Introduction
The ATX case is defined as a computer chassis that supports the ATX motherboard form factor. The term has been used to define cases for motherboards that are derived from both IBM’s Micro-ATX and Flex-ATX platforms, which are not the same thing as ATX.
Some people use this term like mini-tower and mid-tower. The difference between those is usually the depth of the case and the position of power supply, with micro-ATX cases having bottom-mounted PSU and mid-size ones with top-mounted PSU. There are also differences in motherboard cutouts and external bays.
If you don’t have a dedicated computer case for your motherboard, then you’re going to be limited to some really bad options. You can purchase a small form factor system that comes with a dedicated chassis and power supply, or build your own into a shoebox or something.
People who want an aesthetically pleasing chassis that doesn’t have the same footprint as a standard mid-tower case will often use an ATX case. This is most often seen in home theaters with PCs hidden behind TVs, where space saving is important.
ATX cases are also used by people who want or require high-end hardware that can only be installed into larger computer casings. The small footprint of SFF cases limits you to integrated graphics at best, while [micro-ATX] and [mini-tower] cases have the hardware requirements for powerful gaming systems.
This article will address the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of these products. Let’s have a look at some things that you need to consider before buying your Smallest ATX case.
Tips Before Purchasing
Before going to the list of the best Smallest ATX Cases on the market, you should consider some things.
In our list of the [ Smallest ATX cases ], we have considered all these things that a buyer needs to consider before buying a new case. I am not going to repeat them here again, if you want to know more about these things then read this article from top to bottom.
Cable routing:
Many ATX cases have routing holes for cables. If you want to use these holes or if your case doesn’t have them, then you should be prepared to do a little customization.
Also, always keep in mind that you’ll have less room for cable routing in smaller cases, so plan accordingly before building your system.
Support for cooling systems:
Airflow, cooling system, and proper installation of hardware are very important if you want to build a high-end gaming system. In smaller cases, cooling is more difficult to achieve.
If you’re building a high-end system, then your goal should be to get the most out of your components. If you can’t do this in a smaller case, then you should consider getting another chassis rather than limiting yourself to low-end or mid-range hardware.
Tempered glass:
Some cases feature a tempered glass side panel and some do not. This is usually an indication of how expensive the case is.
The reason for this is that tempered glass is very heavy, so the extra weight must be supported by a stronger frame. If you hope to install advanced cooling systems in your ATX case, then tempered glass should be a requirement.
Better outlook:
Many people want to buy ATX cases for their better outlook. They can give your case a unique look if you use them with the right hardware.
Price Range:
ATX cases are generally middle-range products that are more expensive than SFF computers but less expensive than high-end towers. There is a big difference in the price of ATX cases, so you should always consider your budget before buying a new case.
Best Smallest ATX Cases:
The Best Smallest ATX Cases You Can Purchase 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
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO is a bestseller on Amazon for many years. You can install a full-size ATX PSU and GPU in it. This is a great ATX case for making super-compact high-end gaming systems. It is small and compact enough to fit into tight spaces such as behind a TV.
This ATX case has durable handles and great cable management options. This case is very quiet because of the sound dampening materials used. This mini-tower can hold up to four 2.5″ drives or two 3.5″ drives and two 2.5″ drives. Cooler Master HAF XB EVO can support high-end CPU coolers and full-size graphics cards.
You can also install two front 120 mm fans and one rear 120 mm fan to improve the airflow and cooling system. It has the best cooling system in its class, so you can make an awesome gaming rig with this case.
It comes with a USB 3.0 port and 2 USB 2.0 ports which allow you to connect the latest storage devices, input devices, etc. to your system. It also has a dust filter at the bottom of its front panel, so you can easily clean it without removing the entire front panel of the case.
It is the best ATX case for making super-compact high-end gaming systems. And it’s no coincidence that Cooler Master HAF XB EVO has become a bestseller on Amazon. One major problem with this case is its price. It costs a little bit more than most ATX cases, but it’s still in the middle-range category.
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
Corsair Carbide Air 540 is one of the best ATX cases in its class. It’s easy to build a high-end gaming system with this case. You can also install water cooling solutions if you want even better performance. Corsair Carbide Air 540 provides enough space to install advanced CPU coolers and video cards as well as three 2.5″ storage devices and one 3.5″ storage device.
All the components of your PC will be cooled properly because of its three Corsair AF140L fans and one 140mm fan. It comes with a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, and headphone/microphone jacks that allow you to connect your PC with the latest storage devices. Corsair Carbide Air 540 has a spacious interior so you can easily install various components in it.
