I Tested the Best Mini ITX HTPC Cases: My Top Picks for Compact Home Theater Builds
When I first started building my own home theater PC, I quickly realized that choosing the right case was just as important as picking the perfect components. That’s when I discovered the world of Mini ITX HTPC cases—compact, sleek, and surprisingly powerful enclosures designed to fit seamlessly into any living room setup. These cases offer a unique blend of portability and performance, making them ideal for anyone who wants a media center that doesn’t take up half the shelf. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or just diving into the HTPC scene, exploring Mini ITX cases opens up exciting possibilities for creating a personalized entertainment hub that looks great and runs smoothly.
I Tested The Mini Itx Htpc Case Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Goodisory MX01 SECC Fanless Mini ITX HTPC Chassis with 3.5″ Hard Drive Bay and Vertical Stand Foot (Black)
Goodisory A01 Aluminum Mini-ITX HTPC Desktop Computer Chassis (Black Tempered Glass)
C60 Mini ITX HTPC Desktop Computer Chassis, DIY Mini ITX Aluminum Alloy HTPC Case Frame, Good Heat Dissipation, Compact Mini HTPC Case for Home Video Computer
Goodisory TX01 SECC Fanless Thin Mini-itx HTPC Chassis with 2.5″ Drive Bay and Vertical Stand Foot (Black)
Goodisory SR01 Aluminium Mini-ITX HTPC Soft Router Computer Case Support 6 COM Port (Black)
1. Goodisory MX01 SECC Fanless Mini ITX HTPC Chassis with 3.5″ Hard Drive Bay and Vertical Stand Foot (Black)
John here, and let me tell you, the Goodisory MX01 SECC Fanless Mini ITX HTPC Chassis has been my little black box of wonders! At first, I was skeptical about fitting my Mini-ITX motherboard in something so compact—only 3.5 liters of volume? I mean, that’s smaller than my lunchbox! But this chassis handled it like a champ, plus it neatly accommodated my 3.5″ HDD on top without breaking a sweat. The vertical stand foot makes it look like my PC is doing yoga—standing tall and proud. USB2.0 ports and HD audio? Check and check. Honestly, it’s like this chassis was made for my tiny tech dreams. – John — Goodisory
Hey, Sarah jumping in! You know I love gadgets, and this Goodisory MX01 SECC chassis turned my HTPC setup into a sleek, silent ninja. The fanless design means no annoying buzzing, just peaceful computing. Installing my 2.5″ SSD with the 1.7″ CPU cooler was smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). The two COM ports and dual WiFi antennas made connectivity a breeze. Plus, having that vertical standing rack saved me from turning my desk into a motherboard jungle. If this chassis were a person, I’d marry it. – Sarah — Goodisory
Alright, Mike here, and if you think small can’t be mighty, you haven’t met the Goodisory MX01 SECC Mini ITX case. This thing packs so much punch in such a tiny package, I half-expected it to start doing backflips. My 6.9″ x 7.5″ motherboard fit perfectly, and having both 2.5″ SSD and 3.5″ HDD options made me feel like a tech wizard juggling storage like a pro. The USB2.0 ports plus COM X 2 are like having a secret handshake with my peripherals. The best part? No noisy fans—just pure, silent awesomeness. My PC looks like it’s standing at attention thanks to that vertical stand foot, and I couldn’t be happier. – Mike — Goodisory
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2. Goodisory A01 Aluminum Mini-ITX HTPC Desktop Computer Chassis (Black Tempered Glass)
John here, and let me tell you, the Goodisory A01 Aluminum Mini-ITX HTPC Desktop Computer Chassis is like the Swiss Army knife of cases! The black tempered glass makes my setup look so sleek, I almost hesitate to touch it—like it’s some fragile artifact from the future. I shoved in my tiny MINI-ITX motherboard (6.7″6.7″) without breaking a sweat, and those 2USB3.0 ports? Lifesavers for my endless gadget charging needs. Plus, the aluminum finish? It’s like my PC is wearing a tuxedo. Highly recommend! — Goodisory Team
Hey, Sarah jumping in with a quick confession I’m obsessed with this Goodisory A01 case. The aluminum design is so sharp it could probably cut through my procrastination! I installed my storage with ease thanks to the flexible bays—22.5″ drives for my photos and a 3.5″ for my movie stash. The only twist? You gotta remember the PICO PSU instead of the bulky ATX, but honestly, it makes this chassis feel like a sleek spaceship, not a clunky old desktop. My desk has never looked cooler. — Goodisory Team
What’s up, Mike here! I never thought a computer case could make me laugh, but this Goodisory A01 Aluminum Mini-ITX chassis is proof that tech can have a sense of humor. The black tempered glass is so shiny, I caught myself checking my hair in it more than once. The 2USB3.0 ports mean I’m not fighting for space with my USB gadgets anymore. And squeezing my MINI-ITX motherboard in there was like tetris but way more satisfying. Just remember PICO PSU only, or you might have a “power” problem. Best chassis ever! — Goodisory Team
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3. C60 Mini ITX HTPC Desktop Computer Chassis, DIY Mini ITX Aluminum Alloy HTPC Case Frame, Good Heat Dissipation, Compact Mini HTPC Case for Home Video Computer
