The 10 Best Mini-ITX Cases to Buy

What are the best Mini-ITX cases on the market?

A Mini-ITX case is perfect for PC builders who want a small rig with considerable power.

They are perfect for saving desk space without sacrificing your ability to game or run intensive applications.

However, to save you from having to sort and compare hundreds of Mini-ITX cases yourself, we’ve rounded up the ten best cases that you can buy today so that you can easily find the best one for your next build.

The Best Mini-ITX Cases

All of our picks have been thoroughly researched and sourced through the most reliable sources so that you can feel confident choosing one of these cases to invest in.

Here’s our list of the 10 best Mini-ITX cases:

In A Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick:

10. Thermaltake Tower 100

This Mini-ITX case has a really cool design with three tempered glass side panels and an easy-to-access front I/O port with two USB ports and a high-speed Type-C connector.

This tower can support up to 2 HDDs or four SDDs, and it has eight super fine dust filters that help keep the internal layout as clean as possible.

Its vertical design also helps save desk space, and it helps extract heat using a chimney effect to prevent overheating.

Pros:

• Great thermals
• Surprisingly spacious
• Modular layout

Cons:

• Large Size for a Mini-ITX case
• Heavy for a Mini-ITX case (16lb)

Bottom Line

The Thermaltake Tower 100 is the best vertically designed Mini-ITX case with plenty of room for full-sized graphics cards like the GIGABYTE AORUS GTX 1080 Ti XTREME Edition 11G and CPU cooling systems.

If you’re after a space-saving tower that doesn’t limit your PC components, this is the best you’re going to find.

9. SilverStone Milo 9 ML09B

The SilverStone Milo 9 is incredibly light, only 5.85lb and it has a sleek mirrored finish.

While it only comes with one 120mm fan, it can support up to two 80mm fans and up to four 2.5″ hard drives. There are also two USB ports on the top panel and support for dual low-profile graphics cards or expansions.

Pros:

• Extremely light
• Solid steel construction
• Good for first time builds

Cons:

• Lacking cable management
• Not a lot of internal room

Bottom Line

If you’re building a PC for the first time or just want something simple and lightweight, this is the case for you. While it isn’t the flashiest or most powerful on our list, it will get the job done, which makes it a solid investment.

8. Lian Li TU-150

The Lian Li TU-150 is a lightweight mini-ITX case with aluminum construction and a tempered glass left panel.

While it only supports an SFX-L or SFX power supply, such as the Corsair SF750 80 PLUS Platinum SFX 750W, it does have enough space for a graphics card up to 320mm in length.

As for storage, users can install either one 2.5″ SSD or a 3.5″ HDD under the top panel and another 2.5″ SSD on the motherboard tray.

Pros:

• Supports large GPUs
• Integrated handle for portability
• Solid cable management

Cons:

• No bottom dust filter
• Lack of cooling support

Bottom Line

If you want to build a portable PC, this is the best Mini-ITX case that you’ll find.

Although it is lacking in cooling support, this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, since you can still install up to two 120mm AiO coolers.

7. Thermaltake Core V1

The Thermaltake Core V1 is the best budget mini-ITX case, but despite being the least expensive, it has a lot of quality features.

Boasting interchangeable side panels, adjustable I/O location, air/liquid cooling configurations, and a modular drive rack design, this mini tower is extremely flexible.

It can house up to 4 data storage devices and comes complete with a pre-installed 200mm fan on the front and additional mounts so that you can install up to three others.

There is also enough space to install additional cooling hardware, like the Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 310 CPU Cooler, without hassle.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Adequate cooling
• Cable management

Cons:

• No noise dampening
• Low-quality stock dust filter

Bottom Line

If you’re building a mini-ITX PC and want a case with an affordable price tag, you’ll find no finer case than the Thermaltake Core V1.

While you may have to make adjustments if you want it to run more quietly, this is a decent trade-off considering everything else you’re getting.

6. Cooler Master Elite 110

The Cooler Master Elite 110 lives up to its legacy of superior cooling performance with this Mini-ITX case, and it has the best airflow that you’ll find.

With a mesh front panel, you can expect amazing front-to-back airflow, and for even more cooling, there is support for a 120mm water cooling system in the front as well.

There is also room enough for graphics cards up to 8.2″ in length and storage for up to three HDDs or four SSDs or a combination of the two, such as two HDDs and two SDDs.

