Expert Review & Guide
Compact PC cases exist for a simple reason: most desks do not need a full-size fortress. A well-chosen Micro-ATX mini, compact ATX airflow tower, or sub-30-liter chassis can still cool a modern GPU, accept a real cooler or AIO, and leave room for a keyboard, microphone, and the edge of a monitor arm. In 2026 the compact category is wider than “tiny and compromised.” Some shells chase panoramic glass and ARGB. Others prioritize mesh, wood fronts, carry handles, or back-connect motherboard support.
This roundup uses only the ten cases in our best-compact-pc-cases pack. We compared true miniaturization versus compact-ATX footprints, pre-installed fan value, radiator limits, GPU and cooler clearance, dust filtration, front I/O usefulness (especially USB-C), and how forgiving each chassis is when cable space gets tight. Lian Li leads the premium compact story with the Vector V100 Mini and the A3 wood collaboration. NZXT’s H5 Flow remains the compact ATX airflow teacher.
Ignore street-price obsession—fan bundles and glass configurations swing listings constantly. Start with the three top picks if you already know you want a showcase mATX Lian Li, a designer wood-front compact, or a mesh ATX Flow. Use the comparison table to separate 415mm GPU heroes from 260–280mm ultra-minis. Then read each review for clearance gotchas before you pair a long card with a charming small box.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Scan form factor, GPU room, and fan or radiator support before you fall for a product photo. Specs below highlight what matters in small chassis—motherboard size, cooling potential, and practical clearance. No prices—check the live listing for the current offer.
The Lian Li Vector V100 Mini is the compact case that still feels like a modern showcase rather than a compromise. It targets Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards, then stacks features people usually chase in larger towers: four pre-installed ARGB PWM fans, panoramic tempered glass, a 360mm AIO path, and GPU support up to 415mm.
Cooling starts ahead of many rivals because empty mounts are not your day-one problem. Three side intakes and a rear exhaust create a clear path for a hot graphics card, while PWM control keeps idle noise sane. Lian Li notes that 280mm AIOs are incompatible due to motherboard clearance, so plan a 360mm unit or a capable air cooler instead.
Visibility is the other half of the pitch. Front and side glass create a wide view without forcing a full ATX fishbowl that eats half a desk. The adjustable anti-sag bracket matters when dense modern cards sit horizontally for long sessions, and dedicated routing channels help hide mATX cable clutter behind a cleaner camera angle.
Who should buy it? Anyone who wants Lian Li presentation in a true micro footprint, already plans an mATX board, and values pre-installed ARGB airflow over a blank chassis. Skip it for full ATX compatibility, dual-GPU experiments, or cooling plans that insist on a 280mm radiator layout.
Pair it with a short-enough ATX or SFX power supply, measure GPU thickness against slot count, and decide early how RGB sync will run. Those three decisions matter more than chasing one more millimeter of theoretical clearance on a listing diagram.
Choose this if you are committed to mATX or ITX, want panoramic glass, and prefer four ARGB PWM fans already installed. Skip it for full ATX boards or cooling plans that insist on a 280mm AIO.
Keep the three side fans as intake unless you have a specific reverse-flow plan, and let the rear fan exhaust. Confirm ARGB cable routing early so glass panels close without pinching wires.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The Lian Li A3-mATX Wood edition is for builders who want hardware to look intentional beside books and a clean monitor stand. At about 26.3 liters it stays small, yet it still supports mATX or ITX boards, four expansion slots, and GPUs up to 415mm. The walnut wood front softens the usual gaming-case aggression without turning the chassis into a sealed prop.
Airflow is not sacrificed for aesthetics. Steel mesh on the side and top keeps high-TDP GPUs and radiator builds breathing. Support for a 360mm radiator and as many as ten 120mm fans means you can treat this like a serious cooling platform. Important honesty check: no fans are included, so your build budget must finish intake and exhaust on day one.
Flexible PSU installation—front or side, ATX/SFX/SFX-L, including Lian Li EDGE units—helps reclaim clearance when a long GPU and thick radiator compete. Compared with the Vector V100 Mini, the A3 Wood is calmer, more modular, and less plug-and-play. It wins when desk texture and mesh performance beat rainbow factory fan curtains.
