9 Best Mini-ITX Cases for 2022

We rated, reviewed, & compared 9 of the best mini-ITX cases across various budgets. These small form-factor cases are perfect for gamers or anyone else looking to build a mini-ITX gaming PC.

If you’re looking to build a new gaming rig and you want to build something that has a small footprint (whether as a stylistic choice, or for portability), you’ll want to make sure that you choose the right case for your needs. A good mini-ITX gaming case will have plenty of room for your components, come in a lightweight package, have plenty of options to make cable management easier, and have good ventilation to make up for its compact interior.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at a handful of the best mini-ITX cases currently available. We’ve broken this guide down into three sections based on price (mini-ITX cases under $200, under $100, and under $50) to help you find the right option for your budget. If you don’t want to go quite as small as a mini-ITX case, you can also check out our selections for the best micro-ATX cases as well.

So, if you’re getting ready to build a mini gaming PC and you’re starting your search off with a compact case, one of the options listed below might be what you’re looking for.

Our Top Picks for the Best Mini-ITX Cases

If you’re looking for a quick list of the top mini-ITX cases, we’ve selected what we believe is four of the best options currently available. We’ve picked the best mini-ITX case overall, the best designed, the best value option, and the best budget-friendly mini-ITX case.

		NAME	SPECS	RATING
OVERALL		NZXT H210i	325mm GPU 165mm Cool. 4 Fans Max 3 Styles	9.0/10	Check Price Read Review »
DESIGN		Thermaltake Core P1	380mm GPU 170mm Cool. Open Frame 3 Styles	8.8/10	Check Price Read Review »
SLIM		Phanteks Evolv Shift 2	335mm GPU 85mm Cool. 3 Fans Max 2 Styles	8.8/10	Check Price Read Review »
BUDGET		Thermaltake Core V1	11.2″ GPU 5.5″ Cooler 3 Fans Max 2 Styles	8.4/10	Check Price Read Review »

1. NZXT H210i

The best mini ITX case overall

We chose the NZXT H210i as our pick for the best mini-ITX case overall. It is a bit more expensive than some of the other options on this list, but with plenty of clearance to house a high-end gaming PC despite its compact design, as well as some of its other stand-out features, we felt it stands out a bit more than the other options currently available.

The H210i can hold graphics cards that are up to 325mm long and CPU coolers that are up to 165mm tall. While there are mini-ITX cases out there that can accommodate longer graphics cards, the reality is that, you can find high-end graphics cards (like an RTX 3090) that come in at under 325mm long. So, you really won’t be limited to the kind of power you can get out of a build in this case.

The NZXT H210i also comes with a tempered glass side panel, a PSU shroud, and RGB lighting control.

Ultimately, if you’re looking to build a high-end system in a compact case, the NZXT H210i is one of the first options you’ll want to consider.

2. Thermaltake Core P1

The best open-air mini-ITX case

The Thermaltake Core P1 is a mini-ITX case that measures in at 422 x 332 x 380 mm and weighs just over 20 pounds. Its tempered glass design makes it a visually attractive option, allowing everyone to see the inner workings of your genius set up. It has two 2.5-inch external drive bays. Internally you have one 3.5 inches and one 2.5-inch option. The Core P1 has five expansion slots.

The front I/O panel features two USB 3.0 ports and one HD audio connection. It optionally runs a Standard PS2 PSU. There are two 120mm internal fans on the left side of the case which provide the system with adequate cooling ability. There are some models in this category that can accommodate more fans, so if overheating is a concern, be sure to research those.

In terms of the case clearance, you have a CPU cooler height limit of 170mm, and a VGA length limit of 380mm. It can also house a 240mm AIO on the left side of the case.

This budget friendly option comes in at under $100, but it looks like some of the more expensive model’s available thanks to the tempered glass aesthetic.

