The DeepCool CH260 is an ideal micro-ATX gaming case for builders seeking superior airflow and efficient cooling in a compact footprint. Its intelligent design supports high-performance components and modern motherboard features, ensuring your system runs cool and looks great, though you'll need to purchase fans separately to maximize its cooling potential.
High Airflow Design: Features full steel mesh panels on the front and top, ensuring optimal ventilation and efficient heat dissipation for demanding components. This design is crucial for maintaining low temperatures during intense gaming sessions.
Compact Micro-ATX Form Factor: Perfectly sized for space-saving builds, this case supports Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX motherboards, making it suitable for a wide range of compact systems.
Tempered Glass Side Panel: A clear tempered glass panel allows you to proudly display your build's internal components, RGB lighting, and meticulous cable management.
Versatile Cooling Support: Offers extensive cooling options, accommodating up to six 120mm fans (e.g., 2x front, 3x top, 1x rear) or various radiator configurations (up to 360mm on top, 120mm rear) for powerful liquid cooling setups.
Rear Connector Motherboard Compatibility: Specifically designed to support newer rear connector motherboards, providing a wider clearance of 29.6mm in the backplane for cleaner cable routing and a sleeker interior.
Generous Component Clearance: Despite its compact size, it supports long GPUs up to 413mm (without front fans) and tall CPU coolers up to 174mm, allowing for powerful gaming hardware.
Modern Front I/O Connectivity: Equipped with 2x USB 3.0, 1x Gen2 Type-C, and an Audio/Mic combo jack, offering convenient access for peripherals and fast data transfer.
Excellent Airflow: Full mesh panels deliver superior cooling performance, critical for gaming rigs.
Compact Size: Micro-ATX form factor saves desk space without sacrificing component support.
Aesthetic Appeal: Tempered glass side panel beautifully showcases internal components.
Versatile Cooling Options: Supports numerous fan and radiator configurations for both air and liquid cooling.
Rear Connector Motherboard Ready: Optimized for modern motherboards with rear-mounted connectors, simplifying cable management.
Good Component Compatibility: Ample clearance for high-end GPUs and CPU coolers.
Modern Connectivity: Includes USB 3.0 and Gen2 Type-C on the front I/O.
No Pre-installed Fans: Users must purchase and install their own fans, adding to the initial cost and setup time.
Limited Drive Bays: Only one 3.5" and one 2.5" drive bay may be restrictive for users with multiple storage devices.
PSU Length Restriction: Maximum PSU length of 150mm requires careful power supply selection.
Compact Interior for Cable Management: While supporting rear connector motherboards, general cable routing space might be tight for non-rear connector boards or very intricate setups.
Excellent Airflow: Full mesh panels deliver superior cooling performance, critical for gaming rigs.
Compact Size: Micro-ATX form factor saves desk space without sacrificing component support.
Aesthetic Appeal: Tempered glass side panel beautifully showcases internal components.
Versatile Cooling Options: Supports numerous fan and radiator configurations for both air and liquid cooling.
Rear Connector Motherboard Ready: Optimized for modern motherboards with rear-mounted connectors, simplifying cable management.
Good Component Compatibility: Ample clearance for high-end GPUs and CPU coolers.
Modern Connectivity: Includes USB 3.0 and Gen2 Type-C on the front I/O.
No Pre-installed Fans: Users must purchase and install their own fans, adding to the initial cost and setup time.
Limited Drive Bays: Only one 3.5" and one 2.5" drive bay may be restrictive for users with multiple storage devices.
PSU Length Restriction: Maximum PSU length of 150mm requires careful power supply selection.
Compact Interior for Cable Management: While supporting rear connector motherboards, general cable routing space might be tight for non-rear connector boards or very intricate setups.
The DeepCool CH260 is engineered for enthusiasts and gamers who prioritize thermal performance in a smaller footprint. Its high-airflow design, with mesh panels on the front and top, ensures that cool air is consistently drawn into the system while hot air efficiently exhausts. This is particularly beneficial for high-wattage components like modern CPUs and GPUs, preventing thermal throttling and maintaining peak performance during extended gaming sessions or heavy workloads.
For gaming, the CH260's ability to house powerful graphics cards (up to 413mm without front fans) combined with robust cooling options means you can build a high-end system capable of running demanding titles. Proper fan placement (e.g., intake fans at the front, exhaust at the top and rear) will create an effective airflow path, keeping your GPU and CPU temperatures in check.
While primarily marketed for gaming, its compact size and efficient cooling also make it suitable for a productivity or light workstation PC where space is a concern. The Gen2 Type-C port on the front I/O provides fast data transfer for external drives, boosting workflow efficiency.
The tempered glass side panel is a major draw for users who want to showcase their internal components, especially if they include RGB lighting. The ample space for CPU coolers and liquid cooling radiators allows for a high degree of customization in terms of cooling solutions.
Preparation: Unpack the case and gather your components (motherboard, CPU, RAM, GPU, PSU, storage drives, and fans).
Motherboard Installation: Carefully install your Mini-ITX or Micro-ATX motherboard into the case, securing it with the provided standoffs and screws. If using a rear connector motherboard, take advantage of the wider backplane clearance for easier connection.
Power Supply Installation: Mount your ATX PS2 power supply (max length 150mm) into its designated bay, typically at the bottom rear of the case.
Fan/Radiator Installation: Install your chosen fans or radiators. Refer to the fan support specifications (Front: 2x 120mm, Top: 3x 120mm / 2x 140mm, Rear: 1x 120mm) and radiator support (Top: 120/240/360mm, Rear: 120mm).
Component Installation: Install your CPU cooler (max height 174mm), graphics card (max length 388mm with front fans, 413mm without), and storage drives (1x 3.5", 1x 2.5").
Cable Management: Utilize the provided cable routing channels and tie-down points to manage cables neatly behind the motherboard tray. This improves airflow and aesthetics.
Front I/O Connections: Connect the front panel USB, Type-C, and audio headers to your motherboard.
Motherboards: Supports Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, and Micro-ATX (Rear Connector) motherboards.
GPU: Maximum length of 388mm (with front fans) or 413mm (without front fans). Always verify your GPU length.
CPU Cooler: Maximum height of 174mm. Ensure your chosen air cooler fits.
PSU: ATX PS2 power supplies only, with a strict maximum length of 150mm.
Storage: Limited to one 3.5" HDD and one 2.5" SSD/HDD. Consider external storage or M.2 NVMe drives if more storage is needed.
Dust Management: Regularly clean the mesh panels (front and top) to prevent dust buildup, which can restrict airflow. Use compressed air or a soft brush.
Interior Cleaning: Periodically open the side panel and use compressed air to clean dust from internal components, especially CPU cooler fins and GPU heatsinks.
Tempered Glass: Clean the tempered glass panel with a microfiber cloth and a mild glass cleaner. Avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.
Cable Check: Occasionally check cable connections to ensure they are secure and not obstructing airflow.