Build planning should start with a fan map. Decide where the 360mm radiator lives, then choose PSU orientation so cables do not fight the wood front’s clean silhouette. Dense mesh traps dust quickly in small rooms, so filter habits matter as much as RGB taste.
Choose the A3 Wood for a compact mATX case that looks adult in daylight and still cools a modern card. Pass if you need a complete fan bundle in the box or panoramic glass theater. As a designer compact pick in this pack, it is hard to outclass.
Pick it for minimalist offices and high-TDP GPUs that still need mesh breathing room in a 26-liter class chassis. Avoid it if you need included fans or a rainbow panoramic first impression.
Map the 360mm radiator location before buying parts, then choose front or side PSU mounting to protect GPU clearance. Budget a quality fan set immediately.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
NZXT’s H5 Flow proves compact does not have to mean Micro-ATX only. This black mid-tower still accepts mainstream ATX boards while keeping the exterior tighter than classic chunky towers. Two included 120mm Quiet Airflow fans, tempered glass, and ultra-fine mesh across the top, front, and side panels make it an honest first airflow build.
GPU thermals get special attention. The PSU shroud is perforated on the side and bottom so air can reach the card instead of stagnating under a solid shelf. NZXT also leaves room for additional 120mm fans in that zone, which matters for hot 1440p or 4K GPUs in warm rooms.
Radiator support is stronger than compact marketing suggests: up to 360mm in front and 240mm up top. Cable management is classic NZXT—wide channels, hooks, and straps—so a Saturday build can look finished. Tradeoffs are clear: only two fans ship in the box, and the footprint is still larger than true ~20L mATX minis.
The H5 Flow suits students, upgraders fleeing solid-front ovens, and anyone who needs ATX features without a giant tower. It is less ideal if you need carry-handle portability or a furniture-wood aesthetic. For compact ATX airflow in 2026, it remains one of the most recommendable mainstream choices in this pack.
Before buying, confirm GPU length against the listing, plan front radiator thickness versus intake fans, and decide whether side GPU fans come later. Those steps prevent the common surprise of a card that fits on paper but crowds the front cooling stack.
ATX builders who want compact mesh airflow, tempered glass, and a sane first liquid-cooling path should start here. Look elsewhere for carry-handle mATX minis or wood-front lifestyle cases.
Use the included front and rear fans as a baseline, then add side or shroud fans if GPU hotspot temps demand it. Route cables through the wide channels before mounting the glass.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The JONSBO Z20 is the compact mATX mini builders notice for its detachable carrying handle—and keep because the roughly 20-liter shell still accepts serious parts. Thick integrated steel panels with dense square perforations feel more crafted than many budget plastic minis, while magnetic dust filtration keeps the open areas from becoming a dust sponge.
Hardware support is the surprise. GPU clearance can reach around 363mm depending on the stack, top mounting supports a 240mm AIO at modest thickness, and CPU air coolers can approach the mid-160mm range. That puts the Z20 in the rare pocket of cases small enough for a handle yet large enough for a modern mid-high gaming card.
Power supply flexibility is thoughtful: ATX, SFX, and SFX-L are in play, with adjustable positioning and SFX side-mount options. Always check JONSBO’s diagrams before assuming a long ATX brick will behave. Front I/O includes USB-C and USB-A, which is the connectivity set most 2026 builders actually use.
The Z20 fits LAN-party regulars, apartment movers, and desk minimalists who refuse ITX-only constraints. It is not for panoramic glass collectors or anyone needing a 360mm radiator. Compared with the D32, the Z20 trades a bit of stationary bulk for handle-first mobility and denser mini steel craft.
Build tip: dry-fit the GPU and PSU orientation before final motherboard torque, and keep AIO tubes away from the handle hardware path. Small cases punish late-stage cable discoveries more than mid-towers do.
LAN travelers, apartment movers, and tight-desk gamers who still want mATX performance parts are the core audience. Pass if you need 360mm cooling or a panoramic glass stage.
