Buying Guide

The Best Mini-ITX Cases

Six Mini-ITX cases compared on volume, GPU length, cooler height and power supply format, from a 15L mesh box to a 360mm-radiator tower.

By , PC Hardware Editor

12 min read6 products evaluated

PC components laid out on a workbench ready for a build
Illustrative image

Mini-ITX cases range from shoebox-sized boxes to small towers, and each forces a different set of trade-offs. Cooler height, power supply format and GPU length decide what you can put inside.

We compared six Mini-ITX cases on listed volume, clearances and power supply support. Figures come from maker specifications; this is a research-based comparison, and we did not assemble systems in these cases.

Quick Picks

Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

  1. Best Mini-ITX Case

    Cooler Master NR200P V2

    357mm GPU room and a 280mm radiator in 18.25L.

    Best for: A first small form factor gaming build.

    Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  2. Smallest Pick

    SSUPD Meshroom S V2

    A 15L volume with a PCIe 5.0 riser included.

    Best for: Experienced builders chasing the smallest footprint.

    Check price for SSUPD Meshroom S V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  3. Best for 360mm AIOs

    Thermaltake Tower 250

    360mm radiator support with SFX or ATX power supplies.

    Best for: Mini-ITX builds with a high-power CPU.

    Check price for Thermaltake Tower 250 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  4. Best Premium Design

    Fractal Design Terra

    An 8mm aluminium front with walnut wood.

    Best for: A living-room PC that has to look good.

    Check price for Fractal Design Terra on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  5. Best Fabric Design

    Fractal Design Mood

    A fabric-wrapped exterior with a 180mm top fan.

    Best for: A quiet-looking PC in a shared room.

    Check price for Fractal Design Mood on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
  6. Best Small Showcase

    JONSBO TK-0

    270-degree curved glass with a wood veneer.

    Best for: Compact builds with a short graphics card.

    Check price for JONSBO TK-0 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Best Mini-ITX Case1 of 6

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

A first small form factor gaming build.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: needs an SFX power supply.
Cooler Master NR200P V2

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. On GPU clearance it leads this guide at 357mm, ahead of the Mood (325mm).

On largest radiator size it ties with the Meshroom S V2 and the Mood at 280mm. It is the only pick here with an SFX only psu type; the Tower 250 has an SFX or ATX psu type instead. You also get 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. Boards: Mini-ITX. It undercut the Tower 250 and every other pick on price 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
  • No published CPU cooler clearance

The catch

The maker doesn't give its CPU cooler clearance; if that figure matters, the TK-0 comes in at 137mm.

Smallest Pick2 of 6

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

Experienced builders chasing the smallest footprint.

Skip if

Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: a 74mm cooler limit means a low-profile cooler or an AIO.
SSUPD Meshroom S V2

Why we like it

The 353mm GPU figure needs its optional 30mm to 50mm feet, and air coolers must be 74mm tall or less. On CPU cooler clearance it trails the group at 74mm, while the TK-0 comes in at 137mm. It matches the NR200P V2 and the Mood on largest radiator size (280mm).

It also comes with 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. It was priced above the TK-0 and below the Mood at the time of writing. There is no published GPU clearance figure, whereas the NR200P V2 comes in at 357mm.

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
  • CPU cooler clearance trails the TK-0 (137mm)

Best for 360mm AIOs3 of 6

Thermaltake Tower 250

The Tower 250 stands upright and takes a 360mm radiator, rare for Mini-ITX, with an SFX bracket preinstalled and ATX support too.

Best for

Mini-ITX builds with a high-power CPU.

Skip if

Its GPU clearance is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Thermaltake Tower 250

Why we like it

Two 120mm fans come fitted on top as exhaust. Nothing else here matches its 360mm largest radiator size; the NR200P V2 comes closest at 280mm. It is the only pick here with an SFX or ATX psu type; the NR200P V2 has an SFX only psu type instead.

You also get GPUs up to 360mm with the power cover removed and mounts for eight 120mm or five 140mm fans. Confirm GPU length for the Tower 250 with its maker. On price it sat second of 6, between the cheaper NR200P V2 and the pricier TK-0, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its GPU clearance; if that figure matters, the NR200P V2 comes in at 357mm.

Key specs

Largest radiator
360mm
Fans included
2
Motherboards
Mini-ITX
PSU type
SFX or ATX

Pros

  • Fits a 360mm radiator
  • GPUs up to 360mm with the power cover removed
  • Preinstalled SFX bracket
  • Mounts for eight 120mm or five 140mm fans

Cons

  • No published GPU clearance
  • No published CPU cooler clearance
  • Costs more than the NR200P V2 at the time of writing

Best Premium Design4 of 6

Fractal Design Terra

The Terra wraps a small build in anodised aluminium and walnut, with a stepless spine that shifts 30mm between CPU and GPU space.

Best for

A living-room PC that has to look good.

Skip if

Look at the others if this bothers you: a 322mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards.
Fractal Design Terra

Why we like it

It takes 322mm graphics cards and has a 20Gbps USB-C port. It fits GPUs up to 322mm in 10.4 litres, and a sliding central wall gives 30mm of layout flexibility. The walnut front is FSC-certified.

