full sized video cards, but mid-length video cards up to 267mm (10.5″) are the norm. And like we said before, the price is pretty scary. You can find the Hadron online for around $490.

6. Corsair Obsidian 250D – great number of cooling units, provides sufficient ventilation and drive customization

I would consider this case from Corsair the complete package for mini ITX builders. It gives you almost everything that a standard ATX case provides, but it does not take as much space.

I am a big Corsair fan. And even though I have been as unbiased as possible, this is still one of my favorite picks on the list. The brushed aluminum and steel case looks good, however the design is not as striking.

The Obsidian 250D allows a 5.25″ optical drive in the front, a full-size ATX power supply in the back, and a full-length 290 mm long (11.4″) video card in the middle. Even after all that, it still has room for a 240mm radiator mounted on the side. Pretty awesome stuff, huh? However, this means that the size of the chassis increases a bit more compared to other mini ITX cases.
The case also fits two 3.5″/2.5″ drives, two 2.5″ drives, and has a front panel USB 3.0 port and headphone and mic ports as well. Installation is tool free and the thumbscrews allow the user to remove the sides and top panels quite easily. The cooling system of this unit is top-notch and it also allows drive customization. You will especially be impressed with the cable managing of the case. It provides plenty of ventilation and helps make a great gaming rig.

If you want to carry around your mini ITX case every day, the weight of the Obsidian 250D might produce a bit of a problem. The front panel is solid, and this might affect the airflow a tiny bit. If you want your mini ITX case slim, then this case is not for you. However, if you are looking for a powerful case, then you should definitely give this beauty a try. You can find the Corsair Obsidian 250D online for around $83.

7.Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV Mini ITX Tower – innovative design, clean cable management

This case is really sleek and attractive, but its appearance is not the only good thing about it. Wait till you find out its features.

The Enthoo EVOLV series provides extensive water cooling support. It is spacious inside, thus installation of your components will be pretty easy. It is a bit larger than an ideal mini ITX case, but the features are worth the big size.

The EVOLV is made up of durable components and the overall case is pretty good in quality as well. If you have an eye for beauty, this will definitely catch your fancy. Along with the sleek design, it provides you with incredible cable management system, a windowed side panel, and PSU / HDD separate compartments at the bottom with side bracket for SSD mount, plus space for up to four fans. You might not even be required to buy a mini ITX GPU since the case supports full-length graphic card.

There is no option for an optical drive bay, so that might be a problem to some. The case is pretty big in height too. However, if you want a good quality product, and are looking for an ITX case with enough space, this would definitely be one of the top choices. You can find Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV online for around $75.

8. NZXT Manta -unique and unparalleled design, great build quality

This eye-catching case has the most unique design on this list. It also has some incredible features to match its alluring appearance.

The NZXT Manta is one of the best-looking mini ITX cases you will ever come across. It has a clean build, but is really efficient in its functions as well. If you want to impress your friends at the next LAN party, a case like this will do the job. Not only is it visually attractive, but it is also very strong and resilient.

The build quality is good and the case also allows enough room for cooling and big graphic cards. It comes with a large window panel that allows you to display your components inside. With nearly twice the cable management space compared to other cases, the Manta is a great choice for gaming enthusiasts.

However, if you are short on cash, this case might not be the best deal for you. It is available for around $150 online.

9. Inwin 901 -fascinating and innovative design

When I first came across the Inwin 901, I was confused. I seriously thought it was micro ATX case, but then I took a closer look. Its intriguing design is kind of rare, but that does

Both of the side panels of the Inwin 901 are made up of tempered glass that blends perfectly with the rest of the aluminum chassis. It has a dark tint and it is so perfectly composed that you can hardly see any marks or even your fingerprints on the glass. The elegant case has a rear panel that keeps all external connectors inside the chassis frame itself and it comes with a very careful packaging. There are three internal bays. Interchangeable SATA adapters in each of the two larger drive bays are available.

The case consists of hidden vents and magnetic aluminum fan filters. It is integrated with better air flow and quick heat dissipation system. The 901 provides thumbscrews removal on both back and side panels and also has a sleek rear panel in order to allow for an easy cable routing. It comes with a removable 2.5″ HDD bracket.
Silverstone is a great brand and even though it is not as popular as other manufacturers, I think it can give them a tough competition. The Sugo SG05 Lite from Silverstone is lightweight and simplistic in design. It is very small, but it has plenty of vents for cooling. However, the small size means that working inside the case can be pretty hard.

But even though the case looks elegant, it is a bit on the heavy side. It has an optical bay at the bottom, but it only supports slimline drive. The power cable connector for this bay is 4-pin floppy instead of the standard Molex or SATA. Heat might be a big issue, especially if you use the case for gaming purposes since the ventilation is on average level. The case has no spinning fan, but you can install one 120 mm fan at the bottom or 92 mm fan on the side. The cost is pretty high as well. You can find this case online for around $230.

10. Silverstone Sugo SG05 Lite – small yet powerful

This is the lightest mini ITX case on this list. However, some of the features it provides are on par with its larger counterparts.

Silverstone is a great brand and even though it is not as popular as other manufacturers, I think it can give them a tough competition. The Sugo SG05 Lite from Silverstone is lightweight and simplistic in design. It is very small, but it has plenty of vents for cooling. However, the small size means that working inside the case can be pretty hard.

Due to its small size, the Sugo SG05 Lite contains just one preinstalled 120 mm fan, which is located behind the front panel. The rest of the three vents are located on both sides and the top of the case. The power supply fan, the CPU fan, and the video card fan handle the airflow of the system.

The case consists of space for one 3.5″ hard drive and one 2.5″ drive. 5.25″ optical drive is not allowed, but there is a slot for a slim-line drive. The PSU is mounted at the top location, but it will stay out of the path of the CPU cooler. Since the case only fits small form factor PSU, ATX power supply can’t really fit in. The max length video card for SG05 Lite is around 9.3″. You can find this efficient case for around $53 online.

Buyer’s Guide

Some of the main concerns while choosing a mini ITX case are:

1. Airflow:

Airflow is one of the most important things that you have to pay attention to while choosing a case. If the case gets clustered after you install your components, this means the components will run a chance of becoming too hot. This can decrease their life span. That is why you have to make sure you get a case with adequate fans and ventilation.

2. Space for dedicated graphics:

If you are going to use a dedicated graphics card for your build, you need to get a case that contains plenty of room for the card that you have decided upon.

3. Measurement of the case:

Some of us prefer horizontal chassis, while some of us like it vertical. But before you buy your case, check out the space that you are going to put your new build in. And according to the room you have, you can decide on whatever case you like. Mini ITX cases usually don’t have much room inside, so you need make sure that you have read the details for both your components and the case in order to get the proper fit.

Conclusion

Because of the wide variety of computer cases available out there, it is pretty difficult to find a mini ITX case that perfectly matches our needs. That’s where lists like these come into play. It helps the buyers understand what they need from their case rather than what they want from them.

All of us have different computer cases in mind while building our PC. Some of us want high-end solid built cases while some of us are on a budget and need to compromise. Keeping this in mind, we have given details about some of the best mini ITX cases on this post. Hope you find what you are looking for. And if we have missed some that you think deserve to be on this list, do let us know!