The Best Compact Case of 2024! ...So Far.

Explore the Sama IM01 Pro Compact PC Case, the potential best MATX case of 2024, with its outstanding build quality, modularity, and impressive thermal performance. Will it replace my Asus Prime AP201?
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Timecodes:
00:00 - Opener
00:25 - Intro / Agenda
01:17 - Specs & Features
03:20 - Beyond The Specs
04:51 - Built To Last
05:54 - An "Easy" Compact Case
07:25 - Thermal & Sound Performance
09:28 - There are Some Cons!
11:15 - Final Thoughts
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[@HRKnight]

Every time I see a new ITX case I just think why can’t they add screw holes so you can swap the feet (without changing brackets, just the feet) to the side panel and run it horizontally, like in an entertainment center? I am loving the trend lately with moving power supplies to different spots

[@Macky20z]

I downsized from a HYTE Y60 snow white case and was able to fit everything in this compact PC case. In the Sama IM01 Pro Compact PC case I successfully fit a Asrock Matx Mobo, Thermaltake Toughpower G3 1200w PSU, Sapphire 7900XT GPU, Four 120mm case fans 3 M.2 NVME drives and 1 Sata SSD all without needing to add the expansion block. Highly recommend this case for anyone trying to build a compact PC.

[@TheTastefulThickness]

Is it possible to use the expansion block as storage for things like flash drives and usb cables? Is there access to the interior in an easy way (i know i'd have to add some kind of floor to the bottom of the expansion block to make this work)

[@IamWeezyHD]

you willing to sell the y60 case lol

[@mexifry222]

Great review, I'm building one right now and used this video for cable management ideas. One point is that an ATX PSU can allow longer graphics cards but you need to turn the PSU so the power cable comes out the top. This allows you to move the PSU up further.

[@johnalogue9832]

This is a pretty interesting one! Definitely going on my list to consider for my someday-when-I-have-money build!

[@RichWhiteUM]

When you said that it had a 20g front USB-C and was only $65, I about did a spit-take all over my monitor and keyboard! I can think of one competitor where you have to buy the front USB-C connector separate from the case (Fractal Pop Mini Air) and it costs $25 more on Newegg, without the front USB-C!. It does have the hidden 5.25" drive bay, but how many people need that in the era of everything being downloaded?

[@ElevatedSystems]

As with most things, over time the manufacturing costs lower. Now many low budget enclosures include the high speed USB-c port. To be fair to fractal, they were still building those cables by hand when the Pop Air was released.

[@RichWhiteUM]

@@ElevatedSystems Yeah, I was more pointing to how crazy the price is on the SAMA, when compared to some others on the market. I wasn't intending to cast shade on Fractal if that's the way it came across. I use a Fractal case (Define 7 Mini) for my main system.

[@elteacher0223]

It looks like Sama is using the same strategy as ThermalRight, "volume' or "selling a lot", keeping expenses low without reducing quality. 😊 ​@@RichWhiteUM

[@2011jaydog]

Bought the regular ip201 and loved it, had a 450w fractal sfx psu, a 4th gen i7 4790 4core8thread chip, a machinist itx mobo, 1tb kingspec m.2 on mobo and wifi card, ran wifi out right under 80 or 90mm rear fan, where vertical gpu brackets was, I had 2 top exhaust, 2 bottom intake 120mm fans, and a 3fan gigabyte rtx 2060 6gig, a 2tb kingspec ssd in the front and a 1tb regular laptop sized hdd, 2x 140mm thermsltake ring fans over the side panel too for intake, had a low profile cpu cooler on it, ran great, just sold it to a friend, he loved it, after building in it I wanna downsize my main rig and possibly use a sama im 01 case of some sort..awsome lil case and very versatile!!

[@ytQrash]

Such a flexible design! I expect that more options for mounting an SFX power supply can be achieved by using an ATX-SFX adapter plate,especially an off-center one like Silverstone's.