This mid-tower case supports Mini-ITX, MicroATX, and ATX motherboards. It has eight expansion slots that allow you to install high-end graphics cards (up to 320mm). This is definitely an outstanding product that can compete with higher-priced cases. You will also get one 120mm fan installed at the rear of this case. You can add two 120mm fans at the top side of the case if you want. This will improve the airflow and cooling system even more.
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
Fractal Design Meshify C is one of the best ATX cases for making high-end gaming systems. The case has plenty of space inside so you can install various components (CPU cooler, water cooling system, etc.) without any issues.
The front side of this case has a mesh design that will provide enough cooling for the components installed inside the system. The left side panel has a window that allows you to admire your PC components from an aesthetic point of view, but it also lets people look at them from the outside.
Fractal Design Meshify C is a very quiet case so you can enjoy gaming or work without worrying about the noise. You should definitely check this case out if you are looking for an ATX case with a window so you can easily access all your PC components.
This mid-tower case is made of steel and tempered glass which makes it more durable than typical mid-tower cases. You can easily install water cooling systems if you want to improve the performance of your PC even more. Fractal Design Meshify C has a space behind the motherboard tray where you can install a cable management system. This case comes with one 120mm fan at the front and one 120mm fan at the rear side that allows proper airflow and cooling even when you’re building a high-end system.
It has plenty of space inside for installing the latest storage devices, multiple graphics cards, etc. It also comes with two USB 3.0 ports and headphone/microphone jacks to connect your PC with the latest storage devices, peripherals, speakers, headphones, microphones, etc.
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
SilverStone is one of the most popular PC case manufacturers in the world. This company focuses on making high-quality products that are quite easy to understand if you look at all of its cases. The reason why I’m including this specific model in my list of best ATX cases is that it has a very unique feature that is commonly found on Mini-ITX cases.
This case comes with a handle at the top so you can easily carry it from one room to another. This might seem like just a simple thing, but it’s still something that not all PC cases have and you will appreciate its value when it comes to more intense gaming sessions.
In terms of cooling, you will get one 120mm fan installed at the bottom side of this case which provides great airflow and cooling for all your PC components. This is definitely a very quiet case as well, so noise won’t be an issue when it’s sitting on your desk or table. SilverStone ML08 Slim is a perfect ATX case if you’re looking for a quiet case that you can easily carry around.
It’s a perfect computer case for people who want a silent system that is easy to upgrade and install PC components at any time. This case has plenty of room inside so you can even install multiple GPUs or high-end CPU coolers without issues.
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
Corsair is one of the most popular PC case manufacturers for both gamers and enthusiasts. This company makes all kinds of computer cases, but they’re most famous for their high-end cases such as Corsair Carbide 400C. This specific model is a very popular mid-tower case that comes at a reasonable price and with plenty of features.
Corsair Carbide 400C has one transparent side panel so you can easily admire your gaming PC components from the outside, but also let people look at them from the inside. This case has two USB 3.0 ports and one USB 2.0 port, so you can quickly transfer data from external drives or connect your mouse and keyboard in a matter of seconds.
It has 7 expansion slots which are more than enough for modern PC builds. This case comes with two fans installed at the front side which provide proper airflow when it’s needed most, but also generate noise when the CPU and GPU temperature is high. Corsair Carbide 400C is a great ATX case for people who want to have a nice-looking case without spending too much!
This mid-tower ATX case comes with a steel body which makes it more durable than other standard mid-tower cases on the market. You get two USB 3.0 ports and headphone/microphone jacks to connect your PC with peripherals such as speakers, headphones, microphones, etc.
Corsair Carbide 400C is a perfect ATX case for people who want a simple case that doesn’t have too many features but still provides a lot of value for its price. It’s a perfect case for people who want to build a high-end PC without investing too much money on the entire system.
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
I’m sure that most of you have already heard about NZXT. This company is one of the pioneers when it comes to computer cases, but also cooling solutions, fans, cable management products, etc. If you know more about PC components and how they work together, then I can guarantee that you will find NZXT H510 very interesting!
NZXT H510 is a very versatile mid-tower case that comes with some really cool features. First of all, we have to talk about the tempered glass side panel because this makes NZXT H510 one of the best-looking cases on the market. You can easily admire your PC components and gaming setup from just about any point in your room.
This case comes with support for almost every high-end PC component available, so you can easily install any CPU cooler, GPU, or PSU without issues. NZXT H510 is a perfect mid-tower case that fits all popular system components but also provides plenty of room where you can hide all the cables.
NZXT H510 is a very quiet case, so you won’t have to worry about noise if you have installed some silent components on your new PC build. It has plenty of space inside so it’s easy to install new parts at any time. This case comes with two pre-installed LED fans for better cooling which are actually really quiet, but still, provide enough airflow when you need them.
