For numerous enthusiasts aiming to build a powerful and space-saving PC, ITX (or Mini-ITX) enclosures are often the go-to choice. These compact cases are designed to accommodate mini-ITX motherboards, which are smaller than the standard ATX or micro-ATX boards. ITX cases are ideal for those wanting a PC that combines compactness and portability without sacrificing performance.
We at [brand name] have spent countless hours researching and testing various ITX cases to identify the ones that offer the best balance of size, features, and performance. We understand the importance of a good ITX case in a compact build, and through our testing, we have found some standout options that we are excited to share with you.
In our testing, we focused on factors such as build quality, cooling performance, noise levels, and ease of installation. We also paid close attention to the design and feature set of each case, as these can greatly impact the overall user experience. After spending weeks testing and evaluating numerous ITX cases, we have identified the ones that are worth your consideration.
Best ITX Cases
Below is our roundup of the best ITX cases that we’ve tested and evaluated. These cases offer a range of features and price points, so whether you’re a budget-conscious builder or looking for a premium mini-ITX case, we’ve got you covered.
Fractal Design Terra Jade – Wood Walnut Front Panel
If you’re looking for a unique and stylish front panel for your mini ITX gaming case, the Fractal Design Terra Jade – Wood Walnut Front Panel is a great option.
Pros
- The anodized aluminum panels are of high quality and feel durable.
- The front panel comes with a PCIe 4.0 riser cable, which is useful for some GPU configurations.
- The USB Type-C port is a nice addition for modern devices.
Cons
- The front panel is only available in Walnut wood color, which may not match all case designs.
- The front panel is a bit expensive compared to other front panels on the market.
- The front panel is only compatible with Fractal Design Define Mini C, Focus Mini, and Define Mini cases.
We’ve used the Fractal Design Terra Jade – Wood Walnut Front Panel for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its quality and design. The anodized aluminum panels are of high quality and feel durable, making the front panel a great addition to any mini ITX gaming case.
The front panel comes with a PCIe 4.0 riser cable, which is useful for some GPU configurations. This is a great feature that not all front panels offer, making the Fractal Design Terra Jade – Wood Walnut Front Panel a great choice for those who need it.
The USB Type-C port is another great feature that the front panel offers. With more and more devices using USB Type-C, having a front panel with this port is becoming more and more important. It’s nice to see that the Fractal Design Terra Jade – Wood Walnut Front Panel has this feature.
However, there are a few downsides to the front panel. The front panel is only available in Walnut wood color, which may not match all case designs. This could be a problem for those who want a more customized look. Additionally, the front panel is a bit expensive compared to other front panels on the market. Finally, the front panel is only compatible with Fractal Design Define Mini C, Focus Mini, and Define Mini cases, which may limit its usefulness for some users.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality and stylish front panel for your mini ITX gaming case, the Fractal Design Terra Jade – Wood Walnut Front Panel is a great option. It’s well-designed, durable, and comes with some great features that make it stand out from the competition.
S300 – Mini-ITX PC Gaming Case – Front I/O USB 3.0 Type – C Port – SFX Power Supply 100-130mm – Cable Management System – luminum Mini-ITX Motherboard Small Portable PC Case-Black
If you’re looking for a compact and stylish gaming case, the S300 by Thermaltake is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The front I/O panel with 2x USB 3.0 Type-A and 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port is a great feature, allowing for fast data transfers and easy access to your devices.
- The internal cable routing design with 2x 3.5″ HDD tool-less drive bays and 2x 2.5″ SSD tool-less drive bays makes it easy to keep your case tidy and well-organized.
- The SFX power supply 100-130mm height allows for excellent compactness and a better layout for graphics cards.
Cons
- The case is made of plastic, which may not be as durable as aluminum or steel cases.
- The included fan may not be sufficient for heavy gaming or overclocking.
- The case is only compatible with mini-ITX motherboards, which may limit your options if you’re looking for a more versatile case.
We’ve been using the S300 for a few weeks now, and we’re overall impressed with its performance and design. The front I/O panel is a particularly nice touch, as it allows us to easily access our USB devices without having to open the case.
One of the standout features of the S300 is its internal cable routing design. It’s incredibly easy to install your components and route your cables, thanks to the tool-less drive bays and plenty of cable ties. We were able to keep our case looking neat and tidy with minimal effort.
Another plus is the SFX power supply, which allows for excellent compactness and a better layout for graphics cards. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to build a small form factor gaming PC.
While the case is made of plastic, we haven’t experienced any issues with durability so far. The included fan is sufficient for most gaming and productivity tasks, but if you’re planning on heavy gaming or overclocking, you may want to consider adding an additional fan.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the S300 to anyone looking for a compact and stylish gaming case. It’s easy to use, well-designed, and offers great value for its price.
SilverStone Technology Ultra Compact Mini-ITX Computer Case with Mesh Front Panel Black (SST-SG13B-USA)
If you’re looking for a compact yet powerful computer case, the SilverStone Technology Ultra Compact Mini-ITX Computer Case with Mesh Front Panel Black (SST-SG13B-USA) might be the perfect fit for you.
Pros
- The compact size of the case makes it perfect for small spaces.
