Small grade factor (SFF) builds are becoming quite the thing present, and a lot of conventional ATX, mid-belfry builds are now looking at sizing down and edifice smart and powerful systems in mini-ITX enclosures. With more and more highly capable, easy-to-use and sleek mini-ITX cases under 20 litres volume (to be technically chosen a SFF build), there has never been a time to commence on your first SFF build, or mayhap upgrade your current mini ITX system with a new enclosure.

In this guide we volition evidence you lot our favorite mITX cases currently available in 2021, and why these will be suitable for any blazon of builder – novice or seasoned.


Our recommendations

Model Blueprint Volume
Dancase A4-SFX V2 Dancase-A4SFX vii.2L
LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII ghost-s1-black viii.1L
Sliger SM550 SLIGER SM550 MINI ITX CASE 9.7L
Fractal Design Node 202 Fractal Design Node 202 x.2L
Ncase M1 Ncase-M1 12.6L
Cougar QBX cougar-qbx mini itx case nineteen.9L
FormDWorks T1 V1.1 FormDWorks T1 V1.1 nine.5L
NZXT H1 NZXT H1 13.6L
Thor Zone MJOLNIR Thor-Mjolnir 9.7L
Velkase Velka 3 Velkase-Velka-3 3.7L
Silverstone SG13 SilverStone Sugo SG13-1 11.5L

Dancase A4-SFX V4 (7.2L)

Dancase-A4SFX

If you lot're part of the small-scale form factor (SFF) architect customs and so this mini ITX case needs no introduction – the Dancase A4-SFX is the king of SFF enclosures – and with the release of the almost recent version (V4) now is a better fourth dimension than ever to become this SFF case.

Coming in at just seven.2L volume, this is i of the smallest PC cases that can house a detached full size graphics carte du jour, of up to 295mm in length and 2-slot in width. CPU coolers are uniform of upwards to 48mm, with the Noctua NH-L9i beingness the SFF builders community libation of choice.

The A4-SFX is certainly ane of the nigh expensive and premium SFF cases on the market, and is known to be a typical case for high stop, powerful ITX builds – such equally with the RTX 2080 Ti or i9-9900K commonly featured in the A4-SFX. The original version of this case just featured 1 instance fan mount which means cooling is express but still sufficient but planning for airflow needs to be considered to ensure a build with decent thermals. The newer version, the V4, has added additional fan mountpoints to requite the A4-SFX amend potential for cooling and improving thermals.

The differences between the new A4-SFX V4 compared to previous versions such as the A4-SFX V3/2/1 are listed below:

  • New 92mm fan mountpoint underneath the motherboard
  • PSU raised 5mm to have more space for a 92mm AIO cooler
  • USB 3.one gen2 Type C on the front panel
  • New 120mm mountpoints above motherboard for 120mm AIO
  • Changing hard drive bracket to allow for 15mm thick drives

One of the best PC cases money can buy – should you end up with this instance nosotros recommend reading our guide on the recommended parts for Dancase A4 SFX builds, or perhaps similar the pattern of this and desire a cheaper alternative, here is a guide to some Dancase A4-SFX alternatives.


LOUQE Ghost S1 MKII (8.2L)

ghost-s1-black

Although not the smallest ITX instance, the LOUQE Ghost S1 information technology perchance is our favourite mini TIX case despite the $245 retail toll and notoriously lengthy delivery times – nosotros've been waiting 3 months for our order to get in!

The Ghost S1 comes in at eight.2L book and features a like layout to the A4-SFX, and supports GPUs of up to 305mm – then even beefy 2080 Ti's will be able to fit in this ITX case! CPU libation support is greater than the A4-SFX, too, with coolers upwardly to 66mm of height being able to fit in the enclosure – and specifically for this case the Scythe Big Shuriken 2 is known to exist a great libation pairing with the Ghost S1.

If yous want to get AIO or liquid cooled, the Ghost S1 offers 'top hats' and the power to expand the case to fit large radiator setups. Take note that if you want to install top hats and AIO cool the Ghost S1, the book of the case will brainstorm to approach that of the NCase M1 – then if thats the case you may also want to consider this SFF instance – which is known every bit the best mini-ITX case for airflow and watercooling.

