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Back in the day, people were limited to picking whatever computer was available at a particular store. This means that you didn’t have control over the hardware that came with the computer, and all you can do was choose any upgrades the store might offer. These days, things are different because more and more people are building their own PCs from scratch. This is beneficial for those who need powerful CPUs and GPUs for gaming or heavy tasks like video editing or 3D animation. If you have a big budget, you can go for the best of the best on the market, but there are still ways to cut down on costs. One way you can save money is by going for micro-ATX motherboards. They’re more affordable than a mini-ITX setup. Once you have chosen a motherboard, you also have to make sure that you have an appropriate case for it. Micro-ATX cases feature a smaller design than standard ATX mid-tower cases, but they’re still bigger than mini-ITX cases. These cases are also more affordable, and you will have a wide range of designs and sizes to choose from. Let’s look at the best micro-ATX cases you can purchase in 2022.
The darkFlash DLM22 is among the best choices you can get your hands on, and it costs less than $80. It features a magnetic door for a side panel that makes it easy to disassemble without using any tools. The case’s front panel features a low-poly design, and it has a black side glass that can show any RGB lighting you add inside the case. The case is made from metal, so it’s pretty durable, and it’s available in black or neo-black. The DLM22 case can accommodate up to five fans, so you can make sure that your PC setup has an excellent cooling system. You can even add a water cooling system if you’d like. The case is the appropriate size for those of you who plan to use micro-ATX/ITX motherboards. darkFlash knows that most people value the ports their computer has, and it’s why this case has appropriate ports for HD audio, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0. The case also has enough space for you to build a cable management system inside it. Since the DLM22 features a user-friendly design, you won’t have any issues expanding or updating it in the future.,
Budget-friendlySleek and minimalist designCan fit up to 5 fans and a water cooling system
Some users have reported poor quality control during shipment of productCould improve its airflow
If you’re the type who wants to save as much space as possible, you will love the Thermaltake Core V21. It’s a cube-shaped case that guarantees excellent airflow since five of its six sides are open-air vents. The case is compatible with micro-ATX or mini-ITX motherboards. Whether you want a horizontal or vertical orientation on your motherboard, the case will accommodate it. The V21 will even give you enough space for cable management despite its small size. On one side of the case, there are designated ports for one headphone, one mic, and two USB 3.0. You have complete control over how you want the cooling system inside the case to be, but Thermaltake already includes a 200 mm front fan pre-installed inside the case. It can also accommodate an efficient liquid-cooling system. The Thermaltake Core V21 has a stackable design, so you are free to expand your system whenever you feel like it. Inside the case, you will see two main chambers. The top portion is for your cooling system, while the lower part is for drive bays and PSU.
Space-saving and stackable designSupports vertical or horizontal orientation on the motherboardExcellent airflowAffordable
Installation of some parts can be challenging
The Phanteks EVOLV mATX case undoubtedly stands out because of its futuristic design. The only catch is that it’s more expensive than its competitors, costing a little less than $300. The case features an aluminum body, and it’s perfect for those who plan to have a clutter-free PC setup because it hides your cables, hard drive, and PSU. It even has RGB LED illumination to enhance your entire aesthetic. The case has dual tempered glass panels, so you can rest assured that it’s durable. Its tempered glass panels are magnetic, so it’s quick and easy to remove them. It’s also easy to remove the dust filters. The EVOLV can support GPUs as long as 12.5 inches, and it has two brackets to fit two SSDs. It can accommodate water-cooling systems, so you can put a 280 mm radiator on top and a 360 mm radiator on its front. It has space for cable management, but a unique feature is its extra cable compartment on the bottom of the case. Upon purchase, customers will get the case with pre-installed Phanteks Premium fans.
RGB LED illuminationMagnetic tempered glass panelsTwo SSD bracketsAdditional cable compartmentComes with Phanteks Premium fans
Pricier than competitors
The Corsair Crystal 280X RGB micro-ATX case is suitable for you if you want a high-end system. It’s pretty big for a micro-ATX case, but you will have more space for all your hardware, cables, and cooling system. The case already comes with two CORSAIR LL120 RGB fans with 32 customizable LEDs each. Users can conveniently customize the lights using the CORSAIR iCUE software and Lighting Node PRO digital RGB lighting controller. You can install a superb cooling system with this case because it can accommodate up to six 120 mm cooling fans. The case will even direct airflow to the components with the highest temperatures, so you don’t need to worry about your drive cages causing any interference. It has three tempered glass panels that promise protection while allowing you to view the contents of your setup. The case features a dual-chamber layout that will make your computer’s core components organized. It has a dedicated rear chamber for your PSU, drives, and cables. The storage compartment of the case can fit three 2.5-inch drives and two 3.5-inch drives. You don’t need to worry about the case attracting a ton of dust because it has several dust filters. The Corsair Crystal 280X RGB micro-ATX case is available in black and white.
Excellent dust filtration systemComes with two customizable RGB fansCan fit up to six 120mm cooling fansThree tempered glass panels
Lacks a USB Type-C portPriceyCould improve its thermal performance
When you have a house with a modern aesthetic and stylish furniture, you want your PC setup to have an outstanding design as well. The Thermaltake Level 20 VT will satisfy any of your design needs because it has a sleek all-glass design. The case has four 4 mm tempered glass panels that protect your system while making everything look better. Since all four panels are symmetrical, you can interchange the panels whenever you want. One of the case’s panels is gapped, giving enough airflow for a radiator. The case is compact in size, but it’s compatible with both micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. It comes with two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, and an HD audio jack. The dual-chamber design of the case allows you to mount your PCIe components and motherboard in the upper area, while the lower chamber is reserved for your drive bays and PSU. The case has removable racks that can fit a 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drive. The Thermaltake Level 20 VT gets shipped to you with a pre-installed, 200 mm black fan on the front. The case isn’t for beginners, so only choose this if you have experience building PCs.
Modern aestheticFour 4mm tempered glass panels Dual-chamber designPre-installed 200mm black fan
Meant for builders with experienceHeavy once components are installed
The Lian Li 205M is ideal for those that need a case that looks modern and premium without emptying your pockets. It’s the perfect choice for those who plan to build their first PC. You can easily see the components of your computer with this case because it has a tempered glass side panel. It supports micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. If you want to switch up some of your drives even after you finish building your PC, you can easily change it because of the removable side and front panels. No matter what size your motherboard is, you will still have the freedom to organize your cables because there’s extra space behind the place where you attack the motherboard. The case comes with two pre-installed 120 mm fans, and it can also support two 120 mm fans and two 240 mm radiators. On the top of the case, you will find two USB 3.0/3.1 ports, a power button, a reset button, an audio jack, a mic jack, and LED indicators for its power and HDD.
Spacious chamberRemovable side panelTempered glass side panelTwo, pre-installed 120 mm fans,
Lacks a front USB-C port
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