Choosing an ITX PC case is probably one of the most complex decisions. We totally understand that. Since there’s a lack of space, you simply don’t want to go wrong.
There are multiple ITX form-factor PC cases that can easily make you confused. Some of the cases can support bigger CPU coolers or have bigger radiator support.
What are the differences between Ncase M1 vs NR200 vs FormD T1 vs NZXT H1?
The NR200 is the biggest among Ncase M1, NR200, FormD T1, and NZXT H1. So, the NR200 allows big air coolers to fit. On the other hand the Ncase M1 is considered one of the best ITX cases. But it’s been discontinued. The FormD T1 is the smallest ITX case, which is great for aesthetics. Finally, the NZXT H1 is a great premium ITX case but is quite expensive.
Anyway, that was only a summary of the entire discussion. There’s a lot more to talk about and further elaborate on.
And we’re more than glad to do it for you. Stick around till the end to find out more about the ITX cases and their differences.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Coolermaster NR200 can support the largest CPU cooler and radiators.
- FormD T1 is the smallest ITX case.
- Ncase M1 won’t support the RTX 4000 series GPU.
- A newer Ncase M1 is coming termed as Ncase M1 Evo.
Ncase M1 vs NR200 vs FormD T1 vs NZXT H1: Key Differences
Building a PC is always quite stressful as you go over components over and over again. They cost a lot of money, and there’s really not much of a window to make mistakes.
However, it gets even harder when it comes to ITX form factor PC cases. Because the overall space and options are limited.
Among ITX cases, Ncase M1, NR200, FormD T1, and NZXT H1 are famous names. They’re all generally liked and all of them possess really nice advantages. Like everything else, they also have their shortcomings.
But you can’t really make a choice randomly without looking at the positives and negatives.
For example, there are lots of differences between 2 140mm fans and 3 120mm fans. To reach a conclusion, you’ll have to know about their advantages and disadvantages.
Choosing an ITX PC case is quite similar. Since this topic can get messy, we decided to start by mentioning some basic differences.
We’ve brought the major differences under one table. Here’s what you’re looking for-
| Factors | Ncase M1 | Coolermaster NR200 | FormD T1 | NZXT H1 |
| Length | 160 mm | 184.9 mm | 133 mm | 187 mm |
| Width | 338 mm | 375.9 mm | 330 mm | 187.5 mm |
| Height | 250 mm | 292 mm | 217 mm | 387 mm |
| Weight | 4.409 Pounds | 10.14 Pounds | 5.55 Pounds | 14.37 Pounds |
| CPU Cooling | Great | Better | Less than Ncase M1 | Best |
| CPU Cooler Height | 130 mm | 155 mm | 70 mm | 100 mm |
| Radiator Support | 240 mm | 280 mm | 240 mm | 280 mm |
| GPU Clearance (LxWxH) | 317 mm (L) x 60 mm (W) x 121 mm (H) | 330 mm (L) x 58 mm (W) x 156 mm (H) | 312 mm (L) x 40 mm (W) x 110 mm (H) | 305 mm (L) x 54 mm (W) x 128 mm (H) |
| Power Supply | SFX-L | SFX-L | SFX | SFX-L |
| Discontinued? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Price Range | $180 – $220 | $92 – $110 | $190 – $210 | $300 – $370 |
After going through the table, which ITX PC case do you like the most?
Ncase M1 vs CoolerMaster NR200 vs FormD T1 vs NZXT H1: Head-to-Head Discussion
The table can be quite difficult to take in all at once. If you still haven’t decided yet, don’t worry. We have elaborated on the abovementioned categories for you.
Simply sit back and go through the categories one by one.
Dimensions:
After the price range, let’s talk about the dimensions of these ITX PC cases. Even when it comes to ITX cases, the size can be a matter of preference.
Other than that, the size also creates advantages along with some disadvantages.
Like before, let’s start with the Ncase M1. The Ncase M1 is the 2nd biggest case out of all four. It’s 160 mm long, has 338 mm of width and its height is 250 mm.
Since it has great width, you can easily fit great CPU coolers in it.
The Coolermaster NR200 is the biggest ITX case on this list. It has the biggest width; 375.9 mm. Because of its enormous size, you can fit the biggest air coolers easily.
The FormD T1 is the smallest ITX case on this list. It has a length of 133mm and a width of 330mm. If you really like small cases, this is the right choice for you.
But beware that, this lack of size can restrict a couple of your component choices.
Finally, the NZXT H1 is the biggest one but it’s a vertical ITX case. It has the tallest height but the shortest width. Its height is 387mm. The width is only 187mm compare to an average of 300mm.
PRO-TIP:
Having a large PC case can help in complex builds.
Winner: NR200 & H1 have the biggest volume.
CPU Cooler Support:
Choosing a CPU cooler is always a crucial step when building a PC. In fact, there have been many debates comparing AIO coolers against air coolers.
CPU cooler height clearance indicates how big of an air cooler a case can support. Higher clearance means you can install bigger or dual-fan air coolers. This results in better cooling of your CPU.
The Ncase M1 has a cooler height clearance of 130mm. This, of course, will restrict a lot of big coolers. A lot of Noctua air coolers won’t fit in this ITX case.
The NR200 allows the biggest CPU coolers to sit due to its huge CPU cooler clearance. The Coolermaster NR200 can support up to 155mm of CPU cooler height.
But the FormD T1 is the complete opposite, having the lowest CPU cooler clearance. It only allows air coolers up to 70 mm in height. For this reason, no dual-fan air coolers can fit inside this case.
Finally, the NZXT H1 has decent CPU cooler support. With 100mm of CPU cooler clearance, you can fit a single-fan CPU cooler pretty easily.