Our guide to the best PC parts for LOUQE Ghost S1 builds tin can be found hither, where we get into detail the superlative PSUs, CPU coolers and instance fans to pair with the LOUQE S1 enclosure and become the maximum functioning out of this high-performance SFF example.


Sliger SM550 (9.7L)

SLIGER SM550 MINI ITX CASE

The Sliger SM550 is one of the newest and hottest SFF cases on the market in 2021, and comes from the same guys who make the Cerberus X – the smallest ATX example on the marketplace. Despite only being available for a short period of time, many SFF builders from reddit's /r/SFFPC customs have posted impressive build logs and thermals with the Sliger SM550 – and hence information technology gets our recommendation for a great ITX example to consider.

Bachelor in 3 unlike colours, this nine.7L volume mini-ITX case tin can fit dual-slot, full length GPUs of up to 310mm in length, and CPU coolers of up to 55mm in height. There is plenty of room for cooling, with two fan mounts for 120 10 25mm fans to drive down thermals and create an ITX instance with good airflow.

The Sliger SM550 is manufactured in the Usa and build quality has been noted to be exceptional, also as characteristic sets – including a forepart panel I/O with USB 3.one Gen 2 Blazon C, Type A, 2 audio jacks and a great side panel to show off your SFFPC components.

At $180, the Sliger SM550 is priced competitively and offers a cheaper mini-ITX alternative to the Ghost S1 or Dancase A4-SFX – which are priced on the more than premium cease.

Update: Sliger have recently announced 2 more ITX cases to their lineup which are slightly larger in volume, and may appeal to those who want a little more than internal space than the SM550. These ii new announced cards are the Sliger SM570 (xiii.9L) and SM580 (xv.9L) – check out the official folio linked to view more information well-nigh these two gorgeous mini ITX cases for SFF builds.


Node 202 (x.2L)

Fractal Design Node 202

The quaternary entry on our ITX case list, the Fractal Blueprint Node 202, is the best mini ITX case for HTPC/console-style setups. Featuring a more flat design that can exist tucked abroad nether a TV console – the Node 202 is popular option amid SFF builders since it is good value ($80), 10.2L in volume (pocket-size) and fits 3-slot graphics cards of up to 310mm in length and CPU coolers of up to 56mm in superlative – with the Scythe Big Shuriken 2 rev.B being our recommended CPU cooler for the Node 202 to requite the all-time thermals for this case. It is of import to note that many CPU cooler setups with this ITX case, including the Shuriken ii, means you volition have to opt for low contour RAM to allow for the cooler to fit.

We also have a guide recommending the top PC parts for Node 202 builds – should you want to build with this case.


NCase M1 (12.6L)

Ncase-M1

The NCase M1 is known as the OG SFF instance that really helped drive the SFF builders community to where it is today – originating from a highly successful kickstarter campaign and has gone from strength to strength since. This 12.6L volume mini-ITX case is regarded as the best mini ITX case for airflow, and offers a super-small-scale footprint (albeit not smaller than the previous entries on this list) without sacrificing any performance to reach the 12.6L size.

This $195 case allows for graphics cards of up to 317mm in length and 3-slot in width – so really any card you throw at it, it should fit. Well-nigh impressive is that the NCase M1 allows for CPU coolers of up to 130mm height, more than double of what is capable in the Dan Example A4-SFX.

Cooling wise, the NCase M1 is able to fit a 240mm radiator in the enclosure for a AIO SFF build, or if you prefer an air cooled setup the NCase M1 supports upwards to 5 120mm case fans inside – impressive. The optimum cooling setup for the NCase M1 is to use 3 fans, 2 for the graphics card intake and ane on the side bracket too every bit an intake – this is the easiest setup to go very decent thermal performance in the NCase M1.

If you want to go AIO, we have been told that fitting the NCase M1 with the Arctic Accellero II and 14S will create one of the best quietest SFF builds possible. We go into more detail about the best-matched components for NCASE M1 builds here – for maximum functioning and cooling potential with the NCASE M1.

