ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) was developed as an evolution of the Baby-AT form factor, and it is a motherboard specification developed by Intel in the mid-90s. PC enthusiasts and gamers spend a lot of their decent money on computer specs; it still needs a case for protection. PC cases are Full tower, mid-tower, and mini ITX. Full and mid-towers are usually for the standard ATX motherboards, unlike mini ITX for the smallest ATX Case and other microscale ATX cases. They take up the tiny place but give you the same features as the other standard size ATX cases. You can find a wide range of PC cases in the market, in different sizes, looks and prices. No doubt aesthetics and your wallet capacity are the principal factors here but choosing the suitable size come first.
Selecting the proper ATX case for your build can create a lot of fuss in your head. Compatibility is overrated in general but not in the computer world. Your ease and comfort while using your PC increase with it. PC cases come with disadvantages as well, significantly a compact ATX case. You can’t install a few graphic cards and other specs because of the size of the case. Hence they become hotter, which creates nothing but discomfort. But, one needs to buy the small case if your system is of the same size. In this guide, we have combined the information about the Top 8 Best Smallest ATX Cases. Have a look.
Quick Shopping Tips:
Form Factors: As mentioned about the cases’ size, we also need to look at which motherboard form factor they support. There are four of them: Extended ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX. The first and foremost thing to consider is the form factor of the motherboard. Ensure that your motherboard will fit inside the case you are going to buy or plan to buy. You can check the spec sheet of the chance to see which motherboard form factor it supports.
Case Build Quality: When you buy a case for your PC, case build quality is undoubtedly the factor in your mind. Low-quality PC cases will have dents and scratches over them, not to mention the thin plates, and will be out of shape in no time. On the other hand, high-quality ones are more sturdy as they have thick and shiny frames without any dents and bends. Low-quality cases might look cool and eye-catching, but all glitters are not gold, so carefully choose the PC case.
Cable Management: you surely want to look your computer wires tidy and not messy. They need to be organized in a way, so they don’t get stuck with each other. Less organized cables do not have a terrible impact on performance but on PC looks for sure. So you need to look for a case with good cable management options. As this guide is about every best small ATX case, this option must be kept in mind.
CPU Cooling And Airflow: You already have a PC cooler inside it to overcome the overheating, but the cases you installed will drastically lower its functioning. Airflow and CPU cooling is imperative for maintaining your build. So you will have to install coolers. Your case will also determine which cooler your PC can have. So look for the PC cases with panels and the ability to accommodate multiple fans. But particular PC cases won’t be able to accommodate CPU coolers or liquid cooling radiators.
Best Smallest ATX Cases at a glance:
- Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
- Corsair Carbide Air 540
- Fractal Design Meshify C
- SilverStone ML08 Slim
- Corsair Carbide 400C
- NZXT H510
- CORSAIR Crystal 460X RGB
- Rosewill Challenger S
The Best Smallest ATX Cases You Can Buy Today
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
The All-Rounder Small ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: ATX Desktop | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX | Card Length Supported: 334mm | Storage Support: 4 HDDs or SSDs | Included Fans: 2
REASONS TO BUY
✓ USB 3.0 front ports
✓ Easy access horizontal layout
✓ PSU mount bracket with removable filter
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No dedicated rest button
✗ No availability of spare parts
The Cooler Master is a Taiwan-based company founded in 1992. They deal with computer hardware and components. They are considered to be the best brands for computer cases. Their product Cooler Master HAF XB EVO was awarded the title of the all-rounder small ATX case. It is one of the most diminutive ATX casing you can get for your build in the market. With its beautiful black color, it attracts a lot of gamers. In addition, the product comes with a removable upper and side panel which makes installation easy. Availability of multiple graphic cards and removable trays for the motherboard assembly comes in handy.
The product casting comes with room for an external CPU cooler, which can be installed. The case is built with a steel, polymer, and mesh front bezel, which gives it a solid and sturdy look. This small ATX case features liquid cooler holes and dust removing filters. It is easy to port due to its small size, and LAN gamers can cope h it. However, it weighs higher than other lighter cases. The casting is overall sound, with few cons accompanying, and can be used as an all-purpose case.
Corsair Carbide Air 540
Best Airflow Compact ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Micro-ATX Case | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 320mm | Storage Support: 6 SSD & 2 HDD/SSD | Included Fans: 3
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Good I/O assortment
✓ Direct airflow path for ventilation
✓ Dual-chamber case with more space
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No Corsair Link Enabled
✗ No screens below the hot-swap bays
Corsair is famous for its gaming gears and other CPU components. However, since 1994 they have been proving themselves in the computer world. Corsair Carbide Air 540 is a terrific product and was awarded the best airflow compact ATX case. In addition, the company gave this product the advantage of high-end casting tech. As a result, it is a high-speed, tidy, and aesthetically pleasing setup for your PC. This product solves all your casting problems and fits according to your required form factor. Furthermore, unlike other PC cases, it comes with the dual-chamber option, making direct airflow possible and better PC performance.
