A search for the best micro ATX cases may seem to be a daunting prospect. To be honest, we do understand those customers who face this sort of phobia. Nowadays the variety of choice is so wide that there is a high chance to get lost in it. But we won’t let you do this. Here is the list of the best micro ATX cases as of today and a short guide on how to choose the best micro ATX case for your needs.
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Last update on 2023-10-02 // The links above are affiliate // Images from Amazon
First of all, you have to know what exactly you are looking for. Do you need an average computer chassis or are you going to build a powerful gaming PC?
Another factor which will affect your choice is your budget. Think how much money you are ready to spend on a new micro ATX case. Budget frames will narrow the range of cases you will have to consider and, consequently, this will save your precious time.
The next step is to learn some information about PC cases to know what characteristics you should always take into account. So here is a basic vernacular which will help you to accomplish the pre-cited task and will make your purchase much easier.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Micro-ATX Case
Form factors
Full-towers, mid-towers and mini-towers are those form factors which usually support micro ATX boards. This list can be also expanded by desktop and MOD-tower formats.
Drive bays
These are special areas in a case where you can install some additional computer hardware (temperature readouts, fan controllers, platter-style hard drives). Note that they don’t need any tools for installation. The size of drive bays can vary from 2.5 to 5.25 inches.
CPU cooler cutaways
Cooling plays a crucial part in the effective performance of any PC. So if you are going to equip your micro ATX case with the best CPU cooler then check whether it has a backing plate or other mounting hardware (usually installed from the board underneath).
Motherboard tray and standoffs
Placed at the bottom of a computer case, a motherboard tray (a place for a board in your PC case) has special holes for the motherboard standoffs, which help to fix a board and prevent an electrical short.
Fan mounts
These are special surfaces inside a PC case used for installation of additional ventilation. Their sizes can vary from 80mm up to 200mm.
Removable air filters
If fan mounts can be found in every PC case, removable air filters aren’t so widely spread. Still, the presence of such filter in your micro ATX case is a great bonus as it takes care of dust reduction inside the chassis.
GPU clearance
GPU clearance denotes space required by a graphics processing unit to fit in the case. In a nutshell, there must be enough room inside your micro ATX case to host a chosen GPU. What you should be aware of is that if a GPU clearance has 12 inches and more then it will be able to support almost any video card.
Optical drives
Here the point is that some high-end computer chassis, including micro ATX cases, require special kind of optical drive. This may be either a slim optical drive or a slot-load optical drive. The second type is more relevant for you as it is used in PC cases while the first one is typical for laptops with SFF form factor.
PC case ports
One of the main things about PC case ports is that your motherboard headers must match the ports of your new computer case. In case they don’t, you’ll need to get adapters or expansion cards.
Some other details which should be considered before a purchase include I/O shield, drive sleds and stealthing, expansion slots, cable management and PSU.
There is no doubt that if you want to find the best micro ATX case you should be aware of those pre-cited characteristics before you start searching for a computer chassis. Still, you can make your life easier and just look through our list of best micro ATX cases below.
Best Micro-ATX Cases
CORSAIR Crystal 280X
A Unique and Practical Micro-ATX Case
Owning something unique, but small and efficient at the same time, has always been a dream for generations of PC devotees. With the arrival of modern design and technologies, these dreams are becoming more and more of a reality and for the CORSAIR Crystal 280X, it can easily be said that it is a fulfillment of one.
With a great build quality, an exceptional appearance that is partially a result of using three tempered glass panels, and because of its great list of features, this case delivers everything that the premium micro-ATX or mini-ITX case should. Rather unusual for such a small product: this case offers a ton of space, enough for a lot of full-size components, including 30cm long graphics cards, full sized PSU, up to two 3.5” and three 2.5” drives and a lot more.
CORSAIR Crystal 280X doesn’t only offer great features such as excellent cable management, or good cooling thanks to its support to six 120mm fans or three 240mm radiators, but also silent operations and, although it’s pricey, a great value for the money.
If you want a small and stylish device that offers great performance at the same time, CORSAIR Crystal 280X is more than a pleasing option.
- Great cable management
- Spacious
- Easy use
- Price
Cooler Master MasterBox MB320L
A Budget-Friendly, Feature-Rich Micro ITX Case
Cooler Master MasterBox MB320L ARGB is an affordable, yet very functional micro ITX case, with plenty of customization options and everything that a more demanding gamer might need.