If the NCase M1 sounds like the best SFF case for you – and so we take a dedicated guide to the all-time components for the NCase M1 that may interest y'all. It can be establish here.


Cougar QBX (19.9L)

cougar-qbx mini itx case

The final case on our list is the Cougar QBX coming in at 19.9L (simply under the 20L definition of what is 'small grade cistron') and is generally regarded by the SFF community as the best budget Mini ITX case on the market place. Retailing at just the $l, the Cougar QBX presents a neat option for budget SFF builders who desire to try their hand at perhaps their offset mini ITX build – without breaking the banking company.

Although not synthetic of the highest quality materials that you may run into on the Ghost S1 or A4-SFX, the Cougar QBX even so provides swell thermal performance and component compatibility – supporting graphics cards of up to 350mm in length and CPU coolers of upwards to 105mm height – and even existence able to support ATX form gene PSUs! The best suited CPU cooler for the Cougar QBX from builders is the Cyrorig M9, and offers fantastic value just like Cougar QBX for its performance.

Since this is a entry level ITX instance for budget SFF builds, the Cougar QBX matches very well with the Core i5 or Ryzen 5 system builds – or perhaps builds featuring the GTX 1080 or RX 580.

Read our guide on the recommended components for the Cougar QBX hither.


FormDWorks T1 V1.ane (ix.48L)

FormDWorks T1 V1.1

The FormDWorks (Sidearm) T1 V1.1 is non only one of the best SFF cases on the market, but potentially one of the best PC cases overall thank you to its entirely CNC machined aluminum construction, anodized finish, and fine mesh side panels. Such intricate design and tight tolerances in a unit with such modular assembly options make the T1 an exceptionally compelling option. So compelling that you lot're likely to be difficult-pressed to even get your hands on one, equally their pre-order cycles are still few and far betwixt and sell out nigh instantaneously despite its $230 toll tag.

With solid black, or black and silverish contrast color options; the T1 can be configured every bit an open up-air case/test demote to accommodate even a Noctua NH-D15 or ultra-thick 120mm radiator for liquid cooling, or as an enclosed unit of measurement to fit either a dual-slot 312mm GPU and up to a 70mm CPU cooler, or a triple-slot 312mm GPU and upwardly to a 50mm CPU cooler/pump block. You also have space enough on the top or bottom of the T1 for 2x 120mm fans for an air-cooled organization, or a 120mm (<30mm thick) radiator for a liquid-cooled one.

The build quality here simply cannot be overstated, as the aluminum struts that grade the structure for the internal sandwich layout, and the side panels that bring everything together are incredibly low-cal and durable. CNC machining, regardless of the kind of product that uses information technology, is quite stunning, and we tin can only hope it'southward a tendency that perhaps gains a lot more traction throughout the PC example marketplace every bit a whole.


NZXT H1 (xiii.6L)

NZXT H1

One of the most recent SFF PC cases introduced to the market is the NZXT H1. What sets this enclosure apart, aside from its incredibly small square footprint, is the integrated 650W lxxx+ Golden rated PSU and 140mm CPU AIO libation, every bit they're the reason why the H1 costs $350. Not only are the PSU and AIO cooler included with the example, simply they as well come up pre-installed and have their cabling pre-routed alongside the GPU riser card, making the H1 arguably the most straightforward PC case to build in, menstruation.

With options for a blackness or white cover panel, the H1 as well supports upward to 305mm 2.5 slot GPUs and 2x 2.v" storage drives, non to mention all the same many G.ii NVMe SSDs you're able to install on your motherboard of selection. NZXT too has you lot covered past a 3-year warranty for the case, riser menu, and AIO, and a 10-year warranty for the PSU.

As fourth dimension goes on and companies like NZXT continue to innovate, new PC builders take it then skilful that information technology's hard non to view them as just a piffling bit spoiled. When you factor in the toll of an AIO cooler and 80+ Gold rated power supply, especially nowadays, the NZXT H1 is a steal, and perfect for anyone looking to brand the bodily build procedure for their new PC that much easier… Which might be why y'all'll take to sit on a pre-social club for a while, as the H1 is consistently out-of-stock!


