The Best Computer Cases | TechSpot
- Best Of
- Cases
Full Towers, Mid Towers, Small Form Factor, and More
By
TechSpot Staff
TechSpot is supported by its audience. We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Here’s why you can trust us.
Choosing the right case for all your PC hardware can make a big difference to how it looks, keeps cool, and sounds. But with so many options out there, how do you know what’s best for you?
There are plenty of factors to examine: appearance, size, cost, features, thermals, and so on. But we’re here to make the process easier and narrow things down to some truly excellent options for you to consider.
Our latest round-up of the best cases covers various form factors, prices, and target audiences. We base our choices on expert and user reviews, buyers’ comments, and our own impressions, separating the best from the rest.
Also see:
- The Best Compact PC Cases to Put on a Desk
- The Best Old-School PC Cases
- 5 Ideas to Improve and Bring New Life into Your Old PC Case
- Best Overall
Phanteks Eclipse P600S (+4 Alternatives)
Price: $189
- Best for Enthusiasts
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M (+3 Alternatives)
Price: $510
- Best Mini-ITX
Lian Li TU150 Mini ITX (+4 Alternatives)
Price: $117
- Best Micro-ATX
Lian Li 011 Air Mini (+3 Alternatives)
Price: $119
- Best Under $100
Thermaltake Core V1 (+3 Alternatives)
Price: $53
Best Overall
In numbers
Price:
$189 on Amazon
TechSpot Metascore:
User Reviews:
Great | Differentiating Features
Front panels let users choose between performance or silent modes, excellent airflow, versatility, great value, dual system support
Good | Most Have It
USB Type-C, supports E-ATX motherboards, roomy interior
Average | Competitors May Be Better
No RGB, design might be a bit plain for some
Phanteks has long been a favorite brand among PC builders, and for good reason.
Its products regularly compete for ‘Case of the Year’ awards, and the P600S is no exception, combining high-performance and low-noise levels in an attractive case at a compelling price.
On the outside, users have the option of removing the sound-dampening front panels and revealing the fabric mesh filter, which allows for better airflow and improved performance. Alternatively, you can leave them in place for near-silent running. There’s also a tempered glass magnetic side panel that’s easy to open, and a neatly hidden I/O panel, featuring USB Type-C and dual 3.0 ports
Image: The Black and White Build by Robeywankenobi
The interior of the P600S is based on the Phanteks Enthoo Evolve X, a former winner of our Best Enthusiast category. That means there’s plenty of room inside this mid-tower, with support for up to E-ATX motherboards (up to 280mm wide) and dual-systems, along with plenty of cable routing features.
It comes with a PSU shroud with a cutout to show off your power supply, sliding grommets, a fan hub, and three 140 mm fans with room for three more.
Drive-wise, you get three tool-free SSD caddies at the back, and you can add the four included 3.5-inch drive enclosures at the bottom. While the P600S lacks some of the features found on the most expensive cases, including RGB, it’s extremely versatile and comes with pretty much everything you need in a chassis.
A perfect choice for a variety of builds, its best element could be the price. At under $200, Phanteks is offering a quality product far below the usual high price you’d expect to pay for a high-end option.
Fantastic alternatives
Lian Li 011 Dynamic XL
If the more traditional look of the Phanteks Eclipse isn’t for you, and you’re after something just as flexible but with a modern, stylish appearance, then this case is a great choice. An update to the 011 Dynamic, this case looks stunning thanks to its removable front and side tempered glass and multiple RGB modes. The XL is more spacious than its predecessor, allowing for larger components while making it an excellent case to work inside.
With its modular design, the Dynamic XL offers a huge amount of flexibility for different builds.
Highlights include the hot-swappable bays, excellent cooling, capacity for up to ten storage drives, and support for vertical GPU mounting and E-ATX motherboards. There’s also a Razer version so you can synchronize the lighting with the company’s peripherals. The only problem might be the $200+ price tag.
NZXT H710i
If you’re after something that’s giving you a head start with setting up internal lighting, then this is an ideal choice. NZXT’s latest smart case looks gorgeous and now comes with a faster microprocessor for its CAM software-powered Smart Device, which utilizes machine learning to find the perfect point between noise and performance for fans — it also controls the integrated RGB lighting.
For just under $200, the H710i offers four 120 mm fans, USB Type-C, and support for vertically mounted GPUs. But its best feature could be the excellent cable routing, which uses built-in cable channels at the back to keep everything tidy.
