Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB mid-tower PC case review
Our Verdict
Corsair has proven once again that it knows how to design a simple yet effective PC case in the 5000T. It’s incredibly well put together and offers tons of flexibility for cooling. It’s just pretty darn pricey.
For
- Quality is off the chain
- RGB lighting looks great
- RGB fans included
- Lots of options for cooling
- You don’t have to worry if your cat sits on top of it
Against
- Expensive
- Requires iCUE to operate at its best
- Default fan curves are unnecessarily aggressive
- No rear fan in the box
£349.99
£329.99
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The Corsair 5000T is a PC case for the type of person that meticulously tidy their cables. The sort to dust their graphics card with a can of compressed air every fortnight, and maybe even owns one of those electronic compressed air cans. You know, the real fancy ones that run off the wall power—because you sort of have to when there’s a massive window into your PC that’s lit up like one of Wes Anderson’s movie sets.
The 5000T is as much a PC case for showing off your components as it is a home for them. The huge tempered glass side panel offers a window to its clean-cut innards and colour-matched accessories. You won’t find hardly a cable in sight with the clever cable management, either.
Of course, Corsair is no stranger to RGB lighting and this PC case is covered head-to-toe in the stuff. That’s because it’s more than a PC case: it’s three LL120 fans, six RGB lighting strips, and the Commander Core XT controller. And, yeah, an outstanding PC case.
At $400/£350/€400 , you would hope for a more complete cooling and lighting solution than your average chassis, and it does just that.
5000T specs
(Image credit: Future)
Dimensions: 53 x 25.1 x 56cm
Material: Steel, plastic, tempered glass
Cooling layout: Front (3x 120mm, 2x 140mm), top (3x 120mm, 2x 140mm), motherboard tray (3x 120mm), rear (1x 120mm)
Radiator compatibility: Front (360/280mm), top (360/280mm), motherboard tray (360mm), rear (120mm)
Motherboard support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Storage: 4x 2.5-inch SSD, 2x 3.5mm HDD
Front I/O: USB 3.0 x4, USB 3.1 Type-C x1, 3.5mm, power, reset
Power supply: ATX
Warranty: 2-years
Price (MSRP): $400/£350/€400
Though for that money I expect more than flashing lights. Before I even reach for the on switch, let alone Corsair’s own iCUE software, I need to build my PC into the chassis. And that usually means dealing with a warren of cable management that I will inevitably get tired of organising and instead force behind my side panel with a quiet rage.
That didn’t happen with the 5000T. It was a breeze to build in. The cable tidies are smartly placed, easy to use, and if you stuff a good few too many thick PSU cables down the built-in rear cable channels, the cable management straps offer lots of leeway. It’s all locked in with easy to remove and replace velcro, and there are spare straps included in the box to tie down any other loose ends you might find.
In terms of other case furniture, there’s a large cable cover included that masks off SATA, fan connectors, and motherboard power cables down the right-hand side of your motherboard. Admittedly, I didn’t use this, as I’m opting for an oversized eATX motherboard, the MSI MEG X570 Godlike, inside this PC and in all honesty it’s massive. Therein lies one one of the 5000T’s strongest points, though. It couldn’t be easier to pick and choose the format and space that you want for your gaming PC.
That’s quite a change of pace from the Be Quiet! Dark Base 900 I’ve built in and out of a couple of times these past few years: while that case offers ridiculous levels of customisation, truly tons, it’s nowhere near as an easy task to reconfigure as the Corsair 5000T.
To its benefit, there aren’t all that many screws holding the Corsair 5000T’s removable parts onto the chassis. Of those few, most are captive thumb screws and so shouldn’t be at risk of getting lost.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future)The HDD cage can also be adjusted or removed entirely. In which case the extended lower PSU shroud can be fully removed and replaced by a sheer option that looks really smart. I would’ve opted for that since I prefer the look had I thought to plan out my PSU cables a little better ahead of time. As it was, the extra space behind the PSU shroud helped me keep the front looking clear without much time spent threading and tying down cables at the rear.
Though for some neat optimisations here or there, the actual layout of this case is a pretty standard one. That does make things pretty easy when it comes to cooling configurations.
There’s space for three 120mm fans at the front, or two 140mm fans if you’d prefer. Up top you can fit the same again.
There’s enough clearance between top-mounted fans and the motherboard tray to allow for a push/pull configuration for any regular width CPU cooler radiator you might mount up there. So long as you’re rocking fairly regular radiators you could fit a push or pull triple-fan radiator in the front, too.
There’s also a pretty neat design for the upper case, where the airflow to the top-mounted fans isn’t entirely restricted should you place an item on top of your PC. Those fans likely won’t be as effective, but you’re not going to choke your PC’s cooling should, say, a feline friend come sit on your PC for a nap.
There’s also a neat side-facing triple fan cooling mount down the right-hand side of the motherboard, which exhausts out of the side panel of the case. Pretty good if you’ve bought a top-tier cooler and you want to show it off. It’s not such a stretch for cooling tubes, either.
I didn’t opt for this personally, but again that was thanks to the eATX motherboard barging everything else out of its way; the USB 3.0 header cables alone protrude right when the fans would be mounted in the vanity CPU cooler spot.
(Image credit: Future)
For my testing, I settled for a triple-fan radiator in a pull configuration up top and the three included LL120 fans located in the front, as they were out of the box. To keep that airflow whizzing past my PC components, I also opted for a 120mm fan on the rear. That’s actually one of the few setbacks with this case: there’s no rear fan included. It’s no big deal if you’re swapping over your build from another, as I was, but since I was sent the white model, the black rear fan from an old NZXT build isn’t quite as in keeping with the aesthetic as I’d like.
Though this cooling configuration is really effective. A triple-fan all-in-one was always going to keep my AMD Ryzen 7 5800X in good check, but the RX 6900 XT loaded into this PC can get a little toasty without some help.
The three LL120 fans on the balanced preset provide plenty of that.
The Corsair 5000T looks great, is masterfully well-made, and is a dream to build into.
