Whenever you’re in search of a small-footprint PC construct that may nonetheless pack loads of energy, Micro-ATX is the way in which to go. These instances could also be small, however they’ve bought the airflow and clearance to construct the final word PC.
Shopping for a Micro-ATX Case in 2023
A Micro-ATX case is smaller than a typical mid-tower PC case and makes use of a smaller motherboard. Whereas these are larger than a Mini-ITX case, they provide an amazing mixture of a comparatively small measurement however loads of room inside for highly effective elements. Nonetheless, not all Micro-ATX instances are created equal, so that you’ll have to maintain a couple of issues in thoughts.
Whereas Micro-ATX is a motherboard customary measuring roughly 9.6 by 9.6 inches, this doesn’t imply all of the instances are the identical measurement. A Micro-ATX case will all the time be massive sufficient to suit that motherboard, but it surely will also be bigger for higher airflow or extra room. They could additionally help different motherboard type elements like Mini-ITX.
You’ll should maintain the scale in thoughts as you’re planning your PC construct, as you’ll possible wish to stability between general measurement and room for airflow. This largely will depend on what you’re utilizing your PC for. A gaming PC will want extra cooling than a pc you largely use for looking the net and watching YouTube movies.
Clearance is a crucial consideration in any PC construct, and it isn’t any much less so right here. Bigger instances have extra clearance for followers, liquid cooling, and different elements. You’ll additionally want to bear in mind the graphics card you intend to make use of, as these can get fairly lengthy, and never each graphics card will match each case.
Cooling is one other consideration. Air cooling shall be advantageous for a lot of builds. But when your rig is working more durable, whether or not through gaming, video enhancing, or different heavy workloads, you’ll want higher cooling. Loads of Micro-ATX instances characteristic each air and AIO cooling, however you’ll must be cautious to plan round which kind of cooling you’re going to make use of.
Lastly, there’s the problem of energy provides. Some Micro-ATX instances characteristic help for full-size ATX energy provides, however not all. You’ll additionally discover that some instances include energy provides, however these are sometimes greatest used with PC builds that received’t see heavy workloads.
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Fashions Evaluated |
Hours Researched |
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Cons |
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Spacious inside for the scale |
Not as quiet because it may very well be |
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Suits as much as 360mm radiators and 338mm GPUs |
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Suits ATX energy provides |
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Comes with both mesh or tempered glass facet panels |
ASUS is thought for a lot of issues, however on the whole, the corporate hasn’t been identified for making PC instances, or not less than they weren’t. The ASUS Prime AP201 is nice proof that the corporate ought to stick with it, although, because it affords an amazing mixture of favor, a spacious inside, and stable cooling.
The AP201 has a 33-liter footprint, which isn’t all that enormous, but it surely does lots with the area. With help for full-size ATX energy provides as much as 180mm lengthy, graphics playing cards as much as 338mm lengthy, and each 280mm and 360mm radiators, the inside is roomier than it appears at first.
The case has good airflow for its type issue and measurement, with the flexibility to run as much as six followers. You may as well go for water cooling, which makes the AP201 versatile sufficient for loads of totally different builds. It’s straightforward to work on as nicely, with tool-free facet panels and cable administration channels to maintain every part straightforward and breezy.
The AP201 is offered in each mesh and tempered glass facet panel choices. The mesh instances are available in black and white choices, and the tempered glass variations can be found in black and white as nicely.
ASUS Prime AP201
Greatest Micro-ATX Case General
The corporate is probably not primarily identified for its PC instances, however the ASUS Prime AP201 is among the greatest choices for a Micro-ATX PC construct with loads of area, plus each mesh and tempered glass facet panel choices.
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Cons |
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Modular IO panel is helpful |
Mesh design is not for everybody |
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Helps Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards |
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Accessible with non-compulsory 600W energy provide |
Shopping for an inexpensive Micro-ATX case doesn’t imply you need to accept a model you’ve by no means heard of earlier than. The Cooler Grasp MasterBox Q300L comes from a model whose title is almost synonymous with PC instances. And whereas it might be budget-friendly, it has loads of flexibility.
The MasterBox Q300L takes a modular method to its IO panel, letting you set it on the entrance, high, backside, and even each side. That is helpful as a result of you’ll be able to mount the case both vertically or horizontally, relying on which works greatest for you.
The case helps each full ATX and smaller energy provides, in addition to each Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. No matter which motherboard you’re working, cable administration channels behind the motherboard provide help to maintain every part tidy. To maintain every part clear, there’s a magnetic mud filter on the entrance of the case.
When you’ve got an influence provide able to go, you should buy the case as is. However, for those who haven’t but chosen an influence provide, you should buy the case bundled with a 600W energy provide.
Cooler Grasp MasterBox Q300L
Greatest Finances Micro-ATX Case
In the event you’re wanting to save cash on a Micro-ATX case, the Cooler Grasp MasterBox Q300L is a implausible possibility with a customizable, modular method from a good model that has been revered for years.
