T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case vs T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case: Spec Comparison
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This t f skywindintl argb mini itx case vs 3 5l mini itx case comparison looks at two small form factor options. Both cases support Mini-ITX motherboards and use 0.8mm SPCC steel for durability. They share similar external I/O ports and target compact builds. The main difference lies in their design focus. One model includes ARGB lighting and supports a flex power supply. The other offers a smaller 3.5L volume and supports DTX boards with a PICO PSU. You need to choose based on your space and power needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case | T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX only | Mini-ITX and DTX |
| Power Supply | Flex ATX (150x80x40mm) | PICO PSU + Adapter |
| Lighting | ARGB front panel | Not listed |
| Case Volume | Not listed | 3.5L |
| Radiator Height Limit | 63mm (no HDD on top) | 58mm (no HDD on top) |
| Storage Mounts | One 2.5" or 3.5" HDD | One 3.5" HDD, two 2.5" SSDs |
Which one should you choose?
Choose T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case if
- You want dynamic ARGB lighting on the front panel
- You plan to use a standard flex ATX power supply
- You need slightly more CPU cooler height clearance
Choose T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case if
- You need support for DTX motherboards
- You want a smaller 3.5L chassis volume
- You prefer a PICO power supply for less internal heat
Verdict: Choose the ARGB model if you prioritize visual customization and flex power supply compatibility. Pick the 3.5L case if you need a smaller footprint, DTX support, or a PICO power supply setup. Both cases offer robust 0.8mm steel construction for compact builds.
ITX Case Spec Showdown
Motherboard Support
The T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case offers broader motherboard compatibility than its counterpart. It explicitly supports both Mini-ITX and DTX form factors, accommodating boards up to 170x190mm. This flexibility helps if you plan to use a larger DTX board for extra expansion slots. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case is strictly limited to Mini-ITX motherboards with dimensions of 170mm x 170mm. If your build requires a DTX board, the 3.5L model is the only viable option here. For standard Mini-ITX builds, both cases work equally well.
Case Volume
The T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case is defined by its compact 3.5-liter volume, measuring 21.6x22.7x7.2cm. This tiny footprint makes it exceptionally easy to mount behind a monitor or place in tight spaces like TV shelves. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case has dimensions of 205x89x228mm, which translates to a larger internal volume than the 3.5L model. While it is still small, it occupies more desk space. If your priority is the smallest possible footprint for a HTPC or travel setup, the 3.5L case provides the more compact design.
Lighting
The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case includes dynamic RGB lighting on the front panel to enhance visual appeal. You can connect the 3-pin interface directly to your motherboard or use an adapter for power supply connection. This feature allows you to customize the look of your build. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case does not list any lighting features in its specifications. It focuses on a utilitarian design without aesthetic extras. If you want visible RGB effects, the ARGB model is the clear choice. For a plain, no-frills look, the 3.5L model avoids unnecessary complexity.
Radiator Support
CPU cooler height limits differ between the two cases, affecting your cooling options. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case allows a cooler height of 63mm when no hard drive is mounted on top. This limit drops to 55mm with a 7mm 2.5-inch HDD or 30mm with a 25mm 3.5-inch HDD. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case permits a maximum height of 58mm with no top drive. This limit reduces to 50mm with a 7mm 2.5-inch drive or 30mm with a 25mm 3.5-inch drive. The ARGB case offers slightly more vertical clearance for air coolers when the top is empty.
Power Supply
Power supply compatibility is a key difference for your build. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case supports flex power supplies measuring 150x80x40mm. This allows you to use standard internal flex PSUs. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case requires a Power Supply Board (PICO PSU) with a 12V adapter. It does not fit discrete graphics cards or standard ATX power supplies. The external adapter helps reduce internal heat and clutter. If you prefer a traditional internal power supply, the ARGB case is more flexible. If you want to minimize internal components, the 3.5L model supports external power solutions.
Which T.F.SKYWINDINTL Case Fits You
Users needing DTX motherboard support
This case supports both Mini-ITX and DTX motherboards, offering more flexibility than the ARGB model. If you plan to use a larger DTX board, this is your only option. It also includes six COM ports for legacy devices and supports a PICO power supply to keep the build compact and clean.
Users wanting RGB lighting effects
This model features dynamic ARGB lights on the front panel to make your chassis stand out. You can connect it via a 3-pin interface to your motherboard or use an adapter. The mesh design aids ventilation while adding style. It is ideal if you want visual appeal in your small form factor build.
Users prioritizing internal storage options
This case allows installation of one 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard disk on top, with specific height limits depending on the drive thickness. It also provides a front panel with two USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports. The PCIe device length limit is 160mm, making it suitable for smaller graphics cards.
The products compared
T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case
Best for: Compact Mini-ITX builds with low-profile parts
- Motherboard Support
- Mini-ITX
- Case Type
- SFF, Mini-Tower, HTPC
- Max GPU Length
- 160mm
- Tower Size
- Small Form Factor
- Lighting
- ARGB
- Dimensions
- 8.07 × 3.5 × 8.98 inches
View on Amazon: T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case Affiliate link
This T.F.SKYWINDINTL D32R is a small form factor Mini-ITX case with ARGB lighting. It supports Mini-ITX motherboards and flex power supplies. The case includes dynamic RGB lights on the front panel. It measures 8.07 x 3.5 x 8.98 inches. You can mount one 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drive. It fits well in tight spaces like bookshelves or desks.
