DeepCool is expanding its lineup of compact cases with two new models designed for μATX motherboards. Or, in other words, the largest motherboards that will fit in the CH260 and CH270 Digital cases are Micro ATX. One of these two new cases is horizontally oriented – deeper rather than taller – while the other stands vertically. This makes it suitable for places where surface area is limited, but vertical space isn’t much of a constraint.
Horizontally (CH260)…
The design of the DeepCool CH260 case is based on the CH160 model. However, the CH260 is intended for one size up in motherboard form factor. Instead of the Mini-ITX format (CH160), it supports motherboards up to Micro ATX. These are still smaller than ATX motherboards, which are supported by most standard cases. With Micro ATX being the upper limit, as is the case with the new DeepCool CH260, you get a more compact overall size. In this instance (including feet), the dimensions are 438 × 255 × 313 mm, amounting to a volume of approximately 31 liters.
The CH260 can accommodate a 360 mm long liquid cooler radiator under the top panel, or alternatively, a 174 mm tall tower cooler – such as the Assassin IV.
Graphics cards can be up to 388 mm long, even if you install front-mounted system fans. These are not included with the case, so DeepCool leaves users free to choose their own. Although the CH260 features extensive perforation on both the front and rear panels, system fans will still be crucial for optimal airflow. You can install two 120 mm fans behind the front panel, up to three 120 mm or two 140 mm fans on the top, and one 120 mm fan at the rear. This makes for a total of up to six expansion positions for fans.
The supported PSU format is ATX (with a maximum length of 150 mm). As for materials, the case is mostly made from SPCC steel, ABS plastic, and tempered glass on the left side panel. The I/O panel, located on the left below the glass, includes three USB ports (2× USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A and 1× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C) and a shared 3.5 mm audio jack for headphones and a microphone.
In addition to the black version, DeepCool CH260 cases are also available in white, labeled with the “WH” (White) designation. They should begin appearing in stores immediately following the publication of this article, with MSRPs of 65 EUR, or 70 EUR. The white CH260 WH model is slightly more expensive.
…and vertically (CH270 Digital)
If the second of DeepCool’s new cases also looks familiar to you, you’re not mistaken – the CH270 Digital is essentially an enlarged version of the CH170 (Digital). The key difference here is that it too supports motherboards up to the Micro ATX format. The first digit in the model number (i.e. 2) indicates its size – with a volume of approximately 32.4 liters (296 × 225 × 486 mm), it’s still smaller than most traditional mid-tower cases. While the height is substantial (486 mm), the depth is relatively short (296 mm), which reduces its footprint. This makes the CH270 Digital a good fit for spaces with limited desk or floor area where a PC might be positioned.
Component support is similar to that of the CH260, with the primary difference being orientation. The liquid cooler (with up to a 360 mm radiator) mounts vertically, as does the graphics card. GPUs of any length will fit, and the only limit is on width – a dimension DeepCool didn’t specify in the materials available at the time of writing. However, the case includes four PCIe expansion slot covers, suggesting that thicker graphics cards will fit just fine.
The “Digital” designation in the name refers to the integrated panel that monitors real-time CPU (or optionally GPU) stats such as temperature, power consumption, utilization, and fan speed. The case reads this data from the motherboard via a USB 2.0 interface connected through a 9-pin header.
As for ports, it includes 2× USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1× USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.
The MSRP for the DeepCool CH270 Digital is 85 EUR, or 90 EUR for the white version, which comes at a slight premium. According to DeepCool, availability in at least some stores will begin on April 22, 2025.
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš
