Buying Guide
The Best Compact PC Cases
Five PC cases ranked on GPU clearance and CPU cooler clearance, where the Z20 has the longest GPU clearance; the B4-mATX is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Compact cases save desk space but limit GPU length and cooler height. Every pick is 30 litres or smaller, ordered from the smallest.
The order reflects max GPU length, max CPU cooler height and largest radiator from maker specifications; a missing max GPU length is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Smallest Volume
SSUPD Meshroom S V2The smallest volume here (15L).
Best for: Buyers who put volume first.
Check price for SSUPD Meshroom S V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Cooler Master NR200P V2A choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel.
Best for: Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel.
Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest GPU Clearance
JONSBO Z20The longest GPU clearance here (363mm).
Best for: Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Check price for JONSBO Z20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh)The lowest price among these PC cases at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $100.
Check price for Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Lian Li B4-mATXTwo slim fans.
Best for: Buyers who want two slim fans.
Check price for Lian Li B4-mATX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The smallest volume here (15L). | Buyers who put volume first. | Check price for SSUPD Meshroom S V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel. | Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel. | Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The longest GPU clearance here (363mm). | Buyers who put GPU clearance first. | Check price for JONSBO Z20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price among these PC cases at the time of writing. | Keeping the cost under $100. | Check price for Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh) on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Two slim fans. | Buyers who want two slim fans. | Check price for Lian Li B4-mATX on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Smallest Volume1 of 5
SSUPD Meshroom S V2
The Meshroom S V2 is the smallest case here at 15 litres and ships with a PCIe 5.0 riser.
Best for
- Buyers who put volume first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a 74mm cooler limit means a low-profile cooler or an AIO.
Why we like it
The 353mm GPU figure needs its optional 30mm to 50mm feet, and air coolers must be 74mm tall or less. It matches the NR200P V2 on largest radiator size (280mm). Its 15L volume is the smallest here; the NR200P V2 comes next at 18.25L.
It also offers 4-slot GPU support and a 20Gbps front USB-C port. Confirm GPU length for the Meshroom S V2 with its maker. The Meshroom S V2 takes 280mm radiators; mind RAM height.
170mm is the Meshroom S V2's PSU length cap. Only the Z20 came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published GPU clearance figure, whereas the Z20 comes in at 363mm.
Key specs
- Max CPU cooler height
- 74mm
- Largest radiator
- 280mm
- Max PSU length
- 170mm
- Volume
- 15L
- Motherboards
- Mini-ITX; mATX and ATX with a longer riser
- PSU type
- SFX, SFX-L or ATX
- Front USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- A compact 15L footprint
- A front USB-C port
- PCIe 5.0 riser cable in the box
- GPUs up to 353mm with optional 30mm to 50mm feet
Cons
- A 74mm cooler limit means a low-profile cooler or an AIO
- No published GPU clearance
- Costs more than the B4-mATX at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Cooler Master NR200P V2
The NR200P V2 is the easiest way into small form factor: 18.25 litres, a 357mm GPU limit and a top 280mm radiator position.
Best for
- Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: needs an SFX power supply.
Why we like it
You choose glass or a vented steel side panel, but it needs an SFX power supply. It lists support for GPUs up to 357mm and top radiators of 240 or 280mm, and it accepts SFX power supplies only. Its 357mm GPU clearance is the shortest in this group; the Z20 leads at 363mm.
On largest radiator size it ties with the Meshroom S V2 at 280mm. Its 18.25L volume ranks second of 5 here, behind the Meshroom S V2 (15L) and ahead of the Lian Li B4-mATX (21.3L). Mini-ITX motherboards is unique to it among these picks, while the B4-mATX uses mATX motherboards.
It also offers bottom-to-top airflow from a 120mm bottom fan. The NR200P V2 takes 280mm radiators; mind RAM height. SFX power only in the NR200P V2. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Lian Li B4-mATX and the pricier Z20, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 357mm
- Largest radiator
- 280mm
- Volume
- 18.25L
- Motherboards
- Mini-ITX
- PSU type
- SFX only
- Front USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- A compact 18.25L footprint
- A front USB-C port
- Choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel
- Bottom-to-top airflow from a 120mm bottom fan
Cons
- Needs an SFX power supply
- GPU clearance trails the Z20 (363mm)
- Costs more than the B4-mATX at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is GPU clearance; for more, the Z20 comes in at 363mm.
Longest GPU Clearance3 of 5
JONSBO Z20
The Z20 is a 20-litre Micro-ATX box with a detachable handle and 2mm steel panels.
Best for
- Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: radiators top out at 240mm.
