Lian Li Q58 Review: Best ITX Case Yet?
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Balancing looks and airflow just right
Editor’s Choice
(Image: © Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Tom’s Hardware Verdict
Lian Li’s Q58 is capable of squeezing a high-TDP system into a small, 14.3 Liter ITX shoebox. And thanks to its half-glass, half-mesh panels, it’s thermally quite capable.
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Pros
- +
+ Tidy, chic looks with both glass and mesh
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+ Great thermals thanks to mesh intake for the GPU
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+ Easy to build in
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+ Flexible build options, including ATX PSU
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+ Great finish quality
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+ Affordable at just $130
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+ Comes with PCIe 4.0 riser cable option for $30 extra
Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware
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Today’s best Lian Li Q58 and deals
$169.99
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Ten years ago, Lian Li was mostly known for extremely expensive aluminum cases that many dreamed of, but few could actually afford. But in the last few years, Lian Li has pivoted to become the people’s case maker. Gone is the requirement for everything to be aluminum – these days you’ll find plenty of steel, especially in the frames and mesh – but the design brilliance has remained, if not improved.
The company’s latest ITX case, the Q58, is an example of exactly this new way of thinking – it offers a brilliant design, oh-so-premium looks, and – get this – it only costs $130. If you’re familiar with the world of ITX cases, you’ll know that’s not a lot of money for a small, 14.3 liter case, especially with the likes of the NCase M1 costing around $210 and Louqe’s Raw S1 tallying in at a mighty $330.
So, without further ado, let’s dig in and find out if the Q58 is good enough for our Best PC Cases list.
It certainly has stiff competition, with both the Hyte Revolt 3 and Cooler Master’s NR200P impressing us on the compact case front in recent weeks.
- Lian Li Q58 at Amazon for $169.99
Specifications
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Type | Mini-ITX |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 9.8 x 6.7 x 13.5 inches (250 x 170 x 342 mm) |
| Max GPU Length | 12.6 inches (320 mm) |
| External Bays | ✗ |
| Internal Bays | SFF PSU: 3x 2.5-inch + 1x 3.5-inch |
| Row 6 — Cell 0 | ATX PSU: 2x 2.5-inch |
| Expansion Slots | 3x Vertical |
| Front I/O | 1x USB 3. 0 |
| Row 9 — Cell 0 | USB Type-C |
| Row 10 — Cell 0 | Mic/Headphone Combo |
| Other | 3-Port Fan & RGB Hub |
| Front Fans | ✗ |
| Rear Fans | ✗ |
| Top Fans | Up to 2x 140mm |
| Bottom Fans | Up to 1x 120mm |
| Side Fans | ✗ |
| RGB | No |
| Damping | No |
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(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Circling around the outside of the chassis, the first thing that stands out about the Q58 is its simple design.
You’ll find half-height glass panels at the top, half-height mesh panels at the bottom, and an aluminum front panel that matches the rest of the case, with a finish split right in the middle.
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(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
The case’s side panels are made of painted steel with a fine mesh that’s good enough to act as a rough dust filter, but the top panel is made from prettier anodized aluminum and has its mesh milled out. It’s a rougher mesh, but that’s okay as this is the exhaust location, so it doesn’t need to filter any air.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Flip around the back of the chassis, and there’s not much to be seen other than the motherboard’s IO cutout, three vertical expansion slots, a power socket, and a trio of thumbscrews. Front IO consists of a single USB 3.0 Type-A port, a USB Type-C port, and a mic-headphone combo jack.
But don’t be fooled by the tidy, simplistic exterior.
Hiding inside the Q58 has a very neat, surprisingly flexible design.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
First, lets talk about the panels a little more. The four side panels are all on hinges, and they are exchangeable. The default layout (and the layout I’d recommend), has the glass panels at the top with the mesh at the bottom, but you can opt to swap these around, or have all glass on one side and all mesh on the other. What you can’t do is have glass at the top of one side and the bottom of the other – the panels are mirrored, so their hinges won’t support this.