Dry-fit ATX versus SFX options against your GPU length. JONSBO’s multi-gear PSU adjustment only helps if you actually test the combination before final assembly.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
JONSBO’s D32 STD aims at the sweet spot many compact builders need: small desktop proportions, Micro-ATX flexibility, and clearance for parts people already own. It supports Mini-ITX and mATX boards including back-connect designs, GPUs up to 365mm, top 240mm AIOs, and air coolers around 163–164mm. ATX, SFX-L, and SFX power supplies remain possible when length is chosen carefully.
The D32 is less theatrical than panoramic glass cases and less portable than the handled Z20, which is why it works as a daily driver. Magnetic bottom dust protection, sensible fan mounts, and USB-C front I/O make it feel complete rather than novel. The footprint stays in that dessert-grade compact zone that still fits under a monitor arm’s shadow.
Cooling strategy should prioritize a strong rear exhaust plus either a top AIO or a quality cooler that respects the height cap. Bottom intakes help GPU-heavy builds if filters stay clean. Because the case invites ATX PSUs, measure cable-side depth so the shroud area does not become a brick fight.
Versus Lian Li, the D32 is practical value compact: fewer lifestyle flourishes, more will-my-parts-fit honesty. Versus the Cooler Master Q300L, it feels more modern in I/O and board support, especially for back-connect motherboards. High ratings match that usefulness.
Pick the D32 if you want a compact black mATX case for a quiet upgrade path without a fashion statement. Skip it if panoramic RGB is the main goal or if you need a 360mm radiator. Lock motherboard, GPU length, PSU length, and cooler height on one checklist before it arrives.
Builders prioritizing back-connect mATX support, USB-C, and 365mm GPU room in a compact black shell will feel at home. Glass showcase hunters should compare Lian Li first.
A top 240mm AIO plus rear exhaust is a clean default. Air-cooler users should stay near the 163mm guidance and keep bottom filters clean if using floor intakes.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Cooler Master’s Q300L V1 remains a compact classic because it refuses to pretend a Micro-ATX case must be a sealed shoebox. Perforations on multiple sides create an open thermal design that dumps heat efficiently, while magnetic dust filters try to keep that openness from becoming a dust farm. The transparent side panel shows your work without a full panoramic aquarium.
Clearance numbers still impress for the shape: CPU coolers up to 159mm, GPUs up to 360mm, PSUs up to 160mm, plus 240mm AIO support and room for multiple fans. A mainstream mATX gaming build can live here without immediately hitting a wall—if you respect the cooler height and PSU length caps that trip first-time cube builders.
The modular I/O panel is the Q300L’s personality feature. Repositioning it to the front, top, or bottom on either side sounds minor until your desk cable drop fights a fixed USB cluster. In compact rooms, that flexibility can save a frustrating return and keep peripherals where your hands actually reach.
Aesthetically the Q300L is utilitarian cube, not boutique lounge. If you want walnut wood or seamless ARGB curtains, look at the Lian Li entries. If you want maximum airflow honesty and a chassis that has taught thousands of builders how compact can still cool, it earns its place.
Best for budget mATX gaming PCs, secondary streaming boxes, and learners who value thermal openness over glass theater. Less ideal for silent living-room HTPC duty because open meshes pass more fan noise. Prioritize a short PSU, a mid-height cooler or 240mm AIO, and tidy routing—you cannot hide everything behind an opaque wall.
Budget mATX builders who want open airflow and modular I/O more than boutique materials should shortlist this Cooler Master cube. Silent HTPC buyers can skip it.
Open meshes cool well and admit more dust and sound. Schedule filter cleanings and consider quieter fan swaps if the PC lives beside a bed.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The Zalman CUBIX-G is a compact Micro-ATX mini tower aimed at budget gaming desks that still want panoramic tempered glass. Three pre-installed 120mm FRGB fans give lighting and airflow without an empty unboxing, while USB Type-C keeps the front panel from feeling stuck in 2018. For small black setups that need presence, it is an accessible candidate.
Hardware limits define the buyer. GPU support tops out around 280mm, ATX PSUs around 140mm, and CPU air coolers around 155mm. Those numbers fit many mid-range cards and efficient coolers, but they exclude longer flagship GPUs and tall dual-tower air coolers. Measure twice—compact panoramic cases punish optimistic shopping.
