PC instances are available all sizes and shapes however there are three important type components that take up the majority of the market: full-sized ATX, microATX, and mini-ITX. We have added a ton of full-tower and mid-tower instances in a few of our assortment articles together with the greatest PC instances, greatest PC instances for avid gamers, and extra. On this article, we’re going to check out a devoted checklist of one of the best mini-ITX PC instances, that are smaller than the remainder of the pack. A mini-ITX PC is commonly thought-about the best choice for many who are working with small desk areas. Though most mini-ITX instances are targeted on measurement first and efficiency second, there are some instances on the market that may even assist the greatest CPUs and quickest GPUs obtainable.
These are one of the best mini-ITX instances on 2023
Lian Li Q58
The perfect general mini-ITX case
An incredible all-rounder for options, appears to be like, and worth
$146 $170 Save $24
The Lian Li Q58 is a premium mini-ITX case that provides loads of nice options at an reasonably priced worth.
- Good quantity of area however not too giant
- Loads of cooling clearance and two included mud filters
- PCIe 3.0 model is extraordinarily low cost
- Considerably missing entrance I/O
Lian Li is likely one of the hottest names within the computing area. The corporate makes quite a lot of PC peripherals together with instances, AIO coolers, and followers. Whereas the corporate is basically identified for its mid-tower and full-tower instances, it not too long ago determined to enter the ITX market with the Q58 case, which does just about every little thing nicely.
Coming in both black or white, the Q58 case is made out of a mixture of aluminum, glass, and mesh panels. The highest half of each aspect panels is made out of glass whereas the underside half is a mesh panel. The entrance panel is totally made out of aluminum, but it surely’s been painted with a completed cut up proper within the center to match the opposite panels. The highest panel can also be made out of aluminum, and it has a mesh end to behave as an exhaust panel. The 2 magnetic mud filters beneath the Q58 are a pleasant inclusion as nicely.
The Q58 helps as much as two 120mm or two 140mm followers on the highest panel and a single 120mm fan on the backside; that additionally means a 240mm/280mm radiator and a 120mm radiator may be put in on the high and backside respectively. The case additionally affords sufficient clearance for a GPU with a max size of as much as 320mm and top of three slots, and CPU air coolers with a max top of as much as 67mm. There’s additionally the choice for vertically putting in the GPU with the included PCIe 4.0 riser cable. Moreover, it helps each SFX and ATX PSUs.
General, Lian Li’s Q58 is an effective choice for any mini-ITX construct, and at $145 for the PCIe 4.0 model and $80 for the PCIe 3.0 model, it is not all that costly in comparison with many different choices available on the market.
NZXT H210
One other nice mini-ITX case
A substitute for the Q58
$80 $90 Save $10
The NZXT H210 is a stable mini-ITX chassis that provides loads of area and is appropriate for lots of builds.
- Pretty typical format
- Assist for customized liquid cooling
- Low worth
- Horrible airflow for air cooled GPUs
From full tower chasses to its highly-popular mid-tower choices, NZXT has quite a lot of PC instances in its portfolio. After discovering success with different type components, NZXT determined to step into the world of mini-ITX instances with its NZXT H210. This specific PC case appears to be like similar to quite a lot of its different instances on the market. It borrows quite a lot of visible cues from its elder siblings, which is nice. Actually, the NZXT H210 additionally will get quite a lot of the nice options that we like about NZXT’s different instances too.
Probably the most interesting characteristic of the H210 is its assist for customized liquid cooling. Inside you will discover a small strip of metallic between the motherboard and the entrance panel the place you’ll be able to connect a small reservoir for a customized loop, although it needs to be talked about that this reservoir needs to be fairly small so as to match. The H210 can even solely match a 240mm radiator on the entrance, limiting the efficiency of a customized loop (or an AIO cooler to your CPU or GPU if you happen to do not wish to go customized).
Nonetheless, the H210 has one huge weak spot in its lack of respiration room for the GPU. There’s virtually no room for any GPU bigger than two slots, and even you then’ll discover that the PSU shroud sits proper under the GPU followers, proscribing airflow and probably elevating GPU temperatures. Ideally, you would be placing your GPU on liquid cooling so as to keep away from overheating. In any other case, you will have to verify your GPU is each sufficiently small to suit and energy environment friendly sufficient to not overheat, which limits you to extra midrange graphics playing cards.
General, there’s quite a bit to love in regards to the NZXT H210 mini-ITX PC case for many who are going to be utilizing customized liquid cooling. For others, it is not as nice of an choice as a result of its suboptimal GPU airflow and area limitations, however can nonetheless get the job completed.
