Are there disadvantages on using mini itx cases?

[Brocaster]

Hello, I fall in love with those cube cases. I know it's not everyone choices .However with the coolness will probably come with a cost right. So I was wondering since I'm going to buy bitfenix collosus, wether theres cons out weighing the pros?????

 

[MWP0004]

Largely, the downside to a mini itx case is simply the lack of space inside.

 

[BadBoyGreek]

The biggest "con" is your lack of expandability. If all you need is a light-duty machine with minimal configuration and you need to keep a small footprint, mini-ITX presents an attractive solution. So really, it's not so much a question of pro-con as it is a matter of your requirements and / or preferences.

 

[WildCard999]

There can also be a heat issue depending on space available and cable management. I will say though it was quite fun working with ITX systems, built 2 in the last 2 years using the EVGA Hadron Air and a Corsair 380T.

 

[ss202sl]

Also another thing is air flow and maybe even noise. With a small case, you may not be able to put 120mm fans in it - which means smaller 80mm fans that run faster and louder. Also smaller cases are harder to cool because of the smaller area to get air through. This make it more critical to get high efficiency(lower heat) parts which may increase cost.

 

[synphul]

I'm not sure I understand the question, you're asking about pros and cons of mini itx cases but then say you're buying the bitfenix colossus which is a full atx case. If you're getting a full atx case then pros/cons of mini itx cases doesn't apply.

In general terms, mini itx have size as an advantage if someone wants a pc with a smaller footprint. Both to save space and easier portability. Depending on the case, size is a concern most likely requiring water cooling if trying to go with a higher performing cpu since air cooler choices become quickly limited. Motherboard choices are more limited both in models and features (less fits physically on a smaller board), you may not be able to crossfire or sli, it may require a smaller than normal power supply which again could mean limited options and higher cost for a niche vs mainstream option.

 

[Nick_50]

As already said, cooling due to not being able to use larger fans or radiators and just having the components closer together with the cables meaning a greater chance of restricted air flow. However, with cooler skylake CPUs and Pascal GPUs it's much easier to keep heat under control.

Mini itx motherboards only have one pcie so only one GPU can be used but that isn't so bad these days.

 

[geofelt]

I love small cases.
ITX is a motherboard format that is limited to a single pcie X16 slot.
If you have a need for more expansion, there are no more slots available.
Fortunately, the old need for expansion, like lan, wifi, sound are already included in a modern motherboard.

ITX permits a very small case.
If you want a gaming build, it will need to be larger to accommodate a strong graphics card and a strong cpu.
The case you mentioned will have no such problems, you can install a good air cooler and any strong graphics card and psu.
The trade off is that the case is large, close to a full sized case.
13.00" x 9.84" x 14.72"
The most compact ITX gaming case I know of is the Ncase M1 which is 9.5" x 6.3" x 12.9"
https://www.ncases.com/
There are others in between. Look at lian li, Silverstone for some other nice ITX cases.

Still, the colossus ITX looks like it can do the job, even with high end gaming parts inside.

 

[freeMaN88]

Hello, I fall in love with those cube cases. I know it's not everyone choices .However with the coolness will probably come with a cost right. So I was wondering since I'm going to buy bitfenix collosus, wether theres cons out weighing the pros?????

I have used a number of mini itx cases in various sizes. The biggest constraints are airflow and width for a good CPU cooler unless you go water cooling. Compact cases cramp more components in, often in odd locations and totally killing airflow in the process. Also your choice of PSU will also be more limited depending on dimensions.

Cramped space can raise temps a lot. So unless you are out of space or really need to carry the box around, I would stick to a larger case for ease of use and options, especially with any CPU >65W.

 

[why_wolf]

as everyone else has already pointed out.

-small space to work inside of, people with big hands beware
-limited space for HDD/SSD, usualy 2-4 2.5" some cases will allow a single 3.5" drive
-triple check dim restrictions for GPU size and CPU heatsink
-usually uses the smaller size PSU (SFX), not the normal ATX size. strongly recomend modular units so you don't have excess cables in the way.
-thermal restrictions, if you want to overclock don't got ITX stick with mATX or bigger