7 Best Portable PC Case 2024 Under $100 – Mini-ITX

A portable PC case, also known as the cabinet, computer chassis, CPU, tower, or system unit, contains all the main components of your computer. Whether you are planning a LAN party or just want to use your computer at a different place, it requires packing your PC and moving it from one place to another.

So, not owning a portable unit might make this whole process quite bothersome. The carriage of your device requires special care as we’re talking about expensive electronic equipment.

A portable chassis has to have features like hardware compatibility, cooling, and RGB, as well as, some additional features like carrying handle, durability, space and weight. Hence, a carrying handle is often overlooked feature, which is one of the most essential features as it makes it convenient and more comfortable for you to carry the case. Likewise, the unit has to be durable as you’ll end up moving the case a lot of time as it has to withstand the amount of abuse. The model you want to have should be spacious enough to have the main gaming PC components installed into it and should be lightweight.

1. SilverStone ML08 Mini-ITX

This small profile and compact model might confuse you with a desktop-grade NAS at first glance. However, it can be used to build a powerful gaming computer and it features a handle at the top side. What’s great about this unit is the vertical design and that it is made of steel and reinforced plastic. The SilverStone ML08 weighs only 7.5 pounds and features power and reset buttons, along with the two USB 3.0 ports and audio jacks on the front side. Moreover, there’s a motherboard cutout that can easily fit any mini-ITX model and two expansion slots at the back.

The interior of SilverStone ML08 is divided into two parts, one for GPU and the other for the rest of the components. It also supports SFX and SFX-L PSUs for power and there is a tool-less drive cage. When it comes to the downsides of this unit, we have to mention the lack of case fans, the limited support of CPU coolers, and the plastic dust filtering vents on the left and right sides. Nevertheless, it is available for a very reasonable price and it’s a great value for money.

2. NZXT Mini-ITX

This cool model is the preferred choice of top gamers all over the world. It is a white case made of premium steel and tempered glass, which has an attractive and functional design. The NZXT Mini-ITX comes with some very cool features, such as water-cooling compatibility, integrated Aer fans, clean interior and a cable management system.

The pre-installed channels and straps make the expansion and installation simple and easy. Moreover, there is an adaptive noise reduction which optimizes cooling and noise balance and offers the best gaming comfort. It weighs only 13.2 pounds and it’s available in black and red color.

3. BitFenix Prodigy M

The BitFenix Prodigy M is available in plenty of colors, including red, orange, black, and white. It has been made of steel while its front is made of bezel. The Fyberflex composite handles, the /O panel which consists of two USB 3.0 ports, standard audio jacks, a reset button, and a power button on the right side is what makes this unit so exceptional.

Likewise, the BitFenix Prodigy M features a 120mm fan on the bottom side and there is also a possibility to attach a 200/230 mm fan. There are have two 120mm fans on the top side and another 120mm fan on the rear. Additionally, you can also find five PCIe slots for the mATX motherboard you will install.

Inside the case, you can find a single 5.25′ drive-bay, two 3.5′ and three 2.5′ drive-bays. You can install a GPU alongside the dual-GPU support. The setbacks we noticed are the fragile handles, the lack of tool-less installation, and the short wiring on the side panels. Other than that, this is a superb model worth purchasing.

4. Thermaltake Core V1 Mini-ITX Cube

This cube unit offers some outstanding features, such as convenient placement options, superior modularity, an adjustable I/O panel, chamber cooling, and late-gen USB 3.0 connectivity. The Thermaltake Core V1 Mini-ITX Cube comes with a 3-year warranty which will give you peace of mind. It features a 200mm fan tucked in behind the front panel, which is rated for 800RPM and a nice quiet 13dBA.

It also features 2 drive bays and 2 expansion slots, but doesn’t include a power supply. This unit also offers drive bay design, chambers concept, interchangeable side panel, dust reduction, great expansion, and advanced ventilation. It weighs only 7.1 pounds and provides an ease of installation and maximum cooling.

5. SilverStone Technology Raven Z Mini-ITX

This is a highly versatile unit which is ideal for Mini-ITX and Mini-DTX motherboards. It comes with 1 expansion slot, 4 drive bays, and it’s compatible with every major graphics card. You can place it in a horizontal and vertical position. The SilverStone Technology Raven Z Mini-ITX is available in three layouts, including slim with slot-loading optical drive bay, slim with no optical drive bay, and ultra-slim with tray-loading optical drive bay.

Moreover, it offers superb air cooling performance and the ability to support liquid cooling. Besides the great air cooling capabilities and durable built quality, the SFX PSU can be limiting for some high-end systems, as they’re often limited to around 400-450w max.

6. In-Win Mini-ITX Slim

This compact unit is a great value for money. It comes with a 150-watt power supply and a cutting-edge I/O panel that delivers lightning-quick USB 3.0 technology and easy HD audio integration. The excellent build quality and the quiet PSU are what makes the In-Win Mini-ITX Slim and excellent choice.

Additionally, there are 2 drive bays and 1 expansion slot for added customization and adaptability, as well as, two USB 2.0 ports on the front of the case along with headphone and microphone jacks.

The In-Win Mini-ITX Slim case is one of the smallest models on this list, but it features crafted aluminum parts as well as a solid construction. The setbacks worth noting include the single SATA power plug on PSU loom and the optical drive sled 2.5″ drive mount.

7. Antec ISK 300-150 Mini-ITX

The Antec ISK 300-150 Mini-ITX is an exceptional unit which comes with 150-watt power supply and 80mm TriCool fan. It provides exceptional features for a very reasonable price. So, it is equipped with an expansion slot, 3 drive bays, two USB 3.0 ports, two audio ports and a packed I/O panel. So, this unit can handle many of the tasks of a traditional computer, but in half the space.

Its slim and sleek design is what attracts most of the buyers. Moreover, it is extremely lightweight, has sufficient room to fit even the largest of graphics cards, and its case panels come on and off easily. Nevertheless, its sharp edges, the poor cable management, and the only 1 included fan are the cons we have to point out.

So, packing your PC to go to a LAN party doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Transporting such expensive equipment will no longer be a struggle simply by choosing one of the portable cases we listed. You can now move your gaming or work PC easier and safer than ever. Thus, no matter which model you choose, you’ll love the portability as they’re bound to be a good fit.