For decades, PC gaming was synonymous with the bulky, oversized tower that often took up most of your floor space. However, as we move into 2026, this era of the giant box has ended. With advancements in technology, components have become so efficient that a vast amount of air isn’t required for cooling. The rise of the “Small Form Factor” (SFF) movement has gained traction, showcasing the possibility of fitting powerful hardware—like the RTX 5080 and top-tier CPUs—into cases as compact as a shoebox.
These new designs are minimalistic, sophisticated, and significantly more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional plastic towers. If you’re ready to downsize your setup without compromising on performance, this is where you should consider starting.
The Quick List
The Cases
Fractal Design — Terra Jade
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The Terra revolutionizes the idea that a PC can be aesthetically pleasing, resembling mid-century furniture. With a genuine walnut wood front panel and anodized aluminum sheets, it serves as a showcase piece rather than a hidden appliance. Its innovative “sandwich” layout effectively separates the GPU and CPU, ensuring it remains impressively compact at just 10.4 liters while still accommodating full-sized graphics cards.
Fractal Design — Era 2 Silver
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In contrast to the Terra’s rustic charm, the Era 2 presents a modern elegance with its sculpted silver aluminum exterior that evokes high-end audio equipment. Designed for optimal airflow, its unique chimney structure pulls cool air from the bottom and expels heat from the top, making it an ideal choice for a professional creative workstation.
Lian Li — A4-H2O
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The A4-H2O stands as a reference point for water-cooled SFF builds. In collaboration with DAN Cases, Lian Li has created a sub-11 liter case capable of fitting a 240mm AIO liquid cooler. This industrially designed aluminum box maximizes every millimeter of space, making it the go-to for those seeking the most compact and efficient liquid cooling solution.
Cooler Master — NR200P MAX V2
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Building in a confined space can be daunting, but Cooler Master addresses this concern with the NR200P MAX V2. This case comes pre-installed with a custom 280mm AIO cooler and an 850W Gold Power supply, reducing the headaches related to cable management. All you need to do is insert your motherboard and graphics card, making the setup process a breeze.
Power & Cooling
ASUS — ROG Loki SFX-L 850W Platinum
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The traditional notion that small builds mean reduced power capacity is no longer valid. The ROG Loki offers 850W of Platinum-rated efficiency, enough to support top-end hardware. Utilizing the SFX-L standard, it accommodates a larger 120mm fan, resulting in quieter operation compared to typical small power supplies. Additionally, it features an RGB fan for a touch of ambiance.
CORSAIR — SF750 (2024)
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The Corsair SF750 remains a favorite among SFF builders. The 2024 version features ATX 3.1 compliance and native PCIe 5.1 cables that cater to modern GPUs. This power supply is incredibly compact and reliable, boasting a zero RPM mode that keeps the fan silent during light workloads—perfect for maintaining a quiet workspace.
SCYTHE — Big Shuriken 4
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In cases like the Fractal Terra, larger liquid coolers may not fit, making high-performance air cooling a necessity. The Big Shuriken 4 is engineered for precisely this scenario. At just 67mm tall, it effortlessly fits where most coolers can’t, yet it handles heat production up to 200W, thanks to its compact yet efficient design.
The Bottom Line
If you want a PC that doubles as home decor, the Fractal Design Terra stands out as the clear winner. For first-time builders who wish to avoid the complications of cable management or part compatibility, the Cooler Master NR200P MAX V2 is a cheat code that can save hours of frustration. However, if you require top-tier cooling in the smallest footprint possible, the Lian Li A4-H2O remains the gold standard.
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Image Credit: www.digitaltrends.com
