Usually talking, there are 4 totally different PC case sizes out there. From smallest to largest, these are Mini-ITX/MicroATX (Small Type Issue), Mini Tower, Mid-Tower, and Full Tower. The totally different sizes correspond to the various motherboards, as you may want a suitable board that may be put in contained in the chassis, with sufficient room to construct and clearance for parts, comparable to your GPU, CPU cooler, in addition to the case followers.

PC case measurements can differ relying on the producer, nonetheless, there is a tough measurement information to remember for all 5 main chassis out there in 2025. Mini-ITX and MicroATX (or SFF) circumstances embody the NZXT H210 and Lian Li Q58W3 for the previous and the Corsair 2500X and Asus AP201 Prime for the latter. Taking these fashionable choices as a median, Mini-ITX circumstances sometimes measure round 14 x 8 x 14 inches (HxWxD) and may weigh in round 14 lbs. MicroATX circumstances might be bigger at 14 x 12 x 18 inches (relying on the producer), with extra clearance inside.

Mini Towers historically have extra vertical clearance and depth when in comparison with Small Type Issue builds, comparable to with the Fractal Design Meshify 2 and the NZXT H5 Circulation. On common, these PC circumstances measure 16 x 8 x 15 (HxWxD). Whereas a bit greater and heavier, Mini Towers is usually a good center floor for these PC avid gamers wanting a smaller rig with out the cramped constructing expertise and airflow considerations. All three of those chassis varieties could be ultimate for a house leisure or front room setup simply in addition to on a desk.

Mid-Towers are probably the most broadly used PC circumstances out there and have probably the most choices in the marketplace from a myriad of various {hardware} producers. In consequence, there is not any one-size-fits-all resolution in terms of their precise measurements, nonetheless, we will take a median primarily based upon many fashionable choices out there proper now. These embody the likes of the Fractal Design North, NZXT H7 Circulation, and Hyte Y70 Contact. Sizes vary across the 18 x 12 x 18 inches mark (HxWxD), though some producers can go a bit bigger or smaller than this. Whereas (historically) a bit wider, the primary benefit is additional peak and depth in comparison with Mini Towers.

Lastly, Full Towers are the most important PC circumstances by measurement and supply probably the most versatile constructing expertise for greater graphics playing cards and cooling options, comparable to customized loops. They are often among the many costliest (and heaviest) chassis in the marketplace relying on the producer, with fashionable examples together with the Cooler Grasp Cosmos Infinity, Lian Li Lancool III, and Asus ROG Hyperion GR701. On common, these giant circumstances can measure as much as (or past) 25 x 10 x 25 (HxWxD) and weigh as a lot as 40 lbs.

We have outlined the most important variations in PC circumstances and their sizes, however now it is time to go over the various use circumstances between them. Small Type Issue (SFF) builds have risen to prominence lately resulting from their compact design and emphasis on solely the necessities in terms of what they will do. These machines can sometimes both thrive below a tv as a part of a house leisure system, Xbox Collection X / PS5 substitute, or as a low-profile workstation, in the identical vein as Apple’s Mac mini.

Nevertheless, the versatile use circumstances right here have already got a discrepancy in PC case sizes and their corresponding parts. Relying on how small the chassis is, you might want a Mini-ITX motherboard as a substitute of a MicroATX model, which might be far costlier (and limiting) with its 6.7-inch board versus the 9.6-inch of the latter. That is in the end going to be one of many greatest concerns when constructing an SFF machine, because the tremendous glossy console (and dice) chassis in the marketplace will want particular {hardware}.

One other related value is parts comparable to particularly designed energy provides, but additionally CPU coolers and case followers made with smaller PC circumstances in thoughts. In any case, a number of the greatest PSUs won’t match into an SFF chassis, owing to them being (primarily) made with Mid Towers and Full Towers in thoughts initially.

This contains the premium on energy bricks, as seen with the likes of the Cooler Grasp V750 SFX ($170) in comparison with the historically sized Cooler Grasp MWE Gold 750 V3 ($99.99) or the Cooler Grasp XG750 Plus Platinum ARGB ($99.99) from the identical producer. That is a markup of 70%, which is roughly in step with the value enhance you’ll be able to anticipate from a MicroATX motherboard to a Mini-ITX one (relying on the producer).

