Building a custom PC is increasingly getting more popular compared to the past few years. Now you can use ever-shrinking components and a small footprint to quickly set up what was referred to as an unimaginably small computer. However, another challenge is how to find the perfect small ATX case to use; however, you don’t need to worry.
Among the top small ATX cases you can select are Cooler Master H500, NZXT H510i, Corsair Carbide 275R, Thermaltake Core P3, and Phanteks Eclipse P400A. All these ATX cases offer exceptional airflow and thermal control to ensure your device maintains the safest temperature, no matter the game you play and how intense it is.
When selecting an ATX case for your PC build, you need to consider these features to take advantage of the exceptional cooling system that will help you maximise overall performance and prevent the components from damage. What are other factors to consider before choosing an ATX case?
Factors To Consider When Choosing An ATX Case
The first factor you need to consider when choosing a small ATX case for your compact PC build is the size of the case.
1. Size
The main essence of opting for a compact PC set-up is to save space, so you must choose a case that perfectly fits into the designated space. However, you must also ensure the space is enough to accommodate essential components such as motherboard, power supply, graphics card and storage devices.
Read: What Should My GPU Temp Be?
2. Compatibility
When choosing components for your PC build, compatibility is very essential; for exceptional performance. The same applies to the small ATX case you want o choose. When choosing an ATX case, ensure it can work with your motherboard and other essential PC components included in the setup.
Check the socket type and other vital components. Choosing an ATX case incompatible with your motherboard and other crucial elements will cause compatibility issues and a PC setup that does not function effectively.
3. Cooling
Temperature management is essential to improving the lifespan of your PC build; this is why cooling is a crucial factor when choosing an ATX case. A compact PC setup generates heat quickly, so choose a case that keeps your device cool. Hence, factors such as fans, liquid cooling systems and adequate ventilation are essential.
Also, the noise level of the cooling system is another crucial factor to consider. Choose an ATX case that will minimise the noise as the fans spin.
4. Cable Management
One of the issues with compact PC build is that cables easily build up around it, which can affect airflow in and out of the device. As a result, you need to choose a case with effective cable management, such as built-in cable routine, channels and tie-down points.
Top Small ATX Case For Compact PC Build
It’s challenging to select an ATX case for your compact PC build because there are several options to choose from. However, you don’t need to worry because the list below will help you narrow down the options, making it easier to select the best.
1. Cooler Master H500
The cooler master H500 is one of the people’s favourites when it comes to ATX cases. Its dimensions are 20.67” x 8.98” x 19.76”, and it has enough space to make the building process easy and quick. The space can also accommodate an ATX motherboard, GPUs of 375 mm in length and a processor of 190 mm in height.
With Cooler Master H500, you don’t need to worry about cooling because its ventilation is one of the best. It has two adjustable 200mm RGB fans in the front and a 120mm exhaust fan installed at the back. You can also install two 120mm and 140 mm and one 200mm fan at the top if the need arises.
It features a honeycomb venting system that improves airflow and minimises noise levels. It features a steel frame that ensures durability. Cooler Master H500 is a good pick.
2. NZXT H510i
When it comes to building a compact PC with small ATX cases, the NZXT H510i has every feature that you need. It is a mid-tower case featuring the required interior space and an exceptional cooling system to accommodate powerful components combining air and liquid cooling.
The H510i features double Aer F fans, two RGB lights at the front, and the best cable management to prevent cable clusters behind your build-up. This ATX case also features extra storage expansion bays that accommodate up to 5 storage drives for incredible storage usage and customisation.
Also, this case features USB Type-c ports for compatibility with USB 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 devices.\
Read: Video Card Power Supply Requirements
3. Corsair Carbide 275R
Corsair is among the big guns in the PC hardware manufacturing industry, and Carbide 275R is one of its best-selling ATX cases ever. It has several features enough for you to build the best compact PC. The Corsair is a mid-tower case, and its dimensions are 446mm x 211mm x 436.5mm (17.56″ x 8.31″ x 17.19″).
This case is made of plastic, steel and tempered glass. If you choose this case, you can integrate a maximum GPU length of 370mm, a processor cooler height of 170mm and a maximum power supply length of 180mm. It features seven expansion bay slots and a 5.25” drive bay.
The Corsair features many fan spaces, including three 120mm or two 140mm fans in the front, two 120mm or 140mm at the top, and one 120mm fan at the back. When you choose this ATX case, you have several options of radiator sizes to use it with. It is compatible with a 360mm or 280mm radiator in the front, a 240mm radiator on the top, and a 120mm radiator at the back.
If you need a versatile and easily customisable ATX case, Corsair is the best choice. Other top small ATX cases you can choose for your compact PC build are Thermaltake Core P3, Phanteks Eclipse P400A, Lian Li O11-Dynamic-Mini and SilverStone Grandia GD09.
Conclusion
With all the listed small ATX cases above, building up a top-performance, good-looking, compact PC becomes very easy. Before you purchase any case, consider your need, the features of the case you want to choose and your budget. This article will help you choose the best one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is An ATX Case?
ATX stands for “Advanced Technology eXtended”, designed to indicate the size and general architecture of the motherboard. It describes the number and kind of ports and expansion slots. For instance, there are ATX boards with four RAM slots, while some have up to six or eight.
2. Why Must I Choose A Small ATX Case For My Compact PC Setup?
The essence of choosing a small ATX case for your compact PC build-up is to save space and make your PC more sleek. Also, small ATX cases improve the aesthetics of your PC build-up. Even though the cases are small, they can accommodate all the essential components of a computer.
3. What Factors Should I Consider When Choosing A Small ATX Case?
Whenever you want to shop for a small ATX case, size is the first factor to consider. Ensure that it is small enough to save space and big enough to accommodate every essential component of a computer system. Then you must consider factors such as durability, cooling system, and cable management.
4. Which AATX Case Should I Choose?
The one you choose depends on your want and needs. However, you can select among Cooler Master H500, NZXT H510i, Corsair Carbide 275R, Thermaltake Core P3, and Phanteks Eclipse P400A.
5. Are These Small ATX Cases Expensive?
The price of the ATX cases differs depending on the brand; however, the starting price is around $80, while some cost as much as $200.