In the field of PC hardware, small ATX cases are leading a computer building revolution with their advantage of "small size, great capability." They retain the expandability of ATX motherboards while compressing the volume to 60%-70% of traditional cases through modular design, vertical airflow optimization, and other technologies, perfectly balancing space utilization and hardware compatibility. From technological innovations and product lineups to purchasing logic, here’s a comprehensive analysis of the charm of small ATX cases.
Structural Reconstruction Technology: Adopting the golden layout of "horizontal motherboard + bottom-mounted power supply," typical models like the GameMax Spark Pro BK use vertical airflow design to compress the case thickness to 216mm, while accommodating 340mm-long graphics cards and 165mm-tall CPU coolers.
Cooling Black Technology: The patented COC (Cooling Overclocking) system has become a standard feature. For example, the ZORRO COC BK integrates an active turbine fan in the motherboard tray, combined with a front 3-rear 1 ARGB fan matrix, reducing CPU temperature by 12℃ compared to traditional cases.
Modular Design: Detachable hard drive bays and flexible fan positions enable versatile combinations. The Infinity Mini BK, for instance, uses magnetic SSD brackets to achieve storage expansion of 3×3.5-inch HDDs + 5×2.5-inch SSDs within an 18L volume.
Model | Volume | Core Advantages | Adapted Scenarios |
---|---|---|---|
Spark Pro BK | 17L | Vertical airflow + full metal frame, supports 240mm water cooling | Desktop gaming hosts |
Infinity Mini BK | 18L | Dual tempered glass side panels + 7 ARGB fan positions | RGB lighting-focused hosts |
Focus MB | 16.5L | 45° bevel aesthetic design + front Type-C interface | Business office use |
HYPE-M BK: Features an innovative "stepped cooling channel," with front 3×120mm ARGB fans and top-mounted 240mm water cooling positions forming a three-dimensional airflow. It supports mixed installation of ATX/M-ATX motherboards, making it ideal for mid-range gaming configurations with RTX 4070-class graphics cards.
F36 BK: 4mm thick tempered glass with switchable I/O modules, built-in 3 ARGB/PWM fans, and 16.8 million color lighting effects synchronized via the motherboard—an entry-level choice for MOD enthusiasts.
Storm 2 AB: Supports an extreme cooling configuration of 9×120mm fans or 8×140mm fans, combined with tool-free disassembly glass side panels, making it a cooling 神器 (神器,godsend) for overclocking enthusiasts.
Claw 360 BK: Lion's claw-shaped front panel + patented side ventilation holes not only support 420mm 超长 (ultra-long) graphics cards (compatible with Nvidia 50 series) but also reduce GPU temperature by 8℃ compared to similar products.
T20: 90° rotating motherboard layout utilizes the natural chimney effect, achieving a 50% passive cooling efficiency improvement without additional fans. With a vertical graphics card mounting position, it becomes the 首选 (first choice) for display-level hosts.
Compatibility Red Lines: Ensure support for ATX motherboards while noting the graphics card length limit (minimum ≥300mm) and CPU cooler height limit (recommended ≥160mm). For example, the Leader 2 BK supports 425mm graphics cards, suitable for top-tier hardware.
Cooling Potential: Prioritize models with front 3×120mm fan positions or 360mm water cooling support, such as the Siege BK with 4 pre-installed ARGB fans for out-of-the-box efficient cooling.
Expansion Easter Eggs: Pay attention to hidden functions, such as the Dragon Knight 2’s 8 PCIe slots for multi-GPU interconnection or the Infinity Pro BK’s three-sided tempered glass panoramic display.
Gamers: HYPE BK (3×120mm pre-installed fans + 360mm water cooling) paired with RTX 4080 enables 4K high-quality gaming in a 22L volume.
Content Creators: Paladin T801 BK (8×3.5-inch hard drive bays) combined with dual NVMe interfaces meets multi-drive editing needs.
Desktop Aesthetics Enthusiasts: Cute Owl BK (silicone magnetic ears + ARGB illuminated panel) serves as a desktop artwork with its cute design.
