Well, in 2022, there are many good reasons to choose a small Micro ATX case. For example, you might be on a tight budget but still want a good Micro ATX motherboard. Or you have a small setup and want a PC that takes up little space without paying the extra premium that Mini ITX cases and components required. No matter why you want to know about the best Micro ATX cases on the market today, you will find it useful. I’ve done the hard work for you and come up with great cases for unique budget levels and different types of workloads.
Features To Look Out For Before Buying Smallest Micro ATX Cases
Before you go ahead and buy a small Micro ATX case, here are three features you should keep in mind to ensure sure you have a good time using it:
Build Quality That Lasts
Most buyers don’t pay much attention to building quality, but it’s important for long-term use. This is especially true for small Micro ATX cases. Since all parts, like the GPU and the AIO cooler, are close to each other, you need a solidly built case to keep things from going wrong. A good build quality often comes down to less flimsy plastic parts, more aluminum, and the right way to paint it. This will make sure your case lasts through good times and bad.
Airflow
Most standard full-size ATX cases don’t have any problems with airflow. But when it comes to smaller Micro ATX cases, it can be a huge bottleneck. Even if the case has enough room for all the latest high-end parts, they won’t do you any good if they can’t breathe. This is called “thermal throttling,” It happens when a component like a GPU can’t perform at its best because it’s getting too hot. After all, there’s not enough airflow. So get a case with enough airflow to stop thermal throttling from happening. More specifically, one with dust filters and side panels that are either open or made of mesh. Well, this will ensure that the components get the airflow they need to perform at their best. In each review, I’ll talk about this subject in more depth.
PSU Shroud
Cable management can be very difficult for small Micro ATX builds. First, you’re already working with a small enclosure, and then you must hide all these cables. So, getting a case with features that make it easy to use is important. For example, a PSU shroud is a space at the bottom of the case where the power supply unit (PSU) and any loose cables can be hidden. They help you organize your cables, especially if using non-modular cable management (PSU).
Without it, the remaining PSU, SATA cables, and drive cages will make the build look messier. Even though you can create your own DIY PSU shroud, it’s easier just to get a case that has one built in from the start. Besides these three, there are other points to keep in mind, such as RGB and aesthetics, component compatibility, and total value for the price. Keeping this in mind, let’s look at some of the best small Micro ATX cases you can buy in 2022.
8+ Best Smallest Micro ATX Cases 2022 To Get
Smallest Micro ATX Cases 2022 to get.
1. In Win CJ712
The In Win CJ712 is a good choice if you want a slim and small Micro ATX case that works well in horizontal and vertical orientations. It’s perfect for building a backup PC that you want to place away from your main setup. Even the 265W power supply unit is built into this case. This isn’t enough for high-end components, but it could be great for a low-power backup or a home theatre system for watching content and playing mid-range games. Regarding drive bays, it has space for two 2.5″ SSDs or one 3.5″ and one 2.5″, which should be enough for most users. It is a great Micro ATX case for building a backup PC or home theatre system. It is a great self-contained case that can be easily hidden behind a TV or on a shelf. Also, it is the slimmest Micro ATX case with a power supply.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: Two x USB 3.0, Two x USB 2.0, Audio, and Mic.
Expansion Slots: Four.
Integrated RGB Lighting: No.
Fans Included: One x 80mm.
2. Cooler Master MasterBox NR400
The Cooler Master MasterBox NR400 is a great case all around. It strongly focuses on airflow and enough room for any general user’s hardware and storage needs. The storage drive mounting space on the NR400 is its best feature. There are four places to mount both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives. Three of these 3.5″ drives are kept in a drive cage under the PSU shroud and can be moved or taken out as needed. In the US version of the NR400, there’s even a place for an optical drive, which you’ll love if you like the content on physical media. Well, when it comes to fans, this case comes with two 120mm fans, one for intake and one for exhaust. Together with the mesh panels, this makes the NR400 a very good cooler. Overall, the Cooler Master MasterBox NR400 is the best Micro ATX case I’ve seen because it makes affordable and has great thermals. Also, it is the best overall smallest Micro ATX case.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: Two x USB 3.0 and Audio In/Out.