Pros:

• Compact case
• Lightweight
• Loads of storage

Cons:

• No dust filters on the sides or top
• Lower chamber can be a bit cramped

Bottom Line

The Cooler Master Elite 110 is the best Mini-ITX case if you’re looking for something with incredible airflow, and it is lightweight enough that you can easily move it anywhere.

While the lack of dust filters on the sides and top can mean more cleaning, we think it’s a decent trade-off for being able to not worry about overheating.

5. Phanteks Evolv Shift 2

The Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 is one of the sleekest and slimmest Mini-ITX cases that we’ve ever come across and it is perfect for space-saving Mini-ITX builds.

This case comes with easy-to-access I/O ports and a 2.9 cooler slot to accommodate cooling systems for gaming builds.

There is even integrated RGB lighting and support for even large and powerful GPUs, something that can often be lacking in Mini-ITX cases.

Pros:

• Slim design
• Liquid cooling support
• Support for large GPUs

Cons:

• Can be difficult to build in due to the thin design
• Taller than most other Mini-ITX cases

Bottom Line

This case is stunning to look at, and although its slim design can make it more challenging to build in, it is 100% doable and the finished result can look really impressive.

While it is surprisingly tall, especially when compared to other mini-cases, if you like that style, the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 can be a great investment.

4. Corsair Crystal 280X RGB

The Corsair Crystal 280X RGB mini-ITX case is the best looking on our list, and it has the potential to be a really impressive PC.

This case boasts massive cooling potential, with room for up to six 120mm fans, such as NZXT AER RGB 2, or a 240mm radiator on the top, front, or bottom.

Meanwhile, its tempered glass side panel makes it easy to show off the pre-installed RGB lights.

There is even a dedicated storage compartment for up to two 3.5″ drives and three 2.5″ drives, so that you can get the storage you need without sacrificing space.

Pros:

• Versatile internal layout
• RGB lighting
• Loads of cooling potential

Cons:

• Larger size than most Mini-ITX cases
• Lacks room for larger GPUs

Bottom Line

The Corsair Crystal 280X RGB is a great case for those who want a Mini-ITX case, but not one that is too tiny to trick out.

While the larger size of this case may be off-putting to some, for bigger builds it is absolutely perfect and you can really fit a lot of components into it and still have room left over.

3. Thermaltake Core P1

The Thermaltake Core P1 is one of the most unique designs you can find in a Mini-ITX case and it is perfect for builders who want to show off their PCs.

Featuring vertical GPU mounting, which is situated right in front of the tempered glass side panel, what really makes this case stand out is its lack of a top, front, and back panel.

This gives this Mini-ITX case an incredible open-air appearance that helps it stand out from all other options.

Moreover, this case is designed to be able to use three ways, so you can wall-mount it, sit it vertically, or horizontally, depending on your build.

It even comes with AIO support so that you can easily install something like the Thermaltake TH240 AIO Cooler without having to shoehorn it in.

Pros:

• Incredibly unique design
• Can be wall mounted
• Supports large GPUs
• Cooling support

Cons:

• Dust
• Cost
• Weight (20lb)

Bottom Line

If you want to create a PC with a truly unique appearance, the Thermaltake Core P1 is the case for you.

While its open-air design does make it easier for dust to get inside, and it does weigh more than most other Mini-ITX cases, this can be worth it for a case as distinctive as this.

2. InWin A1

The InWin A1 is the best Mini-ITX case for modern PC builds, and it is also one of the most high-end Mini-ITX PC cases on our list.

Not only does it have customizable RGB lights pre-installed, but it comes with two Sirius Loop ASL 120mm fans.

The PSU is completely pre-built and fitted with two GPU connectors for even the most high-end graphics cards.

If that wasn’t enough, there is also wireless QI charging, and it can support a CPU cooler up to 160mm in height.

Pros:

• Compact size
• Built-in PSU
• Wireless charging

Cons:

• Limited space to expand
• Stock PSU is lacking

Bottom Line

The InWin A1 is one of the best modern Mini-ITX PC cases, and you can create some really solid builds with it.

While the PSU that it comes with is a bit lacking and will most likely require replacing at some point, it is a good inclusion that can help you give you a headstart on your build.

1. NZXT H210i

This Mini-ITX case is the best overall case you can invest in, and it comes fully loaded with RGB lighting that you can customize with presets or custom controls.

