Ever stared at a pile of computer parts, dreaming of a powerful machine that fits almost anywhere? That dream often hits a wall when you look at bulky computer towers. Who wants a giant box taking up all their desk space? Small Form Factor (SFF) cases promise a sleek, compact build, but finding the right one feels like a treasure hunt with too many confusing maps.
Choosing an SFF case is tricky. You worry about fitting your big graphics card inside, or if the tiny space will make your computer overheat and slow down. Getting the cooling right, ensuring all your components connect properly, and finding a case that actually looks good can cause serious headaches. It’s frustrating when the case you love doesn’t love your hardware back.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a great SFF case and look at the best options available right now. You will learn exactly what to check for—like airflow, size compatibility, and ease of building—so your next small PC build is a huge success. Get ready to shrink your footprint without shrinking your performance!
Top Sff Case Recommendations
- Minimalistic sleek design 26.3L micro form factor chassis
- Side and top panels are designed with steel mesh
- Accommodates M-ATX and ITX motherboard with 4 slots 415mm large GPU
- Supports up to 360 radiator and 10 x 120mm fans
- Supports ATX/SFX/SFX-L and LIAN LI Edge PSU that can be mounted sideways or frontways
- Micro ATX Case: The case fits for Micro ATX Mohterboard (Max 25.5x25.5cm) and ITX Motheroard (17x17cm)
- Compatibility Accessories: Supports standard ATX Power Supply (150*140*86mm), Supports Graphics Card Max length is 250mm, Lenght is 225mm if you install 120x120x25mm fan on the front side, Supports 3x 3.5'' HDD and 1x 2.5inch SSD, or 2x 3.5'' HDD and 1x 2.5'' SSD if install 2pcs 120*120*25mm fans on the front side. Supports 2pcs 120*120*25mm (front side) and 1pcs 80mm (Back Side) fans, Supports CPU Cooler height Max 135mm.
- Material: The Body of Case is made of 0.8mm SPCC, with lots of air vents for heat dissipation
- Interface on Front Panel: 1xUSB3.0, 1xUSB2.0,Audio&Mic, Power Button, Reset Button
- Packing Include: 1* Black Micro ATX Case only, not inlcude other accessories
- Compact ITX Design Unleash top-tier performance with a sleek 18.25L footprint, exclusively accommodating Mini-ITX motherboards
- Strictly SFX Fit Engineered for SFX only power supplies, perfectly matched with the Cooler Master V SFX Gold.
- Horizontal Mounting Designed for horizontal GPU setups, supporting high-end GPUs up to 330mm—including RTX 5080 |RX 9070 XT.
- Airflow Unleashed Unlock Maximum airflow setup with support for 165mm CPU coolers and up to 6 fans.
- Stay Cool Under Pressure Removable side bracket allows fast 240/280mm radiators or fan setup, unlocking maximum cooling potential.
- 【Perfect for Home or Travel】Built to be portable and compact the TR100 does a great job with providing a small footprint at home and perfect for travel.
- 【mITX Engineered】 Coming in at 18.9 liters and optimized for mITX SFF builds with its dual chamber design to provide plenty of options for components.
- 【Tiny but Mighty】While coming in at a small size, space for components is pretty roomy at 360mm GPU clearance, 280mm Raditator support, SFX and SFX-L PSU support, and 68mm of CPU cooler clearance.
- 【PCIe 4.0 Riser】 The TR100 comes with an included PCIe 4.0 Riser cable to meet the demands of modern GPUs bandwidth requirements and to faciliate easy installation.
- 【Removable PCIe Bracket】Featuring a removable PCIe bracket for straight forward GPU installation, not to mention an integrated GPU brace for added security.