Storage is modest yet practical: combinations of 2.5-inch drives plus a 3.5-inch option. FRGB fans use simpler fixed lighting behavior, so do not expect the same motherboard ARGB ecosystem finesse as the Lian Li V100 Mini’s PWM ARGB pack. Compared with the white CUBIX sibling, the CUBIX-G is the more game-ready variant.
Buy the CUBIX-G for a tidy mATX RGB starter PC on a shallow desk. Avoid it for 360mm radiators, 320mm-plus graphics cards, or silent workstations that hate glass-and-fan noise reflection. As a budget panoramic mini in this pack, it fills a real niche when your parts list respects the clearance envelope.
During assembly, install the GPU early to confirm seat depth, then route front-panel USB-C carefully so the cable is not pinched by the glass edge. Small panoramic cases often fail at cable dress more than at raw fitment.
Short-GPU mATX gaming builds that want panoramic glass and included FRGB fans fit this Zalman best. Long flagship cards should look higher in the list.
Measure the card’s full length including power plugs and leave bend radius so the glass side closes without pressure on PCIe connectors.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
DARKROCK’s EC2 is the pack’s budget-minded compact ATX mid-tower for builders who still want a standard ATX board and a mesh front without boutique pricing. Tempered glass shows the hardware, Type-C keeps connectivity current, and the mesh face is there to move air. One pre-installed fan means you should plan purchases beyond the box.
Cooling headroom is the sales pitch: up to eight 120mm fans and a 360mm front radiator. That is a lot of potential for a value chassis if you fill mounts as thermals demand. Magnetic dust filters on top and bottom help when mesh fronts pull in room dust—an underrated detail at this tier.
Compatibility includes ATX, mATX, and ITX boards plus GPU lengths up to about 340mm and PSU lengths up to 200mm. That 340mm GPU ceiling is the sober limit next to Lian Li’s 415mm compact heroes. Many mainstream cards fit; the longest triple-slot monsters may not. Verify your exact SKU length including power connectors.
The EC2 will not win a craftsmanship contest against Lian Li or NZXT. It can win a practical build when you need ATX, Type-C, mesh, and radiator ambition on a restrained budget. Ratings around 4.4 reflect that useful-but-value positioning rather than premium materials.
Best for first ATX gaming PCs and upgrades from aging OEM shells. Skip it if you specifically want Micro-ATX miniaturization or a carry-handle LAN case. Suggested fan map: front intake stack, rear exhaust, optional top exhaust if noise allows—and clean the bottom filter regularly.
ATX beginners who want mesh, Type-C, and 360mm front radiator ambition without boutique pricing are the target. Micro-ITX miniaturists should move on.
Start with front intakes and rear exhaust, then add top fans only after measuring noise. A single stock fan is not enough for a hot GPU.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
MOROVOL’s V3 MATX case chases the panoramic tempered-glass look in a footprint that still claims not to steal the whole desk. The 270° glass wrap is the reason it exists: show the board, the GPU, and cable work on camera. Three pre-installed fans give a starter airflow kit, and the listing emphasizes a cost-effective compact gaming presentation.
Internally, MOROVOL uses a split layout where the power supply and drives can live behind the motherboard area. That cleans the showcase chamber and creates a somewhat independent heat path, which is smart for glass-heavy cases that otherwise trap warmth for photos. Mesh openings around fan and PSU zones support that dual-path idea.
Clearance is mid-pack: Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards, GPUs up to 320mm, PSUs up to 160mm, and CPU coolers up to 158mm. Front I/O is simpler—USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 without Type-C—so dongle life may continue if peripherals went all USB-C. Fan expansion up to seven positions is available if you densify cooling later.
Choose the V3 if showcase glass is the priority and your GPU is not a 350mm-plus flagship. Skip it if Type-C front I/O is mandatory or if you need Lian Li’s more refined cable and brand ecosystem. Among value panoramic mATX options here, it remains a legitimate contender when priced as a complete starter shell.
Build note: glass panels need careful handling on carpet, and RGB cable clutter is more visible in a 270° case—budget time for cable aesthetics after the PC POSTs. Keep the magnetic top filter on a cleaning schedule so the showcase does not become a dust gallery.
RGB showcase builders on a value budget who can live without front USB-C will like the panoramic V3. Type-C-first users should prefer other pack options.
