Mini-ITX cases shatter the conventional belief that PC cases must be bulky with their compact and sleek designs. Compared to standard ATX mid-tower cases, Mini-ITX cases are significantly smaller in size yet don't compromise on functionality. Their compact design allows them to fit seamlessly into various desktop environments. Whether placed on top of the desk or tucked away underneath, they take up minimal space, freeing up more valuable desktop area for users.
In terms of appearance, Mini-ITX cases come in a diverse range of styles. Take the Thermaltake Tower 100 in black, for example. With its vertical design and three-sided tempered glass side panels, it offers a stunning view of the internal components from every angle, making it highly aesthetically pleasing. The Lian Li A4-H2O, on the other hand, adheres to minimalism. Combining high-quality SPCC steel and aluminum alloy materials, it creates a sturdy and stylish exterior. The anodized black or silver shell, paired with a matte black interior, exudes a high-end feel.
Despite their limited space, Mini-ITX cases have remarkable internal structures. Through meticulous design, they can accommodate a variety of high-performance components. For instance, the Tower 100 can support CPU coolers up to 190mm in height and long graphics cards like the RTX 4090, enabling gamers who seek ultimate performance to build powerful systems. Some cases also feature innovative layout designs. The Lian Li A4-H2O's sandwich layout, for example, not only facilitates component installation but also supports longer graphics cards and AIO liquid coolers.
SFX power supplies, short for Small Form Factor power supplies, have gained significant attention for their compact size and high power density. Compared to traditional ATX power supplies, SFX power supplies are much smaller in size. The standard dimensions of an SFX power supply are 125mm x 63.5mm x 100mm, while ATX power supplies typically measure 150mm x 86mm x 140mm. This makes SFX power supplies more advantageous in terms of space utilization, especially for scenarios with strict space requirements like Mini-ITX cases.
High power density is a prominent feature of SFX power supplies. The Cooler Master V SFX Platinum, for example, can deliver up to 1300 watts of power, with a power density of 26.8W per cubic inch, providing powerful power output within a limited volume. This means that when building a small form factor PC, users don't have to worry about insufficient power affecting system performance.
Many SFX power supplies also excel in power efficiency. Numerous products have obtained the 80 Plus certification. The Gamemax GS series of SFX power supplies, with their 80 Plus Gold certification, can effectively enhance power efficiency and stability, reduce the risk of system crashes, and cut down on energy consumption, saving users money on electricity bills.
Mini-ITX cases and SFX power supplies are a match made in heaven. Due to the limited space inside Mini-ITX cases, traditional ATX power supplies often struggle to fit. In contrast, the compact size of SFX power supplies fits perfectly into the internal space of Mini-ITX cases, allowing users to build high-performance PC systems in a small footprint.
When actually assembling a PC, there are several details to consider when pairing these two components. First, the power rating of the power supply should be carefully selected according to the power consumption of other components in the host. For example, if the host is equipped with a high-performance CPU and graphics card, a high-wattage SFX power supply should be chosen to ensure stable system operation. Second, pay attention to the interface compatibility of the power supply, ensuring that the PCIe and EPS interfaces can meet the connection requirements of components such as the motherboard and graphics card. Additionally, some cases may have specific requirements for the installation position and orientation of the power supply, which also need to be taken into account during the selection process.
Fractal Design Terra: The best overall Mini-ITX case. It features a unique sliding system that makes hardware installation a breeze and can accommodate graphics cards up to 322mm in length. With its exquisite appearance and wooden accents, it strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, easily blending into any home or office environment.
Thermaltake Tower 100 Black Edition: Its vertical design and three-sided tempered glass side panels offer an excellent view of the internal components. With good ventilation and multiple venting areas, it supports CPU coolers up to 190mm in height and long graphics cards, making it an ideal choice for users who pursue high performance and value the appearance of their cases.
Lian Li A4-H2O: Thanks to its sandwich layout, component installation is a cinch, and it is compatible with longer graphics cards and AIO liquid coolers. Made from high-quality materials, it has a sturdy and stylish appearance. However, it's important to note that it only supports a single 2.5-inch SSD, so users may need to choose a motherboard with M.2 slots to address storage needs.
Corsair SF Series SF850 Fully Modular 80 Plus Platinum Certified SFX Power Supply: With an 80 Plus Platinum certification for high efficiency and a fully modular design, it simplifies cable management, effectively tidying up the internal space of the case and providing stable and reliable power support for high-performance hosts.
Gamemax GS Series: Models such as the GS 850G, GS 750G, and GS 650G all have an 80 Plus Gold certification. They feature intelligent cooling, use high-quality Japanese capacitors, and offer comprehensive protection functions, ensuring efficient and stable power supply for small form factor PCs.
