MicroATX PC cases are a favorite for anyone who wants a compact, powerful computer without giving up important features. With so many solid options out there, it’s honestly a little overwhelming to figure out which case actually fits your needs best—especially when it comes to airflow, cooling, and what hardware you can cram inside.
Here’s a look at the top five microATX PC cases that builders are loving right now. Each one’s got its own quirks and strengths, so hopefully this helps narrow down your search.
Key Takeaways
- MicroATX cases hit a sweet spot between compact design and useful features.
- Some models really stand out for airflow, value, or how much gear you can fit inside.
- It’s worth picking a case that matches what matters most to you—don’t just go by looks.
Why Choose a MicroATX PC Case
Opting for a microATX case lets you build a system that’s small enough for almost any desk, but still has room for the good stuff. These cases often come with perks like tempered glass sides or mesh panels for better airflow, all while keeping things nice and tidy compared to those old-school, giant ATX towers.
Key considerations include:
- Compact Design: Smaller size means it fits where you need it, but you don’t have to sacrifice essentials.
- Versatility: Most support standard ATX power supplies and can handle some surprisingly long GPUs—some up to 415 mm, which is wild.
- Cooling Potential: Mesh panels, dual-chamber layouts, and flexible mounts for fans or radiators help keep things cool—even when you’re pushing the hardware.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Tempered glass panel | Shows off your build, feels premium |
| Mesh front/side panels | Better airflow and cooling |
| Tool-free drive bays | Easy storage upgrades |
| Dual-chamber layouts | Improved cooling, simpler cable management |
| Modular, flexible internals | Lets you set things up your way |
Even the cheaper models these days usually feel solid. You’ll find options that work for entry-level builds or top-of-the-line components, and sometimes you get handy little features like noise dampening or tool-free cable management to make building less of a hassle.
With support for all sorts of fan and radiator setups, you can keep even high-end hardware running cool in a small space. It’s a good balance—space-saving, compatible with lots of gear, and still pretty easy to keep temperatures in check.
Key Features to Look For in MicroATX Cases
Cooling and Airflow Design
- Mesh panels and smart layouts are crucial; they boost airflow, which really matters if you’re gaming or editing video.
- Many cases let you mount a bunch of fans—sometimes up to 11 (120 mm)—and some support huge radiators, up to 420 mm.
- Things like dual-chamber layouts and air guide vanes help direct air right where you need it most.
| Case Model | Max Fan Support | Max Radiator Size | Airflow Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zulman T3 Plus | Pre-installed | Limited | Full mesh front, glass side |
| Cooler Master NR400 | 6 (120/140 mm) | Up to 280 mm | Dual-chamber, mesh panels |
| Corsair 2500D Airflow | 11 (120 mm) | 420 mm (top) | Air guide veins, dual-chamber |
| Leanlee XDAN A3 | 10 (120 mm) | 3 × 360 mm | 3 mesh sides, modular layout |
Component Compatibility
- Most cases support full-sized ATX power supplies, and some squeeze in PSUs up to 220 mm long.
- GPU length limits are all over the place—some fit up to 415 mm, so even beefy cards like the RTX 4090 can work.
- Drive bays vary too, and a few cases still have a spot for a 5.25″ optical drive if you’re old school.
Key Considerations:
- Double-check GPU clearance (anywhere from 280 mm to 400+ mm).
- Watch out for PSU size limits, especially with modular supplies.
- Toolless or modular drive bays make swapping storage way easier.
Build Quality and Materials
- Tempered glass side panels are pretty much everywhere now, and they look great while adding some heft.
- Even the affordable cases tend to have sturdy frames, which is honestly a relief.
- Premium options might throw in reinforced panels or fancier materials, but most are solid across the board.
Notable Features:
- Mesh that doesn’t flex and actually helps airflow
- Tool-free drive mechanisms in some models (thank you, finally)
Ease of Installation and Upgrades
- Tool-free drive bays and modular PSU brackets make both the first build and upgrades less of a pain.
- Cable management features—like wide routing channels—can really help keep things tidy, especially in tight spaces.
- Some cases let you move or remove parts inside to fit your build style, which is always nice.
Features at a Glance:
- Toolless SSD/HDD trays
- Removable PSU brackets
- Plenty of cable management space (sometimes up to 32 mm channels)
Aesthetics and Customization Options
- Mesh and tempered glass panels give builds a fresh, modern vibe and show off your hardware.
- Color options are all over the place—some cases come in white, black, or even two-tone versions.
- Modular interiors and vertical GPU mounts make it easier to get creative with your setup.
Customization Possibilities:
- Optional vertical GPU brackets
- Some models have integrated lighting support
- Pick your color or finish (snow edition, black, whatever fits your mood)
Top 5 Best MicroATX PC Cases
ZULMAN T3 Plus
- Tempered glass side panel lets you show off your build.
- Mesh front panel helps with airflow.
- Tool-free drive bays make storage upgrades simple.
- Supports ATX power supplies and GPUs up to 280 mm.
