The Best Small ATX Cases (2024 Guide)
In the world of PC building, the choice of case is crucial. It not only houses your components but also plays a significant role in the overall performance and aesthetics of your system. While ATX cases are known for their spacious interiors and ample room for components, the trend towards smaller form factors has been steadily growing. Although, Some PC builders find themselves interested in a smaller form factor, but not very keen on the sacrifices to cooling and other factors that come with a micro or mini case. In this article, I’ll show off the best small ATX cases. That is; full ATX cases that are as small as possible. NOTE: This article contains affiliate links
Our Top 3 Favorite Small ATX Cases:
3. SilverStone Technology GD09
Price ~$121
3. The Silver Stone GD909 is fairly unique as it is a horizontal form factor. It may look like the case is placed on its side, but nope! It’s right side up. Depending on your setup this could be a blessing or a curse! Be sure to factor in where you’ll place it before purchasing!
Pros:
- Great build quality! There is some plastic, but it is heavy-duty plastic.
- Plenty of room for larger GPUs and CPU coolers.
- Multiple air intakes with mesh filters to prevent excess dust from entering.
- Has a 5.25 in. Bay if you want an optical drive.
Cons:
- Cable management is tricky. No back panel for hiding cables.
- Manual leaves a lot to be desired, and assembly can be tricky.
Overall thoughts: I know it’s the point, but this case can feel pretty cramped. Even more so than some micro ATX cases I’ve seen. Due to this, I would highly recommend using a modular power supply and M.2 drives, or you might drive yourself crazy with cables. You will also want to make sure you add an extra fan or two, to ensure you get proper airflow. The stock case only comes with one. Overall, this is an awesome compact ATX case though. Its horizontal design means it would work great in a TV stand. You can still access the power button and IO without access to the top of the case. Perfect for a home media PC.
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions – 14.09 x 17.32 x 6.69 inches
- Material – Plastic & Aluminum
- Weight – 9.26 pounds
- Color Variants – Black
2. Fractal Design Define 7
Price: ~$99
- Fractal Design Define 7 is a small & simple case at a very reasonable price with a stylish minimal design and excellent layout. It’s among the smallest ATX cases you can possibly buy without going through a custom builder or spending in the neighborhood of $200+
Pros:
- Excellent design and cable management layout.
- Comes with a great manual and zip ties.
- Well-designed air intake system.
- Quiet.
Cons:
- As far as I can tell, there may not be enough room for extra-long GPUs without removing the front case fan. Which can mess with your cooling. Measure before buying!
Overall thoughts: It’s not for everyone, but I love the visual design of this case. Simple yet elegant. The brushed metal finish keeps off fingerprints and the side panel is just perfect. The top of this case is removable which makes the build a little easier. Additionally, you can choose to have a closed steel panel on the top of the case or a filtered mesh ventilation top panel. This thing is also extremely quiet. Maybe some of the best noise canceling on the market. The whole thing feels thoughtfully designed and makes good use of its limited space. A bit heavy, but overall is one of my new favorite small ATX cases!
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions – 15.71 x 8.07 x 15.98 inches
- Material – Aluminum & Glass
- Weight – 19.91 pounds
- Color Variants – Black & Light Grey
1. SSUPD Meshroom S V2
Price: ~$150
- The Meshroom S V2 is a bit of a weird one. It is essentially multiple cases in one and can be taken apart and reassembled in various ways to make it work for your build. Not the most beginner-friendly, but probably THE smallest ATX case possible.
Pros:
- Very Versatile
- Great cooling (It’s all mesh, so the whole thing is basically an air intake)
- Looks awesome
Cons:
- This thing will definitely get dusty quickly.
- Very tight which may make for a difficult build.
Overall thoughts: Now this, is a small ATX case. The whole thing is made out of mesh steel. It pretty much had to be because the case is so tight, that with anything else it would surely overheat. Pretty much anything will fit in this beast. If you take a look at its product page the list of compatible hardware is huge. You can fit some truly massive GPUs in here. This case is a builder’s dream. Especially those looking for a small form factor without sacrificing anything.
Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions – 16.34 x 12.2 x 8.66 inches
- Material – SGCC powder coated steel, plastic
- Weight – 7.77 pounds
- Color Variants – Black
Other Thoughts on Small ATX Cases
None of these work for you? Check out https://www.sfftime.com . They have some excellent small form factor cases for sale, but they can be on the pricey side.
Why Choose Small ATX Cases?
Small full ATX cases offer several advantages over their smaller (and larger) counterparts, making them an attractive option for many PC builders:
- Space Efficiency: Small ATX cases are designed to maximize space utilization without sacrificing functionality like you might if you went with a micro or mini ATX case. They are ideal for users with limited desk space or those looking to build a compact PC without compromising on performance.
- Portability: Smaller ATX cases are easier to transport compared to bulkier options. Maybe you’re attending a LAN party or simply moving your setup from one room to another, a compact case makes transportation hassle-free.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Small ATX cases often feature sleek and modern designs, adding a touch of elegance to any setup. I’ve gone with some large cases in my day, and the dominating 50 pound PC is not for everyone.
- Versatility: Despite their compact size, small ATX cases generally will still offer room for hardware expansion. This style of case will support standard ATX motherboards and components, allowing users to build powerful systems with high-end processors, graphics cards, and storage options and not feel shackled by a micro build or something similar.
When considering a small ATX case for your next PC build or trying to find the best small atx case for you, it’s essential to weigh these advantages against your specific requirements and preferences. It’s entirely possible that a smaller form factor fits your needs just fine and a full ATX setup will be overkill anyway.
Top Features to Look for in Small ATX Cases
When choosing a small ATX case, several key features can significantly impact your overall build experience and performance. Here are some important features to consider:
- Workable Cooling Solutions: Opt for a case with effective cooling options, such as multiple fan mounts, ventilation holes, and support for liquid cooling radiators. Oftentimes these smaller cases can be absolutely cramped so airflow management is crucial in small ATX cases to prevent heat buildup and to keep your components cool.
- Compatibility with your Components: In such a small working area it’s crucial to make sure your stuff actually fits in the case. Check for good clearance for graphics cards, CPU coolers, power supply, and storage drives, and of course make sure it fits a standard full atx motherboard.
- Cable Management Options: Look for features such as cable routing channels, tie-down points, and a back panel to stuff away your loose cords. Proper cable management not only improves airflow but also enhances the overall look of your build if there is a window to look into the case.
- Expansion: Unless you know exactly what you want from day one, it doesn’t hurt to get a case that has some room for extras!
Conclusion
In conclusion, small ATX cases offer a compelling solution for PC builders seeking a balance between compactness and maximizing performance. Throughout this blog post, we’ve explored the advantages of small ATX cases, top features to look for when choosing a case, and a few reviews of the best small atx case options available,
Small ATX cases provide the best of both worlds by providing a sleek and beautiful form factor without shackling you to poor performance and cooling. By carefully selecting a small ATX case that meets your specific requirements and preferences, you can build a powerful and compact PC without compromising on performance or style!
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it was helpful on your journey through the world of small ATX cases and provided you with valuable insights for your next PC build. Happy building!
If you’re interested in some additional inspiration for your next build I highly recommend this post: The most unique PC cases