Fractal Design Define 7
Versatility often requires a chassis to be overly large, but that’s not true of this compact, sub-$200 offering. The Fractal Design Define 7 is a feature-packed case that is also versatile with a dual-layout interior. There’s plenty of room for working inside, which is made easier by the tool-free panels.
There’s also a Nexus+ 2 PWM fan hub, great cable management, a dedicated fill port for refilling water loops, and a vented top panel that adds to its top thermal performance.
Corsair 5000D Airflow
Finally, if you just want a simple and modern case, that offers good value for money, then you can’t go wrong with this one.
Corsair’s model fits neatly between their 4000D and 7000D Airflow offerings, in terms of size and price. While not as feature-rich as the other choices above, it’s been a popular seller, and for good reasons.
Like its bigger brother, the 7000D Airflow, this case comes with a six header, SATA-powered PWM repeater, although there are only two 120 mm fans pre-installed (one each, front and rear).
There are just three USB ports on the top/front (one 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, two USB 3.0 Type-A) but inside, there’s room for up to six 2.5-inch drivers or four 2.5-inch and two 3.5-inch.
Along with space for a 15-inch (400 mm) graphics card and multiple closed-loop radiator systems, this mid-tower case is notably cheaper than the others in this category, at around $160.
Back to top ▵
Best for Enthusiasts
In numbers
Price:
$510 on Amazon
TechSpot Metascore:
Great | Differentiating Features
Modular design allows for multiple configurations, fantastic cooling support, includes GPU riser cable and four 140 mm fans, embedded ARGB
Good | Most Have It
USB Type-C, expandable, quiet
Average | Competitors May Be Better
Very expensive, not ideal for beginners
The Cooler Master Cosmos 700M is everything you’d expect for a case targeted at enthusiasts: huge, heavy, and gorgeous.
It features addressable RGB (ARGB), in the form of two parallel strips that run from the top panel to the front panel, as well as ambient ARGB lighting on the bottom that reflects against the aluminum bars. You also get a tempered glass side panel with curved edges and a matte finish on the distinctive Cosmos handlebars.
The biggest draw for experienced PC builders is the C700M’s versatility. Its modular layout allows you to pick a standard, inverted, or chimney-style motherboard tray (achieved by rotating the motherboard 90 degrees). The case also comes with a graphics card mounting bracket and riser cable, allowing users to mount the GPU vertically or horizontally in several positions, and you can even rotate the card up to 90 degrees to better show it off.
Image: Epic C700M office build by RiftDMRiftDM
The C700M is also perfect for those who want to use a custom water-cooling loop, with two included brackets that can each support 420 mm radiators and mounting locations for water pumps and reservoirs.
The cable management design was inspired by server racks, with plastic strips organizing cables into channels, Velcro strips, and cable covers to keep everything looking clean.
With four pre-installed fans (up to nine are supported), ten drive bays, USB Type-C, and excellent thermal performance, the C700M is an outstanding case. Its only real drawbacks are its size, complexity, and price, which is currently over $500.
Great alternatives to consider
be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 rev 2.
Enthusiast-level cases don’t have to be hugely expensive, as BeQuiet amply demonstrates with this choice. The successor to the excellent Dark Base Pro 900, the rev. 2 comes with all the original’s features, including the modular interior, Qi wireless charging, capacity for a huge number of drives, and fantastic water-cooling support.
The latest version features a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, a fan controller that supports 8 PWM fans, new plastic drive slot covers, and improved Silent Wings fans.
At just over $250, it’s considerably cheaper than many enthusiast-class rivals.
Corsair 7000D Airflow
If looks are less important than the case’s practical aspects, then the Corsair 7000D Airflow is a great choice. With room for up to 10 storage drives and a 17-inch (450 mm) graphics card, this case offers lots of scope for multiple closed-loop radiators.
Three 140 mm AirGuide fans and a six header, SATA-powered PWM repeater come pre-installed, and there’s decent space and routing behind the motherboard panel for cable management. There are five USB ports on the top/front (four 3.0 Type-A and one 3.1 Type-C), which is rare to see in many cases these days. It’s currently priced at a fraction under $270.
But if size really does matter, then Corsair’s Obsidian 1000D beats them all. Thirty percent bigger than its predecessor, the gargantuan 900D, this cavernous monster can hold two full ATX systems, 8 fans, four 480 mm radiators, and the family sedan (possibly).
