Best Micro ATX Case. Everything You Need To Know Update 11/2024

Compact and enjoyable to work with, Micro ATX cases are also highly efficient in terms of both storage and desktop real estate. It’s possible that some people would describe them as “adorable.” In spite of the fact that building a computer in a micro ATX case occasionally necessitates some creative component selection, the many advantages more than make up for this minor drawback.

However, not everyone prefers micro ATX cases. One problem is that most of the components inside are so tightly packed together that they generate a lot of heat. Since they are smaller, they can’t always provide the same level of performance as a bigger case. They’re a step up from mini ITX cases, so they’re a good option for those looking to strike a balance between portability and power.

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Micro ATX cases are inexpensive and can be used to construct a powerful gaming PC capable of running the newest games. Below, we’ll discuss a few top-tier cases that will set the tone for a solid foundation for your micro build.

Since some Micro ATX cases need liquid cooling to offer competitive temperature numbers, they aren’t quite as popular as regular mid-tower cases. However, their compact designs and unconventional dimensions make them the ideal choice for users with unusual space requirements while still facilitating a powerful and reliable PC.

Although water cooling is more common in micro ATX cases, it is possible to build a well-performing air-cooled rig; the trick is to use a chassis that has good airflow to begin with and then to maximize that airflow with numerous fans. Lucky for you, we have a few options in our lineup that are perfect for you!

The lack of available space in a micro ATX case makes it more difficult to construct a PC there than in a regular mid-tower case. That said, they might prove challenging for novice architects.

Nonetheless, a micro ATX rig could be a better option if you’re feeling ambitious and have limited space.

Without further ado, I present the top micro ATX cases on the market.

darkFlash DLM21

There are one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a 3.5 mm microphone jack.
15 inches high by 8 inches wide by 15 inches deep.

The Pros:

• Affordable
• A perfect case in every way
• Various styles and hues are available.

The Cons:

• None

First and foremost among our recommended cases is the darkFlash DLM21. The case has an attractive, uncluttered exterior design, a tempered glass door that opens and closes with ease, and plenty of perforations to let hot air escape.

The DLM21 is available in both black and white color schemes, and both look incredibly sleek and sophisticated, especially for the low price.

Alternatively, the DLM22 model is available for the same price if you don’t care for the polygonal pattern on the front of the case. The DLM22 also offers a powder-pink color option, which is extremely unusual for cases of any size.

In conclusion, the darkFlash DLM21 is a high-quality, versatile case. It has a tempered glass door, multiple radiator mounts for water cooling, top-notch ventilation, and an aesthetically pleasing exterior design, among many other useful features.

Is there any point in continuing with this manual when you can get all this for such a low price? Yes, of course! Even though this is a great all-arounder and a great choice for newcomers, not everyone will enjoy this case.

When looking for a micro ATX case, many people have specific requirements, such as an unusual form factor or a certain type of high-end finish.

Thermaltake Core V21 Cube

Two USB 3.0 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.5mm microphone input are all included.
Size (in inches): 13.2″ x 12.6″ x 16.7″

The Pros:

• Diverse perspectives
• The airflow is fantastic.
• Contours that aren’t perfectly regular

The Cons:

• A few of the pieces can be tricky to set up.

Speaking of odd shapes, the Thermaltake Core V21 Cube is a fantastic illustration of this trend. The Core is available in both micro ATX and mini ITX form factors, allowing for even more compact construction if desired. On the other hand, the micro ATX case is likely to be compact enough for most users.

The V21’s oblong shape stands out immediately from its tall and skinny competitors. Even though it has about the same amount of interior space as a regular micro ATX chassis, that space is distributed differently. To the untrained eye, the Core V21 does not appear to be a computer.

The V21’s clever reorganization of its footprint makes it a great option for people who don’t have a lot of spare room on their workstation’s desktop. It is compact enough to store in a cubby, a large drawer, or on a bookshelf.

This cube-shaped case has fantastic ventilation potential thanks to its five out of six sides being open air vents (unless you opt to purchase an additional acrylic window, which is also an option).

