When it comes to building a computer and choosing a PC case, a lot of people subscribe to the theory of “bigger is better.” However, there are also a lot of people who are looking for a more minimalistic approach and they prefer a more compact case to reduce the amount of space their computer takes up.
Not to mention, with the rise of LAN parties, a smaller computer is easier to transport around.
Both of these factors have contributed to a rise in the popularity of mini-ITX cases.
And, while mini-ITX cases seem to be priced higher due to their popularity, there are some budget options as well. So, even if you are looking to build a gaming PC under $500, there are some mini-ITX cases that you can choose from.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at four of the best mini-ITX cases currently on the market.
1. Phanteks Enthoo Evolv
For such a small case, the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv brings a lot to the table. For starters, despite coming in a mini-ITX form factor, the Evolv can fit a graphics card up to 13” long. That means that you could fit just about any of the high-end GPUs currently available in this case. (Including a GTX 1080 Ti.)
The case also has room for a CPU cooler as tall as 7.9”, which means that it can fit just about any heat sink currently on the market.
The case comes in three different color schemes: black, black & red, and white.
It has two USB 3.0 ports, room for up to five different case fans, support for liquid cooling setups, and a transparent side window.
But, perhaps the best part of the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv is its price. Unlike some of the other high-end mini-ITX cases out there, the Evolv comes in at well under $100, which makes it a steal.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a solid mini-ITX case, then the Evolv is definitely one you should consider.
2. NZXT Manta
Another great high-end mini-ITX case is the NZXT Manta. Like the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv, it can fit any graphics card currently on the market.
It isn’t quite as deep as the Evolv, but it can fit CPU coolers as tall as 6.3”, so it should still be able to accommodate most heat sinks.
It can support up to five fans, has USB 3.0 ports on the front panel, and comes with a transparent side panel that will allow you to show your build-off. (Although, you can get it without a transparent window as well.)
The Manta is available in black, white & black, and black & red.
The only downside of this mini-ITX case is the price. It currently comes in at a bit over $100.
3. BitFenix Prodigy
If there is any case that deserves credit for creating the rise in popularity of mini-ITX cases, it’s definitely the BitFenix Prodigy.
The Prodigy is a bit smaller than the other options on this list but still has support for graphics cards as long as 12.4”, which is enough space to fit a GTX 1080 Ti.
It comes with two USB 3.0 ports, space for up to five fans, and can fit a CPU cooler as tall as 7.1”.
The Prodigy comes in a wide variety of color schemes, including black, red, purple, green, orange, and white.
The price is a bit higher than the Evolv, but if you—like so many others—love the iconic style and design of the Prodigy, the price difference isn’t that big of a deal.
4. Thermaltake Core P1
Perhaps the unique mini-ITX case currently on the market is the Thermaltake Core P1.
It’s an open-frame design, with a large transparent piece of glass on one side, which gives it a really cool look.
But, its design isn’t the only nice part about it. It comes in at under $100, so it is a bit more affordable than the NZXT Manta.
And, it has room enough to fit a GPU as long as 14.9” (which is enough space to fit a GTX 1080 Ti) and a CPU cooler as tall as 6.6”.
It only has room to support up to two case fans, but the open-frame design will help keep the components inside of it cooler.
Overall, the Core P1 is a really cool-looking case and its open-frame design helps it stand out from the other mini-ITX options on the market.
