Mini ITX cases are a popular choice for PC builders seeking a compact form factor without sacrificing performance or aesthetics. Whether you’re assembling a portable gaming rig, a sleek home theater PC, or a stylish workstation, Mini ITX cases offer the versatility and efficiency needed to make the most of limited space. The best models balance airflow, cooling support, GPU compatibility, and design while keeping size in check.
Choosing the right Mini ITX case can be daunting, especially with the wide variety of options available. From vertical designs to sandwich layouts and ultra-slim profiles, each case offers unique features to suit different user needs. In this guide, we highlight five of the best Mini ITX cases in 2025, ranked based on build quality, cooling performance, and overall value. Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned enthusiast, these top-tier choices will help you build a powerful and efficient small-form-factor PC without compromise.
5. Fractal Design Ridge ITX Gaming PC Case
The Fractal Design Ridge is a sleek, vertical Mini ITX case tailored for living room and console-style setups. With its slim, understated design, the Ridge blends perfectly with entertainment centers, making it an ideal choice for HTPCs or minimalist gaming rigs. Its modern aesthetic includes fabric mesh panels and clean lines that look more like a media device than a traditional PC.
Despite its compact footprint, the Ridge impresses with its internal layout. It supports GPUs up to 335mm in length with included PCIe 4.0 riser cable and can house up to four 2.5-inch drives, offering flexibility for gaming or media storage. Cooling is efficient, thanks to support for up to 2x 140mm fans or a 280mm AIO on the side panel, something rare in cases of this size.
The Ridge also stands out for its versatility in orientation—you can position it vertically or horizontally to fit your space. If you’re after a stylish, living room-friendly ITX case with decent hardware support, the Ridge is a top-tier choice.
4. Thermaltake Tower 100
The Thermaltake Tower 100 is a Mini ITX case that makes a bold statement. With a vertical, almost skyscraper-like design and panoramic tempered glass panels on the front and sides, it offers an impressive showcase for RGB builds and high-end hardware. It’s a case that demands attention, combining form and function in a compact footprint.
The Tower 100 isn’t just about aesthetics—it offers impressive hardware compatibility. The case supports GPUs up to 330mm in length, CPU coolers up to 190mm, and includes two 120mm fans pre-installed for decent out-of-the-box airflow. Cable management is surprisingly good for such a compact vertical layout, with smart routing channels and tie-down points.
Thermaltake also includes plenty of ventilation, with mesh side and top panels to keep thermals under control. The modular design makes building in the Tower 100 intuitive, and maintenance is simple thanks to easily removable panels and dust filters. For builders who want a visually stunning case that doesn’t skimp on performance, the Tower 100 is a strong contender.
3. Cooler Master NR200P V2
A fan-favorite in the Mini ITX community, the Cooler Master NR200P V2 is a refined version of an already legendary case. It retains the original NR200P’s excellent layout and build quality, while adding native support for next-gen components and PCIe Gen 4 with the included riser cable. This compact case balances performance, expandability, and aesthetics in an elegant and practical chassis.
The NR200P V2 supports GPUs up to 356mm in length and 3.9-slot thickness—perfect for today’s high-performance cards. It also allows for CPU coolers up to 155mm in height and radiators up to 280mm. Modular panels and a completely removable frame make building and upgrading easy, especially in such a tight space.
One of its standout features is the choice of side panels: mesh for better airflow, or tempered glass to show off your components. Airflow is excellent, and the layout promotes positive pressure. If you’re looking for a flexible, high-performance ITX case that offers premium build quality and aesthetics, the NR200P V2 remains one of the best options available.
2. Fractal Design Terra Silver
Crafted for both performance and elegance, the Fractal Design Terra Silver is a premium Mini ITX case that focuses on craftsmanship and efficient design. With its aluminum panels, walnut wood accent on the front, and anodized silver finish, the Terra feels more like a luxury appliance than a typical PC case. It’s built to stand out while seamlessly fitting into refined desktop or entertainment setups.
Despite its compact size, the Terra supports powerful components, including triple-slot GPUs up to 322mm in length and SFX or SFX-L power supplies. The standout feature is its adjustable central spine that allows you to shift space between GPU and CPU compartments—optimizing airflow and clearance based on your component choices. It’s a smart touch that sets the Terra apart.
Airflow is well-thought-out, with side ventilation and support for up to two 120mm fans or a 120mm radiator. Every panel is removable for easy access, and the internal cable management is tidy and accessible. If you want a premium, design-forward ITX case with real functionality, the Terra Silver is a top-tier choice.
1. Thermaltake Core V1
Compact, affordable, and highly functional, the Thermaltake Core V1 remains one of the best value Mini ITX cases on the market. It’s a cube-style case with a surprisingly spacious interior, making it ideal for first-time builders and seasoned SFF enthusiasts alike. With a distinctive modular design, the Core V1 offers an excellent balance of performance and customization potential.
The interior supports full-sized components, including GPUs up to 285mm, CPU coolers up to 140mm, and even a 120mm AIO or fan at the front. It comes with a massive 200mm fan pre-installed at the front, ensuring strong cooling right out of the box. Removable side panels and a top mesh panel give you full access during the build process.
One of its biggest strengths is its price-to-performance ratio—it delivers excellent thermals, good build quality, and modularity at an accessible cost. Whether you’re building a gaming PC, media server, or compact workstation, the Core V1 punches far above its weight and easily earns its top spot on this list.
Conclusion
Mini ITX cases have evolved into powerful, compact enclosures capable of housing top-tier components without taking up much space. Whether you prioritize design, airflow, portability, or affordability, there’s an ITX case tailored to your needs. The Fractal Design Ridge excels in sleek, media-friendly setups; the Tower 100 impresses with its bold design and panoramic views; the NR200P V2 delivers unmatched flexibility and airflow; the Terra Silver combines elegance with smart layout choices; and the Core V1 offers unbeatable value and function.
Each of these cases brings something unique to the table, making them stand out in the crowded SFF market. As more builders embrace compact PCs, these Mini ITX cases prove that small doesn’t mean compromising on performance or style. No matter your build goals, one of these top five Mini ITX cases is sure to deliver the foundation for your next powerful, space-saving PC build.