Looking for a powerful and portable PC? A mini-ITX case is for you! Also known as a mini-tower , this computer case format saves floor space while still offering high-performance components. Here's an overview of mini-ITX cases that offer the best possible configuration in a compact size.

The 3 best Mini ITX cases in our ranking!

Things to know before buying a Mini ITX case!

Here are 3 key points to know before choosing your mini-ITX case. They are important to consider, otherwise you risk ending up with an incompatible mini-tower.

• Mini-towers are certainly more compact and therefore more practical for saving space on your desk, but they are also more difficult to build . Because the components are closer together, some experience in PC assembly is recommended. Furthermore, it is generally advisable to install a water cooling system to cool your machine, as airflow cannot be optimal.
• Component compatibility is a crucial factor when choosing your mini-ITX case . While some mini-towers can accommodate graphics cards up to 315 mm in length, most allow for cards up to 210 mm. Also consider the compatibility of your PC's motherboard and power power supply , as this can vary between models.
• Mini-ITX motherboards aren't suitable for everyone . If you're looking for top-tier Ultra HD performance with tons of storage, mini-ITX is probably not for you. However, if you're looking for a compact PC with the power to run modern games, then mini-ITX is the right form factor for you!

Comparison of the best mini-ITX cases

It can be difficult to know where to start when you want to buy a case for your new PC, especially when it's an unusual form factor. That's why our team has prepared a ranking of the best mini-ITX cases! To help you choose, you'll find a buyer's guide and an FAQ at the end of this comparison to answer the questions you probably have.

1. NZXT H210i – Mini-ITX Case with Tempered Glass and Integrated RGB Lighting

2. Sharkoon Mini ITX Case

3. GOLDEN FIELD M3S Mini ITX PC Case

4. Cooler Master – Elite 110

5. Cooler Master MasterBox

6. SilverStone Compact Cube Mini ITX PC Case

7. Fractal Design

8. SilverStone Mini ITX silent!

9. Thermaltake

10. MTALLICGAR

The buyer's guide to purchasing your Mini-ITX case!

Check the compatibility of your components

The main (and worst) problem you'll encounter when building your mini-ITX case is ending up with a graphics card or motherboard that's too large and won't fit. That's why it's essential to check the compatibility of these components before buying them.

In most cases, manufacturers specify the maximum size of the GPU and CPU that can be installed in their mini-ITX.

What size graphics card is needed?

For the most part, 310mm graphics cards are compatible, but some will accept larger ones ( up to 350mm in our ranking) or smaller ones.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for a well-optimized configuration to run big games, we suggest you choose an ATX gaming case which will allow you to have a larger graphics card.

What size motherboard is needed?

Regarding the motherboard, the choice is more limited because, as their name indicates, they only accommodate mini-ITX boards , but the largest or best optimized cases can accommodate micro-DTX or even Micro-ATX boards .

What size power supply do I need?

power power supply also depends on the available space, but most Mini-ITX cases only accept SFX , some exceptions may accommodate ATX power supply .

Plan your setup in advance

Since your case will determine the compatible size of all your components, it is essential to think about what your PC will be used for, what components it will contain, and how it will be assembled .

For what purpose?

First, understanding its intended use will allow you to choose a case suited to your needs: a desktop PC for family use and a gaming PC have different requirements. While the former will prioritize design and efficient use of space, the latter will focus on the ability to install high-performance components with a good cooling and ventilation system.

Speaking of cooling, if you have a laptop that gets very hot, we recommend you buy a laptop cooler .

Choose the components to install in your MINI ITX case

Once you've chosen your case, determine which components you want to install based on its capacity. As mentioned earlier, the size will dictate the ideal motherboard, graphics card, and power supply . For the other components, your choice will depend on your needs and preferences.

For a gaming setup, prioritize optimizing your components , especially storage capacity and RAM. These are standardized and the same for everyone, regardless of size. However, their efficiency varies depending on the model. For example, if you need a large amount of storage but your case can only accommodate two hard drives, choose 2TB models instead of 500GB ones.

Evaluate the assembly of your case

Depending on the cases, assembly will take more or less time as it depends on several factors: the number of components to install, the accessibility of the case, cable management and finally your experience.

