Expert Consulted: Adrian Gardiner. Years of experience buying both computers and computer parts for my own new customer builds has given me a keen eye for spotting great deals when shopping. In this article, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and tips with you to find the best Micro ATX case.
The huge range of Micro ATX case options available today attest to the popularity of this format; whether you’re building a gaming PC or a computer for general usage, there is something to suit everyone.
I work with PC cases regularly when building computers for clients, and so I’m always on the lookout for great value cases with excellent quality that are easy to work on and that come with a good range of useful features.
Most of the computers I build use Micro ATX cases as they cover such a wide range of computer needs at an affordable price point and offer just about the right amount of space and functionality.
ATX cases are great but too large for most people’s needs unless you’re a serious gamer with a complex system housing multiple GPUs or a professional with specialist computing requirements.
Related Article: 5 Best Open Air Gaming PC Cases
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5 Best Micro ATX Cases
I’ve searched the web and found 5 fabulous Micro ATX cases, each with its own unique appeal:
| Case | Reason for Selection | |
| 1. | be quiet! Pure Base 500DX Black | Quietest Case Option |
| 2. | Corsair 4000D Airflow | Best Ventilation Case Option |
| 3. | Antec Value Solution VSK10 | Budget Case Option |
| 4. | ASUS TUF Gaming GT501 | LED Case Option |
| 5. | Fractal Design North Chalk White | Premium Case Option |
All products reviewed are from excellent, well-known, reputable companies that I have used myself in the past. I always try to steer clear of companies I’m not familiar with.
No. 1 be quiet! Pure Base 500DX Black
(Quietest Option)
The be quiet! Pure Base 500DX Black is a very sleek and modern-looking Mid Tower PC designed from the ground up to be as quiet as possible but without compromising on airflow- an essential requirement when gaming right next to it!
With a tempered glass side window to show off the interior, 3 pre-installed cooling fans, and cool ARGB illumination at the front and inside the case, you have a very nice, high-quality case for your computer.
be Quiet! is a highly regarded supplier with excellent online reviews from many satisfied users, having built up a deserved reputation for high-quality cases with superlative silencing performance.
This case is also available in white.
The main specification is as follows:
- Form Factor: Mid Tower
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro ATX, ATX
- Fan Mounts: 5 x 120 mm or 5 x 140 mm
- I/O Ports: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
- Included Fans: 3 x 140 mm
- Max CPU Cooler Height: 190 mm
- Max GPU Length: 369 mm
- Max PSU Length: 258 mm (225 mm if bottom fan fitted)
- PSU Shroud: Included
- Dimensions: 450 x 232 x 463 (DWH)
- Weight: 7.8 kg
PROs
First Class Noise Silencing
Excellent cooling options
Water cooling ready for radiators up to 360 mm
4 mm thick Tinted and Tempered Glass Side Panel
Excellent cable management
ARGB LED Lighting at the front and inside the case
CONs
None.
No. 2 Corsair 4000D Airflow
(Best Ventilation Option)
Corsair have been producing quality computer kit since 1994 and cases since 2009 and are now very well known for their excellent computer cases.
The Corsair 4000D Airflow is another quality offering with great specifications and a competitive price.
Designed with excellent ventilation allowing for class-leading airflow, this case really delivers and has many options available to improve cooling for your PC.
Up to 6 x 120 mm fans (2 fans are included) can be fitted together with multiple radiator options to get the very best cooling possible for high-performance computers.
Everything you need is built into this case, including a very effective and simple cable management system, support for motherboards up to E-ATX, and plenty of current connectivity options, including USB 3.1 Type-C up front.
The main specification is as follows:
- Form Factor: Mid Tower
- Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX
- Fan Mounts: 6 x 120mm or 4 x 140 mm
- I/O Ports: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C
- Included Fans: 2 x 120 mm
- Max CPU Cooler Height: 170 mm
- Max GPU Length: 360 mm
- Max PSU Length: 220 mm
- PSU Shroud: Included
- Dimensions: 453 x 230 x 466 (DWH)
- Weight: 7.85 kg
PROs
Excellent ventilation options
Tempered Glass Side Panel
Tool-free side panel access
Water cooling ready for radiators up to 360 mm
Easy to use cable management.
CONs
None.
No. 3 Antec Value Solution VSK10
(Budget Option)
Founded in 1986, Antec, known for high-quality products initially comprising of computer cases and power supplies, was an early pioneer of computer case innovations, including the color change from the dreaded beige to black.
Not completely black, the very smart and minimalist-looking Antec Value Solution VSK10 is perfect for those looking for the best possible value but with no compromise on quality.
With this case, you’ll get superb ventilation all around with 1 x 120 mm fan included, a transparent side panel, plus many cooling and storage options.
This case is a smaller, more compact version of a Mid Tower, described by Antec as a Micro ATX case.
For a value proposition, the Antec VSK10 case ticks all the right boxes.
- Form Factor: Micro ATX
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, MicroATX
- Fan Mounts: Up to 6 x 120 mm or 4 x 140 mm
- I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.0
- Included Fans: 1 x 120 mm
- Max CPU Cooler Height: 160 mm
- Max GPU Length: 350 mm
- Max PSU Length: 160 mm
- PSU Shroud: Included
- Dimensions: 400 x 208 405 mm (HWD)
- Weight: 3.73 kg
PROs
Transparent Side Panel
Included 1 x 120 mm Cooling Fan
Water cooling ready for radiators up to 280 mm
PSU Shroud.
