Mini-ITX enclosures are perfect for compact gaming systems. They might not be as visually arresting as tower ATX cases, but they can still accommodate a strong gaming machine. Be sure the one you select is compatible with the newest CPUs and has slots big enough for the more powerful GPUs.
They are also transportable, which is helpful if your wife likes to change the furniture in the house often.
Unsure about the small form factor PC case to buy? In this blog post, I’ll review some of the Best Mini Itx Case For Custom Loop on the market.
Best Mini Itx Case For Custom Loop
1. NZXT H210i – CA-H210i-W1 – Mini-ITX PC Gaming Case
Nowadays, it is quite rare to see a list of the “best mini-ITX cases” without NZXT on it. Throughout the years, they have become quite well-liked among gamers, including me.
Compared to other ITX cases, the H210i’s 27 liters make it significantly larger, but it’s still not overly large. It features a very sleek and contemporary design and comes with straps and channels already attached, saving you time when setting things up. The fully toughened glass door on the side will allow everyone to see your work once you’re done.
The H210i’s I/O panel has one USB 3.1 Type C port, one USB 3.1 size A connector, and a headphone jack. This suggests that the number of peripherals you can connect is somewhat limited. Still, I didn’t really have a problem with this as I already had a USB hub. If you wish to connect charging cables, cameras, wireless Xbox controller receivers, and other gadgets, I’d highly suggest obtaining a USB hub.
NZXT’s CAM software provides you complete control over the H210i’s 4 fans, which are distributed as follows: 2 in the front, 1 up top, and 1 in the rear. Using CAM, you can keep an eye on a number of things, such as the processor’s clock rates, bandwidth use, and in-game statistics like FPS and GPU load. Also, you may customize the RGB lighting that is already installed.
The NZXT H210i comes with the more sophisticated Smart Device V2. The little, black gadget known as the “Smart device,” which is located beneath the cable management bar, is in charge of many different operations. It controls the RGB lighting and fan integration, keeps track of the room’s temperature, keeps an ear out for changes in noise levels, and modifies fan speeds as appropriate. As a result, you might be able to get a Computer that operates quietly and effectively.
Lastly, you may set up water cooling with the NZXT H210i because it does support radiators. Water cooling might be useful if you want to play video games for a long time and want to keep your PC from overheating. Choose the ideal Duramax L5P oil for your upcoming long trip.
Pros
- Sleek design.
- Outstanding cooling capacity, ideal for powerful GPUs, and easy to set up.
- Automatically operating fan noise reduction system.
Cons
- In terms of size and weight, it differs from the majority of other ITX cases.
- A little I/O.
2. Thermaltake Core V1 SPCC Mini ITX Cube Gaming
The Core V1 Cube is one of the smallest ITX cases I’ve ever seen, yet despite its little size, it is packed with features. Initially, the interior is split between an upper and lower chamber. The top chamber is used for cooling and performance, while the bottom chamber primarily acts as a space for cable management. I found that by doing this, everything stayed neat and orderly and that it was simple for me to reorganize things afterwards.
Cooling is a major focus of the Core V1 Cube. It features a large 200mm fan in the front and two aftermarket 80mm fans installed in the back. Moreover, it supports homemade liquid and air cooling systems. The removable drive racks are referred to as the “Drive Bay Design” in this situation. The consequence is a more open interior, which improves the effectiveness of the cooling systems. Both the NZXT and the V1 Cube support radiators.
The Thermaltake Core V1 Cube has a straightforward, clean I/O panel, two USB 3.0 ports, and an HD audio connection. So, similar to the NZXT H210, you’ll need a USB hub if you want to use anything more than a mouse and a keyboard.
The Core V1 Cube allows for the installation of a graphics card with a maximum length of 285mm and up to two storage device modules. However, this prevents some of the more potent graphics cards from being connected, including my own NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti. You should be able to connect many of the mid-tier graphics cards and have a solid little ITX system to play high-end games at lower resolutions. It should also be able to execute demanding apps without any problems. Top Choices for Radiator Hose Clamps in 2022.
Pros
- The smallest computer case on the list.
- Lightweight segregated chamber design for easier cable management.
- Good radiator support cooling systems.
Cons
- The biggest VGA sizes are incompatible with this.
- Small I/O.
3. DarkFlash Micro ATX Mini ITX Tower MicroATX
Similar to the NZXT H210, this darkFlash case is larger than other compact ITX cases. Their sizes are comparable in reality. Similar to the H210, the darkFlash Mini ITX tower includes a tempered glass side panel that makes it simple to access the internal parts and show off your rigging skills.
The DLM21 White unit caught my attention when I first saw it. The device’s front panel has a polygonal pattern etched into it that makes it appear to be incredibly three-dimensional.
Because to its increased size, the darkFlash can now accommodate larger graphics cards, such as my RTX 2080i. Thus, in my opinion, if you’re a serious gamer who wants a fairly compact micro ITX gaming case, this is an excellent choice. It can also support a few component changes in the future because it has 4 expansion slots.