Expansion Slots: Four.
Integrated RGB Lighting: No.
Fans Included: Two x 120mm.
3. In Win 301
The In Win 301 is just like any other Micro ATX case, except that it has a cool white and blue color scheme, a tempered glass panel, a closed front panel, and RGB LEDs behind the I/O port that make it stand out. So, it’s perfect for a relaxing gaming setup. But it has a lot more to offer than just its unique looks. Well, it has removable push tabs for cable management, a dust filter at the bottom, and a GPU support bracket. This is a great case for gaming because of these and other small features. Even so, there is one point to remember about the 301’s price of less than $100. It doesn’t come with any fans out of the box. If you use your fans anyway, this isn’t a big loss, but if you don’t have any, you’ll have to order more to put in the case, which can be an extra cost.
Storage is another point to think about. In the 301, you can mount two 2.5″ drives and one that fits both 2.5″ and 3.5″ drives. This setup reminds me more of Mini ITX cases than Micro ATX cases. Don’t get me false, it’s still more than enough for a gaming PC, but if you’re a skilled content creator, you might need to pay more for high-capacity SSDs. Overall, the In Win 301 is a great choice for any micro ATX gaming PC build, even though it doesn’t come with fans and only has a few drive bays. In terms of design, it looks great in white and has great cable management features and pretty good airflow. Also, it is the best Micro ATX gaming case.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: Two x USB 3.0 and Audio In/Out.
Expansion Slots: Four.
Integrated RGB Lighting: Yes.
Fans Included: None.
4. Thermaltake Versa H18
Even though all of the cases on this list are great, the Thermaltake Versa H18 is a great option if you want a Small Micro ATX case that won’t break the bank and costs around $50. It may have a very low price, but most users won’t be turned off by the trade-offs made to get there. Still, you get an impressive front panel made of mesh material that lets air flow through. You also have a lot of space to install in two 140mm intakes or three 120mm intakes. This case can even fit a 280mm radiator, which is not a bad choice.
One box that’s not great is that it only comes with one exhaust fan. I suggest adding at least one more intake fan to create a positive airflow cycle. But because of the mesh panel, it’s not always necessary for most uses. The quality of the build is another thing that makes this case stand out from the rest of this list. It feels less high-end because the side panels are thin and the whole point is light, but this is not a big premium for the price. If you want to build a beast of a PC, I’d suggest building with a case like the Cooler Master MasterBox NR400. But if you want a cheap case for a low-end system and already have 120mm fans, the Thermaltake Versa H18 won’t break the bank and will still look awesome. Also, it is the best budget Micro ATX case.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: One x USB 3.0, Two x USB 2.0, and Audio In/Out.
Expansion Slots: Four.
Integrated RGB Lighting: No.
Fans Included: One x Rear 120mm.
5. Thermaltake Core V21
Most regular cases aren’t good for NAS (Network Attached Storage) builds. While technically, you can build one if you’ve got the necessary space, they usually overkill for that specific objective and stand out too much. An ideal NAS case does not break the bank and looks simple. I’d like to introduce you to the Thermaltake Core V21. This case has a chamber concept design like the Corsair Crystal 280X. It has been split into two parts: the top is for cooling components, and the bottom is for the power supply unit (PSU) and storage drives. Along with better cooling, this makes cable management easier.
Well, this case is unique because it has external modules. This means you can keep stacking one Thermaltake Core V21 on top of another to make more space and add more features to the NAS system. This is a very long feature if you want to start with a small system and add more storage space as needed over time. All in all, this case is great for building NAS systems but not for much else. If you want to build a PC for gaming, you should look at the other cases on this list. But you should keep this one in mind for your superfast network-attached storage system! Also, it is the best Micro ATX for NAS Build.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: Two x USB 3.0, Audio, and Mic.