[@ElevatedSystems]

Very true, there were so many configurations for this I hadn’t considered that. I could have used the adapter plate included with my Corsair Sfx and probably wouldn’t have needed the extension cables.

[@BrunoMaskulado03]

@@ElevatedSystems you can tuck the power supply cord inside the case.. thats what ive done on my case and it doesnt bulge on the side panel

[@OmairArif]

The IM01 (non-pro) is sold by half a dozen different brands globally, including by Lian Li in Microcenter stores. Presumably the IM01 Pro will have a similar story. I built 2 machines for family/friends in the IM01. It is a fanstastic budget SFF-ish solution. Not just because the case is cheap, but because it lets you have a small machine while using standard mATX motherboards and ATX PSUs. Avoiding the SFF Tax.

[@jobloxfire8456]

In some region (like here in the Philippines), Sama IM01 Pro is sold as Tecware Fusion 2. Sama IM01 (non-Pro) as Tecware Fusion. 😀

[@jerbjerbjerb5912]

are they really the same? eyeing that one if antec doesnt release its rumored ap201 clone in computex this year.

[@seoulglo1999]

This is similar to the Jonsbo D31/D41. The D41 fits full sized ATX components though!

[@jandkwhite6459]

Looks like the Asus Prime. I said this before watching LOL. Sama has actually been killin it with cases and PSUs

[@afrothundercat3351]

Built in the ap201 for family and I was looking for something smaller for myself. Going to try this for my new build. Thanks for the review.

[@deechvogt1589]

Nice find. Interesting option for smaller builds. Thanks!

[@nkozi]

Wish this review had come 3 months ago! I moved my hackintosh to an AP-201 and it's a little too big for my liking. if it comes down to it, I'll be picking one of these up for sure.

[@Mr.McWatson]

Can you mount a fan anywhere along the slots? I would want to put one shooting down at the cooling tower intake. Other than not being able to cram a fan on the front somehwere, looks like a cool case

[@UmbraFaux]

I like the case. I just wish they made the gap between the right panel larger so they could allow the power pass through to bolt to the case instead of hanging out.

[@ArtifactSkyline]

I wonder if the connector of the extension would fit inside the rear panel. Personally, I would run the main power cable in through the cut-out and try to hide away the length of the extension.

[@stancartmankenny]

if you use the expansion box, can the psu extend into it? e.g., if you have, say, 165mm psu and don't want to have to buy a new one, will it fit with the expansion box (and a long gpu)?

[@jonathantran5821]

Wanted to confirm so you can install one 120mm front fan, while having three 120mm fans at the bottom?

[@Saddl3r]

You have tried a couple of mATX cases the last year or so. Among others Jonsbo D31, Sama IM01 Pro, Asus AP201, Jonsbo D31. Which one is your current favorite? Any upcoming plans for noise-normalized temperature comparisons (or other way around)?

[@ThePiprian]

I just ordered a sama im01 clone on friday!

[@ElevatedSystems]

Let me know what you think about it after your build.

[@KurozawaSecond]

Do you think msi mag ab550n can fit in this?

[@unclem4626]

I wonder if you could flip the case and have the psu on the lower side and put a long aio in the extension case lid?

[@ElevatedSystems]

A 360 mil AIO is just a little bit too long to fit in the extension box.

[@spooky1279]

Does the separate extension sit flush on top of the case or does it stick out ? I mean is it perfectly aligned?

[@ElevatedSystems]

Fits perfectly

[@Yue665]

With the perforated front panel, it's really weird they didn't have the option for the power supply to mount to the front like the AP201 (front intake, top exhaust). Would be perfect otherwise. With an sfx psu, it should provide enough clearance for longer gpus even with the cables.

[@ElevatedSystems]

An ATX PSU does mount in the front exactly like the AP201. Front intake, Top exhaust.

