If you’re seeking for the best space-saving PC cases, Mini ITX cases are the way to go. And if your desk is already cluttered with devices and accessories, you don’t need a mid-tower or EATX case taking up extra space. So in this article, we’ve composed a brief consumer guide and reviewed the best Mini ATX cases you can buy in 2024. Let’s get started.
- Asus Prime AP 201:
The Prime AP 201 is an interesting and unique PC case from the brand with mesh panels on all fronts. This not only looks great but doubles up, as allowing for solid access to cool air, and the case starts at $80 USD. If cooling potential is your main concern, perhaps no Micro ATX case would suit your needs better than Prime AP 201. The standout feature of this case is its all-mesh design. Every side of the case is fitted with a mesh panel to ensure maximum levels of airflow, and, despite its compact size, the case is still roomy enough to house a high-end system. It has clearance for graphics cards up to 338mm long, CPU coolers up to 170mm tall, and PSU lengths up to 180mm. That’s enough space to fit a tier 1 GPU, and just about any CPU cooler on the market. It also can house radiators up to 360mm long, so you can fit a 360mm AIO cooler in this case with no problems. In terms of ports, the Prime AP201 has a USB Type-C connector on the front that supports 10GBps. The case also has two USB Type A ports and jacks for microphones and headphones conveniently situated on the front rather than the top. So the bottom line is that if airflow and cooling performance are the most important factors for you in choosing a case, there is probably no better micro ATX option than the Prime AP2-01. - Phanteks Evolve Shift 2:
If you’re looking for a mini ATX tower and prefer the Xbox Series X look, the Evolve Shift 2 is an excellent choice. It’s pretty inexpensive. Starting at 130 US dollars, the case is more visually appealing than most other cases in this collection due to its glass and aluminum structure. It’s one of the tallest cases in this collection, at 19 inches, yet it takes up less desk space than a normal chassis. The entire chassis is separated into three major components. The SFX LPSU and a 120mm cooling radiator are located in the lower half of the case. The top section is where you’ll install the motherboard and GPU using a PCI-E 3.0 riser connection rather than 4.0, but even with a high-end GPU, you’re unlikely to see performance concerns. There is also additional space in the middle to accommodate SSDs and 3.5-inch drives. CPU cooling support is limited with just a 120mm AIO or an 85mm tall air cooler available for installation. The enclosure can house a GPU with a maximum length of 335mm and a maximum thickness of 2.9 slots. Overall, the Phanteks Evolve Shift 2 is an excellent mini-ITX tower. It’s definitely not for everyone, but we believe it’s a good choice for enthusiasts wishing to dabble in the world of Mini ITX.
- Cooler Master NR 200 PMAX:
While working with a Mini ITX chassis seems appealing, there’s no denying that creating inside a Mini ITX case is no easy task. With that in mind, we propose the NR 200 PMAX as one of the finest choices for beginners. The case is essentially a more advanced version of the earlier NR 200 case. The updated version of the case solved many the flaws that plagued the previous iteration. Furthermore, the new case simplifies the assembly process by including a 280mm AIO cooler and an 850W old-rated SFX PSU right out of the box. This should be enough to accommodate even the most powerful CPUs on the market right now. The NR200P Max also includes a PCIe Gen4 riser cable for the GPU. It features three expansion slots, allowing you to vertically mount even the newest triple-slot GPU within this chassis. One of the nicest features of this case is that it has dust filters for both the intake and exhaust, which keeps dust away from the components. The front I.O. panel is basic, with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and a 3.5mm headset jack. The lack of a USB-C port is disappointing for a case at this price, especially because recent motherboards include a unique socket for USB 3.2 Gen 2. The NR200P Max, priced around $470 USD, is one of the most costly cases in this line. That does include the PCI-E riser, PSU, and AIO cooler, which is worth approximately $200 to $250 USD. If you don’t want the bundled products, you may purchase the NR200P non-max, which is simply the PC case, for around 130 US dollars. - Fractal Design Torrent Nano:
The Torrent Nano, priced at 120 US dollars, allows ITX builds to be more similar to typical mid-tower PC case designs. This is because of its larger than average size, which makes it easier to build in and allows for more common components. You can even fit a 200mm ATX power supply, triple-slot, 335mm graphics card, and a CPU cooler has a 165mm clearance. It also has a distinctive front panel design with mesh throughout for plenty of airflow, as well as a side glass panel that allows you to show off components.
