Choosing a PC case is the first step in building a great PC since there are different sizes to select from. Besides protecting your PC’s components, these covers add a lot to the overall look of your computer.
There are many people who like a PC with a lot of hefty hardware, but not everyone has a desk or enough room for a large chassis. Your limited space necessitates that you purchase the smallest ATX case possible. Fortunately, the manufacturer of PC cases and components is seeing a lot of demand for tiny and powerful setups. Consequently, there is a wide range of cases available in 2022.
However, there are certain advantages to using a small ATX case, and you should think about them before making the purchase for your system. These cases are the perfect platform for your new gaming setup and improve the overall look of your computer.
Small atx cases come in a wide variety of styles and sizes. Flashy and large forms are preferred by certain individuals, whereas others who desire a smaller, more portable design choose a more pared down approach.
A pre-built gaming PC is certainly an option, but some individuals prefer to put in the time and effort to build their own. When looking for the ideal ATX case, there are a slew of factors to take into account.
High-end performance need a low noise floor. The most important factor is the airflow, which is essential for maintaining a stable temperature of the hardware. You should also verify the size of your motherboard and how much storage space it requires before investing a lot of money.
Quick Shopping Tips:
Aforementioned, finding the right case is not an easy task. There are several options to pick from, and it can sometimes be complicated to figure out which is best suitable for you. Fortunately, there are some straightforward ways to narrow down the selection. Here we go.
Cable routing: Cable management can sometimes be a problem. When you are about to route them, you should know the appropriate direction to put them so they don’t interrupt the airflow and look as clean and smooth as possible. The most important for better cable management is to go for a case that can handle them all; if the case refers to cable management, it’s worth buying.
Support for cooling systems: For better performance, you should always avoid your PC from overheating. If it gets hot at an extreme level, it can face damage and can shut off possible. No one wants that damage, and many of us have devices that don’t deliver a proper cooling system. Whether you go for liquid or air cooling, having enough space for some is a good idea. Some cases have pre-installed fans. Maybe you want to add extra cooling to it. Although, pre-installed fans are a good facility.
Tempered glass: If you have a side or front panel made up of tempered glass, you need to make sure that glass can hold the most challenging tasks. Low-quality tempered glass can be damaged, and that is not a good idea. You should look at the side or front panel and see if it is suitable for you.
Better outlook: Many people want to build PCs with a better outlook. No matter you are choosing the smallest ATX case or the biggest. Some people prefer a slim, sleek, and minimalistic case with a translucent front panel and side panel, while some want precisely the opposite.
Price Range: In the end, you want to choose a PC case that is according to your budget. As we know, purchasing parts for a PC is all about affordability. Meanwhile, you don’t want to spend a ton of cash on a case and not have sufficient money to buy high-quality components.
On the other hand, you need a case that contains everything without compromising quality and performance. There are just a few things to consider while buying a compact atx case. There is nothing to worry about choosing the perfect ATX case, from pre-installed options to the accurate size.
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 Smallest ATX Cases You Can Buy Today
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
The All-Rounder Small ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Cooler Master | Case Form Factor: Mini-tower | Motherboard Support: ATX | GPU Clearance: 334mm | PSU Clearance: 180mm | Expansion Slots: 7 | Weight: 18.1 pounds | Dimension: 16.7 x 17.4 x 13 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Supports up to 4 HDDs or SSDs
✓ Excellent ventilation with mesh top panel
✓ Strong carry handles for easy transportation
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No built-in RGB
✗ Heavy and bulky
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO is a horizontal, LAN-box-style case that can serve ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. It is a space-saving case with better temperature cooling. The case is convenient to transport and move and can easily handle all the hurdles coming on its way. The components that generate heat sit on the bottom. The warm air rises from there effortlessly exit through the top of the case.
The flaw-less heat-dissipating layout makes it more demanding among its customers. Because of its exceptional shape, you will have to download your components in unique and unlearned order. Moreover, it also makes standard maintenance a bit annoying, as it is impossible or complicated to detach some of the air filters, some of the hard drives, and fans. The people appreciated the built quality and reported that they would rebuy this product. Also, it is known as The All-Rounder Small ATX Case.
However, few buyers report tells us that there are no dust filters for top, back, or side fan. Some users also complained about the lack of USB 3.0 on the front and the internal metal should be painted black. Otherwise, the product performs very well and has lots of space. It is easy to assemble and also delivers good airflow. Cooler Master is a well-known brand and always introduces products without sacrificing quality and performance. Once you buy their unit will never go for any other brand.
