Buying Guide
The Best Micro-ATX Cases by Price
We weighed five PC cases on GPU clearance and CPU cooler clearance; the 2800X RS-R has the longest GPU clearance, and the Q300L V3 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A Micro-ATX case saves desk space while keeping a normal-length GPU. Every pick supports Micro-ATX, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh max GPU length, max CPU cooler height and largest radiator as the makers state them; we did not test these PC cases ourselves, and if a maker skips max GPU length, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
Cooler Master Q300L V3
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master Q300L V3 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Cooler Master QUBE 340
Room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Best for: Buyers who want room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 340 (opens in a new tab)
Longest PSU Length Limit
JONSBO D31 MESH
The longest PSU length limit here (220mm).
Best for: Buyers who put PSU length limit first.
Our take Check price for JONSBO D31 MESH (opens in a new tab)
Longest GPU Clearance
CORSAIR 2800X RS-R
The longest GPU clearance here (410mm).
Best for: Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR 2800X RS-R (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
JONSBO Z20
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a detachable carrying handle.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build. | Check price for Cooler Master Q300L V3 (opens in a new tab) |
| Room for six 120mm or 140mm fans. | Buyers who want room for six 120mm or 140mm fans. | Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 340 (opens in a new tab) |
| The longest PSU length limit here (220mm). | Buyers who put PSU length limit first. | Check price for JONSBO D31 MESH (opens in a new tab) |
| The longest GPU clearance here (410mm). | Buyers who put GPU clearance first. | Check price for CORSAIR 2800X RS-R (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a detachable carrying handle. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for JONSBO Z20 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Cooler Master Q300L V3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Q300L V3 is a Micro-ATX case that still fits a 366mm graphics card and a 178mm tower cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: radiators top out at 240mm.
Why we like it
Its radiator support stops at 240mm, the trade for its size and price. It matches the QUBE 340 on GPU clearance (366mm). It matches the QUBE 340 on CPU cooler clearance (178mm).
On PSU length limit it ties with the QUBE 340 at 200mm. Like the QUBE 340, it has a tempered glass side, while the 2800X RS-R uses a glass side and front. It also offers mounts for six 120mm or 140mm fans and a movable front I/O panel.
GPU limit in the Q300L V3: 366mm, before front fans. The Q300L V3 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. 200mm is the Q300L V3's PSU length cap.
It undercut the QUBE 340 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The main gap: GPU clearance of 366mm, behind the 2800X RS-R (410mm). If that matters, the 2800X RS-R comes in at 410mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 366mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 178mm
- Largest radiator: 240mm
- Max PSU length: 200mm
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- Glass: Tempered glass side
Pros
- Takes tower air coolers up to 178mm tall
- Tempered glass side
- Mounts for six 120mm or 140mm fans
- Movable front I/O panel
Cons
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- GPU clearance of 366mm, behind the 2800X RS-R (410mm)
Also Consider2 of 5
Cooler Master QUBE 340 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The QUBE 340 is a Micro-ATX version of the same idea: a mesh front, magnetic filters, carry handles and room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Skip if
- Pass on it if radiators top out at 240m rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It fits 366mm cards and 178mm tower coolers. On GPU clearance it ties with the Q300L V3 at 366mm. On CPU cooler clearance it ties with the Q300L V3 at 178mm.
It matches the Q300L V3 on PSU length limit (200mm). It shares a tempered glass side with the Q300L V3; the 2800X RS-R goes with a glass side and front. It also offers a movable I/O panel.
GPU limit in the QUBE 340: 366mm, before front fans. The QUBE 340 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. 200mm is the QUBE 340's PSU length cap.
When we checked, only the Q300L V3 cost less, and the D31 Mesh cost more. PSU length limit is its weakest area, and the D31 Mesh covers it better at 220mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 366mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 178mm
- Largest radiator: 240mm
- Max PSU length: 200mm
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- Glass: Tempered glass side
Pros
- Takes tower air coolers up to 178mm tall
- Tempered glass side
- Room for six 120mm or 140mm fans
- Magnetic dust filters and carry handles
Cons
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- PSU length limit trails the D31 Mesh (220mm)
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Longest PSU Length Limit3 of 5
JONSBO D31 MESH on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The D31 Mesh takes ATX or SFX power supplies up to 220mm long and a 168mm tower cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who put PSU length limit first.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its GPU clearance before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Its GPU limit runs from 330mm to 400mm depending on how you lay out the case. On CPU cooler clearance it sits mid-pack at 168mm: the Q300L V3 comes in at 178mm, and the Z20 comes in at 163mm. On PSU length limit it leads this guide at 220mm, ahead of the Q300L V3 (200mm).
You also get outer dimensions of 205 x 363 x 452mm. Confirm GPU length for the D31 Mesh with its maker. 220mm is the D31 Mesh's PSU length cap.
Boards: mATX, ITX. When we checked, only the QUBE 340 and cheaper picks cost less, and the 2800X RS-R cost more. If you want a confirmed GPU clearance, look to the 2800X RS-R instead: it comes in at 410mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max CPU cooler height: 168mm
- Max PSU length: 220mm
- Motherboards: mATX, ITX
- PSU type: ATX or SFX
Pros
- Takes tower air coolers up to 168mm tall
- GPU room of 330mm to 400mm depending on layout
- Mesh front
- Outer dimensions of 205 x 363 x 452mm
Cons
- No published GPU clearance
- No published largest radiator size
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Longest GPU Clearance4 of 5
CORSAIR 2800X RS-R on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 2800X RS-R puts three reverse-rotor intake fans in its side panel so the lit side faces the glass.