Its 322mm GPU clearance ranks third of 4 here, behind the NR200P V2 (357mm) and ahead of the TK-0 (230mm). GPU limit in the Terra: 322mm, before front fans. Boards: Mini-ITX.

It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Mood. Buyers who need a confirmed CPU cooler clearance should compare it with the TK-0, which comes in at 137mm.

Key specs

Max GPU length
322mm
Motherboards
Mini-ITX
Front USB-C
Yes

Pros

  • A front USB-C port
  • 8mm-thick aluminium front
  • 30mm of stepless adjustment between CPU and GPU space
  • Walnut wood front panel

Cons

  • A 322mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards
  • No published CPU cooler clearance
  • No published largest radiator size

Best Fabric Design5 of 6

Fractal Design Mood

The Mood hides its hardware behind fabric and cools it with a single 180mm top fan.

Best for

A quiet-looking PC in a shared room.

Skip if

Worth skipping when a 325mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards is a problem.
Fractal Design Mood

Why we like it

It takes a 325mm GPU and a 280mm radiator, but air coolers stop at 114mm. The fabric enclosure slides off for access, and the case includes a PCIe 4.0 riser, a 180mm top fan, room for a 280mm radiator and CPU coolers up to 114mm tall. Its 325mm GPU clearance ranks second of 4 here, behind the NR200P V2 (357mm) and ahead of the TK-0 (230mm).

Its 114mm CPU cooler clearance ranks second of 3 here, behind the TK-0 (137mm) and ahead of the Meshroom S V2 (74mm). On largest radiator size it ties with the NR200P V2 and the Meshroom S V2 at 280mm. It also offers a fabric-wrapped exterior.

GPU limit in the Mood: 325mm, before front fans. The Mood takes 280mm radiators; mind RAM height. Boards: Mini-ITX. On price it sat fifth of 6, between the cheaper Meshroom S V2 and the pricier Terra, at the time of writing.

Key specs

Max GPU length
325mm
Max CPU cooler height
114mm
Largest radiator
280mm
Fans included
1
Motherboards
Mini-ITX

Pros

  • 180mm top fan
  • PCIe 4.0 riser in the box
  • Fabric-wrapped exterior
  • GPU clearance of 325mm, ahead of the Terra

Cons

  • A 325mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards
  • A 114mm cooler limit means a low-profile cooler or an AIO
  • Only 1 fan in the box

The catch

The trade-off is largest radiator size; for more, the Tower 250 comes in at 360mm.

Best Small Showcase6 of 6

JONSBO TK-0

The TK-0 shows its hardware through 270 degrees of curved glass trimmed in wood veneer.

Best for

Compact builds with a short graphics card.

Skip if

Choose another pick if you can't accept this: a 230mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards.
JONSBO TK-0

Why we like it

Its 230mm GPU limit suits short cards, and it still takes a 137mm tower cooler. Its 230mm GPU clearance is the shortest in this group; the NR200P V2 leads at 357mm. Its 137mm CPU cooler clearance is the tallest here; the Mood comes next at 114mm.

No other pick in this guide offers an SFX psu type; compare the NR200P V2, which has an SFX only psu type. You also get one 3.5-inch and one 2.5-inch drive bay and outer dimensions of 235 x 250 x 280mm. GPU limit in the TK-0: 230mm, before front fans.

SFX power only in the TK-0. Boards: Mini-ITX. Its price falls between the Tower 250 and the Meshroom S V2, based on our last check.

Key specs

Max GPU length
230mm
Max CPU cooler height
137mm
Max PSU length
160mm
Motherboards
Mini-ITX
PSU type
SFX
Glass
270-degree curved glass

Pros

  • 270-degree curved glass
  • 16mm wood veneer
  • One 3.5-inch and one 2.5-inch drive bay
  • Outer dimensions of 235 x 250 x 280mm

Cons

  • A 230mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards
  • Power supplies are limited to 160mm long
  • Needs an SFX power supply

The catch

If GPU clearance is your priority, the NR200P V2 (357mm) is the stronger choice.

How We Chose These Mini-ITX 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.

Cable management behind the motherboard tray of a PC case
Cable management behind the motherboard tray of a PC case
What we compared
We compared six cases on GPU clearance, CPU cooler clearance, largest radiator size and PSU length limit as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 6 picks leave out GPU clearance.
What every pick has in common
All 6, from the NR200P V2 to the TK-0, state motherboards.
Where the specs have gaps
The Meshroom S V2 and the Tower 250 give no GPU clearance; the NR200P V2, the Tower 250 and the Terra give no CPU cooler clearance.
Price range
At our last check the picks ran from the NR200P V2 ($50 to $100) to the Terra ($150 to $250).

What to Look for in a Mini-ITX Case

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

  1. How much GPU clearance you need

    Here GPU clearance runs from 230mm on the TK-0 to 357mm on the NR200P V2, a 55% spread. The NR200P V2 is the pick for GPU clearance. The Meshroom S V2 and the Tower 250 give no GPU clearance figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.