3. Phanteks Evolv Shift 2

The best slim-design case

For those of you that are looking for a slim-style mini-ITX chassis, the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 is an option you’ll want to look into. Despite its incredibly slim design, the Shift 2 can still hold full-size graphics cards up to 335mm long. So, essentially, this case can hold just about any graphics card out there and you won’t be limited in terms of the kind of performance you can get out of a system built in the Shift 2.

However, with its slim design, the case is limited to using SFX power supplies. But, there are SFX power supplies out there that can handle higher-end GPUs (like Corsair’s SF series.) The Shift 2 is also limited in the CPU coolers you can use as well. With only clearance for CPU coolers up to 85mm tall, you’ll either need to use a low-profile CPU cooler, or a 140mm or 120mm AIO cooler. The Shift 2 comes in two different color schemes, black and gray. And, it has dual tempered glass side panels. The Shift 2 can hold a single 3.5″ hard drive, and up to three 2.5″ drives.

Ultimately, if you’ve got ~$100 to spend on a mini-ITX case and you want an option that comes with a slim design, the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 is an option worth your consideration. If you don’t need the tempered glass side panels, or you want a slim ITX case that comes in at a bit lower of a cost, check out the SilverStone RVZ02B listed below.

4. Thermaltake Core V1

The best budget mini-ITX case

The Thermaltake Core V1 is a budget-friendly cube intended to support a high-performance gaming rig. Weighing approximately 18 pounds and measuring 276 x 260 x 316 mm, this mini-ITX case is made mostly of steel and would be ideal for a stationary build. This case is heavier than most others due to its steel composition. Other cases are made largely of aluminum. The steel material helps in noise reduction, so the Core V1 is perfect for a gamer who wants no distractions from a whirring PC.

With two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic, this model from Thermaltake can fit two 3.5-inch drives and two 2.5-inch drives. Dual expansion slots support cards up to 285mm. Depending on your preferences, this case can support multiple configurations with both air and liquid cooling systems. The Core V1 includes a 200mm fan pre-installed at the front of the case, with room for a 120mm or 140mm fan. At the rear, the case supports two 80mm fans.

Vents in the side panels of the case allow for maximum ventilation. The Core V1 can fit a CPU cooler up to 140mm tall. On the top, the panel is equipped with a transparent viewing window. However, the side panels are all symmetrical and interchangeable—they can be relocated to match your needs and preferences. This is one of the most attractive design features for this case. The Thermaltake Core V1 also comes in white.

5. BitFenix Prodigy

The original mini-ITX champion

The BitFenix Prodigy mini-ITX case makes an immediate impression with its sleek design. This compact mini-ITX case measures in at 250 x 310 x 340mm and features two easy-to-grab handles perfect for a portable gaming rig.

The side panel provides two USB 3.0 ports and HD audio jacks, and the case has room inside for graphics card as long as 310mm long (with HDD cage removed). If you’re using a modular PSU design, the cage comes in handy, but it can be removed for extra space. The Prodigy case can fit up to five 3.5” hard disks or 2.5” solid-state drives.

With vents on the side and the bottom of the case and two 1000rpm/120mm fans included, this tower provides adequate cooling for your components. One fan is mounted at the front and one at the rear, with room for additional fans if desired.

Resembling a larger ATX tower at a fraction of the size, this case model from BitFenix is a great option for builders concerned with expandability, customization, and visual appeal. For the price, its functionality matches with more expensive mini-ITX cases.

6. SilverStone RVZ02B

Another slim-design mini-ITX case

The SilverStone RVZ02B is the second slim-design mini-ITX case on this list and, much like the first option listed above (the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2), the RVZ02B is not too limited by its thinner design. In fact, it can hold graphics cards that are up to 330mm long. So, if you are looking for a thin ITX case that is suitable to build a gaming PC inside of, the RVZ02B will work.

With the slim design, though, the SilverStone RVZ02B is a bit limited in terms of cooling and power supplies. This case can only accommodate SFX or SFX-L style power supplies. But, as I mentioned above, Corsair’s SF line of PSUs offer enough power to run a high-end graphics card.