You can install an external cooling system as it supports them without any replacements and changes in the case’s outlook. Moreover, the PC case comes with an ingenious cable routing system which proves to be helpful if you are installing a cooling water system. The case has three 140mm fans, and they work almost quietly, which adds more good points to its recommendation. Low maintenance is required in this case. PCIe installation and tool-free storage come along with the easily upgradeable system. Therefore, this case possibly meets all your needs to build an intelligent build.
Fractal Design Meshify C
Best Small ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: ATX Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, mATX, ITX | Card Length Supported: 315mm | Storage Support: 5 SSD | Included Fans: 2
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Multiple dust filters
✓ Flexible storage options
✓ Smart cable management
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No space for new AMD cards
✗ No 10.6” deep motherboards support
Fractal Design was founded in 2007 in Sweden; they claim to be one of the leading companies to build premium PC cases and other computer peripherals. The company itself has been awarded in the hardware industry just like their product. Fractal Design Meshify C After manufacturing some lightweight cases for the PCs; the company became very popular high-speed. The chassis industry was shocked. The award of the best small ATX case has mainly been given to one of their products. One of the product’s notable features is its seven fans installed on the front panel. The case already comes with the pre-installed fans, but with the new fan installment, one can be sure of the proper airflow inside the system.
The cast lacks aesthetics, though, but it is a perfect fit for the ATX motherboards performance-wise. The side-tempered glass is not there to give your PC a fancy look. Apart from a few cons and the accommodation of big-depth motherboards, this case is still recommended as it comes with good cable management options and other great features. Add this to your shopping list if you are looking for a PC case that is wallet-friendly.
SilverStone ML08 Slim
Best Slim Mini-ITX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mini-ITX case | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 330mm | Storage Support: Up to 3 SSDs | Included Fans: 2
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Separate space for video card
✓ Supports full-size graphic cards
✓ Vertical/horizontal placement available
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No support for extra fans
✗ Hard to access the power supply switch
Silverstone technology is one of the great companies for building PC cases. They are manufacturing their products since 2003. SilverStone ML08 Slim is one of their leading products, and this is why it has been awarded the title of best slim mini-ITX case. It is built for HTPC, and its many valuable specifications show it, starting with the main steel frame, solid side case, and RAVEN Z RVZ02 chassis. The cast is super easy to assemble despite having 12 liters volume, sets without any complications. Two primary heated sources are separated. This building tactic helps with the consistent airflow inside the case. So portable and slim, as the name suggests, a small case for your PC.
The product keeps its framework vented as it has vents all over. Two USB 3.0 ports are available in the case assembly, along with a pair of HD audio jacks and reset buttons. The case can also hold both SFX or SFX-L PSUs. Dust filters are also included in this compact ATX case. Inside the case, no fan mounts are present, which results in no active cooling. Accommodating everything inside the case has led the manufacturers to shed down the active cooling and install large air vents.
Corsair Carbide 400C
Best Slim ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: ATX Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: Micro ATX / ATX / Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 370mm | Storage Support: 2 HDD 3 SSD | Included Fans: 2
REASONS TO BUY
✓ PSU and 3.5” bay cover
✓ Tool-free drive installation
✓ Solid, clear, and full-size window panel
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Three-pin fans
✗ No support for longer GPUs
Corsair built another quality product to prove that they are one of the leading computer hardware manufacturers. Corsair Carbide 400C is super and classy and has been awarded the best slim ATX case. This product is one of their premia builds with exceptional performance. The most admirable feature of this product is the ease of access to the side panels. One can easily detach and reattach them without any hindrance. Also, they are transparent. Two fans are pre-installed in this case, and they are enough for the cooling impact as this is the small ATX case. Water cooling radiators are supportable in front, top, and rare sides, and they will give high and sufficient airflow to the system to keep it cool. However, the case needs to be handled with care as the PSU cover is made with plastic and is fragile.
The series 400C is minor compared to the previous Corsair series, but one can see the noticeable features. Long and multiple GPU cards are not a problem for the product despite its small size. The cable management is set in a genius way, and it makes your PC tidy and professional. The direct flow technology of the case removes all the optical drive obstructions to keep your computer cool. Three additional fans can be installed to avoid overheating as it can be an issue for more minor cases. Big things come in small packages, and this product is the perfect example of it.
NZXT H510
Best Mid-range Compact ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: ATX Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: Micro ATX / ATX / Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 352mm | Storage Support: 3 SSD 3 HDD | Included Fans: 2
REASONS TO BUY
✓ The premium steel HDD cage
✓ Awesome NZXT’s universal 2.5” SSD
✓ Cable routing kit with pre-installed channels
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No top exhaust fan
✗ Funky vertical SSD mounts
NZXT was founded in 2004 and is located in Los Angeles. A computer hardware manufacturer company, quite famous for the PC cases and other computer-related stuff. Their product has popularity in the gaming world due to its eye-catching aesthetics and efficient performance. NZXT H510 is one of their solid cases, specifically known for its easy installation. The product was awarded as the best mid-range compact ATX Case. This PC case is Mid-tower with its vertical mount design. With a reasonable price, the case has a lot to offer to the buyer.