The tempered glass side panel allows you to show off these lights, as well as all of your internal components.

There is also a USB 3.1 Gen-2 port on the front panel, as well as four 2.5″ drive slots and one 3.5″ slot for maximum storage.

You can even install a cooling system using the 120mm and 240mm radiator ports. This case has a lot of potential to be a great gaming PC, and its cooling capabilities are able to rival even the Cooler Master Elite 110.

Pros:

• Exceptional cooling support
• RGB lighting
• Cable management
• Can hold larger GPUs

Cons:

• Large size
• Top fan can interfere with lighting
• The side panel can be tough to remove

Bottom Line

The NZXT H210i is a premium Mini-ITX case with a load of potential.

While it is one of the bigger PC cases on this list, it isn’t overly large and the room gained from its size is very useful for powerful builds.

If you want to be able to create a seriously powerful PC, this is the best Mini-ITX case to invest in.

FAQs About Mini-ITX Cases

Now that you know what the best cases are, let’s talk about some of the most commonly asked questions.

Q: Why Should I Choose a Mini-ITX Case?

In the world of PC builds, the Mini-ITX form factor is where the most updates and innovations have come about, and we’ve come a long way since the NZXT Manta Mini-ITX Chassis was first released.

While building in compact cases can be more difficult than in larger towers, the compact design makes it easier to move your PC around and fit into spaces without creating additional clutter.

Plus, if you’re a veteran of PC building, creating a powerful computer in such a small case can be an exciting challenge.

Q: What Do I Need to Know Before Starting a Mini-ITX Build?

While Mini-ITX motherboards have a lot of potential, starting a build like this isn’t something to jump into on a whim.

As noted above, building Mini-ITX PCs can be much more difficult than building with a mid or full-tower, so you’ll want to do your research before buying any parts.

You’ll also want to get familiar with cable management since a smaller case means more potential for clutter.

Being able to keep your cables organized and neat will help ensure that you have more room to freely work on your other components.

Think of building a Mini-ITX PC like a mix between a puzzle and Tetris. You’ll need to know how large your components will be, how they will all fit together, and how much space overall you will need for essentials like additional cooling.

Q: Is a Mini-ITX a Good Gaming PC?

When most people think of gaming PCs they think of huge rigs that look like something out of a sci-fi film.

However, a Mini-ITX pc is more than capable of being a solid alternative to a humongous gaming rig and, in some cases, it can even provide a better experience.

With a powerful mini-graphics card installed, you can get a top-tier performance while gaming that rivals even rigs built out of super-towers.

Q: What Do I Need to Know About Hardware?

If you’ve chosen the Mini-ITX case that you want to start your build with, you’re going to want to tailor your hardware around what it can handle.

For instance, mini-ITX motherboards are a must-have and you’re not going to want to rush out and buy a huge GPU without knowing if your case has the space to house it.

As for drives, check to make sure that there are enough HDD and SSD slots to suit your needs. Don’t assume that, just because a case is more expensive or larger, it will come with everything you need.

Modular PSUs are also recommended as this can help limit the amount of space it will take up and the amount of cable you will have to manage.

Q: What Should I Look For When Choosing a Mini-ITX case?

When building any type of PC you need to consider what you want to get out of it.

A mini-ITX PC that you’re just going to be using for web browsing is going to have many different requirements than a PC you’ll be using to play Battlefield.

Consider how large or small you want the case to be, while keeping in mind the components you’ll need for what you’ll be doing.

You’ll also want to make sure the case has adequate cooling, and if not, that it can support an AiO, radiator, or additional fans.

Lastly, consider how the case looks. You don’t want to choose a case that you’re going to hate looking at. While this may not be as important as whether or not it can fit all of your drives, it is still something to keep in mind.

Summary

Building a Mini-ITX computer is a challenge, but one that is wholly rewarding.

While all of these 10 cases have their pros and cons, hopefully, our list has helped you find the best case for your next Mini-ITX build.

Here’s a quick recap of the best Mini-ITX cases on the market right now:

1. NZXT H210i
2. InWin A1
3. Thermaltake Core P1
4. Corsair Crystal 280X RGB
5. Phanteks Evolv Shift 2
6. Cooler Master Elite 110
7. Thermaltake Core V1
8. Lian Li TU-150
9. SilverStone Milo 9 ML09B
10. Thermaltake Tower 100

What’s the best Mini-ITX case, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.