PC builds just keep getting smaller. From easily assembled PC build kits to the smallest ATX cases to reduce the footprint of personal computers, technology increases efficiency and reduces size. Now, the smallest mini-ITX cases take PCs to an even smaller scale, reducing volume, footprint, and weight to become easily portable and hardly noticeable.
Mini-ITX cases get their name from their design: they house a mini-ITX motherboard. This 6.7 by 6.7-inch form factor is not exactly new, but its popularity is certainly increasing among builders. Although not large enough to house a full-sized ATX or larger motherboard, they are still capable of basing a powerful gaming PC, business computer, or another useful device. Storage capacities are larger with smaller frames, process nodes are smaller than ever, and most PC builders just don’t need a large tower anymore for a dedicated system. You can tailor your build to your purpose, including case size.
Builders must tune their system to the smaller mini-ITX cases with compact graphics cards and small-form-factor (SFF) power supplies, but this does not mean trading performance for convenience. In fact, the mini-ITX cases we showcase here support full-length graphics cards and other components. Still, double-check sizes and clearances with every component and your chosen mini-ITX case. So let’s dive right into our selections for the five smallest mini-ITX Cases of 2023. We know you’ll be ready to rush out and order yours when we’re finished!
History-Computer’s Top Picks for the 5 Smallest Mini-ITX Cases of 2023
- Lian Li Q58 Mini Tower Computer Case
- 13.46 x 6.69 x 9.84 inches
- Supports a fan or 240mm radiator for additional cooling
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Max GPU clearance 320mm
- SSD tray allows swapping the card with no tools
- Silverstone Milo 10 Super Compact and Modular Mini-ITX Case
- 2.48 x 7.72 x 8.94 inches
- Modular design allows for multiple configurations
- Includes VESA mounting plate
- Dual USB 3.0 front ports
- Supports full-sized graphics cards
- Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 Air Mini-ITX case
- 10.35 x 22.6 x 13.86 inches
- Nylon mesh side panels with anodized aluminum front and rear panels
- 360-degree access to all components
- Integrated D-RGB lighting
- Supports next-gen GPUs up to 2.9 slots
- Cooler Master NR200P MAX SFF Small Form Factor Mini-ITX Case
- 14.84 x 7.28 x 11.49 inches
- Custom 280mm radiator and two pre-installed 140mm fans
- PCIe 4.0 riser cable
- Supports GPUs up to up to 336mm
- 850W Gold certified PSU
- SilverStone Technology SUGO 16 Black Mini-ITX Small Form Factor Case
- 11.02 x 7.87 x 9.13 inches
- Supports GPUs up to 275mm
- Supports 120mm radiator for liquid cooling
- Configurable for use with ATX or SFX power supplies up to 140mm
- All steel construction
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
#1 Best Overall Mini-ITX Case: Lian Li Q58
- 13.46 x 6.69 x 9.84 inches
- Supports a fan or 240mm radiator for additional cooling
- PCIe 4.0 support
- Max GPU clearance 320mm
- SSD tray allows swapping the card with no tools
History Computer’s choice for the #1 Best Overall from our list of the smallest mini-ITX cases is the Lian Li Q58. Measuring 13.46 x 6.69 x 9.84 inches, weighing almost nine pounds, and containing over 14 liters of volume, this top choice for mini-ITX cases is easily the one builders will choose often when looking to go small but pack a punch. The glass and vented steel panels are interchangeable and provide excellent cooling potential. This case also supports a fan or 240mm radiator for extra cooling capacity. The remaining panels are high-grade aluminum.
Users will love the build versatility of the Lian Li Q58. The modular design allows reconfiguring to hold an ATX or SFX power supply. Remove and replace the SSD in a tray on the outside for quick swappable scenarios. This small mini-ITX case is available in black or white. Gamers will especially love the option to upgrade from an older PCIe 3.0 riser cable to a PCIe 4.0 cable for supporting larger GPUs.