Expansion Slots: Five.
Integrated RGB Lighting: No.
Fans Included: One x Front 200mm.
6. Corsair Crystal 280X
Unlike the last case, the Corsair Crystal 280X might be the best choice if you want to make an all-white gaming setup. This case is one of a kind because it has two separate compartments. It keeps the power supply unit (PSU) and drives bays away from devices that make heat and need active cooling, such as the CPU and GPU. This can lead to better overclocks and a smoother user experience. It also makes the airflow and cooling better overall. The Corsair Crystal 280X also has iCUE and a tempered glass side panel so that your beautiful RGB components can be shown off. Corsair also puts two LL120 fans in the box for this purpose. These fans have more than 32 LEDs that can be set up separately. This is one of the best ones you can get if you’re searching for a small white Micro ATX case. It not only looks great, but it also does a great job of cooling. Also, it is the best white Micro ATX case.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: Two x USB 3.0 and Audio In/Out.
Expansion Slots: Four.
Integrated RGB Lighting: Yes.
Fans Included: Two x Front 120mm.
7. Fractal Design Meshify C Mini
As I mentioned in the “Before You Buy” section, any PC needs airflow to work well. The components will run out of air if there isn’t enough airflow. This is called “thermal throttling,” It happens when a component can’t perform at full capacity because it’s always getting too hot. Keeping this in mind, the Fractal Design Meshify C Mini is the best Micro ATX case for airflow. It’s the Micro ATX case in the company’s Meshify line of cases designed to improve airflow. You can put up to seven 120mm fans, and the front and top can hold two 240mm AIO radiators. This, along with the upper panel’s vents and front mesh panel, ensures that the components get the airflow they need to perform at 100%. So, to sum up, the Fractal Design Meshify C Mini is the right choice if you don’t mind paying more and want a small Micro ATX case that feels high-end and has good thermals. Also, it is the best airflow Micro ATX case.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: Two x USB 3.0 and Audio In/Out.
Expansion Slots: Five.
Integrated RGB Lighting: No.
Fans Included: Two x 120mm.
8. Vetroo M01 Compact
When looking for pink components, you don’t have too many options because pink is a unique color that only a slim group of people like. The good news is that the Vetroo M01 Compact is a great option if you want a small pink Micro ATX case. In terms of style, the front 200mm static rainbow fan has LEDs that make its design cool. Also, since the front panel is made of fine mesh, you get good airflow, though I’d recommend adding some more exhaust fans. This case can hold up to five fans and a 280mm AIO radiator, so that shouldn’t be a problem. To sum up, the Vetroo M01 Compact is an impressive pink PC case. Most companies don’t make products in pink, so your choices are limited, but this is still a good choice. So, if you want a small pink Micro ATX case, this is it! Also, it is the best Pink Micro ATX case.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: LED Control, One x USB 3.0, Two x USB 2.0, and HD Audio In.
Expansion Slots: Three.
Integrated RGB Lighting: Yes.
Fans Included: One x Front 200mm.
9. Thermaltake Level 20 VT
If you’re tired of the same old designs and want to try something new with your setup, an open cube case like Thermaltake Level 20 VT is a good option. Thermaltake Level 20 VT has tempered glass panels all the way around, so it’s a great way to show off your RGB components. Each panel can also be changed. This means that you can place the case on any side you want, depending on what you need to do. Also, the front I/O panel can be taken off and moved to the case’s top, left, or right side.
It also has a lot of space for fans and AIO radiators, which is a big plus. You only get one 200mm intake fan in the box. But you’ve got the option of simultaneously putting up to four 120mm fans or two radiators on the top panel. The design that makes it so unique also makes it hard for air to flow through. There are no mesh or breathable panels so the only way air can get in is through the gaps between the panels. But it shouldn’t be too much of a problem if you have a good cooling system like a 240mm AIO. The Thermaltake Level 20 VT is a small Micro ATX case that is unique and stands out. If you overlook the mediocre airflow configuration, it can be a good addition to your gaming setup! Also, it is the best Micro ATX open case.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: Two x USB 3.0, Two x USB 2.0, and Audio In/Out.
