Looking for microATX cases

[Drizzt5]

Hi,

Can I post for recommendations here? If not, please delete/let me know the proper place.

I am looking for a few specifics in a MicroATX case, but should be reasonable to expect in 2020.

I would like a MicroATX case that has some sort of window, a USB-C port or two on the front, box or tower format, and good build quality and decent airflow. Color would be best if white or pure black, not looking for the gamer color styles. I'd also like it to be compatible with a Corsair H50 (single radiator, closed loop). I would think I could get this in the $100-200 range. Looking at Amazon and Newegg hasn't produced many options though. I wouldn't be buying this until probably Christmas.

Thanks

 

[EarthDog]

Maybe wait a few months and then look into it. Things will change as more cases become available, pricing is different, etc.

That said, there should be a few cases that fit the bill easily. Your requests aren't outlandish. I would perhaps consider looking at specific vendor websites for chassis like Corsair or Thermaltake, etc. You can widdle it down and go from there.

 

[JustAnEngineer]

I'm fairly happy with the Define Mini C. I have the windowless version, but they offer glass, if that's your thing:

Define Mini C Tempered Glass

www.fractal-design.com

 

[milewski1015]

The Coolermaster NR400 satisfies all of those conditions except USB-C on the front panel. Then there's the InWin 301C, which has front panel USB-C, but I'm not sure how good the airflow situation is in that case. I'm not sure how prevalent mATX cases with front panel USB-C are going to be. It's only just starting to become the norm for ATX cases.

 

[Drizzt5]

These are great suggestions, although I didn't see USB-C on any of these. I can make due without it, the other factors are more important.

I'm fairly happy with the Define Mini C. I have the windowless version, but they offer glass, if that's your thing:

Define Mini C Tempered Glass

www.fractal-design.com

How is Fractal build quality? That case looks nice. Is there a lot of plastic on it or mostly some kind of metal?
I recognize CoolerMaster and inwin from 10 years ago, but not as familiar with Fractal.

 

[JustAnEngineer]

Fractal Design's construction and design quality seem good to me. There's a fair amount of plastic (e.g.: the vent around the front panel), but it's well designed and should be fine if you aren't in the habit of dropping your case from the desk to the floor. Here's a review of the version with the side window rather than the tempered glass panel, if you prefer that:

Fractal Design Define Mini C Micro-ATX Case Review - PC Perspective

Fractal Design Define Mini C Micro-ATX Case Review The Define Mini C is the micro-ATX variant in Fractal Design's excellent Define series, and this

pcper.com

Several years ago, I built a PC in a Temjin TJ08-E. That's almost entirely metal, but the design could probably use an update to eliminate the optical drive bays and allow for a larger radiator than the single 120mm unit that I had in it. Of course, if you do select a case with a 5¼" or 3½" front bay, you could install your USB-C hub/ports there.

TJ08-E

In 2006, SilverStone launched the Temjin TJ08, an impressive micro-ATX tower case with then unheard of dual 120mm fan configuration. It helped pioneered the idea of big tower cooling performance in small packages. Five years later, improved technology and design has enabled SilverStone...

www.silverstonetek.com

 

[claes]

This might help: https://pcpartpicker.com/products/case/#t=7,6&D=4

 

[milewski1015]

These are great suggestions, although I didn't see USB-C on any of these. I can make due without it, the other factors are more important.


How is Fractal build quality? That case looks nice. Is there a lot of plastic on it or mostly some kind of metal?
I recognize CoolerMaster and inwin from 10 years ago, but not as familiar with Fractal.

The Define C Is mainly steel with some plastic for the front panel. It is worth noting that the Define series is noise-focused, so the front panel, side panel, and top panel all have noise-dampening material on the inside of them. GamersNexus concluded that that actually leads to more noise and higher temps compared to mesh cases because the fans have to spin faster than they would if the case was mesh.

I have an ATX Meshify C - build quality is great. Cable management options are plentiful. Nice feature set for the price too. My only complaint is the tempered glass is held on via four surface-mounted thumbscrews and doesn't sit in a rail or have a quick release button like on the H510. But overall I would highly recommend Fractal cases

 

[Keullo-e]

I'm fairly happy with the Define Mini C. I have the windowless version, but they offer glass, if that's your thing:

Define Mini C Tempered Glass

www.fractal-design.com

Getting the same; paid it already to my friend, I just need to him bring it to me.

Then a B450/B550 mATX board and here we go again.