- Comes with pre-installed fans for decent cooling right out of the box.
- Considerations: It’s a snug fit inside—don’t expect to cram in a giant GPU or radiator.
| Feature | ZULMAN T3 Plus |
|---|---|
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass |
| GPU Support | Up to 280 mm |
| PSU Support | ATX |
| Airflow | Mesh Front, Pre-installed Fans |
| Extras | Tool-Free Drive Bays |
Thermaltake S100
- Budget-friendly and usually a solid pick for first-time builders.
- Available in a Snow Edition if you want that clean white-and-black look.
- Tempered glass side panel for a more modern style.
- GPU support up to 330 mm and fits standard ATX PSUs.
- Comes with basic cable management features—nothing wild, but it helps.
- Build quality is surprisingly sturdy for the price.
| Feature | Thermaltake S100 |
|---|---|
| Side Panel | Tempered Glass |
| GPU Support | Up to 330 mm |
| PSU Support | ATX |
| Color Options | Black, Snow Edition |
| Notable Points | Sturdy, Budget Option |
Cooler Master MasterBox NR400
- Dual-chamber layout keeps power supply and drives away from the main airflow, which helps cooling.
- Fits graphics cards up to 410 mm plus plenty of storage drives.
- Supports 3 x 120 mm front, 2 x 140 mm top, 1 x 120 mm rear fans for flexible cooling.
- Still has a 5.25″ bay if you need an optical drive (hey, some folks do).
- 20 mm cable space behind the motherboard tray is decent for tucking away wires.
- If you want even better thermals, it’s worth upgrading the front fans.
| Specification | MasterBox NR400 |
|---|---|
| GPU Length | Up to 410 mm |
| Optical Drive Bay | Yes (5.25-inch) |
| Cooling Options | Multiple Fan Mounts |
| Volume | 35.5 Liters |
| Cable Management | 20 mm behind motherboard |
Lian Li DAN Cases A3 mATX
- Compact at 26 liters, yet somehow manages to support high-end hardware.
- Fits full-sized ATX PSUs up to 220 mm and GPUs up to 415 mm—pretty wild for the size.
- Mesh panels on three sides mean airflow isn’t really a problem here.
- Up to 10 x 120 mm fan positions, plus support for three 360 mm radiators if you want to go all out.
- Modular PSU bracket can be moved around for better layout or just to help temps.
- Vertical GPU mounting is an option if that’s your thing.
- Thermal and acoustic performance stands out for such a compact case.
| Feature | Lian Li DAN A3 mATX |
|---|---|
| Case Volume | 26 Liters |
| GPU Support | Up to 415 mm |
| PSU Support | ATX, up to 220 mm |
| Radiator Support | Three 360 mm |
| Fan Positions | Up to 10 x 120 mm |
| Modularity | Movable PSU Bracket, Vert. GPU |
Corsair 2500D Airflow
- Dual-chamber layout keeps things cooler and separates components nicely.
- Air guide veins direct airflow right to the important parts.
- Handles up to 420 mm top and 360 mm front radiators if you want serious water cooling.
- Up to 11 x 120 mm fan positions; also supports 140 mm fans up front and air coolers up to 180 mm tall.
- RapidRoute system makes cable management a breeze, with 32 mm channels to hide the mess.
- Toolless drive trays for 2.5″ and 3.5″ storage—just pop them in.
- Works with Corsair’s IQ Link ecosystem for fast fan and lighting setup.
| Feature | Corsair 2500D Airflow |
|---|---|
| Chamber Design | Dual-chamber |
| Top Radiator | Up to 420 mm |
| Front Radiator | Up to 360 mm |
| Fan Positions | Up to 11 x 120 mm |
| Cooler Height | Up to 180 mm |
| Cable Management | 32 mm RapidRoute channels |
| Extras | IQ Link, Toolless Trays |
Comparing Case Performance and Value
Thermal Performance
| Case Model | Notable Cooling Features | Reported GPU Temps | Radiator Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zulman T3 Plus | Mesh front panel, comes with included fans | – | Limited |
| Thermaltch S100 | Basic airflow, tempered glass side panel | – | – |
| Cooler Master NR400 | Dual chamber, up to three 120 mm front fans, 2×140 mm top, 120 mm rear; can improve with 140 mm fans | – | Multiple fan and radiator options |
| Lian Li A3 MATX | Mesh on three sides, up to 10×120 mm fan positions, supports 3×360 mm radiators | RTX 4090 ~68°C at 25°C | Three 360 mm radiators |
| Corsair 2500D Airflow | Dual chamber, smart air guide veins, up to 11×120 mm fans, supports 420 mm + 360 mm radiators | 7–9°C cooler GPU temps | 420 mm top, 360 mm front |
- Mesh panels and higher fan capacities are the main reasons for lower internal temps.
- Dual chamber layouts (NR400, 2500D Airflow) usually give better thermal separation and airflow than the old-school single chamber cases.