[@Yue665]

Ah ok. It mounted on the side in the video so I wasn't sure. Thanks!@@ElevatedSystems

[@Y.V.M]

280 mm AIO + ATX 140 mm + Graphic 335 mm any idea does it will fit?

[@techmaster-ch5yd]

This kind of design (perforated panels) may have drawbacks : the dust will be more visible, stuck in the micro-holes of the panels, it will require regular clean of the panels by the user. Be careful also with water, rain, as this design will not prevent liquid to enter via the micro-holes (accident with a cup of coffee next to the PC).

[@Drthxplct]

Is this somehow compatible with Corsair's RMX shift psu's? I really want a small form factor case with my MATX build. It's just so hard to find a small case that'll fit with RMX shift psu's.

[@Boss69292]

Corsair rme PSUs are 140mm which means you can fit a big gpu

[@Drthxplct]

yep, my concern though is since the connectors are on the side instead in the front, I am worried that somehow the shroud will cover the side connectors.@@Boss69292

[@gwonky931]

Not sure if the whole sideways ports thing would work, but even if it does it's still not ideal to use that PSU because it's too long. It'll end up significantly limiting GPU length. The other guy's recommendation of Corsair rme PSU makes more sense since it's short enough that it won't get in the way of a longer graphics card.

[@flammablewater1755]

I don't normally care about cases but this one actually impresses me.

[@sentranne]

great video

[@100FX]

cant wait to see this case in brasil

[@KellyWu04]

Pretty sweet case for that price.

[@paulsmith9649]

Cant get this in the UK

[@Garrett120hz]

I'm using this case with an ITX board. Installed the Arctic Freezer III 280 with the top had. Had to opt for arctic slim fans because the radiator is much thicker. I like it. I move from case to case too much. From the meshroom s to d and not back to the sama 01 pro

[@martinb4272]

I have seen some report that an AIO means mounting the PSU lower, and thus prohibits GPU's longer than 280 or 300, depending on if using an ATX psu or a smaller one. What's your set up for this?

[@Garrett120hz]

I was using a sfx psu using the built in bracket. So i avoided a lot of gpu limitations. I had an aio with the top had, sfx psu and a 4090 fe

[@martinb4272]

@@Garrett120hz So the sfx is a must. Thank you!

[@majorluigaming9555]

If I use a Mini itx mobo, can I fit a 240mm AIO without using the expansion thing?

[@kennyd7667]

Using a mini itx mobo wont change the space u have above the motherboard to add an aio, either motherboard would be at the same height. U would need the expansion box to install an aio

[@hasyidanparamananda]

Hm... was hoping can extend to ATX should go I D41?

[@ElevatedSystems]

That's a good option for ATX.

[@richard-mai]

Are the removable fan bracket plastic or steel?

[@ElevatedSystems]

Steel. Everything is steel except the feet.

[@richard-mai]

@@ElevatedSystemsthanks. Does the cover over the expansion slot screws serve any other purpose than to hide the screws? It seems so unnecessary, unless I’m missing something.

[@christophpodkowik9245]

Will it survive a 4090FE and i7 14700k or will it melt?

[@Y.V.M]

Still waiting build in this

[@Belsen85]

In Europe this case is sold under the name Inter-Tech IM-2 Expander

[@iamCarlo99_ECE]

Looks like a Tecware Fusion 2.. probably from the same OEM.

[@romangregor4552]

looks a bis like the ssupd meshroom D itx case

[@elteacher0223]

It is compatible with back connect motherboards like MSI Project Zero

[@ElevatedSystems]

No, but Asus makes an MATX case for that. Not as nice but currently I think it’s the only compact option.

[@elteacher0223]

@@ElevatedSystems no sir, Im not asking. I built in it with a MSI B760M project zero (back connect). It is compatible with Matx and Y-ITX back connect mobos. 🤭

[@ElevatedSystems]

@@elteacher0223 Damn, something else I missed and it was staring me right in the face. 🤦‍♂️ I’ll have to highlight some more things when I do my PC build project with the case.