Corsair Carbide Air 540
Best Airflow Compact ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair | Case Form Factor: Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX | GPU Clearance: 320mm | PSU Clearance: 250mm | Expansion Slots: 8 | Weight: 16.3 pounds | Dimension: 16.3 x 13.1 x 18 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Generally quiet fans
✓ Top-class cable management
✓ Dual-chamber structure for better airflow
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No slot for an optical drive
✗ No ATX power supply included
This micro-ATX motherboard is truly a gem that ticks all the right boxes. The black color and steel interior makes it long-lasting and durable for better performance. The motherboard weighs about 16.3 pounds, which is very easy for traveling. Due to its compact size, this motherboard is specific for those who love traveling yet don’t want to compromise their games and workloads. The small motherboard has a rich set of features that covers all your worries. It can handle heavy gaming sessions and various office tasks.
Corsair Carbide Air 540 is the motherboard that is known to be the Best Airflow Compact ATX Case. It has a high demand for its excellent dual-chamber direct airflow and remarkable cooling potential. Moreover, it offers three AF14OL fans that deliver high performance to maintain silent and quieter cooling. It also supports expansion for both liquid and air cooling. The case came up with a GPU length of 12.59 inches, and the PSU length is 9.84 inches. The product has excellent cable management that makes the internal look neat and clean.
Although few buyers face problems due to the air filters that vibrate and are not correctly fixed, the side panel is very delicate and fragile compared to other cases. Overall, the product has all the rich features that enthusiasts want to make their gaming rig incredible. So if you want a motherboard that delivers the best airflow, this one would be best suitable for you.
Fractal Design Meshify C
Best Small ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Fractal Design | Case Form Factor: Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: ATX | GPU Clearance: 315mm | PSU Clearance: 175mm | Expansion Slots: 7 | Weight: 8.8 pounds | Dimension: 16.1 x 8.54 x 17.83 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Multi-angled front panel
✓ Triple-fan radiator support
✓ Maximum air take with Angular mesh front panel
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No carry handles
✗ No optical drive
Fractal Design Meshify C is a top-class case with easy-to-clean dust filters at the top, front, and base with complete PSU coverage and comfortable front access. Its seven fan positions allow for intense air cooling. It also has two pre-installed fans for additional airflow and minimum noise and long-lasting hour life. Moreover, its sturdy steel trays and rubber grommets make your drives run quiet, smooth, and deliver reliable operation. For this reason, this unit is listed as the best small ATX case.
It also offers five storage devices with a removable and adjustable drive cage under the PSU shroud and unique SSD mounts behind the motherboard tray. Even the most giant enthusiasts-class GPUs provide a lot of room for heavy triple-fan rads on the front. The flexible drive cage can be removed and moved to handle even the longest heavy-duty PSUs. An open interior and better cabling delivers improved ventilation and makes the airflow path smoother from intake to exhaust.
The unit performs systematically, although some buyers complained that the unit could not support oversized motherboards. The buyer’s report tells us that there is no USB Type-C option. The metal used inside the case is also flimsy and can bend easily. The case is also minimal and has less working space. Overall, this incredible case has breezy airflow that has no comparison with other units.
SilverStone ML08 Slim
Best Slim Mini-ITX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: SilverStone | Case Form Factor: Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ATX | PSU Clearance: SFX | Expansion Slots: 2 | Weight: 9.7 pounds | Dimension: 17 x 17 x 7 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Removable carrying handle
✓ Tool-less drive cage design
✓ Support graphic card for up to 13 inch
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No PCIe 4.0. support
✗ No cable management
SilverStone ML08 Slim is the case that is based on the outstanding RAVEN Z RVZO2 chassis. This fabulous case is a super slim Mini-ITX unit with highly suitable accommodations. It offers 12 liters, with compact size and effortless assembling compared to other models of the same class. It is a lot of room for a robust graphics card up to 13-inch lengthier. Moreover, its tool-less drive cages make the assembling procedure quicker than ever.
The unit has impressive performance and is known to be the Best Slim Mini-ITX Case. However, some users complained about the reset buttons that are way too hard. Some people also suggested that thermal should also improve in the expansion compartment. Some buyers also complained about the lack of cable management and also there is no power supply.
