Buying Guide
The Best Cube PC Cases
Five cube and compact dual-chamber cases compared on GPU room, radiator support, fans and glass, for Micro-ATX builds that sit on the desk.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Cube cases sit wide and low, often splitting the power supply into a second chamber so the main compartment stays clear. Most take Micro-ATX boards, and GPU room varies widely between models.
We compared five cube and compact dual-chamber cases on listed clearances, radiator support, fans and glass. This is a research-based comparison of maker specifications; we did not build in these cubes ourselves.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Cube Case
CORSAIR 2500X
360mm radiators in the roof and bottom plus a 240mm side mount.
Best for: A compact liquid-cooled showcase.
Best Value Cube
Lian Li O11 Vision-M
410mm GPU room at a low price.
Best for: Budget cube builds with a long graphics card.
Our take Check price for Lian Li O11 Vision-M (opens in a new tab)
Most Fans Included
MONTECH King 15 PRO
Four ARGB fans in the box.
Best for: A lit showcase build without buying fans.
Our take Check price for MONTECH King 15 PRO (opens in a new tab)
Most Portable
JONSBO Z20
A detachable carrying handle in a 20L case.
Best for: LAN parties and moving between rooms.
Best Curved-Glass Design
JONSBO TK-1
Double-curved 4mm glass with an aluminium shell.
Best for: Desk builds with a short graphics card.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 360mm radiators in the roof and bottom plus a 240mm side mount. | A compact liquid-cooled showcase. | Check price for CORSAIR 2500X (opens in a new tab) |
| 410mm GPU room at a low price. | Budget cube builds with a long graphics card. | Check price for Lian Li O11 Vision-M (opens in a new tab) |
| Four ARGB fans in the box. | A lit showcase build without buying fans. | Check price for MONTECH King 15 PRO (opens in a new tab) |
| A detachable carrying handle in a 20L case. | LAN parties and moving between rooms. | Check price for JONSBO Z20 (opens in a new tab) |
| Double-curved 4mm glass with an aluminium shell. | Desk builds with a short graphics card. | Check price for JONSBO TK-1 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Cube Case1 of 5
CORSAIR 2500X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 2500X is Corsair's small dual-chamber case, with wraparound glass and room for nine 120mm fans.
Best for
- A compact liquid-cooled showcase.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its GPU clearance before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Radiators up to 360mm fit in the roof and bottom, which is rare in a Micro-ATX cube, and a 240mm radiator fits on the side. Its dual-chamber layout keeps the power supply and cables out of sight. Its dual chamber keeps cables behind the board, and it supports ASUS BTF and MSI Project Zero rear-connector boards.
It matches the O11 Vision-M and the King 15 PRO on largest radiator size (360mm). It is the only pick here with mATX motherboards; the King 15 PRO has micro-ATX motherboards instead. Confirm GPU length for the 2500X with its maker.
The 2500X takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. Boards: mATX. At our last price check it topped the group, with the TK-1 the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed GPU clearance, look to the O11 Vision-M instead: it comes in at 410mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Motherboards: mATX
- Glass: Wraparound front and side glass
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Wraparound front and side glass
- Dual-chamber layout
- Room for nine 120mm fans
Cons
- No published GPU clearance
- No published CPU cooler clearance
- Costs more than the O11 Vision-M at the time of writing
Best Value Cube2 of 5
Lian Li O11 Vision-M on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The O11 Vision-M brings Lian Li's dual-chamber layout to Micro-ATX, with 410mm of GPU room and a 360mm top radiator.
Best for
- Budget cube builds with a long graphics card.
Skip if
- Pass on it if only 1 fan in the bo rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It does not take ATX or back-connect boards, and only one fan comes fitted. On GPU clearance it leads this guide at 410mm, ahead of the Z20 (363mm). Its 162mm CPU cooler clearance is the shortest in this group; the TK-1 leads at 165mm.
On largest radiator size it ties with the 2500X and the King 15 PRO at 360mm. You also get a pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber. GPU limit in the O11 Vision-M: 410mm, before front fans.
The O11 Vision-M takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. 182mm is the O11 Vision-M's PSU length cap. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Z20 was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 410mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 162mm
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Max PSU length: 182mm
- Fans included: 1
- Motherboards: mATX, Mini-ITX (no ATX or back-connect)
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 410mm long
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber
- Dual-chamber layout
Cons
- Only 1 fan in the box
- CPU cooler clearance trails the TK-1 (165mm)
Most Fans Included3 of 5
MONTECH King 15 PRO on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The King 15 PRO puts four ARGB fans behind a 15-degree curved glass panel, with air moving from bottom to top.
Best for
- A lit showcase build without buying fans.
Skip if
- Its GPU clearance is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Its roof takes a 360mm radiator up to 84mm thick. On largest radiator size it ties with the 2500X and the O11 Vision-M at 360mm. It shares micro-ATX motherboards with the Z20; the 2500X goes with mATX motherboards.