The supported component sizes are impressive, with a maximum PSU length of 160mm, maximum CPU clearance of 320mm, and the capacity for two 2.5-inch HDD expansion slots or one 2.5-inch SSD and one 3.5-inch HDD slot. HD audio is built in, and the unit is warrantied for one year.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The glass and steel vented case has excellent cooling characteristics. | Users may encounter problems with cable management, depending on the components they include. |
| Flexible build options allow configuring the case frame for an ATX PSU. | |
| Builders can upgrade to include a PCIe 4.0 riser cable for an extra cost. | |
| An externally accessed SSD tray allows swapping the card with no tools. | |
| A cooling radiator can be mounted in three different configurations. |
Tiniest Mini-ITX Case: Silverstone Milo 10
- 2.48 x 7.72 x 8.94 inches
- Modular design allows for multiple configurations
- Includes VESA mounting plate
- Dual USB 3.0 front ports
- Supports full-sized graphics cards
You want tiny? You get it with the Silverstone Milo 10, our choice for the Tiniest Mini-ITX Case. However, get ready for a BIG attitude in this little package! At 2.48 x 7.72 x 8.94 inches (3.31 x 7.72 x 8.94 inches with elevated top cover) and weighing only one pound, this mini-ITX case is the size of a thick novel and easily fits into a backpack for portability and convenience. The optional elevated top offers 3.7 liters of volume over the standard 2.8 liters. This means more cooler and drive options.
The diminutive size does mean you’ll need to give up an internal PSU. This case requires a DC-ATX power module and an external AC adapter. However, this tiny modular powerhouse supports a full-sized graphics card, p.5mm slim ODD, 3.5-inch HDD, 2.5-inch SSD, and a 1400mm fan, or three 50mm fans, thanks to an adjustable or removable device bracket.
Dual front USB 3.0 ports allow easy plug-and-play connectivity with other devices. You can even hide the device by mounting it behind your monitor with an included VESA mounting plate. Are you looking for the smallest of the small mini-ITX cases? Your Silverstone Milo 10 just went from a tiny footprint on your desk to no footprint at all!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The tiny Silverstone Milo 10’s modular design includes an expandable top cover for extra space. | This product offers no cooling radiator support. |
| With the extra space, builders can add cooling fans or more drives for better versatility. | The Silverstone Milo 10 requires meticulous advanced planning to fit everything you want inside. |
| This product supports a full-sized graphics card. | |
| This mini-ITX case can be mounted behind a monitor with an included VESA mounting plate to save desk space. | |
| This compact mini-ITX case is affordably priced. |
Most Attractive Mini-ITX Case: Phanteks Evolv Shift 2
- 10.35 x 22.6 x 13.86 inches
- Nylon mesh side panels with anodized aluminum front and rear panels
- 360-degree access to all components
- Integrated D-RGB lighting
- Supports next-gen GPUs up to 2.9 slots
Looks are important, too, so our selection for the Most Attractive Mini-ITX Case is the Phanteks Evolv Shift 2. A steel frame, anodized aluminum panels, and nylon mesh sides make this 13-pound, 10.35 x 22.6 x 13.86-inch, vertically oriented PC case unique and stylish. You’ll be proud to display this powerful mini-ITX computer on your desk. The design also offers complete 360-degree access to your components for quick adjustments or replacements.
This attractive case supports a full-sized GPU, 120mm AIO for CPU cooling, one 140mm fan (included) or three 1200mm fans, 335mm maximum card lengths, one 3.5-inch, and two 2.5-inch storage drives. Users can choose between SFX and SFX-L power supplies. All this computing potential is elegantly housed in a tall mini-ITX case with a small footprint. The I/O ports are also easily accessible.
Integrated D-RGB lighting shows through the mesh sides for an impressive appearance. Plus, the see-through nylon mesh restricts dust intrusion while improving airflow. Optional tempered glass vented side panels are also available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 Mini-ITX cases are vertically oriented with a small footprint. | The product comes with a PCIe 3.0 Riser cable that may not be compatible with some newer components. |
| The nylon mesh side panels are attractive and help with cooling. | This mini-ITX case is difficult to configure due to its small size. |
| A unique design provides 360-degree access to your components. | |
| This case supports several options for storage and full-sized components. | |
| Three 120mm cooling fans or one 120mm AIO radiator is supported for CPU cooling. |
Best Mini-ITX Case for Beginners: Cooler Master NR200P Max
- 14.84 x 7.28 x 11.49 inches
- Custom 280mm radiator and two pre-installed 140mm fans
- PCIe 4.0 riser cable
- Supports GPUs up to up to 336mm
- 850W Gold certified PSU
The Cooler Master NR200P Max is our Best Mini-ITX Case for Beginners. If you are new to mini-ITX cases and small builds, this case makes it easy for you. Technically still a mini-ITC case at 14.84 x 7.28 x 11.49 inches and a hefty 17 pounds, this case is easy to configure and comes with important components pre-installed.