Phanteks Evolv X
This final choice is much like the others, being versatile, spacious and good-looking, but it has all of the others beat in one particular area. This successor to the excellent Evolv ATX supports not only E-ATX, ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards, but also dual systems, thanks to the optional ITX upgrade kit — though this will also require Phantek’s Revolt X PSU.
Cable management is extremely good, the fan hub design is superb, but its winning card has to be the fact that it can hold up to 19 storage drives! This previous category winner is currently available for just over $230.
But if the Enthoo Evolv X is too small for your needs, then Phanteks also offers their colossal Enthoo Elite — at 30 inches tall, 24 inches deep, and 10 inches wide, its excessive dimensions are matched by its $900+ asking price.
Back to top ▵
Best Mini-ITX Case
In numbers
Price:
$117 on Amazon
TechSpot Metascore:
User Reviews:
Great | Differentiating Features
Handle is a piece of design, can fit larger air coolers and GPUs
Good | Most Have It
USB Type-C
Average | Competitors May Be Better
SFX/SFX-L power supplies only, no bottom dust filters
For PC owners preferring to have their system be compact, even console-sized, there are some very attractive mini-ITX options available, and one of the best is the Lian Li TU150.
Like all of Lian Li’s cases, the TU150 exudes class, especially the brushed aluminum version. There’s a tempered glass side panel with a blacked-out section that hides the PSU, four rubber-tipped feet that provide clearance airflow, and the case’s highlight: a fully retractable handle in the roof that blends into the chassis when in the down position.
The TU150 is slightly larger than some other ITX cases, meaning it can fit bigger components, though its form factor will still have limitations. Connectivity demands, meanwhile, are met with the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port and dual USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A connectors.
Image: Mighty Mouse by MarketplaceResales
Accessing the case is simple, thanks to the pin-based, push-to-lock panel mechanism that makes stripping it down a quick and simple affair. On the inside, there’s support for either two 2.5-inch drives or one 2.5 and 3.5-inch, along with up to four fans.
Cable management, often an issue in ITX cases, is excellent as you can route cables behind the motherboard tray and through the roof section.
The only issue some might have with this case is that it doesn’t support ATX power supplies, only SFX/SFX-L (although the use of such a supply doesn’t create more interior space).
Apart from that, the TU150 is a great choice for those wanting a mini-ITX with enough room for sizable components (air coolers up to 165 mm). It’s also under $120, which is excellent value for money.
Worthwhile alternatives
NZXT h310i
If the TU150 looks a little dated for your taste, then this classic is a great alternative. An update of the NZXT h300i (our previous ‘Best mini-ITX case’ winner), the h310i features everything that made its predecessor so good, along with a few upgrades. Buyers get the latest Smart Device V2 for controlling the RGB lighting and fans, and we finally get a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port.
There’s plenty of room for liquid cooling setups, great thermal performance, and lots of cable management features. You can grab this stylish case for under $100.
Lian Li Q58
It might seem unfair to include another Lian Li case in this category, but this one has been a popular choice with users, and from looks alone, it’s not hard to see why. With an ATX PSU, there’s only room for two 2.5-inch storage drives, but using an SFX supply will increase that to three, plus one 3.5-inch drive.
The side panels (two on each side) are hinged and interchangeable, allowing you to configure the case for looks or thermal performance. No fans are included in the package, but there is an integrated PWM + RGB controller, powered by a motherboard header.
Despite its compact appearance, there’s room for a 280 mm closed-loop radiator at the top, and it can fit a graphics card up to 3 slots wide and around 12 inches (360 mm) in length. Using GPUs that large requires the use of the included PCIe riser cable, but it’s only PCIe 3.0 — a version 4.0 cable costs extra. Along with its fiddly cable management, current prices of around $175 make this a bit of a niche choice.
Phanteks Evolv Shift XT
For sheer adaptability, this choice is hard to beat! No, this isn’t three different cases being shown — it’s all the same one. The Phanteks Evolv Shift XL is a height-adjustable SFF case, achieved through the use of multiple screw fixings on the panels and chassis.
A little under 15 inches (371 mm) long and 7 inches (173 mm) wide, the case can be configured for three different heights: 8.3, 9.6, and 10.7 inches (211, 244, and 272 mm). This adjustment allows you to add additional fans or use a 240 mm closed-loop cooler. Unfortunately, there’s only room for a single 2.5-inch drive, so you’ll need to have NVMe M.2 support on the motherboard if you need further storage.
