Mini ITX cases continue to shrink in size while packing a powerful punch. As components get smaller and more efficient, builders can cram high-end parts into tiny spaces for ultimate portability and convenience. Choosing the best small case for your needs means balancing size, available build space, cooling capacity, power options, and price.
I‘ve assembled this expert guide on the top 5 smallest mini ITX cases to consider for your next compact PC build. Whether you need a LAN party computer, portable workstation, or just a tiny footprint on your desk, one of these mini ITX cases will get the job done. Let‘s dive in!
What to Consider When Buying a Mini ITX Case
Building a computer in a mini ITX case requires more planning and precision than a standard ATX build. You‘ll be working in tight quarters, so proper component selection and clever cable management are musts. Here are the key factors I evaluated when picking the best smallest mini ITX cases:
Size: The overall dimensions (height, width, depth) of the case. Smaller isn‘t always better if it restricts component support.
Build Space: The interior volume and layout that determines what parts you can install. More compact cases have less wiggle room.
Cooling: The number of fans, radiator mounts, and ventilation to prevent overheating. Cooling is tougher in small spaces.
Power Supply: Whether the case natively supports standard ATX power supplies or smaller SFX form factors.
Expansion: Drive bays and slots for storage, graphics cards, and other add-in parts. Mini ITX cases offer less upgradeability.
Price: Cases can range from budget models under $100 to premium designs over $300. Set realistic cost expectations.
I evaluated dozens of mini ITX cases and narrowed the field to the smallest and most capable options. All support full-size, dual-slot graphics cards with some disassembly. Some even handle triple-slot cards!
Let‘s look at the top 5 smallest mini ITX case picks in more detail.
#1 Best Overall: Lian Li Q58
Dimensions: 13.5 x 6.7 x 9.8 inches
Graphics Card Clearance: 320mm
Cooling: 1x 120mm fan, 240mm radiator support
Priced under $150, the Lian Li Q58 offers an excellent balance of small size and cooling capacity. It‘s expertly crafted from steel, aluminum, and tempered glass for durability and style. The unique layout supports a full-length triple-slot graphics card, ATX power supply, and plenty of storage.
Removable steel mesh and glass side panels allow tailored airflow. A 120mm intake fan comes pre-installed, and the roof supports either a 240mm radiator or additional 120mm exhaust fan. The Q58 strikes the ideal balance for a powerful yet portable gaming or workstation PC.
Pros
- Classy, minimalist aesthetics with metal/glass construction
- Removable mesh and glass side panels
- Supports 240mm radiator for liquid cooling
- External quick-access SSD tray
Cons
- Limited space for cable routing
- No built-in RGB lighting
Overall, the expertly engineered Lian Li Q58 is my top choice among the smallest mini ITX cases for its premium build quality and easy component access.
#2 Smallest Overall: InWin B1
Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.6 x 13.1 inches
Graphics Card Clearance: 280mm
Cooling: 1x 120mm fan
If you want a truly tiny PC case with personality, the uniquely styled InWin B1 delivers. Unlike barebones metal boxes, this 10.6 x 10.6 x 13.1-inch mini ITX case sports a wooden front panel and tempered glass side for aesthetics. The minimalist, symmetrical layout still fits serious hardware like most triple-slot GPUs.
Cooling relies on negative pressure from a pre-installed rear 120mm exhaust fan. Users can install an 80mm intake fan up front if needed. The 200W power supply may limit component selection but helps the B1 claim the "smallest overall" title among mini ITX cases. If you desire a pocket-sized productivity PC, the one-of-a-kind InWin B1 is a perfect choice.
Pros
- Distinctive wooden front panel
- Tempered glass side panel
- Supports 280mm long triple-slot graphics cards
Cons
- 200W power supply may restrict component compatibility
- No liquid cooling support
- Very tight builder clearance
The tiny InWin B1 proves you can have both style and substance when selecting the smallest mini ITX cases.
#3 Best Cooling: Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P
Dimensions: 15.7 x 8.3 x 14.2 inches
Graphics Card Clearance: 330mm
Cooling: 2x 120mm fans, 280mm radiator support
The Cooler Master NR200P offers tremendous cooling potential in a mini ITX form factor. Dual tempered glass panels showcase the mastership interior, trimmed in RGB lighting. Over 20 ventilation holes pepper each removable panel to prevent hot zones.
The NR200P ships with two 120mm fans installed and can mount either a 240mm or 280mm radiator up top for water cooling. There‘s copious room for cable routing across three channels. If you want guaranteed thermal headroom for overclocking in a small case, the well-ventilated NR200P is my top cooling choice.
Pros
- Excellent airflow from mesh panels and fans
- Generous interior space for building and cable routing
- 280mm radiator support for custom liquid cooling
Cons
- Large size compared to other mini ITX cases
- No riser cable included
For superior cooling in a stylish package, the Cooler Master NR200P is one of the best mini ITX cases around.
