Are you building a new gaming rig? If so, you’ll need to pick out the perfect case for all your hardware. And while you’ve got a lot of options to choose from, the best Micro-ATX case is probably the best choice.
Why’s that? Well, Micro-ATX gaming PCs sit right in between ATX and Mini-ITX builds to deliver a unique balance of power and convenience. Not only that, mATX builds are capable of providing cutting-edge performance that will have you outmaneuvering every opponent.
To that end, Micro-ATX builds are extremely popular among gamers due to their efficiency, versatility, and affordable price point. Moreover, the best Micro-ATX cases provide the perfect chassis for both casual and hardcore gaming, with loads of great options to choose from. This buyer’s guide takes you through the top 10 best options on the market and offers a glimpse at the primary uses and benefits of these exceptional cases. Intrigued? Let’s dive right in.
Zoom Out: A Comparison Table of the 10 Best Micro-ATX Cases
We’ll start things off with an overview of the top Micro-ATX cases currently available. The models are listed in price-ascending order for your convenience.
Image | mATX Case | Motherboard Support | GFX Clearance | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|---|
ROSEWILL FBM-01 | MicroATX | 300mm | ||
Thermaltake Versa | Mini-ITX + MicroATX | 315mm | ||
AeroCool Cylon RGB | Mini-ITX + MicroATX + ATX | 346mm | ||
darkFlash DLM21 White | MicroATX | 330mm | ||
InWin 301 | Mini-ITX + MicroATX | 330mm | ||
NZXT H510 | Mini-ITX + MicroATX + ATX | 381mm | ||
Cooler Master Silencio S400 | Mini-ITX + MicroATX | 319mm | ||
Thermaltake Level 20 VT | Mini-ITX + MicroATX | 350mm | ||
Phanteks EVOLV mATX | MicroATX | 319mm | ||
Silverstone Fortress 3 | Mini-ITX + Mini-DTX + MicroATX | ULTD |
Zoom In: A Closer Look at the 10 Best Micro-ATX Cases
Next, let’s take a closer look at the best Micro-ATX cases. You’ll find a variety of types and options to help you make the best choice for your setup.
Our pick for best small PC case
It’s one of the smallest Micro-ATX cases on the market, and it’s featured in several prominent gaming rigs. Why’s that? Well, it boasts an ultra-reliable steel form factor, plenty of bays and expansion slots, and a versatile design that works with today’s top Intel and AMD systems. And that’s not to mention the convenient I/O panel that complements the sleek and stylish glossy black exterior! The price starts around $20 with flash sales occurring regularly.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX
- GFX Clearance: 300mm
- Expansion Slots: 4
- Cooling: 80mm & 120mm fan included
- I/O Panel: 2x USB 2.0, 1x audio/mic
Our pick for best Micro-ATX mini tower
The Thermaltake Versa H15 is a sleek aluminum Micro-ATX tower that boasts a small footprint and loaded interior. Installation is a breeze thanks to the tool-free design, and it’s the perfect starter case for new PC builders and casual gamers. The modular design works flawlessly alongside 4 drive bays, and the 120mm fan that’s included is ideal for a variety of gaming builds.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX + MicroATX
- GFX Clearance: 315mm
- Expansion Slots: 4
- Cooling: 120mm fan included
- I/O Panel: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x audio/mic
Our pick for best slim mATX case
Looking for a sexy RGB Micro-ATX case that can house your favorite PC hardware with flying colors? The AeroCool Cylon is the perfect choice, as it uniquely balances style with unrivaled performance. In fact, this versatile case supports Mini-ITX, MicroATX, and ATX motherboards with ease while also delivering best-in-class air and liquid cooling. In addition to superior temp control, you’ll find 4 drive bays, 7 expansion slots, and a sweet I/O panel with enough USB connectors for all your favorite peripherals.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX + MicroATX + ATX
- GFX Clearance: 346mm
- Expansion Slots: 7
- Cooling: 120mm fan included
- I/O Panel: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x audio/mic
Our pick for best white Micro-ATX case
A fantastic offering by a lesser-known company, the darkFlash DLM21 White Case is as sleek as they come. The spacious interior is housed between metal panels and a tempered glass side that opens up for easy access. As for performance? Load up SSDs, HDDs, and graphics cards up to 330mm in the case’s 4 expansion slot mounts, then launch your favorite Triple-A title and destroy the competition. Overall, it’s an excellent offering with exceptional consumer reviews.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: MicroATX
