Recommendations for a (Gaming) Mini ITX Case that Travels Well?

[bznotins]

I know Mini ITX cases can sometimes be unique and found through non-traditional means, so I wanted to tap into the forum's knowledge and see if there's a recommendation for a good ITX case with the following characteristics (in order of priority):

- Travels well, fits in a standard rollaboard with room to spare
- Capable of handling a dual-slot GPU (single-slot OK if it results in improved portability)
- Standard ATX PSU capability preferred, but other options (SFF/External) OK
- No ODD tray/space necessary
- No space required for multiple HDDs, one SSD slot is plenty
- Carrying handle would be great, but not required
- Noise not a concern

I could just get a gaming laptop, but that will likely prove to be more expensive and also won't give me an upgrade path over the years as I try to keep this rig current.

For the components, I'm likely going to go solidly midrange, with an eye for efficiency. Willing to make some performance tradeoffs for portability and sustainable thermals.

I have one of my HTPCs in a Wesena ITX4 which is about as small as one can get (outside of NUC territory), but totally inadequate for a rig that requires a gaming video card. In a perfect world, I would go with an ever-so-slightly larger version of that case (if one existed) that allowed for a SFF or ATX PSU and a dual-slot video card.

Any thoughts or tips?

 

[dma0991]

If I had to be constrained with a SFX or any non-standard sized small PSUs, it will either be a Shuttle barebones or Silverstone SG05 or CM Elite 120 but its a bit larger and use a standard ATX PSU. You can add case handles or use a cheap hardware store drawer handle if you need them.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Just get a mitx case and get handles for it. Its no big deal.

 

[bznotins]

If I had to be constrained with a SFX or any non-standard sized small PSUs, it will either be a Shuttle barebones or Silverstone SG05 or CM Elite 120 but its a bit larger and use a standard ATX PSU. You can add case handles or use a cheap hardware store drawer handle if you need them.

Thanks for the suggestion. The SG05 is the leader in the clubhouse right now. Handles are secondary (as you noted).

 

[Zap]

The SG05 is the leader in the clubhouse right now.

SG05 would be my recommendation. It can take up to around 10" dual slot graphics cards. Buy the SG05-LITE and the ST45SF PSU separately. Will cost you a few bucks less and surprisingly you will gain a longer warranty. It uses a slim optical drive and stock configuration supports one 2.5" and one 3.5" drive bays, but you can just leave some bays empty. It is the smallest currently available that comes closest to what you want.

Alternatives are:

Silverstone SG06 - More expensive, prettier version of SG05.

Silverstone SG07/SG08 - More expensive and larger, but takes a pseudo ATX PSU (comes with 600W Bronze unit) and can fit larger graphics cards and slightly bigger air coolers.

Cooler Master Elite 120/130 - Cheap, fits normal ATX PSUs and the biggest graphics cards, but ends up a lot bigger (I own a 120 and a couple SG05). The 130 is an updated version that fixes the airflow issues of the 120 plus gives it removable drive bays. Speaking of, it supports quite a few drives so there's some wasted space for your use. The 120 is pretty cheap now with rebates (around $35). The 130 is not yet available but Amazon is already taking preorders ("ships in 1-3 months").

 

[bznotins]

Thanks, for the feedback. I went with the SG05 and 450W SFF PSU individually.

Looking forward to the build...