#4 Most Expandable: NZXT H1
Dimensions: 14.63 x 6.65 x 13.82 inches
Graphics Card Clearance: 305mm
Cooling: 140mm AIO liquid cooler, 1x 120mm case fan
The uniquely designed NZXT H1 puts a premium on easy building and expansion. This vertical case ships with a 650W SFX power supply, 140mm AIO cooler, and PCIe riser card pre-installed to save builders hours of work. Despite the small 14 x 7 x 14-inch footprint, interior metal frames provide ample cable management space.
Our expandable pick among mini ITX cases, the NZXT H1 offers a 3-slot GPU bracket, 3x 2.5-inch SSD drive bays, and support for 2x 140mm case fans. An optional 140mm AIO mounting bracket adds CPU cooling flexibility. If you want a user-friendly small form factor case with room to grow, the NZXT H1 checks all the boxes.
Pros
- Pre-installed 140mm AIO cooler, SFX PSU, and GPU riser card
- Generous cable routing space behind motherboard
- 3x 2.5" SSD drive bays
Cons
- Odd shape may limit graphics card selection
- Tight CPU cooler clearance
With pre-installed liquid cooling and PSU, the NZXT H1 lets even novice builders create an easily upgradable yet compact gaming rig.
#5 Best Budget: Fractal Design Node 202
Dimensions: 14.84 x 3.82 x 13.07 inches
Graphics Card Clearance: 310mm
Cooling: 2x case fans
The Fractal Node 202 cuts cost without sacrificing performance. Priced around $100, this compact case不同意你的观点斜体开关机分担对撒旦福利卡sad放大局部统计局分局的反对票数段时段放大局部时代峰会对方受打击甚至发生发哒时代峰会第三方数据发哒时代奋斗
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supports long triple-slot graphics cards and liquid cooling while keeping clutter at bay. An innovative dual-compartment layout separates thermally intensive components from the motherboard and SSD storage.
Despite the modest 14.8 x 3.8 x 13.1-inch footprint, dual 120mm fan mounts and vented side panels maintainstrong airflow. With room for five case fans, there‘s potential for a compact yet beastly gaming rig. If budget is a concern when buying a mini ITX case, the Fractal Node 202 delivers serious hardware support without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Dual-chamber design separates hot/cool components
- Supports long triple-slot graphics cards
- Room for up to five total case fans
Cons
- Challenging builder ergonomics
- No included case lighting
The cleverly engineered Fractal Node 202 puts full-sized gaming hardware into a low-cost, travel-ready package.
How to Choose the Best Mini ITX Case
Building inside a mini ITX chassis requires careful planning. You‘ll need to:
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Select compact components sized to fit inside the case‘s dimensions while delivering the needed computing performance
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Budget adequate cooling through fans, radiators, and properly ventilated panels to prevent thermal throttling
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Factor expandability – how many drives, cards, and ports you may need down the road
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Consider convenience amenities like toolless access panels and cable routing channels
I recommend browsing various component configurations using PCPartPicker to validate sizes and power requirements. Also join forums dedicated to small form factor PC building for peer recommendations.
While compact, mini ITX cases deliver exceptional computing power and flexibility to use anywhere. With an optimized component selection and smart layout, they balance portability and performance like no other form factor.
FAQ About Mini ITX Cases
Q: Can I build a 4K gaming PC in a mini ITX case?
A: Definitely – with properly fitted full-sized graphics cards and processors, mini ITX builds can deliver superb 4K gaming performance on par with a standard ATX desktop. Cooling is the main limitation.
Q: How difficult is it to build inside a small Mini ITX case?
A: More challenging than a mid or full tower, but very rewarding. Excellence in cable management is mandatory for proper airflow and avoiding component damage. Expect a steeper learning curve.
Q: Should I build a mini ITX PC for travel?
A: For frequent transport, absolutely. Just ensure essential ports like USB are conveniently located and add a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and headset that also travel well. Some cases even support VESA mounting behind displays.
Q: Can I overclock components in small mini ITX cases?
A: Usually not recommended due to thermal restrictions, but yes – if the case offers robust cooling capacity through fans or water cooling radiators. Test thoroughly and monitor temps.
Putting It All Together
While slim and trim, today‘s best mini ITX cases like the Lian Li Q58 can accommodate seriously powerful hardware for gaming, content creation, machine learning, and more – no compromises needed.
Just be sure to meticulously plan your exact component selection and interior layout before building. With smart design, the smallest mini ITX cases offer giant performance and convenience perfect for travel and space-constrained areas.
I hope my deep dive helps you select the ideal mini ITX case to achieve your own compact computing goals. Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments below!
