6 Smallest Micro ATX Cases in 2023 [Curated by Experts]

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Finding the smallest mATX case can be a challenge as most gaming PCs focus on adding more components inside the case and occupy huge space.

However, if you don’t need absolute high-end performance, a small micro ATX case can serve your purpose well.

Here you’ll find the top small micro ATX cases based on different use cases or types of builds. For example, the Phanteks Evolv mATX Tempered Glass Edition is overall the best small mATX case on the list.

Keep reading to know about the details of all the shortlisted PC cases.

Best Smallest Micro ATX Cases

mATX size is the most popular size for motherboards. Most users go for a micro ATX motherboard due to its excellent balance between compact size and enough clearance.

However, most PC cases available in the market are made for supporting both ATX and mATX cases, increasing the size of the case.

But if you want to have a compact mATX build that doesn’t waste much desk space, you must buy a compact case that supports only mATX motherboards.

Here is the list of the best small mATX PC cases:

1. Editor’s Choice: Phanteks Evolv mATX Tempered Glass Edition

Key Specifications

Volume: 41.7L
Dimensions: 400 (L) x 230 (W) x 453 (H) mm
Ports: 2x USB 3.0, audio, RGB control
CPU cooler clearance: 192mm
Radiator support: Up to 360mm
Materials: aluminum, tempered glass, steel chassis

Why We Picked It

We picked the Phanteks Evolv mATX Tempered Glass Edition as it’s overall the best small mATX case.

Phanteks is a top manufacturer of PC cases. Their Evolv line of products is the most premium offering from them.

The PC case is super-premium with its aesthetics and builds quality. The aluminum exterior, along with hinged dual tempered glass side panels and rigid construction, makes it the best-built PC case on the list.

On top of that, the case has a sleek and clean look. Excellent finishing and shaded panels make the case look gorgeous.

The mATX case has a volume of 41.7L. Hence, it has lots of clearance, just like regular mid-tower cases. You can mount radiators up to 360mm, GPU with up to 319mm length, and CPU coolers with heights up to 192mm.

In short, clearance is no issue for the Phanteks PC case.

As such, you can mount big coolers the thermals will be better than other compact PC cases as it has the space to move air freely.

It also features a PSU shroud so that all your wirings from the PSU and extra cables are hidden away for better cable management.

As for RGB, the inclusion of dual tempered glass makes the case a top choice for RGB showdown. The case also has integrated RGB lighting. With proper motherboard software, you can sync and customize the RGB.

Naturally, you have to shell out a hefty sum for such a premium and feature-rich PC case. It’s expensive, but if you have the budget, it’s worth it.

Who It’s For

The Phanteks Evolv mATX is for those who want a premium PC case that’s smaller than regular mATX cases. If you’re strictly limited by space, this is not for you as there are more compact ones on the list.

Verdict

The Phanteks Evolv mATX is a premium small-sized mATX case with excellent finishing, design, and compatibility. It has ample clearance for PC components despite being a small micro ATX case.

Check Current Price of Phanteks Evolv mATX Tempered Glass Edition →

2. Runner Up: Thermaltake Core V21

Key Specifications

Volume: 45.6L
Dimensions: 424 (L) x 320 (W) x 336 (H) mm
Ports: 2x USB 3.0, audio
CPU cooler clearance: 185mm
Radiator support: Up to 280mm
Materials: SPCC

Why We Picked It

We picked the Thermaltake Core V21 as it’s a balanced PC case that manages to be a small mATX case and also ensures enough flexibility for PC components inside.

The PC case focuses on thermal performance and flexibility. The inside of the case is designed such that you can fit a variety of components inside the case and also achieve great airflow.

You can install up to 5 radiators and up to 11 fans inside the case.  It has enough clearance to mount up to 280mm radiator. You can install regular-sized CPU coolers as the clearance is pretty high at 185mm.

A 200mm fan is pre-installed on the case which blows air directly through the middle. It has enough venting on different sides for pushing or pulling air.

However, the PSU mounting situation could be improved. It doesn’t offer much flexibility in this scenario.

The design is decent and there’s nothing special about it. The Thermaltake case mostly focuses on the inside, offering the most amount of options to the user to mount components as they please.