By preparing the necessary tools and having analyzed your case at the time of purchase with a visualization of its final configuration, you will not find yourself facing all the elements to assemble without knowing where to start.

Determine an action plan and use customer feedback, which generally provides feedback on the assembly process.

Consider a solution to cool your PC

Cooling your PC is a crucial factor to consider when configuring it, especially with a mini-ITX system, as the limited space doesn't allow for optimal airflow . Computer components heat up during use, and three are particularly affected: the graphics card, the motherboard, and the hard drives (HDDs).

To counteract this increase in heat, various solutions exist, grouped into two categories: air cooling and water cooling.

Air cooling

The first method involves using air to cool the components. Fans, radiators, or heatsinks (a combination of the two) should be strategically placed to create airflow within your case, expelling hot air and drawing in cool air . The vast majority of cases have at least one fan mount to create this airflow . The higher the quality of the case, the more fan mounts it will have.

Typically, one fan is installed at the front and another at the rear to create horizontal airflow. In some PC cases, vertical airflow is also possible thanks to fans at the top and bottom

For a mini-ITX case, it's important to create efficient and optimized airflow to cool your components and reduce internal temperatures. Unlike a mid-tower or full-tower case, the internal space isn't large enough to allow for optimal ventilation, so consider installing an efficient air cooling system to compensate for this limitation.

Some cases do not have enough fan slots, however you can install dedicated heatsinks on the components most likely to get hot.

Watercooling (liquid cooling)

The second solution is to implement liquid cooling, which can be oil-based, but current systems primarily use water, known as water cooling. This system is more complex than air cooling because the installation requires consideration of factors that must be taken into account when planning your system configuration.

Indeed, pipes, a pump, a reservoir and sometimes a heatsink are necessary for water cooling.

Despite a more complex and expensive installation, it's a very effective system for targeting specific components for cooling. If cable management and setup are done correctly, water cooling will allow you to have a high-performance configuration with reduced temperatures.

This is also a recommended system for a gaming PC where the motherboard and graphics card are very necessary, provided of course that your case can accommodate one.

Maximize your components

With an ITX case you are limited in space and sometimes even in component models, which is why we advise you to try to optimize your variable components such as RAM or internal storage of your computer.

The choice of RAM

RAM modules are available in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities, sold in pairs that clip into their designated slots. Mini-ITX motherboards typically have two slots, so you'll need to determine the amount of RAM you require. As a guideline, 4GB is sufficient for office applications, 2x4GB for most video games, and 2x8GB for more demanding games or upcoming releases.

If you want a high-performance machine, we recommend choosing 16GB of DDR4 RAM.

Internal storage: HDD or SSD

Perhaps the most interesting area to optimize is your computer's internal storage, especially on some ITX cases where the number of slots is reduced to 2. In this case, we recommend that you first choose a 500GB 2.5" SATA internal SSD Windows operating system and programs that you use regularly.

For storing data or other heavier programs, a 1TB or 2TB HDD will offer the best quantity/price ratio, to be estimated according to your needs.

By maximizing your PC's capabilities in this way, you can enjoy the best possible configuration, but be careful not to exceed your budget!

Integrate USB Wi-Fi into your motherboard

To use the internet on your computer, you'll need a Wi-Fi device in your setup, which can be either a USB or a PCI adapter. Each has its advantages, depending on your needs. For a mini-ITX system, a USB adapter is recommended because it's easy to install , takes up minimal space, and is sufficient most of the time. Even though they're small, they're efficient and provide excellent speeds.

If you are looking for maximum potential, choosing a PCI wifi card will be more efficient than USB but it is more complicated to install and is not necessarily recommended or useful for an ITX case.

Think about cable management!

Cable management is the organization of cables within your case to meet three principles: organization, ventilation, and aesthetics . In the case of a mini-ITX PC, the first two are the priority because they must be optimized to compensate for the small size of the case.

Organize your cables

Organization is key to the thought process you need to put into your PC configuration. It's highly recommended that you spend some time considering how to design your system efficiently, intelligently, and, if possible, easily. This will give you a clearer understanding during the assembly process .

Help to ventilate your case properly

Ventilation is also essential because, as mentioned earlier in the section on PC cooling, it's important that the components are cooled. Cables obstructing airflow will disrupt the exhaust of hot air or the intake of cool air, which could damage your components . Furthermore, good ventilation with well-managed cables will contribute to a quieter computer.

