Case CoolerMaster Elite 302

Cooler Master Elite 302 Black Micro-ATX Gaming Case

The Cooler Master Elite 302 Black is a compact Mini Tower PC case designed for modern gaming systems built around Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. Its compact footprint of 390 × 203.5 × 430mm makes it suitable for users who want a capable gaming PC without the size of a traditional ATX tower. The black chassis features a tempered glass side panel, providing a clear view of the internal hardware and RGB lighting. Despite its smaller format, the Elite 302 supports graphics cards up to 365mm and CPU coolers up to 163.5mm in height. With support for ATX power supplies up to 160mm long, four expansion slots and up to six system fans, it provides a practical foundation for compact gaming and everyday performance-focused builds.

Compact Design with Tempered Glass

The Elite 302 combines a compact chassis with a presentation-focused tempered glass side panel, allowing the internal components to remain visible once the PC is assembled. Its Mini Tower form factor keeps the overall footprint relatively small while still providing enough internal space for capable gaming hardware. The black exterior gives the case a clean and understated appearance that can work equally well with conventional components or RGB-focused builds. With four expansion slots, the case is specifically designed around Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX platforms rather than larger ATX motherboards. The dimensions of 390 × 203.5 × 430mm make it easier to position on or underneath a desk where space is limited. For compact gaming systems, the Elite 302 offers a balance between manageable dimensions, visible hardware and the component clearance required for modern builds.

Graphics Card and Hardware Compatibility

Although the Elite 302 uses a compact Mini Tower layout, it provides useful clearance for performance-oriented components. The case supports graphics cards up to 365mm in length, providing room for many modern GPUs used in gaming systems. CPU air coolers can reach up to 163.5mm in height, allowing a range of tower-style cooling solutions to be installed. The case uses an ATX power supply and supports PSU units up to 160mm long, giving builders flexibility when selecting the power supply while keeping the internal dimensions in mind. Four expansion slots are available for compatible PCIe hardware. Motherboard compatibility covers Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX, making the Elite 302 particularly suitable for compact systems where efficient use of internal space is important without requiring the significantly larger footprint of a full-size ATX chassis.

Six-Fan Cooling Configuration

The Cooler Master Elite 302 provides a flexible airflow layout for a compact gaming case, supporting up to six 120mm fans in total. The front panel accommodates up to three 120mm fans, while the top supports either two 120mm or two 140mm fans. A further 120mm fan can be installed at the rear to provide additional exhaust airflow. The case comes with three pre-installed 120mm ARGB fans, providing an illuminated starting configuration while leaving additional positions available for further airflow optimisation. This arrangement allows builders to create a balanced intake and exhaust setup around the CPU and graphics card. For a compact chassis, the combination of multiple fan positions and pre-installed ARGB cooling gives the Elite 302 useful thermal flexibility while also helping create a more visually appealing gaming system through the tempered glass side panel.

Air and Liquid Cooling Support

Beyond conventional fan cooling, the Elite 302 supports several radiator configurations for users who prefer liquid CPU cooling. The front of the case supports radiators up to 360mm, with compatibility for 120mm and 240mm radiator sizes as well. The top supports 120mm, 140mm, 240mm and 280mm radiators, while the rear provides support for a 120mm radiator. This range gives builders flexibility when selecting an all-in-one cooler according to the processor and system configuration. The available cooling positions can also be combined with the case's six-fan maximum, allowing airflow to be tailored around the installed hardware. The compact internal layout means component selection should still be considered carefully, but the available radiator support gives the Elite 302 considerably more cooling flexibility than its small footprint might suggest.

Storage, Connectivity and Cable Management

The Elite 302 provides straightforward storage and connectivity for compact gaming builds. Storage support includes one 3.5-inch drive and one 2.5-inch drive, with the option to accommodate up to two 2.5-inch drives depending on the configuration. The front I/O includes one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C port and a 3.5mm audio combo connection, providing convenient access to modern peripherals and headsets. Cable routing space measures approximately 18.5mm, helping builders organise power and peripheral cables behind the motherboard area. The case also includes front, top and bottom dust filters, helping reduce the amount of dust entering the system through the main airflow areas. At approximately 5.38kg, the Elite 302 remains relatively easy to handle while providing a practical platform for compact gaming PCs.