Smallest Mini-ITX cases that fit a full size GPU

The size of a PC used to be a solid indicator of its performance, the general rule being that the more massive a PC was, the more likely it was for it to house some monstrous hardware. As technology advanced, though, size stopped being so relevant, and there’s no better proof than taking a look around – chances are your current smartphone is more powerful than the PC you had 10 years ago, while fitting comfortably in your pocket. That doesn’t mean size is not relevant at all: big rigs are still around today, as enthusiast-grade hardware usually requires a lot of space and tremendous cooling systems; however, for the casual user that doesn’t need the ultimate hardware, a build doesn’t necessarily have to be big and bulky to be powerful, and small form factor (SFF) PCs are the perfect example.

Looking to jump on the SFF PC bandwagon, but don’t really know where to start? You’re in the right place: we put together a list of the smallest mini-ITX cases that can house a GPU, allowing you to get the best mix of size and performance.

NFC S4 Mini (4.3L)

If you’ve never heard of NFC Systems or the S4 Mini, that’s because the company is a very small one and the case in question is not yet readily available, being in pre-order state at the time of writing. Be that as it may, the S4 Mini is one impressive case: with an interior size of 324mm x 203mm x57mm and a volume of only 4.3L, the case still offers enough space to fit an 8-inch dual-slot GPU (enough for a GeForce GTX 1070 Mini), dual 2.5” storage drives, a CPU cooler with a maximum height of 40mm and two 120mm fans. Power-wise, the S4 Mini can use a Pico or HDPlex PSU.

A decent airflow is ensured by the vented sides of the case, with a small downside being the fact that, due to the fairly large cutouts, the internals might be somewhat visible. You shouldn’t worry much about that, though, as the case is more bound to attract attention with its sleek design and its anodized aluminum front panel.

Dr Zaber SENTRY (7L)

Dubbed as “first truly console-sized gaming PC chassis”, the Dr Zaber SENTRY is a crowd-funded project destined to close the gap between consoles and gaming PCs. With an internal volume of roughly 7 liters, the SENTRY is considerably larger than the NFC S4 Mini, but it is thus able to fit more hardware. Its highlights are the uses of SFX/SFX-L power supplies, which broadens the range of PSUs you can opt for and, more importantly, the GPU clearance of up to 305mm – enough to fit a GTX 1080 Ti or other fairly larger GPUs featuring stock or aftermarket cooling solutions. In terms of storage, the SENTRY can accommodate 2 x 2.5” drives on a central rail between the motherboard and the GPU, with additional bays available in the GPU encasing if a small form-factor GPU is used.

The specs of the SENTRY look quite impressive, but they also have a price tag to match – the case is expected to be available at a price of $235, and the waiting time might be a significant one, as crowd-funded projects are not exactly renowned for timely shipping.

DAN Cases A4-SFX (7.2L)

Another crowdfunding success comes in the form of the DAN Cases A4-SFX, a minimalistic case that proves that SFF systems can be suitable for gaming. To stand up to the claim, the DAN Case A4-SFX features an unconventional design that puts the motherboard and the graphics card back to back to optimize cooling and space – after all, the A4-SFX has a volume of only 7.2 liters. The main advantage of this configuration is its cooling potential: since both components face a side panel, they each get direct access to air intake. With GPU support of up to 306mm and a maximum CPU cooler height of 48mm, the A4-SFX can accommodate a wide variety of high-end graphics cards and CPU coolers, resulting in a cool and blazingly-fast system. The A4-SFX is compatible with SFX and SFX-L power supplies, and comes with 3 storage bays: 2 x 2.5” bays at the bottom (one obstructed if you go with SFX-L PSU), and another 2.5” bay in the front.