Its tiny size also dictates the use of an SFX or SFX-L power supply unit, but regardless of how you configure the Evolv Shift XT, there’s space for a 12-inch (324 mm) graphics card.
Perhaps the biggest drawback with this great-looking Phanteks offering is the price — at around $170, it’s noticeably more expensive than some of the others in this category.
Some further alternatives that are worth checking out are the Thermaltake Core V1 (ultra-compact, basic looks, but low price) and Silverstone’s RVZ030-ARGB. The latter gives off console vibes and that was the aim of the designers — space is very tight inside, so it’s not for everyone, but the price is under $160.
Back to top ▵
Best Micro-ATX Case
In numbers
Price:
$119 on Amazon
TechSpot Metascore:
User Reviews:
Great | Differentiating Features
Comes with three fans and plenty of room for other cooling options
Good | Most Have It
Good thermals and cable management, competitive price
Average | Competitors May Be Better
Steel chassis is heavy, wide format takes up space
Lian Li’s 011 Air MINI is a compact version of their original 011 Air but small updates have improved the overall package, in terms of space and cooling performance.
To get you started in that area, two 140 mm PWM fans and one 120 mm PWM fan come pre-installed.
Thanks to a modular back panel system, there’s scope to use ATX, mini-ITX, or micro-ATX motherboards, and there’s space for a regular-sized ATX PSU. The case has a split interior, to allow for cables to be neatly routed out of view and prevent airflow obstruction.
Depending on the panel configuration and motherboard used, it’s possible to fit 280 mm radiators in the top, front, or bottom, and a 240 mm radiator at the back.
There’s support for six 2.5-inch drives or four 2.5-inch with two 3.5-inch drives, and it comes with two USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Type-C ports on the top. The clean looks, spacious interior, and competitive $119 price make the 011 Air MINI a top choice for the micro-ATX category.
Other choices worth considering
Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL
Where the Lian Li 011 Air MINI is all about being ultra-compact and well-priced, the Enthoo Mini XL from Phanteks takes a very different approach.
At over $230, you’d expect a lot from this case and, thankfully, it thoroughly delivers.
In terms of looks, the design is somewhat dated now, as this model has been around for a good while.
But for sheer versatility, this case is hard to beat. Want to fit two micro-ATX systems in your PC? Need to fit up to three 5.25-inch devices, such as Blu-ray burners? How about up to eight 2.5-inch storage drives? The Enthoo Mini XL has you covered.
If that’s too expensive, then Phanteks’ former category winner, the Evolv mATX TG, is also a great choice and is currently around $140.
Corsair 4000D Airflow
Something that’s far more modern, is the Corsair 4000D Airflow. Aimed at maximizing cooling performance, this case isn’t going to be the quietest on the market, nor does it have the same level of storage support or ports that the Lian Li offers.
But with room for a graphics card of up to 14 inches (360 mm) in length, this case will easily cope with any GPU.
There’s also space for two 2.5-inch and two 3.5-inch drives, plus a whole host of radiator and fan configurations.
And at just under $120, it’s keenly priced against its competitors.
Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact
With a choice of 5 color schemes, this spacious and good-looking case has plenty of room for large graphics cards (over 13 inches/341 mm is supported) and plenty of fans to keep things cool.
For its size, there’s not a huge scope for storage drives (just two 2.5-inch, as standard, but can be expanded to four) but it does come with four USB ports on the top/front.
The artistic filter on the front can be removed for extra airflow and at around $140, the Meshify 2 Compact is a worthy alternative.
Back to top ▵
Best Case Under $100
In numbers
Price:
$53 on Amazon
TechSpot Metascore:
Great | Differentiating Features
Roomy mini-ITX case for under $60, includes one 200 mm fan, looks great in white
Good | Most Have It
Fits a standard ATX PSU
Average | Competitors May Be Better
Limited cooling options, low number of expansion slots
Due to recent rises in manufacturing costs, many popular cases now come over the $100 mark, but the Thermaltake Core V1 isn’t one of them.
Yes, it’s a mini-ITX case, so internal space is at a premium.
But with some clever arrangement of cables and the right choice of cooling, it’s possible to fit a graphics card of length up to 10 inches (255 mm), a standard ATX PSU, and two 2.5 or 3.5-inch drives. The side panels can be swapped between being transparent plastic or vented steel, so there’s scope to configure the looks to just how you want them.
