Overview

The Cooler Master Elite 301 is a mini-tower PC case designed for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. Its minimalist black design combines metal, plastic, and tempered glass to create a clean yet premium appearance that works equally well in gaming setups and office environments.
Despite its compact footprint, the Elite 301 offers up to 365mm of GPU clearance, allowing you to install high-end graphics cards like the RTX 5080 or RX 7090 XT. It also supports CPU coolers up to 163.5mm tall and power supplies up to 160mm long, while accommodating 280mm liquid coolers and up to six fans for efficient thermal management.
Positioned in the entry-to-mid tier, this case delivers strong value by combining an affordable price point with the flexibility to handle modern high-end components. The included three 120mm ARGB PWM fans and the large intake grille ensure unrestricted airflow, making it a practical choice for builders who want performance without sacrificing desk space.

Compatibility Guide

The Elite 301 supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards only. Standard ATX boards will not fit, so verify your motherboard's form factor before purchasing.
GPU clearance extends to 365mm, which accommodates large cards such as the RTX 5080 and RX 7090 XT. However, thicker cards may reduce the space available for cable routing, so plan your build accordingly.
CPU cooler height is limited to 163.5mm. If you prefer a large air cooler, check its height against this limit. For liquid cooling, a 280mm radiator is the maximum supported size.
The power supply mounts at the bottom, and units up to 160mm long are compatible. When selecting an ATX PSU, consider cable length and stiffness to keep the build tidy.

Product Info

The Elite 301 is part of Cooler Master's Elite series, categorized as a mini-tower case. It supports both air and liquid cooling, and ships with three 120mm ARGB PWM fans that deliver strong airflow through the large intake grille.
In the market, this case sits in the entry-to-mid tier. It offers a rare combination of compact dimensions and support for high-end GPUs and 280mm AIO coolers, making it a cost-effective choice for space-conscious builders.

Best Use Cases

  • Gamers who want a high-end build in a small footprint. With 365mm of GPU clearance, you can pair a Micro-ATX board with an RTX 5080-class card without needing a full tower. Not ideal for those who prefer the expansion options of a larger chassis.
  • PC enthusiasts seeking a balance between cooling and quiet operation. The support for a 280mm AIO and up to six fans allows efficient airflow in a compact space. However, if you plan to use a 360mm radiator, this case won't accommodate it.
  • Users who want a minimalist PC on their desk. The black finish and tempered glass panel blend into most interiors. If you're looking for a case with extensive RGB lighting coverage, this may feel understated.

Things to Consider

This case is exclusively for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. If you already own an ATX board, you'll need to look at a different chassis.
The 163.5mm CPU cooler height limit rules out some of the tallest air coolers on the market. Measure your cooler before committing to this case.
While the 365mm GPU clearance is generous, leaving some slack for cable management is wise. Also, the 160mm PSU length limit means you should choose a compact or fully modular unit for easier installation.

FAQ

Q: Can I install an ATX motherboard in this case?
A: No, the Elite 301 is designed for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards only. ATX boards will not fit.
Q: Does it support a 360mm radiator?
A: No, the maximum supported radiator size is 280mm. For 360mm radiators, consider a larger case.
Q: Can I replace the included fans?
A: Yes, the case supports up to six fans in total. You can swap the included 120mm ARGB PWM fans or add more, and use a fan hub or controller for finer speed control.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: Cooler Master
  • Seller: KUNIO-SHOP
  • Fulfilled by: KUNIO-SHOP
  • ASIN: B0D7NKR56P
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.