The one thing we do have to note about the panels is that two of them seemed awfully tough to slip from their hinges, though Lian Li informed us beforehand that this was an issue with our sample and that it would be fixed in retail cases.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
On the right side of the case you’ll find the main motherboard area. This fits an ITX motherboard mounted upside-down, and the bracket for the SFF PSU is installed from the factory.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Flip over to the left side, and you’ll spot the GPU area.
But if you look at the top of the chassis, you’ll spot a large cavity. Believe it or not, you can actually fit up to a 280 mm radiator up here, complete with fans. That’s honestly an amazing amount of cooling power for a case this small, and certainly something you should utilize given you don’t need any other layout.
The bottom of the case supports a single 120mm fan as intake underneath the PSU, though it does not ship with any fans. The bottom does have magnetic dust filters included in the accessory pack.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
At the back of the case, near the top, you’ll also spot a fan hub. This is a simple PWM & RGB hub with three ports – so it isn’t SATA powered, but it does offer a neat way to run all your fans and RGB devices through a single header. Given that most ITX motherboards only have one RGB header, and the case supports exactly three fans, this is a neat inclusion, especially at this price.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
For storage, you can fit up to three 2.5-inch drives in this chassis and one 3.5-inch drive. These are placed at the bottom, along the top radiator mount, behind the power supply; the last 2.5-inch slot is sneakily placed between the frame paneling at the front. It’s too tight there to get cables to, but Lian Li built in a hot-swap bracket. Keep in mind that the bottom drive only fits if you don’t install an intake fan.
The Q58 can support ATX PSUs
However, if you don’t want to invest in a pricey SFF or SFF-L power supply, Lian Li also includes a bracket to convert the chassis to ATX mode. In this mode, the Q58 will still happily swallow 320mm graphics cards, but you will be making a few sacrifices. For one, the biggest supported radiator drops from 280mm to 120mm, and storage options drop to just two 2.5-inch drives. So, for best results, we recommend sticking to an SFF power supply.
In its base variant, black with a PCIe 3.
0 riser cable, the Q58 costs $130. If you want a model that has a PCIe 4.0-capable riser cable because you’re dropping in an RTX 3000 or RX 6000 graphics card, this will run you an extra $30, bringing the price tag to $160. Meanwhile, the Q58 is also available in white – a finish that costs $10 extra on both the PCIe 3.0 and PCIe 4.0 variants.
Lian Li Q58: Price Comparison
$169.99
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Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom’s Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.
Cooler Master NR200P Max Review: Plain ITX Brilliance
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If you just want a practical and effective ITX case, this is the one to pick up.
Editor’s Choice
(Image: © Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Tom’s Hardware Verdict
Cooler Master’s NR200P Max takes the original NR200P, moves some stuff around, and throws in a mighty 280mm AIO and 850W SFX PSU for a stunningly practical end result.
Pros
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+ Includes pre-installed 280mm AIO & 850W PSU
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+ Standard with vertical GPU & PCIe 4.0 riser cable
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+ Easy to build in
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+ Great cooling
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+ Includes mesh and glass panels
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+ Tidy cable management (a rarity, for ITX)
Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
When NZXT came out with its h2 Mini-ITX enclosure, it impressed consumers and reviewers alike with its straightforward approach of including a PSU and AIO with the chassis, letting buyers divert their attention to picking the best internal components for gaming. Since then, few (if any) cases have gone in a similar direction. But today Cooler Master is here to offer up an alternative.
The chassis in question is called the NR200P Max, and it’s a variation of the original NR200P that, you guessed it, includes an AIO and a power supply – and not shoddy ones, either.
We’re talking about a massive 280mm CPU cooler and a powerful 850W SFX Juicebox. But the fun doesn’t end there – there is space to add plenty of drives, one or two additional fans, huge triple-slot graphics cards, and a PCIe 4.0 riser cable comes included because this case only supports vertical GPU layouts. Next to that, Cooler Master throws in not just a mesh side panel, but also a 4mm pane of tempered glass for when you want to get showy.
