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BEST SKIFF
Make Noise Skiff
$6 on Reverb
BEST 7U
Intellijel 7U 84hp
$6 on Reverb
BEST BUDGET
Doepfer A-100LC6
$6 on Reverb
BEST PORTABLE
Tip Top Happy Ending Kit
$6 on Reverb

Eurorack cases are the foundation of any modular system. A case provides power, organization, and portability for your modules. The case you choose determines how much gear you can fit, how portable your system is, and how much power headroom you have. Starting with the right case saves money later.

Cases come in fixed sizes measured in Eurorack units (U) and horizontal pitch units (hp). A 6U 84hp case holds a small starter system. A 12U 168hp case is a full-blown rig. Modern cases include a built-in power supply. Older cases require external power. Choose based on your sound design goals and whether you plan to tour.

The 7 Best Eurorack Case

#1

Make Noise Skiff

3U 84hp Powered Eurorack Case · 3U, 84hp, built-in power (1200mA @ +12V, 600mA @ ±12V), aluminum frame$150–$220 used

Best for: Beginners wanting the most compact starter system

The Skiff is the gold standard intro case. Compact, powered, affordable. 84hp holds about 8-12 small modules. Three rows of 28hp each. Built-in power is genuine — 1200mA on the positive rail is plenty for a starter patch. Used Skiffs at $150-220 are common. Perfect entry point.

What to check used: 84hp is tight once you start adding more modules. Many players buy a Skiff, love it, then want a bigger case within 6 months. Know this limit going in.

Available now

#2

Intellijel 7U 84hp

7U 84hp Powered Case · 7U, 84hp, 2000mA @ +12V / 1500mA @ ±12V, bus board included, modular power options$200–$280 used

Best for: Modular enthusiasts building medium-depth systems

Intellijel cases are built for modularity. 7U format gives you extra rows for deeper patches and power management. 84hp is the sweet spot — more room than a Skiff, still portable. Power is generous (2000mA at +12V). Used at $200-280.

Available now

#3

Doepfer A-100LC6

6U 84hp Powered Case · 6U, 84hp, 1500mA power headroom, compact travel case design, lid included$150–$220 used

Best for: Touring musicians and minimal system builders

Doepfer is legendary in modular. The A-100LC6 is compact, powered, and includes a hard lid for travel. Six rows give you layout options while staying portable. 84hp is the standard skiff size. Used at $150-220.

Available now

#4

Tip Top Happy Ending Kit

DIY Powered Case Kit · 6U 84hp, DIY power supply, wooden frame (assemble yourself), Intellijel bus$80–$120 used

Best for: Budget builders and DIY enthusiasts

The Happy Ending Kit is a case you assemble yourself. Costs less than pre-built cases. Wooden frame is lightweight and modular-friendly. Good for first-time builders learning about power and bus routing. Used at $80-120.

Available now

#5

Arturia RackBrute 6U

6U 84hp Powered Case · 6U, 84hp, 3000mA headroom, integrated sequencer, 3x CV outputs$150–$220 used

Best for: Musicians wanting sequencing and CV I/O built in

RackBrute adds a built-in 32-step sequencer with CV outputs. This is unique — most cases are just power and organization. Generous power (3000mA at +12V). Used at $150-220.

#6

Tiptop Mantis

4U 104hp Powered Case · 4U, 104hp, 1200mA power, compact but deep, powder-coated aluminum$180–$250 used

Best for: Minimalists who want more hp than a Skiff without a large footprint

Mantis splits the difference — 104hp is 20hp wider than a Skiff but still fits in a backpack. Four rows give you depth. Power is adequate for a starter system. Used at $180-250.

Available now

#7

Nifty Case 104HP

3U 104hp Budget Powered Case · 3U, 104hp, 1000mA power, anodized aluminum, desktop friendly$120–$180 used

Best for: Budget builders wanting more hp on a tight budget

Nifty Cases are budget Eurorack cases. 104hp is more than a Skiff (84hp) at a lower price. Three rows is compact. Used at $120-180. Quality is decent for the price.

Available now

Frequently Asked Questions

What does HP mean and how much do I need?

HP (horizontal pitch units) is the width measurement in Eurorack. Each module takes up a certain number of HPs. A typical starter module is 4-8hp. An 84hp case fits about 8-12 small modules. 104hp gives you 15+ modules. 168hp is for full-sized rigs. Start with 84hp and upgrade if you outgrow it.

Should I buy a powered case or an unpowered one?

Buy powered. Powered cases include a built-in power supply. Unpowered cases require an external power supply (bulky and expensive). Almost all modern cases are powered. If a used case is unpowered, factor in the cost of an external supply before buying.

What is a bus board and do I need one?

A bus board distributes power from the supply to your modules. Most modern cases include one. Older cases or DIY cases might require a separate bus board (Intellijel, Doepfer, Tiptop make them). If your case has built-in power distribution, you don't need a separate bus.

Can I mix different case formats (3U, 6U, 7U)?

Yes. Many modular musicians use multiple cases stacked or side-by-side. You can have a 3U Skiff for portability and a 6U case in the studio. Mix and match based on your workflow. Just make sure each case has its own power supply if stacking.

How much power headroom do I actually need?

The power rating (1200mA, 2000mA, etc.) specifies the available current on each rail. Most modern modules use 100-500mA on the +12V rail. A 1200mA supply runs about 2-3 power-hungry modules comfortably. For flexibility, aim for 1500mA+ on the positive rail.

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