The main features included are the removable radiator, brackets, steel material for the case, tempered glass, and cable management. There are two pre-installed fans in the case for better airflow, along with multiple dust filters. Manufacturers designed this case in a way that it looks immaculate. The cable management and PSU shroud are responsible for the tidy look. The case also has the type C USB at the front of the panel for the user’s comfort. The product is excellent for the builders who want a professional look for their system and fans of classical PC cases.
CORSAIR Crystal 460X RGB
Best Looking Small ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: ATX Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: Micro ATX / ATX / Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 370mm | Storage Support: 3 SSD 2 HDD | Included Fans: 3
REASONS TO BUY
✓ RGB fans included
✓ Support front and top radiators
✓ Can support oversize motherboards
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No large power supply option
✗ No “OFF” function for RGB controller
By making a lot of genuine and promising products, Corsair has been proving its worth since 1994 and so on. CORSAIR Crystal 460X RGB is one example of it; the case comes with great aesthetics and a cooling solution. Seven expansion slots are available, along with the three pre-installed RGB fans. The looks of this case are eye-catching, and hence it is awarded best looking small ATX case. Multiple graphic card setup can be installed up to 370mm. All the PC components receive maximum cooling as it is built this way. But you can install extra external CPU coolers up to 170mm height for maximum cooling. There is limited space because of the small size of the case, so that cable management can be poor.
Corsair gave the crystal series a top-notch tempered glass with premium finishing. This case is a solid choice if you are a fan of aesthetics and glowy RGB lightning. The framework is solid; quality fans included, almost entirely quiet with the highest fan speed, PSU cover included. There are merely some cons about this product, but overall, this case is a solid hit in the market.
Rosewill Challenger S
Best Budget-Friendly Small ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: ATX Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: Micro ATX / ATX / Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 360mm | Storage Support: 7 SSD/ HDD | Included Fans: 3
REASONS TO BUY
✓ SSD mounting included
✓ Front-panel comes with eSATA
✓ Easy to customize interior parts
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No control over fan speed
✗ Non-removable front duster
Since 2004 Rosewill is making reliable products, tech products, power supplies, PC cases, etc. Newegg owns the company, which is a solid retailer. Rosewill Challenger S is a product from their list. It has been awarded the best budget-friendly small ATX case. As the title says, the price will be gentle on your wallet, which is one of the foremost reasons to recommend this case. The unique thing about the case is installing the dual blue LED intake fans giving the whole system a pleasant look—mounting bays are removable, which is also a user-friendly option. Airflow might be a problem here, but you can buy a blower-style GPU or install liquid cooling for cooling.
If you want to build a classic and essential PC case, you have to give this case a try. It can support any GPU and has a single USB port. You have to choose a motherboard with more ports for more than one. Cable management needs to be done by the user with zip ties. The case is clean and elegant, with unique black steel angles combined with tempered glass, which is an excellent option.
Conclusion
In the above guide, we have tried summing up the Top 8 Best Smallest ATX Cases information. You have different options for the cases you want to buy for your PC. Computer chassis save and protect your computer from any external damages. If your PC is noisy, keeping them in a case would resolve that problem. A case holds together all the components and gives your computer station a very nice tidy look. Apart from the protection, your computer needs cooling. A PC case comes in handy in these aspects; you can buy a case with fans and a sound installation scheme of external CPU coolers.
Making a wise investment in buying a case would be necessary. You have to look for a PC case that gives good cooling options, high-quality build cases, and unique qualities. Beware of buying lousy quality cases as it is only the loss of your money and a gradual decrease in your PC health and performance as the bad quality case will come in the way of the airflow and heat the entire system. Pc cases function as skin does for the human body. Read this guide carefully and try to buy a good PC case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest ATX case?
Corsair Carbide Air 540 is the smallest ATX case. Despite having a compact size, this case meets every need of yours. It offers a direct airflow for better cooling, runs quieter, dual-chamber, space-saving, includes custom Air Series AF140L, fast, clean, and can mount up to five or six fans for better performance. This case proves that sometimes size does not matter. Bigger things come in small packages.
What is the smallest PC case size?
Mini- ITX cases are the smallest PC case size. They are tiny, and won’t take up much space on your desktop, and also portable. It is a 17x17cm motherboard form factor. They were first used in 2001 in small-sized computer setups. SilverStone ML08 Slim is one of the examples of a Mini-ITX case. Yes, these cases are small but feature almost everything a standard ATX does.
Will Mini ATX fit ATX case?
Technically, the answer is yes; it depends on the PC casing. If the casing is small, then there will be no room left for the ATX case. But mostly, Pc casings like the NZXT H510 have an extra housing screw for the board placement. The same is the case for the micro-ATX; they can also be fitted in the ATX case as they are designed to be backward compatible.
What size is mini ATX?
It is 15X15 cm in size. The Mini ATX is slightly smaller than the Mini-ITX. They both are pretty different from each other as mini ATX is designed with mobile on desktop technology. With its smallest size and less generated heat, it is almost noiseless. A PC case like the Rosewill Challenger S is budget-friendly and supports mini ATX motherboard size with mounting screws. The mini ATX motherboard is robust and uses 8 PCB layers and surface mount technology to stabilize itself.