This device features a good airflow and solid cooling capabilities that allow installation of up to six 120mm fans (two 120mm ARGB fans come pre-installed) or two 140mm ones, or, on the other hand, three radiators that can be up to 240mm in size, if installed on top, 280mm if installed in the front, and up to 120mm, if installed on the rear side. Moreover, there are four expansion slots, tempered glass side panel, and a very handy movable drive cage that accept up to two 3.5” drives, or up to four 2.5” drives, and can be moved forward or backward, depending upon circumstances.
Cooler Master MasterBox MB320L ARGB is a sleek-looking case that can cope with graphics cards that are up to 344mm long, as well as PSUs that are at up to 140mm in length. Also, its I/O is fitted with two USB3.2 ports and two audio jacks; however, it lacks a USB Type-C connection, which is pretty much its only more serious drawback.
All in all, Cooler Master MasterBox MB320L ARGB is a spacious and easy-to-use case that presents an exceptional choice, of course, if you are after the best micro ITX case in the budget-friendly segment.
- Spacious
- Good airflow
- Sleek-looking
- Very good value for the money
- No USB Type-C connection
Nanoxia Rexgear 1
A Micro-ATX Case with Great Space and Plenty of Features
Attractive design, easy component installation, numerous cooling and storage options are just some of the great features that the Nanoxia Rexgear 1 brings to you. If you want a complete package that is affordable at the same time, this is the case for you.
With Nanoxia Rexgear 1 you are getting rubber pads for reduced vibrations, and a possibility to place the large 345mm long graphics card or full-length PSUs. Also, this case is equipped with a special removable horizontal tray for motherboards in order to reduce stress created by large CPU coolers and delivers vast space for both easy access and quality cable management. Simply put, in the case of the Nanoxia Rexgear 1, everything is done in order for you to feel special.
It is compatible with micro-ATX and mini-ITX boards, it has space for two 240/280mm radiators and six 120/140mm fans, as well as great storage options with room for three 3.5” drives and two 2.5” ones.
If you are an Iron Man fan, you will be more than pleased with the Nanoxia Rexgear 1 red version that looks like the Tony Stark built it himself. In other words, it doesn’t matter whether you are a die-hard gamer or just want a compact solution for your PC, this case simply rocks.
- Great cable management
- Support to up to six fans
- Easy to assemble
- Maybe too many features
darkFlash DLM21 MESH White
Exceptional Looks and Great Functionality in One
darkFlash DLM21 MESH White is a highly attractive and functional micro ITX case that provides everything that a mainstream case should. There is enough space for a decent cooling solution (up to six 120mm fans, or two radiators (240mm on the top and 120mm on the rear)), solid airflow, as well as good cable management.
Moreover, there are four expansion slots, one 3.5” drive bay and two 2.5” bays, and the ability to accept graphics cards that are up to 330mm in length, in other words, a good-enough potential for a decent mid-range gaming configuration.
However, that isn’t everything, since darkFlash DLM21 MESH White also brings a couple of aces up the sleeve and that is, before anything else, a tempered glass side panel that allows for easy opening and tool-less access to its spacious inside thanks to its magnetic design. Additionally, there’s its affordable price.
In other words, this case presents a very attractive overall deal. Therefore, if you are after the best micro ITX case out there, darkFlash DLM21 MESH White is certainly one that won’t disappoint you.
- Affordable
- Attractive design
- Roomy
- Sturdy
- Not the best connectivity
- Not the best quality control
Thermaltake Versa H17
A Great Budget Option for Any Micro-ATX Admirer
For all those looking for a decent micro-ATX case, that maybe isn’t sparkly but offers a lot of options and before anything else is cheap, Thermaltake Versa H17 comes as an ultimate solution.
Sleek and simple, made out of the brushed aluminum, with a tool-free design and support for both micro-ATX and mini-ITX boards, this case doesn’t have an intention to impress, but to do the job. It is not perfect – it has its downsides, such as its outdated design or not that great airflow, but all of that is insignificant when looking at the bigger picture, and that is that the Thermaltake Versa H17 is actually a real bargain.
With it, you are getting support for two 2.5” and two 3.5” drives, up to five 120mm fans or three 140mm ones, the option to install two radiators (one 240/280mm and one 120mm), great cable management, quality materials, a possibility to install a 350mm graphics card and a lot more.