LOUQE GHOST (7.3L)

Despite its ambitious crowdfunding goal of almost $300,000, the LOUQE GHOST seems to be right on track raising the funds and thus becoming a reality, and it’s not hard to understand why: the case is set to provide some interesting features. With a volume of 7.3 liters, the GHOST aims to provide room for a mini-ITX motherboard, SFX or SFX-L power supply, 3 slots for 2.5” drives, GPU of up to 305mm and CPU cooler clearance of 63mm.The unique feature of the GHOST, though, is its modular design, which allows the use of various “top hats”, which are basically some modules of different sizes, which fit on top of the case to provide extra space. While the small “top hat” will only add 14mm to the case, which is still plenty of room for 2 SSDs, the medium top hat will allow you to house some 3.5” drives, whereas the large top hat adds a solid 56mm, which could be used to house an AIO radiator and fans, a plethora of SSD or any other accessories you might need.Assuming the Kickstarter campaign for the LOUQE GHOST is successful, the case is expected to be available by the end of the year.

COOLTEK Coolcube (10.1L)

COOLTEK’s Coolcube is exactly what its name suggests: a pretty cool little cube. Even though the Coolcube does not bring any innovation or breakthrough to the table, as the previously presented models do, it does have two major advantages over the others: it is made by a renowned manufacturer and it is readily available to buy.Just because it is not innovative does not mean that the Coolcube is bad; in fact, the case is quite competitive, given its price tag of roughly $80: it can support both SFX and ATX PSUs, it comes with 2 storage bays (out of which one can also accommodate a 3.5” drive), and supports fairly large CPU coolers: up to 80mm. Although it doesn’t really stand out in terms of GPU clearance, supporting a maximum GPU length of 180mm, that is still a decent figure for the price.

Fractal Design Node 202 (10.2L)

Fractal Design is a brand that’s renowned for the quality and elegant designs of their cases, and the Node 202 is no exception. Coming with a sleek design that will integrate perfectly in any living room, the Fractal Design Node 202 was clearly designed with the HTPC segment in mind, but that doesn’t mean you cannot use it for a gaming build as well. After all, the case can comfortably fit a 310mm long video card, which is more than enough for almost any reference card out there, as well as a few custom implementations as well. With a total volume of 10.2 liters, the Node 202 can also host two 2.5” drives, two 120mm fan in the GPU chamber (this will reduce the available space for video cards, though, limiting you to slimmer models), and a SFX power supply.

SilverStone SG05 (10.8L)

The SilverStone SG05 might be a few years old model, but it provides exceptional value and features for its price, so it was impossible not to include in our list. Despite its small size (the case has a volume of 10.8 liters), the case can fit a CPU cooler of up to 82mm in height, has room for a 120mm fan in the front, and has 254mm worth of length reserved for the video card. Aside from its storage bays (1 x 3.5” and 1 x 2.5”), it even features room for an optical drive (a slim version, of course), which is quite a rare feature for this size. Supported power supply format is SFX, but here’s the great part: the case comes with an included 80-Plus certified 300W power supply, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

Silverstone SG13 (11.5L)

Building upon the success of the SG05 and the following models, the SilverStone’s SG13 is one of the company’s most popular options in terms of SFF cases. Taking advantage of every inch of space available (which is not that much, considering the fact that the case has a volume of 11.5 liters), the SG13 offers some neat features: ATX power supply support, 266mm maximum GPU length and 3 x 2.5” bays. While CPU cooler height is limited at 61mm, the case is optimized for 120mm/140mm AIO systems, which is always a neat feature to see in a mini-ITX case. To highlight the AIO-support, the SG13 comes in two versions: one with a solid front panel, which provides a slightly reduced airflow but improves silence, and a mesh version aimed at users that opt to go with air cooling and need a better airflow. At $40, the SilverStone SG13 is worth every cent.

NCASE M1

Possibly the Mini-ITX case with the biggest fanbase and enthusiast following, the NCASE M1 is a highly popular SFF PC case that is just 12.6L in volume, and can accommodate GPUs up to 12.5″ and radiators for liquid cooling up to 240mm – not bad. There have been a number of revisions since its inception and funding in 2013, with each successive version improving on the last, and now this case is highly refined and is a go-to for many SFF PC builders.