Overall, the product has top-notch performance and also provides creative space utilization and performance. Moreover, the two central heat sources are separated through the main chassis chamber so that the graphics card can have a separate airflow path. Despite its small size, this unit is remarkably versatile that can be utilized anywhere, even while traveling. The SilverStone also introduced optional models of ML08 with joined handle for making it portable and ideal for any slim PC build.
Corsair Carbide 400C
Best Slim ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair | Case Form Factor: Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: ATX | GPU Clearance: 370mm | PSU Clearance: 190mm | Expansion Slots: 7 | Weight: 14.6 pounds | Dimension: 16.73 x 8.46 x 18.27 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Offers liquid cooling solutions
✓ Plenty of cable routing options
✓ Fascinating and solid with all steel exterior
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ One-sided airflow
✗ Rattling dust filters
Corsair Carbide 400C is known to be the Best Slim ATX Case. The Corsair team has designed this case to gather all the expandability and performance you ask for a remarkable compact design. You can see all the components displaying through the fabulous full-size window that opens with just one soft touch. It keeps the system ventilated, calm, and quiet with Direct Airflow Technology. It has a one-touch side panel, three-point dust filter access, and tool-free drive installation, making it easy to clean and build.
You can watch all the components clearly with a single touch, and if it is closed, you can still see every element through the full side panel window. Moreover, it is made of strong steel front and top panels for gorgeous looks and extra durability. Corsair offers a more fast direct airflow path to your hottest elements, the GPU and CPU. However, some buyers complained about the cheap build quality, while some report tells us that there is no room for cable management and the top dust filter start rattling if you have top-mounted fans.
Overall, the 400C can accommodate multiple GPUs and a full ATX motherboard. It offers a wide range of front 360mm radiators, top 240mm radiators, and rear 120mm radiators to help you make quiet down your CPU and GPU with liquid coolers the way you want. The incredible airflow doesn’t make any noise and makes your work smoother and calm. Its direct airflow design offers a smooth path to let cold air reach your hottest areas.
NZXT H510
Best Mid-range Compact ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: NZXT | Case Form Factor: Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: ATX | GPU Clearance: 381mm | PSU Clearance: 275mm | Expansion Slots: 7 | Weight: 14.55 pounds | Dimension: 16.85 x 8.27 x 18.11 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Front I/O USB Type-C port
✓ Enhanced cable management
✓ Configurable for air or liquid cooling
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No reset button
✗ Few low-quality components
NZXT H510 is the PC case that is popular as the Best Mid-range Compact ATX Case. This case is a compact mid-tower PC gaming case black and weighs about 18 pounds. It is minimal, and its size doesn’t affect its performance. The unit performs like a beast and is perfect for traveling because of its compact size. It is best suitable for those who love traveling yet don’t want to miss their gaming sessions.
This PC case has multiple fan filters, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C connector on the front, radiator mounting bracket that you can easily remove according to your needs. The product has a unique design with a beautiful side panel made up of tempered glass. Moreover, you can install it with only a single screw effortlessly. The PC case came up with two Aer F120mm fans for the better front panel and enhanced airflow, which is very helpful in long-lasting gaming sessions. This PC case offers the best cable management with pre-installed straps and channels for making the internal wiring tidy and smooth.
The product has exceptional performance with two years of warranty. However, some buyers report the damaged product delivery, but later the team NZXT handled the problem and gave an excellent response without any complications. We recommend you try this product as this PC case is ranked in the compact atx case list. The product has a high demand because of its extremely affordable price. Moreover, you can also choose between the air or water cooling method.
CORSAIR Crystal 460X RGB
Best Looking Small ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Corsair | Case Form Factor: Mid-tower | Motherboard Support: ATX | GPU Clearance: 370mm | PSU Clearance: 200mm | Expansion Slots: 7 | Weight: 17.6 pounds | Dimension: 17.32 x 8.66 x 18.27 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ SP120 RGB fans included
✓ Plenty of cable routing options
✓ Direct Airflow for cooling components
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Hard to keep the glassy case clean
✗ No mounts and self catching screws
CORSAIR Crystal 460X RGB is a Best Looking small ATX case. It is simple and beautifully designed. Moreover, it has a two-panel tempered glass, compact design, expandable, Direct Airflow cooling technology, and three RGB fans. You can light up your entire system with fascinating LED effects and throw cool air directly to other parts without any hurdle that can cause fan hum.
The product pack all the features and expandability you require for an advanced and compact case design. You can display your build with attractive two-panel tempered glass and allow the system to run cool and calm with Direct Airflow technology. However, some people suggested that the cable management area should be slightly bigger. Buyers also complained that the case is too small for a mid-tower.