Given that the original NR200P was already quite good, especially at its price tag of $130 (and often discounted), there’s a lot to get excited about here – but there is a catch: The price is $349, and that’s before tariffs and freight costs – Cooler Master hasn’t been able to give me a final, on-the-shelf price tag to expect. Regardless, let’s dig in and find out if it’s good enough for our Best PC Cases list.
Specifications
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Type | Mini-ITX |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 11. 5 x 7.3 x 14.8 inches (292 x 185 x 377 mm) |
| Max GPU Length | 13.2 inches (336 mm) |
| Included AIO | 280mm AIO |
| Included PSU | 850W SFX 80-Plus Gold |
| External Bays | ✗ |
| Internal Bays | 2x 3.5-inch |
| Row 8 — Cell 0 | 3x 2.5-inch |
| Expansion Slots | 3x Vertical |
| Front I/O | 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 |
| Row 11 — Cell 0 | Mic/Headphone Combo |
| Other | ✗ |
| Front Fans | ✗ |
| Rear Fans | ✗ |
| Top Fans | 2x 140mm |
| Bottom Fans | Up to 2x 120mm (One of which 15mm thick with GPU installed) |
| Side Fans | ✗ |
| RGB | No |
| Damping | No |
Features
Image 1 of 3
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Starting with a quick tour around the outside of the chassis, you’ll notice that it’s really not all that exciting, at least as far as aesthetics go.
The case takes the ‘shoebox’ ITX case approach similar to the NCase M1 (and Shuttle well before that), albeit with a few differences and upgrades. The case is almost entirely made from painted SECC steel, and although the paint is applied to perfection with no bubbles or imperfections, it’s a bit boring.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
The chassis only comes in this Slate Gray color. The NR200P Max won’t come in black, white or any other color, and the paint is very flat – there is no texture. And with a light green tinge to it, it almost looks like something fished out of a WWII bunker.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
But it’s not all boring. Included with the chassis comes a tempered glass side panel, which should help the case look a lot better, especially with an RGB-packing system installed.
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(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Meanwhile, IO is provided up top by two USB 3.
0 ports and a headphone/mic combo jack, and the case has filters all around.
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
To open the chassis, simply pull the side panels off to remove them.
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(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Inside, you’ll find the large 280mm AIO installed at the top of the case, with extra-long hoses perfectly pre-routed for ideal placement. The 850W SFX PSU also comes pre-installed, with the cables mostly routed to the right places – and the cables are quite nice, actually. They are braided, which is almost overkill: As you’ll see later in the build, the GPU covers up so much of the system, you barely get to see any of it.
The NR200P Max fits standard Mini-ITX motherboards, has room for GPUs up to 13.2 inches (336 mm), and can fit up to three 2.5-inch drives and one 3.5-inch HDD – two if you sacrifice GPU length.
The bottom of the case has room to mount two 120mm fans, though with a GPU installed, the back fan will be limited to 15mm thick.
Includes a PCIe 4.0 Riser
(Image credit: Niels Broekhuijsen, Tom’s Hardware)
Cooler Master includes a cute riser cable, but you’ll definitely need it. The case only supports a vertical GPU mount, unlike the original NR200P, so the inclusion of a riser cable is a must. That it’s rated for PCIe 4.0 support is just a sweet extra, though I will be testing this claim at the end of this review.
With all that out of the way, let’s crack on with the build.
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Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom’s Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.
Best Mini PC Cases
Not every gamer needs a huge «tower» for their gaming PC. Many are happy to be content with a compact body, especially in the cramped space allotted for a gaming setup.
How to choose a mini housing?
Considering that the small case is less roomy inside compared to regular full-tower cases, you should make sure that all your components will fit into it before buying, otherwise problems may arise.
For example, you can’t saw off part of an ATX motherboard to install it in a mini case that only supports Mini-ITX — you’ll have to spend money on an unplanned upgrade. The same applies to the height of the CPU cooler and the length of the video card.
To make sure that a small case and PC components are compatible, you need to refer to their passport data: hardware manufacturers indicate its dimensions in the specifications, and the case specifications indicate the maximum dimensions of devices that can be installed in it.
In addition, it is desirable to give preference to well-ventilated cases, since in a compact case the components will be placed close to each other and, under heavy loads, their temperature will rise.