The V21 Cube can be flipped, adding yet another degree of freedom to its use. The motherboard can be installed either horizontally or vertically into the chassis. The front-facing Thermaltake logo is magnetic and detachable, so it can be flipped to suit your needs.

There is a sizable fan built into the back of the case, behind the front panel. This fan moves a lot of air, so using this case as the foundation for an air-cooled rig is a great idea. Although more expensive than the darkFlash DLM21 we looked at earlier, this case is still very reasonable.

Thermaltake Versa H18

There is a 3.5mm headphone jack for both output and input, as well as one USB 3.0 port and two USB 2.0 ports.
The item’s measurements are (in inches): 15.35″ x 8.07″ x 14.96″

The Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Very accommodating to the creative process
• Superior ventilation

The Cons:

• Average effort put into cable management
• Boring

The Thermaltake Versa H18 is yet another top-notch option, albeit a fairly standard one. The standard upright form and configuration are retained in this iteration, but the acrylic and plastic window has been replaced with a classy tempered glass version. This case doesn’t stand out in any particular way, but it’s reasonably priced, attractive, and well-designed.

When it comes to cooling, the Versa H18 has you covered with its perforated front panel. There is a pretty blue LED strip on the hardware strip that houses the USB ports. Like the Rexgear 2, the Versa H18 is an exceptionally cheap option that won’t break the bank.

The quality of this case’s cable management is about par for the course. It’s easy to run out of storage space if you accumulate too many components and too much extra cable. A professional PC builder, however, should be able to solve these problems.

Overall, the Versa H18 is a good option to consider if cost is a top priority. The case serves its purpose and is pleasant to look at, despite its lack of flair. The airflow here is fantastic, so an air-cooled system shouldn’t have any trouble functioning.

Thermaltake Level 20 VT

Two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, one 3.5mm audio output jack, and one 3.5mm audio input jack are all that’s needed for connectivity.
The product’s measurements are as follows: height: 13.7″, width: 13.5″, depth: 16.9″

The Pros:

• An all-glass design
• Unique form

The Cons:

• A little on the hefty side
• For experienced architects only.

The Thermaltake Level 20 VT is the case to get if you want your computer to look like it came from the future. The VT is just as innovative and practical as the rest of Thermaltake’s Level 20 line of cases. The Level 20 VT’s glass enclosure makes it look like a fancy case for your computer.

It’s possible that an air-cooled setup would fare poorly in this case due to the abundance of hard glass surfaces. This case’s abundance of glass makes it a great showcase for cutting-edge liquid cooling rigs regardless.

However, due to the multiple internal viewing angles, cable management can get a little tricky inside the case. Any sloppiness in cable management will be on full display.

Moreover, the shape of the case is unusual. This case is nearly cube-shaped, as opposed to the oblong V21 Cube we examined previously. Since it’s significantly wider than typical micro ATX cases, this may limit its portability in some settings.

The design of this case is a bonus in and of itself if you have the space for it in your gaming rig. The price tag may put some people off, but those who care about the case’s aesthetics won’t be disappointed. The worth of this case, then, is largely a matter of taste.

Rexgear 2

Two USB 3.0 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.5mm microphone input are all included.
It measures 16.45 inches in height, 11.02 inches in width, and 16.22 inches in depth.

The Pros:

• solid and aesthetically pleasing
• Various hues to pick from
• Extremely cheap

The Cons:

• The quality control has a few hiccups.
• Dark and with few windows

Interestingly, the Rexgear 2 micro ATX case looks like a cross between a computer and a boom box. However, this style may appeal to some custom PC builders. The black one may look the most like a speaker, but the white and red-on-black alternatives are far more striking.

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In a surprising twist, the Rexgear 2’s low cost is one of its best features. At this price point, it is identical to the Thermaltake Versa H18, our cheapest chassis. If you’re into the spaceship aesthetic of the early 2000s, this isn’t a bad-looking case.

The lack of decent windows is probably the case’s biggest flaw, though. There is only a tiny acrylic window on one side of the case for viewing, and the interior is very dimly lit. That means it’s not great if you want to flaunt what’s on the inside, but if you’re going for a minimalist look, it might be fine.

