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- Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 205 x 350 x 460mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 170mm
- Max GPU length: 338mm
- Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 288 x 384 x 400mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 167mm
- Max GPU length: 362mm
- Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 217 x 409 x 412mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 172mm
- Max GPU length: 315mm
- Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 210 x 367 x 410mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 166mm
- Max GPU length: 344mm
- Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 210 x 408 x 418mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 167mm
- Max GPU length: 319mm
- Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 215 x 393 x 432mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 170mm
- Max GPU length: 365mm
- Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 200 x 378 x 398mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 150mm
- Max GPU length: 300mm
- Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 205 x 439 x 398mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 170mm
- Max GPU length: 338mm
Until recently, Micro ATX has been the often overlooked middle child in the PC building space. A shame, since the best Micro ATX case models save space compared to standard ATX. They lose little component compatibility or cooling potential, making such cases ideal for anyone from office workers to serious gamers. Check our picks out and give your rig a compact yet proper home.
ASUS Prime AP201
Dimensions: 205 x 350 x 460mm | Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX | Included fans: 1x 120mm back | Max CPU cooler height: 170mm | Max GPU length: 338mm | Internal bays: 3x 2.5/3.5", 1x 2.5"
- Exceptionally low thermals
- Easy interior access
- Room for large GPUs and AIOs due to PSU placement
- Could use more mounting accessories
ASUS is a titan of the gaming hardware industry, yet flies under the radar in the case department. The AP201 serves as a wake-up call to anyone looking for the best mATX case airflow and temps. Its dedicated mesh design and unorthodox PSU placement add to the case’s uniqueness. Unlike most ASUS products, it’s not expensive either.
The AP201 is one of the breeziest cases ever made! A perforated mesh dominates every single panel, with metal bands running along the top and bottom edges as the only means of structural support. You can disassemble all of them, leaving the interior wide open for effortless building.
The front-facing AIO has two USB-A and one USB-C port. One would expect a fan or two underneath it, but ASUS did things differently. You get an ATX-fitting PSU cage instead that you can lift to make room for an HDD or SSD underneath. The ingenious design allows the case to be lower yet deeper, so even some of the longest GPUs fit without issue.
There’s only one 120mm fan in the back, which might give some readers pause. You can augment it with two 120mm units on the bottom or three on top. It’s also possible to use two 140mm fans or a 360mm radiator. There’s ample space for the latter above the motherboard tray.
Even if you don’t invest in more fans, the AP201’s extreme perforations make it one of the coolest cases on offer. Your GPU will reap the most benefits since hot air open-air cards normally push into the case exits it quickly.
Few accessories are our only nitpick. There are limited HDD mounting options, and you only get a couple of Velcro strips. Cable management is fine otherwise.
Lian Li O11 AIR MINI
Dimensions: 288 x 384 x 400mm | Supported motherboards: ATX, mATX, mini-ITX | Included fans: 2x 140mm front, 1x 120mm back | Max CPU cooler height: 167mm | Max GPU length: 362mm | Internal bays: 4x 2.5/3.5", 2x 2.5"
- Comes with three fans and accommodates many more
- Modular backplate
- Large mesh surfaces improve thermals without attracting dust
- Screw adds unnecessary hassle to cable storage panel removal
The original 2018 O11 was an iconic case that still holds up today. It prompted Lian Li to explore smaller options, and the Air Mini is their newest attempt. It’s one of the best Micro ATX case choices if you’re concerned with airflow since it allows fan and radiator mounting in many locations. Three preinstalled fans make it a compelling buy, and room for ATX PSUs simplifies your PC building choices.
True to the Air in its name, the case ditches its predecessor’s closed-off front in favor of a fine mesh. That part and the mesh top are made from steel, while the solid strip to the right is beautiful brushed aluminum. The strip houses a compact I/O on the top portion. You get two USB-A & one USB-C port along with the on button and a combo jack.
Exceptional cooling potential is the Air Mini’s headline feature. It ships with two 140mm front intake and a 120mm exhaust fan. Better yet, there’s room for pairs of fans on the right pane, top, and bottom! The stock setup is already competent, but being able to install so many extra fans is welcome.
The O11 Air Mini is technically an ATX case. However, doing a 180° with its modular back panel turns it into an mATX champ. You lose two of the seven slots yet gain more clearance for thicker radiators in return. Whichever way you choose to build, ATX CPUs and a cage for two HDDs fit in the far right corner.
Rather than provide grommets and cable management points, the case comes with a spacious cable storage area. Like the top and right sides, you remove it using thumb screws. It’s also screwed in regularly in the bottom, so don’t forget to unfasten that screw first.
Fractal Design Meshify C Mini
Dimensions: 217 x 409 x 412mm | Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX | Included fans: 1x 120mm and back | Max CPU cooler height: 172mm | Max GPU length: 315mm | Internal bays: 2x 2.5/3.5", 3x 2.5"
- Excellent blend of style and cooling capability
- Great cable management
- Large storage area you can repurpose for more fans
- No USB-C
Despite its age, the original Meshify C remains an excellent option for serious custom PC builds. Fractal design doubled down on its success and released the Mini version.
