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 The PC Journal editorial team

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

Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Smallest Volume

    SSUPD Meshroom S V2

    The smallest volume here (15L).

    Best for: Buyers who put volume first.

    Our take Check price for SSUPD Meshroom S V2 (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Consider

    Cooler Master NR200P V2

    A choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel.

    Best for: Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel.

    Our take Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 (opens in a new tab)

  3. Strong Alternative

    Cooler Master NR200P V2 White

    A white finish.

    Best for: Buyers who want white finish.

    Our take Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 White (opens in a new tab)

  4. Longest GPU Clearance

    JONSBO Z20

    The longest GPU clearance here (363mm).

    Best for: Buyers who put GPU clearance first.

    Our take Check price for JONSBO Z20 (opens in a new tab)

  5. Largest Radiator Size

    Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh)

    The largest radiator size here (360mm).

    Best for: Buyers who put largest radiator size first.

    Our take Check price for Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh) (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

SSUPD Meshroom S V2

Smallest Volume1 of 5

SSUPD Meshroom S V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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 and the NR200P V2 White 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 NR200P V2 White 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 dimensions & 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
Cooler Master NR200P V2

Also Consider2 of 5

Cooler Master NR200P V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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 matches the NR200P V2 White on GPU clearance (357mm). On largest radiator size it ties with the Meshroom S V2 and the NR200P V2 White at 280mm.

It shares mini-ITX motherboards with the NR200P V2 White; the B4-mATX goes with 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 second of 5, between the cheaper B4-mATX and the pricier Z20, 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 dimensions & 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
  • Costs more than the B4-mATX at the time of writing
Cooler Master NR200P V2 White

Strong Alternative3 of 5

Cooler Master NR200P V2 White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

What the NR200P V2 White brings to the table is a white finish, plus a vertical GPU mount with a PCIe 4.0 riser in the box.

Best for

Buyers who want white finish.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: needs an SFX power supply.

Why we like it

It also offers a 357mm GPU clearance and offers a 280mm largest radiator size. It matches the NR200P V2 on GPU clearance (357mm). On largest radiator size it ties with the Meshroom S V2 and the NR200P V2 at 280mm.

It shares mini-ITX motherboards with the NR200P V2; the B4-mATX goes with mATX motherboards. It also comes with tool-free quick-release panels. GPU limit in the NR200P V2 White: 357mm, before front fans.

The NR200P V2 White takes 280mm radiators; mind RAM height. Its price falls between the Z20 and the Meshroom S V2, based on our last check. If GPU clearance is your priority, the Z20 (363mm) is the stronger choice.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Max GPU length: 357mm
  • Largest radiator: 280mm
  • Volume: 18.25L
  • Motherboards: Mini-ITX
  • PSU type: SFX only

Pros

  • A compact 18.25L footprint
  • White finish
  • Vertical GPU mount with a PCIe 4.0 riser in the box
  • Tool-free quick-release panels

Cons

  • Needs an SFX power supply
  • GPU clearance trails the Z20 (363mm)
  • Costs more than the B4-mATX at the time of writing
JONSBO Z20

Longest GPU Clearance4 of 5

JONSBO Z20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

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 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 NR200P V2 White at the time of writing.

Key dimensions & 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
Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh)

Largest Radiator Size5 of 5

Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

The B4-mATX is the smallest case here at 21.3 litres and still takes a 358mm graphics card.

Best for

Buyers who put largest radiator size first.

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 sits mid-pack at 358mm: the Z20 comes in at 363mm, and the NR200P V2 White comes in at 357mm. Its 360mm largest radiator size is the largest here; the Meshroom S V2 comes next at 280mm.

On volume it trails the group at 21.3L, while the Meshroom S V2 comes in at 15L. It is the only pick here with mATX motherboards; the Z20 has micro-ATX motherboards instead. 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the NR200P V2 was closest. If you want a confirmed CPU cooler clearance, look to the Z20 instead: it comes in at 163mm, while this one gives no figure.

Key dimensions & 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
  • Volume trails the Meshroom S V2 (15L)

How We Chose These Compact PC Cases

Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Build features
We recorded front USB-C, glass panels and layout features such as dual chambers.
Size
We noted motherboard support and, where the maker states it, the case volume.
Cooling layout
We checked radiator sizes and positions, fan mounts and how many fans come in the box.
Hardware fit
We compared listed GPU length, CPU cooler height and power supply limits.

What to Look for in a Compact PC Case

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. How much radiator size you need

    Among these picks, radiator size runs from 240mm on the Z20 to 360mm on the B4-mATX. Settle how much you need before comparing prices, since paying for more rarely helps if your use never reaches it.

  2. Match cooler height to the case

    Every case offers a maximum CPU air cooler height. Tall dual-tower coolers need about 160mm to 170mm; small cases may take only a low-profile cooler or an AIO.

  3. Mesh fronts and included fans

    Mesh or perforated front panels breathe more easily than solid or glass fronts. Included fans save money; a case with none needs at least two or three before it is ready to use.

  4. Check motherboard size and connector layout

    Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX and ATX boards need matching cases. Back-connect boards, which put their connectors on the rear, need a case with cutouts for them.

  5. Check GPU length and thickness

    Large graphics cards run past 330mm and take three or four slots. Compare your card with the case's GPU length figure, and note that front fans or a front radiator often cut it.

    Vertical mounts need a riser cable and more width.

How to Choose a Compact PC Case

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
Buyers who put volume firstMeshroom S V2The smallest volume here (15L)
Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panelNR200P V2A choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel
Buyers who want white finishNR200P V2 WhiteA white finish
Buyers who put GPU clearance firstZ20The longest GPU clearance here (363mm)
Buyers who put largest radiator size firstB4-mATXThe largest radiator size here (360mm)

Scroll sideways to see every column.

Key specs side by side

Figures as each maker states them.

CaseMax GPU lengthMax CPU cooler heightLargest radiatorMax PSU length
Meshroom S V2Not listed74mm280mm170mm
NR200P V2357mmNot listed280mmNot listed
NR200P V2 White357mmNot listed280mmNot listed
Z20363mm163mm240mmNot listed
B4-mATX358mmNot listed360mm140mm

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.

Price tierCases
About $50 to $100B4-mATX, NR200P V2, Z20
About $150 to $250NR200P V2 White, Meshroom S V2

Frequently Asked Questions

How do these PC cases compare on GPU clearance?

The Z20, at 363mm. The B4-mATX follows at 358mm, while the NR200P V2 White has 357mm.

Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?

Start with the B4-mATX, the lowest-priced pick when we checked. The Meshroom S V2 is the premium end, so the spread between them shows what extra money buys here.

What is a back-connect case?

One with cutouts for motherboards that put their power and data connectors on the rear. It hides cables but needs a compatible board.

Do I need a full tower?

Only for very large radiators, E-ATX boards, custom loops or many drives. A good mid-tower fits most gaming builds, including large graphics cards.

Will the front USB-C port work with any motherboard?

It needs a USB-C front-panel header on the motherboard. Most current mid-range boards have one; older or budget boards may not.

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 NR200P V2 White for a white finish and the Z20 for the longest GPU clearance here (363mm) if those matter more to you.

Check the GPU length, cooler height and PSU format before buying parts.