You also get a bottom-to-top airflow path. Confirm GPU length for the King 15 PRO with its maker. The King 15 PRO takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height.
On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Z20 and the pricier TK-1, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its GPU clearance; if that figure matters, the O11 Vision-M comes in at 410mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 4
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- Glass: 15-degree curved glass
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- 4 fans included
- 15-degree curved glass
- Top 360mm radiators up to 84mm thick
Cons
- No published GPU clearance
- No published CPU cooler clearance
- Costs more than the O11 Vision-M at the time of writing
Most Portable4 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
- LAN parties and moving between rooms.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: 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. On GPU clearance it sits mid-pack at 363mm: the O11 Vision-M comes in at 410mm, and the TK-1 comes in at 280mm. On CPU cooler clearance it sits mid-pack at 163mm: the TK-1 comes in at 165mm, and the O11 Vision-M comes in at 162mm.
It matches the TK-1 on largest radiator size (240mm). Like the King 15 PRO, it has micro-ATX motherboards, while the 2500X uses mATX 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 O11 Vision-M and below the King 15 PRO at the time of writing. There is no published PSU length limit figure, whereas the TK-1 comes in at 220mm.
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
- Costs more than the O11 Vision-M at the time of writing
Best Curved-Glass Design5 of 5
JONSBO TK-1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TK-1 is the most sculpted case here, with double-curved glass over an aluminium shell.
Best for
- Desk builds with a short graphics card.
Skip if
- Pass on it if a 280mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan card rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
Its 280mm GPU limit suits shorter cards, but it takes a 165mm tower cooler and a 220mm ATX power supply. Its 280mm GPU clearance is the shortest in this group; the O11 Vision-M leads at 410mm. Its 165mm CPU cooler clearance is the tallest here; the Z20 comes next at 163mm.
On largest radiator size it ties with the Z20 at 240mm. No other pick in this guide offers double-curved 4mm glass; compare the King 15 PRO, which has 15-degree curved glass. It also comes with a separated-chamber layout and outer dimensions of 299 x 310 x 345mm.
GPU limit in the TK-1: 280mm, before front fans. The TK-1 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. 220mm is the TK-1's PSU length cap.
Boards: mATX, Mini-ITX. Its price falls between the King 15 PRO and the 2500X, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 280mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 165mm
- Largest radiator: 240mm
- Max PSU length: 220mm
- Motherboards: mATX, Mini-ITX
- Glass: Double-curved 4mm glass
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- Takes tower air coolers up to 165mm tall
- Double-curved 4mm glass
- A front USB-C port
- Aluminium alloy shell
Cons
- A 280mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- GPU clearance trails the O11 Vision-M (410mm)
How We Chose These Cube PC Cases
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 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.
- 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.
What to Look for in a Cube PC Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
Plan radiator positions early
A case may list a 360mm radiator only at the front or only on top. Top mounts must clear the motherboard heatsinks and tall RAM, and front mounts can shorten the GPU limit.
Confirm the power supply format
Most mid-towers take ATX power supplies, often with a length limit. Small cases may need SFX or SFX-L units, which cost more at the same wattage.
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.
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.
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 Cube PC Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A compact liquid-cooled showcase | 2500X | 360mm radiators in the roof and bottom plus a 240mm side mount |
| Budget cube builds with a long graphics card | O11 Vision-M | 410mm GPU room at a low price |
| A lit showcase build without buying fans | King 15 PRO | Four ARGB fans in the box |
| LAN parties and moving between rooms | Z20 | A detachable carrying handle in a 20L case |
| Desk builds with a short graphics card | TK-1 | Double-curved 4mm glass with an aluminium shell |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Case | Max GPU length | Max CPU cooler height | Largest radiator | Max PSU length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2500X | Not listed | Not listed | 360mm | Not listed |
| O11 Vision-M | 410mm | 162mm | 360mm | 182mm |
| King 15 PRO | Not listed | Not listed | 360mm | Not listed |
| Z20 | 363mm | 163mm | 240mm | Not listed |
| TK-1 | 280mm | 165mm | 240mm | 220mm |
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 tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | O11 Vision-M, Z20 |
| About $100 to $150 | King 15 PRO, TK-1 |
| About $150 to $250 | 2500X |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Mini-ITX build harder?
It takes more planning: check GPU length, cooler height and power supply format first, and expect tighter cable routing.
Does a glass front make a PC run hotter?
It can, when air has to enter through narrow gaps. Glass-front cases that take air from the side or bottom avoid most of that penalty.
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.
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.
How many case fans do I need?
Two intakes and one exhaust suit most builds. Add more for a hot graphics card or when a radiator sits in an intake position.
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.
Bottom Line
The Corsair 2500X is the most capable cube for liquid cooling, the Lian Li O11 Vision-M is the value pick, and the Montech King 15 PRO comes with the most fans.
The JONSBO Z20 is the portable choice, and the JONSBO TK-1 is the design-led pick for a shorter graphics card.