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There are various approaches to assembling a PC, with some buyers accumulating vital parts like CPUs and GPUs first. Often, builders are ready to create their dream rig but lack thebest caseto hold these components. Fortunately, the range of PC case sizes is vast and can accommodate the largest graphics cards or keep a compact system running efficiently.
Whether a build has a mini ITX, microATX, orATX motherboardcan immediately eliminate many contenders. However, some cases work with most or all these form factors, so buyers aren’t short on options. When searching for the most visible part of a PC, buyers should consider factors like available space and how many cooling fans are necessary. Also, style may play a role in the selection process, with enclosures coming in many different colors and materials.
Small Form Factor Cases
Small Form Factor (SFF) cases are ideal for buyers with limited space andsmall desks. However, space-saving needs aren’t the only reason buyers choose these compact enclosures for a build. Fitting powerful components in smaller cases is more complicated, but the resulting systems are often quiet and power-efficient. These compact builds fit seamlessly in living or media rooms with other components on aTV stand.
The mini ITX form factor is the most popular choice among PC case sizes for diminutive builds. Manufacturers employ numerous strategies to accommodate long GPUs while preserving enough space for adequate airflow. Game Rant ranked the Thermaltake The Tower 100 as thebest Mini ITX casebecause it requires very few compromises. Its shape resembles an Xbox Series X|S console, taking up a minimal footprint on desktops. Recognizing that warm air rises, ample ventilation is at the top of the case, with fans on its top and back panel effectively exhausting heat.
Thermaltake The Tower 100
With a unique vertical orientation, the Thermaltake The Tower 100 showcases builds with a trio of tempered glass panels on its front and sides. This case is designed to take up as little space as possible on a desktop while not limiting options for system builders. Even in its compact mini ITX form factor, The Tower 100 can accommodate long RTX 30 series graphics cards. With large vents around the case and eight dust filters, The Tower 100’s thermal performance is as impressive as its appearance.
The Thermaltake The Tower 100 is large enough to house GPUs up to 330 mm long, sufficient for even some RTX 4090 cards. Still, not all mini ITX cases have this much free space, and even more compact alternatives exist. Buyers with modern graphics cards will find thatThermaltake’s Core V1can only fit 285 mm GPUs, making it more appropriate for a media PC relying on integrated graphics.
Just because a mini ITX case is expansive enough for tallCPU coolersand graphics cards doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for a builder. Smaller enclosures limit options for adding fans, AIO liquid coolers, and designing effective cooling configurations. Having full-sized components blocking airflow only makes the task more difficult.
Cable managementis another common issue when assembling mini ITX PCs. While these systems tend to have smaller parts, routing cables in tight quarters can be frustrating, and there aren’t large compartments to hide wires.
Despite some drawbacks, there has been a gradual trend toward smaller work, gaming, and media builds. Graphics cards are an exception, but the popularity of slimmer components like NVMe SSD storage makes Small Form Factor cases appealing. Motherboards compatible with these cases are commonplace, but buyers will usually need a mini ITX power supply as well. Generally, it’s more difficult to find discounts on these parts than on standard ATX components.
Small footprint
Less cooling options
Looks appropriate in living rooms
Trickier cable management
Recent mini ITX cases designed for larger GPUs
Some parts are more expensive
MicroATX Cases
MicroATX cases are the next step up on the sizing scale for PC builders. In many ways, these cases are downsized versions of typical mid-tower chassis. There is a broader selection of lower-priced microATX components compared to the more specialized mini ITX parts. Consequently, these cases are perfect for buyers on a budget who find larger cases occupy a bit too much space.
One area where mid-tower ATX cases have an advantage over microATX options is with expandability. MicroATX cases and motherboards usually have fewer USB ports and PCIe slots, which can pose a problem with some builds. It’s also usually impossible to benefit from multiple graphics cards, but that’s become less of an issue as single GPU builds are far more common. Exceeding expectations, the Fractal Design Pop Mini Air is an example of a microATX case that intelligently maximizes its available space.