With the darkFlash Mini ITX tower, you won’t have any trouble keeping your devices cool because it supports up to six fans (2 on top, 2 in the front, and 2 in the rear). It also makes it possible to install radiators on the top and rear of the enclosure.
On the I/O panel, there is one USB 3.0 port and two additional USB 2.0 ports. Even though it offers three connections for devices, I would have wanted to have at least two USB 3.0 ports. Nevertheless it’s impossible to complain given the price. A microphone and headphone jack are also provided.
Pros
- Beautiful design.
- Allows for more potent graphics cards.
- Wonderful cooling systems.
- Expands by four slots.
Cons
- Minimal I/O.
- Larger than the typical Mini ITX container.
4. Cooler Master MasterCase H100 Mini-ITX PC Case
The Cooler Master H100’s mesh ventilation on the case’s front face is the first thing you’ll notice about it. All of the internal heat may now leave more easily as a result. In addition, a large portion of the dust will be filtered out due to how fine the mesh is.
The bundle comes with both a full-sized ATX power supply and a Mini-ITX enclosure. This suggests that it will draw power more efficiently and be compatible with more powerful equipment.
The Cooler Case H100 comes with a 200mm RGB Fan, so you won’t have to waste time shopping for an aftermarket fan. The case only has enough for one fan at the front, but so far I haven’t had any problems as a result. Because of the mesh ventilation and the option to add a radiator, the inside temperature never seemed to go out of control.
The case’s built-in top handle is something I really like. This was useful when I had to transport my gaming equipment to a friend’s house for a LAN party. It ranks among the best little ITX cases I’ve ever used.
Its main flaw could be that it only supports small graphics card sizes. Also, adding a radiator shrinks the space reserved for a VGA. As a result, you may install a 210mm-long graphics card without a radiator, but if you add one, your available space is reduced even more, to roughly 180mm.
Pros
- Mesh ventilation enables improved airflow and dust filtration.
- Power-efficient.
- The incorporated handle makes it portable.
- Amazing cooling.
Cons
- There is no support for larger graphics cards.
- A little I/O.
5. Fractal Design Node 202 Black Mini-ITX Slim
On the Fractal Design Node 202, there is a very stealthy black design. It doesn’t immediately attract your attention as other examples with brilliant RGB lights, but it doesn’t mean it doesn’t look lovely. If you prefer minimalist designs, you’ll surely adore the look that Fractal was going for.
The Design Node 202 may be set up to either stand up or sit flat on your desk. Hence, when choosing where and how to set up your Computer setup, you have more possibilities. It nearly resembles a console when it is placed flat on a surface.
If you prop open the case, the motherboard and graphics card have their own compartments. By doing this, heat is kept from accumulating in one area and from invading on another. The graphics card chamber can fit cards up to 310mm in length. This allowed me to easily fit my RTX 2080i inside.
As you look around, you can also notice that several air filters are being used to continually keep the inside dust-free. You may play for hours without worrying about overheating because the graphics card chamber of this case can fit up to two 120mm fans.
Pros
- Both vertically and horizontally organized.
- Interior design that is energy-efficient.
- Supports large graphics cards with inbuilt air filters.
Cons
- Limited I/O
What’s my pick for the best Mini ITX Case?
The small form factor computer case that I would most likely pick if I were shopping is the darkFlash Mini ITX tower. I could easily put my RTX 2080Ti within this little ITX case because it is guaranteed to support a full GPU, or rather a full-sized VGA. The enclosure can keep everything cool and includes four expansion slots for future upgrades. The final result is great. One of the top micro ITX cases has been my joy to use.
Questions and Answers
Is a Mini ITX capable of running games?
Gamers adore chic compact ITX cases like the one from darkFlash because of this. Although being compact, it has four expansion slots and supports large VGAs.
I don’t know if my Mini ITX case can accommodate a large graphics card.
Check the product’s specs for the size of the PCIe slot. A PCIe 3.0 x16 slot is frequently necessary for the biggest cards that are currently on the market. The number that comes after the “x” determines how big the slot is.
How can I maintain the cooling of a Mini ITX build?
You can choose from a variety of possibilities. Then, check to see if anything is blocking the air filters inside the case. Dust, which may clog fans by accumulating on them, is one of the major reasons of overheating. They could also block vents. As a result, if your case doesn’t already have any filters, make sure to regularly dust it using a bottle of compressed air.
To speed up the pace at which heat is dispersed, you can also consider installing extra fans and a radiator, if your situation allows it.
Emma, the founder of The Info Book, started with a passion for Blogging in 2013. She has continued her passion for Blogging and desire to improve her skills and wanted to share her journey and helpful knowledge with other like-minded individuals.
She launched The Info Book as an outlet for those interested in learning more about topics like automotive, sports in hopes that other’s can take what she learn and apply it for themselves!