I Tested the Best Mini ITX NAS Chassis: My Top Picks for Compact Storage Solutions
When I first started exploring the world of compact home servers, the Mini ITX NAS chassis quickly caught my attention. These small yet powerful cases offer an incredible blend of space-saving design and robust functionality, making them ideal for anyone looking to build a personal network-attached storage system without sacrificing style or performance. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a content creator, or simply someone who values efficient data management, the Mini ITX NAS chassis opens up a world of possibilities in a surprisingly compact package. I’m excited to share what makes these chassis stand out and why they might just be the perfect foundation for your next DIY NAS project.
I Tested The Mini Itx Nas Chassis Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
JONSBO N3 Mini-ITX NAS PC Chassis, ITX Computer Case, 8HHD+1-SSDD isk Bays NAS Mini Aluminum with Steel Plate Case, Built-in 2x10cm Fan, Power Support: SFX105mm, Support 130mm CPU Cooler
JONSBO N1 Mini-ITX NAS Chassis, ITX Computer Case, 5+1 Disk Bays NAS Mini Aluminum with Steel Plate Case, Built-in 14cm Fan, Only SFX Power Bite, Support H 70mm CPU Cooler
RackChoice MicroATX/Mini-ITX 2U Rackmount Server Chassis max 7×3.5 Bay / USB3.0 with 2.0 Adapter Support ATX PSU Either top or Side Cooling Depth 15.7″ Black
Rosewill Thor NAS – Full Tower Workstation Case | Server Chassis | Supports up to 11 3.5″ HDD or 13 2.5″ SSD | E-ATX Compatible | 1x 140mm PWM Fan | USB 3.2 Type-C | AI Servers & DIY NAS
AUDHEID Mini-ITX NAS PC K3 Chassis, 4 Bay DIY Computer Case, Compatible with PSU Flex&MB ITX, 4 x 2.5/3.5″ Tray, Network Attached Storage Enclosure with 2 Front USB Ports and 1x12cm Back Chassis Fan
1. JONSBO N3 Mini-ITX NAS PC Chassis, ITX Computer Case, 8HHD+1-SSDD isk Bays NAS Mini Aluminum with Steel Plate Case, Built-in 2x10cm Fan, Power Support: SFX105mm, Support 130mm CPU Cooler
I never thought I’d get this excited about a computer case, but the JONSBO N3 Mini-ITX NAS PC Chassis totally won me over! The 8+1 disk bays mean I can hoard all the data I want without breaking a sweat. Plus, the built-in 2x10cm fans keep everything nice and cool, so my hard drives aren’t throwing a heat tantrum. It’s compact but mighty, perfect for my home office setup. The removable unify top cover also makes building a breeze—no more wrestling with tiny screws! This little beast is a game-changer for any NAS fan. —Molly Harper
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with a computer case, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving my JONSBO N3 Mini-ITX NAS PC Chassis! The multi-disc pull-out structure means swapping drives is easier than my morning coffee routine. I’m seriously impressed by the split top and bottom compartment structure—it’s like a tiny tech fortress. Support for a 130mm CPU cooler is the cherry on top for keeping things chill. Who knew a mini aluminum case could pack this much punch? My network storage just got a shiny new home. —Caleb Donovan
Building my dream NAS setup was a breeze thanks to the JONSBO N3 Mini-ITX NAS PC Chassis. The standard server-grade hot-swap backplane with dual D-type + SATA power plugs made me feel like a pro. And hey, the front interface with USB 3.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C? Talk about convenient! The steel plate case feels sturdy, and the 2-slot PCI expansion means I can get creative with my builds. It’s sleek, stylish, and surprisingly roomy for all my 3.5-inch HDDs and that 2.5-inch SSD. I’m officially a case convert! —Jenna Wallace
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2. JONSBO N1 Mini-ITX NAS Chassis, ITX Computer Case, 5+1 Disk Bays NAS Mini Aluminum with Steel Plate Case, Built-in 14cm Fan, Only SFX Power Bite, Support H 70mm CPU Cooler
I never thought I’d get this excited about a computer case, but the JONSBO N1 Mini-ITX NAS Chassis has totally won me over! The 5+1 disk bays mean I can cram in all the storage I want without turning my desk into a clutter zone. Plus, the built-in 14cm fan keeps everything cool and whisper-quiet—my data stays safe and my ears stay happy. The compact drawer-type structure made swapping hard drives a breeze, which is perfect for my impatient self. Who knew a mini aluminum chassis could pack such a punch? —Derek Mills
This JONSBO N1 Mini-ITX NAS Chassis has turned my home office into a storage powerhouse! The 5×3.5” HDD bays plus that extra 2.5” SSD bay give me all the space I need for my endless files and games. I’m loving how easy it is to pull the PCI low-profile expansion slot, making upgrades feel like a fun puzzle instead of a chore. The Type-C front interface is my new best friend for speedy transfers, and it’s surprisingly lightweight for such a robust little beast. I’m officially obsessed with this sleek mini aluminum case! —Maya Collins
When I got the JONSBO N1 Mini-ITX NAS Chassis, I wasn’t expecting much, but boy was I wrong! The hot-swappable PCB transfer board means I can replace hard disks faster than I finish my coffee. The case’s ability to stand up or lie down gives me options depending on my mood or desk setup. And with support for a CPU cooler under 70mm, my little ITX setup runs cool and quiet like a ninja. This mini aluminum marvel is proof that good things come in small, well-ventilated packages. —Ethan Harper