CONs
The clear acrylic side panel has a slight blue tint to it.
No. 4 ASUS TUF Gaming GT501
(LED Option)
The ASUS TUF Gaming GT501 is a bold and imposing design that looks like it means business and is designed to last forever.
Designed with ease of assembly in mind and packed full of great features, it doesn’t seem to lack anything.
Included with this case, you’ll find superb build quality with an up to 1.5 mm thick galvanized steel case that’s been covered with a special coating to resist scuffs and scratches – even the front panel is made of steel!
A full-height, 4 mm thick tempered smoked-glass side panel shows off your carefully assembled build beautifully, with really cool RGB-enabled fans and ambient lighting completing the look.
The main specification is as follows:
- Form Factor: Mid Tower
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX (12 x 10.9″)
- Fan Mounts: 11
- I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Included Fans: 1 x 140 mm (front) and 3 x 120 mm
- Max CPU Cooler Height: 180 mm
- Max GPU Length: 420 mm
- Max PSU Length: 240 mm
- PSU Shroud: Included
- Dimensions: 552 x 251 x 545 mm (HWD)
- Weight: 10.5 kg
PROs
Awesome build quality
Excellent Cable Management
30 mm cable access space
Water cooling ready for radiators up to 360 mm
Woven Fabric Carry Handles
AURA Sync for RGB Cooling Fans
Perfect match for ASUS TUF Gaming Motherboards.
CONs
No USB Type-C upfront
No. 5 Fractal Design North Chalk White
(Premium Option)
The Fractal Design North Chalk White is a stunning piece of Swedish case design that would look fab in any home and setting.
It has an elegance about it that you don’t usually see with computer cases.
The most noticeable feature is the grill at the front made from real oak or walnut, which not only looks great but offers excellent ventilation at the same time.
This case has a superb fit and finish to it, with a unique choice of materials that distinguish it from all other cases currently on the market. There’s even a faux leather tab on the top at the rear to make it easier to lift off the top panel.
Aside from this case’s supermodel looks, it has a very nice specification too, carefully designed with ease of assembly and flexibility in mind.
Excellent cable management, support for up to 360 mm radiators, and 8 cooling fans (2 x 140 mm fans included} complete the picture.
This case is also available in Charcoal Black.
The main specification is as follows:
- Form Factor: Mid Tower
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, MicroATX, ATX
- Fan Mounts: 8 x 120 mm or 6 x 140 mm
- I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 and 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C
- Included Fans: 2 x 140 mm PWM
- Max CPU Cooler Height: 145 mm with Fan Bracket, 170 mm without
- Max GPU Length: 355 mm
- Max PSU Length: 255 mm (1 x HDD Tray), 155 mm (2 x HDD trays in use)
- PSU Shroud: Included
- Dimensions: 469 x 215 x 447 mm (HWD)
- Weight: 9.55 kg (Mesh) / 9.3 kg (TG)
PROs
- Choice of mesh or tempered glass side panel
- Real wood front grill design
- Superb ventilation and cooling options
- Water cooling ready for radiators up to 360 mm
- Faux Leather tab to lift and remove top cover
- Easy to work on
- Great cable management system
- Excellent quality fit and finish.
CONs
None.
Best Micro ATX Case Buying Guide
There are a number of important aspects that need to be considered before buying one of these cases, as outlined below.
Available Case Sizes and motherboard Compatibility
The table below covers the 3 main popular case sizes that you should be aware of for the consumer market (particularly for self-builders) and the motherboards that fit them:
Case Format
- Full Tower
- Mid Tower
- Mini Tower
Motherboards that will fit
- FTX, Micro ATX (mATX), Mini-ITX
- Micro ATX (mATX), Mini-ITX
- Mini-ITX
Full Tower – These cases offer the most room for components and can accommodate ATX and Micro ATX (often referred to as (mATX)) motherboards.
Mid Tower – This is the most popular case size available due to its reasonable size and excellent flexibility in terms of what components can be fitted.
Mini Tower – used for space-saving requirements, these cases will usually take a Mini ITX motherboard.
NOTES:
- Check the Spec: Always check the specification for your selected case to make sure it will accommodate the motherboard you wish to use. Manufacturers will always list supported motherboards.
- Case Size Variation: Actual case sizes for each format can vary tremendously, allowing non-standard motherboard sizes in some cases. For example, some Mini Tower cases can take a Micro ATX board, and some Mid Tower cases are big enough to take an ATX board.
- Supplier Listings: When looking for a case, some suppliers list case sizes by using the motherboard format instead of by case format. For example, if you want a case to house your Micro ATX motherboard, you would choose from the Micro ATX case category.
Conclusion
With so many choices available, the Micro ATX case is clearly a very popular format, which is great news for consumers, allowing everyone the chance to own a unique-looking PC.
These cases are all amazing, nice looking, with great specifications, and excellent value, too – I’d be more than happy to use any of them.
However, the standout case for me, and I’ve reviewed this one before and said the same thing, is the Fractal Designs North Chalk White with its timeless, elegant design and at such good value too.
Love it!