Mount the PSU and drives in the rear zone to keep the glass chamber photogenic, and keep that area’s mesh paths unobstructed by spare cables.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
The white Zalman CUBIX is the ultra-small desk mini of this roundup: about 17.1 liters, heavy-duty 0.8T steel, and a clean light chassis for HTPC stands, dorm shelves, and minimal white setups. It supports Micro-ATX-class boards while still accepting a standard ATX PSU—an important convenience when you do not want to hunt an SFX unit for a tiny shell.
Performance expectations must stay honest. GPU length support around 260mm and CPU cooler height around 137mm mean this is not a home for the longest modern gaming cards or thick dual-tower coolers. The included 80mm fan and perforated front provide a baseline, not a high-TDP gaming thermal solution. Think efficient CPUs, shorter GPUs, or office-plus-light-gaming builds.
Front I/O is basic: USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and a 3.5mm combo audio jack. That is enough for keyboards, mice, and headsets, but it is not the USB-C-forward panel found on the CUBIX-G or JONSBO models. The win is volume and steel solidity in a charming small footprint.
Compared with the CUBIX-G, this white CUBIX is more HTPC or compact productivity oriented. Compared with the JONSBO Z20, it is less of a portable high-performance mini and more of a shelf-friendly appliance case. Ratings around 4.4 fit a specialized compact tool rather than a universal gaming recommendation.
Buy it for white aesthetic mini PCs and secondary systems where desk reclaim beats GPU bragging rights. Avoid it for 300mm-plus graphics cards, 360mm AIOs, or silent high-power workstations. Write down GPU length, cooler height, and PSU depth before purchase—ultra-compact cases leave almost no forgiveness for “it should be close.”
HTPC, dorm, and white-desk minimal builds with shorter GPUs and modest coolers are the sweet spot. High-end gaming part lists will outgrow the clearance limits quickly.
Replace or supplement cooling if you run anything beyond efficient low-TDP parts, and keep the perforated front unblocked by shelves or fabric.
We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Compact is a marketing umbrella covering compact ATX mid-towers, ~20–30L mATX minis, cubes, and sub-20L ultra-small shells. An NZXT H5 Flow and a Zalman CUBIX are not solving the same desk problem. Measure the shelf, knee space, and cable grommet path before you shop.
If you already own an ATX motherboard, do not force a Micro-ATX-only case. If you are buying a new board anyway, mATX often gives the best balance of features and case choice in this pack.
Modern graphics cards vary wildly in length and thickness. Always compare the card’s published length—including power connector overhang—to the case limit, then subtract radiator thickness if a front AIO shares that tunnel.
In this pack, Lian Li’s V100 Mini and A3 Wood lead long-card flexibility. Zalman CUBIX and CUBIX-G demand shorter GPUs. Mid options like JONSBO D32, Z20, MOROVOL V3, Cooler Master Q300L, and DARKROCK EC2 sit between those poles.
Small cases often keep trays close to side panels and roofs, which is why cooler heights around 137–164mm and 240mm radiator caps appear even when a mid-tower sibling offers 360mm everywhere. Read exceptions carefully: the V100 Mini supports 360mm but not 280mm AIOs, while the H5 Flow and EC2 lean on front 360mm support.
If you love tall dual-tower air coolers, verify height before falling for panoramic glass. Liquid cooling can reclaim headroom only if tube routing clears RAM and VRM heatsinks.
Pre-installed fans change day-one thermals. The V100 Mini’s four ARGB PWM fans and Zalman/MOROVOL bundles feel complete. The Lian Li A3 Wood and DARKROCK EC2 expect you to finish the airflow plan. Neither approach is wrong; mixing them up in a spreadsheet is.
In tight cases, fan quality matters as much as fan count. A noisy 80mm or cheap dense stack can make a small PC feel louder than a larger tower with slower fans.
Mesh and perforated compact cases need filter discipline. Magnetic top and bottom filters on several models here are maintenance tools, not cosmetics. USB-C on the front panel is increasingly the difference between daily convenience and a permanent rear-I/O dongle.
Plan cable volume too. SFX PSUs free space but are not mandatory when a case allows short ATX units. Leave service clearance so you can replace an SSD later without dismantling a panoramic glass sandwich.
