I’ve always stuck to building PCs in MicroATX cases or larger. However, the charm of Mini-ITX designs is undeniable, even for someone like me who needs a few extra PCIE slots. If you have even a basic 3D printer, you don’t need to make a trip to your nearest MicroCenter to get one—you can print a Mini-ITX case right at home.
Meet the Kubic, a small form factor PC case designed for Mini-ITX motherboards. Its cubic layout and retro NES-inspired aesthetics, thanks to creator WhoIsLudwig’s choice of colors and finish, make it stand out. With its cute handle on top, it also brings to mind the iconic GameCube. Tom’s Hardware recently featured this impressive design.
While not the first 3D-printed case, the Kubic is notable for its practicality: no single piece is larger than 170x170mm. This means you can print all the parts using even a budget-friendly printer like the Bambu A1. Despite its compact size, it can house a double-slot discrete GPU up to 220mm long, allowing for some serious performance potential.
However, this case isn’t ideal for an overclocked gaming rig. Cooling is managed by a single 140mm fan on the top, so a powerful CPU with a one-fan liquid cooling setup might generate a lot of heat. WhoIsLudwig provides three front plate options: bare, USB, or audio jack.
To assemble the case, you’ll need screws, brass inserts, a couple of electrical switches for the power buttons, and a USB header if you want front-facing ports. You’ll also need basic hand tools, a soldering iron, your PC components, and a 140mm fan. The complete build requires 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of 3D printer filament, according to the detailed step-by-step instructions.