Cooler Master V SFX Platinum: Capable of delivering up to 1300 watts of power, it ranks among the top in terms of power density in the market. Supporting ATX 3.0, it features smaller components and improved structural integrity, making it a great choice for pairing with Mini-ITX cases.
Ultimate Mini ITX PC The Stratos ITX has it all in a 0.7 cubic foot size and a mesmerizing infinity front mirror front panel
• We’ve combined style, upgradability and portability without sacrificing superior cooling, flexibility, or performance, speed, and power.
• Dual Side Panel Doors, The Stratos ITX is equipped to easily handle future upgrades
• Both side panels swing open like doors giving you quick access to swap components effortlessly
• A 4mm thick tempered glass (3-5 times stronger that common glass) door showcases your motherboard, RAM, and CPU
• On the other side, the vented door is perfectly positioned for your GPU to exhaust heat out of your case.
• Easy Connectivity Maximum Airflow
• High Performance in a Mini Size One man One machine!
GameMax Ultra Star, Ultimate Mini ITX Gaming Case
• The Ultra Star has it all in a 0.7 cubic foot size and a mesmerizing infinity front mirror front panel
• We have combined style, upgradability, and portability without sacrificing superior cooling, flexibility, performance, speed, and power
• Dual Side Panel Doors, The Ultra Star ITX is equipped to easily handle future upgrades
• Both side panels swing open like doors giving you quick access to swap components effortlessly
• A 4mm thick tempered glass (3-5 times stronger than common glass) door showcases your motherboard, RAM, and CPU
• On the other side, the vented door is perfectly positioned for your GPU to exhaust heat out of your case
• Easy Connectivity, Maximum Airflow
• High Performance in a Mini Size One man One machine!
Ultimate Mini ITX PC The Abyss ITX has it all in a 0.7 cubic foot size and a mesmerizing infinity front mirror front panel
• Wersquo;ve combined style, upgradability and portability without sacrificing superior cooling, flexibility, or performance, speed, and power
• Dual Side Panel Doors
• The Abyss ITX is equipped to easily handle future upgrades
• Both side panels swing open like doors giving you quick access to swap components effortlessly
• A 4mm thick tempered glass (3-5 times stronger that common glass) door showcases your motherboard, RAM, and CPU
• On the other side, the vented door is perfectly positioned for your GPU to exhaust heat out of your case
• Easy Connectivity
• Maximum Airflow
• High Performance in a Mini Size One man One machine!
GS 650G 80 Plus Gold Certified SFX Power Supply with Intelligent Cooling, Japanese Capacitors, and Comprehensive Protection
• 80 Plus Gold Certified Efficiency: Enhances power efficiency and stability, reducing the risk of system crashes.
• High-Quality Japanese Capacitors: Ensures long-term reliability and stability with 105°C electrolytic and solid-state capacitors.
• Intelligent Fan Control: 9.2cm hydraulic bearing fan with PWM automatic control starts and stops based on power consumption (above 20% and below), optimizing cooling and noise.
• Advanced Wireless Output Design: Gold-plated pins and high-density copper posts enable efficient, reliable power output and improved heat dissipation.
• Comprehensive Circuit Protection: Provides multi-layered protection (OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, SCP, OTP) to safeguard your PC and components from damage.
GS 750G 80 Plus Gold Certified SFX Power Supply with Intelligent Cooling, Japanese Capacitors, and Comprehensive Protection
• 80 Plus Gold Certified Efficiency: Enhances power efficiency and stability, reducing the risk of system crashes.
• High-Quality Japanese Capacitors: Ensures long-term reliability and stability with 105°C electrolytic and solid-state capacitors.
• Intelligent Fan Control: 9.2cm hydraulic bearing fan with PWM automatic control starts and stops based on power consumption (above 20% and below), optimizing cooling and noise.
• Advanced Wireless Output Design: Gold-plated pins and high-density copper posts enable efficient, reliable power output and improved heat dissipation.
• Comprehensive Circuit Protection: Provides multi-layered protection (OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, SCP, OTP) to safeguard your PC and components from damage.
GS 850G 80 Plus Gold Certified SFX Power Supply with Intelligent Cooling, Japanese Capacitors, and Comprehensive Protection
• 80 Plus Gold Certified Efficiency: Enhances power efficiency and stability, reducing the risk of system crashes.
• High-Quality Japanese Capacitors: Ensures long-term reliability and stability with 105°C electrolytic and solid-state capacitors.
• Intelligent Fan Control: 9.2cm hydraulic bearing fan with PWM automatic control starts and stops based on power consumption (above 20% and below), optimizing cooling and noise.
• Advanced Wireless Output Design: Gold-plated pins and high-density copper posts enable efficient, reliable power output and improved heat dissipation.
• Comprehensive Circuit Protection: Provides multi-layered protection (OPP, OVP, UVP, OCP, SCP, OTP) to safeguard your PC and components from damage.
