If you are a gamer then you are going to love knowing the best and the smallest Micro ATX cases in 2022. Gamers love using an ATX case as they are basically combining the power of an ATX system along with the form factor of ITX rig. As a gamer, we sometimes require to be on the edge of our performance and with the help of an ATX case,
If you are someone who loves assembling machines then you are going to love the process of creating your own rig. And if you are going to build your own rig then for sure you will also need a case for it. When it comes to choosing a case then you are going to need a case that fits your motherboard.
Whether it’s a micro ATX or a mini Mini ITX motherboard, always check the one that fits your needs since its responsible for controlling issues like heating caused by high CPU usage. We have curated a list of the smallest Micro ATX cases available after a lot of research and talking to many of our gaming friends.
A while back we also wrote about the best laptops for gaming development which you would love to read.
10 Smallest Micro ATX Cases in 2022
1) ROSEWILL RS-MI-01 BK Micro ATX Mini Tower case
The ROSEWILL RS-MI-01 is a substantial choice for those who want to assemble a great microATX system. It features a full-height expansion slot, three drive bays for insertion of additional RAM or other hardware, two USB and two audio ports. It’s quite stylish, considering its avant-garde steel case, and is ideal for the demanding customer.
ROSEWILL comes with a 250W PSU (Power Supply Unit) which can act as perfect exhaust fans. The PSU mount is situated at the top and the main connector cord has a configuration of 20+4 pins.
Regarding airflow inside the case, it has large vents on the sides which provide for favorable airflow which in turn keeps the system cool and stable, irrespective of the time it is used for. The case has a clean-cut appearance with all of the pieces of equipment hidden inside. Owing to its streamlined and brilliant design, the case will do its job efficiently.
The steel structure and side vents further contribute to its beauty.
There are cons of the case too. It is difficult to install the CPU coolers because of the case’s design and the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) alignment isn’t that great too. The case is possibly on the wobbly side and the return policy, as well as customer support, is poor.
2) CORSAIR CRYSTAL 280x RGB Micro ATX case
The CORSAIR CRYSTAL 280x RGB is a PC case made up of steel and there is a tempered glass panel that will definitely give your system a very modish and up to the minute look. It features a dual-chamber internal layout; the front is for the core components of the assembly and the rear is for hiding bus-wires, cables, drives and PSU.
It also provides storage capacity for a maximum of 5 drives so that one doesn’t have to compromise on storage. The case possesses dust filters on the front, floor and roof and there are vents on the side too to ensure optimal airflow such that cool air is always directed to the hottest components.
CORSAIR CRYSTAL allows for a GPU of a maximum of 300 mm in height. To add to the visual aesthetics of the case, 32 individually customizable LEDs in addition to the CORSAIR link has been installed.
The transparent tempered glass allows for the assembled gear in the system to be put on display with the inclusion of a stunning design. Those who look for an unmatched appealing look paired with unparalleled performance in a PC case should definitely go for this.
Since the case has a dual-chamber layout the bottom slots are somewhat difficult to use and there is minimal clearance for installation. There is no shielding under the HDD (Hard Disk Drive) bays and like the RS-MI-01, it too is on the flimsy side.
3) Thermaltake Core V21 SPCC Micro-ATX Cube case
The Thermaltake Core V21 case is fairly popular among gamers owing to its pronounced cooling system. It features a 200 mm turbo fan cooling system pre-installed, which includes air and liquid cooling units. It also is multi-functional as it can host both mini-ITX as well as micro-ATX boards. The body is made up of steel and it has a side window that is perforated, to act as an exhaust.
Thermaltake V21 comes with two 3.0 USB ports and has the capacity for 5 expansion slots. Although it does not support any external bays, the 6 internal bays definitely make up for it. The maximum cooler height allowed is 185 mm regarding CPU and for GPU, it’s 350 mm. The case can be used in both the orientations of the motherboard, horizontal and vertical and also has the provision for the rotation of the board.
It comes with a 3.5 mm jack for headphones and an audio port which are present on the front. Unlike CORSAIR CRYSTAL, it only has a dust filter at the bottom. It offers various stacking options for expanding the cooling system or creating dual systems, which further increases its utility.
Thermaltake V21 is an ideal choice for those who want to customize their system in their own terms without compromising on functionality or cooling.
The case is designed to be multi-oriented which makes the expansion slots difficult to access. The audio port at the front keeps failing; the reason may be poor wiring. This case too is on the flimsy side.