It holds true to the original’s design and focuses on excellent cooling no matter the source. You might be basing your system on a smaller mobo, but the Meshify C mini places few restrictions on other hardware.
It looks like shaving off several centimeters was the only thing Fractal Design changed about the design. That’s fine, as the funky mesh panel and tinted glass side panel were perfect as is. Much of the top is mesh as well, and a magnetic dust cover helps it breathe. Another sits on the equally breezy bottom. It pulls out forward, meaning you don’t need to move the case when cleaning.
The I/O lacks USB-C, which makes sense given the Mini’s age. Activating a trigger and pulling the front out exposes a 120mm fan. Three will fit, but a 360mm radiator will not. Still, a 280mm rad in front and 240mm on top isn’t too restrictive.
The PSU slots in conventionally and shares a closed-off area with two drive caddies. You’ll have to remove them to get extra space in front, which shouldn’t be bothersome due to your board’s M.2 slots and three SSD storage spots underneath its tray.
A deep channel in the back makes cable routing intuitive. Plenty of straps and hooks are there to help tidy things up further, and the hole connecting the main compartment and back has a grommet. The airflow is almost as good as on the original, so expect adequate temperatures even if you fill the case up.
Cooler Master TD300 Mesh
Dimensions: 210 x 367 x 410mm | Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX | Included fans: 2x 120mm front | Max CPU cooler height: 166mm | Max GPU length: 344mm | Internal bays: 4x 2.5/3.5", 2x 2.5"
- Excellent radiator and fan support
- Lots of zip tie hooks and grommets
- Attractive mesh front and RGB fans
- Comes with hardware for mounting only two 2.5” drives
The TD300 is an mATX spin-off of Cooler Master’s popular TD500. The funky geometric mesh is back, yet the smaller case also has its own set of convenience features that set it apart. It offers easy access to components and makes building cleanly a snap. Add two ARGB fans and a stylish side panel, and you’ve got the best Micro ATX case in terms of versatility and value.
The symmetrical mesh panel immediately draws the eye since it’s made up of rectangles that form a neat 3D shape once light hits them. A firm tug is enough to remove the panel and expose two 120mm SickleFlow ARGB fans behind it. You can add another, exchange them for two 140mm spinners, or mount a 360mm radiator instead.
Removing the front doesn’t affect the I/O, so there’s no fear of ripping any wires out. The I/O is basic, consisting of two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports and separate audio & mic jacks. The Cooler Master octagon acts as the on button, while the reset button can also cycle through RGB effects.
The left panel is glass with barely any tinting. You remove it and the solid metal right side with two thumb screws apiece. The back includes two pairs of breakaway and reusable expansion slot brackets and has two sets of holes for the PSU. You can remove the large magnetic dust filter and the top altogether. A 280mm radiator should fit if it has default thickness.
The interior is clean and effortlessly holds full-sized GPUs. Grommets make routing cables easier, while several zip tie hooks ensure most cables stay out of sight. The TD300 accommodates two 2.5″ drives in the back and two more on the PSU shroud. Annoyingly, you only get mounting hardware for half.
Cooler Master Silencio S400
Dimensions: 210 x 408 x 418mm | Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX | Included fans: 1x 120mm front and back | Max CPU cooler height: 167mm | Max GPU length: 319mm | Internal bays: 4x 2.5/3.5”
- Quieter than other mATX cases
- Supports SD cards and ODDs
- Spacious interior
- Lack of airflow
Our mATX case picks focus mostly on good airflow, which you’ll need due to their size. Some readers might be concerned more with noise, though. Cooler Master’s Silencio S400 has excellent soundproofing sure to squelch even the loudest fans. Overall tidiness, a fair price, and support for some niche hardware make it even more appealing.
Most mATX cases are boxy, but the S400 takes the cake. That’s mainly due to an abundance of flat, solid steel surfaces and lack of glass. The design is intentional since each panel has a layer of sound-dampening material that makes holes nonsensical. However, you can replace the top with a more breathable alternative if you need more breathing room.
The S400 is the only case on the list with native SD card support. You’ll find the reader together with a combo jack and two USB-A ports in the top right corner. The front panel swings open, and you can mount it to either side. Underneath it is a 120mm radiator with space for one more. There’s also a 5.25” bay for ODDs and other hardware.
The interior is spacious for the format. The PSU shroud takes up much of it, providing room for the power supply and three 3.5″ drive bays. You can fit one more above the 5.25″ cage or screw 2.5″ SSDs behind the motherboard. The S400 has a deep cable channel, two grommeted passthrough holes, and lots of zip ties to make clean building easier.
Unsurprisingly, sound dampening comes with increased thermals. Components inside the S400 will be only a couple of degrees warmer than in the TD300, but that may be enough to discourage some users from giving it a chance.