The RVZ02B’s CPU cooler clearance is only 58mm and since there is no room to house a radiator in this case, your only option is a low-profile CPU cooler. There are also no fans in the RVZ02B, but the case is designed in such a way that the fans on the CPU and GPU will end up situated right next to the vents on the case. So, despite its lack of case fans, it will still provide adequate cooling.

Overall, while the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 offers a bit more options in terms of clearance and cooling, the RVZ02B is even more compact and comes in at a bit lower of a price.

7. Thermaltake Suppressor F1

Cube-shaped mini-ITX case

The Thermaltake SUPPRESSOR F1 is a budget-friendly, black cube with a minimalist design. Weighing approximately 7 pounds, the SUPPRESSOR mini-ITX case measures 276 x 260 x 319mm. With two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic, the case offers dual 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive bays. Depending on your configuration, you can install up to four data storage drives with the included modular device racks, a great feature at this price. A dual expansion slot supports cards up to 285mm.

Built for ventilation, the SUPPRESSOR comes with a 200mm intake fan pre-installed in the front and two 80mm fans in the rear. With some modification, the case can also fit a 120mm, 140mm, or 200mm fan in the front. The SUPPRESSOR F1 provides ample space and support for liquid cooling. The SUPPRESSOR can fit a CPU cooler up to 140mm.

On the top, the panel is equipped with a transparent viewing window. However, the side panels are all symmetrical and interchangeable—they can be relocated to match your needs and preferences.

8. Cooler Master Elite 110

A nice cheap mini-ITX case

If you’re looking for a mini-ITX for well under $50, the Cooler Master Elite 110 is a strong contender. Its mesh front panel design provides excellent airflow from front to back, and it gives you the ability to install a 120mm radiator on the front panel. It measures in at 260 x 208 x 280mm, and weighs just under six pounds, making it a lightweight and portable option.

The Elite 110 can accommodate a GPU up to 210mm long and a CPU cooler up to 76mm inches tall. You can store up to three HDDs/SSDs, and you have four 2.5-inch device bays and three 3.5-inch device bays to work with. It’s worth noting that there isn’t a 5.25-inch device bay on this model, and while you won’t find it at this bargain price point, you can find one for as little as $20 more if you need that option.

The system supports standard sized ATX power supplies up to 180mm long. The front I/O panel includes connectivity for two USB 3.0 ports and one audio in and out port.

9. Silverstone SG05-LITE

Another budget cube-style mini case

While the SilverStone Tek SG05-LITE case offers less in aesthetic design than others, its compact layout and affordable price tag will allow you to house a powerful budget-friendly system. Engineered for use with mini-DTX and mini-ITX motherboards, this SilverStone offering balances cooling and quiet. The case includes a 120mm intake fan mounted in the front for positive pressure cooling and supports CPU coolers up to 81mm tall—so, either stock coolers or low-profile coolers.

The wide and numerous vents in the side and on the top of the case’s side panel allow for ample airflow to assist in the ventilation of the components. The Tek SG05-LITE offers two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks for both headphone and mic. It accommodates graphics cards up to 254mm long and supports one 2.5-inch drive and one 3.5-inch drive.

The Tek SG05 case comes in black and white.

What You Want from a Mini-ITX Case

Building a computer can be one of the most rewarding experiences, and the thrill is only amplified by the creativity required to put together a PC in a smaller case.

These are some of the best mini-ITX cases currently on the market, and you should be able to find an option to meet your needs and preferences no matter your budget. These builds have exploded in popularity over the last few years, likely due to the opportunities for innovative design.

Your choice will likely be based on the components you want to include inside the case, how you intend to use your rig, and what these various cases can support.

With an impressive focus on ventilation and layout, these cleverly designed cases allow for portable and stationary gaming rigs or average-use computer systems. If you’re interested in building a mini-ITX rig, try out one of the cases reviewed here.