Thermaltake Versa H17 maybe isn’t the most attractive chassis out there, but is surely a great value for the money and more than a rational solution if you are limited with recourses, but want a decent-quality case for your rig.
- Great price
- Simple
- Good value for the money
- Not that great design
SSUPD Meshlicious Mini-ITX
Versatile, Compact ITX Case
The SSUPD Meshlicious Mini-ITX is a SFF (small form factor) full-mesh side-panel case manufactured by the sister brand of Lian Li, a well-known Chinese tech manufacturer. In case you were wondering, SSUPD stands for “sunny side up design”, and speaking of design, it uses steel, fine mesh (mesh panels) on all but one side, and tempered glass. This particular choice of materials allowed SSUPD to build a compact ITX case with excellent cooling potential, but without compromising in terms of dust filtration.
Needless to say, the Meshlicious features excellent build quality, and it’s sturdy, while the fine mesh panels act like dust filters. For an ITX chassis, the Mini is well priced, is easy to assemble, can hold up to a 280 mm radiator without compromising functionality, and features a flexible interior for either long GPU, or short GPU with additional storage possibilities.
The unit comes with a clean and well-framed glass panel, and all main panels are easily detachable. You’ll get USB-C IO on top, and due to its smart design, the case can hold even the thickest GPUs out there, while offering flexibility for SFX, SFX-L, or ATX PSU.
Finally, there are plenty of well-placed cable hooks for keeping things clean, and you can order the unit in black or white without the riser cable.
- Tool free design
- Small form factor
- Lots of options
- Quality mesh panels
- Very sturdy
- Well priced
- Great airflow
- Limited front I/O
Phanteks Enthoo EVOLV
An Amazing-Looking Case that Will Perfectly Suit All Your Needs
Phanteks PH-ES314ETG_AG EVOLVmaybe isn’t among the cheapest chassis you can find on the market, but it is definitely among the most attractive ones. Thanks to its RGB lighting and dual Tempered Glass panels, this case transforms every computer configuration into an eye-appealing product.
Other than the great look, Phanteks PH-ES314ETG_AG EVOLV also offers evenly great features that fully justify its a bit high price tag. Spacious, with plenty of room for large components and their easy placement, including the 192mm CPU coolers, this chassis is a perfect fit for any serious gamer. When we also add that this case supports for up to six 120mm or five 140mm fans and that it allows for the installation of whatever liquid cooling solution you want, its gaming usability increases even further.
Phanteks PH-ES314ETG_AG EVOLV storage capacities that include bays for two 3.5“ and two 2.5“ drives certainly can be better, but that is, along with its a bit larger weight, one of the rare downsides of this otherwise great micro-ATX case.
In other words, if you want a premium chassis for your micro-ATX or mini-ITX board, that will be attractive and feature rich at the same time, Phanteks PH-ES314ETG_AG EVOLV is an exceptional choice.
- Great liquid cooling options
- Great set of features
- Clean inside
- A bit heavy
Thermaltake CORE V21 Micro ATX Cube
A Highly Affordable, but First of All, Practical Micro-ATX Chassis
Thermaltake Core V21 isn’t a case that will buy you with its beauty, its main advantage is the combination of a decent set of features and a budget price. Because of that, this case might lack refinement in some departments such as the imperfect build quality, but overall it offers everything that it needs to, too and much more.
Thanks to its modular design and the fact that it allows a lot of flexibility, Thermaltake Core V21 gives space for numerous customizations, including storage and cooling solutions. The chassis itself supports for up to three 3.5” and three 2.5” drives, graphics cards with 350mm in length, five radiators and up to the staggering 11 fans (it is delivered with a preinstalled 200mm fan), that is more than good for the case of these dimensions, and especially this price.
In other words, this is the chassis that will fulfill almost any type of needs, from serious cooling solutions demanded by hardcore overclockers, to the storage capacities needed by small file servers. All in all, Thermaltake Core V21 is a great versatile choice that will suit anybody’s budget.
- Good price
- A lot of cooling options
- Not that great build quality
Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L
Being priced in the budget area doesn’t necessarily mean that the product itself is faulty or lacks some features. A clear evidence for that is Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L. Not only does this case have a premium appearance, but it also offers equally good performance and quality features such as the much more expensive premium models.