Finally, appearance is of no small importance — tempered glass panels, lighting and other aspects. If you’re building a gaming PC, it’s sure to take center stage in your gaming corner, so aesthetics are important.
So, with the selection criteria decided, let’s now look at the best small PC cases.
Budget mini-cases
1stPlayer FireBase X2
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 195 mm x 398 mm x 326 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 170 mm
- Maximum video card length: 310 mm
- Includes: 4 x 120mm fans
- Radiator Compatibility: 120mm
- Drive bays: 3″ x 3.5″, 1 x 2.5″
1stPlayer FireBase X2 is a real eye-catcher, with tempered glass panels and ARGB fans always a winner.
The manufacturer has installed four 120mm fans for better ventilation of the case, although due to its blank front panel, airflow can be difficult.
You can build a liquid-cooled gaming PC in this case, but keep in mind that your hardware will be pretty hot anyway. However, given the very low price of the case, this disadvantage can be forgiven if you are on a tight budget.
PowerCase Mistral Micro Z3B
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 200 mm x 385 mm x 340 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 160 mm
- Maximum video card length: 280 mm
- Includes: 1 x 120mm, 2 x 140mm fans
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm
- Drive bays: 1 x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″
When developing the PowerCase Mistral Micro Z3B, engineers took care of cooling: the front panel is perforated, the top panel has seats for fans, and the perforation also allows air to enter the power supply compartment.
The model is quite spacious, and if your video card length does not exceed 280 mm, you will not encounter difficulties when assembling a gaming system.
AeroCool CS-105
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 187 mm x 361 mm x 355 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 148 mm
- Maximum video card length: 320 mm
- Includes: 1 x 120 mm fan
- Drive bays: 1 x 3.5 in., 2 x 2.5 in.
AeroCool CS-105 is an inexpensive option for those looking to build a budget gaming PC. Considering the cost of the case, you will forgive him and thin metal, and a somewhat old-fashioned design, and the presence of only one fan in the kit.
Thanks to the window in the side wall, you can see the interior of the computer, and a powerful fan on the front panel will actively pump air inside the case, providing good cooling.
Not a bad option for the money, but if you have a larger budget, we would recommend looking for a more advanced model.
Deepcool Macube 110 WH
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 225 mm x 431 mm x 400 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 165 mm
- Maximum video card length: 320 mm
- Includes: 1 x 120 mm fan
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″
Deepcool Macube 110 WH provides space for a 320mm graphics card, quad storage, CPU air or water cooling. Characteristics are complemented by a minimalistic appearance and a tempered glass side wall. Of the shortcomings, it is worth noting a very thin metal, which will not become a tangible problem, but will surely scare away that part of users who need exceptional reliability.
PowerCase Mistral Micro h4B
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 230 mm x 400 mm x 375 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 190 mm
- Maximum video card length: 340 mm
- Includes: 1 x 120mm, 2 x 140mm fans
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 3″ x 2.5″
While most compact PC cases don’t offer roomy interiors, the PowerCase Mistral Micro h4B provides plenty of room for larger components. So, here you can place a video card with a length of 340 mm, and the height of the CPU cooler can reach 190 mm. Five drives can be installed in the case, as well as additional fans in addition to those installed by the manufacturer. Very good for a mini-tower case.
AeroCool Atomic Lite v2
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 206 mm x 353 mm x 385 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 158 mm
- Maximum video card length: 297 mm
- Includes: 1 x 120mm, 1 x 180mm fan
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.
5″, 3″ x 2.5″
AeroCool Atomic Lite v2 surprises with its huge 180mm fan, which takes up a good half of the front panel and, thanks to its size, runs silently. However, there are slots for 120mm and 140mm fans if you want to equip additional cooling. Inside the case is not very spacious, so we recommend that you check the dimensions of your CPU cooler and video card before buying, so as not to get into an awkward situation.