The Core V1’s downsides, besides the limited space, are the expansion slots at the rear and USB ports on the side — there are just two of each and the latter are just 3.0, so no high-speed Gen 3.2, unfortunately. But for the money and small footprint appeal, this case is definitely a worthy choice.
Great alternatives
Corsair Carbide 275R
If the Thermaltake Core V1 is too small for your needs, then the Corsair Carbide 275R is the next best choice. Somewhat old school in terms of design, especially regarding thermal performance, there’s lots of room inside to fit big graphics cards, up to four 2.
5-inch drives, and three closed-loop cooling systems.
Various corners have been cut to keep the price under $70, such as the acrylic side panel, but the clean and simple look is very appealing.
NZX H510 Flow
The original NZXT H510 was a hit with budget-orientated PC enthusiasts, bar its poor thermal performance. The Flow version addresses this pretty well and if you want a case that has an elegant appearance, but still offers lots of room, then the H510 Flow is worth a look.
There’s room for a 14-inch (360 mm) graphics card and four storage drives (two each of 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch), but there are only two USB ports on the outside: a Type-A 3.2 Gen 1 and a Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2.
All of this for less than $90 makes it a great choice for those who want to balance practicality with aesthetics.
NZXT h310i
Yes, it’s another mini-ITX case and it’s another one from NZXT, but this one is an absolute classic and is still under $100.
Pre-installed fans, LED lighting, and the Smart Device V2 controller make this the most impressive looking of all budget cases.
There’s only one USB 3.0 port, though, and despite the overall space, it can be fiddly to install things inside. Both the NZXT H510 Flow and h310i are available in black or white colors, but the latter also comes in a red & black combination.
Back to top ▵
Image credit: Nag (Cooler Master C700M)
Best PC Case for 2022 (EATX, Mini-ITX, Budget-Friendly)
We rated, reviewed, & compared some of the best gaming PC cases across various budgets. These top computer cases are perfect for gamers or anyone else looking for the best tower for their upcoming build.
Your computer case is a lot more important than you think. For starters, it plays a critical role in the cooling process of your system. And, your case will also determine what you can and cannot do in the future with your computer (in terms of upgrades.)
Not only that but for a lot of people, the style of their PC case and the way it looks is also an important aspect. Let’s face it, if you put a Lamborghini engine inside of a Toyota Corolla and priced it the same as the Lamborghini, fewer people would buy it.
People like style.
So, despite the little direct impact that your gaming computer’s tower will have on your gaming experience, it’s still crucial that you take your time and select one that will give you excellent airflow, upgrade opportunities, and that will look the way you want it to. Because, in the end, your gaming PC’s case is the only part of your computer that could still be relevant and usable 5-10 years down the road.
In this post, we will take a look at the best gaming cases in 2022 at various categories and price ranges. And, if you’re specifically looking for a mini-ITX case, or a micro-ATX case, check those links for our list of the top options at those form factors.
Table of Contents
– Our Top Picks for the Best PC Cases
1. Top Pick: Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh
2. Airflow: Fractal Design Torrent
3. Full Tower: Corsair 7000D
4. Mini-ITX: Cooler Master NR200
4. Value Pick: Phanteks Eclipse 400A
6. Budget-Friendly: BitFenix Nova Mesh
MORE FROM THIS SERIES1.
Best CPUs for Gaming2. Best CPU Coolers3. Best Motherboards for Gaming4. Best Video Cards for Gaming5. Best Memory for Gaming6. Best Solid State Drives for Gaming7. Best Hard Drives for Gaming8. Best Computer Cases9. Best Power Supplies for Gaming10. Best Monitors for Gaming11. Best Headsets for Gaming12. Best PC Gaming Chairs13. Best Gaming Desks
Our Top Picks for the Best Computer Cases
For a quick look at some of the best PC case options, the table below shows our picks for the top options for different use cases. We’ve chosen the best overall PC case, the case with the best airflow/thermals, the best full tower case, the best case mini-ITX option, the best value case (under $100), and the best cheap case.
| NAME | SPECS | RATING | |||
|
TOP PICK |
Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh |
|
9. 3/10 |
Check Price Read Review » |
|
|
AIRFLOW |
Fractal Design Torrent |
|
9.5/10 |
Check Price Read Review » |
|
|
Corsair 7000D |
|
9.4/10 |
Check Price Read Review » |
||
|
MINI-ITX |
Cooler Master NR200 |
|
9.1/10 |
Check Price Read Review » |
|
|
Phanteks Eclipse 400A |
|
9. 2/10 |
Check Price Read Review » |
||
|
BUDGET |
BitFenix Nova Mesh |
|
8.8/10 |
Check Price Read Review » |
*For more information on each of these cases, just click the “Read Review »” button to skip to read our overview on that case. You can also keep scrolling to see more case options based on your budget.
