Best SFFPC Cases For Your Build in 2021

SFFPC cases have caught on like wildfire and, well, there’s a good reason why. They allow us to build surprisingly small computers without sacrificing any power and that, in short what dreams are made of! They also come in various shapes and sizes, and will enable you to create the perfect kind of build for your workload and use-case scenario.

Want to go super small and esoteric? Not a problem: the Velka 3 will be right up your alley. Want something a bit bigger and mainstream? There’s always Dancase. Maybe you don’t want the smallest case imaginable but would still prefer something a bit more compact and unassuming than your run-of-the-mill tower case? Cooler Master has you covered with its NR200.

There’s something for everyone, as they say! Moreover, the amount of depth and variety present within this particular space is simply astounding. There’s no other way to put it. One quick glance at the SFFPC subreddit is all you need to understand just how rich and diverse this segment of the market really is. And, well, it’s only going to get better and better as small form factor cases and PC builds grow in popularity.

So, let’s go over a few interesting options that might pique your interest!

Note: Some of these SFFPC cases are easier to get ahold of than others. Some, like the Velkas, will prove to be quite problematic. Others, like the H1 or NR200P, are probably up for sale at your local hardware store, so make sure to do a bit of research!

Velka 3, 5, 7, and K39

The entire Velka line-up — and the K39 which is essentially a “knock-off” — consists of some of the smallest SFFPC cases you’ll find on the market. They’re not perfect, mind you, but they’ll still allow you to cram in some mighty powerful hardware within their enclosures.

The biggest downside, however, is that they’re hard to find and often sell at a premium — despite not being made of any premium materials. Then again, such a thing holds true for most cases on this list and is generally a problem with SFFPC hardware like ITX motherboards, low profile coolers, SFX power supplies, and so on.

In any case, having a Velka 3 or Velka 5 build is like having a badge of honor! Plus, they’re amongst the most compact enclosures out there, so if it’s small and petite you’re after, then look no further!

NZXT H1

The H1 has garnered quite a lot of attention, and that’s for both good reasons and bad. It a staggeringly beautiful case with a built-in 120mm AIO and a potent PSU to match. Its build quality is exceptional and is pretty much on par with what we’ve come to expect from NZXT.

On the other hand, the whole PCIe riser debacle (or hazard, rather) really hampered its allure, and the same goes for the company that designed and fabricated it. It was an unacceptable mistake that came as a result of a series of cost-cutting measures. and it could’ve resulted in some serious damage (to say the least).

Fortunately, that whole thing has been dealt with (in relatively expedient fashion), which means we can once again marvel at H1’s incredible beauty and overall craftsmanship. It is on the pricier side, but once you factor in its AIO and power supply, it’s not all too expensive.

It doesn’t exactly have the most optimal airflow, but its build quality and ease of use certainly help offset such an issue. In any case, NZXT’s H1 is still a spectacular option, especially if you’re fond of its minimalist aesthetic!

Cooler Master NR200P

The NR200 from Cooler Master (or NR200P if you’re after the tempered glass variant) seemingly came out of nowhere and ticked all the right boxes. It might be stretching the definition of SFFPC, but it’s a darn good case with exceptional airflow and hardware compatibility.

In fact, it might be the most complete, well-rounded, user-friendly SFFPC case on the market, and it’s not obscenely expensive either! It’s also readily available in most parts of the world, so you won’t have to sign up for any waiting list nor scour the second-hand market in hopes of acquiring one.

It’s a mainstream kind of product, but we mean that in the best possible sense. Cooler Master really listened to its target audience and, well, the end result speaks for itself. If you want a well-built, no frills kind of case, one that will support a wide range of hardware including triple slot GPUs and a myriad of AIO solutions, the NR200 definitely stands out as one of the best options on the market!

SG13

Dancase A4

An absolute classic and basically the case that started it all. At just 7.2L of volume, it’s just big enough to accomodate most mainstream hardware. That includes low profile coolers like Noctua’s L9a/L9i (and the purpose-built Alpenföhn Black Ridge), SFX power supplies, and two-slot GPUs.

It might be a bit outdated in terms of design and overall appearance, but it’s still a spectacular SFFPC case that has all the fundamentals down a tee!

If you can find one for “cheap” then it’ll no doubt deliver all the SFFPC goodness your heart might desire! Just don’t go too crazy with the internals as the Dancase can, in fact, run a bit too hot!

Evolv Shift 2

The Evolv Shift 2 from Phanteks is quite a looker, and it delivers noticeably better GPU thermals when compared to NZXT’s H1. It also follows an entirely different design language which might be your cup of tea — assuming that you’re not overly partial to H1’s clean, boxy lines.

It has a very modest footprint, is exceptionally well built, and even appropriately priced, too! Well, at least in the SFFPC realm, that is. Phanteks made many mistakes with the original Evolv Shift, most of which have fortunately been solved and corrected with its successor. Is it the most budget-friendly case out there? Not by a long shot, but it’s still a phenomenal option, especially for those who are willing to pay a little extra for a striking design that’ll awe and impress in all the right ways.

SSUPD Meshilicious

This vertical enclosure is amongst the most beautiful cases on the list and, fortunately, it’s not all that expensive either, at around $120. It has two fine mesh side panels for unrestricted airflow, along with full-size GPU, ATX PSU, and 280 AIO cooler compatibility — what’s not to like? It’s about as well-rounded as it gets and has received rave reviews from basically everyone.

There’s plenty of ventilation for basically any sort of power-hungry build you might come up with, so if you want the absolute best thermals — without making any kind of sacrifice in terms of aesthetics — then the Meshilicious might be the way to go!

Lian Li Q58

Lian Li’s Q58 is one of the newest additions to this list and, needless to say, one of immeasurable beauty. Its steel frame, tempered glass side panels, and aluminum exterior have resulted in one of the most striking and visually pleasing cases on the market! And, well, seeing how it’s a Lian Li, availability shouldn’t be much of a problem!

At around 15L, it’s not exactly petite, but one could argue that its size is just right for any kind of set-up or PC build, and the same goes for its hardware compatibility — you’ll have no issues with the Q58 regardless of which components you might be looking at, including 240/280 AIO support.

All in all, the Q58 is more than worthy of your undivided attention!

SFFPC Cases | Closing Remarks

Finally, keep in mind that the SFFPC market is sort of oversatured with many great options — some of which we haven’t even touched on like the FormD T1 or the LOQUE Ghost S1, both legendary cases in their own right. Everyone’s trying to get in on the hype and, well, we’re all the better for it!