Thermaltake Core V1
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 260 mm x 276 mm x 316 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 140 mm
- Maximum video card length: 285 mm
- Includes: 1 x 200 mm fan
- Radiator compatibility: 80 mm
- Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″
Thermaltake Core V1 boasts an unusual layout: components are placed inside not vertically, but horizontally — that is, the motherboard is installed on a pallet, and the processor looks up.
All case panels can be easily removed to facilitate installation and maintenance of the system, however, the interior of the case is quite cramped, so it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of each of the devices, as well as think over cable management in detail. However, your efforts will be rewarded thanks to the impressive design and compact size of this «cube».
Chieftec CI-01B
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX
- Dimensions: 265 mm x 325 mm x 390 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 150 mm
- Maximum video card length: 320 mm
- Radiator compatibility: 120mm
- Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 3″ x 2.5″
Chieftec CI-01B is a neat cube with an unfussy exterior and a well-thought-out internal layout: the top cover of the case opens with the front panel like a truck cab, allowing access to components.
The motherboard is placed horizontally, and the fan slots allow you to organize an excellent blowing of the case. Although it is cramped inside, the model will not make your components boil from overheating.
SilverStone SG13B-Q
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 222 mm x 181 mm x 285 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 61 mm
- Maximum video card length: 267 mm
- Drive Bays: 1 x 3.5″, 1 x 2.5″
SilverStone SG13B-Q is the perfect chassis for your home or work PC. You can even assemble an inexpensive gaming system if you take care of good cooling of components — given the perforation of the case, this will not be difficult to achieve. The case is strict and minimalist, so it will perfectly fit into any interior.
Of course, thicker walls, and a little more drive bays would not hurt, but for the sake of small dimensions and an affordable price, something has to be sacrificed.
Expensive mini-cases
ASUS ROG Z11 RGB
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 194 mm x 531 mm x 386 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 130 mm
- Maximum video card length: 320 mm
- Includes: 3 x 140mm fans
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive Bays: 1 x 3.5″, 4 x 2.5″
This case is small enough to fit a powerful processor and gaming graphics card inside, though you’ll probably have to consider swapping out the CPU cooler for water cooling, and swap out the monstrous three-slot graphics adapter for a low-profile model. In addition, cable management of your assembly can cause certain difficulties.
On the other hand, the case boasts thoughtful layout and use of every millimeter of internal space, as well as customizable RGB lighting.
And the design of ASUS ROG Z11 RGB allows you to place it vertically and horizontally, so you can fit your PC anywhere in your setup.
Fractal Design Meshify C Mini
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 212 mm x 399 mm x 395 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 172 mm
- Maximum video card length: 315 mm
- Includes: 2 x 120mm fans
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 3″ x 2.5″
The case from the reputable manufacturer Fractal Design will please those who appreciate minimalism, simplicity and high-quality internal organization of cases. There’s plenty of room for efficient air cooling (supports CPU coolers up to 172mm high), good cable management, and zero RGB LEDs.
The model is equipped with a large number of dust filters and is blown through thanks to the perforated panels. Therefore, Fractal Design Meshify C Mini can become the basis for an advanced gaming build without taking up much space in your gaming room.
Thermaltake The Tower 100 Mini Chassis
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 266 mm x 463 mm x 266 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 190 mm
- Maximum video card length: 330 mm
- Includes: 2 x 120mm fans
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″
True to its name, the Thermaltake The Tower 100 Mini Chassis is a vertically stacked tower. Tempered glass panels are installed on three sides, which offers an excellent view of the inside of the case.
At the same time, you don’t have to worry about ventilation: the metal parts are perforated, so the air can freely get inside. Of course, you may be confused by the unusual scheme for assembling a computer, but you are unlikely to be disappointed with this case.
Thermaltake AH T200 Micro Chassis
- Size: Micro-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 282 mm x 444 mm x 551 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 150 mm
- Maximum video card length: 320 mm
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive Bays: 3″ x 2.5″
If you don’t like minimalist cases, take a look at the Thermaltake AH T200 Micro Chassis. This is a case with an aggressive design and a semi-open layout, which allows air to freely enter.
Probably, such a device may seem too pretentious to someone, a kind of greeting from the past, but it is not for us to reproach anyone for its taste.