The reference AMD RX 6900 XT’s zero-RPM mode won’t even start the fans until temperatures are upwards of 64–65°C, so idle temperatures aren’t much of a gauge of the airflow whizzing past this GPU inside this case. Instead, a 30-minute run of the Heaven benchmark offers a good idea of what sort of cooling potential we’re looking at here under gaming conditions. The results are a pretty level 81°C under load for the duration of the test, which is a comfortable baseline for temperature in my books.
During that test those front three LL120 fans are doing some work: speeding up to around 2,280 RPM at 100% speed. They’re not altogether quiet in that moment, either, but they lack that aurally-insensitive whirr that some other 120mm fans do at these sorts of speeds. That’s combined with the din of the remaining fans inside the case, of course, but I was surprised by how loud this case was overall, but perhaps not surprising considering the lack of any real sound-proofing in its design.
Though I’d say that Corsair’s default fan curve via the Commander Core XT is pretty aggressive. My CPU can fairly regularly bounce up to 60°C or more, and with the default fan curve set that would see the fans regularly spring to action at rather mundane times during the day. To fix this, and lessen the din these fans produce, I had to hop into iCUE to create a custom fan curve.
(Image credit: Future)
A custom fan curve is easily done, and actually with one in place I was able to significantly reduce the amount the fans ramped up during the day and not materially impact my overall temperatures all that much.
You can also set different fan curves to different component temps. I set up the top fan to adjust its RPM based on CPU temp, which should help out a little with keeping the VRM cool under load. Then I set the two lower fans to speed up in line with GPU temp, so as to keep it fed with fresh air when I’m gaming. You’ll probably want to tweak the CPU and GPU fan curves a little just to keep things quite and generally in line with one another, but it’s a fairly simply process in iCUE.
That said, if you’re not a fan of iCUE or don’t want to use any such software on your machine, the 5000T probably isn’t the case for you. This is a case that’s pretty much dependent on its software. The RGB LED strips, fan lighting, and fan speeds are all adjusted via the Commander Core XT, and that’s plugged right into the iCUE software as first port of call.
One way to keep iCUE off your PC long-term is to set up hardware lighting for your RGB components in the app and leaving the default fan curve in place. Though you will need to use iCUE just once to do so before you’re free to uninstall.
At least with iCUE installed you can make the most of this case’s superb RGB lighting. It’s mostly all indirect, meaning you rarely see the individual LEDs light up. That’s pretty key for keeping this RGB lighting from taking a dive into tacky territory, and really makes for a great frame for your PC parts within.
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(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future) (Image credit: Future)The Corsair 5000T doesn’t just look the part of a premium PC case, however, it feels one.
There are no rough edges on this thing. Like none. And that smooth steel and plastic construction would honestly look great with no RGB lighting on.
Though where I do feel the 5000T is lacking is in the GPU vertical mounting. PCIe 4.0 extensions are only now becoming something of a thing, but they’re expensive, and PCIe 3.0 connectors might not suffice in one’s place. It’s also an added expense on an already pricey piece of kit as it’s not included in the box. A lot of hassle for a vertically mounted GPU that, in all likelihood, is going to suffer for air and run a little hotter against the glass.
Yet once everything is installed in this case it’s very convenient to use day-to-day. There are four USB 3.0 ports on the front, alongside a single Type-C USB 3.1 and a 3.5mm jack. I can tell you that making the change from just two USB ports on my old case to four here has been surprisingly revelatory. I can plug in both mouse and keyboard 2.4GHz adapters and have room for my portable SSD.
What a world.
Chip chillers
(Image credit: Corsair, Noctua)
Best CPU cooler : keep your chip chilled in style
Best PC fans : super-silent and plastered in RGB
Best PC cases : big, little, and everything in-between.
I tend to mess with my PC for at least a few hours after finishing off the build, so the rear-hinged and easily removable door panels also make it super easy to access my PC’s parts from the front. That’s come in handy with cleaning, too. Though I will admit I’m not someone with an air compressor and a personal vendetta against dust, so merely the odd clean here or there.
Though even for my lack of robust cleaning habits, the Corsair 5000T looks great, is masterfully well-made, and is a dream to build into. I think Corsair has really nailed down a simple yet effective approach to case design and the 5000T is testament to that. I think the biggest drawback, and I’ve said this of many products this past year, is the price.
It’s really expensive at $400/£350/€400, and you’re looking at paying mid-range component prices for your chassis alone.
That said, there’s still a strong case for picking up the 5000T if you fit the bill: RGB lover, Corsair fan, show-off, and neat-freak. If you’d rather just pick up a smart-looking home for your PC parts, this is likely pushing the budget too far for what you’re after.
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Corsair iCUE 5000T RGB
Corsair has proven once again that it knows how to design a simple yet effective PC case in the 5000T. It’s incredibly well put together and offers tons of flexibility for cooling. It’s just pretty darn pricey.
Jacob earned his first byline writing for his own tech blog from his hometown in Wales in 2017. From there, he graduated to professionally breaking things as hardware writer at PCGamesN, where he would later win command of the kit cupboard as hardware editor. Nowadays, as senior hardware editor at PC Gamer, he spends his days reporting on the latest developments in the technology and gaming industry.
When he’s not writing about GPUs and CPUs, however, you’ll find him trying to get as far away from the modern world as possible by wild camping.
10+ Best PC Case Fans in 2022 (September)
PCs perform better when they’re paired with the best PC case fans. This is because operating in the heat can be counterproductive.
Computer parts like your CPU and graphics card become more efficient at doing what they’re designed to do when kept cool. Furthermore, the importance of case fans also shouldn’t be overlooked as this helps extend the lifespan of a PC.
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Every time a computer is turned on, it’s prone to overheat, and, many times built-in fans just are effective enough to keep it going.
Thankfully, there isn’t a shortage of the best case fans in 2022. We’ve taken the liberty to jot them all down!
10+ Best PC Case Fans in 2022
- Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 — The best PC case fan in 2022 overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM — The best budget PC case fan
- Thermaltake Toughfan 12 Turbo — The best value PC case fan
- Corsair LL120 RGB — The best low-noise PC case fan
- Cooler Master MF200R ARGB — The best ARGB PC case fan
- be quiet! Silent Wings 3 — The best silent PC case fan
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo — The best easy-to-install PC case fan
- Phanteks PH-F140MP — The best adjustable speed PC case fan
- Noctua NF-P12 redux — The best powerful PC case fan
- uphere 3-Pack — The best no-frills PC case fan
What is the Best Case Fan for Your PC in 2022?