Very modular, with the right amount of everything, Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L is a sure thing whether you are looking for a gaming case or a discrete option for your living room’s media center. Stylish, with great cooling options (it supports for up to six 120mm fans, or two radiators one 120mm and another 240mm one) and although a bit tight, with enough space even for the graphics that are 360mm long, this case presents an excellent value for the money.
One of its rare downsides is a mediocre storage capacity that is based only on one 3.5” and two 2.5” drive bays, which is very little for every case type. Luckily, that is one of its few flaws and it can be generally said that the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L case is actually a great product with an excellent value for the money.
- Exceptional cable management
- Affordable
- Side panel made out of plastic
- Too few storage options
Thermaltake Level 20 VT
A Chassis that Will Turn Every PC into a Beauty
Great appearance has always been an important aspect of any hardware’s success, but in the case of Thermaltake Level 20 VT, the bar has been raised even further. Thanks to its ultra-modern design and four Tempered glass panels, this case creates a unique impression and perfectly fits in any role type, from a gaming rig to media storage.
Its features are equally good as its looks. It includes support for up to nine fans (it is delivered with preinstalled 200mm fan), exceptional liquid cooling and support to up to four radiators, three 3.5” and three 2.5” drive bays. Also, Thermaltake Level 20 VT has enough room to accept CPU coolers with 185mm in height, full-sized PSUs with up to 200mm in length and large graphics cards that go up to 350mm in length.
Moreover, this chassis performance is extremely quiet and its spacious interior, based on the chamber design, allows for a lot of flexibility and helps users find their perfect fit. All in all, Thermaltake Level 20 VT is an amazing piece of hardware that just doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. There is just no mistake with this one.
- Great looking
- Modularity
- Fairly large
As you can see the range of micro ATX cases is really wide – there are cases for any taste. Try to find the best micro ATX case namely for you and enjoy working with it.
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv, you put here the ITX version where matx motherboard wont fit.
Hi Luiz,
Thank you for letting us know. Fixed it=)
You list the Cooler Master Masterbox as having Oustanding Airflow. I bought this case and it in fact does not have good airflow. I constantly get heat warnings from my gtx 1080 that it’s going over 80°c while gaming. My only option to keep the temps low enough to prevent the warning is to remove the front face plate. I’m even considering drilling out fan holes on the top of the case for better exhaust.
Hi Jake,
It’s a pity to hear that. 1080 produces a lot of heat https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nvidia-geforce-gtx-1080-pascal,4572-11.html, so maybe it’s more about the card than the case (and it’s a $40 case so it may have troubles running extremely hot and powerful systems). Also, it’s ok for the graphics card to go to 80C when gaming. Anything below 90C shouldn’t damage your system.
Did you try to keep your front panel a bit open? Like in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8i2bDkeffM. (It’s a bit different case but should work similarly).
Also, there is a “Airflow fix” video for this case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joLh9H_5ufI). We are not aware if it works well, so if you decide to try it, do it on your own risk.
Hey does anyone heard Fractal Design Defini Mini C TG, I think it shoud take Nr.1 spot… its more advanced that Corsair case
Good to see Nanoxia on this list, they’re way too underrated outside of EUR and the deep silence series cases are great. The US is getting two new variations of their Project S case (the “Midi” and “Mini”) in February. Those probably deserve a spot on the list maybe taking the Rexgear 1’s place. Good list though for sure.
Interesting write up on some of the mATX, thanks for putting it together. Since this list is very similar to all the other current lists out there, I am guessing there just isn’t enough love out there from the case manufacturers for the mATX size. Personally I don’t want a huge tower case, but I need better air flow and options than a ITX size offers.
One thing to note, in a couple of the cases you list the lack of a 5.25/CD/DVD bay as a Con….thats actually a Pro. It’s 2019, who the heck uses a CD/DVD drive any more in a newer system?
Yeah, you’re right=) We’ll fix this soon as we’re currently in the content revision process.
5.25 bays can be used for more than just CD/DVD drives. They can be used for add in hot-swap bays, card readers, fan controllers, etc.
That Masterbox is a piece of junk. Whoever made this list is getting paid if they are putting that on a list of good cases. I built my friend a computer from my old parts and used that case bc it was super cheap ($39 right after it came out). He knows nada abt computer andIi was still embarrassed to give it to him.