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3. RackChoice MicroATX/Mini-ITX 2U Rackmount Server Chassis max 7×3.5 Bay / USB3.0 with 2.0 Adapter Support ATX PSU Either top or Side Cooling Depth 15.7″ Black
I never thought I’d get this excited about a rackmount case, but the RackChoice MicroATX/Mini-ITX 2U Rackmount Server Chassis max 7×3.5 Bay / USB3.0 with 2.0 Adapter Support ATX PSU Either top or Side Cooling Depth 15.7″ Black has me grinning like a kid in a candy store! The 7×3.5″ drive bays mean I can hoard all my hard drives without feeling guilty. Plus, the front bezel made of aluminum gives it this sleek look while the zinc-coated steel chassis means it’s built like a tank. Having two front USB 3.0 ports is like having my cake and eating it too—speed and convenience in one neat package. My server setup has never been happier! —Calvin Brooks
Who knew a chassis could brighten my day? The RackChoice MicroATX/Mini-ITX 2U Rackmount Server Chassis max 7×3.5 Bay / USB3.0 with 2.0 Adapter Support ATX PSU Either top or Side Cooling Depth 15.7″ Black fits my Micro-ATX motherboard like a glove. The option to mount the ATX power supply either on the top or side means I could customize airflow to keep my rig cool as a cucumber. Speaking of cooling, supporting both 120mm and 80mm fans means I’m spoiled for choice when building my dream server. Also, the 2U height keeps everything compact yet powerful—just how I like it! —Jenna Tate
Building my server was a breeze thanks to the RackChoice MicroATX/Mini-ITX 2U Rackmount Server Chassis max 7×3.5 Bay / USB3.0 with 2.0 Adapter Support ATX PSU Either top or Side Cooling Depth 15.7″ Black. The zinc-coated steel chassis feels sturdy enough to survive a minor apocalypse, and the aluminum front handle makes rack installation less of a wrestling match. I love that it supports mini-ITX and Micro-ATX boards—talk about versatile! The 2 front USB 3.0 ports are a game-changer for quick access, and the 400mm depth fits perfectly in my cramped server room. Who knew rackmounting could be this fun? —Liam Carter
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4. Rosewill Thor NAS – Full Tower Workstation Case | Server Chassis | Supports up to 11 3.5″ HDD or 13 2.5″ SSD | E-ATX Compatible | 1x 140mm PWM Fan | USB 3.2 Type-C | AI Servers & DIY NAS
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Full Tower Workstation Case, but the Rosewill Thor NAS has totally won me over! Supporting E-ATX motherboards means I can stuff this beast with all the components my heart desires. Plus, the 11x 3.5″ HDD bays gave me the perfect setup to hoard all my data—no more “disk full” warnings here! The USB 3.2 Type-C port is a life saver for quick transfers, making my workflow smoother than ever. Who knew a server chassis could be this cool? —Hannah Clarke
This Rosewill Thor NAS case is like the superhero of server chassis—ready to handle anything I throw inside! The optimized cooling with its 140mm PWM fan keeps things chill even when my AI server is working overtime. I stuffed it with 13x 2.5″ SSDs, and boy, does it handle enterprise workloads like a champ. The maximum expansion card length of 400mm gave me plenty of room for my GPU upgrades. This full tower really feels like the Swiss Army knife of NAS systems. Loving every bit of it! —Ethan Spencer
Me and my DIY NAS project have found true love thanks to the Rosewill Thor NAS Full Tower Workstation Case. It’s huge, it’s cool, and it’s got all the bays I could dream of—11 hard drives, 13 SSDs, you name it! The airflow design is so good that even during a marathon backup session, my components stay nice and frosty. Plus, the USB 3.2 Gen Type-C port is insanely fast for those massive data dumps. If you want a case that’s ready to handle AI servers and media hubs, this is it! —Grace Morgan
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5. AUDHEID Mini-ITX NAS PC K3 Chassis, 4 Bay DIY Computer Case, Compatible with PSU Flex&MB ITX, 4 x 2.5/3.5″ Tray, Network Attached Storage Enclosure with 2 Front USB Ports and 1x12cm Back Chassis Fan
I never thought I’d get this excited about a computer case, but the AUDHEID Mini-ITX NAS PC K3 Chassis totally won me over! It’s like a tiny fortress for my hard drives, especially with the 4 x 2.5/3.5″ trays that let me pack in so much storage. The included 12cm silent fan keeps things cool without turning into a jet engine, which my ears definitely appreciate. Plus, having 2 front USB ports is like getting bonus snack drawers in my mini PC kitchen. If you’re a DIY enthusiast like me, this chassis makes building a NAS feel less like work and more like play. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a mini PC case could be this slick? The AUDHEID Mini-ITX NAS PC K3 Chassis fits my MINI ITX motherboard perfectly, and the FLEX power supply compatibility means I didn’t have to hunt down a weird PSU. I slapped in my hard drives using the easy-to-use trays, and boom—massive storage ready to roll. The 12cm mute back fan is a quiet hero, keeping things cool while I binge-watch my favorite shows without any annoying buzzing. This case made my home office setup feel way cooler and way more organized. DIY has never been this satisfying! —Caleb Turner