Outside of the CPU, the fan that your PC uses could arguably be the most essential component in your PC.
While there are a lot of options out there, we feel like we’ve built up a pretty good track record when it comes to choosing which is the best out there. To us, the best PC case fan is the Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200.
If you’re interested in some of our other top choices, check out our comparison table below.
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Best Overall
Best Budget
Best Value
Best Low-noise
Best Easy-to-install
Best No-frills
Title
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200, High Performance Cooling Fan, 3-Pin, 1200 RPM (120mm, Grey)
Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM, Premium Quiet Slim Fan, 4-Pin (120x15mm, Brown)
Thermaltake Toughfan 12 High Static Pressure Radiator Fan (Single Fan Pack)
Corsair LL Series LL120 RGB 120mm Dual Light Loop RGB LED PWM Fan 3 Fan Pack with Lighting Node Pro.
..
Cooler Master MasterFan 3N1 MF120 Halo ARGB — Dual Ring Addressable RGB Lighting, Case & Cooling…
uphere 3-Pack Long Life Computer Case Fan 120mm Cooling Case Fan for Computer Cases Cooling,12BK3-3
Prime Status
Star Rating
Reviews
Noise level
18.1 dB
23.9 dB
28.1 dB
24.8 dB
Dimensions
4.72 x 0.98 x 4.72 inches
4.72 x 0.59 x 4.72 inches
120 x 120 x 25 mm
4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches
4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches
5.87 x 5.04 x 3.11 inches
Air Flow Capacity
59.21 CFM
55.4 CFM
72.69 CFM
43.25 CFM
47.2 CFM
38 CFM
Price
$14.95
$21.95
$28.00
$89.99
$53.91
$10.99
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Best Overall
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Title
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200, High Performance Cooling Fan, 3-Pin, 1200 RPM (120mm, Grey)
Prime Status
Star Rating
Reviews
Noise level
18.
1 dB
Dimensions
4.72 x 0.98 x 4.72 inches
Air Flow Capacity
59.21 CFM
Price
$14.95
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Best Budget
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Title
Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM, Premium Quiet Slim Fan, 4-Pin (120x15mm, Brown)
Prime Status
Star Rating
Reviews
Noise level
23.9 dB
Dimensions
4.72 x 0.59 x 4.72 inches
Air Flow Capacity
55.4 CFM
Price
$21.95
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Best Value
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Title
Thermaltake Toughfan 12 High Static Pressure Radiator Fan (Single Fan Pack)
Prime Status
Star Rating
Reviews
Noise level
28.1 dB
Dimensions
120 x 120 x 25 mm
Air Flow Capacity
72.69 CFM
Price
$28.00
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Best Low-noise
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Title
Corsair LL Series LL120 RGB 120mm Dual Light Loop RGB LED PWM Fan 3 Fan Pack with Lighting Node Pro.
..
Prime Status
Star Rating
Reviews
Noise level
24.8 dB
Dimensions
4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches
Air Flow Capacity
43.25 CFM
Price
$89.99
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Best Easy-to-install
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Title
Cooler Master MasterFan 3N1 MF120 Halo ARGB — Dual Ring Addressable RGB Lighting, Case & Cooling…
Prime Status
Star Rating
Reviews
Noise level
Dimensions
4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches
Air Flow Capacity
47.2 CFM
Price
$53.91
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
Best No-frills
Thumbnail
Title
uphere 3-Pack Long Life Computer Case Fan 120mm Cooling Case Fan for Computer Cases Cooling,12BK3-3
Prime Status
Star Rating
Reviews
Noise level
Dimensions
5.87 x 5.04 x 3.11 inches
Air Flow Capacity
38 CFM
Price
$10.
99
Buy Now
Buy on Amazon
How to Choose the Best Case Fan for Your PC
Airflow
The whole point of you purchasing a case fan for your PC has to do with airflow. That said, you’re going to want to make sure that what you buy moves fresh air into the case, ensuring that heat exits the other end.
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A measurement of how faulty a fan can do this is measured in cubic feet per minute. As with everything in tech, these things aren’t made equally but the average tower case has an internal volume of roughly 1.5 cubic feet.
Sound
Silent fans are often the preferred option for a lot of people. If you want a quiet case fan, what you’re going to consider is the dBA—meaning its decibels—a fan produces.
Generally, the picks here that are designed to be silent usually run at lower Rotations Per Minute (RPM), and may not perform as effectively as those that don’t prioritize silence. Still, that doesn’t automatically make a silent case fan a bad choice.
If you’re going to listen to music anyway, you might not even notice the sound of a breeze.
Lights
Case fans that feature lights come in two options: addressable RGB (ARGB)—meaning you can customize each individual LED—and regular RGB. This isn’t particularly a make or break for plenty of buyers, but if you’re big on lights and visuals, you may want to check this part of a case fan out.
10+ Best PC Case Fans in 2022
1. Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200 (Editor’s Choice)
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200. Image credit: Noctua/Amazon.
The best PC case fan in 2022 overall
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Noise Level: 18.1 dB | Dimensions: 4.72 x 0.98 x 4.72 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 59.21 CFM
The best case fan on our list is the Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200. A great balance of straightforwardness and quality, this pick is quiet at 18.1 dBA, immediately eliminating breeze noise. It’s relatively affordable, noticeably powerful, and is one of the most long-lasting fans out there.
While it only comes in one color, this one’s definitely on the top of our favorites. But don’t take our word for it! Check out the Amazon reviews for yourself, and find out why this one’s a standout!
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Silent running | ➖ Only available in one color |
| ➕ Well-priced |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
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Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200, High Performance Cooling Fan, 3-Pin, 1200 RPM (120mm, Grey)
- High performance cooling fan, 120x120x25 mm, 12V, 3-pin Molex, 1200 RPM, 18.1 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF
- Renowned NF-S12B high-end 120x25mm 12V fan, more than 100 awards and recommendations from international computer hardware websites and magazines, hundreds of thousands of satisfied users
- Airflow-optimised blade design with high CFM and outstanding quietness of operation, ideal for low-noise case cooling, chassis ventilation and other applications with low airflow resistance
- 1200rpm 3-pin version with excellent balance of performance and quietness, speed can be controlled with optional NA-SRC10 Low-Noise Adaptors or by reducing voltage
- Streamlined redux edition: proven Noctua quality at an attractive price point, wide range of optional accessories (anti-vibration mounts, S-ATA adaptors, y-splitters, extension cables, etc.