1. Lian Li Lancool II Mesh
Our pick for the best PC case
Our Rating: 9.3/10
Check Price on Amazon
For our top overall PC case, we chose the Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh. One a spec-for-spec and feature-for-feature basis it probably isn’t the best case on the market. However, it’s an excellent all-around case that comes with a very reasonable pricetag, and that led us to give it the nod over more expensive cases that have more features.
For starters, the Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh is well-known for its high airflow design thanks in part to its mesh front panel. The particular model linked to above comes with three RGB fans preinstalled on the front panel, but the case can hold up to a total of eight fans.
The LANCOOL II Mesh also has a ton of room on the inside and can house high-end systems with no problems. It can hold graphics cards up to 384mm long and CPU coolers as tall as 176mm. And, it has room to hold an E-ATX motherboard (although, with an E-ATX motherboard you’ll lose access to some cable management grommets).
The case can also support a wide array of liquid cooling configurations, including the ability to house up to a 360mm radiator on the front panel or to to a 240mm radiator on the top. panel.
Also Read: The Best 360mm AIO Coolers
But, while all of that sounds great, the reality is that a lot of cases come with similar specs and features. Where the Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh stands out is the pricepoint it comes in at (just under ~$130) and the amount of rave reviews it has recieved from its owners.
So, given its reception and incredible price-to-value ratio, we felt that the Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh is the best overall case currently available.
2. Fractal Design Torrent
The best case for airflow & thermals
Our Rating: 9.5/10
Check Price on Amazon
If you have a large budget and your goal is to get a case that will provide optimal airflow for your build, then your best bet is probably the Fractal Design Torrent. With the Torrent, Fractal Design revamped the traditional case design to produce a chassis that is optimized for airflow.
For starters, the Torrent moves the PSU mounting bay from the bottom of the case to the top of the case and provides a nice-looking half-shroud to conceal the bulk of it. And, instead of providing a vented/mesh top panel, the bottom panel of the case (which is not restricted by a power supply) is vented and comes with three 120mm fans.
Paired with the two 180mm fans on the front of the case and a vented front panel, this configuration has allowed the Torrent to sit atop most case thermal and airflow benchmarks.
The only real downside of the Fractal Design Torrent is the price it comes in at. At just under $250, it is almost double the price of the LANCOOL II Mesh. And, while the Torrent does show an advantage in cooling performance, that difference is marginal. So, if you’re a budget-conscious builder who is looking for a solid case, the Fractal Design Torrent may not be the best option for you.
On the other hand, if money is of no concern, and you’re looking for the best-of-the-best, then the Fractal Design Torrent is definitely a high-end case you’ll want to consider.
3. Corsair 7000D
The best full tower case
Our Rating: 9.4/10
Check Price on Amazon
The Corsair 7000D Airflow is another high-end PC case that will suit those looking to build a power gaming PC. The 7000D has a ton of room inside of it and has the ability to house graphics cards up to 450mm long and CPU coolers up to 190mm tall.
The 7000D Airflow edition also comes with a vented front panel and three preinstalled 120mm fans which give it good cooling right out of the box.
However, if you’re purchasing the 7000D you likely aren’t just going to stick with the stock fan configuration. In total, the 7000D can hold up 11 fans and it also supports radiators as big as 480mm on the front panel and 420mm on the top panel.
This monstrous Corsair case also comes with a ton of other nice features, including Corsair’s RapidRoute cable management (allows you a clean and convenient way to route your cables), a ton of room behind the motherboard tray (which will make cable management easier), a PWM fan repeater that controls up to six fans, four 2.5-inch bays, six 3.5-inch bays, and a USB type C port on the front panel (to name a few).
Ultimately, though, with a pricetag of just under ~$270, the Corsair 7000D Airflow won’t be a viable option for the majority of builders. But, for those of you who are looking to build a multi-GPU, custom liquid cooled, extreme gaming setup, this full tower case might be the best choice for you.
4. Cooler Master NR200
The best mini-ITX case for the money
Our Rating: 9.
1/10
Check Price
Small form-factor systems continue to be a popular choice among system builders. And, with the rise of mini-ITX systems has come a ton of unique cases that have a small footprint.