Case Name	Price ($)	Type	L (mm)	W (mm)	H (mm)	Volume (L)	Footprint (in²)	Max GPU length (mm)	Max CPU Cooler Height (mm)	PSU type	Radiator support
Logic Supply MC600	100	Mini-ITX	334	198	64	4.23	103	197	45	DC-ATX	No
NFC S4 Mini	195	Mini-ITX	330	215	63	4.47	110	203	45	DC-ATX	No
Lone Industries L4	130	Mini-ITX	225	95	217	4.64	33	200	65	DC-ATX	No
GEEEK A10	40	Mini-ITX	271	234	100	6.34	98	220	60	Flex ATX	No
Dr Zaber Sentry	240	Mini-ITX	340	310	66	6.96	163	305	47	SFX-L	No
Lazer3D LZ7	120	Mini-ITX	226	196	158	7	69	186	60	SFX	No
SilverStone ML05/ML09	50	Mini-ITX	350	204	99	7.07	111	204	70	SFX	No
DAN Cases A4-SFX	320	Mini-ITX	317	112	200	7.1	55	295	48	SFX-L	No
Lian-Li PC-Q21	75	Mini-ITX	224	149	257	8.58	52	170	60	SFX-L	No
Cooltek Coolcube	50	Mini-ITX	240	200	210	10.08	74	185	80	ATX	No
Fractal Design Node 202	80	Mini-ITX	377	330	82	10.2	193	310	56	SFX-L	No
Lian-Li PC-Q03	70	Mini-ITX	210	199	245	10.24	65	180	70	ATX	No
SilverStone SG05/SG06	50	Mini-ITX	286	220	177	11.14	98	254	82	SFX	No
SilverStone SG13	50	Mini-ITX	285	222	181	11.45	98	266	61	ATX	Yes (120-140mm)
Lian-Li PC-TU100	105	Mini-ITX	252	170	277	11.87	66	193	60	SFX	No
SilverStone RVZ02/ML08	85	Mini-ITX	380	370	87	12.23	218	330	58	SFX-L	No
NCASE M1	185	Mini-ITX	250	160	328	13.12	62	317	130	SFX-L	Yes (240mm)
Lian-Li PC-Q01	60	Mini-ITX	242	200	275	13.31	75	210	90	ATX	No
Raijintek Metis	70	Mini-ITX	277	190	254	13.37	82	170	160	ATX	Yes (120mm)
SilverStone RVZ01/FTZ01	130	Mini-ITX	382	358	105	14.36	212	330	83	SFX-L	Yes (120-240mm)
SilverStone CS01	125	Mini-ITX	211	210	322	14.27	69	190	68	SFX-L	No
SilverStone SG08B-LITE	75	Mini-ITX	351	222	190	14.81	121	309	147	ATX	No
Cooler Master Elite 110	40	Mini-ITX	280	260	208	15.14	113	210	76	ATX	Yes (120mm)
EVGA Hadron Air	230	Mini-ITX	305	169	308	15.88	80	267	140	Integrated	No
Jonsbo U2	75	Mini-ITX	246	208	319	16.32	79	220	175	ATX	No
Lian-Li PC-Q33	90	Mini-ITX	240	229	328	18.03	85	220	180	ATX	No
EVGA Hadron Hydro	170	Mini-ITX	308	169	350	18.22	81	267	130	Integrated	Yes (120mm)
Fractal Design Core 500	60	Mini-ITX	367	250	203	18.63	142	310	170	ATX	Yes (120-280mm)
Cooltek Coolcube Maxi	80	Micro-ATX	280	240	280	18.82	104	267	120	ATX	N/A
Lian-Li PC-Q10	110	Mini-ITX	277	207	335	19.21	89	270	160	ATX	Yes (120mm)
Fractal Design Node 304	90	Mini-ITX	374	250	210	19.64	145	310	165	ATX	Yes (140mm)
Cooler Master Elite 130	45	Mini-ITX	399	240	207	19.82	148	343	65	ATX	Yes (120mm)
CaseLabs Bullet BH2	235	Mini-ITX	330	254	241	20.2	130	282	143	SFX-L	No