)
2. Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM
Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM. Image credit: Noctua/Amazon.
The best budget PC case fan
Noise Level: 23.9 dB| Dimensions: 4.72 x 0.59 x 4.72 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 55.4 CFM
The Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM is one of the bigger standouts on the list, simply because of its brown color. In an era where case fans are dominated by both ARGB and RGB LED lights, the sight of a beige-heavy fan may not be appealing to a lot of people.
Still, it does what it’s made to do. It’s powerful, mostly quiet, and comes at a great price point, too! If the color doesn’t turn you off, you may want to give this a look.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Easy to install | ➖ Fan color can be off-putting |
| ➕ Generally silent operation |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
Noctua NF-A12x15 PWM, Premium Quiet Slim Fan, 4-Pin (120x15mm, Brown)
- Premium quiet slim fan, 120x120x15 mm, 12V, 4-pin PWM, max.
1850 RPM, max. 23.9 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF - Award-winning A-series design with Flow Acceleration Channels and Advanced Acoustic Optimisation frame for superior quiet cooling performance
- 120x15mm slim design ideal for low-profile CPU coolers, HTPCs, ITX builds, space-restricted applications etc.
- 4-pin PWM version for automatic speed control via 4-pin PWM fan headers, 1850rpm maximum speed (1400rpm with supplied Low-Noise Adaptor)
- Includes anti-vibration mounts, fan screws, extension cable and y-cable for running two PWM fans on the same header
3. Thermaltake Toughfan 12 Turbo
Thermaltake Toughfan 12 Turbo. Image credit: Thermaltake/Amazon.
The best value PC case fan
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Noise Level: 28.1 dB | Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 25 mm | Air Flow Capacity: 72.69 CFM
While everyone else fixes their eyes on RGB case fans, allow us to present to you the Thermaltake Toughfan 12 Turbo.
A high-static pressure fan, this contender is ideal for pushing air out of confined spaces and narrow grills.
If you’re thinking of assembling a bespoke processor, consider this pick! It’s powerful, easy to install, and relatively affordable.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Decent price point | ➖ Only comes in black |
| ➕ Efficient cooling performance |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
Thermaltake Toughfan 12 High Static Pressure Radiator Fan (Single Fan Pack)
- Featuring high tensile strength and low thermal expansion coefficient materials, the fan blade is built with special liquid crystal polymer (LCP), a compound which minimizes vibration when the fan is…
- The TOUGHFAN’s center is constructed with a full steel motor hub providing enhanced stability and durability.
- The 2nd generation hydraulic bearing incorporates a new shaft design with inside etches allowing preservation of lubricant on both sides whilst reducing noise during operation
- The in-mold injection anti-vibration rubber pads dampen the vibration of the fan allowing the fan to spin at higher levels without compromising noise levels.
- The fan is designed with 80% coverage for all corners, maintaining low noise levels when in operation.
4. Corsair LL120 RGB
Corsair LL120 RGB. Image credit: Corsair/Amazon.
The best low-noise PC case fan
Noise Level: 24.8 dB | Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 43.25 CFM
The Corsair LL120 RGB is one of the most popular case fans, not just because they are striking to look at, with their RGB LED lights but because they also work just as efficiently.
Available in two colors, this fan may be a tad expensive but it can be a perfect choice for gamers, night owls, and aesthetic-conscious workers looking for a PC case fan that will deliver as expected.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great aesthetic | ➖ Expensive |
| ➕ Available in two colors |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
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Corsair LL Series LL120 RGB 120mm Dual Light Loop RGB LED PWM Fan 3 Fan Pack with Lighting Node Pro.
..
- 16 independent RGB LEDs in every fan, split between two separate light loops. Airflow — 43.25 CFM. Noise level — 24.8 decibels
- Software control and customize RGB lighting effects with the included Corsair lighting Node Pro or expand your RGB lighting with more Corsair RGB fans or RGB LED lighting strips (sold separately)
- PWM fan control allows for dynamic speed adjustment between 600 rpm to 1, 500 rpm, minimizing noise or maximizing airflow
- 120 millimeter fan Blade engineered for Low-Noise operation without sacrificing performance
- Bearing Type: Hydraulic
5. Cooler Master MF200R ARGB
Cooler Master MF200R ARGB. Image credit: Cooler Master/Amazon.
The best ARGB PC case fan
Noise Level: 28 dB | Dimensions: 7.87 x 7.87 x 0.98 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 90 CFM
The Cooler Master MF200R ARGB is the perfect case fan for those who want to save on money but still want stunning RGB lights.
What’s more, because this pick is an ARGB case fan, you can customize these lights exactly to your liking. It’s not the quietest option on the list, but for its price, we say this is a pretty sweet deal.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Adjustable RGB lights are a unique feature | ➖ A tad pricey |
| ➕ Good price point |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
Cooler Master MasterFan MF200R, 200mm ARGB Addressable RGB Fan
- Addressable RGB — Addressable RGB that achieves full color customization. Certified Compatible with Asus Aura, ASRock RGB, and MSI RGB
- Silent Cooling Technology — A mix of noise reduction technology and sound absorbing rubber pads for peace and quiet even when your PC is working overtime
- Hybrid Design- A combination of both jet engine and helicopter blade designs gives you the static air pressure you need without sacrificing airflow
- Smart Fan Sensor for Jam Protection — Never worry about your cables getting snagged again.
6. be quiet! Silent Wings 3
be quiet! Silent Wings 3. Image credit: be quiet!/Amazon.
The best silent PC case fan
Noise Level: 16.4 dB | Dimensions: 5.51 x 0.98 x 5.51 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 77.57 CFM
If you’re big on noise, then this is most definitely the one for you! The be quiet! Silent Wings 3 is available in 2 sizes—120mm and 140mm—and 3 PWM variations. At 16.4 dB, these are also the quietest options on the list.