PRO-TIP:
Use CPU bracket while attaching aftermarket CPU cooler.
Winner: The NR200 has the best CPU cooler clearance.
Radiator Support:
If you’re interested in AIO coolers, then you’re eager to learn about radiator support. Luckily, all of these ITX cases have great radiator support.
The Ncase M1 can support up to 240mm radiators. They’re the standard AIO coolers for most gaming builds.
Since the NR200 has the most width, it can easily support 280mm radiators. But 240mm radiators will sit perfectly too.
The FormD T1 might be small in size, but it can also support 240 mm. Ideally, it only supports 120mm radiators. But you can fit 240mm radiators at the cost of some space.
On the contrary, the NZXT H1 radiator support is up to 280 mm. Since it has a large height, fitting 280 mm is super simple and easy.
WARNING:
Be gentle and careful while installing a water cooling radiator. A small hiccup can cause the whole component to short-circuit with water.
Winner: The NR200 and H1 have the biggest radiator support.
GPU Clearance:
GPU clearance also matters a lot when choosing an ITX case. In fact, GPUs are the biggest obstacle after the release of recent GPUs.
The Ncase M1 has a smaller GPU clearance compared to other PC cases. For that reason, the Ncase team has decided to discontinue their M1 cases. But it can fit most of the smaller 30-series GPUs and 20-series GPUs.
The NR200 has the biggest GPU clearance, which is beneficial. You can fit any GPU you want inside the case.
The FormD T1 GPU clearance is almost the same as the M1. You can fit custom water block GPUs and other smaller dual-fan GPUs pretty easily.
Other than that, you can always mod a PC case to create more space.
Finally, the NZXT H1 has almost the same GPU clearance as the NR200. You mount the GPU vertically. Thanks to their height, you can easily fit 30 series and 6000 series GPUs in them.
With every PC case’s GPU clearance, you can use GPU Brace! This will support the GPU more stronger.
You can go for upHere GPU Brace. I use it for my RTX 2080 Super. Another great GPU is CloverTale GPU Brace. The anodized aluminum of this GPU brace is lightweight and rust-free. For a cheaper option, the MHQJRH GPU Brace is great!
PRO-TIP:
Put sideway screws first for installing the GPU at ease.
Winner: The NR200 and H1 have better GPU clearance.
Price Range:
When buying a PC or building a PC, the price range is always the biggest concern. After all, if you’re on a budget, your choices will be limited.
Going over a budget can potentially block you from getting another component. So this is very important and we will put it before everything else.
The Ncase M1 is probably the most famous ITX case of all time. This revolutionary Ncase M1 price ranges between $180 and $220 on the market.
Unfortunately, the Ncase team decided to discontinue their M1 case due to hardware problems. But you can still find it on different marketplaces if you want to. It’s a great ITX form factor case that can fit many impressive builds.
Then there’s the NR200 from Coolermaster, which is the cheapest out of all four. The NR200 only costs between $100 and $110. This is the default case for you if your budget is low.
The FormD T1 case is quite stunning, but its price range is similar to the Ncase M1. The FormD T1 price is around $190 to $210.
Finally, the H1 from NZXT is the most expensive ITX PC case in this comparison. The cost of NZXT H1 averages between $250 to $350.
It’s because the NZXT H1 comes with several components, which add to the cost. Nevertheless, the NZXT H1 is the most expensive option for you.
Winner: The NR200 is cheaper and more affordable.
Final Verdict: Which ITX Form Factor Case Should You Get?
So far, we’ve compared the ITX cases in many different aspects. If you still haven’t decided yet, that’s completely fine.
The Ncase M1 is a decent choice, but it’s sort of out of the question. Because it has been discontinued and therefore is not a good pick. However, if you can find one and if you love the case, it’s a great pick.
But be warned that you cannot fit the upcoming RTX 4000 series with the Ncase M1. You need to choose another alternative if you plan on buying the upcoming RTX GPU. Just like this person.
The FormD T1 is also quite good, but it’s too small in size. This is both a positive and a negative depending on your taste.
Since it’s small, it limits your choices in components. But you get to be more creative with this case.
The NR200 and the NZXT H1 are the final ones that we’re going to recommend. But the NR200 is a lot cheaper, which gives the case an advantage.
But the NZXT H1 is expensive, and it almost looks like a new XBOX Series X. If you’re willing to spend good money, it’s a great pick. It’s also really good for custom loop PC setups.
Start with whichever one you like the most and start building your dream PC!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are ITX cases worth it?
ITX cases are only worth getting if you value the design and the overall aesthetics. Because compared to ATX cases, you get fewer features and fewer ports. Technically, you’re paying the same or even more than ATX builds for a smaller build. If you like small builds too much, get an ITX case.
Do ITX cases overheat?
No, ITX cases don’t overheat if they’re built properly. However, since there’s less space, you can easily make mistakes while building an ITX PC. Even the smallest mistakes can ruin the overall airflow of the system. So ITX cases have a higher chance of overheating. But only if you build poorly.
Why is Micro-ATX cheaper?
Micro-ATX motherboards or PC cases are cheaper due to fewer features. Micro-ATX motherboards have significantly fewer components on them. This reduces the overall price and makes it easy to afford for budget gamers. For all these reasons, most mid-range budget PCs are Micro-ATX.
Take Away
That was everything we could compare about Ncase M1 vs NR200 vs FormD T1 vs NZXT H1. We hope that this discussion gave you some solid insight into these ITX cases.
If you’re not sure which case to pick, you can look up different PC builds. You can also seek the help of experts to get a better idea about the PC case.
Finally, have a nice day, and happy gaming!