4) CORSAIR Carbide AIR 240 Micro-ATX case
The CORSAIR Carbide AIR 240 is a case that comes with a remarkable finish and offers a spectacular finesse when it comes to looks. It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful looking case in this list. The material used for constructing the body is a combination of metal and plastic. Like the Thermaltake V21, it too supports both mini-ITX as well as micro-ATX boards. The case has a dual-chamber system.
It comes with pre-installed fans but it also offers the option to mount two additional 120 mm fans at the front, top, or bottom. The face, top and bottom plates of the case are vented which allows for aberrant cooling systems. CORSAIR Carbide 240 allows for the installation of a 240 mm radiator at the front and bottom.
It comes with two 3.0 USB ports, 3.5 mm jack, and an audio port. The maximum GPU card length allowance is 290 mm while for CPU coolers the maximum height is 120 mm.
The CORSAIR Carbide 240 also has an exceptional interior, which is its flagship factor. SECC steel is used to construct the interior which offers durability as well as adequate mechanical strength. The left panel has a transparent acrylic window that reveals the entire rig.
While Carbide 240 cancels out the flimsy factor with its robust design, it too has some flaws. There is no space to install tall CPU coolers and the large width of the case makes it difficult to access the rear areas. It has no external drive slots and there is minimal space for the GPUs and coolers.
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5) APEVIA X-QPACK3-RD Micro-ATX Cube case
The APEVIA X-QPACK3-RD case is made up of steel and comes in a mixture of red and black with two red-tinted side windows. It has a vented mesh design that ensures optimal airflow as well as makes the case look stylish with its neat and tidy make. It offers support for ITX, micro-ATX, as well as mini-ITX boards. There are four access ports that are all present on the front including USB, headphone and audio ports.
The case comes with two pre-installed fans, one red LED 140 mm and the other 120 mm but there is space for adding one more. The maximum allowance for GPU is 320 mm whereas for the cooler unit, it’s 7”. APEVIA X-QPACK3-RD comes with a powered HDD LED display on the front.
The case has a flip-up top design which allows for easy installation of gears. It also has dust filters embedded on the top panel. Simply put, this case is ideal for almost everyone as it is quite versatile to meet anybody’s requirements.
The flip-up top design allows for easy installation but the design itself requires a soft material to be built with and as such the whole case tends to be breakable. The ports are loose and stop working after using a while. In the fields of ventilation and cooling, the case is not up to the mark and the customer support is poor too.
6) Cooler Master SIL-352M-KKN1: Silent Micro-ATX case
The Cooler Master SIL-352M-KKN1 is the only case in this list that is made up of polymer and stainless steel which ensures rust-free and less accumulation of dust inside. It is available in midnight black colour. It supports both micro-ATX and mini-ITX boards. It supports standard ATX power supply and also offers an 8PIN ATX 12v supply for additional power.
The faceplate of the case has two 3.0 and one 2.0 USB ports, in addition to one audio and one SD card reader port. The maximum allowance for GPU length is 155 mm but it has no restriction when it comes to installing cooling units.
The case also offers storage for a 240 mm radiator at the front and a 120 mm at the rear. This too comes with a removable top cover design, much like APEVIA, which makes installing gears quite easy and efficient. The case also features multiple air filters for proper airflow at the top, bottom and front.
Cooler Master SIL-352M-KKN1 comes with pre-installed fans which feature a 120 x 15 mm fan at the top, two at the front and one at the rear. Of these, the fans at the front and the rear are XtraFlo fans that provide efficient cooling for the hottest components in the system.
The case is the perfect mixture of maximum and silent performance and minimum design. It’s the only case on the list that can host the biggest graphics cards in it available today.
Like APEVIA, its design restricts the material to the flimsy side and regarding the ports, they too stop working after they have been used for a while. Ventilation and cooling could have been better.
7) Silverstone Tek SG10 Micro-ATX case
The Silverstone Tek SG10 case is made up of high-grade, high-strength plastic that makes its structure robust and durable. It comes in black and white. It supports both micro-ATX and mini-ITX boards. Since it’s made from plastic, this case is the most affordable one on this list. It’s exceptional too, owing to its build quality and the wide range of features it offers.
