DeepCool CH160: Small, affordable, yet fully featured

Significantly smaller than any case we’ve tested so far. The question is how this smaller size will affect cooling efficiency. Motherboard compatibility is narrower—the largest that fits is Mini-ITX, but the CPU cooler can still be tall, the graphics card long, and the PSU can even be full-size ATX. Yes, even that has a place in the DeepCool CH160. Even a case this small has enough space for large components.

The concept is based on the idea: “Make it as small as possible while still allowing powerful components to be used.” That seems to have been the thinking behind designing the DeepCool CH160. A large graphics card fits inside, as well as the ability to cool a power-hungry CPU (with a high-performance cooler). That is the goal of the CH160 case, which this article is about.

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* In a configuration with an SFX PSU. If using an ATX PSU, the maximum graphics card length is limited to 230 mm.

External details…

It’s a fairly small cube oriented in depth. The largest dimension is in this axis (336 mm), with a width of 284 mm and a height of 200 mm. In total, when converted to volume, it’s about 19 liters. That’s less than most cases, but still, those usually only house a single graphics card, an SSD (M.2) on the motherboard, and then a tall (or long, depending on the type) CPU cooler. The DeepCool CH160 is well prepared for exactly such components.

Behind the case grille is a relatively fine dust filter. As can be seen in the detail below, it’s a “mesh” filter. Behind the relatively sparse square cutouts (in the grille), the finer dust filter is definitely useful for more effectively capturing outside debris. This filter is on all four sides of the case, wherever there is either the potential to install intake-oriented fans (i.e., front, side) or to draw dust through holes in the bottom. The filter is also in the top position. That’s where fans are usually set as exhaust, but when the PC is off, dust falls in from above, and this filter helps prevent it from getting inside the case.

The external ports and buttons are located on the side, at the bottom front. Of the USB connectors, there are two 5 Gbps ports (USB 3.2 Gen 1), connected via an internal 19-pin, and in addition there is also a USB-C port (10 Gbps).

From the side, the CH160 shows a fan mount in the right panel and another in the rear panel. In the factory configuration, no fans are installed, but they can be added. Although this case does not ship with system fans, it isn’t designed to run passively. The fanless configuration gives you freedom of choice in selecting your own fans. Of course, you’ll need to purchase them separately, which is something to consider in the overall price of the case, but you also don’t have to deal with what to do with stock fans you’d otherwise replace.

The bottom of the case, besides the feet, also shows extensive perforation. However, you cannot install a fan there. Or rather, there would be space, but no mounting holes are provided. Air will flow through these holes regardless, and to minimize the dust particles coming with it, the bottom is equipped with a dust filter.

And yes, there’s a handle on top of the case. This grip makes it easier to carry. For example, to various events where you might otherwise take a laptop. Or a desktop PC, but in a more complicated way than with the DeepCool CH160.

Please note: The article continues in the following chapters.