The race to build the ultimate compact gaming PC just hit a new milestone. Thor Zone, a brand synonymous with cutting-edge small-form-factor (SFF) designs, has officially opened preorders for its highly anticipated Tetra ITX case—a chassis engineered to house even the most powerful next-gen components, including NVIDIA’s rumored RTX 5090 GPU. Priced at $249 and slated to ship in early 2026, the Tetra is poised to redefine what’s possible in the realm of portable gaming rigs.
A Marvel of Miniaturization
Measuring just 12 liters in volume, the Tetra ITX case doesn’t compromise on power. Designed for Mini-ITX motherboards, it supports GPUs up to 340mm in length, ensuring compatibility with flagship graphics cards like the upcoming RTX 5090. Thor Zone’s engineers have prioritized airflow, integrating a modular cooling system that accommodates dual 240mm radiators—a rarity in cases this compact. The aluminum-and-steel hybrid chassis also features tool-less side panels and customizable RGB lighting, blending practicality with aesthetic flair.
But what truly sets the Tetra apart is its forward-thinking design. “Gamers shouldn’t have to choose between size and performance,” said Lars Thorstensen, CEO of Thor Zone. “With the Tetra, we’re future-proofing for GPUs that haven’t even launched yet.” This bold claim is backed by the case’s adjustable PCIe riser system, which can adapt to varying GPU dimensions and power connectors.
Preorders Live Amidst Growing Competition
The timing of Thor Zone’s announcement is no coincidence. With ASUS recently unveiling its RTX 5080-powered ROG NUC, the battle for dominance in the SFF market is heating up. Unlike ASUS’s prebuilt solution, however, the Tetra caters to DIY enthusiasts who crave customization.
Preorders for the Tetra ITX case are now live on Thor Zone’s official store, with early adopters receiving a bundled PCIe 5.0 riser cable and a limited-edition magnetic dust filter. Meanwhile, component hunters can already scout for compatible parts, including the RTX 5090, which is expected to hit retailers like Amazon later this year.
Challenges and Considerations
Building in an SFF case isn’t for the faint of heart. The Tetra’s compact footprint demands careful planning, particularly for cooling. While the case supports liquid cooling, enthusiasts may need low-profile fans or custom cable management to avoid airflow bottlenecks. Power supply options are also limited to SFX or SFX-L units, though Thor Zone promises a partnership with a major PSU brand to release a tailored 1000W model by late 2025.
The Verdict
For gamers and builders eager to pair NVIDIA’s next-gen GPUs with a portable powerhouse, the Tetra ITX case is a tantalizing proposition. Its blend of flexibility, cooling potential, and sleek design could make it the gold standard for SFF builds—assuming real-world performance lives up to the hype.
As the industry shifts toward smaller, smarter systems, Thor Zone’s latest offering proves that big things really do come in small packages.