Best for
- Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its CPU cooler clearance before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
It has 410mm of GPU room in a Micro-ATX footprint. Wraparound glass shows off the build, and three reverse-rotor fans in the side panel pull air in. It suits a showcase build.
Its 410mm GPU clearance is the longest here; the Q300L V3 comes next at 366mm. You get a glass side and front here, which sets it apart from the QUBE 340 and its a tempered glass side. You also get PWM and ARGB fan headers.
GPU limit in the 2800X RS-R: 410mm, before front fans. When we checked, only the D31 Mesh and cheaper picks cost less, and the Z20 cost more. If you want a confirmed CPU cooler clearance, look to the Q300L V3 instead: it comes in at 178mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 410mm
- Fans included: 3
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- Glass: Glass side and front
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 410mm long
- 3 fans included
- Glass side and front
- Three reverse-rotor RS120-R intake fans in the side panel
Cons
- No published CPU cooler clearance
- No published largest radiator size
- No published PSU length limit
Premium Pick5 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 want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when radiators top out at 240m is a problem.
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 trails the group at 363mm, while the 2800X RS-R comes in at 410mm. On CPU cooler clearance it trails the group at 163mm, while the Q300L V3 comes in at 178mm.
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.
Only the 2800X RS-R came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. It gives ground on GPU clearance, where the 2800X RS-R comes in at 410mm.
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
- GPU clearance trails the 2800X RS-R (410mm)
- CPU cooler clearance trails the Q300L V3 (178mm)
How We Chose These Micro-ATX Cases by Price
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five cases on GPU clearance, CPU cooler clearance, largest radiator size and PSU length limit as the makers state them. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the Q300L V3 to the Z20, state motherboards.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The D31 Mesh gives no GPU clearance; the 2800X RS-R gives no CPU cooler clearance.
- Price range
- From the Q300L V3 to the Z20, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Micro-ATX Case by Price
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
GPU clearance
Here GPU clearance runs from 363mm on the Z20 to 410mm on the 2800X RS-R. The Q300L V3 comes second for less money. No figure for the D31 Mesh.
CPU cooler clearance across these picks
Here CPU cooler clearance runs from 163mm on the Z20 to 178mm on the Q300L V3. The Q300L V3 is the pick for CPU cooler clearance. No figure for the 2800X RS-R.
How much PSU length limit you need
Here PSU length limit runs from 200mm on the QUBE 340 to 220mm on the D31 Mesh. Start with the D31 Mesh if PSU length limit decides it. No figure for the 2800X RS-R and the Z20.
What to check at home
GPU limit in the Q300L V3: 366mm, before front fans. GPU limit in the QUBE 340: 366mm, before front fans. Confirm GPU length for the D31 Mesh with its maker.
Extras that separate them
The D31 Mesh: a mesh front. The 2800X RS-R: PWM and ARGB fan headers. The Z20: 2mm bent steel panels.
How to Choose a Micro-ATX Case by Price
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere in the build | Q300L V3 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want room for six 120mm or 140mm fans | QUBE 340 | Room for six 120mm or 140mm fans |
| Buyers who put PSU length limit first | D31 Mesh | The longest PSU length limit here (220mm) |
| Buyers who put GPU clearance first | 2800X RS-R | The longest GPU clearance here (410mm) |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | Z20 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with a detachable carrying handle |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 2800X RS-R leads on GPU clearance at 410mm, ahead of the Q300L V3 at 366mm. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Case | Max GPU length | Max CPU cooler height | Largest radiator | Max PSU length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q300L V3 | 366mm | 178mm | 240mm | 200mm |
| QUBE 340 | 366mm | 178mm | 240mm | 200mm |
| D31 Mesh | Not listed | 168mm | Not listed | 220mm |
| 2800X RS-R | 410mm | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Z20 | 363mm | 163mm | 240mm | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the longest GPU clearance: the 2800X RS-R or the Q300L V3?
The 2800X RS-R leads at 410mm, with the Q300L V3 at 366mm. The Z20 is at the other end of this group with 363mm. The D31 Mesh doesn't state a figure, so it sits outside this comparison.
Is the D31 Mesh ahead of the Q300L V3 on PSU length limit?
The D31 Mesh leads at 220mm, with the Q300L V3 at 200mm. The 2800X RS-R and the Z20 don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the Z20 add over the Q300L V3?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the Q300L V3 still leads on GPU clearance (366mm) and CPU cooler clearance (178mm). The Q300L V3 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the 2800X RS-R our Longest GPU Clearance pick?
It earns the label for the longest GPU clearance here (410mm). It suits anyone who put GPU clearance first.
Do the Q300L V3 and the 2800X RS-R differ on glass?
The Q300L V3 and the QUBE 340 use Tempered glass side; the 2800X RS-R uses Glass side and front. The makers of the D31 Mesh and the Z20 don't say.
Will the Z20 work with my setup?
GPU limit in the Z20: 363mm, before front fans. The Z20 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5, as our Premium Pick pick.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Q300L V3, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the QUBE 340 for room for six 120mm or 140mm fans, the D31 Mesh for the longest PSU length limit here (220mm) and the 2800X RS-R for the longest GPU clearance here (410mm) if those matter more to you.
Check the PSU length and tower cooler height limit.