- GFX Clearance: 330mm
- Expansion Slots: 4
- Cooling: N/A
- I/O Panel: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x audio/mic
5. InWin 301
Our pick for best glass Micro-ATX case
If you’re looking for a glass Micro-ATX case that shows off your PC’s interior, the InWin 301 does just the trick. It supports both air and liquid cooling, and it’s loaded with 3 drive bays and 4 expansion slots out of the box. Plus, the ventilated steel side panel provides an exceptional support beam while perfectly accentuating the glass construction. Overall, the 301 features an easy installation process, and it’s an excellent Micro-ATX case for novices and veterans alike.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX + MicroATX
- GFX Clearance: 330mm
- Expansion Slots: 4
- Cooling: N/A
- I/O Panel: 2x USB 3.0, 1x audio/mic
6. NZXT H510
Our pick for best Micro-ATX gaming case
NZXT is well-known for their epic gaming gear, and the H510 carries on this legacy with jaw-dropping performance. This is thanks to the 381mm GPU clearance and 7 expansion slots that allow you to build the rig of your dreams. In terms of style, the sleek design is accented by a glistening tempered glass window and stellar fan control options. Moreover, this unit packs 2 Aer F120mm fans and a USB 3.1 I/O panel for best-in-class cooling and lightning-quick speeds.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX + MicroATX + ATX
- GFX Clearance: 381mm
- Expansion Slots: 7
- Cooling: 2x Aer F120mm fans included
- I/O Panel: 2x USB 3.0, 1x audio/mic
7. Cooler Master Silencio S400
Our pick for best mATX PC case
If you’re looking for a cool computer case, look no further than the Silencio S400 by Cooler Master. It’s the best mATX case available when considering price point and features, and it comes with awesome perks like air and liquid cooling support. As for customization? 3 drive bays, 4 expansion slots, and a loaded I/O panel deliver everything you need to build a masterful gaming PC.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX + MicroATX
- GFX Clearance: 319mm
- Expansion Slots: 4
- Cooling: 2x 120mm fans included
- I/O Panel: 2x USB 3.0, 1x audio/mic, 1x SD reader
Our pick for best Micro-ATX cube case
The Thermaltake Level 20 VT is the best mATX cube case on the market. How so? For starters, it’s LCS certified, meaning it’s been awarded a coveted accolade handed to the best tech gear on the market. It also features a fully modular design that’s loaded with some of the best hardware on the market. As for performance? Two-chamber construction, combined with 5 expansion slots, delivers unrivaled performance and customizability.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX + MicroATX
- GFX Clearance: 350mm
- Expansion Slots: 5
- Cooling: 1x 200mm fan included
- I/O Panel: 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x audio/mic
Our pick for best small form factor case
The Phanteks Evolv mATX Case dons a modular satin-black aluminum frame and tempered glass design. Moreover, this case boasts plenty of high-tech compatibility with various component mounts, a variety of I/O options, and premium air and liquid cooling setups. It also supports radiators up to 360 RAD for gamers who want to squeeze maximum performance from their rig. And it’s backed by near-flawless consumer reviews.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX + MicroATX
- GFX Clearance: 319mm
- Expansion Slots: 4
- Cooling: 2x 140mm fans included
- I/O Panel: 2x USB 3.0, 1x audio, 1x mic, 1x RGB LED control
Our pick for best Micro-ATX case overall
If you’re a fan of intuitive designs that scream sophistication, you’ve found the best Micro-ATX case on the market. The Fortress 3 is a pure silver aluminum tower that boasts a super small footprint and stack layout. What’s this mean? The unique design allows you to mount your motherboard sideways so you can install any size graphics card and full-tower CPU coolers. Plus, several drive bays and expansion slots work alongside a hot-swappable 3.5” bay and loaded I/O panel for maximum efficiency.
High Ground Overview:
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX + Mini-DTX + MicroATX
- GFX Clearance: ULTD
- Expansion Slots: 4
- Cooling: 3x 120mm fans included
- I/O Panel: 2x USB 3.0, 1x audio, 1x mic
Micro-ATX Case Guide Part I: What is a Micro-ATX Case?