Fractal Design Pop Mini Air
Dimensions: 215 x 393 x 432mm | Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX | Included fans: 2x 120mm front, 1x 120mm back | Max CPU cooler height: 170mm | Max GPU length: 365mm | Internal bays: 2x 2.5/3.5", 4x 2.5"
- Outstanding storage support
- Can house two 5.25” devices
- Comes with three ARGB fans
- Limited radiator compatibility
- USB-C costs extra
Do you occasionally watch Blu-Ray DVDs or like to retro game the “proper” way? Fractal Design has got you covered with its Pop series, ranging from our mATX pick to an E ATX-capable enclosure. Even if you couldn’t care less about 5.25” bays, the Pop Mini is among the best Micro ATX cases due to the sheer amount of storage options at your disposal.
Fractal Design keeps things simple with a clean blocky design and slanted square-patterned front mesh. You can get the glass side panel in several tint levels. It and the solid panel opposite slide out once the thumb screws are gone. The top and bottom have removable dust covers, while the back has four slots and an ATX PSU opening.
Diverse storage options make the Pop Mini air the ideal enclosure for an HTPC. A cover in the front hides two 5.25″ drive bays and a handy accessories drawer. You also get two trays, each capable of simultaneously supporting an HDD and an SSD.
Combined with two more SSD mounts found behind the motherboard, this gives you access to two HDDs and six SSDs, not counting any M.2 drives installed on the mobo itself. Installing a DVD drive cuts the number to one plus five, a negligible loss in 2023.
All this focus on storage comes at the cost of cooling support. A 240mm radiator is the biggest you can hope to install on the top and in front. Luckily, there’s ample room for the largest fan CPU coolers. GPU clearance is among the best we’ve seen in such a small case.
The I/O has two third-gen USB-A ports and a combo jack. You can toggle preset light patterns and effects for the three ARGB fans via the reset button. USB-C is supported but requires a separate accessory.
Antec DP31
Dimensions: 200 x 378 x 398mm | Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX | Included fans: 1x 120mm back | Max CPU cooler height: 150mm | Max GPU length: 300mm | Internal bays: 2x 2.5/3.5", 1x 2.5"
- Excellent value for the money
- Attractive gamer look
- Easy to build in despite size
- Dated I/O
- Not much space for storage
Our penultimate pick is proof that cheap cases can look wicked and be pleasant to build in. Antec’s Dark Phantom or DP31 is affordable yet suffers no quality compromises. Some users might need more conventional storage points, but we have no other serious objections – especially at this price.
Although most look nice, no cases we mentioned so far had a distinct gamer aesthetic. The DP stands out with its claw-like breaks in the front mesh and an angled RGB zone that fits perfectly with the rest of your RGB bling.
It’s nice to see a tempered glass panel on an affordable case, especially since you can open it via a magnetic handle. Alternatively, just sliding the panel off its hinges opens the side up for more room during installation. The opposite side is solid metal, while the top is mostly mesh.
The DP31 is among our smallest recommendations and approaches the Mini-ITX format. This affects cooling and GPU limits, allowing for a maximum of five 120mm fans and 300mm GPUs. Keep in mind you’ll have to forego front fans or a 240mm radiator if you want the full GPU length. You get a single adjustable fan in the back.
Size constraints don’t prevent you from installing an ATX PSU. However, its shroud can only hold two HDDs or one HDD and 2.5” SSD combo. There’s an extra SSD bracket in the back.
Even so, cable management isn’t problematic. There’s some room in the back, but you can tuck most cables inside the PSU shroud.
The I/O is the clearest indicator of the DP31’s price. Two of its three USB-A ports are USB 2.0, best used for peripherals. Separate audio & mic jacks and an RGB effect toggle complete it.
Thermaltake Versa H18
Dimensions: 205 x 439 x 398mm | Supported motherboards: mATX, mini-ITX | Included fans: 1x 120mm back | Max CPU cooler height: 155mm | Max GPU length: 350mm | Internal bays: 2x 3.5", 2x 2.5"
- Fits most AIO radiators in front
- Affordable
- Stylish design with tempered glass side
- Dated I/O
Want to spend as little on a case as possible and still enjoy perks like good airflow and a tempered glass panel? Then the Versa 18 is the best Micro ATX case around. There’s a lot here for less than $50, and even though it could use better radiator support, that’s not something budget buyers worry over. Most importantly, it will house an office PC or a gaming rig with equal competence.
The Versa clearly doesn’t look like a cheap case. Sure, there’s the tempered glass panel, but it doesn’t stand alone. The front has an attractive temp-reducing mesh and a stylish blue LED bar next to it. The I/O is the same as on the DP31, which we can’t fault at the price.
While it’s among our smaller choices, the Versa H18 still has enough space for substantial cooling. Users intent on building a powerful rig inside it will love how you can fit a 280mm radiator or three 120mm fans in front. Conversely, the top only has a small opening covered with a dust filter you can mount a 120 or 140mm fan on.
Going with these extra fans means a 35cm-long GPU won’t fit anymore, which still leaves numerous options. The PSU shroud has a cutout that lets you show off the brand. It’s also where you can mount two HDDs. A panel next to the front lets you fasten an additional 2.5″ drive.
Building inside the Versa is straightforward. There are no grommets, but you get plenty of rounded holes and zip-tie support.