It appears that there were problems with quality control in both this case and the one before it. Although these are uncommon, you should think about it if you plan to buy this case.

The Rexgear 2 by Nanoxia is an affordable, spacious, and practical case, despite not being particularly state-of-the-art. If you like the distinctive look it provides, though, it’s a good option for novice and seasoned builders alike.

Phanteks Enthoo Evolv MATX

Two USB 3.0 ports, one 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack are all that’s needed for connectivity.
The product’s (H x W x D) measurements are 17.8 inches, 9.1 inches, and 15.7 inches, respectively.

The Pros:

• Beautiful
• Constructed with sturdiness and quality
• Complete wrapping in aluminum
• It comes in a variety of hues.

The Cons:

• Expensive Cost

When it comes to futuristic design, the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv MATX (not to be confused with the regular-sized Evolv) stands out as the frontrunner. The Evolv’s premium price tag makes it the priciest option on our list, but you can rest easy knowing that your internal components are protected by a modern, cutting-edge chassis.

Although it may be expensive, the Evolv is well worth every penny. This computer case is just as high-quality as the others Phanteks has produced in the past. The case is available in three different colors, making it suitable for builders of all tastes.

There is one full tempered glass window in the Evolv, but the rest of the panels are opaque. The window and the adjacent panel are both hinged for convenience. LEDs of a different style are integrated into each of the available color schemes. There is a red version of the LEDs in the Anthracite Grey model, a green version in the Satin Black model, and a blue version in the Galaxy Silver model.

It may be pricey, but you’ll get your money’s worth in the high-quality construction and innovative features. The chassis is made entirely of aluminum, giving it a high-end look and feel. A micro ATX case is more expensive up front, but the money you save in the long run makes up for it.

In this case, the airflow is superb, the cable management is top-notch, and the construction is rock-solid. Nothing, other than the price, could be considered a negative about it.

InWin 301

Two USB 3.0 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 3.5mm microphone input are all included.
The product’s external measurements are as follows: (H x W x D) 15″ x 8.2″ x 15.4″

The Pros:

• Fabulous aesthetics
• Light-emitting diodes that are already installed
• Roomy

The Cons:

• Congestion in the airflow
• Weak cable organization
• Increased stress

The InWin 301 could be the perfect case for you if you want a high-quality, up-to-date appearance without spending a fortune. The price is just slightly higher than that of a budget case, and despite the fact that it is essentially just a rectangle (with no exciting design lines like the Evolv above), it comes in two different colors and has built-in LEDs.

The 301 most obviously resembles a contemporary case in terms of design. This is something that, despite its simplicity, seems like it could be on display at a modern technology convention. This is a purely esthetic case. So, there’s a little bit of both joy and sorrow in this situation, which is unfortunate.

All-looks design is the source of the “pain” we’re discussing. This case lacks some practical features, such as organized cable routing, simple drive installation, and adequate ventilation.

Keep in mind that the airflow problems with this case can be solved if you install fans in every available slot. Good news: you can use liquid cooling on it if that’s your preference.

It all boils down to personal preference; how much you care about aesthetics versus how much you care about having a pain-free case that looks a little more plain. If the former describes you, this case is one of the most enticing high-quality micro ATX cases you can get for the money.

Lian Li 205M

• Tolerates GPUs up to 14.8″ in length
• Cooling solutions for central processing units up to 6.25 inches in height
• Maximum capacity is 5 fans.
• Obtainable in either white or black

If you want a premium-looking case that won’t break the bank, look no further than Lian Li’s 205M micro-ATX offering. The 250M can accommodate graphics cards with a length of up to 14.8 inches and a height of up to 6.2 inches, making it one of the more spacious mATX cases on this list.

In addition to a 240mm AIO cooler, which can be installed in either the top or front of the case, the case can house up to five fans of varying sizes. Moreover, two 120mm fans are already installed in the 250M.

Comparing the 250M and the Phanteks EVOLV mATX (listed below), you’ll find that they’re very similar in terms of overall quality. However, the 250M offers slightly more internal space and is priced at $40-$50 less.

The 250M is not only one of the best micro-ATX cases, but also one of the best smaller form-factor cases on the market. The 250M is a good option to think about if you need a reliable mATX case and can afford it.

