The easy answer: It comes down to the components you intend to install. For some shoppers, the look of the case tops everything, and that is fine. Just make sure to factor in some practical considerations, especially if you already own some of the parts. These cases tend to be among the most compact, with some designed to support a monitor sitting on top. They also tend to be easier than most to build in, as opening one large side of the enclosure grants easy access to all of the internal hardware. Now, what if you were to lay your pillar down? This third style uses a design that more closely matches a long, thin box. SilverStone Sugo 14: Shoebox dimensions Beside the motherboard mounting tray and the PSU compartment, Thermaltake left a large space for the video card. The cavity can accommodate a dual-slot card up to 330mm long. Likewise, pay attention to the maximum length, width, and (potentially) vertical height (full-height versus half-height) that the case allows for video cards. Depending on the card you have, or plan to get, that sizing may be a deal-maker or deal-breaker. Some of the smallest cases don't support a video card at all, and if you intend to rely on your CPU's integrated graphics, this can be a real space saver. (Know, though, that some chips, including many of AMD's mainstream Ryzen CPUs, do not have an integrated graphics processor, and that your motherboard will need to have an appropriate video output.)

Two 3.0 USB and one USB 3.1 (Gen 2) Type C ports are placed on the top panel to grant direct access when needed. A whole host of other variables also limit what you can and can’t put inside a Mini-ITX system. Some of them have nothing to do with the Mini-ITX case itself.In short, that means a Mini-ITX case can be just about anything—and they are. We’ve jokingly called Mini-ITX the least-standardized standard in PC building. That’s because these cases come in myriad designs on the outside, and you never quite know what to expect until you start to work on one on the inside. The Tower 100 Mini Chassis is the newest member of The Thermaltake Tower Series. It features three 4mm tempered glass windows for a stunning view and two preinstalled 120mm standard fans on top and at the rear for exhaust. It is a much smaller version of The Tower 900 with dimensions of 462.8mm (Height), 266mm (Width), 266mm (Depth). Though it may not be the smallest Mini-ITX chassis on the market, it is a highly capable one that can fit high-end components like the RTX 30 Series Graphics Cards. The Tower 100 Mini Chassis is designed to target users who have a limited space at their workplace or at home, or those who simply do not want their PC to take too much space. No matter if you are a regular users, gamers, or content creators, etc. you will find it ideal and can place it almost anywhere in your room. The second should be the number and kind of drives you intend to install. Most Mini-ITX cases support at least two 2.5- or 3.5-inch SATA drives, but factor in room for what you have. This won't matter if you go all-in on motherboard-mounted M.2 drives, but cramped Mini-ITX boards have room for just one or two of those.

Unlike chassis in the larger MicroATX and ATX sizes, many Mini-ITX PC cases can sit comfortably on desks, in niches, on shelves, or under a monitor without being obtrusive. Some are even designed to mount behind monitors or under desks to hide them from view. The Mini-ITX case isn’t bound by a strict size limit; what makes a case Mini-ITX is its support for the Mini-ITX motherboard form factor, and none larger. (More on that in a bit.) The downside? They also have the most hardware restrictions. Most mandate low-profile coolers, half-height add-on cards (if any cards at all), and SFX (or even smaller proprietary) power supplies. This makes them a poor fit for gamers but an excellent choice for a moderate or light-duty work PC (or an HTPC) that relies on processor-integrated graphics. The motherboard gets mounted vertically in this case, positioned so that the board is on full view through the front glass panel. With all of the glass panels removed, getting access to all of the various headers to get them connected up is made fairly easy; you have easy access from three directions. The same goes for the RAM slots on your board, and the PCI Express slot for your graphics card. This second style of Mini-ITX case stands out for having the smallest footprints; most of the gear inside is mounted vertically. Pillar cases are designed to stand up straight, obelisk-style, and not lie down. The internal layout changes considerably, and in some of these, you can fit a full-height graphics card on end. Corsair 2000D RGB Airflow Building a system in the Tower 100 chassis led me to believe that Thermaltake was really trying to do some good things here with regards to visual flair and system thermal management. Some of their other past accessories don’t always work out the way they hoped. However, with the Tower 100 chassis, the pieces are well made (even if numerous) solid (except the perforated pieces obviously), and fit together very well. I am personally a fan of the ITX tower design idea, but do realize this is not a small ITX enclosure by any means.

The Thermaltake Tower 100 is a statement chassis that’s priced right. You get a lot of ITX case for the money – which comes across as a somewhat funny thing to say. The thermal design seems quite functional, and I definitely appreciate the unique looking visuals. There is room inside to get inventive. The biggest one is whether you will (or will ever) install a video card. The absolute smallest Mini-ITX cases support no video card and assume your CPU’s integrated graphics will handle video output and acceleration. That factor will eliminate (or recommend) a whole swath of cases. Otherwise, look to the maximum video card length supported, as well as the number of lateral slots the card can occupy, and shop accordingly. Nvidia's newest top-end RTX 40 Series cards are huge and some occupy three slots across; Mini-ITX cases are generally not their friend.