And, considering how many awesome mini-ITX cases there are out there, it may be somewhat of a surprise to see that we chose the Cooler Master NR200—a sub-$100 option—as our pick for the best mini-ITX case.
Like the Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh, the Cooler Master NR200 stands out not so much because it is the clear-cut best at what it does, but rather because of what you get for the price you pay.
The NR200 is a straight forward mini-ITX case that will provide you with all of the room you need to build a high-end system. It can hold graphics cards as long as 330mm and CPU coolrs as tall as 155mm (you won’t be limited to a low-profile CPU cooler).
Also Read: Three Powerful Mini-ITX Gaming PC Builds
Not only does it offer solid cooling performance out-of-the-box for a mini-ITX case, but it also has the potential to house a robust liquid cooling setup for even better thermals.
But, perhaps the best feature of the NR200 is how easy it is to build inside of. Traditionally, mini-ITX cases are more difficult to build inside of due to their smaller footprint. However, the NR200 allows you completely disassemble it, which makes building a PC inside of it incredibly easy.
All-in-all, with its sub-$100 pricetag, its straightforward design, its spacious interior (for a mini-ITX case), and its focus on making the building process as easy as possible, we felt that the NR200 checks the needs of the widest range of PC builders.
5. Phanteks Eclipse 400A
An excellent value gaming PC case
Our Rating: 9.2/10
Check Price
If you like the Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh, but you can’t afford to spend over $100 on it, a nice alternative is the Phanteks Eclipse 400A. In alot of ways, these cases are very similar. Like the LANCOOL II Mesh, the Eclipse 400A comes with a mesh front panel, a tempered glass side panel, a full length PSU shroud, support for a wide array of liquid cooling configurations, and plenty of interior space to house a high-end system.
The Eclipse 400A can hold graphics cards as long as 420mm and CPU coolers as tall as 160mm and it can hold up to six different fans. It can also hold up to 360mm radiators on the front panel.
The LANCOOL II Mesh does offer a little bit better cooling performance out-of-the-box, but the Eclipse 400A isn’t that far behind.
So, the reality is that, if you’re looking to save a little bit of money and you don’t mind a small drop in cooling performance, the Eclipse 400A is an excellent alternative to the Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh.
6. BitFenix Nova Mesh
Budget-friendly gaming computer case
Our Rating: 8.8/10
Check Price
If you’re looking to build a budget-friendly gaming PC and you’d like to save as much money on you case as possible (so you can allocate it to your GPU and CPU) you might want to consider BitFenix’s Nova Mesh case.
The Nova Mesh comes in at just under $60, making it an incredibly affordable case option.
It isn’t the biggest case on this list, but with support for up to 315mm long graphics cards and 160mm tall CPU coolers, you shouldn’t be restricted that much in the kind of system you can build. In fact, that’s enough room to house a high-end graphics card with no problems.
And, while most budget PC cases don’t offer adequate airflow or cooling, the BitFenix Nova Mesh—as its name suggests—comes with a mesh front panel. And, with the two preinstalled fans, it should provide decent enough cooling.
If you have a little extra to spend, you can get the Nova Mesh with four preinstalled RGB fans for about ~$20 more, too.
The bottom line is that, if you are looking for ways to maximize your budget, the Nova Mesh’s low pricetag will help you free up some money to ensure you can get a more powerful CPU and GPU combination. And, even though it is a cheaper case, it still will give you plenty of room and provide adequate cooling.
What is the Best PC Case?
As of right now, if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, the best PC case is Lian Li’s Lancool Mesh.
If you’ve got a big budget and are looking for a roomier and more extreme option, the Corsair 7000D. If airflow and thermals are the most important feature for you, Fractal’s Torrent is likely the pick for you.
If you’re looking to build a small form-factor gaming PC, Cooler Master’s NR200 is a great case. Or, if you’re restricted in your budget and you’re looking for a case for under $100, then the Phanteks Eclipse 400A or the BitFenix Nova Mesh are worthy options.
Ultimately, before you do anything else, consider the type of system you want to build and the budget you have to spend on your components. Once you’ve done that, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of case would work best for your system.
Quiet PC Cases for your PC from be quiet!
HIGH-END
Unlimited possibilities, perfect cooling and quiet operation.
dark base
PREMIUM
The perfect combination of quiet operation and ease of use.
Silent Base
ESSENTIAL
The best combination of functionality, silence and features at an attractive price.