- Lian Li A3 and Corsair 2500D Airflow are at the top when it comes to cooling headroom for beefy hardware.
Component Fit and Flexibility
| Case Model | GPU Clearance | PSU Compatibility | Special Layouts | Modular Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zulman T3 Plus | Up to 280 mm | Standard ATX | – | Tool-free drive bays |
| Thermaltch S100 | Up to 330 mm | Standard ATX | – | Basic cable management |
| Cooler Master NR400 | Up to 410 mm | Standard ATX (up to 160 mm modular) | Dual chamber | Good drive support |
| Lian Li A3 MATX | Up to 415 mm | ATX up to 220 mm | Modular/removable PSU bracket | Vertical GPU option |
| Corsair 2500D Airflow | – | – | Dual chamber | Rapid route cable system |
- Cases like the Lian Li A3 MATX and NR400 can handle the longest GPUs, so even the latest monsters will fit.
- The A3 MATX and Corsair 2500D Airflow give you flexibility with modular mounting for power supplies and GPUs.
- Most options here support full-size ATX power supplies and a decent number of drives.
Noise Levels
- People say the Lian Li A3 MATX stays pretty quiet—about 34.5 dB with certain fans, even when the GPU is working hard.
- Compact cases with mesh and well-placed fans, like the Corsair 2500D Airflow, can move a lot of air without getting annoyingly loud.
- Noise mostly comes down to how many fans you install and the overall airflow design. More mesh and better layouts mean you can run fans slower for the same cooling.
Price-to-Feature Ratio
| Case Model | Value Highlights | Notable Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Zulman T3 Plus | Premium features (glass, mesh) at a budget price | Tight GPU/radiator fit |
| Thermaltch S100 | Sturdy, flexible, top budget pick | Basic cooling, less modular |
| Cooler Master NR400 | High flexibility, optical bay included | Needs upgrades for best cooling |
| Lian Li A3 MATX | High-end support, modularity in a small size | Premium pricing |
| Corsair 2500D Airflow | Top cooling features, easy build and routing | Higher cost, but matches with high-end features |
- Thermaltch S100 and Zulman T3 Plus are great if you want the basics covered for less money.
- The Corsair 2500D Airflow and Lian Li A3 MATX are pricier but make up for it with advanced cooling options, better cable management, and support for top-tier parts.
- If you care about modular layouts, tons of cooling, or want a tiny footprint, the A3 MATX and 2500D are worth it. For first-time builders or anyone watching their wallet, the S100 and T3 Plus are smarter picks.
Who Should Consider Each Case
Zulman T3 Plus
- Builders who want a premium vibe without spending much
- Anyone after solid airflow and a tempered glass side panel
- People with moderate-length GPUs (up to 280 mm)
- Folks who don’t want to mess with screws for storage
Thermaltake S100
- First-time builders or anyone focused on value
- Users with entry or mid-range components (up to 330 mm GPU)
- Anyone who wants a sturdy case on a budget
- Builders who like a clean look and basic cable management
Cooler Master Masterbox NR400
| Suitable For | Notes |
|---|---|
| Anyone needing legacy 5.25″ drive support | Optical drive bay included |
| Those who want size and expansion in balance | Fits long GPUs and lots of drives |
| Builders seeking improved cooling options | Plenty of fan and radiator spots |
| If you need flexible storage | Multiple 3.5″ and 2.5″ drives fit |
Lian Li DAN Cases A3 MATX
- Enthusiasts who want high-end guts in a compact shell
- Anyone running big GPUs (up to 415 mm)
- Builders wanting strong airflow in a small, modular case (26 L)
- Users who care about noise or creative layouts (mesh on 3 sides, movable PSU bracket)
Corsair 2500D Airflow
- Performance builders who need top cooling
- Anyone after a dual-chamber layout with smart airflow guides
- People planning on custom water cooling (supports 420 mm & 360 mm radiators)
- Builders who want super easy cable management and like Corsair’s ecosystem (iCUE Link, etc.)
Summary Table of Notable Features:
| Case Model | Highlight | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zulman T3 Plus | Good airflow, tempered glass | Compact, limited GPU/radiator space |
| Thermaltch S100 | Sturdy budget choice | Flexible, reliable, neat cable management |
| Cooler Master NR400 | Spacious, optical bay included | Upgradable thermals, modular PSU caveats |
| Leanley XDAN A3 MATX | High-end support, modular design | Compact, vertical GPU/lots of fans/rads |
| Corsair 2500D Airflow | Advanced cooling, easy cable mgmt | Dual-chamber, versatile fan radiator fit |
Pick your case based on what matters most to you—whether it’s airflow, compatibility, size, or just sticking to a budget. If you’re after a premium build with all the cooling bells and whistles, both the Corsair 2500D and Leanley XDAN A3 MATX are hard to beat. For a more affordable, no-nonsense setup, the Thermaltch S100 pretty much always does the trick. Somewhere in the middle? The Zulman T3 Plus and Cooler Master NR400 cover a lot of bases without much fuss.