In practice, compact means you are intentionally choosing a smaller footprint than a classic full-size mid-tower: Micro-ATX minis around 20–30 liters, compact ATX airflow towers that shrink width and depth, cubes, and ultra-small shells near or under roughly 20 liters. The label matters less than whether the case frees desk space while still fitting your motherboard and GPU. This guide mixes those subclasses so you can see tradeoffs instead of assuming every compact listing is Mini-ITX only.
Buy compact ATX if you already own an ATX board or want maximum motherboard features, as with the NZXT H5 Flow or DARKROCK EC2. Buy a Micro-ATX mini if reclaiming desk volume is the main goal and you will pick an mATX or ITX board, as with the Lian Li V100 Mini, A3 Wood, JONSBO models, Cooler Master Q300L, Zalman CUBIX options, or MOROVOL V3. Never force an ATX board into an mATX-only shell.
Yes when airflow paths and clearance match the card. Mesh-heavy designs like the H5 Flow, A3 Wood, Q300L, and EC2 are built around moving air across hot GPUs. Panoramic glass cases can also work if they include strong side intakes, as the V100 Mini does. Problems appear when a short GPU-length limit forces a thick card against glass with weak intake, or when a single tiny stock fan is asked to cool a flagship part.
More important every year. Phones, portable SSDs, and many headset or controller cables expect USB-C. Cases in this pack such as the JONSBO models, Zalman CUBIX-G, and DARKROCK EC2 include Type-C, while some value panoramic shells still ship USB-A only. If your rear motherboard ports are blocked by a wall or monitor stand, front USB-C becomes daily usability rather than a luxury checkbox.
Not always. Several compact cases here explicitly support ATX PSUs with length limits—JONSBO D32 and Z20, Cooler Master Q300L, Zalman CUBIX, MOROVOL V3, and others. SFX or SFX-L units help when you want maximum GPU clearance or cleaner routing. Choose SFX when case diagrams show ATX collisions with your card; otherwise a quality short ATX PSU is often simpler and more widely available.
Stay inside the published limit with a few millimeters of margin. In this pack you will see figures roughly from 137mm on the smallest Zalman CUBIX up through the mid-150mm range on Q300L, CUBIX-G, and MOROVOL, and around 160–164mm on JONSBO Z20 and D32. If your favorite dual-tower cooler is taller than the case allows, switch to a low-profile air cooler or a supported AIO size instead of hoping for magic clearance.
The NZXT H5 Flow is the friendliest compact ATX starting point thanks to included fans, clear mesh airflow, and approachable cable channels. The Lian Li V100 Mini is an excellent first mATX showcase if you follow the mATX-only and AIO-size notes. Value first-timers who need ATX can consider the DARKROCK EC2 if they budget extra fans immediately. Ultra-small shells like the white CUBIX are harsher first builds because clearance mistakes hurt more.
Sometimes. In this pack, the Lian Li V100 Mini, Lian Li A3 Wood, NZXT H5 Flow (front), and DARKROCK EC2 (front) are the clearest 360mm paths. Several JONSBO and cube options top out at 240mm. Always check whether the 360mm mount is front or top and whether thick radiators steal GPU length. A 360mm AIO in a compact shell is a planning project, not a guarantee from the word gaming on the box.
The best compact PC case in 2026 is the one that matches your motherboard size, GPU length, and desk reality—not the one with the busiest product photo. For most showcase mATX builders in this pack, the Lian Li Vector V100 Mini is the strongest overall blend of fans, glass, and long-card support. If your desk wants calmer materials and mesh-first thermals, the Lian Li A3-mATX Wood edition is the designer compact to beat. Need ATX without a giant tower? The NZXT H5 Flow still teaches compact airflow the right way.
From there, choose by lifestyle. JONSBO’s Z20 adds a carry handle and steel-craft mini energy; the D32 STD maximizes practical mATX compatibility and USB-C. Cooler Master’s Q300L remains the open-air cube mentor. Zalman, MOROVOL, and DARKROCK fill budget panoramic and value ATX lanes when you accept their clearer clearance ceilings.
Measure twice, buy fans on purpose, and treat GPU length as sacred. Do that, and a compact case stops feeling like a compromise and starts feeling like the PC that finally fits the room you actually have.