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Small form factor building has moved from niche hobby to mainstream obsession, and in 2026 the Mini-ITX case market has never been healthier. Modern compact chassis can swallow full-length graphics cards, 280mm radiators, and high-wattage power supplies while occupying a footprint the size of a shoebox. For anyone tight on desk space, moving between LAN events, or simply drawn to the elegance of a dense build, the right Mini-ITX case makes all the difference.
The catch is that small cases are unforgiving: a few millimeters of clearance separates a dream build from a frustrating one. GPU length limits, radiator support, and airflow design vary dramatically between models, so reviewer consensus matters more here than in any other case category. We distilled independent reviews from Tom’s Hardware, PC Gamer, and specialist SFF outlets to pick five Mini-ITX cases that balance compatibility, thermals, and build experience across a range of budgets.