CORSAIR Crystal 460X
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
Today we’re going to review yet another mid-tower case from Corsair. This model is a newer version of one already popular mid-tower ATX case, but it does have some interesting features that make it a great choice for modern PC gamers and enthusiasts who want a stylish gaming rig. Corsair Crystal 460X can be purchased in three different colors, where the black version is the cheapest which you can buy for less than 80 bucks.
The best feature of Corsair Crystal 460X is the tempered glass side panel. I think this is one of the main features that make Corsair stand out when it comes to gaming hardware. You get a transparent side panel so you can easily admire your PC components and monitor the internals of your system.
Corsair Crystal 460X is not one of those cheaply made cases that cannot handle heavy components like high-end video cards or CPU coolers. This mid-tower ATX case can easily fit all the most popular PC components, even some of the biggest models on the market today!
If you’re looking for a case that looks great and has everything you need, Corsair Crystal 460X is the right choice. It comes with two built-in fans but also supports six more 120mm cooling fans if you want to install even more components or if your PC is getting really hot.
Corsair Crystal 460X is one of the best mid-tower cases of 2017 and it can be yours for a really good price. I think this is the right choice if you have more than 80 dollars to spend on your new PC case.
RGB 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
RGB Rosewill Challenger S is a great mid-tower case from a well-known company called Rosewill. This model comes in different colors where the black version is the cheapest but also really stylish if you ask me. RGB Rosewill Challenger S can be bought for less than 70 bucks which makes it a perfect choice for PC gamers who want to build a new gaming PC without spending a small fortune.
The feature that makes Rosewill Challenger S very famous among gamers is the tempered glass side panel. This case comes with a transparent side so you can easily admire your PC components and monitor the internals of your system. In my opinion, this mid-tower ATX case looks better than many other cases with tempered glass side panels on the market today. It comes with three very quiet fans but it also supports seven more 120mm cooling fans if you want to install additional parts or need improved cooling for your overclocked components.
Rosewill Challenger S is one of the best mid-tower cases and it can be yours for a really low price. The only problem with this case is that it does not have enough space for larger CPU coolers but apart from that, this is a perfect choice if you want to build a modern gaming PC where every component looks great and performs well.
Rosewill Challenger S is one of the best mid-tower cases under 100 dollars that are currently available on Amazon, where this particular model is the best-selling mid-tower case thanks to its great price, amazing features and high quality. Rosewill Challenger S looks good with tempered-glass side panels but it also comes with a transparent front window so you can admire your new PC build even more!
Conclusion
In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top eight small atx cases. We’ve gone through every best smallest ATX Case design, feature, and size material in detail. You aren’t too far off if you’re looking for a compact atx case that offers high performance and has a plethora of features.
We’re here to help you pick out the best PC case for your needs. You may go and get a suitable PC case after carefully considering all of the things mentioned in this post. Our quick purchasing will also assist you in selecting the appropriate PC case for your entire system.
If you have the money to spend on an expensive and high-end PC case, we recommend CORSAIR Crystal 460X RGB. But if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a PC case yet don’t want to lose quality or performance. We propose the Cooler Master HAF XB EVO as a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest ATX case you could possibly find?
Small atx cases are plentiful. Each person has a different selection of PC cases depending on their demands and priorities. The Fractal Design Meshify C is the best case for you if you want a portable computer. It offers outstanding ventilation through its multi-angle front panel.
What is the smallest PC case size feasible?
The smallest PC case is available in three distinct sizes. You may pick according to your workstation and desk space. These cases were designed for this purpose because many individuals desire a portable PC case. The standard ATX measure is 12 x 9.6 inches, whereas the Micro-ATX format is 9.6 x 9.6 inches, and the Mini-ITX format is 6.7 x 6.7 inches (ITX). SilverStone ML08 Slim is a good choice since it has been proven to be the best Mini-ITX enclosure.
Is it possible to fit an ATX case into a MINI ATX system?
Micro-ATX was designed to work in tandem with ATX. Micro-ATX boards have similar mounting holes and I/O panels to those on ATX motherboards. As a result, we inferred that Micro-ATX motherboards could be fitted into full-size ATX enclosures. We suggest you go for the Rosewill Challenger S because it is cheap but still equipped with excellent features.
What is the technical definition of a mini ATX?
The dimensions of a typical Mini-ITX motherboard are 28.4 x 20.8cm. You can install a single-DIN board into a single-DIN space for typical application scenarios such as rack-mount, automobile, tower case, wall-mounted, and so on. If you want greater cable management and flexibility when it comes to air or liquid cooling, we recommend theNZXT H510.
Also Read: CPU Coolers for Ryzen 7 5800X