InWin A1 Plus
Greatest high-end mini-ITX PC case
Ultimate for putting in high-end elements
The InWin A1 Plus is a premium mini-ITX chassis that comes with a wi-fi charger on the highest panel and a glowing RGB stand on the backside.
- Helps giant CPU coolers and 325mm GPUs
- Comes with a 650W, 80 Plus Gold rated PSU and two followers
- Qi wi-fi charging is not helpful and bumps up the worth
InWin can also be a preferred title within the computing area with a very stable collection of PC instances on the market. You might have seen a ton of InWin full tower and mid-tower instances, but it surely’s price mentioning that the corporate additionally makes some nice mini-ITX chassis like its A1 Plus. It is a notably good selection for anybody constructing a high-end mini-ITX system.
The spotlight of this specific PC case is the included goodies. The A1 Plus comes with two Sirius Loop ASL120 followers pre-installed out of the field, a 650W gold-rated PSU to your construct, and the highest panel of the InWin A1 Plus additionally homes a wi-fi charging pad that lets you cost gadgets together with smartphones. It is suitable with WPC Qi 1.2 and helps 10W charging.
As for the specs, this mini-ITX case helps mini-ITX motherboards and has two growth slots. You additionally get area to put in as much as two 2.5″ drives contained in the chassis. As for the clearance, the InWin A1 Plus will allow you to set up CPU coolers with a most top of as much as 160mm. There’s solely radiator assist for as much as 120mm, so we suggest an air cooler for the CPU. You can too set up GPU with a most size of as much as 325mm, which is fairly good. You could not have the ability to match all of the big-sized CPU coolers, however you should not have any points putting in with a few of the newer GPUs on the market.
General, the InWin A1 Plus is a stable mini-ITX PC case that’ll undoubtedly add extra to the visible enchantment of your setup. Due to the glowing RGB base and the wi-fi charging high panel, there is not any denying that this case will seize all the eye in direction of itself. Nonetheless, at $200, the InWin A1 Plus is fairly costly, however that does embrace a 650W PSU, which tends to retail for round $80 to 100.
Corsair Crystal Collection 280X
Greatest compact case for high-end builds
Not strictly a mini-ITX chassis however nonetheless a very good choice
The Corsair Crystal 280X is a good choice for many who’re trying to construct a small PC. It is obtainable in white and comes with two pre-installed followers.
- Two included RGB followers
- Nice cooling potential
- Three tempered glass panels
- On the massive aspect for mini-ITX
The mini-ITX type issue is often not the go-to choice for fanatics trying to churn out a high-performance construct. Nonetheless, there are a couple of instances on this type issue that rise to the problem of becoming plenty of computing energy in a tiny space. The Corsair Crystal 280X RGB is a kind of instances. Technically, this case is for micro-ATX motherboards however a mini-ITX board can nonetheless match inside, and all the additional room is good for a performance-focused, compact construct.
Among the best issues about this specific PC case is that it comes with three tempered glass panels — one on the highest, one on the aspect, and one overlaying half the entrance panel. Regardless of the comparatively small type issue, the Crystal 280X RGB case comes with a dual-chamber design, which suggests the motherboard, GPU, and cooling elements reside in a single chamber whereas the PSU, cables, and storage are within the different. This sort of dual-chamber design is often reserved for greater instances, however we’re glad Corsair managed to deliver it to the compact type issue area.
The 280X comes with two LL120 RGB followers which can be put in on the entrance, with room so as to add two followers every on the high and backside. The 280X helps 280mm and 240mm radiators on each the highest and backside, whereas the entrance panel can take a 240mm radiator. Cooler clearance can also be good, with 150mm for CPU air coolers and 300mm in size for GPUs, in addition to 4 growth slots of vertical area. For reference, that is simply 4mm off from having the ability to assist the RTX 4090 Founder’s Version, one of many largest GPUs ever made.
It is a bit on the costly aspect, however it will probably type the inspiration of an excellent gaming PC. It is also giant relative to different ITX instances on this assortment and actually stretches the definition of “small type issue,” however in comparison with even mid-towers the 280X is kind of compact.
Cooler Grasp NR200P Max
Greatest mini-ITX case for freshmen
A good selection if you happen to’re new to mini-ITX
The Cooler Grasp NR200P Max is a wonderful choice for freshmen because it comes pre-installed with each the PSU in addition to the AIO cooler.
