I’m old enough to remember when PCs were huge, looming units. They had to be big to hold all the components that made up a PC. As gaming PCs became a thing, these were even bigger because the high-end components generated a lot of heat. In turn, the heat had to be dissipated with copious amounts of airflow. Thanks to Moore’s law, components have become smaller and more efficient, to the point where even a gaming PC can fit into a compact case.
Also: The best portable power stations you can buy: Expert tested
Smaller components have led the way for smaller PC cases. Mini-ITX PC cases have gained popularity in the computing world due to their compact size. This allows a PC to be powerful yet not occupy much space or compromise on features.
What is the best Mini ITX PC case right now?
There are a lot of PC cases out there, from cheap, poor-quality sludge to high-quality units packed with features and stylish exteriors. I’ve tested a lot of PC cases over the close to three decades that I’ve been building PCs, and one manufacturer has always delivered the goods, which is why I give the top spot to the Thermaltake Tower 200 Mini-ITX case.
Whether you’re building a general, all-purpose PC or a high-performance gaming system, you can’t go wrong with this case. Read on to discover all of my recommendations for the best Mini ITX PC cases available on the market today.
The best Mini ITX PC cases of 2025
Thermaltake is one of my top full-sized PC cases and cooler makers, and as such, it’s no surprise that the company also makes a high-quality Mini-ITX gaming case.
This case has it all – well built, fantastic airflow, quality fans packed with LEDs, and room for some of the biggest coolers, power supplies, and graphics cards. All the edges are smoothed and rounded, so there’s nothing to slice your hand open on, which is a welcomed touch.
You can also pick up an optional for the case that displays real-time information, time, weather, and much more–handy albeit rather pricey addition.
Thermaltake Tower 200 features: Great airflow | Plenty of space to accommodate large graphics card and cooling radiator | Glass panel construction | Optional display
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
The Fractal Design Mood Light Gray PC Case’s design centers on style. This mini tower seamlessly compliments modern interiors and provides efficient cooling for hard-core gaming PCs. It features a sleek fabric exterior and a compact footprint and is entirely compatible with Mini-ITX motherboards.
But don’t let the compact size fool you – this case can accommodate graphics cards up to 325mm in length, CPU air coolers up to 114mm in height, and radiators up to 280mm.
The case also includes a 180mm top fan for optimal airflow and easy access for building and upgrades, making it an attractive choice for gamers looking for both aesthetics and functionality.
Fractal Design Mood Light features: Fabric outer | Small footprint | Built-in cooling fan | Front-facing ports
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
I’m old enough to remember the bad old days of PC cases – poorly made, full of sharp edges, and requiring a toolbox to assemble. One of the standout features of the Jonsbo C6-ITX Handled Mesh PC Case is its tool-free assembly, which simplifies the building process for both novice and experienced users.
This is a compact and versatile case that supports both ITX and Mini-DTX motherboards, making it suitable for a variety of builds. It features a sleek mesh design that allows for excellent airflow, keeping the components running cool even under heavy loads.
In addition, if you need to transport your PC, this case features a carry handle.
Jonsbo C6-ITX features: Metal mesh panels | Tool-free design | Built-in air inlet filters | Built-in Velcro carry handle
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Need a Mini-ITX case that can house some of the biggest graphic cards? The BitFenix Nova Mesh can hold the Nvidia RTX 3090 or AMD RX6900XT, and even supports graphics cards with radiators fitted. Mesh panels and ample fans allow for generous airflow, while a good helping of LED lighting adds visual entertainment.
With airflow comes the inevitable accumulation of airborne detritus, so this case is equipped with “magnetic” filters to prevent dirt, dust, and hair from getting into the system.
To keep the internals clear for airflow and reduce dust buildup, the cabling is routed behind the motherboard.
BitFenix Nova Mesh features: Stylish, space-age look | Room for large graphics cards, radiators, and coolers | RGB fans | Plastic/metal/glass construction
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
What are the tariffs in the U.S.?
The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know
Laptops, PCs, and even accessories like PC cases are hit hard by the new U.S. tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
Manufacturers are exploring options like relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such shifts are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for accessories due to these trade policies.
Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it’s always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.
Also: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech – but not for long
I’ve been a big Thermaltake fan for several decades now, and the Thermaltake Tower 200 definitely doesn’t disappoint. It’s a perfect, all-purpose Mini ITX case and is my top choice.
| Mini ITX PC Case | Price | Full-size GPU support | Water cooling support | Outer | RGB support |
Thermaltake Tower 200 | $105 | Yes | Yes | Metal mesh/glass | Yes |
Fractal Design Mood | $150 | Yes | Yes | Fabric mesh | No |
JONSBO C6-ITX | $62 | No | Yes | Metal mesh | No |
BitFenix Nova Mesh | $60 | Yes | Yes | Plastic/fabric mesh | Yes |
Show more
Choose this Mini ITX case… | If you want… |
Thermaltake Tower 200 | The best option overall. |
Fractal Design Mood | This is for those who crave style. This is less a PC case and more a feature or statement! |
Jonsbo C6-ITX | A cheap and cheerful case. This is a fantastic case for the price. |
BitFenix Nova Mesh | A modern space-age look. Perfect for LAN parties! |
Show more
There are a lot of Mini ITX PC cases on the market from a variety of different vendors, and I’ve tested and used several from some of the vendors listed here — specifically Thermaltake and Fractal Design. I’ve based my selections both on my experience using these brands, as well as user reviews.
Product specs and price also come into play, but being able to draw on dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of other people’s views allows me to get a broad sense of how well-received a selected PC case is. I’ve paid particular attention to reports of quality, ease of use, how quiet or noisy the case is, cooling and airflow, and weeded out many that seemed to be poor quality.
Show more
Mini-ITX is a compact motherboard form factor. It measures 170mm x 170mm, and it has become a popular choice in recent years by those looking to build compact PCs without sacrificing performance.
Show more
Dust is more of a problem here, as there’s less room for airflow, and even small accumulations can cause hot spots to form.
Dealing with it is the same as dealing with any other PC case. Wipe the panels with a dry microfiber cloth, dust any mesh fabric panels, clean the air filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and use compressed air to remove dust buildup inside the PC.
Show more
People often choose to invest in a mini PC for these reasons:
- Space-saving: The top benefit of going for a mini PC is that it takes up significantly less space than traditional desktop PCs.
- Portable: Mini PCs are lightweight and easy to move, making them ideal for users who need computing power on the go.
- Energy efficiency: Most mini PCs consume significantly less power than a similarly-specced desktop system, which can lead to cost savings on electricity.
- Quiet: These systems are built with quiet fans and good airflow, so they are far quieter than traditional systems.
Show more
Other Mini ITX PC cases worth considering
Smartphones
Smartwatches
Other Tech Resources
ZDNET Recommends
Source: Robotics - zdnet.com