- JONSBO/JONSPLUS Z20 Mini Micro-ATX PC with Detachable Carrying handle-Built with only about 20L of volume, be easily placed in various desktop environments..Easier to build your PC,More convenient
- Thick to 2mm integrated bent steel panels (panel + top panel)Complemented by a large area of delicate square openings,matx case Combines heat dissipation and craftsmanship,Comprehensive Coverage Magnetic Dust Filter
- Innovative Design: Removable PCI-E Fixing Piece to Optimize the Installation Experience for Longer GPU PC Case with handle
- [FAN]TOP 120mm*2/140mm*2 Bottom 120mm*2/140mm*2 Real 120mm*1 /92mm*1
- [GPU Clearance]：Up to 363mm，depends on other hardware configurations 【ATX PSU】 ATX/SFX/SFX-L The power supply can be adjusted in multiple gears. It is recommended to check the picture for detailed introduction to prevent interference from different hardware. It supports SFX side mounting.
- JONSBO D32 STD Micro-ATX PC Case- Unmatched Price per Performance - An economical M-ATX chassis that is compatible with main popular hardware such as back connect motherboard, 240AIO, 365mm GPU , ATX(150-200mm) /SFX-L/SFX PSU (16A plug except) etc. easier to build your PC,More convenient.
- 【Small and Compact】 - Desktop dessert grade size control, mini case Bottom with magnetic dust proof net
- 【Water Cooling】: Top 240 AIO 【CPU Air Cooler】:164mm MAX (Intel CPU) or 163mm MAX (AMD CPU)
- 【FAN:】Top 120mm*2/140mm*2 Bottom 120mm*3/140mm*2 Rear 120mm*1
- 【GPU Length】: 365mm /14.37IN
- JONSBO T9 BLACK 4.0mm Aluminum SFF Desktop PC Case- 【4mm all aluminum shell】aluminum alloy sandblasting process with delicate metallic texture. Three sided CNC grille design provides excellent heat dissipation efficiency Fingertips glide over the aluminum grille with a crisp piano sound.
- 【20mm solid wood base】integrated base with hidden wiring, solid wood and aluminum box texture collision.
- ITX motherboard has three levels of mobile and flexible hardware installation, with effective matching of graphics card thickness and heat sink height. Support for radiator height and graphics card thickness in different gear settings: Level 1: Install a 3-channel graphics card with a heat sink height of<58mm Level 2: Install 2.5 slot graphics card heatsink height<68mm Level 3: Install a 2-slot graphics card with a heat sink height of less than 78mm
- Graphics card support: Normal support for graphics cards up to 310mm in length. When installing a 3.5mm HDD, graphics cards up to 202mm in length are supported
- Tool -free ITX Case-Tool free install the case Standard with a PCI-e Cable(Upgrade to pcie 5.0 in 2026)
- Mini ITX PC Case：D32R mini pc case only fits Mini-ITX motherboard type with dimensions (170mm x 170mm) as well as for the installation of a flex power supply （150x80x40mm）.
- Excellent Heat Dissipation Mesh：This mini itx case has fashionable circular mesh,not only does it provide better ventilation, it is also a very effective design for noise insulation.
- This compact PC case,205L*89W*228Hmm,is lightweight and does not take up an inch of space for young girls, and can be hidden in the corner of a bookshelf or a corner of desk with a single move. Can be easily hidden in the luggage compartment, like a laptop to accompany you to faraway places.
- This sff case can stand or lie down is perfect for housing a HTPC. Their small size makes them a great fit for most TV shelves and closets, plus they won't look out of place next to other home theater equipment.
- Made of SPCC material, 0.8mm thickness, tough compression resistance as well as anti-rust features, it maintains the advantage of being lightweight without losing its excellent compression resistance.
The Ultimate SFF Case Buying Guide: Build Small, Play Big
Small Form Factor (SFF) cases are amazing. They let you build powerful computers that take up very little desk space. Choosing the right SFF case can be tricky. This guide helps you pick the perfect tiny home for your powerful parts.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an SFF case, focus on these important parts:
Size and Volume (Liters)
SFF cases are measured in liters. Smaller is usually better for portability, but it means less space inside. Most SFF cases range from 10 liters (very small) to 25 liters (still small, but easier to build in). Decide how small you really need your PC to be.
Component Compatibility
This is the most critical step. You must check if your chosen parts fit.