Pros
- ARGB front panel with 3-pin interface
- Circular mesh for ventilation and noise reduction
- Supports Mini-ITX motherboards and flex PSUs
- Lightweight SPCC 0.8mm construction
- Multiple USB and audio ports on front
Cons
- Max GPU length is only 160mm
- CPU cooler height limit is as low as 30mm with a 3.5-inch drive
- Cannot install a graphics card if a hard drive is mounted
Good fit if
- You need a compact case for a Mini-ITX build
- You want ARGB lighting without complex controllers
- You plan to use a low-profile or small GPU
Skip if
- You require support for ATX or Micro-ATX motherboards
- You need to install a standard-sized graphics card
- You require multiple storage drives simultaneously
Verdict: T.F.SKYWINDINTL D32R ARGB Mini-ITX Case is a compact option for users building small form factor PCs with low-profile components. It suits those prioritizing size and lighting over expansion capabilities.
T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case
Best for: Compact Mini-ITX and DTX builds
- Motherboard Support
- Mini ITX, DTX
- Case Type
- SFF, Mini Tower
- Case Volume
- 3.5L
- Tower Size
- Small Form Factor
- Weight
- 2.2 pounds
View on Amazon: T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case Affiliate link
This 3.5L Mini-ITX case measures 21.6x22.7x7.2cm and uses 0.8mm SPCC steel for durability. It supports Mini-ITX and DTX motherboards. You can install one 3.5-inch HDD or two 2.5-inch SSDs. It requires a PICO PSU with a 12V adapter. The front I/O includes two USB 2.0 ports and HD audio. It fits low-cost DIY projects or HTPC builds.
Pros
- 0.8mm SPCC steel resists scratches and impacts
- Supports Mini-ITX and DTX motherboards
- Compact 3.5L volume fits behind screens
- Front I/O has 2x USB 2.0 and HD audio
Cons
- Requires PICO PSU and external 12V adapter
- No support for discrete graphics cards
- CPU cooler height limited to 58mm max
Good fit if
- You need a space-saving HTPC chassis
- You use Mini-ITX or DTX motherboards
- You prefer low-cost DIY builds
Skip if
- You require discrete graphics card support
- You need standard ATX power supplies
- You want high-speed USB 3.0 ports
Verdict: T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case suits users building compact, low-cost systems with Mini-ITX or DTX motherboards who accept PICO PSU constraints.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case | T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX | Mini ITX, DTX |
| Case Type | SFF, Mini-Tower, HTPC | SFF, Mini Tower |
| Max GPU Length | 160mm | not stated |
| Case Volume | not stated | 3.5L |
| Tower Size | Small Form Factor | Small Form Factor |
| Lighting | ARGB | not stated |
| Dimensions | 8.07 × 3.5 × 8.98 inches | not stated |
| Weight | 2.45 pounds | 2.2 pounds |
| Color | black | black |
| Model | D32R RGB | MX02 |
Frequently asked questions
Which case is smaller in total volume?
The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case has a calculated volume of approximately 252 cubic inches. Its dimensions are 3.5 inches wide, 8.98 inches high, and 8.07 inches long. The 3.5L case does not list length or height specs, so you cannot confirm its exact volume from the data. The ARGB model is explicitly a 3.5L size, suggesting comparable internal space.
Does the ARGB case include lighting features?
Yes, the T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case includes ARGB lighting. This is listed in its attributes. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case does not mention any lighting capabilities in its provided data. If you want visible RGB effects, the ARGB model is the clear choice. The other case focuses on compact structure without specified illumination.
What is the weight difference between the two cases?
The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case weighs 2.45 pounds. The T.F.SKYWINDINTL 3.5L Mini-ITX Case weighs 2.2 pounds. The ARGB model is 0.25 pounds heavier. This difference may come from the additional ARGB components or slightly different material usage. Both are lightweight options for small form factor builds.
Can I use a DTX motherboard in the ARGB case?
The data only lists Mini-ITX support for the T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case. It does not mention DTX compatibility. The other case, the 3.5L model, explicitly supports both Mini-ITX and DTX motherboards. If you need DTX support, the ARGB case is not confirmed to work. You should assume it is Mini-ITX only based on the specs.
What color are these cases available in?
Both the T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case and the 3.5L Mini-ITX Case are listed as black. There are no other color options mentioned in the provided data. You will receive a black chassis for either model. This neutral color fits most desk setups and component themes without drawing attention away from internal lighting or hardware.
Which case is better for low-profile builds?
The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case is described as best for compact Mini-ITX builds with low-profile parts. Its narrow 3.5-inch width is ideal for tight spaces. The 3.5L case is also small but does not specifically highlight low-profile compatibility in its verdict. For strict low-profile component support, the ARGB model is the recommended option.
Is the ARGB case heavier due to its features?
The T.F.SKYWINDINTL ARGB Mini-ITX Case weighs 2.45 pounds, while the 3.5L case weighs 2.2 pounds. The ARGB model is slightly heavier. This extra weight likely comes from the ARGB lighting components or structural differences. The difference is small, so handling and portability remain similar for both small form factor cases.