It has a total of four ports on the front, two audio and two USB 3.0 ports. Speaking of the cooling system, it has two pre-installed fans, one 80 mm and the other 92 mm, at the back. It also has one 120 mm and one 80 mm fan slot, to be added afterward at the front. The case supports PS2 ATX power supply and an unlimited PSU allowance with a mandatory cable routing system. It also offers compatibility of a 358 mm or 144 mm expansion card.
The maximum allowance for CPU cooler height is 140 mm. Another great feature of this case is that it supports Kensington locks. There are dust filters pre-installed at the top and bottom. Tek SG10 also has a CPU backplate cut-out that allows quick assembly or installation of the motherboard.
The case provides excellent style with a combination of flexibility and affordable pricing.
Regardless of the case having a cable routing system, cable management is not good. As it has a backplate cut-out, removing the side panels can get tricky and it can get difficult to open or close the case after installation. The cooling system is also not up to the mark.
8) InWin 301 Micro-ATX Mini-ITX case
The InWin 301 case is made up of 1.2 mm SECC steel, like the CORSAIR Carbide, and tempered glass and its build quality is superior to the latter. It comes in black and white colours and its type is a mini-tower. The case supports both micro-ATX and mini-ITX boards.
The case is lined with a shock-proof stand and comes with a pre-installed glass panel, which makes it a firm and high-quality product. The faceplate is highlighted by a high-power luminescent LED light. InWin 301 offers versatile cooling options with one 120 mm fan and radiator at the back. It can also support two additional fans at the bottom at the PCie slot.
The case has a total of three I/O ports, two USB 3.0 and one HD audio port at the front. It also supports standard PS2 ATX 12v power supply with a maximum allowance of 160 mm on cable length. One can find detachable cable management design and an extra slot for graphics card in the case.
The InWin is a state-of-the-art case that provides uncompromised functionality with flexibility.
On the flip side, the case doesn’t support favourable mounting of the 2.5” drive bays on the motherboard due to its small design. It also is impossible to route the cables properly inside because of the same reason.
9) MasterBox Q300L Flexible Micro-ATX case
The MasterBox Q300L has a highly flexible design, because of its modular I/O panel, and is made up of a combination of plastic and stainless steel. It has a specially patterned dust filter design which adds to the visual aesthetics of the case as well as provides an optimal dust prevention system.
The case can be used for both orientations and can support both micro-ATX and mini-ITX boards. MasterBox Q300L comes with a pre-installed RGB LED fan at the back and a side panel with an edge-to-edge acrylic transparent view. There is space for mounting five additional fans; two at the front and top and one at the back.
Now, coming to the distinguishing factor of this case, it has a pre-installed RGB controller and one RGB splitter with a 4PIN adapter and four removable handles for easy transportation.
The case supports both ATX PS2 12v and EPS 12v power supply, the PSU slot being at the bottom. The maximum allowance in terms of length for GPU is 360 mm and for CPU cooler is 159 mm. There are no radiators pre-installed but the case provides space for the installation two radiators, one at the front and one at back.
The case has a magnetic side cover which unfortunately doesn’t always work. The filter screens are of poor quality and come off easily. Cable management in the case is not easy and can tend to become tricky.
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10) Cooler Master HAF XB EVO case
This case is made up of a combination of polymer and steel. It supports ATX, micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. It comes with a meshed front bezel that adds to its beauty.
Cooler Master HAF XB offers separate storage in the form of a dual-chamber layout for the PSU and motherboard. The power supply can be installed on the bottom part while the motherboard and other platform components go to the top level, where they can enjoy optimum airflow.
Regarding the cooling system, there is enough space inside for five fans inside. The case comes with two pre-installed 120 mm XtraFlo fans at the front. One can also opt for a liquid nitrogen cooling platform as the motherboard lies flat and the cooling system won’t hinder the performance.
HAF XB is compatible with the standard ATX PS2 12v power supply, the maximum allowance for PSU in terms of length is 180 mm. The faceplate has two 3.0 USB SuperSpeed ports located internally and one HD audio I/O port. There is also space to install two radiators inside the case, one at the front and one at the back.
The filter screens are of poor quality and come off easily. Cable routing is not easy and while the case sports an excellent cooling system, airflow management could have been better.
Micro ATX Cases – The Buyer’s Guide
Design and Customisation
Design of a case is the first thing that captures the attention of the buyer. Nowadays, PC cases come with designs and glass side panels and RGB lighting that can make anyone grab them right away. But, that would mean extra effort in hiding all the cables and some may also find the lighting irritating. So, it is important to choose a case that suits one’s personality.
