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Desktop Computer Case Sizes

What is the di erence between computer case sizes and which one will suit you best? Learn the
answer here as we compare the di erent types of desktop computer cases.
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We can't speak for other things, but size matters a lot for a desktop computer case.
How to Build a PC
One, it determines the type and number of components that will t inside your computer - For
more details, see our Computer Case Size Comparison below. CPU
Two, it a ects the cooling and ventilation within the case. A bigger case tends to have superior
cooling - It contains more air to dissipate heat plus it is able to accommodate more fans, larger Motherboard
coolers and taller heat sinks. This site uses cookies, some of which are required for its operation. Privacy policy. I Agree
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Most computer cases come in four distinct sizes: small form factor (SFF), mini tower, mid tower
and full tower. The image below shows the distinct di erence between PC case sizes: Power Supply

Hard Drive

Computer Case

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Computer Case Size Comparison

Unlike motherboard form factors, there aren't standardized speci cations for computer cases.
That said, our computer case size chart below will apply to the vast majority of PC casings:

SFF Mini Tower Mid Tower Full Tower

Motherboards Mini-ITX Mini-ITX Mini-ITX Mini-ITX

MicroATX MicroATX MicroATX
ATX ATX
EATX

5.25" Drive Bays 1 1 to 2 2 to 5 3 to 6

3.5" Drive Bays 1 to 3 4 to 6 6 to 8 6 to 13

2.5" Drive Bays 0 to 4 0 to 4 0 to 10 0 to 11

Expansion Slots 2 4 7 to 8 7 to 10

Graphics Cards 1 1 to 2 2 to 3 3 to 4

Case Fans 1 to 3 2 to 4 3 to 9 5 to 10

5.25" Drive Bays - For optical drives (e.g. DVD and Blu-ray drives), multi card readers, fan
controllers, cooling fans and even drawers. Most 5.25" bays are external.

3.5" Drive Bays (Internal) - For desktop hard disk drives

3.5" Drive Bays (External) - For multi card readers, USB ports hub and cooling fans

2.5" Drive Bays - For solid state drives and laptop hard disk drives. Most 2.5" bays are internal.
Some low end and older cases lack 2.5" bays, but you can always install SSDs into 3.5" bays using
converter brackets.

Expansion Slots - For expansion cards such as graphics cards, sound cards, network cards (Wi-Fi,
Ethernet, Bluetooth) and connector cards (USB, FireWire, eSATA). Mid to high end graphics cards
often take up two slots.

1. Small Form Factor (Mini-ITX Case)

Once cast aside as niche cases with limited uses, small form factor casings
have been gaining rapid popularity in recent years. Why this newfound
love for the smallest computer case size? Let's nd out...

Home Theater PC - A small form factor case is perfect for housing a HTPC.
Their small size makes them a great t for most TV shelves and closets,
plus they won't look out of place next to other home theater equipment.
And since HTPCs don't demand much computing power, you'll be able to
squeeze the required hardware into a nice little case.

Space-Saving - A Mini-ITX case also makes a lot of sense for basic users with limited space.
Whether you're working in a small o ce or living in a cramped apartment, a SFF case will save you
a lot of space... while being much easier and cheaper than laptop to repair and upgrade.

Semi-Portable - While a shoebox case isn't going to t into a traveling pouch, it is still light enough
to be carried around. A typical small form factor PC weighs around 4 to 7 kg (when fully loaded),
making it an appealing choice for people who need to move often and gamers who attend LAN
parties.

SEE ALSO: Recommended Mini ITX Cases

2. Mini Tower (MicroATX Case)

With more and more people turning to smaller cases, mini towers have
been gradually replacing mid towers as the most common case size for
average consumers. This growing preference for MicroATX cases isn't
surprising when you consider the following:

Budget PC - All things equal, mini towers tend to be the cheapest among
the di erent computer case sizes (simpler design and less materials
needed). Mini towers also support MicroATX motherboards, which happen
to be the most common form factor for budget boards.

And the savings do not stop there - Despite their size, most mini towers are still able to accept
(cheaper) standard sized components. On the other hand, SFF cases sometimes require smaller
and more expensive parts such as SFX power supplies and low pro le graphics cards.

Flexible Placement - Not too big, not too small... A mini tower's Godilocks size allows it to be
stashed almost anywhere - It works just as well sitting on your desktop or oor. Compare this to a
shoebox case which is too short for the oor... or a full tower that is massive enough to devour
most table tops.

3. Mid Tower (ATX Case)

Once upon a time, mid towers were the standard computer case size for
most people regardless of usage. While its smaller siblings have eroded its
market share over time, ATX cases remain popular to this day and there
are good reasons for choosing one:

Gaming - Most mid to high end graphics cards take up two expansion slots
each and can stretch up to ~31 cm (12.1 inches) long. Most mid towers are
able to support two such cards, packing enough gaming muscle for at
least 95% of gamers out there. Some gaming mid towers can even take up to three cards, though
we do recommend a full tower for a triple GPU setup.

And it's not about just squeezing big graphics cards into a case. Graphic cards are the hottest
components in a PC, hitting temperatures of up to 90°C under load. Toss in a 60 to 70°C CPU, and
we end up with something capable of cooking eggs. A mid tower's roomier interior allows for
better air circulation, plus gives you more space for additional case fans and larger heat sinks.

Cable Management - Power cables, data connectors, case wires... Left unchecked, the insides of a
PC case can quickly degenerate into a rat's nest of wires. The extra drive bays, additional cable
routing holes and bigger side panel clearance all add up to simpler and better cable management.
This goes a long way in improving air ow and reducing dust buildup over time.

4. Full Tower (EATX Case)

Full towers have always attracted a very dedicated following - server
admins, PC enthusiasts, overclockers and hardcore gamers. Why do these
power users show such unwavering devotion towards mega cases? Let's
explore the reasons in detail...

Servers - In order to accommodate a second CPU and extra RAM slots,

server motherboards can get quite massive. Most mid towers can't hold
anything larger than a standard ATX motherboard, so you'll need a full
tower to house the larger EATX and SSI CEB server boards.

Overclocking - Pushing the limits of your computer requires a lot of cooling, and proper cooling
equipment can take up a lot of space. 230 mm case fans, dual tower heat sinks, triple radiators...
only a full tower can contain these monsters with room to spare. What's more, larger computer
case size = higher air volume = better ventilation and heat dissipation.

Hardcore Gaming - For some, playing the latest games with relative smoothness isn't enough -
They demand 4K resolution gaming...with ultra settings...on a triple monitor setup. If that sounds
like you, then you'll want a full tower capable of transforming into a gaming monster with triple or
even quad graphics cards.

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