Who It’s For

The Thermaltake Core V21 fits the bill for those who want a modular PC casing with high airflow that can accommodate regular-sized PC components but use the least amount of footprint possible.

Verdict

The Thermaltake Core V21 aces at the main aspects of a PC case: component mounting and airflow. It doesn’t focus much on the aesthetics. If you want the best thermal performance from your gaming rig using as less space as possible, this is the best option.

Check Current Price of Thermaltake Core V21 →

3. Best RGB: Enermax MarbleShell MS20 ARGB

Key Specifications

Volume: 33.3L
Dimensions: 417 (L) x 210 (W) x 400 (H) mm
Ports: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, audio
CPU cooler clearance: 164mm
Radiator support: Up to 280mm
Materials: SPCC

Why We Picked It

We picked the Enermax MarbleShell MS20 ARGB for those looking for a good-looking PC case with great ARGB lighting.

This is the best RGB lighting case on the list. Enermax made a unique-looking case by including a marble design front. The front also has ARGB lighting and a mesh front panel for airflow.

On the side, you get 4mm tempered glass. The top and rear are standard like other mATX cases.

Clearance is enough from all perspectives. You get up to 368mm GPU length clearance, up to 164 mm CPU cooler height clearance, and 280mm radiator mounting support.

Also, you can install up to six fans on the case. The case includes 3 fans, two of them are ARGB fans.

However, the airflow design is not the most optimized here. Hence, it doesn’t perform as well as the airflow-focused cases. Also, the drive bays under the PSU shroud are hard to access and work with.

Apart from that, everything in this PC case is excellent.

If you are an RGB lover, you will be happy with the PC case. It comes with an integrated ARGB hub that can connect up to six devices. You can control the RGB via motherboard software or the RGB switch at the front.

Who It’s For

If you want aesthetics and RGB, the Enermax MarbleShell MS20 ARGB is the best choice for you.

Verdict

The Enermax MarbleShell MS20 ARGB aces in design, and RGB, and is a compact mATX case. Though the airflow is not the best, it can handle low to mid-range PC builds.

Check Current Price of Enermax MarbleShell MS20 ARGB →

4. Best Compact: IN-WIN BL631

Key Specifications

Volume: 11.5L
Dimensions: 416 (L) x 96 (W) x 330 (H) mm
Ports: 4x USB 2.0, audio
CPU cooler clearance: 72mm
Radiator support: N/A
Materials: SPCC

Why We Picked It

IN-WIN made the best compact case with the IN-WIN BL631. It has an incredible 11.5L volume, making it the most compact PC case on the list.

Moreover, the SFF (small form factor) case has a width of only 96mm, making it the slimmest PC case on the list.

The PC case is so compact that you can carry it to different places. As such, this PC case is suitable for those who need a portable workstation.

But even at such a compact size, it has enough clearance for most types of builds. You can install up to four low-profile expansion cards like GPU and capture cards. It also has enough space for a 5.25″ drive and 3.5″ drive.

The included PSU is a TFX-sized 300W power supply, suitable for builds with entry-level graphics cards.

As for cooling, you get an 80mm fan on the side with vents. The removable air filter is a plus. Since it will house low-power components, thermals are no big issue here.

The case is not made for use with high-end components that emit a lot of heat.

Finishing and build quality are above average. You get 2x USB 3.0 ports, 2x USB 2.0 ports, and HD audio on the front panel.

Who It’s For

If you need the most compact case without sacrificing much, the IN-WIN BL631 is the one for you.

Verdict

IN-WIN BL631 is the most compact case on the list featuring decent clearance. It’s also the slimmest one and is portable.

Check Current Price of IN-WIN BL631 →

5. Best HTPC: SilverStone Milo ML03B

Key Specifications

Volume: 15.7L
Dimensions: 340 (L) x 440 (W) x 105 (H) mm
Ports: 2x USB 3.0, audio
CPU cooler clearance: 70mm
Radiator support: N/A
Materials: aluminum, plastic, SECC

Why We Picked It

We picked the SilverStone Milo ML03B because it’s the best slim case for HTPC.

Silverstone Technology made a superb slim case here. Despite being slim, it has enough clearance for most standard PC components.