- GPU Length and Thickness: Graphics cards are often the biggest hurdle. Check the maximum supported length and how many slots it takes up.
- CPU Cooler Height: Air coolers need clearance. If you want a low-profile cooler, check the maximum height allowed.
- PSU Type: Many small cases require a smaller power supply, like an SFX or SFX-L unit, not a standard ATX PSU.
Cooling Support
Small spaces trap heat. Good airflow is vital. Look for cases that support multiple small fans or have space for a compact liquid cooler (AIO).
Important Materials Used in SFF Cases
The materials affect weight, strength, and cost.
Most high-quality SFF cases use a mix of these materials:
- Aluminum: This metal is light and looks premium. It often helps dissipate heat slightly. It usually makes the case more expensive.
- Steel (SECC): Steel provides excellent rigidity and strength. It keeps the case sturdy, especially during transport. It is heavier than aluminum.
- Tempered Glass or Acrylic: These panels let you show off your components. Tempered glass is durable and scratch-resistant.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Case Quality
Good design makes building easier and keeps your PC cooler.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Tool-less Access: Cases that let you remove side panels easily improve the building experience significantly.
- Cable Management Options: Good routing channels and tie-down points prevent messy cables, which block airflow.
- Dust Filters: Removable, accessible dust filters protect your expensive components from dirt.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Poor Airflow Paths: If the case forces air to fight its way through tight spots, components will overheat.
- Sharp Edges: Cheaply manufactured cases sometimes have sharp metal edges that can cut cables or your fingers during installation.
- Proprietary Screws or Mounts: If the case uses weird screws you might lose, future upgrades become a headache.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your intended use dictates the best SFF size for you.
The Minimalist Desk Setup
If you want the absolute smallest footprint for basic work or light gaming, look at cases under 12 liters. These often require low-profile CPU coolers and integrated power supplies (SFX). Building in these can be challenging.
The Powerful Gaming Rig
For high-end gaming, you need space for a large graphics card and good cooling. Look for cases between 15 and 20 liters. These offer a better balance between size and component clearance. You will likely need an SFX-L power supply.
Portability and Travel
If you move your PC often, prioritize lightweight aluminum construction and strong handles or secure mounting points. Ensure the case design protects the front ports.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About SFF Cases
Q: What does SFF stand for?
A: SFF stands for Small Form Factor. It means the computer case is much smaller than a standard desktop tower.
Q: Do I need a special motherboard for an SFF case?
A: Yes, usually. Most SFF cases require a Mini-ITX motherboard. This motherboard size is square and much smaller than standard ATX boards.
Q: Are SFF cases always more expensive?
A: Often, yes. Engineering a case to fit powerful parts into a tiny space requires more precise manufacturing, which raises the cost.
Q: What is the easiest SFF case size for a first-time builder?
A: Cases around 18 to 22 liters are usually easier for beginners. They give you more room to maneuver your hands and install larger coolers.
Q: Can I use a standard ATX power supply in an SFF case?
A: Rarely. Most SFF cases require a smaller SFX or SFX-L power supply because the larger ATX units simply will not fit inside the limited volume.
Q: Will my gaming PC run hot in an SFF case?
A: It can, but good modern SFF cases are designed to manage heat well. You must select components that don’t produce extreme heat, or choose a case with excellent fan support.
Q: What is the difference between SFX and SFX-L power supplies?
A: SFX is the smallest standard size. SFX-L is slightly longer than SFX but often offers a larger fan for quieter operation.
Q: Should I choose a sandwich layout or a linear layout?
A: A sandwich layout places the motherboard and GPU on opposite sides, usually resulting in better direct airflow for the graphics card. A linear layout stacks components, which can be simpler but might restrict airflow.
Q: How important is the material weight?
A: Weight matters most if you plan to move the PC often. Aluminum is lighter than steel, making travel easier.
Q: Do SFF cases support water cooling?
A: Many do! Look specifically for support for 120mm or 240mm AIO radiators. This information is always listed in the case specifications.