Packing anti-vibration mountings and durable fluid-dynamic bearing, consider the sound this contender makes as loud as a whisper from a person a few feet away from you.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Anti-vibration mountings | ➖ Overall design is a bit bland |
| ➕ Available in two sizes |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
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7,044 Reviews
be quiet! Silent Wings 3 140mm PWM High-Speed, BL071, Cooling Fan
- Great performance-to-noise ratio with 28.
1Db(a) at 1, 600Rpm. Air flow — 77.57 CFM. Noise level — 28.1 decibels - 6-Pole fan motor for less power consumption and vibration
- Fluid-dynamic bearing enables super-long life span of 300, 000 hours
- Fan frame with funnel-shaped air inlets for extremely high air pressure
- Seven fan blades provide optimized airflow.Pwm controlled fan speed by the motherboard
7. Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo. Image credit: Cooler Master/Amazon.
The best easy-to-install PC case fan
Noise Level: 30 dB | Dimensions: 4.72 x 4.72 x 0.98 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 47.2 CFM
The Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo is another popular choice for obvious reasons. Featuring dual-loop ARGB lighting, this pick makes use of 24 individually controlled addressable RGB LEDs divided into two rings, exuding a more vibrant aesthetic.
Stunning, well-reviewed, and durable, this pick is well worth your buck! At 30 dB, though, don’t expect this contender to be as quiet as the other options here.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great 3-pack value | ➖ Performance as a radiator fan is poor |
| ➕ RGB lighting compatible with the motherboard |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
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Cooler Master MasterFan 3N1 MF120 Halo ARGB — Dual Ring Addressable RGB Lighting, Case & Cooling…
- DUAL-LOOP ARGB LIGHTING — The MasterFan Halo series employs 24 individually controlled Addressable RGB LED’s divided into two rings to ensure an exceptionally vibrant display of colour
- SILENT COOLING TECHNOLOGY — MF120 Halo is fitted with multiple layers of noise reduction technology and sound absorbing materials, which ensure more consistent fan RPM and reduce inefficient vibration…
- HYBRID FAN BLADE DESIGN — Air Balance fan blades combine the design elements of both jet and helicopter blades to deliver dependable air pressure (1.
6 mmh3O ± 10%) for cooling and exceptional airflow… - FULL COMPATIBILITY — The MF120 Halo is fully compatible with ARGB motherboard software (e.g. ASUS Aura, ASRock RGB and MSI RGB) and includes wire Addressable RGB controller for older model…
- SMART FAN SENSOR FOR JAM PROTECTION — The MF Halo series comes with intelligent sensors to help protect against cables and components becoming snagged or damaged during operation
8. Phanteks PH-F140MP
Phanteks PH-F140MP. Image credit: Phanteks/Amazon.
The best adjustable speed PC case fan
Noise Level: 25.3 dB| Dimensions: 5.51 x 0.98 x 5.51 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 53.3 CFM
Designed for 140mm cases, the Phanteks PH-F140MP is a stellar contender being that its high static air pressure is perfect for congested cases, especially if they’re bespoke processors.
The fan from Phanteks also lets you manage the fan speed, ensuring performance the way you deem fit. Affordable, powerful, and easy to maintain, there are a lot of things to love here.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Adjustable fan speed | ➖ No color variety |
| ➕ Durable |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
Phanteks 140mm, PWM, High Static Pressure Radiator Retail Cooling Fan PH-F140MP_BK_PWM,Black/White
- Air flow — 53.3 CFM. Noise level — 25.3 decibels
- Country of origin : China
- Model Number : PH-F140MP_BK_PWM
- Package Weight : 1 pounds
9. Noctua NF-P12 redux
Noctua NF-P12 redux. Image credit: Noctua/Amazon.
The best powerful PC case fan
Noise Level: 25.1 dB | Dimensions: 4.72 x 0.98 x 4.72 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 54.97 CFM
A 120mm fan, the Noctua NF-P12 redux produces static pressure at high levels and keeps the loudness at roughly 25.
1 dB. One of the more affordable options on the list, this pick delivers as promised.
Made particularly for pressure-demanding software—anything from Adobe—this contender is an enduring crowd favorite that’s earned the praise of many.
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Powerful airflow capacity | ➖ Only one color |
| ➕ Great price point |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM, High Performance Cooling Fan, 4-Pin, 1700 RPM (120mm, Grey)
- High performance cooling fan, 120x120x25 mm, 12V, 4-pin PWM, max. 1700 RPM, max. 25.1 dB(A), >150,000 h MTTF
- Renowned NF-P12 high-end 120x25mm 12V fan, more than 100 awards and recommendations from international computer hardware websites and magazines, hundreds of thousands of satisfied users
- Pressure-optimised blade design with outstanding quietness of operation: high static pressure and strong CFM for air-based CPU coolers, water cooling radiators or low-noise chassis ventilation
- 1700rpm 4-pin PWM version with excellent balance of performance and quietness, supports automatic motherboard speed control (powerful airflow when required, virtually silent at idle)
- Streamlined redux edition: proven Noctua quality at an attractive price point, wide range of optional accessories (anti-vibration mounts, S-ATA adaptors, y-splitters, extension cables, etc.
)
10. uphere 3-Pack
uphere 3-Pack. Image credit: uphere/Amazon.
The best no-frills PC case fan
Noise Level: 19 dB| Dimensions: 5.87 x 5.04 x 3.11 inches | Air Flow Capacity: 38 CFM
If you’re looking for a case fan bundle for a decent-sized CPU, then the uphere 3-Pack could be what you need. Although they’re not the sturdiest pick from the bunch, they perform as needed and deliver basic air-cooling needs.
At a great price point, there’s a lot to like about these plastic case fans. If a quick fix is all you need, there’s no harm in giving this bundle a try!
| Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Excellent performance | ➖ Noisier than other options |
| ➕ Available in two colors |
Learn More
Latest Price on Amazon:
uphere 3-Pack Long Life Computer Case Fan 120mm Cooling Case Fan for Computer Cases Cooling,12BK3-3
- Higher air flow to enhance cooling performance
- Economic solution for perfect performance
- RoHS compliance for protecting the environment
- 3 IN 1 Value Pack
- Ultra silent operation at 19 dBA
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10+ Best PC Case Fans in 2022
All in all, the best case fans in 2022 are those that allow your PC to keep working as efficiently as possible.