Best in Design – CORSAIR CRYSTAL 280x RGB, APEVIA X-QPACK3-RD
Best option in Customisation – Thermaltake Core V21 SPCC
Cooling options
Most of the PC cases come with pre-installed fans and cooling units. But, they may not always work properly. The better option is to go for custom liquid cooling systems which would require enough openings to install and clean these at times.
Best Micro ATX case for Cooling – Cooler Master HAF XB EVO, Thermaltake Core 21 SPCC
Noise – It is irritating to always hear the humming sound of a motherboard, cooling fans or other platform components running. But, noise reduction requires sacrificing proper airflow and that is not good for the system. Optimum airflow is substantial for the smooth running of the system.
Best Micro ATX Case for Noise cancellation factor – ROSEWILL RS-MI-01 BK
Dust Filter
Those who live or work in dusty environments need to find a case that has an efficient dust prevention system as a gradual buildup of dust can eventually lead to hindrance in performance. For the same, efficient dust filters are a must.
Best Micro Atx Case for Dust filter – ROSEWILL RS-MI-01 BK
Space for components
Individuals who want to build their rig in their terms need to make sure that their case has enough space to host all the pieces of equipments that they want to install. Making a list of the components that are to be installed beforehand is always a good move.
Best in Space Micro ATX Case – Cooler Master SIL-352M-KKN1
Durability
One of the most important and non-negotiable factors while buying a PC case is its durability. The durability of the material of a case is the factor that decides how long it is going to last.
Best micro Atx case with Durability – CORSAIR Carbide AIR 240
Budget
One must set an upper limit in terms of the price of the product while buying a PC case. Getting mesmerized by unnecessary features can lead to unfortunate consequences.
Best Budget Micro Atx Case – CORSAIR Carbide AIR 240
FAQs
What is ATX and what is it used for?
An ATX is a standard for motherboards. Its size ranges from as small as 6.75” wide x 6.75” deep to a maximum of 9.6” wide x 9.6” deep. It was first introduced by the American Multinational Corporation and Technology Company, Intel Corporation, in December 1997 and is basically a smaller motherboard. It is sometimes referred to as mATX or uATX. The current models of the mATX motherboards support CPUs manufactured by VIA, AMD, or Intel.
What is a micro ATX case?
Micro-ATX cases are simple boxes, also known as PC cases that host the motherboard. There are three types of PC cases, which are mentioned below:
MicroATX cases – 9.6” x 9.6”
ATX cases – 12” x 9.6”
Mini-ITX cases – 6.7” x 6.7”
How big is a micro ATX case?
Micro-ATX case size ranges from as small as 6.75” wide x 6.75” deep to a maximum of 9.6” wide x 9.6” deep.
Is micro ATX worth it?
Basically, an ATX board is worth investing for if one plans on making full use of the extra PCie slots offered on the board. In terms of slots and drive bays offered, micro-ATX is the best motherboard today.
What is the smallest ATX case?
CORSAIR Carbide Series 400c is the smallest ATX case.
Which is between smaller micro-ATX or mini-ITX?
Mini-ITX boards are smaller, considering both height and width, in comparison to micro-ATX boards.
Can a micro-ATX fit in a mid-tower?
Yes, a micro-ATX can fit in both full-towers as well as mid-towers
What is the ATX 12v for?
The ATX 12v is an eight PIN connection that connects to the EPS 12v socket of the motherboard and provides additional power to the CPU, keeping aside the PSU in the assembly.
Is my motherboard ATX?
To know if one’s motherboard is ATX or micro-ATX or any other, he/she has to open up the case and note down the model number written on the bottom of the circuit board of the motherboard. They can then search the model number online and from the articles, data sheets and reviews available, one can deduce the specific form factor of their motherboard model as well as the type of the board.
Does the motherboard affect gaming?
No. If the overclockability of a motherboard is not taken into consideration, a motherboard does not affect gaming performance.
Conclusion
Now you might have an idea on the best options for the smallest micro atx case that’s available to buy online. There are a ton of different ATX cases and you may get confused which is why the buying guide will help you. When we were choosing the atx cases to recommend, we made sure all of them allowed for maximum agility and were functional. Another interesting thing to note here is that there may be many gamers who prefer some sort of RGB lighting when buying their case and so there are many options which we have also included in the list.