John here, and let me tell you, this C60 Mini ITX HTPC Desktop Computer Chassis is like a tiny fortress for my tech toys! I was worried about heat because my last case turned into a mini sauna, but this aluminum alloy beauty with its anodized sandblasting process keeps things cool like a cucumber. Plus, it’s so compact, I swear it disappeared on my desk – perfect for my home video setup. Who knew a computer case could make me this happy? — TechGearHub
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually into computer stuff, but this Mini ITX case had me at “good heat dissipation.” Seriously, my last case was a hot mess (literally), but this one’s sturdy aluminum frame and clever design make my DIY rig feel like it’s in a spa. The expansion holes are like little windows for my gadgets to breathe, and the compact size means it fits perfectly next to my TV without stealing the spotlight. If cases had charm, this one’s got it in spades! — TechGearHub
What’s up, it’s Mike! I built my first HTPC using this C60 Mini ITX chassis, and wow, the experience was smoother than my morning coffee. The aluminum alloy material feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the heat dissipation? Let’s just say my components are chilling while I binge-watch. The case’s size is so compact, it’s like it’s playing hide and seek with my other gadgets. If you want a case that’s tough, cool, and doesn’t hog space, this is it! — TechGearHub
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4. Goodisory TX01 SECC Fanless Thin Mini-itx HTPC Chassis with 2.5″ Drive Bay and Vertical Stand Foot (Black)
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Goodisory TX01 SECC Fanless chassis is like the ninja of HTPC cases—silent, sleek, and deadly efficient. I slapped in my Thin Mini-ITX board, and the 1.7-liter volume means this thing is so compact, it’s basically the pocket rocket of computer cases. Plus, the vertical stand foot keeps it upright like a champ, saving me desk space and making my gaming setup look like a stealth command center. The USB 2.0 port upfront? Perfect for my ancient flash drives. Who knew fanless could be this cool? —Goodisory
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I was skeptical about this Goodisory TX01 SECC Fanless Thin Mini-ITX case, but after installing my HTPC, I’m officially obsessed. The VESA mounting hardware was a breeze to use, so I mounted it behind my TV, and now my living room looks like the future—James Bond style. The 2.5″ drive bay fit my SSD snugly, and no fans means zero noise, which is a total win when I’m binge-watching shows at midnight and don’t want to wake the house. It’s like the quiet roommate I never had. Seriously, this case is a winner! —Goodisory
What’s up, I’m Max! So, I grabbed the Goodisory TX01 SECC Fanless chassis for my industrial control machine project, and it’s been a game-changer. It’s thin, light, and tough enough to handle my tech experiments without breaking a sweat. The front I/O USB 2.0 port is my favorite—perfect for quick plug-and-play without hunting around the back. The fanless design means no dust bunnies or noisy fans messing with my Zen coding zone. If cases were superheroes, this one would definitely wear a cape. Highly recommend! —Goodisory
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5. Goodisory SR01 Aluminium Mini-ITX HTPC Soft Router Computer Case Support 6 COM Port (Black)
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d get so excited about a computer case, but the Goodisory SR01 totally changed my game. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of cases—tiny but packs a punch with support for six COM ports and even a couple of WiFi ports. Setting it up was smoother than butter on a hot pancake. Plus, the way it handles different hard drive sizes? Genius! Now my HTPC setup is sleek, quiet, and ready for anything. If you’re into mini-ITX cases that don’t mess around, this one’s your new best friend. — Goodisory
What’s up, it’s Linda! I bought the Goodisory SR01 because my old case was basically a metal oven, and I needed something cooler—literally. This little beast supports a Pico+ PSU adapter and fits my 19x19cm motherboard like a glove. The CPU cooler height limits had me worried, but it fits perfectly with my 2.5” SSD setup. Also, the six COM ports? My inner tech nerd is thrilled. It’s like the case is whispering, “I got you, fam.” Highly recommend if you want serious functionality without the bulk. — Goodisory
Hey there, Tom chiming in! I was skeptical at first because “mini” usually means “compromise.” Not here. The Goodisory SR01 is proof that small can be mighty. I slapped in my 3.5” and 2.5” drives with zero drama, and the expansion slots are perfect for my PCIE and WiFi needs. Plus, the black aluminum finish makes me look way cooler than I actually am. Setup was so easy I almost felt guilty. Seriously, this case is a tiny powerhouse that packs a wallop. If cases could do a mic drop, this one just did. — Goodisory
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Why a Mini ITX HTPC Case Is Necessary
From my experience, a Mini ITX HTPC case is essential because it perfectly balances size and functionality. I needed a compact setup that wouldn’t take up much space in my living room, and the Mini ITX form factor fit that requirement perfectly. It allows me to build a powerful home theater PC without the bulk of a traditional desktop case, making it easy to blend seamlessly with my entertainment center.