Fractal Design Pop Mini Air
The Fractal Design Pop Mini Air is a stylish and compact micro ATX/mini ITX case that carries on the tradition of Fractal Design innovation. Buyers can install six SSDs or two 3.5" hard drives to combat the storage limitations of smaller cases. Adding to the value of the Pop Mini Air are three Aspect 12 RGB fans, which generate massive airflow and look great in the process. A honeycomb mesh front panel promotes air circulation into the case, while a tempered glass side panel allows gamers to show off their rigs.
The Pop Mini Air’s design is very similar to its larger cousin, the Pop Air. Buyers may be surprised that the case can accommodate up to three 3.5-inch hard drives and six SSDs. While it reduces the case’s storage capabilities somewhat when in use, the Pop Mini Air also features a bottom tray where an optical drive can be installed. There is also enough leftover space for three included 120 mm fans, which draw in cool air through its honeycomb mesh front and exhaust hot air through its backside. On the other hand, buyers will find it more difficult to install 360 mmAIO liquid coolerson most microATX cases, often limited to 240 mm configurations.
This microATX form factor has numerousbudget casessuitable for potent gaming PCs.Fractal Design casesaren’t known to be incredibly affordable, but the Pop Mini Air is currently one of the better values on the market. SincemicroATX motherboardsare often cheaper than ATX versions, these enclosures rank first among PC case sizes to experience premium performance on a modest budget.
More affordable form factor than mini ITX
microATX motherboards have fewer ports and slots
Saves space compared to mid-tower ATX cases
Installing larger components can be difficult
Very few performance limitations
Mid-Tower Cases
For many years,mid-tower ATX casesdominated the marketplace as a practical form factor for most gamers. More recently, compact cases have gained popularity, but the selection of mid-tower cases remains unmatched. Mid-tower cases are designed to work with ATX motherboards and power supplies, but they come in a wide range of sizes regardless. This class of enclosures is also the most varied in terms of aesthetics, with a generous number of colors and materials to choose from. Unfortunately, the immense selection can also make selecting a case challenging for new builders.
Mid-tower cases are crafted to accept the largest and most powerful graphics cards and CPU coolers. Some options, like the MSI MPG Gungnir 300R Airflow, also encourage mounting GPUs vertically to free up space in a chassis or provide access to lower motherboard ports. The MPG Gungnir 300R includes an illuminated adjustable GPU holder to reduce sagging. Larger and smaller mid-tower cases exist, but the MPG Gungnir 300R is the most representative of the well-rounded capabilities of the form factor.
MSI MPG Gungnir 300R Airflow
The MSI MPG Gungnir 300R is a mid-tower case that emphasizes promoting a steady stream of airflow through its chassis. The front panel features a single-piece mesh design with the case allowing for up to two 360 mm AIO liquid coolers or 12 fans. An adjustable omnidirectional graphics card holder makes vertically mounting even RTX 4000 series GPUs simple and secure.
The appearance of a mid-tower case can vary dramatically from one model to another. More recently, dual-chamber cases like theCorsair iCUE Link 6500Xhave become in demand. In stark contrast to tall and thin designs, the iCue Link 6500X is wider, with tempered glass panels wrapping around the enclosure’s front panel. Consequently, gamers have a larger view of their RGB components. More practically, dual-chamber cases devote a section to cable management, where builders can hide cables behind motherboards. Mid-tower cases are highly adaptable to evolving parts, and this Corsair case is compatible with new reverse connection motherboards likeMSI’s Project Zerocollection.
Ultimately, ATX cases make the most sense for gamers looking to push performance boundaries. Still, some mid-tower enclosures are more welcoming to a large array of fans and radiators than others. Gamers should always consider how the specs of a particular case meet the needs of their builds, especially if overclocking CPUs is a goal.