Greatest Premium Micro-ATX Case: JONSBO D31
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The detachable built-in display screen is novel and helpful |
Cable administration might be robust |
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Straightforward to take away facet panels and even entrance mesh |
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A mixture of mesh and glass for cooling and appears |
No matter colourful followers and shiny lighting, PC instances are likely to look similar to each other except they do one thing radically totally different. The JONSBO D31 is a spacious case with loads of nice options, but it surely’s the massive coloration display screen that units this one aside from a lot of its rivals.
The display screen here’s a 1280×800 show that sits on the entrance of the case, supplying you with on the spot entry to info like GPU and CPU temperatures. In the event you’d fairly have it even simpler to see, you’ll be able to separate the display screen from the case and use the included cable to mount it in your desk. In the event you’re overclocking or have to intently monitor temperatures, that is helpful to have.
Like many instances, the JONSBO D31 makes use of a tool-free design, however right here even the entrance mesh simply pops off for fast entry. Becoming the ability provide and managing cables is probably not as straightforward as it’s in different instances, but it surely is not unhealthy for the shape issue.
The case makes use of a mix of tempered glass and mesh in its design, supplying you with the cooling advantages of mesh with the higher view of the tempered glass. The JONSBO D31 is offered in white and black coloration choices.
JONSBO D31
Greatest Premium Micro-ATX Case
The JONSBO D31 is a good case for loads of causes, but it surely’s the built-in 1280×800 display screen that units it aside from the competitors. You possibly can even place it in your desk to maintain a detailed eye in your PC’s standing.
Greatest Micro-ATX Case for Gaming: Lian Li 205M
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Cons |
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Suits Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards |
Most radiator clearance is tight |
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Consists of two 140mm ARPG followers |
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Room for as much as 375mm GPUs |
Loads of individuals use the Micro-ATX type issue to construct quiet workhorse computer systems that by no means see a lot heavy use. In the event you’re seeking to construct a mini gaming powerhouse as a substitute, the Lian Li 205M is the case for you, with a mesh and tempered glass construct, loads of room, and elegance to spare.
In the event you’re going to run a heavy-duty graphics card, this case is an effective choose because it helps GPUs as much as 375mm in size. The case additionally helps each Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, and no matter which you employ, there’s loads of room behind the motherboard tray for simple cable administration.
Out of the field, the 205M affords air cooling with two pre-installed 140mm ARGB followers. There may be loads of room for 3 further followers on the highest and within the rear. However, the 205M can be arrange for liquid cooling, with help for as much as 240mm radiators on the highest and entrance.
The Lian Li 205M is offered in Snow and Black coloration varieties. In the event you just like the case however need one thing slightly larger, full ATX variations can be found.
Lian Li 205M
Greatest Micro-ATX Case for Gaming
The Lian Li 205M proves that large issues can are available in small packages, with area for as much as 375mm GPUs. two built-in 140mm ARGB followers, room for lots extra, and help for air cooling as nicely.
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Cons |
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Loads of choices for air or liquid cooling |
Solely accessible in black |
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Hidden drive bays keep out of the way in which |
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Helps each Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards |
Smaller instances might be more durable to chill, particularly for those who’re not seeking to lay our a fortune. The Thermaltake Versa H17 occurs to be inexpensive, however that’s not why we’re recommending it. Whether or not you’re choosing air or liquid cooling, the Versa H17 is a glossy, quiet, and understated case.
The case ships with a pre-installed 120mm fan within the rear, with the choice to run three 120mm followers or two 140mm followers within the entrance. You may as well run a 120mm or 140mm fan within the high of the case to maximise air flow. The case additionally helps AIO liquid cooling, with help for a 280mm radiator up entrance and a 120mm radiator within the rear.
Drive cages can take up a whole lot of area in a case, making cable routing a ache. The Versa H17 makes use of hidden drive bays that keep out of the way in which, with help for 2 every of two.5-inch and three.5-inch drives on the similar time. The ports are handily situated on the highest of the entrance panel, with USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and microphone and headset jacks.
Lastly, like among the different instances we’ve checked out, the Thermaltake Versa H17 helps each Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards.
Thermaltake Versa H17
Greatest Micro-ATX Case for Cooling
Whether or not you are seeking to construct a easy air-cooled PC for productiveness or a liquid-cooled secret monster, the Thermaltake Versa H17 is a good platform to construct in, with help for each Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards.
FAQ
What is the distinction between a Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX case?
The instances match motherboards of every customary, and Micro-ATX is bigger than the Mini-ITX customary. Micro-ATX motherboards measure 9.6 x 9.6 inches, whereas Mini-ITX motherboards measure 6.7 x 6.7 inches. Circumstances are designed to suit these sizes.
Can I take advantage of a Micro-ATX case for gaming?
Sure. Whereas you’ll have to be extra cautious concerning the elements you select for correct clearance and airflow, you’ll be able to construct a robust gaming PC within the Micro-ATX type issue.
How do I clear my PC case?
To wash the skin of the case, you’ll be able to wipe it down with a fabric, utilizing rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs to take away fingerprints. To wash the vents, you need to use a can of compressed air. For extra info, see our information to cleansing your PC.