PC builders new to the process will enjoy an 850W PSU, 280mm AIO cooler, two 140mm fans, and PCIe 4.0 riser cable already in place. The no-nonsense mesh and glass side panels provide superior cooling characteristics and a simple aesthetic. The somewhat bulkier size easily fits your mini-ITX motherboard and CPU, a full-sized triple-slot graphics card, three 2.5-inch SSD cards, and the possibility of two additional 3.5-inch drives.
The textured 16 AWG PSU cables and liquid cooling tubes are fitted to the case and pre-routed to save space and build time. Launch your first PC build with this spacious but compact mini-ITX case with handy pre-installed components, and start gaming, designing, editing, or creating in no time!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Cooler Master NR200P Max is a new builder’s dream with several pre-installed top-of-the-line components. | This unit is larger than most mini-ITX cases. |
| Superior cooling is achieved with a 280mm AIO liquid cooler and two 140mm fans. | |
| Mesh and glass side panels are simple and effective for cooling and aesthetics. | |
| This mini-ITX case supports a full-sized, three-slot graphics card and three 2.5-inch SSD memory drives. | |
| Cabling and cooler tubing are prerouted for new builder convenience. |
Best Budget Mini-ITX Case: Silverstone SUGO 16
- 11.02 x 7.87 x 9.13 inches
- Supports GPUs up to 275mm
- Supports 120mm radiator for liquid cooling
- Configurable for use with ATX or SFX power supplies up to 140mm
- All steel construction
PC builders without much cash can still go small with our Best Budget Mini-ITX Case, the Silverstone SUGO 16. This affordable mini-ITX case weighs in at just one pound and measures 11.02 x 7.87 x 9.13 inches. The cube form factor design is steel with mesh panels on top, side, front, and rear to provide superior airflow. Although a smaller ITX case, there is still room for high-end GPUs and 275mm dual-slot expansion cards.
A front-mount 120mm fan or radiator and a back-mount 80mm fan handle cooling chores. Users can choose an SFX power supply or upgrade to a full ATX PSU if desired. The cube shape provides ample build space on the inside with an easily manageable footprint to save space on your desk.
Budget-conscious PC builders can focus their investment on high-end components for specific purposes with these affordable, versatile mini-ITX cases. At less than $100, almost any builder will be satisfied with this case.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Silverstone SUGO 16 is affordably priced at less than $100. | Some large components may block cooling vents and raise the risk of overheating. |
| This mini-ITX case is less than a foot square and weighs only one pound. | |
| A cube-type design provides ample build space with a manageable footprint. | |
| There is sufficient space for full-sized GPUs, CPUs, and even a full ATX PSU. | |
| Front and rear mountings for fans and radiators allow for powerful cooling configurations. |
How to Pick the Smallest Mini-ITX Cases: Step by Step
If you enjoy completing intricate and challenging puzzles, then choosing and building PCs in the smallest mini-ITX cases is for you. It’s all about balance — between size, available volume, and case configuration — that allows you to build the computer you want in such a compact unit. Achieving that balance requires advanced planning and research to discover the best possible combination to achieve your goals.
Of course, this largely depends on how you plan to use your compact PC. Are you traveling to LAN parties with your own portable system? Do you need a compact business computer for travel? Does a small PC at the side of your desk meet your needs? Measure what you must have to get the job done and work backward to find the smallest mini-ITX case that will support everything you need.
When choosing the best smallest mini-ITX cases, there are four main considerations for most PC builders.
- Build Space (size, volume, case configuration)
- Cooling Capacity
- Power Options
- Price
Let’s review each of these criteria in more detail.