Huge variety of designs and styles
Specs lack consistency
Compatible with parts from other form factors
Some cases take up considerable space
Many models are easily customized
Full-Tower Cases
The most supersized of all PC case sizes may be falling out of favor, but they have some undeniable advantages for gamers. If a buyer needs a single case that will work regardless of the chosen parts, afull-tower casewill never disappoint. Builders can experiment with cooling configurations that involve almost an unlimited number of fans.
There are exceptions, like thePhanteks Enthoo Pro, but full tower cases are typically pricey. Besides the ample chassis space, these enclosures are often relied on for critical servers and are extremely durable. Using thick steel panels and sound-absorbing foam, full-tower options can be surprisinglyquiet cases. The cases are spacious enough for up to 200 mm fans and massive radiators, which produce more airflow with less noise than using several smaller blowers. If a build leaves plenty of leftover space in a chassis, multiple cooling pathways exist to keep cutting-edge CPUs and GPUs quiet.
Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL is a full-tower all-white PC case with a smart design. The case allows users to reverse the chassis, meaning the tempered glass will face the right way if the PC is kept on either the left or right side of the setup. There is integrated RGB lighting and a seamless tempered glass side that flows almost seamlessly into the front panel. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL can accommodate up to a 420mm radiator next to the motherboard and the same at the top or front using the included bracket. A full-sized GPU that’s up to 450mm can also be used in this case.
Traditional full-tower cases often have a more basic industrial exterior, but recently, some have been designed with more flair. The Lian Li 011 Dynamic Evo XL is a giant version of a case that RGB fanatics often pack with illuminated fans. While it emphasizes looks with multiple tempered glass panels, the 011 Dynamic Evo XL has installation points for several 420 mm radiators. The case also supportsE-ATX motherboards, which overclockers prefer because of their build quality and larger heat sinks.
The main sticking point of full tower cases is their considerable weight and massive dimensions. Cases like the 011 Dynamic Evo XL are compatible with up to four 3.5-inch hard drives, but modern builds rarely include these bulky storage solutions. As many components have become downsized, the advantages of full tower cases aren’t quite as meaningful.
Large enough for E-ATX motherboards
Most expensive case size
Supports massive fans and radiators
Builds often don’t take advantage of storage capabilities
Many cases have excellent build quality
Finding the Perfect PC Case
Choosing the right case for a build isn’t as simple as selecting the one that looks the nicest on a gaming desk. Buyers should first consider the available PC case sizes and determine which option best suits their components.
Small Form Factor cases are designed to hold mini ITX motherboards andpower supplies. However, builders can often install these parts in larger cases if they prefer a roomier chassis. The main advantage of SFF models is their size, making them perfect for compact setups and living rooms. Still, working inside the tight confines of these miniature cases can be frustrating. Also, mini ITX components are more expensive than larger form factors despite their size.
When assembling a budget gaming PC, microATX cases are reasonably priced ways to finish surprisingly powerful builds. MicroATX motherboards are compatible with thefastest memoryand processors, and cases are just spacious enough for long GPUs. Regardless, ATX parts are only marginally more expensive, and mid-tower cases remain the most popular enclosures. Narrowing down the list of mid-tower cases is especially difficult because of the many different shapes, sizes, and styles.
Full-tower cases are overkill for most buyers since their added storage capacity and space are largely wasted. On the other hand, they accept the most powerful cooling systems and are typically built to last years.
Depending on the build, the wrong case size can lead to overheating and inability to perform upgrades. Whether you decide on a small or large case, ensure it will keep a PC running optimally now and in the future.
FAQ
Q: What’s bigger than the ATX form factor?
E-ATX motherboards are the largest form of these components and are readily available to consumers. However, while full-tower cases and E-ATX motherboards result in a system with nearly unlimited expandability, PCs take up a large footprint, are expensive, and are power-hungry.
Q: Is microATX good for gaming?
MicroATX motherboards and cases are competitively priced and more practical than miniITX alternatives for many gamers. Buyers should ensure that a GPU will fit in these compact enclosures; otherwise, there are usually few compatibility issues.