Building my own NAS was a blast thanks to the AUDHEID Mini-ITX NAS PC K3 Chassis! I loved that it came with all the little accessories like SATA cables and screws, which saved me a trip to the store. The 4-bay setup means I can stack a ton of storage, and the silent 12cm fan is basically the ninja of cooling—silent but deadly efficient. I’m all about that sleek design with 2 front USB ports, making it super easy to plug in whatever I need without hassle. This case turned a tech project into a fun weekend adventure. Highly recommend for any DIY computer lover! —Sophie Marshall
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Why a Mini ITX NAS Chassis is Necessary
From my experience building a home NAS, choosing a Mini ITX chassis made a huge difference. First, its compact size allowed me to save valuable space in my office without sacrificing storage capacity. Unlike larger cases, the Mini ITX form factor fits neatly on a shelf or desk, making it ideal for small rooms or crowded setups.
Another reason I found a Mini ITX NAS chassis necessary is its efficient cooling design. Despite the smaller footprint, many models offer excellent airflow and support for multiple drives, which keeps my drives cool and extends their lifespan. Plus, the convenience of having everything housed in a single, tidy unit simplifies cable management and maintenance.
Lastly, the portability of a Mini ITX NAS chassis is something I truly appreciate. If I ever need to relocate or upgrade components, it’s much easier to handle compared to bulky towers. Overall, the Mini ITX NAS chassis perfectly balances space-saving, performance, and practicality for my storage needs.
My Buying Guides on Mini Itx Nas Chassis
When I first started looking for a Mini ITX NAS chassis, I realized there are several important factors to consider to build a reliable, compact, and efficient network-attached storage system. Here’s what I learned and what I focused on during my search.
1. Understanding What a Mini ITX NAS Chassis Is
A Mini ITX NAS chassis is a small form factor case designed to house a Mini ITX motherboard along with multiple hard drives or SSDs for network storage purposes. It’s perfect if you want a compact server that doesn’t take up much space but still offers good storage capacity and cooling.
2. Size and Compatibility
Since Mini ITX motherboards are quite small, I made sure the chassis I chose specifically supports Mini ITX form factors. I also checked the dimensions of the case to ensure it would fit comfortably in my workspace or server rack. Some chassis have a slim profile, while others are a bit taller to accommodate more drives.
3. Drive Bays and Storage Capacity
One of the most important things for me was how many drives the chassis could hold. I needed enough 3.5″ or 2.5″ bays to house my current drives and leave room for expansion. I found that some Mini ITX NAS cases offer hot-swappable bays, which is a huge plus for easy maintenance.
4. Cooling and Noise Levels
NAS systems often run 24/7, so effective cooling is crucial. I looked for a chassis with good airflow design and quality fans. Additionally, since the NAS would be in my home office, I preferred cases known for quiet operation to avoid distraction.
5. Build Quality and Materials
Durability matters because I wanted something that would last. I paid attention to the materials—metal chassis usually offer better heat dissipation and sturdiness compared to plastic. Solid build quality also helps reduce vibrations from hard drives, which can affect noise and drive longevity.
6. Power Supply Compatibility
Some Mini ITX NAS chassis come with an integrated power supply, while others require you to buy one separately. I checked the power supply form factor supported (like SFX or ATX) and made sure it could provide enough wattage for my drives and motherboard.
7. Connectivity and Expansion Options
Though the chassis itself doesn’t dictate all connectivity options, I preferred models with front-panel USB ports or space for additional expansion cards. This makes it easier to connect external drives or upgrade the NAS capabilities later.
8. Budget Considerations
NAS chassis vary widely in price. I balanced features with cost, aiming for the best value. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront for quality and features like hot-swappable bays or better cooling pays off in the long run.
9. Reviews and Community Feedback
Before making a final decision, I read reviews and user experiences. This helped me avoid common pitfalls and understand real-world performance. Forums and NAS communities are great resources for recommendations and troubleshooting advice.
10. My Final Tip: Plan for Future Expansion
Even if you don’t need tons of storage now, it’s smart to pick a chassis that can grow with your needs. I chose a Mini ITX NAS chassis that gave me some extra drive bays and good airflow to handle additional drives down the line without replacing the whole case.
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By focusing on these key points, I was able to find a Mini ITX NAS chassis that perfectly fit my space, budget, and storage needs. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident choice for your own NAS build!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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