Phanteks EVOLV mATX

• Supports graphics processing units of up to 12.5 inches in length
• Allows CPU coolers of up to 7.6″ in height
• Max capacity is 6 fans.
• Three distinctly different looks/color palettes

The Phanteks EVOLV mATX is an alternative to the Lian Li 250M that is just as impressive. The EVOLV mATX features a protective glass panel on one side and a PSU cover. Though it can house cards up to 12.5 inches in length, its video card clearance isn’t as generous as that of the H400i.

The good news is that 12.5 inches of space above the motherboard is plenty for even the largest graphics processing units (GPUs). Some models of the RTX 3080 and RTX 3090 are even shorter than 12.5 inches. In this sense, the EVOLV mATX places no restrictions on your actions.

The EVOLV mATX has one advantage over the 250M in that it can accommodate a 360mm AIO cooler or radiator, which is a significant increase in cooling capacity. So, if you’re trying to decide between the two and want to use the largest radiator possible, the EVOLV mATX is your best bet.

If the 250M’s design appeals to you more than the EVOLV’s, then I’d recommend the 250M over the EVOLV. Otherwise, I don’t think you’d be too disappointed in either case’s functionality regardless of which one you choose.

Thermaltake Level 20 VT

• Allows for the storage of GPUs up to 13.8 inches in length
• Suits CPU coolers of a maximum height of 7.3 inches
• Can accommodate up to nine fans.
• Comes in both black and gray

The Thermaltake Level 20 VT is our favorite micro-ATX case because of its convenient cube design. Overall, the Level 20 VT has been well received. Its front, sides, and top are all made out of tempered glass, and three of them can be removed for cleaning or replacement.

In terms of internal space, the case is extremely generous, allowing for graphics cards up to 13.8 inches in length and CPU coolers up to 7.3 inches in height. There is sufficient space for any modern air-cooling graphics card or CPU. The case provides ample space for liquid cooling, accommodating radiators as large as 280 mm. The case’s top panel can accommodate a pair of 240mm radiators.

The Level 20 VT is an excellent cube-style case, but it is more expensive and has less ventilation than some of the other options on this list. However, its extensive support for liquid cooling and capacity for up to nine fans mean that its slightly lower airflow levels can be compensated for by installing additional hardware.

For better cooling right out of the box, however, look no further than the Corsair Crystal 280X, Thermaltake Core X2, or Thermaltake Core V21.

Thermaltake S100

• Supports GPUs up to 12.9 inches in length
• Allows CPU coolers of up to 6.4′′ in height
• Maximum capacity is 5 fans.
• Offered in both black and white

The Thermaltake S100 is the best micro-ATX case in terms of price/performance. Why? Well, the S100 has many of the features that are trendy among system builders at the moment (mainly a tempered glass side panel and a PSU shroud), and it has an all-black sleek design that is neither too simple to turn off users looking for a flashier option nor too flashy to turn off users looking for a simpler design.

And its interior space is sufficient for the needs of most construction workers. It can fit graphics cards up to 12.9 inches in length (plenty of room for the vast majority of graphics cards on the market) and CPU coolers up to 6.4 inches in height. It can also accommodate radiators with a length of up to 280mm, provided that the combined thickness of the radiator and its fans does not exceed 55mm. Therefore, liquid cooling is a viable option in this scenario.

For less than $70, you get access to all of these features. In conclusion, the S100 is a great option for anyone shopping for a stylish micro-ATX case that can accommodate a sizable high-end PC build.

Montech Flyer

• GPUs up to 12.9 inches in length are supported.
• Compatible with CPU coolers up to 6.2″ in height
• Can accommodate up to five fans.
• In both black and white

Although the Montech Flyer is the least expensive of the bunch, that doesn’t make it a bad choice. It only has two fans built in, but you can add up to three more (for a maximum of five fans) later on if you need to.

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Although the design is simple, it provides more features than most cases in the sub-$50 price range. It has a full-length PSU shroud, an RGB strip, and a transparent acryllic side panel.