Consider the aesthetics if you have a tempered glass case

Finally, aesthetics are more suited to cases with tempered glass side panels or to those who are meticulous. Admiring a well-organized setup is satisfying, especially when it's visible. Remember to group cables together and keep them close to the sides without blocking ventilation or obstructing airflow.

Take extra care when connecting your motherboard, the central component of your system. Opt for SATA connections with connectors on the front and USB ports on the right to avoid cables passing through the motherboard.

FAQ—Discover all the details about the Mini ITX case!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a mini-ITX case?

Choosing a mini-ITX case for its portability and advantages also means making compromises. We've compiled the pros and cons of building your PC with a mini-ITX case.

BENEFITS	DISADVANTAGES
Most have a versatile design, are compact and take up little space… More easily transportable than a mid-tower or full-tower PC, suitable for living room PCs, and less expensive (on average)	Generally limited compatibility… but can overheat if poorly cooled. Not suitable for a high-end gaming rig. More difficult to install than larger form factors

For what uses?

➡️ Office Automation

If you plan to use your PC for word processing, checking emails, browsing the internet, watching movies, and other activities that don't require a lot of power, a mini-ITX case is perfect for you. In addition to being compact and usually sleek and stylish, this type of case is well-suited for everyday use. Furthermore, you'll save money on both the case and the components. You'll also gain portability, making it easier to move, and save space for your setup.

➡️ Assembly

If you plan to use it for video or photo editing, the mini-ITX format might also be suitable. However, you will need to carefully choose three components:

• The processor : a minimum of 4 cores such as an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, but 8 cores are preferable such as an Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
• RAM : A minimum of 8 GB is highly recommended for Full HD, and even essential, as you may experience lag when viewing your video in the timeline. We recommend 16 GB for 4K or 32 GB for a comfortable experience. With 64 GB, you'll have no problems; it will be more than enough to handle editing and some multitasking simultaneously.
• The graphics card : no need for a high-end one, a good graphics card with at least 2 GB of memory for Full HD and 4 GB for UHD editing will suffice.

➡️ Gaming

When it comes to gaming, it all depends on the video games you want to play and the desired graphics settings. The limitation of mini-ITX cases lies in the maximum size of the graphics cards that can be installed, which typically do not exceed 310 mm and a maximum of 350 mm.

Mini-ITX motherboards can also limit configurations due to a lack of power to synchronize all PC components. Nevertheless, it's still possible to run video games , including some in HD, without any problems using a mini-ITX case. Remember to choose a good graphics card and motherboard while optimizing your RAM. Furthermore, with their compact and lightweight design, mini-towers are perfect for taking to LAN parties with friends.

What are the differences between a mini-ITX and micro-ATX case?

Motherboards come in standardized sizes regardless of the manufacturer. There are four main motherboard form factors used today: ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended), ITX (Information Technology eXtended), BTX (Balanced Technology eXtended), and DTX. Only mini-ITX and micro-ATX form factors are compatible with mini-tower cases.

Their differences lie in size and connectivity . The first measures 170 x 170 mm with a single PCI port, while the second has several ports and measures 244 x 244 mm.

Furthermore, mini-ITX by design is quieter than micro-ATX while offering comparable performance to similar architectures with lower power consumption.

If you are absolutely looking for a model that makes no noise, we invite you to read our comparison of the best silent PC cases .

Should you build your own PC with a mini-ITX case or buy a pre-built mini-PC?

It's always satisfying to build your own PC and admire the finished product, giving you a sense of pride. However, building your own PC can sometimes be a lengthy and complicated process, or even impossible for beginners, especially with less accessible cases like mini-PCs.

That's why pre-built mini-ITX PCs exist, allowing you to enjoy your setup immediately. To learn more, discover the best mini PCs in our comparison.

The obvious advantage is avoiding the hassle of assembling it yourself, either to save time or because you don't know how. Experts will have assembled a good configuration for you, and you won't have to worry about compatibility issues.

Buying a pre-built mini-ITX PC will cost you more than building it yourself (around €80 extra). It's also possible that the available PCs won't suit your needs due to the case or the components included.