Whether visually stimulating with bright RBG LED lights or not, the case fan that’s best for you is whatever ticks everything off of your checklist.
From size to aesthetic and noise levels to airflow capacity, we hope you find what you’re looking for here. What’s your favorite pick from the list?
Let us know in the comment section!
Best PC Fans 2022 — IGN
The strongest and quietest case fans for your gaming PC
By Brian Barnett
Updated: Sep 12, 2022 6:07 am
Posted: Aug 27, 2022 6:31 pm
PC fans sit in an interesting space. They are incredibly inexpensive but vitally important to the performance of your computer. A faulty fan can bring your gaming PC to its knees by allowing overheating and crashes, but the best fans will keep your rig running optimally for the entire life of your PC.
There are a few things to keep in mind when buying new fans. What size fan will fit your PC case? Many cases can hold several sizes of fans, depending on the location of the fan vents on the case.
How powerful a fan do you need? You’ll likely need to find a balance between power and noise because the most powerful fans are often the loudest. How much does style influence your choice? Some fans have flashy LED/RGB lighting.
If you are looking to improve the airflow of your setup, or acquire some reliable, high-quality fans to build a new PC, read on to find our list of the best PC fans. Check the end of the article for a “buying guide,” which will help you educate yourself on what to look for when buying a new fan, whether you pick up one of our recommendations or not — and click here to see them in the UK.
TL;DR – These are the Best PC Fans:
- Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200
- Arctic F12-120
- Cooler Master MF200R ARGB
- be quiet! Silent Wings 3
- Corsair QL Series QL120
- Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
- Phanteks PH-F140MP
- Noctua NF-P12 redux
- Phanteks T30-120
- Noctua NF-A12x15
- Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity
1.
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200
Best Overall PC Fan
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200
Diameter: 120 mm | Airflow: 100.6 CMH / 59.2 CFM | Noise: 18.1 dBA | LEDs: None | Connector: 3-pin | Dimensions: 4.7″ x 4.7″ x 1″
This Noctua fan is a balance of simplicity and quality. It’s a reinvention of a classic Noctua fan that can provide significant airflow and impressively low noise levels. At a quiet 18.1 dBA (even while putting out almost 60 cubic feet of air every minute) your PC will run quietly, reducing ambient noise in your work or play area.
The two-tone gray color means this one will blend right in with many PC setups, which is perfect for those who prefer substance over style. You can also make this fan even quieter by slowing it down (by lowering the voltage or using an optional low-noise adapter). The lower-voltage mode means the fan won’t spin over 1200 RPM, and if you really need to be as quiet as possible, you can pick up some optional Noctua anti-vibration mounts to put between the fan and your case.
2. Arctic F12-120
Best Budget Fan
Arctic F12-120
Diameter: 120 mm | Airflow: 53 CFM | Noise: 24.1 dBA | LEDs: None | Connector: 3-pin | Dimensions: 4.7″ x 4.7″ x 1″
For the vast majority of PC users, particularly those who don’t do video editing or performance gaming, high-end fans are complete overkill. If you are just looking to get the job done, save cash, and still get a quality fan, the Arctic F12-120 has you covered. It has a low price and an even lower noise level.
These 120mm fans run at 1,350 RPM, pushing 53 CFM while staying fairly quiet thanks to fluid dynamic bearings that keep the fan movement nice and smooth. While these fans have a nice black and white aesthetic, no LED lights are included. Arctic is confident in the quality of their products, too, as these fans come with a six-year limited warranty.
3. Cooler Master MF200R ARGB
Best 200mm PC Fan
Cooler Master MasterFan MF200R ARGB
- See it on Newegg
Diameter: 200 mm | Airflow: 90.
3 CFM | Noise: 28 dBA | LEDs: ARGB | Connector: 3-pin | Dimensions: 7.87″ x 7.87″ x 0.98″
If you want fans that create a ton of airflow while staying quiet, 200mm fans are a great way to go (assuming they fit your PC case). The Cooler Master MasterFan MF200R ARGB delivers powerful air movement (90 cubic feet per minute) and low noise (28dBA), with a side helping of flashy ARGB light.
The fan blades are translucent, meaning the light will shine through and illuminate beautifully, and the kit includes a smart sensor to detect jams, meaning you won’t have to worry about your PC cables getting caught.
4. be quiet! Silent Wings 3
Best Silent PC fan
be quiet! Silent Wings 3
- See the 120mm model on Amazon
Diameter: 120 or 140 mm | Airflow: 101 CFM | Noise: 15.5- 16.4 dBA | LEDs: None | Connector: 3- or 4-pin | Dimensions: 5.
55″ x 5.55″ x 1.22″
If silence is what you want, this is the one you need. The Silent Wings 3 comes in 120mm and 140mm sizes, with 4-pin PWM (pulse width modulation) and 3-pin DC varieties. These are also the quietest fans on our list, clocking in at just 16dBA, which lands between a whisper (around 20dBA) and someone calmly breathing (around 10dBA).
Additionally, Silent Wings are premium quality. They come with anti-vibration corner fittings and fluid-dynamic bearings, which both ensure quiet operation and a very long life. Additionally, the manufacturer asserts the unusual 6-pole motor creates less vibration and lower power consumption.
5. Corsair QL Series QL120
Best RGB PC Fan
Corsair QL Series QL120
Diameter: 120 mm | Airflow: 41.8 CFM | Static Pressure: 1.55mmh3O | Noise: 26 dBA | LEDs: 34 ARGB LEDs | Connector: 4-pin | Dimensions: 4.
72″ x 4.72″ x 0.98″
These QL120 fans feature a whopping 34 RGB LEDs per fan, and they’re designed with semi-transparent fan blades and four lighting zones. The light shines on both sides of the fan, so both intake and exhaust mountings will get the RGB love. The three-fan kit includes the Lighting Node Core controller you need, which simply requires a USB 2.0 and SATA connection, keeping your PC’s wiring simple inside.
While the airflow isn’t as powerful, and the noise level isn’t as low, as some of the other options on our list, these are probably the flashiest, making them perfect for those looking to light up their rigs.
6. Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
Best Addressable RGB PC Fan
Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo
Diameter: 120 mm | Airflow: 47.2 CFM | Noise: 6-30 dBA | LEDs: ARGB | Connector: 3-pin ARBG, 4-pin PWM | Dimensions: 4.7″ x 4.
7″ x 1″
If you’re after addressable ARGB fans, the Cooler Master MasterFan MF120 Halo is our favorite. They move significant amounts of air, and you can opt for effectively silent operation at just 6 dBA or opt for maximum cooling at 30dBA, which is still relatively quiet.
On the ARGB front, each fan includes 24 LEDs, divided into two rings around the fan. Moreover, the fan blades are translucent, so the color pops significantly more than on traditional fans.
7. Phanteks PH-F140MP
Best 140mm PC Fan
Phanteks PH-F140MP
Diameter: 140 mm | Airflow: 68.1 CFM | Noise: 17-25.3 dBA | LEDs: None | Connector: 4-pin | Dimensions: 5.5″ x 5.5″ x 1″
The fan speed on this Phanteks fan is fully adjustable, from 500 to 1600RPM, and near the 500RPM mark, the fan is whisper quiet.
The very high static air pressure is ideal for crowded cases, whether you have radiator fins, liquid CPU coolers, or restrictive grills.
You can expect a long service life, because the fan uses an updraft floating bearing (UFB), a kind of sleeve bearing known for longevity.
8. Noctua NF-P12 redux
Best 120mm PC Fan
Noctua NF-P12 redux
Diameter: 120 mm | Airflow: 120.2 CFM | Noise: 25.1 dBA | LEDs: None | Connector: 4-pin | Dimensions: 4.7″ x 4.7″ x 1″
The Noctua NF-P12 is a 120mm fan that generates very high levels of static pressure and airflow while keeping the noise to around 25dBA, even at higher RPMs, thanks to the shark-tooth notches in the trailing edge of the fan blades.
Noctua appears several times on our list, and that’s because Noctua makes excellent and fairly-priced fans. Due to quality components and self-stabilizing oil pressure bearings, you’ll be able to enjoy a long life with this one.
9. Phanteks T30-120
Best High Airflow Fan
Phanteks T30-120
Diameter: 120 mm | Airflow: 67 CFM | Static Pressure: 3.
3 mmh3O | Noise: 27.3 dBA | LEDs: None | Connector: 4-pin | Dimensions: 3.94″ x 3.94″ x 1.17″
If you’re building a gaming PC with water cooling, you’ll need a fan that can deliver a high static pressure so it doesn’t struggle to push air through a constricting radiator fin array (or a mesh panel). The Phanteks T30-120 120mm fan can deliver 3.3 mmh3O of static pressure and 67 CFM airflow, which is great for this. A switch also lets you select three different operating modes without downloading any software.
NOTE: the Phanteks T30-120 is slightly bigger than standard fans, so make sure you have enough room for its 30mm width before picking this one up.
10. Noctua NF-A12x15
Best Low-Profile PC Fan
Noctua NF-A12x15
Diameter: 120 mm | Airflow: 55.4 CFM | Noise: 23.9 dBA | LEDs: None | Connector: 4-pin | Dimensions: 4.
7″ x 4.7″ x 0.59″
The Noctua NF-A12x15 fan is nearly half as thick as many of the other fans on this list, making it ideal for cases that are tight on space. It’s effectively the slimmer sibling of the Noctua NF-A12x25.
Even better, it doesn’t sacrifice performance for its small size. You still get a solid 55 CFM of airflow and, at that level, it only produces 23.9dBA of noise. Even though 23.9 is very quiet, you can use the included Low-Noise Adapter, which sacrifices some airflow to bring the noise down to an incredibly quiet 16.8dBA. Anti-vibration mounts are also included and can prevent rattle for even quieter operation.
11. Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity
Best Clutter-Free PC Fans
Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity
Diameter: 120 mm | Airflow: 61.3 CFM | Noise: 29 dBA | LEDs: 40 ARGB | Connector: 4-pin | Dimensions: 4.72″ x 4.81″ x 0.98″
The Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity system offers a unique solution for wiring up multi-fan setups.
It uses a single cable to connect a cluster of fans. In total, four fans can be combined in each cluster using a special connector, sharing power. A multi-fan controller even allows four clusters to share control signals, meaning 16 fans can operate in tandem. Because of this, it’s a perfect option for those who strive for a tidy, clutter-free PC.
The Lian Li Uni Fan SL-Infinity truly shines when running a multi-fan setup but still works great if you only need one. The fan manages to stay quiet while giving off 61.3 CFM of airflow. And each one packs in 40 LEDs and an infinity mirror for some impressive lighting.
Where to Get the Best PC Fan in the UK
Noctua NF-S12B redux-1200
What to Look for in a PC Fan
There are a few things you should look for when picking out PC fans.
First, make sure you measure your PC case to make sure the fan you want will fit in the mounts your case has. Standard sizes range from 80mm to 250mm, and you’ll generally need larger fans for larger PC cases, since they’ll need to move more air.
120mm and 140mm also (normally) have the same mount size, and larger fans are generally quieter and move more air.
Speaking of moving air, the stat you want to keep your eyes out for is “CFM,” which stands for “cubic feet per minute.” The higher the number, the more air the fan can move, the better. That said, fans with the highest CFM also tend to be loudest.
Fan noise (like everything else) is measured in decibels (or dBA), and the smaller the number, the quieter the fan. If noise is important, prioritize a fan with a low decibel level, or one with several modes you can switch between, so you’ll have quiet options without sacrificing performance when you need it. Also, as we said before, larger fans can spin more slowly, and therefore more quietly, while still moving lots of air, so it’s probably a good idea to get the largest fans your case can hold.
You’ll also need to check your pins and connector styles. Four-pin connectors on PWM (pulse width modulation) motors are speed-adjustable and therefore, more energy-efficient, while three-pin connectors generally control DC motors (although adapters are available).
Another thing to keep in mind is that fans are generally specialized for one of two things. Either they are optimized to move a high volume of air (generally with large blades and high RPM) or generate high static pressure. High-airflow fans can run into problems when used in a case with restricted airflow – that’s what high static pressure fans are for.