- Comes with an 850W PSU and 280mm AIO liquid cooler
- PCIe 4.0 riser cable included for the GPU
Whereas the concept of working with a mini-ITX chassis sounds cool, there is not any denying that constructing inside a mini-ITX case is not any kid’s play. Even fanatic PC builders typically wrestle to correctly construct inside a mini-ITX SFF chassis. With that in thoughts, we’re recommending the Cooler Grasp NR200P Max as among the best choices for newcomers.
The Cooler Grasp NR200P Max is basically an upgraded model of the older NR200 case. The brand new model of the case addressed quite a lot of points that plagued the unique iteration. Moreover, the brand new case additionally makes it simpler for customers to construct by delivery with a 280mm AIO cooler and an 850W, gold-rated SFX PSU pre-installed out of the field. This ought to be sufficient to assist even one of the best CPUs available on the market proper now.
The Cooler Grasp NR200P Max additionally comes with a PCIe Gen 4 suitable Riser cable for the GPU. It has three growth slots which suggests you’ll be able to vertically mount even the newer triple-slot GPU inside this chassis. As for the clearance, you’ll be able to set up a GPU with a most size of as much as 336mm and a CPU cooler with a most top of as much as 67mm. Among the best issues about this case is that you just additionally get mud filters for all of the consumption and exhaust, maintaining the mud away from the elements.
General, there’s quite a bit to love in regards to the NR200P Max mini-ITX chassis and we expect it undoubtedly deserves a high spot in our assortment. Nonetheless, at round $450, the NR200P Max is likely one of the most costly instances on this assortment. That does embrace the PCIe riser, PSU, and AIO cooler, which is a couple of $200-$250 worth. If you do not need these bundled gadgets, you should buy the NR200P (non-Max), which is simply the PC case for about $130.
Thermaltake Core V1 Excessive Mini ITX Dice Chassis
Greatest price range mini-ITX PC case
An previous however dependable case for these on a price range
$50 $60 Save $10
The Thermaltake Core V1 Excessive is a price range case for mini-ITX PCs. It could possibly home a big CPU air cooler and a dual-slot GPU.
- Tremendous low cost
- Decently compact
- Has an previous design with drawbacks
If you happen to’re constructing a mini-ITX gaming PC on the smallest potential price range, the Thermaltake Core V1 Excessive is a good candidate. At round $50, it is one of many least expensive instances you should buy, interval, and it affords assist for full-sized PSUs, CPU air coolers, and graphics playing cards. Nonetheless, the Core V1 launched a couple of years in the past, and what “full-sized” means has modified since then, so this case is considerably restricted to extra midrange choices.
Aesthetically, the Core V1 is not wonderful however is not ugly both. Its entrance and aspect panels (that are swappable) are very perforated in order that airflow is usually unimpeded, whereas the highest panel has an acrylic window. On the within, you will discover a large 200mm fan that gives airflow to the entire PC, over the CPU cooler, GPU, motherboard, and PSU, in addition to a mud filter for the PSU. You can too set up two 80mm followers within the again for exhaust airflow. The Core V1 is fairly good within the airflow division.
In the case of part compatibility, the Core V1 helps usually sized PSUs, GPUs as much as 260mm in size and two slots in top, and a CPU air cooler as much as 140mm tall. There’s additionally the choice for a 120mm or 140mm radiator, however at this measurement, an air cooler will serve you higher. The shortage of clearance for GPUs and CPU coolers means you will not have the ability to put high-end elements and even some midrange components within the Core V1, however we do not think about you will be wanting to place an RTX 4090 or a Core i9-13900K in right here anyhow.
The Core V1 has its flaws. It is previous, it would not have nice radiator assist, it is not probably the most compact case, and it has important limitations on GPU compatibility. Nevertheless it prices solely $40, so we give the Core V1 a thumbs up for anybody constructing a low-end or midrange mini-ITX PC.
Phanteks Evolv Shift 2
Greatest wanting mini-ITX tower
An incredible-looking case that is slender and tall
$105 $110 Save $5
The Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 is likely one of the best-looking PC instances available on the market. It is not the simplest case to work with however fanatics will discover lots to love about it.
- Takes up little desk area
- Good clearance for GPUs
- Not tremendous costly
- Poor CPU cooler assist
- PCIe 3.0 riser cable may bottleneck efficiency
If you happen to’re out there to buy a mini-ITX tower, the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 is one in every of your greatest choices. It is comparatively cheap at $120, it is slim and tall, and it appears to be like nice. If you happen to’re into the Xbox Collection X look, then the Evolv Shift 2 is a good alternative.
The Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 has a glass and aluminum development that makes it look higher than most different instances on this assortment. The sort of modern tower type issue is not for everybody, however we expect the fanatics will discover loads of what they like on this case. One of many first belongings you’ll discover about this specific PC case is how tall it truly is. Standing at 19-inches tall, it is one of many tallest instances on this assortment, but it surely additionally occupies much less desk area than a usually formed chassis.
The interior format of the Evolv Shift 2 is among the many most uncommon ones we have seen. Your complete chassis is split into three important sections. The decrease portion of the case homes the SFX-L PSU and a 120mm radiator for cooling. The highest portion is the place you will set up the motherboard together with the GPU with a assist of a riser cable, which is PCIe 3.0 quite than 4.0, but it surely’s unlikely you will run into efficiency points even with a high-end GPU. There’s more room so as to add SSDs and three.5″ drives within the center too.
Phanteks solely features a 140mm RGB fan with this case, or a traditional RGB-less fan if you find yourself shopping for the ‘Airflow’ variant, which has mesh aspect panels as a substitute of tempered glass. You will nonetheless get an RGB controller with both model, nonetheless. Assist for CPU cooling is a bit poor as solely a 120mm AIO or an 85mm tall air cooler may be put in. As for the graphics card, the case has sufficient area to accommodate a GPU with a max size of 335mm and a max thickness of two.9 slots.
General, the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 is a implausible mini-ITX tower. It is clearly not for everybody however we expect it is a stable choice for fanatics who want to dip their toes into the world of mini-ITX. We do not suggest this specific case for freshmen as the general set up course of may be very overwhelming.
NZXT H1 Model 2
Nice tower case bundle
For individuals who love fridges
$200 $400 Save $200
The NZXT H1 Model 2 is a tower-style PC case for mini-ITX programs. It helps midrange to higher-end elements whereas taking on a lot much less desk area than the everyday chassis.
- Small footprint
- Acceptable clearance for GPUs and CPU coolers
- Comes with a 750W PSU and 140mm AIO liquid cooler
- Included components improve the worth considerably
- Constructing inside is troublesome
If you happen to’re trying to choose up a mini-ITX tower, then we additionally suggest the NZXT H1 Model 2 case. The general type issue is similar to that of the Evolv Shift 2, however you may get it in a bundle with a 140mm AIO liquid cooler, a 750W gold-rated PSU, and a PCIe 4.0 riser. Naturally, this bundle will go for not less than $350. Be sure to get the up to date Model 2 mannequin, as the unique has a defect that typically causes it to quick and catch fireplace.
The NZXT H1 tower, which is available in both black or white, stands 15 inches tall, making it considerably shorter than the Evolv Shift 2. The general type issue stays the identical, nonetheless, which suggests constructing contained in the H1 tower continues to be considerably troublesome. Newcomers with little-to-no expertise with mini-ITX towers ought to undoubtedly take a look at different choices available on the market just like the H210 or the NR200P Max.
By way of part clearance, the NZXT H1 will allow you to set up a GPU with a most size of as much as 305mm, which is respectable, however with solely two growth slots you are restricted in what sort of graphics card you’ll be able to set up. The included 140mm AIO is ok for midrange CPUs with decrease energy consumption however not rather more. Subsequent to the Evolv Shift 2, the H1 goes to be a bit extra restricted in graphics horsepower.
In comparison with the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2, the NZXT H1 Model 2 is costlier but additionally comes preinstalled with a PSU and AIO cooler, which is sweet, however we’re unsure if it is an-extra-$400-nice. If the Evolv Shift 2 did not exist, we might undoubtedly say the H1 is one of the best tower-style mini-ITX case.
Greatest mini-ITX PC instances to purchase in 2023: Closing ideas
We have really helpful many instances right here, however we like Lian Li’s Q58 probably the most. It does every little thing you’d count on a PC case to do, and it is not gimmicky like many different mini-ITX chasses. Moreover, it is appropriate for midrange and high-end elements whereas many different instances aren’t. If you happen to’re trying to construct a mini-ITX system, the Q58 might be your only option.
Lian Li Q58
Greatest mini-ITX PC case
$146 $170 Save $24
The Lian Li Q58 is a premium mini-ITX case that provides loads of nice options at an reasonably priced worth.
We suggest trying out our assortment of the greatest motherboards and one of the best graphics playing cards to choose and select the precise elements that may match inside an SFF chassis. We additionally encourage you to hitch our XDA Computing Boards to debate your construct and get extra product suggestions from the specialists in our neighborhood.