Pure Base
Series comparison
Size comparison
Unlimited possibilities and silent operation
- Relocatable motherboard tray for use as a test bed or system build on the opposite side of the chassis
- Relocatable removable HDD slots, each for one HDD or two SSDs
- Up to three Silent Wings 3 PWM 9 ultra-quiet fans0034
- Airflow optimized noise vents
- Support for CBO radiators up to 420mm long
- Some models feature tempered tinted glass side panel, RGB LED lighting and PWM fan controller
Dark Base 900 — Full Tower
Pro 900 rev. 2
900
Dark Base 700 — Midi Tower
700
Product line
Silent operation and functionality
- Innovative design for controlled airflow and quiet operation
- Easy-to-install components make the cabinet highly practical
- Various options for a clean, attractive interior
- Up to three installed be quiet! Pure Wings 2 PWM
- Available with side panel with or without window
Silent Base 802 — Midi Tower
802 Windows
802
Silent Base 601 — Midi Tower
601 Window
601
Silent Base 600
600 Window
600
Product line
Excellent value for money and quality
- Compact design with great functionality
- Light Wings or Pure Wings 2 fans installed
- High quality soundproofing and air permeability design
- Optimizations for CBO radiators up to 360mm long
- Intelligent cable management for a neat interior
- Tinted tempered glass side panel
Pure Base 600 — Midi Tower
600 Window
600
Pure Base 500 FX — Midi Tower
500FX
Pure Base 500DX — Midi Tower
500DX
Pure Base 500 — Midi Tower
500 Window
Pure Base 500 — Midi Tower
500
Product line
Cases | Laboratory | Overclockers.
ru
Andrey Ponkratov
August 3, 2022
MSI has introduced an interesting and unusual case, equipped with many useful functions and designed for building an advanced gaming system.
Andrey Ponkratov
July 27, 2022
The laboratory received a classic universal and practical model for testing, which is designed not only for traditional air cooling, but also for the installation of an air cooler.
Andrey Ponkratov
January 31, 2022
AeroCool’s budget models are made in accordance with all modern standards, under product quality control and will suit the unpretentious user.
Andrey Ponkratov
January 6, 2022
AeroCool cases are democratic solutions that are easy to upgrade to the level of premium models, you just need time and desire.
Andrey Ponkratov
December 28, 2021
They say that it is reasonable to use inexpensive cases in budget assemblies with average processors and video cards. But is it?
Alexander Anderson
December 11, 2021
Compared to the Ryzen 5 4650G, the Ryzen 5 5600G is cooler, more energy efficient, performs better, and runs better with some luck.
Andrey Ponkratov
October 22, 2021
Intel NUC Elements is not just a concept, but ready-made devices that are designed for business systems and flexible configuration of workstations.
Andrey Ponkratov
October 5, 2021
Deepcool presented an interesting case with its own advantages, with support for motherboards up to E-ATX and four fans in the kit.
Alexander Anderson
September 28, 2021
Another idea is embodied in metal, and the combination of ASRock DeskMini X300 and AMD Ryzen 5 4650G processor shows that this is not the limit.
Andrey Ponkratov
September 16, 2021
A universal case with good ventilation and a controller that allows you to control the backlight and fans, and the ability to install an AIO system on the front arrived for the test.
Andrey Ponkratov
September 15, 2021
The MSI case is ideal for installing mid-range motherboards with top-end processors and AIO cooling systems.
Andrey Ponkratov
September 2, 2021
A budget model arrived at the laboratory for testing, which is well suited as the basis for an entry-level system and offers a large field for modifications.
Alexander Anderson
August 26, 2021
With the right approach, the system assembled in the Realan e.mini H88 Pro case is able to outperform many “large” configurations.
Andrey Ponkratov
August 17, 2021
The new model is designed for those who are planning to assemble a mid-range gaming build and install an AIO system in the front.
Andrey Ponkratov
August 14, 2021
A compact, nice and inexpensive case with excellent basic equipment arrived at the laboratory for review.
Andrey Ponkratov
August 4, 2021
AeroCool Graphite is an interesting and distinctive model with good ventilation, support for large graphics cards and a fan hub and RGB lighting.
Andrey Ponkratov
July 14, 2021
The new medium tower case is designed for assembling a gaming system and looks like the golden mean between cost and performance.
Andrey Ponkratov
June 30, 2021
It’s a good idea to make several system components in the same style with an infinity mirror effect.