Moreover, the model looks very unusual, at the same time creating a feeling of lightness and speed. However, there is solid metal, well-thought-out interior decoration and several color schemes, including a pink variant.
Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 230 mm x 381 mm x 387 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 159 mm
- Maximum video card length: 360 mm
- Includes: 1 x 120 mm fan
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive bays: 1 x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″
A key feature of the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L is the roaming I/O panel that can be placed in up to six places! An interesting option, given that the default panel placement may not always be user-friendly.
It also features magnetic dust filters to keep the case aesthetic, well thought out cable management, and a clear acrylic wall on the side panel that reveals the innards of your gaming setup. The case can be installed in vertical or landscape orientation, and in any case, it will provide a powerful airflow for better cooling of the components.
Thermaltake Core G3
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 140 mm x 454 mm x 371 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 110 mm
- Maximum video card length: 310 mm
- Includes: 4 x 140mm front fans
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive Bays: 4″ x 3.5″, 5″ x 2.5″
The Thermaltake Core G3 is packaged in such a way that even an ATX motherboard can be installed in it, which is quite unusual for Mini-Tower cases.
However, you will have to make some compromises, such as the non-standard location of the video card and power supply, as well as the need to use a low-profile heatsink for the CPU cooler. A reasonable price for the compact dimensions of the device.
JONSBO Jonsplus BO100
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 239 mm x 282 mm x 233 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 158 mm
- Maximum video card length: 207 mm
- Drive bays: 1 x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″
This small PC case looks like a suitcase; the impression is enhanced by the carrying handle of the device. Here, non-standard PC assembly mechanics are provided: the contents of the case slide out along the rails, opening up full access to the chassis and allowing you to freely mount components.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the limitation on the length of the video card: here you can install a video adapter no longer than 207 mm, so only the most compact models will fit into the assembly.
Razer Tomahawk Mini-ITX
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: ATX, Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 206 mm x 321 mm x 367 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 165 mm
- Maximum video card length: 320 mm
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive Bays: 3″ x 2.5″
A stark black Razer Tomahawk Mini-ITX cube is adorned with a glowing Razer logo on the front and backlit bottom. Inside, an ATX form factor motherboard can be placed, as well as a video card up to 320 mm long — very good for a «mini-tower». The case is equipped with panels that swing open, providing full access to the interior. Removable dust filters help keep components clean.
SilverStone FTZ01B
- Size: Slim-Desktop
- Motherboard compatibility: Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 376 mm x 107 mm x 351 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 83 mm
- Maximum video card length: 330 mm
- Includes: 2 x 120mm fans
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm
- Drive Bays: 1 x 3.
5″, 3 x 2.5″
SilverStone FTZ01B belongs to the «Slim-Desktop» size — thin and tall like a game console, this case will perfectly fit into a narrow niche of the table or be placed on its surface without taking up much space. If you wish, you can position it vertically or horizontally: removable legs allow you to set the case in the desired position. However, the case is quite cramped, and you may experience increased temperatures in your components.
Cougar DUST 2 Desert Sand
- Size: Mini-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 175 mm x 335 mm x 403 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 70 mm
- Maximum video card length: 330 mm
- Includes: 2 x 120mm fans
- Radiator compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm
- Drive bays: 1 x 3.
5″, 2 x 2.5″
Cougar DUST 2 Desert Sand will surprise you with its unusual design, due to which it looks more like a military case than a computer case. However, this is unlikely to be a reason for nit-picking the model, especially considering that otherwise it is simply excellent — of course, adjusted for the size, which imposes restrictions on the dimensions of the components used.
If you often carry the case from place to place, then you will certainly appreciate the massive handles for transportation, otherwise they will serve as a beautiful decorative accessory for the model.
Fractal Design Node 304
- Size: Micro-Tower
- Motherboard compatibility: Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX
- Dimensions: 250 mm x 210 mm x 374 mm (W x H x D)
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 165 mm
- Maximum video card length: 310 mm
- Includes: 2 x 92mm, 1 x 140mm fans
- Drive bays: 6 x 3.