You can install a graphics card up to 12.9 inches in length and a CPU cooler up to 6.2 inches in height in a Flyer. High-end graphics cards and CPU coolers can easily fit in cases with those dimensions.

The Montech Flyer is a great option for system builders on a tight budget who need a cheap case that won’t severely restrict their component choices, and it costs less than $50.

Fractal Design Node 804

• Supports graphics processing units of up to 12.6 inches in length
• Cooling solutions for central processing units up to 6.3 inches in height
• Allows for a maximum of 9 fans.
• The only color option is black.

The Fractal Design Node 804 is a good choice if you want a cube-shaped case. The Node 804’s all-black minimalist design makes it a suitable choice for gamers and professionals who don’t need or want a flashy case.

A high-end system can be built inside the Node 804 because it has sufficient space and height clearance for such a task. A graphics card up to 12.6 inches in length and a CPU cooler up to 6.3 inches in height are both supported. If you want to install a high-end AIO cooler or custom liquid cooling, this case supports radiators up to 280mm in length, so you should be able to do so.

The cost of the Node 804 is the device’s biggest drawback in our opinion. The Node 804 is about $35-$65 more expensive than the other cube-style cases on this list (including the Thermaltake Level 20 VT, the Corsair Carbide Air 240, and the Thermaltake Core X2 and Core V1). Some consumers will view the cheaper Node 804 as a worthwhile investment due to its simpler design. If you’re on a tighter budget, however, consider one of the alternative cube-shaped micro-ATX cases shown above or below.

BitFenix Prodigy M

• Supports graphics processing units of up to 12.6 inches in length
• Allows CPU coolers of up to 6.3″ in height
• Optimal capacity is 5 fans.
• More than five sartorial variants

The BitFenix Prodigy M features the same distinctive aesthetic as the original Bitfenix Prodigy, albeit in a slightly larger form factor than the mini-ITX version. The bag is lightweight and portable thanks to its dual carry handles and a wide range of vibrant colors (orange, green, and white).

The Prodigy M has enough height to accommodate a CPU cooler that is 6.3 inches tall and graphics cards that are up to 12.6 inches in length. In addition to a 120mm or 140mm radiator, it has space for up to five fans (two of which are already installed on the bottom and back of the case).

If you’re looking to build a small gaming PC, the Prodigy M is one of the more space-efficient micro-ATX cases here.

If you’re a fan of the Bitfenix Prodigy aesthetic, you’ll be pleased to know that the Prodigy M is available at a competitive price (relative to the competition), is one of the more space-efficient mATX options, and is available in a variety of color options to suit your personal preference.

Corsair Crystal 280X

• Accepts graphics processing units up to 11.8 inches in length
• Compatible with CPU coolers up to 5.9′′ in height
• Fits a maximum of 6 fans.
• There are 4 distinct looks/color palettes

The Crystal 280X from Corsair is a reliable micro-ATX case in the cube design. The 280X is visually appealing due to its all-black color scheme and three tempered glass panels (one on the top, one on the front, and one on the side).

Because it is divided into two chambers, there is also a respectable amount of room inside. The maximum length for a graphics card is 11.8 inches, and the maximum height for a CPU cooler is 5.9 inches. The top, front, and bottom of the case can accommodate radiators for liquid cooling with a combined width of up to 240 millimeters.

The 280X comes in two colors (white and black) and two different tempered glass editions (one with standard colors and one with an RGB color scheme). You can save a little money by opting for the Corsair Carbide Air 240 instead, which is identical to the pricier version except that it lacks the tempered glass panels.

When compared to other box-style cases, the Crystal 280X has arguably the best design if you prefer a cube shape for your enclosure. While the RGB variant of the case is quite pricey, the non-RGB variant is actually quite affordable.

Thermaltake Core X2

• Can accommodate graphics processing units of up to 18.9 inches in length
• Compatible with computer processor coolers up to 9.0 inches in height
• Maximum capacity is 15 spectators.
• Just the black color option is currently available.

If you’re set on a cube-style micro-ATX case but have already ruled out the Node 804, the Level VT, and the Air 240, you may find that the Thermaltake Core X2 is an even better choice. While the other options on this list may have more aesthetically pleasing designs, the Core X2 has more interior space and can accommodate more fans (and larger radiators) than any of the others.