Cable Management Golden Rule: Utilize the 15-20mm cable management space behind small cases, adopt modular cables (e.g., custom sleeved cables), and reference the vertical cable channels of the MeshBox PRO BK.
Cooling Strategy: Configure a positive pressure airflow with front intake-rear exhaust + bottom intake-top exhaust, such as the Aero Mini’s 4×ARGB fans forming an "intake-cooling-exhaust" closed loop.
Compatibility Testing: Use paper mock-ups to 比划 (visualize) hardware positions before installation, especially for conflicts between long graphics cards and water cooling radiators. Refer to GameMax’s official 3D PC building simulation tools.
Small ATX cases are redefining the possibilities of PC building. From the 17L Spark Pro BK to the 25L Leader TG, each product embodies the "space efficiency revolution." Whether pursuing extreme compact desktop aesthetics or a versatile host balancing performance and size, the models in this special can provide optimal solutions. When choosing, remember to combine hardware configuration priorities with usage scenarios, allowing small cases to unleash great power.
Focus MB Premium Micro ATX PC Case by GameMax - has a unique airflow path allowing for a wide range of compatibility and plenty of cooling options
• features full viewed designed to smoothly draw in the eyes of the viewer
• Computer Case Focus on Cooling- pre-installed 2pcs black PWM fan in front in the front version, and one at the back of the case
• help with great ventilation, The fornt of the Focus MB supports up to a 360mm radiator
• Front panel featuring dense mesh formassive airflow and efficient dust prevention
• Rounded arcfront bezel design
• Standard childproof switch lock,Power switch childproof design, make it safer
• Generous space for high-end graphics cards and large coolers.Support M-ATX,ITX motherboards.
Spark Pro ATX Chassis, with featured vertical airflow designed game case, which makes complex into simple, blends in the home
• Vertical airflow channel, small size, high compatibility, basically suitable for installation of all mainstream accessories on the market
• The bottom fan position blows directly to the graphics card to optimize cooling performance to maximum
• The chassis is a modular design, optimizes wire management, and makes enough internal space.
• Good vertical airflow design, cooling internal anywhere and anyplace.
• Full area of dust-proof design, giving the computer a clean home
• The interchangeable design of the glass side panels and hollow side panels provides additional heat dissipation airflow channels and Support 240 water cooling and up to 168mm air-cooling CPU cooler
• Support high-end popular graphics cards 305~355mm, unlimited games.
GameMax Infinity mini PC Case Supports Fix 7 ARGB Fans, Gaming PC Mini Case with 2*Tempered Glass
• [2 Tempered glass]-- Infinity Mini gaming case is equipped 2 * 3mm thick tempered glass, which can clearly see the RGB lighting and the components in the building, Creating a good gaming atmosphere
• [I/O Panel]-- 2 x USB2.0 Port, 1 x USB3.0 Port, 1 x HD Audio, Reset Button, Power Button
• [Cable Management]-- Back Bays: 1x 3.5'' HDDs and 1 x 2.5'' SSD's
• Removable storage cable box; Designed with reasonable back routing hole
• [Remarkable Expansion]-- Mini Tower Gaming Computer Case supports Flex-ATX/Mini-ITX motherboards.
• GAMEMAX's all-new design language features a lion's claw front panel and exclusive GAMEMAX ventilation holes on the side panels.
• Exceptional Hardware Support – Compatible with M-ATX motherboards, 420mm GPUs (ready for Nvidia 50 Series), 240mm ATX PSUs, 175mm air coolers, and 360mm radiators for ultimate versatility.
• Powerful cooling performance with front MESH steel mesh and vertical airflow design.
• Comprehensive Cooling Options – Supports up to 12x 120mm fans, including 4 pre-installed 120mm ARGB/PWM fans and an ARGB/PWM controller for optimal airflow and stunning lighting effects.
• Modern I/O Panel – Equipped with a TYPE-C Gen 2 port and USB 3.0 for high-speed connectivity and future-ready functionality.
• Standard adjustable-height graphics card support bracket to protect the GPU.