- The front I/O panel includes 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HD Audio, and a Mic. Port.
- The interior is tool-free, making it easy to install components.
Cons
- The case is made of steel, which makes it a bit heavy.
- The power supply unit is sold separately, which can be an additional expense.
- The case is not designed for vertical mounting.
We’ve used the SilverStone Technology Ultra Compact Mini-ITX Computer Case with Mesh Front Panel Black (SST-SG13B-USA) for a while, and we’re impressed with its performance. The compact size of the case is perfect for small spaces, and it fits most Mini-ITX motherboards. The front I/O panel includes 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 2.0, HD Audio, and a Mic. Port., which makes it easy to connect your devices. The interior is tool-free, making it easy to install components.
The case is made of steel, which makes it durable and long-lasting. However, it makes the case a bit heavy, which can be an issue if you need to move it around frequently. The power supply unit is sold separately, which can be an additional expense. However, it allows you to choose the best power supply unit for your needs.
Overall, we recommend the SilverStone Technology Ultra Compact Mini-ITX Computer Case with Mesh Front Panel Black (SST-SG13B-USA) for anyone who needs a compact yet powerful computer case. It’s easy to install, durable, and has all the features you need for a great computing experience.
Thermaltake Core V1 SPCC Mini ITX Cube Gaming Computer Case Chassis, Interchangeable Side Panels, Black Edition, CA-1B8-00S1WN-00
If you’re looking for a compact gaming case that can accommodate high-end components, the Thermaltake Core V1 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The removable motherboard tray makes building and upgrading your system a breeze.
- The front I/O panel provides quick access to your system’s essential functions.
- The included 2.5″ SSD and 3.5″ HDD drive bays allow for easy storage expansion.
Cons
- The case’s small size may limit your component choices.
- The side panels are made of plastic, which may not be as durable as aluminum or steel.
- The case’s unique cube design may not be to everyone’s taste.
The Thermaltake Core V1 is a great choice for those who want a compact gaming case that can still accommodate high-end components. The removable motherboard tray makes building and upgrading your system a breeze, and the front I/O panel provides quick access to your system’s essential functions. Additionally, the included 2.5″ SSD and 3.5″ HDD drive bays allow for easy storage expansion.
One potential downside of the Core V1 is its small size, which may limit your component choices. Additionally, the side panels are made of plastic, which may not be as durable as aluminum or steel. Finally, the case’s unique cube design may not be to everyone’s taste.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact gaming case that can still accommodate high-end components, the Thermaltake Core V1 is definitely worth considering.
Cooler Master NR200 SFF Small Form Factor Mini-ITX Case
If you’re looking for a compact and versatile case for your Mini-ITX build, the Cooler Master NR200 is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The case features a clean and modern design with ample ventilation for improved cooling performance.
- It is tool-less and has a side panel that can be easily removed for quick access to the inside of the case.
- The case supports graphics cards up to 11.8 inches (299.7 mm) in length, allowing for triple-slot GPUs.
Cons
- The case’s size may limit the number and size of components you can fit inside.
- The front I/O panel may not be suitable for all users.
- The case’s price point may be higher than some other Mini-ITX cases on the market.
The Cooler Master NR200 is a great choice for those who want a compact and versatile case for their Mini-ITX build. The case’s clean and modern design, along with its ample ventilation, makes it a great option for those who want to improve their system’s cooling performance.
One of the standout features of the NR200 is its tool-less design, which makes it easy to build and upgrade your system. The side panel can also be easily removed, providing 360-degree accessibility to the inside of the case.
The case’s support for graphics cards up to 11.8 inches (299.7 mm) in length also makes it a great option for those who want to use triple-slot GPUs. However, the case’s size may limit the number and size of components you can fit inside, so it’s important to plan your build carefully.
Overall, the Cooler Master NR200 is a great choice for those who want a compact and versatile Mini-ITX case that offers excellent cooling performance and easy accessibility.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best ITX case, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various ITX cases and have found that the following features are important for a good ITX case.
Size and Compatibility
The size and compatibility of an ITX case are crucial factors to consider. ITX cases are designed to be compact, and it is essential to ensure that the case you choose fits your components. It is important to check the dimensions of the case and ensure that it can accommodate your motherboard, CPU cooler, and other components.
Cooling
Cooling is another essential factor to consider when choosing an ITX case. ITX cases are compact, and it can be challenging to fit adequate cooling systems. It is important to choose a case that has sufficient cooling options, such as fans or liquid cooling, to ensure that your components stay cool and function correctly.
Connectivity
Connectivity is an important factor to consider when choosing an ITX case. ITX cases are compact, and it can be challenging to fit all the necessary connectors. It is important to choose a case that has enough connectors for your needs, such as USB ports, audio jacks, and Ethernet ports.
Build Quality
The build quality of an ITX case is also an important factor to consider. ITX cases are designed to be compact, and it can be challenging to fit all the necessary components. It is important to choose a case that is well-built and can withstand the rigors of daily use.
In summary, when choosing the best ITX case, it is essential to consider the size and compatibility, cooling, connectivity, and build quality. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you choose a case that meets your needs and provides a reliable platform for your components.