The Core X2 has the most room for fans and radiators, as well as the largest capacity for video cards and CPU coolers, of any of the cases here. This case supports radiators up to 360mm in length and a whopping 15 different case fans. In this case, it is also possible to theoretically use up to six different radiators at once.

The Core X2 has enough headroom for graphics cards up to 18.9 inches in length and CPU coolers up to 9.0 inches in height. Those measurements are far outside the range of currently available graphics cards and CPU coolers. That being said, you shouldn’t have any trouble tracking down a graphics card or cooler that will work in this enclosure.

In conclusion, the Core X2 is a great option to consider if you need a cheap cube case with a lot of internal space and support for fans and radiators.

Thermaltake Core V21

• Supports graphics processing units (GPUs) up to 13.8 inches in length
• A CPU cooler of up to 7.3 inches in height can be used.
• The maximum number of spectators is 11.
• The only color option is black.

The Thermaltake Core V21 is another noteworthy micro-ATX case with a cube design (how does Thermaltake keep track of so many different case series?!). The Core X2 is $100 cheaper, but this case is not a slouch in terms of graphics card/CPU cooler clearance or the maximum number of fans supported.

The Core V21 from Thermaltake can fit graphics cards up to 13.8 inches in length and CPU coolers of up to 7.3 inches in height. It supports radiators up to 280mm in length and up to 11 distinct case fans. As a result, it should come as no surprise that the type of system that can be housed in this case is effectively unlimited.

This case isn’t ideal for a four-GPU rig with a massive custom liquid cooling loop, but it’s perfect for a single-GPU rig with a massive air-to-liquid (AIO) cooler.

MasterBox Lite 3.1

• Suits graphics processing units of up to 14.9 inches in length
• Supports computer processor coolers up to 6.25 inches in height
• Maximum capacity is four fans.
• Only the all-black version is currently for sale.

When it comes to storage solutions, the MasterBox Lite 3.1 raises the bar. Modular components in the design allow for increased size. It is one of the more portable and lightweight options, measuring in at 456mm x 208mm x 381mm and weighing in at just under nine pounds.

The Lite 3.1 can fit a 14.9-inch long graphics card and a 6.2-inch tall CPU cooler. Because of this, even the largest and most expensive GPUs and coolers on the market can be used to construct a powerful single-GPU system within this inexpensive case.

It also has a see-through side panel so you can show off your creation.

The value is absolutely insane at this price for the amount of room you get. This case is ideal if you want to build a powerful system in a compact space, or if you want a low-cost option that will accommodate future upgrades. You can find more information about this case in our review, which can be accessed here.

FAQS:

What is the best Micro-ATX case?

The Best Micro-ATX Cases, According to Us

Are Micro-ATX cases worth it?

The best value for your money is typically found in a Micro ATX motherboard, as it will have more than enough PCIe slots and space for all the RAM that a gaming PC would need, and it will likely be less expensive than an ATX option.

Are Micro-ATX cases good for gaming?

Therefore, Micro-ATX builds are widely used by gamers because of their efficiency, adaptability, and low cost. Further, there are a plethora of fantastic options available when it comes to the best Micro-ATX cases, making them the ideal chassis for both casual and extreme gaming.

Conclusion

Some truly formidable competitors were included in this set of cases. All of these choices are solid, but the darkFlash DLM21 is our top pick. It’s great for both novice and seasoned constructors thanks to its affordable price, ease of use, and eye-catching design.

The Phanteks Enthoo Evolv is a great alternative if cost is not a concern. This chassis is unparalleled in terms of build quality. It has a sleek, modern design that the DLM21 can’t match, but only if you’re willing to shell out the cash for it.

It’s also worth noting the Thermaltake Core V21 Cube if you’re looking for the utmost in compactness in a micro ATX case. Besides being a fantastic all-around case, the Core V21’s non-standard footprint makes it suitable for use in locations inaccessible to the darkFlash DLM21 and the Enthoo Evolv. However, one of the main advantages of a micro ATX case is its compact size.

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