Thor Zone MJOLNIR (9.7L)

Thor-Mjolnir

Possibly the most interesting SFF case out there correct now: the "minimalistic – simply not wearisome – PC example," Thor Zone MJOLNIR. The MJOLNIR, or Thor's Hammer, is yet another "sandwich" layout SFF case, but with an exciting twist. The MJOLNIR has two master sections machined out of solid aluminum blocks; an inner "core," the internal frame where y'all install your components, which then slides into a striking outer shell. The beat out has zero branding, thick walls, aplenty airflow with ventilated side panels, or the option for a much more slick expect with tempered glass side panels. Additionally, the core can also double as a fully functional test bench if kept outside of the outer shell!

With Steel, Black, and Stealth Grey color options: the Thor Zone MJOLNIR comes with an included Gen4 GPU riser carte and supports upwardly to 2x 2.5" storage drives, a 51mm CPU air cooler, or 120 / 240mm CPU AIO coolers, and GPUs up to 334mm in length, and 159mm in meridian. Thor Zone also offers two unlike models, the MJOLNIR S and MJOLNIR R for $300 and $350, respectively, the only deviation beingness pre-installed RGB lighting on the MJOLNIR R.

As of even so, Thor Zone has just had one release cycle for their initial prototype, where you'll need to sign upwards to their mailing listing to receive the proclamation for the total release. Similar with almost independent/crowd-funded PC cases over the past few years, we can definitely expect improvements over the outset version, also as minimal availability despite the hefty price tags. If yous're at all interested in building your side by side PC in the MJOLNIR, exist certain to leave them your email, and don't miss out on the hazard to pick ane up ASAP.


Velkase Velka 3 (3.7L)

Velkase-Velka-3

If yous take the phrase small grade factor seriously, then the Velkase Velka 3 might be your all-time bet. The Velka 3 is a shockingly tiny aluminum and steel case at under 4L and is the smallest PC case on the market that can accommodate a discrete GPU. Withal, hardware back up is limited to retention modules upward to 42mm tall, a 37mm CPU cooler, 1x 2.5" storage drive, and ITX specific GPUs like the MSI RTX 2060 Super AERO ITX, or the Gigabyte RTX 2070 MINI ITX. The Velka 3 as well only supports FlexATX power supplies, though Velkase offers the option to include one for an additional $100. Further, due to the size and lower quality of the fan for virtually FlexATX ability supplies, you may too want to consider picking up a Noctua NF-A4x20 to replace the stock unit for whatsoever PSU y'all determine to purchase. The newest iteration of the Velka 3 too features improved ventilation and silver trim forth the border of the forepart panel.

Forget "shoe-box" PCs; the Velka 3 is nearly small and tin be configured into a remarkably powerful and insanely portable gaming automobile. If you're up for a slightly challenging build process and have the patience to wait for the next restock, yous'll be rewarded with one of the smallest high-performance gaming computers money can buy.


Silverstone SG13 (11.5L)

SilverStone Sugo SG13-1

It'due south time to testify our upkeep builders a little flake more dear, and the all-time way to exercise so is with the Silverstone SG13 for only $60. While the SG13 series has the "worst" build quality compared to the rest of our list, it is by no ways horrible, especially for simply $lx. Synthetic from plastic, mesh, and steel, the SG13 can back up upwards to 3x 2.5" storage drives, 61mm CPU air coolers, 120 / 140mm CPU AIO coolers, upwardly to 150mm standard ATX power supplies, and GPUs upwardly to 270mm in length.

There's not terribly much to say about the SG13. If you're interested in building an SFFPC, but yous tin't bring yourself to spend hundreds of dollars on your case alone, Silverstone offers one of the all-time performing cases on the market at 1 of the lowest prices yous're likely to encounter for years to come. Just make sure you lot opt for one of the models with a mesh front end panel for the best thermal functioning in your new mini-computer!