There is not any scarcity of low-profile CPU coolers for SFF machines, however they are not going to be the powerhouses wanted for main processors. Well-liked examples embody the Noctua NH-L9i, Thermalright AXP90 X53, and the Be Quiet Pure Rock LP; they’re inaffordable and can suffice for workstation and light-weight gaming use, however won’t be applicable for midrange or higher-end processors. SFF water coolers exist (in single and twin fan configurations) just like the Corsair H55 RGB, Be Quiet Loop 2, and the Fractal Lumen S24 v2, however you may need to select a decrease TDP CPU and a case with airflow to spare for something too in depth.

Your selection of graphics card can even must be thought of with an SFF gaming PC. Whereas it is true that the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 Founders Version fashions can match right into a mini-ITX chassis (being two-slot), the identical can’t be stated for a lot of of Nvidia’s companions, with some options being triple-slot and even quad-slot, relying on the cooler. This can even be depending on the scale of the small type issue chassis as effectively, as there is not any set measurement for something smaller than a quantifiable mini tower.

It is not solely the width of the GPUs but additionally the lengths to remember. Sure, there’s the necessity for clearance on the motherboard, so it does not block anything, but additionally the easy act of getting it within the case within the first place. Some Mid-Towers may even battle with sure fashions, relying on the place the coolers are put in. We suggest checking the scale of the GPUs and bodily measuring your PC case’s house before you purchase something to keep away from disappointment.

SFF machines additionally want extra upkeep than their Mid Tower and Full Tower equivilents, owing to the restricted airflow. In consequence, they will grow to be dustier sooner, which might impede efficiency over time. Many SFF PC circumstances characteristic devoted mesh panels which might be eliminated to be de-dusted, however you might must preserve a can of compressed air close by. Equally, as many of those chassis don’t characteristic view home windows, it may be troublesome to know unhealthy issues might have constructed up till the system begins displaying indicators of slowdown.

Issues grow to be simpler to discern between Mini Towers, Mid-Towers, and Full Towers as they’re all going to help the ATX platform, whether or not that is with a MicroATX, ATX, or E-ATX motherboard. It is the fiberglass itself that can be a deciding think about what you go for, as a smaller PC case might not have help for a full-sized ATX or E-ATX motherboard to be put in into it. Nevertheless, you are going to have much more choices when in comparison with a Mini-ITX construct, from not solely the mobo but additionally the parts you’ll be able to set up onto it.

Whereas Mini Towers can extra simply accommodate bigger graphics playing cards, CPU coolers, extra case followers, and historically sized PSUs over SFF machines, they’ve their limits when in comparison with Mid-Towers. As Mid-Towers are probably the most used (and mostly out there) PC circumstances in the marketplace, you are going to discover much more versatility in choices from extra producers producing various types to swimsuit (virtually) any preferences. It’s going to additionally imply enhanced airflow, so a full-sized 360mm radiator or a customized loop cooling resolution can be a neater factor to accommodate right here.

Nevertheless, for the utmost quantity of house to construct in and parts to put in, a Full Tower goes to be the one resolution for some individuals, significantly in case you’re pondering of utilizing an E-ATX motherboard. The additional house means you’ll be able to go for a extra superior customized cooling loop whereas utilizing the most important graphics playing cards you’ll find and all of the case followers you possibly can ever want. Moreover, you possibly can forgo a loop and use a big AIO for the CPU and a devoted water block for the GPU as a substitute.

There is not any straight reply for which PC case is healthier or worse than one other one because it comes down to make use of case above all else. We have outlined the sizes and use circumstances so to make an knowledgeable determination in terms of your subsequent construct, armed with the data of which parts will characteristic in it, too.

Whereas we have outlined the typical sizes of PC circumstances, you’ll find the precise data of the scale out there on the producer’s respective web site which is often discovered below the technicial specs of the product. Some retailers, comparable to Newegg and Finest Purchase, may have this data listed below the product web page.

Many PC case producers may have comparability options out there on their web site, particularly if the chassis are from the identical line. When you’re not all the time assured a devoted infographic, you will get a tough concept of the respective sizing this manner.