I'm transitioning from gaming on my old 17-inch laptop with a GTX 1050ti, which just can't keep up with the newer games I want to play, like Elden Ring and heavily modded Skyrim. My friends have been encouraging me to build a proper gaming PC instead of investing in a gaming laptop, which seems pricey and noisy. I'm really limited on space, so I'm looking for a case that's no taller than 30cm and ideally around 25cm or less in the other dimensions. I want to make sure I can still take it to LAN parties. I've been exploring mini and micro ATX cases, but I could use some guidance on the best models, along with recommendations for the CPU and cooling systems. Ideally, I want to run games at 1440p with around 60fps, and I'm hoping to keep my budget between £1500-£1800. Any advice on parts would be greatly appreciated! Also, for storage, I'd like at least a 1TB SSD since I have an external drive already.
4 Answers
You're definitely looking into SFF (small form factor) builds, which are designed to save space while still packing in powerful components. You don’t want to go Mini-ITX if you can avoid it because they have less room for bigger coolers and limit your options. You could look into cases like the NCase M1, which is highly praised for its design. Keep your coolers in mind too, as a quiet PC often needs proper airflow management.
When it comes to cooling, ensure you include a decent exhaust fan setup. A back fan and a couple on the top will help keep everything cool. You might want to check out the Arctic P12 fans; they’re efficient and quiet. And just so you know, with your budget, you can build a solid system that will keep up with 1440p gaming. Consider an AMD Ryzen 5 for balance between price and performance.
For your needs, I’d recommend checking out the Fractal Terra or the Cooler Master NR200. The Terra is about 22cm tall and the NR200 is around 29cm, so both could fit the height you’re looking for. Just keep in mind that the Lian Li A3-mATX is a bit over at 30.6cm but might still work with some breathing room. Both the Terra and NR200 are known for good airflow and build quality, which is vital for a quieter system. Also, consider cases like the Meshroom D, which supports mATX motherboards but takes up less space.
That’s good to know! I think I’ve seen the Terra around; it’s supposed to look super sleek, right? Just wondering if the price is worth it since I’ve heard it’s a premium case.
You might want to look into the Jonsbo V12 or the Fractal Ridge—they're both stylish and compact, fitting right within your requirements. I’d also suggest considering the Jonsbo C6 Max even though it's slightly lower height-wise, but check availability in the UK. Make sure to choose a good power supply and cooling to maintain performance, and for your GPU, something like the XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT will run well in a build like this. Here’s a potential part list to get you started—just keep an eye out for sales!
SFF is great! I wasn’t sure if it was just a fancy term or something specific. Thanks for clarifying!