I have a spare full-size ATX motherboard that I'd like to use for a daily computer, but my current ATX cases take up too much desk space. I'm looking for the smallest practical case—ideally 23L or less—that can fit a standard ATX power supply and a full-size RX 5700 graphics card. Keeping the price below $100 would be ideal, although compact ATX cases seem to be unusually expensive. Are there any models worth searching for?
4 Answers
That combination is extremely difficult at this size. Once you require a full ATX motherboard, standard ATX power supply, and a normal-width graphics card, you’re effectively in specialized small-form-factor territory. A low-profile GPU or a smaller power supply would make the search much easier.
Cases under 23L that support both ATX boards and ATX power supplies do exist, but they usually cost well over $100. The SFFTime N-ATX is around 15L and can support an ATX board, power supplies up to roughly 180 mm, and a vertically mounted three-slot GPU. The Mechanic Master C34 is about 21L and supports ATX boards, power supplies up to around 160 mm, and standard-length graphics cards, though clearance depends on the PSU.
If you’re willing to switch to an SFX power supply, the Meshroom S is worth considering. It can accommodate the motherboard and graphics card in a compact layout, but building in it is more involved and the smaller PSU adds to the total cost.
You might find suitable horizontal cases such as the SilverStone Grandia GD09 or GD10, or the Thermaltake Core G3. They support full-size boards, but they aren’t especially small in every dimension, so check the actual volume and footprint before buying.
The power-supply length is especially important in these cases. A long ATX PSU can interfere with the graphics card or leave almost no room for cable management.