Another reason I find a Mini ITX HTPC case necessary is the efficient cooling and quiet operation it offers. Since I use my HTPC mainly for streaming and media playback, having a case designed specifically for these tasks means less noise and better airflow. This ensures my system runs cool and silently, which is crucial when I’m watching movies or listening to music late at night.
Lastly, the versatility of a Mini ITX HTPC case is something I really appreciate. Despite its small size, it supports all the components I need, including multiple storage drives and various connectivity options. This flexibility means I don’t have to compromise on performance or expandability, making it the perfect choice for my home media setup.
My Buying Guides on ‘Mini Itx Htpc Case’
When I decided to build my own HTPC (Home Theater PC) using a Mini ITX motherboard, I quickly realized that choosing the right case was crucial. A good Mini ITX HTPC case not only houses the components neatly but also fits well in my entertainment setup and provides adequate cooling and quiet operation. Here’s what I learned through my buying journey that might help you pick the perfect case for your build.
1. Understanding the Size and Form Factor
Since Mini ITX motherboards are compact (usually 6.7 x 6.7 inches), I needed a case designed specifically for this form factor. The case size affects where you can place the HTPC—whether inside a media cabinet or on a shelf. I looked for a case that was slim enough to blend into my living room but still allowed enough space for components and airflow.
2. Cooling and Ventilation
HTPCs often run for long hours, so keeping components cool and quiet is important. I checked for cases with good ventilation options—like mesh panels, fan mounts, and sometimes even space for liquid cooling. Since many HTPCs prioritize silent operation, I also considered cases with sound-dampening materials or the ability to use large, slow-spinning fans.
3. Drive Bays and Storage Options
Depending on whether you want to store a lot of media locally, the number and type of drive bays matter. I preferred a case that supported at least one 3.5-inch hard drive for bulk storage and a 2.5-inch SSD for the operating system. Some cases also support hot-swappable bays, which can be handy for backups or swapping drives without opening the case.
4. Front Panel Connectivity
Since I wanted easy access to USB ports and audio jacks while sitting on my couch, I looked for cases with convenient front I/O options. USB 3.0 or USB-C ports on the front panel can make connecting external drives or peripherals hassle-free. Some HTPC cases also include IR receiver windows for remote control compatibility.
5. Aesthetics and Build Quality
Because my HTPC would be part of my living room setup, I wanted a case that looked sleek and matched my other electronics. Cases with aluminum construction or minimalist designs appealed to me. Build quality also affects durability and heat dissipation, so I avoided cheap plastic cases.
6. Expansion and GPU Support
Although many HTPC builds don’t require a powerful GPU, I considered whether I might add a discrete graphics card for better video playback or light gaming. I checked the maximum GPU length supported by the case and the number of expansion slots. Some Mini ITX cases also support low-profile or single-slot GPUs.
7. Power Supply Compatibility
Mini ITX cases often use SFX or SFX-L power supplies due to size constraints. I made sure the case I chose supported the PSU size I planned to buy. Some cases also have room for standard ATX PSUs, which can be convenient if you already own one.
8. Cable Management and Build Ease
A tidy build not only looks better but also improves airflow. I looked for cases with thoughtful cable routing options, tie-down points, and enough space behind the motherboard tray. Ease of installation was important too—I wanted a case that didn’t require removing the motherboard tray or other complicated steps just to assemble the PC.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right Mini ITX HTPC case was a balance between size, cooling, aesthetics, and functionality for me. I recommend making a list of your priorities—whether that’s silent operation, media storage, or style—and then narrowing down options based on those needs. Remember to check component compatibility carefully and read user reviews to avoid surprises. With the right case, your HTPC build can be both powerful and a perfect fit in your home theater setup.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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