Build Space
What we’re calling “build space” is the available area within a mini-ITX case to contain all your components and cabling. Three considerations are paramount here: size, volume, and case configuration. Each one affects the others in a choreographed dance of tradeoffs that can be maddening.
Size is the first factor because you already know you want to build small. Big towers and even smaller ATX cases are out. You want something within the mini-ITX form factor and that means a mini-ITX motherboard supporting full-size components. The average size will be around a foot square or less, depending on the form factor design (vertical, cube, etc.).
Volume is how much area there is inside the case to hold everything you need. Most components are measured in millimeters (120mm fan, 140mm radiator, 375mm GPU, etc.) so pay particular care to component measurements vs. the maximum lengths and widths your case will support. Don’t forget the cables! Moreover, you want sufficient space between components and the case panels for adequate airflow.
Case configuration refers to how the mini-ITX case is built. The frame and its interchangeability or any removable or expandable features are big advantages. Prerouted cabling and cooling radiator tubes built into the case are also huge benefits. The more flexibility the case design offers, the better you can configure your build to contain everything you want.
Cooling Capacity
Small, compact mini-ITX cases shoehorn everything into the smallest available space, and that means potential cooling problems. Components lodged against the case or against one another are sure prescriptions for overheating and system failure. Balancing your desired component sizes with the smallest possible case is a juggling game. You want a few millimeters of breathing space around everything so airflow is not restricted.
You also want a case that supports adequate cooling components for the system you build. Some of the smallest mini-ITX cases only support cooling fans, so your build must keep a lower temperature limit in mind. Those with radiator support and fans offer the best cooling capacity, but that takes additional space. Again, how you configure the case will determine if a radiator takes up space you need for memory or a larger GPU.
Power Options
In many of the smallest mini-ITX cases, you will sacrifice an internal PSU for space. Our tiniest selection requires a DC-ATX power module and an external AC adapter to save space. More moderately sized ITX cases can offer an ATX or SFX PSU form factor option. The balance between compact size and your specific build purpose again comes into play.
Many modern SFX PSUs provide enough power for high-end gaming, content creation, and more in their smaller size. Calculate your necessary power needs and a safety buffer when choosing which PSU will power your mini-ITX PC build.
Price
Virtually anything is bought for the right price. Our choices range from the budget model for less than $100 to some climbing into several hundred dollars. Size, convenience, portability, and other factors impact price. One of our selections is great for newbie PC builders because it already contains some high-end parts preinstalled — but you pay extra for that privilege. Another of our choices requires a price upgrade to get a high-end PCIe cable for connecting newer components. As always, balance price with features and shop for the best deals available at the time you plan to buy.
What to Know Before Buying the Smallest Mini-ITX Cases
With real estate buys, it’s location, location, location. Before buying the smallest mini-ITX cases, it’s all about space, space, space! Tiny ITX cases are popular because they are small, but you must know where to sacrifice. A larger case offers more build options. A smaller case offers more convenience. If you want convenience, prepare to think small and tight.
Building a mini-ITX PC is more challenging. Every component and cable matters. The case configuration matters. The small space complicates even the simplest upgrades. Preplanning for what you want to build, as well as what you may want to do in the future, is essential. Experienced carpenters “Measure twice and cut once,” so experienced PC builders using the smallest mini-ITX cases plan and plan. You may need to calculate dozens of possible combinations before finding the ideal one for you.
We recommend pre-building before connecting everything. Imagine finishing the 10th step only to discover step 11 is impossible in the available space. This includes routing all the cables and finding the best channels for them as you pre-fit components into place. Replace the panels and see how much space is between cables, parts, and the case sides. Sketch a diagram of your best assembly configuration before removing everything and building in earnest.
Using the Smallest Mini-ITX Cases: What It’s Like
Building a computer using the smallest mini-ITX cases has several advantages. Imagine carting your huge PC tower to a LAN party! Plus, modern advances in mini-ITX technology mean you don’t sacrifice performance or features for size. You can create a fully customized gaming PC, traveling LAN party rig, office computer, or portable content-creating station for a low cost.