Expansion Slots: Five.
Integrated RGB Lighting: No.
Fans Included: One x Front 200mm.
10. ZZAW B3 Portable mATX
Everyone who has ever built a PC with a small form has probably thought about portability at some point. Not only are these cases strong enough to be portable, but their smaller portability also makes them easier to carry around. The ZZAW B3 is a good option if that’s the main reason you want a small Micro ATX case. It has a simple, modern design that will fit right in with most setups. It’s also very durable because it’s made of a sheet of aluminum-magnesium alloy. The tempered glass panel on the side lets you see the system well, especially if it has RGB components.
When it comes to cooling, the vents on the top panel will help with the airflow. You can install up to three 120mm fans and much smaller 90mm fans as part of your cooling option. Also, you can install a 240mm AIO with 54mm of space between it and the radiator. For the CPU cooler, anything under 138mm should work, such as the Noctua NH-U9S. Overall, the ZZAW B3 is the correct option if you want a small and portable Micro ATX PC that you can easily bring to gaming tournaments, hackathons, and LAN parties. Also, it is the best Micro ATX case for portability.
Features:
Form Factor: Micro ATX.
Front I/O: One x USB 3.0.
Expansion Slots: Three.
Integrated RGB Lighting: No.
Fans Included: None.
FAQs:
Can Full-sized GPUs Fit Inside My Case?
Most of the part, yes. Even though both Micro ATX Cases and Mini ITX Cases are designed to make PCs smaller, Micro ATX is more of a middle ground between ATX and ITX. This implies that most full-size GPUs that are 10 inches or shorter will fit into most Micro ATX cases just fine and often with room to spare. But some longer GPUs, especially ones with three fans, might not fit as well. If you’re unsure if your GPU will fit your case of choice, it’s best to play it safe and discover your case’s clearance.
Will The Cooling Be Enough For My Components?
If you choose one of the cases we suggested, then yes. All of the cases we suggested above have great airflow and thermal performance. As long as you’re not running a nuclear reactor in one of them, the temperatures should be easy to handle. But, your temperatures will go down even more with a high-efficiency PSU and a liquid cooling setup.
Do I Have To Use Liquid Cooling?
No, but for smaller PC builds, it is highly recommended. A closed-loop liquid cooling system comprises three main components: the radiator, which generally takes the place of two case fans, the tubing, and the cooler you put on your CPU. Since all of the heat has been exhausted through the radiator, the cooler that links to the CPU is very low-profile, more than any air cooler could hope to be. Since most MATX and ITX cases are narrower and have room for mounting a radiator, liquid cooling setups are particularly good. You don’t have to have them, though. If you want air cooling, you can just get one with a smaller heatsink.
What Should I Expect When I Buy A Smaller Case?
Aside from the air cooler problem, there aren’t as many as you might think. For example, the most popular MATX and ITX cases are made with full-sized GPUs in mind. As long as the GPUs you buy isn’t too big, you probably won’t have any problems. Numerous GPU setups and multiple hard drives are the main problems. The first one is usually outdated, so you won’t miss out on much by not using it. Having more than one hard drive is useful, but the average M-ATX case won’t have enough space to mount more than a few. You should be fine if you don’t use your MATX or ITX case to run an SLI or RAID setup.
Also, Check:
Wrapping Up:
Micro ATX builds no longer need to be big and bulky to hold powerful, high-end components. Well, this list of the best small mATX cases shows that you can get all the features of an mATX motherboard while making your PC take up less space. Just like with PSUs, GPUs, and CPUs, there is no one-size-fits-all recommendation for this. Each case will work for a unique type of user based on their needs. It will come down to your design preferences, budget, and the features you’re willing to give up to use a smaller form factor. I hope that my article helped you find your way.