Minitower

A minitower is a small form factor computer case designed to house the essential components of a desktop PC while occupying less space than a mid-tower. It is typically aimed at microATX or Mini-ITX motherboards, though some models can accommodate standard ATX motherboards with limited expansion.

Design and features: Minitower cases usually provide one or two external drive bays and multiple internal bays for 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch storage drives. They commonly offer space for at least one 120 mm fan, with options for additional fans or radiators in some models. Power supplies are usually standard sizes, such as ATX or smaller SFX units, depending on the internal layout. GPU clearance tends to be more limited than in larger towers, which can restrict long graphics cards and some multi-GPU configurations.

Usage and considerations: The compact footprint makes minitowers popular for office desks, living room setups, or budget builds where space, weight, and cable management are priorities. Limitations often include reduced airflow compared with larger cases and more constrained expansion options, which can affect future upgrades.

History and context: The form factor arose in the 1990s as PC builders sought smaller desktops without sacrificing essential components. Over time, the range expanded to accommodate modern GPUs, storage, and cooling options, but microATX- and Mini-ITX-based designs remain the most common within the category.

Advantages and trade-offs: Minitowers offer space efficiency and portability but at the cost of limited expandability and sometimes cooling performance. They remain a common choice for compact home or office PCs and media centers.