Cougar QBX	70	Mini-ITX	299	180	386	20.77	83	350	105	ATX	Yes (240mm)
SilverStone DS380	140	Mini-ITX	285	211	360	21.65	93	279	57	SFX-L	No
CaseLabs Bullet BH4	200	Micro-ATX	330	279	241	22.19	143	282	143	SFX-L	No
Thermaltake Core V1/Suppressor F1	50	Mini-ITX	316	260	276	22.68	127	285	140	ATX	Yes (140mm)
SilverStone SG09/SG10	100	Micro-ATX	354	220	295	22.97	121	337	165	ATX	Yes (120mm)
Jonsbo G3	70	ATX	440	351	151	23.32	239	315	135	ATX	No
Thermaltake Core G3	70	ATX	371	140	454	23.58	81	310	110	SFX	No
Jonsbo UMX3	135	Micro-ATX	358	188	365	24.57	104	320	163	ATX	Yes (120-140mm)
Lian-Li PC-TU200	170	Mini-ITX	320	220	360	25.34	109	300	80	ATX	No
Raijintek Styx	105	Micro-ATX	360	210	335	25.33	117	280	180	ATX	Yes (240mm)
In Win 301	75	Micro-ATX	370	188	365	25.39	108	330	158	ATX	Yes (120-240mm)
Fractal Design Node 605	110	ATX	445	349	164	25.47	241	290	125	ATX	No
Cooler Master Elite 361	40	ATX	368	150	464	25.61	86	312	122	ATX	No
Fractal Design Define Nano S	60	Mini-ITX	330	203	400	26.8	104	310	160	ATX	Yes (120-280mm)
In Win 901	180	Mini-ITX	350	193	400	27.02	105	300	127	ATX	No
Raijintek Thetis	110	ATX	360	210	366	27.67	117	280	170	ATX	Yes (240mm)
Corsair Obsidian 250D	80	Mini-ITX	351	277	290	28.2	151	290	95	ATX	Yes (140-240mm)
Lian-Li PC-Q37	200	Mini-ITX	346	237	345	28.3	127	320	130	SFX	Yes (240mm)
Jonsbo RM3	160	Micro-ATX	336	215	398	28.75	112	310	170	ATX	No
BitFenix Portal	130	Mini-ITX	382	185	411	29.05	110	300	125	SFX	Yes (120mm)
Jonsbo U4	110	ATX	340	205	428	29.83	108	310	170	ATX	No
CaseLabs Bullet BH7	300	ATX	340	330	267	29.96	174	282	146	ATX	No
BitFenix Phenom	85	Mini-ITX	330	250	374	30.86	128	330	175	ATX	Yes (240mm)
Lian-Li PC-Q26	196	Mini-ITX	395	200	410	32.39	122	190	150	ATX	No
Riotoro CR1080	100	ATX	399	229	358	32.71	142	300	120	ATX	Yes (120mm)
Fractal Design Define Mini C	90	Micro-ATX	399	210	399	33.43	130	315	170	ATX	Yes (120-280mm)
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX	80	Mini-ITX	375	230	395	34.07	134	330	200	ATX	Yes (140-240mm)
BitFenix Prodigy	85	Mini-ITX	359	250	404	36.26	139	320	190	ATX	Yes (240mm)
Corsair Obsidian 350D	110	Micro-ATX	450	210	439	41.6	146	380	180	ATX	Yes (240mm)
Zalman M1	70	Mini-ITX	394	261	426	43.81	159	350	160	ATX	No
NZXT Manta	140	Mini-ITX	426	245	450	46.97	162	363	160	ATX	Yes (120-280mm)
CaseLabs Mercury S5	350	Mini-ITX	483	308	379	56.5	231	380	200	ATX	Yes (120-360mm)

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