Micro-ATX cases are a type of computer case designed to house a Micro-ATX, aka mATX, motherboard and its associated components. They’re built to safely and effectively manage the computer’s internal workings through the use of integrated power supplies, built-in cooling systems, and modular form factors. Together, these features enhance the power of the Micro-ATX build and lay the perfect foundation for a performance-oriented PC.
ATX vs Micro-ATX vs Mini-ITX
You may be wondering what the difference is between these motherboard designs, and when you should use each option. First, let’s define each term:
- ATX motherboard. Measuring 12.0” x 9.6”, standard ATX, or Advanced Technology Extended, motherboards feature the largest number of PCIe lanes for intensive graphics-oriented setups.
- Micro-ATX motherboard. The star of our article, Micro-ATX motherboards are 9.6” x 9.6” and offer the perfect balance between high-performance and convenient sizing.
- Mini-ITX motherboard. Smaller than both ATX and mATX motherboards, the Mini-ITX measures only 6.7” x 6.7” and is perfect for smaller rigs and portable units.
As you can see, Micro-ATX fits right between the other two major players, offering the ideal amount of power and functionality for gaming PCs and everyday builds. And since Micro-ATX cases are generally considered small form-factor units, they manage to squeeze a lot of exciting tech into one small tower. Ultimately, the best Micro-ATX cases help you make the most of your motherboard to deliver unrivaled performance and a myriad of exceptional benefits.
Micro-ATX Case Guide Part II: Benefits of the Best Micro-ATX Cases
There are a number of benefits to choosing a Micro-ATX case as your main gaming rig chassis. Let’s take a look:
- Convenient sizing. Since Micro-ATX motherboards are smaller than comparable gaming boards, you can choose from a variety of modular cases to find the perfect fit for your setup.
- Performance options. Micro-ATX motherboards are among the most popular for PC gamers for a reason: they’re loaded with fantastic tech. Naturally, the best mATX cases follow suit and feature great power supplies, cooling systems, and USB options.
- Attractive designs. From sleek single-color designs to LED-backlit tempered glass models, there is a huge variety of options on the market. Choose from slim towers, cube shapes, and custom-molded options by the top PC gaming brands.
- Gaming advantage. Since they’re uniquely designed to perform flawlessly for gamers, you can be sure that you’re pressing the full advantage with the most powerful hardware on the market.
Plus, each case comes with its own set of features that make it stand out from the rest. But that begs the question — how do you pick the best one?
Micro-ATX Case Guide Part III: Choosing the Best Micro-ATX Case
Picking the right Micro-ATX case can be difficult given the number of options available. To make the process easier, let’s look at some of the top specifications found in the best Micro-ATX cases:
- Versatile motherboard mounts
- Space for dedicated GPUs
- Adaptable form factors & sleek designs
- Air & liquid cooling systems
- Loaded I/O panels with USB 3.0 & above
- Built-in cable routing
- LED illumination options
- Room for the best Micro-ATX PC components
Base-level cases with no shrills can be found for around $20, but you’re looking at features like simple air cooling, bare-bones form factors, and older USB 2.0 technology. This is all fine for folks who want to spend their moola on the internal hardware itself.
That said, those seeking the very best Micro-ATX case can choose from options like sleek form factors with modular functions, powerful integrated components with loads of bays and expansion slots, and tech like USB 3.1. But, you’ll have to shell out more money. It’s a balancing act, so look over your budget and opt for a model that will make you happy in the long run (and be sure to leave room for future upgrades).
Micro-ATX Case Guide Part IV: How to Setup a Micro-ATX Case
Fortunately, assembling and using one of the best Micro-ATX cases works just like all the best computer cases. While there are key differences between every model, you can generally expect simple form factors that allow you to insert your components with a few screws and a little elbow grease. However, things get trickier when factoring in modular models and mid-tower cases.
To help you on your way, we’ve pulled the following video from Bitwit over on YouTube. It’s a comprehensive guide to building a PC step-by-step, and he uses a variation of the NZXT Gaming Case featured on our list to make it happen! Check it out below:
The In-Win case has a wersion with USB-C on the front. I have thet one.
Thanks
Vote here for the Fortress- lying sideways is a huge plus. Great list- thanks for compiling.