Best <$100 mATX mini case with decent cable management and airflow?

[daisy155]

I want a small case for my new build that I could sit on top of my desk instead of the floor for easier access to IO and overall nicer aesthetics. I want something minimal and professional looking. I've kind of narrowed my choices down to the Cooler Mater N200,realan E-T02, or the Inwin 301. They all have good reviews on cable management. The CM has good reviews on airflow as well, and the realan looks more pleasing to the eye.

 

Anybody here familiar with those cases or recommend any others?

[RadiatingLight]

I've built in the 301, and while it's a pretty solid case, and the airflow isn't as restricting as you think, cable management is tricky due to the lack of enough cable management holes.

it is a really good case for the price though.

 

also keep in mind it comes with no fans.

[Damascus]

Inwin 301, my build lives in one right now and its great

[johnny5c]

Another vote for the 301, not the easiest to build in but with a little extra cable management it's a great looking case with a glass window.

[papes]

Have you looked at the Fractal Design - Define Mini C ? It is a pretty slick looking case. The front panel is a brushed plastic look, and there's no optical bay so it's very clean. There's a PSU shroud so you can hide away your cables. Very professional looking. 

 

Since there's so many recommendations for the 301, can you guys comment on the airflow situation? Isn't it true that there is no intake? It's also a shame that the IO light is solid red / blue, how easy is that to modify?

 

Edit: The 301 seems like a bad choice unless you're using low power components that require little cooling.

[TVwazhere]

10 hours ago, papes said:

Have you looked at the Fractal Design - Define Mini C ? It is a pretty slick looking case. The front panel is a brushed plastic look, and there's no optical bay so it's very clean. There's a PSU shroud so you can hide away your cables. Very professional looking. 

The define c will have significantly better airflow than the in-win 301, and overall easier cable managment  though not by much (since the 301 is easy enough to just stuff cables nilly willy)

[sanfilippo12]

I plan on making my first build this Christmas. 

The case I plan on using is the Thermaltake Core V21.  I love the way this case looks.  It works with mITX and mATX.

 

Airflow should be no problem, as it is essentially open on every side of the case (minus the windowed side) and has magnetic dust filters on every side. It also has a huge 200 mm intake fan on the front. Cable management also shouldn't be a problem if you orientate the case so MOBO is vertical. 

 

Like I said, I plan on building with this case this December, so I've done a lot of research.