[@elteacher0223]

@@ElevatedSystems you can see it has the holes.

[@gwonky931]

do you have your build on pc part picker? I'm curious to take a look at it.

[@BOPBOPBOPBOPBOPBOPOB]

you got that saul goodman accent

[@mawandaeed]

Now that the Dan a3 is about to be released, I'm sorted for a quality matx build

[@jonathantran5821]

Will the Dan A3 matx be better than the Sama IM01 Pro?

[@mawandaeed]

@@jonathantran5821 definitely

[@gwonky931]

Apparently, they announced that a couple of years ago. It's been continuously delayed. Hopefully it eventually actually releases.

[@skatcat743]

What a banger

[@ElevatedSystems]

lol. The tagline I was going to use on the thumbnail was “Budget Banger!”

[@dekngpasig]

tecware or sama best budget cases specially in matx cases

[@verde5738]

Unfortunately, it's not available in my region so I have to stick to the 201.

[@milo6046]

I just bought the European version of this case, the Inter-Tech IM-2 Expander. It's the exact same design except for the length which is 412mm. This allows the case to house a longer GPU whilst using an ATX PSU and to have the power cable mounted to the case instead of hanging like on the SAMA. It's still more compact than the AP201 !

[@xIndustrialShadoWx]

How is it? I am thinking of buying it. Can it fit 360 radiator like the sama? Here it goes for like 100EUR. So not really budget option but if it is good then worth it I guess. Is the Airflow the same?

[@richard-mai]

Where do you live? I’m in the US and I can’t seem to find a way to order one except on eBay which is like $200 with shipping 😱. Please reply to my username so I get a notification.

[@milo6046]

@@xIndustrialShadoWx the airflow is great, I don't know about the fit for a radiator.

[@milo6046]

@@richard-mai I'm from Norway, the Intertech the European alternative

[@JeebsFat]

I thought this was supposed to have 6x 3.5 slots...

[@CallMeTonyga]

lil stupid but how about attaching a 2nd case to make a double decker or a double wide

[@ElevatedSystems]

lol. It’s possible but you’d have to construct some type of double sided ball stud fastener to connect the two.

[@JackMasterOfNone]

I love my IM01 the best matx case

[@Proudycat]

its the same as Tecware Fusion Hybrid v2

[@GonzoGaming22]

You need to rotate the psu with fan facing front mesh . Having psu with fan inside is a no no. Warm air from inside of case and heat from GPU is too close to psu fan which will suck up all that hot inside the psu sucking out to top of psu.

[@ElevatedSystems]

Myth! If that were true how does the GPU cool itself inside a hot case? How does a top mounted AIO work? How does a CPU tower keep the CPU cool sucking in all the hot air from the GPU? “Hot” is relative. The “Hot” air inside a case is still plenty cold enough to cool electronic components.

[@user-lf5we5uo3r]

АССУС на минималках)

[@notjulesatall]

10:20 who cares about unpleasant cable routing in a case with no window?

[@ElevatedSystems]

In a compact case excess cables can interfere with airflow. Admittedly not as much as many ppl believe however. But this case is available with a tg side panel too.

[@gwonky931]

It's about the fulfilling feeling of knowing everything is as optimized as you can make it! Ofc performance wise it's probably little to no impact to temps.

[@Perfect_person_who_has_4_lags]

To big

[@dantel8995]

this case is not ITX imo. Its is huge

[@ElevatedSystems]

That makes sense since it's in fact, a Micro-ATX case.

[@dantel8995]

@@ElevatedSystems my bad then, I searched for ITX cases and youtube sugested this one

[@Waffleir0n]

AP201 so much better dude

[@ElevatedSystems]

That’s subjective however I own both and the IM01 is objectively much more versatile.

[@LCJammer]

ap201 is good but too big for my taste. this case is perfect except for the tale power plug

[@magic5596]

Too short and cramped…. No need to be so compact…