Why we like it
It takes a 363mm graphics card, a 163mm cooler and ATX, SFX or SFX-L power supplies. Nothing else here matches its 363mm GPU clearance; the B4-mATX comes closest at 358mm. Its 240mm largest radiator size is the smallest in this group; the B4-mATX leads at 360mm.
On volume it sits mid-pack at 20L: the Meshroom S V2 comes in at 15L, and the Lian Li B4-mATX comes in at 21.3L. No other pick in this guide offers micro-ATX motherboards; compare the NR200P V2, which has mini-ITX motherboards. It also comes with a 240mm top AIO up to 60mm thick.
GPU limit in the Z20: 363mm, before front fans. The Z20 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. It was priced above the NR200P V2 and below the Meshroom S V2 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 363mm
- Max CPU cooler height
- 163mm
- Largest radiator
- 240mm
- Volume
- 20L
- Motherboards
- Micro-ATX
- PSU type
- ATX, SFX or SFX-L
- Front USB-C
- Yes
Pros
- A compact 20L footprint
- A front USB-C port
- Detachable carrying handle
- 2mm bent steel panels
Cons
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- Largest radiator size trails the B4-mATX (360mm)
- Costs more than the B4-mATX at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on largest radiator size, where the B4-mATX comes in at 360mm.
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh)
The B4-mATX is the smallest case here at 21.3 litres and still takes a 358mm graphics card.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $100.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: power supplies are limited to 140mm long.
Why we like it
Choosing an SFX power supply frees room for a 360mm AIO; an ATX unit must be 140mm or shorter. On GPU clearance it ties with the Lian Li B4-mATX at 358mm. It matches the Lian Li B4-mATX on largest radiator size (360mm).
Like the Lian Li B4-mATX, it has mATX motherboards, while the NR200P V2 uses mini-ITX motherboards. It also comes with two slim 120mm fans and a 360mm AIO when paired with an SFX PSU. GPU limit in the B4-mATX: 358mm, before front fans.
The B4-mATX takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. 140mm is the B4-mATX's PSU length cap. Boards: mATX. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Lian Li B4-mATX was closest.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 358mm
- Largest radiator
- 360mm
- Max PSU length
- 140mm
- Volume
- 21.3L
- Fans included
- 2
- Motherboards
- mATX
- PSU type
- SFX, or ATX up to 140mm
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- A compact 21.3L footprint
- Two slim 120mm fans
- 360mm AIO when paired with an SFX PSU
Cons
- Power supplies are limited to 140mm long
- GPU clearance of 358mm, behind the Z20 (363mm)
The catch
If you want a confirmed CPU cooler clearance, look to the Z20 instead: it comes in at 163mm, while this one gives no figure.
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Lian Li B4-mATX
The Lian Li B4-mATX is built around two slim fans, with a 21.3L body on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want two slim fans.
Skip if
- Skip it if volume matters most to you; the Meshroom S V2 offers 15L.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 358mm GPU clearance and offers a 360mm largest radiator size. It matches the B4-mATX on GPU clearance (358mm). On largest radiator size it ties with the B4-mATX at 360mm.
It shares mATX motherboards with the B4-mATX; the Z20 goes with micro-ATX motherboards. GPU limit in the Lian Li B4-mATX: 358mm, before front fans. The Lian Li B4-mATX takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height.
Boards: mATX. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper B4-mATX and the pricier NR200P V2, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its CPU cooler clearance; if that figure matters, the Z20 comes in at 163mm.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 358mm
- Largest radiator
- 360mm
- Volume
- 21.3L
- Fans included
- 2
- Motherboards
- mATX
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- A compact 21.3L footprint
- Two slim fans
- 21.3L body
Cons
- Volume trails the Meshroom S V2 (15L)
- Costs more than the B4-mATX at the time of writing
How We Chose These Compact PC Cases
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five cases on GPU clearance, CPU cooler clearance, largest radiator size and PSU length limit, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and GPU clearance and CPU cooler clearance are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Meshroom S V2 to the Lian Li B4-mATX, state largest radiator size, volume and motherboards.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Meshroom S V2 gives no GPU clearance; the NR200P V2, the B4-mATX and the Lian Li B4-mATX give no CPU cooler clearance.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the B4-mATX ($50 to $100) to the Meshroom S V2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Compact PC Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much largest radiator size you need
Here largest radiator size runs from 240mm on the Z20 to 360mm on the B4-mATX, a 50% spread. If largest radiator size is your first filter, the B4-mATX sets the ceiling at 360mm.
Volume
Across these 5 picks volume spans 21.3L (the Lian Li B4-mATX) to 15L (the Meshroom S V2). For less, the NR200P V2 is the runner-up at 18.25L ($50 to $100 tier).
A compact black PC case beside a speaker on a desk GPU clearance across these picks
Across these 4 picks GPU clearance spans 357mm (the NR200P V2) to 363mm (the Z20). The B4-mATX comes second at 358mm, in the same price tier as the Z20. The Meshroom S V2 gives no GPU clearance figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
What to check at home
Confirm GPU length for the Meshroom S V2 with its maker. GPU limit in the NR200P V2: 357mm, before front fans. GPU limit in the Z20: 363mm, before front fans.
Cable management behind the motherboard tray of a PC case Extras that separate them
The Z20: 2mm bent steel panels. The B4-mATX: a 360mm AIO when paired with an SFX PSU. The Lian Li B4-mATX: a 21.3L body.
How to Choose a Compact PC Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put volume first | Meshroom S V2 | The smallest volume here (15L) |
| Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel | NR200P V2 | A choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel |
| Buyers who put GPU clearance first | Z20 | The longest GPU clearance here (363mm) |
| Keeping the cost under $100 | B4-mATX | The lowest price among these PC cases at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want two slim fans | Lian Li B4-mATX | Two slim fans |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The B4-mATX leads on largest radiator size at 360mm, ahead of the Lian Li B4-mATX at 360mm. "Not listed" marks GPU clearance where the Meshroom S V2 leaves the figure out.
| Case | Max GPU length | Max CPU cooler height | Largest radiator | Max PSU length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meshroom S V2 | Not listed | 74mm | 280mm | 170mm |
| NR200P V2 | 357mm | Not listed | 280mm | Not listed |
| Z20 | 363mm | 163mm | 240mm | Not listed |
| B4-mATX | 358mm | Not listed | 360mm | 140mm |
| Lian Li B4-mATX | 358mm | Not listed | 360mm | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The B4-mATX was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Meshroom S V2 the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | B4-mATX, Lian Li B4-mATX, NR200P V2, Z20 |
| About $150 to $250 | Meshroom S V2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the smallest volume: the Meshroom S V2 or the NR200P V2?
Between the top two, it is 15L on the Meshroom S V2 against 18.25L on the NR200P V2, an 18% difference. The spread runs down to the Lian Li B4-mATX at 21.3L.
Is the Z20 ahead of the B4-mATX on GPU clearance?
The Z20 tops GPU clearance at 363mm; the B4-mATX follows at 358mm, 1% apart. The NR200P V2 closes the ranking at 357mm. No GPU clearance figure is published for the Meshroom S V2, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the Z20 ahead of the Meshroom S V2 on CPU cooler clearance?
The Z20 tops CPU cooler clearance at 163mm; the Meshroom S V2 follows at 74mm, 120% apart. No CPU cooler clearance figure is published for the NR200P V2, the B4-mATX and the Lian Li B4-mATX, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the Meshroom S V2 add over the B4-mATX?
On paper it adds volume (15L against 21.3L) and PSU length limit (170mm against 140mm). It does not win everywhere: the B4-mATX still leads on largest radiator size (360mm). On our last price check the B4-mATX was in the $50 to $100 tier and the Meshroom S V2 in the $150 to $250 tier, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if volume and PSU length limit decide your purchase.
Why is the Z20 our Longest GPU Clearance pick?
It carries the badge for the longest GPU clearance here (363mm). On GPU clearance it leads the B4-mATX, 363mm against 358mm, a 1% margin. The price of that: the B4-mATX, the cheapest pick, still beats it on largest radiator size (360mm against 240mm). It makes sense for anyone who puts GPU clearance first.
Does the Meshroom S V2 have front USB-C, and which others do?
The Meshroom S V2, the NR200P V2 and the Z20 have it. The B4-mATX and the Lian Li B4-mATX have no front USB-C listed, so 3 of 5 picks are covered here.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Meshroom S V2, chosen for the smallest volume here (15L). Look at the NR200P V2 for a choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel, the Z20 for the longest GPU clearance here (363mm) and the B4-mATX for the lowest price among these PC cases at the time of writing if those matter more to you.
Check the GPU length, cooler height and PSU format before buying parts.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best PC Cases
- Related guideThe Best PC Cases for Gaming
- Related guideThe Best White PC Cases
- Lower budgetThe Best Budget PC Cases Under $70
- Higher budgetThe Best PC Cases for High-End Builds
- ExplainerHow to Choose a PC Case
- ExplainerCase Front Panel USB-C and Motherboard Headers: What Connects to What
- Check compatibility: motherboardsWhat Is a Motherboard VRM and When Does It Matter?
- Similar guideThe Best ATX PC Cases
- Topic hubAll pc cases guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
View all articles