Overall, the product is easy to clean and simple to build. It offers three stunning RGB fans that make your build stand out from the rest. You can see all your components through tempered glass panels. In this case, you will get enough space for the front, top, and back radiators, and you can quiet down your CPU and GPU by using liquid coolers. You will spend less time on maintenance and setup and enjoy your PC performance.
Rosewill Challenger S
Best Budget-Friendly Small ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Brand: Rosewill | Case Form Factor: Mid tower | Motherboard Support: ATX | GPU Clearance: 360mm | Expansion Slots: 7 | Weight: 11.2 pounds | Dimension: 17.52 x 8.26 x 16.06 inches
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Supports up to 5 fans
✓ Tool-free mounting bays
✓ Two dedicated slots for SSDs
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Low build quality
✗ No external 3.5″ Drive Bays
Rosewill Challenger S is known to be the Best Budget-Friendly small ATX case. This classy unit is sufficient to serve for all GPU and features tool-free 5.25” and 3.5” mounting bays that can be easily fixed and remove. The case doesn’t have a premium look but covers all the necessary features. If you want to build a fully-bundled high-end or mid-range gaming rig, you may face a heating problem that can be solved by air cooling.
The case depth and height are adequate, but it’s relatively small to restrict the airflow somehow. For the maintenance of your system’s critical components, you should install liquid cooling. Some people complained that the unit only offers a single high-end USB port on the front. So if you need more than that, you should choose a motherboard carefully, so that it has sufficient 3.0 and 3.1 ports to fulfill your needs.
Some buyers also complained about the poor quality controls, like motherboard mounting holes and ineffective latches on the side panels. All Rosewill cases have a one-year warranty, so the company will exchange them without any hurdle if you face any problems. If you want a simple, compact atx case, the Rosewill would be an ideal choice.
Conclusion
In this article, we have rounded up the eight best small atx case. We have given a detailed review of every best smallest ATX Case design, functions, and size material. If you want a compact atx case that delivers high performance and contains a rich set of features, then you are not so far.
We are here to help you decide which PC case is best suitable for you. Considering all the points discussed in this article, you can go and get a perfect PC case. Our quick shopping will also help you decide the accurate PC case according to your entire system.
If you can afford the expensive and high-end PC case, we recommend you go for CORSAIR Crystal 460X RGB. But if you don’t want to spend a ton of cash on a PC case yet don’t want to compromise quality and performance. We suggest you choose Cooler Master HAF XB EVO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest ATX case?
There are a lot of options for small atx cases. Choices differ from person to person to choose the PC case according to your needs and priorities. Fractal Design Meshify C is the ideal case to fulfill your desires if you prefer a portable system. It offers a multi-angled front panel and delivers outstanding airflow.
What is the smallest PC case size?
There are three different sizes of the smallest PC case. You can select according to your desk space and workstation. Many people want a portable PC case, and for this reason, these cases have been designed. Standard ATX is 12 x 9.6 inches, Micro-ATX is 9.6 x 9.6 inches, while Mini-ITX is 6.7 x 6.7 inches. We recommend you try SilverStone ML08 Slim. It is known to be the best Mini-ITX case.
Will Mini ATX fit ATX case?
Micro-ATX has been designed to have compatibility with ATX. The mounting points of Micro-ATX boards are a subdivision of those used in an ATX motherboard, and the I/O panel is similar to each other. So we concluded that Micro-ATX boards could fix into full-size ATX cases. We recommend you choose Rosewill Challenger S. It is budget-friendly and has top-class features.
What size is mini ATX?
It has a dimension of 28.4 x 20.8cm. You can fix your Mini-ITX board into a single-DIN space for normal application circumstances such as rack-mount, car, tower case, wall-mount, etc. we recommend you try NZXT H510. It has enhanced cable management and is configurable for both air and liquid cooling.
What size is a mini ATX motherboard?
It is possible for motherboard makers to use the term “mini ATX” or “mini-ATX” to denote a compact motherboard, and AOpen has used it in connection to a motherboard design with dimensions of 15 by 15 cm (5.7in x 5.9in).
Can micro-ATX fit in ATX?
Backwards compatibility with ATX was intentionally included into microATX. A subset of the mounting points and the I/O panel of full-size ATX boards may be found on microATX motherboards. Consequently, a full-size ATX motherboard may be utilised with a microATX motherboard.