  2. Largest radiator size

    Across these 4 picks largest radiator size spans 280mm (the Mood) to 360mm (the Tower 250). Start with the Tower 250 if largest radiator size decides it. The Terra and the TK-0 give no largest radiator size figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.

    A case interior with a tower cooler and a graphics card installed
    A case interior with a tower cooler and a graphics card installed
  3. CPU cooler clearance across these picks

    Across these 3 picks CPU cooler clearance spans 74mm (the Meshroom S V2) to 137mm (the TK-0). If CPU cooler clearance is your first filter, the TK-0 sets the ceiling at 137mm. The NR200P V2, the Tower 250 and the Terra give no CPU cooler clearance figure, so 3 of 6 picks are compared here.

  4. What to check at home

    GPU limit in the NR200P V2: 357mm, before front fans. Confirm GPU length for the Meshroom S V2 with its maker. Confirm GPU length for the Tower 250 with its maker.

    An open case with the motherboard installed and the side panel off
    An open case with the motherboard installed and the side panel off
  5. Extras that separate them

    The Terra: 30mm of stepless adjustment between CPU and GPU space. The Mood: a PCIe 4.0 riser in the box. The TK-0: one 3.5-inch and one 2.5-inch drive bay.

How to Choose a Mini-ITX Case

By priority

PriorityConsiderWhy
A first small form factor gaming buildNR200P V2357mm GPU room and a 280mm radiator in 18.25L
Experienced builders chasing the smallest footprintMeshroom S V2A 15L volume with a PCIe 5.0 riser included
Mini-ITX builds with a high-power CPUTower 250360mm radiator support with SFX or ATX power supplies
A living-room PC that has to look goodTerraAn 8mm aluminium front with walnut wood
A quiet-looking PC in a shared roomMoodA fabric-wrapped exterior with a 180mm top fan
Compact builds with a short graphics cardTK-0270-degree curved glass with a wood veneer

Scroll sideways to see every column.

A glass-panel PC case with lit fans on a desk
A glass-panel PC case with lit fans on a desk

Key specs side by side

The NR200P V2 leads on GPU clearance at 357mm, ahead of the Mood at 325mm. "Not listed" marks GPU clearance where the Meshroom S V2 and the Tower 250 leave the figure out.

CaseMax GPU lengthMax CPU cooler heightLargest radiatorMax PSU length
NR200P V2357mmNot listed280mmNot listed
Meshroom S V2Not listed74mm280mm170mm
Tower 250Not listedNot listed360mmNot listed
Terra322mmNot listedNot listedNot listed
Mood325mm114mm280mmNot listed
TK-0230mm137mmNot listed160mm

Scroll sideways to see every column.

By price at the time of writing

The NR200P V2 was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Terra the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.

Price tierCases
About $50 to $100NR200P V2, Tower 250
About $100 to $150TK-0
About $150 to $250Meshroom S V2, Mood, Terra
A PC case with red-lit glass panels next to a monitor
A PC case with red-lit glass panels next to a monitor

Frequently Asked Questions

A compact black PC case beside a speaker on a desk
A compact black PC case beside a speaker on a desk

Is the NR200P V2 ahead of the Mood on GPU clearance?

The NR200P V2 leads at 357mm, with the Mood at 325mm. The spread runs down to the TK-0 at 230mm. The Meshroom S V2 and the Tower 250 don't state a GPU clearance figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.

How does the NR200P V2 compare with the Tower 250 on largest radiator size?

Between the top two, it is 360mm on the Tower 250 against 280mm on the NR200P V2, a 29% difference. The Terra and the TK-0 are left out of this ranking because their largest radiator size isn't stated; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.

How does the Mood compare with the TK-0 on CPU cooler clearance?

Between the top two, it is 137mm on the TK-0 against 114mm on the Mood, a 20% difference. The Meshroom S V2 is at the other end of this group with 74mm. The NR200P V2, the Tower 250 and the Terra are left out of this ranking because their CPU cooler clearance isn't stated; 3 of 6 picks are ranked.

What does the Terra add over the NR200P V2?

The Terra matches or trails the NR200P V2 on GPU clearance, so pay more only for a feature the spec sheet doesn't cover. The NR200P V2 leads on GPU clearance (357mm). On our last price check the NR200P V2 was in the $50 to $100 tier and the Terra in the $150 to $250 tier, with 4 other picks between them.

Why is the TK-0 our Best Small Showcase pick?

It earns the label for 270-degree curved glass with a wood veneer. The price of that: the NR200P V2, the cheapest pick, still beats it on GPU clearance (357mm against 230mm). It suits compact builds with a short graphics card.

Does the NR200P V2 have front USB-C, and which others do?

The NR200P V2, the Meshroom S V2 and the Terra have it. The Tower 250, the Mood and the TK-0 have no front USB-C listed, so 3 of 6 picks are covered here.

Bottom Line

The Cooler Master NR200P V2 is the easiest small form factor case to build in, the SSUPD Meshroom S V2 is the smallest, and the Thermaltake Tower 250 takes a 360mm AIO.

The Fractal Terra and Mood are the design-led picks, and the JONSBO TK-0 suits a compact glass build with a short graphics card.

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

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