Micro ATX Case Recommendations

[ZenMonkey]

Since I don't make use of all the extra PCIe slots, I'm thinking about switching from ATX to a Micro ATX case to save a little desk real estate and go for a different aesthetic. I'd go ITX, but that seems like too much of a sacrifice on overclocking and cooling.

 

I'd like to find a case that:

 

a) has good air flow

b) can fit both a 240mm (or 280) AIO and a 120mm (or 140) AIO

c) looks good

d) is as small as possible while meeting these conditions

 

The top cases I could find are the InWin 301C, the Enthoo Evolv mATX, the Meshify C Mini, and the H400i. I really like the look of the 301C, plus a USB 3.1 gen 2 port on the front is nice, but the air flow and cooling don't seem that great. I also like the look of the H400i, but I don't use RGB so the extra cost isn't appealing. The Enthoo Evolv mATX and Meshify C Mini cases seem like they fit the bill, but they also seem quite large - only slightly smaller than their ATX counterparts. The Corsair Air 240 also caught my attention, but it looks like fitting two radiators would be tricky.

 

If I had to pick one from the choices above today, I'd likely end up with the Meshify C Mini, but I figured I'd ask you fine folks what your experiences are with any of the above cases, and which mATX case would you recommend? Thanks in advance.

[Radium_Angel]

@ZenMonkey

 

I ordered this: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811353063

And was quite pleased with ease of access, space layout, air flow and price tag.

Comes in red as well and I thought the quality (for the price tag) was quite good.

[TVwazhere]

12 hours ago, ZenMonkey said:

a) has good air flow

Well you can chuck the Evolv mATX out the window then. That has by far the worst cooling of the 4

 

Meshify Mini C has the best airflow and the best balance everywhere of price, build, aesthetics and size. Honestly most of these cases (aside from the 240) are all about the same size, the in win 301 being the smallest

Sizes:

Spoiler

301c

14.30" x 7.40" x 14.60"

 

H400i

16.57 x 8.26 x 16.42 in

 

Evolv mATX

15.7 x 9.1 x 17.8 in

 

Meshify Mini C

16.22" x 8.54" x 16.26"

Aesthetically, I love the H400i best but as you mentioned, the added price tag of that "dumb" smart hub is probably not worth it unless you cant live without the look of the case.

 

Personal Preference

1. Mini C

2. H400i (smart hub holds back it's competitiveness)

3. 301c (Air flow isnt the best, but it's still doable)

4. Air 240 (old case, no TG)

[ZenMonkey]

15 hours ago, Radium_Angel said:

@ZenMonkey

 

I ordered this: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811353063

And was quite pleased with ease of access, space layout, air flow and price tag.

Comes in red as well and I thought the quality (for the price tag) was quite good.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do some research on it. I'm a little disappointed it doesn't come in blue, but green isn't so bad.

 

Would a 240 AIO fit on the top?

Would a 120 AIO fit on the front or back with the 240 installed on the top?

[Radium_Angel]

11 minutes ago, ZenMonkey said:

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll do some research on it. I'm a little disappointed it doesn't come in blue, but green isn't so bad.

 

Would a 240 AIO fit on the top?

Would a 120 AIO fit on the front or back with the 240 installed on the top?

It comes in red....

And for size, I've not measured but it certainly looks like it. When I get home I'll take some measurements and see

[DarkStang]

The cooler master Q300L or Q300P might fit your bill. It can comfortably fit a 240 rad in the front and a 120 rad in the back.

A 240 rad will fit up top if you don't have tall RAM getting in the way.

Their specs don't officially support a 240 up top, but I tried it out in mine and it fits.

 

http://www.coolermaster.com/case/mini-tower/masterbox-q300l/

[ZenMonkey]

1 hour ago, DarkStang said:

http://www.coolermaster.com/case/mini-tower/masterbox-q300l/

 

Thanks. I saw this case a few months back and liked the look but had forgotten about it. It looks like it fits my needs and is also a few inches smaller than the Meshify C Mini. Great suggestion!