The case can house regular-height RAMs. CPU cooler can go up to 70mm in height. You also get to install low-profile expansion cards. The most important fact is that it can house an ATX PSU, rare in slim cases.

Cooling capacity is surprisingly good for such a small case. You get vents on the sides and back. You can mount up to four 80mm case fans for cooling.

Since the case is intended to be an HTPC case, the standing feet are present on the side. The color is black to go nicely with the living room setup.

As for the IO, you get 2x USB 3.0 ports and HD audio ports. It also features room for 5.25″ drive and multiple 3.5″ hard drives.

A support bracket runs through the top of the case. In case you mount a giant cooler, you can remove the bracket. But then the top becomes a bit flimsy.

Who It’s For

If you’re looking for a slim case for HTPC builds, the SilverStone Milo ML03B is for you. The standing feet at the sides ensure you can put it on the living room shelf.

Verdict

The SilverStone Milo ML03B is the best slim case for HTPC builds with excellent clearance and cooling.

Check Current Price of SilverStone Milo ML03B →

6. Best Budget: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L

Key Specifications

Volume: 40L
Dimensions: 387 (L) x 230 (W) x 381 (H) mm
Ports: 2x USB 3.0, audio
CPU cooler clearance: 159mm
Radiator support: Up to 240mm
Materials: steel, plastic

Why We Picked It

We picked the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L as it offers the best value for your money. It’s the best budget small mATX casing option.

For the price, the build quality is good enough. It’s certainly not the best, but considering how much it costs, the whole product feels well thought-out and of decent quality.

The case is compact at 40L while still having enough clearance for most regular PC components. You get up to 159mm of CPU cooler clearance. Up to 240mm radiator can be mounted inside the case.

As I’ve said before, the design and layout are well thought-out and hence it’s quite easy to build a PC inside the case.

The position of the IOs is unique. Most PC cases have the IO at the front or the top, but the Cooler Master case has them at the side. If you don’t have enough space at the side to run the cables, this case is not for you.

Also, the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L uses acrylic side panels instead of tempered glass ones like most other casings to save some cost.

Who It’s For

The Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L is for those who are looking for a small mATX PC case at a low price without making many compromises.

Verdict

The Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L is a solid choice as a budget compact micro ATX casing that checks most boxes of a good PC case.

Check Current Price of Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L →

How We Chose The Smallest mATX Cases

Most PC cases on the market support micro ATX motherboards. But they also support ATX motherboards, which are considerably larger than mATX.

Hence the overall size of the PC case increases. This option is popular and more available as most customers want to have the flexibility of mounting multiple-size motherboards in their PC cases.

However, if you want to save some space, the ideal solution is to get the smallest possible mATX casing that can house all your PC components.

Since it’s a niche category, the options are limited. We need to carefully consider some facts that determine which PC case ends up on our list.

Here are the factors we consider while choosing the best small micro ATX cases:

Size

This factor is quite obvious. You want the smallest possible mATX case that can contain all the PC components and still have enough room for airflow.

Some small mATX cases end up being so compact that you can’t install regular-sized components on them and have to buy more expensive SFF or ITX components.

So our target is to ensure the PC case is compact while still having the option to mount regular-sized components.

Build Quality

Since you’re buying a PC case, build quality is an important factor here. A decent build will ensure the components are safe and stable. The materials used in the PC case are important too.

A PC without a decent build quality might injure you with scratches and cuts while you’re building the PC inside it.

Airflow

Airflow is an important factor when buying any type of PC case. However, it becomes even more important here as the size of the PC case is as compact as possible.

Naturally, there won’t be much room for airflow as the target is to utilize as much space as possible. So ultimately it comes down to the vents and their position and what the layout is inside the case.

Compatibility

To get the most out of the PC case and for future-proofing, you want to buy a PC case that’s compatible with most regular-sized PC components.

Otherwise, you’d end up spending a lot of cash while upgrading in the future.

Layout

A well-thought-out PC case layout will ensure you have an easy time building the PC. Some PC case layouts go out of their way so much to save space that it becomes frustrating to build the PC and maintain it.

Final Thoughts

So which compact micro ATX case do you like?

I like the Phanteks Evolv mATX Tempered Glass Edition for its premium build and fantastic design.

The Thermaltake Core V21 is a solid choice for a more compact case with solid thermal performance.