Although nicer fans still aren’t that expensive (relative to other PC components), you still get what you pay for. Ball bearings, often found in the least expensive fans, tend to fail more often, while sleeve bearings are a step up in quality and longevity, and fluid bearings tend to be the most reliable, with the longest lifespans. Unlike most PC components, fans are mechanical systems meant to run continuously for years, so get good ones!
RGB light is all the rage, whether you are looking at area lighting, LED strips, graphics cards, case lights, and more. Fans are no different, and because they naturally move during operation, many fans are incorporating light systems.
Whether you want a single color, a small variety of colors to choose from, or a 16.7 million-color LED system that can even display moving images like GIFs, there are choices out there for you. Enjoy and stay cool!
If you buy something through this post, IGN may get a share of the sale. For more, learn more.
These are the best PC cases you can buy in 2022
Choosing the best PC case for your build is just as important as picking the rest of the components. While the choice of a PC case comes down to personal preference, we’d like to remind you it’s not just about buying any enclosure in which your PC components live. It determines many things including what the final build will look like, what parts can be used, and how easy it will be to put everything together. And of course, you want it to look good.
We’ve decided to go through different PC case options to highlight a select few that make the case to be the best PC cases. Be it a humungous cabinet to support your crazy build idea or a simple unit with maximum airflow, we’ve got you covered.
Navigate this article:
- Best overall PC case – Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO
- Best full tower PC case – Corsair Obsidian 1000D
- Best mid-tower PC case – Corsair Airflow 4000D
- Best Mini-ITX case – Cooler Master NR200P MAX
- Best silent PC case – Fractal Design Define 7
- Alternative Silent PC case – be quiet! Silent Base 802
- Best PC case for liquid cooling – Thermaltake Tower 900
- Best Budget PC case – Phanteks Eclipse P400A
- Best affordable mesh case – Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh
Best overall PC case – Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO
| Specification | Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | E-ATX, ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion | 8x PCI 6x 2.5-inch drives 3x 3.5-inch drives |
| Fans | Side: 3x 120mm/2x 140mm Top: 3x 120mm/2x 140mm Rear: 1x 120/140mm Bottom: 3x 120mm/2x 140mm |
| Radiators | Side: Up to 360mm Top: Up to 360mm Bottom: Up to 360mm Rear: Up to 120mm |
| Filters | Top: 1 Side: 2 Bottom: 1 |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler: 155mm GPU: 420mm PSU: 255mm |
| I/O | 2x USB3. 01x USB3.1 Type-C HD Audio |
| Weight | 21.3lbs (9.7kg) |
| Dimensions | (W)285mm x(H)459mm x(D)465mm |
| Chassis Materials | Tempered Glass, Aluminum, Steel |
| Colors | Black, White |
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL was our pick for the best PC case on the market until recently. Replacing that is none other than its new variant, the O11 Dynamic EVO case. The ‘EVO’ branding in the name suggests that it’s a modular version of the case. That’s right, this new version of the case is identical to the original O11 Dynamic X11. It just happens to be slightly better because you can flip and use it in reverse mode. Besides the new trick, however, the new version of the case retains everything we like about the original one. As such, it has now become our pick for the best PC case one can buy in 2022.
So, what is it like to have a modular case? Well, it essentially means that you can move the tempered glass side from left to right.
This particular process requires a full disassembly, but the fact that it’s doable makes it a unique case by itself. This is currently the only PC case on the market that lets you do that.
Besides that, as we mentioned earlier, this is the same Lian Li O11 Dynamic PC case that’s packed with a ton of features. The O11 Dynamic is a mid-tower PC case with a dual-chamber design. This case, as you can see, has plenty of glass panels on both the front as well as sides. There’s a mesh panel on the top with vents for airflow. This is one of those mid-tower cases that have enough space for plenty of case fans or even a custom cooling loop.
You can install up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans on the front, top as well as bottom panels. There’s also space to add a 120mm fan at the back. As for the radiator support, you can mount up to a 360mm radiator on the top, bottom, or front. You can also mount smaller 60mm fans on the hard drive cage to maintain the temperature of the drives. While the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO PC case doesn’t come with any pre-installed fans, you do get a front panel LED strip.
This LED strip can be controlled via the motherboard software or a hub.
Another interesting thing about this case is that you can move the IO ports of the case between four different locations on the case. This can be done without any tools, which makes it very convenient to customize. Notably, you can also buy a port hub as an additional accessory for the case to add more ports. This feature is unique to the O11 Dynamic EVO that no other PC case currently offers.
Overall, we think there’s a lot to like about the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO PC case. It’s obviously not a perfect case for everyone, but there’s still a lot to consider. It has plenty of space for all the components, support for dual PSU mounts, a cable management bar, modular design, and more. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO is available in black, white, and grey color options, so pick the one that suits the overall aesthetics of your setup.
Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO
-
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO PC case is a solid mid-tower cabinet with lots of customization options and plenty of space.
- Buy from Amazon
Best full tower PC case – Corsair Obsidian 1000D
| Specification | Corsair Obsidian 1000D |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | E-ATX, ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion | 10 slots 6x 2.5-inch drives 5x 3.5-inch drives |
| Fans | Front: 8x 120mm Top: 3x 140mm Rear: 2x 120/140mm |
| Radiators | Front: Up to 2x 480mm Top: Up to 420mm Rear: Up to 280mm |
| Filters | NA |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler:155mm GPU: 420mm PSU: 225mm |
| I/O | 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C 4x USB 3.1 Type-A HD Audio |
| Weight | 29.5lbs (13.3kg) |
| Dimensions | (W)505mm x(H)800mm x(D)800mm |
| Chassis Materials | Steel, Aluminum, Tempered Glass |
| Colors | Black |
The Corsair Obsidian 1000D is one of those PC cases that you may have seen some enthusiasts use to build an over-the-top system.
Corsair calls it a ‘Super Tower’, aptly named for a PC case that weighs 29.5lbs and stands 27.4 inches tall. The Obsidian 1000D is big enough to house two separate builds inside. It’s perfect for those who are looking to have two powerful systems running at the same time. Imagine having a gaming and a streaming PC in a single box!
The Corsair Obsidian 1000D can have up to two 480mm radiators on the front, a 420mm radiator on the top, and a 240mm at the back. Alternatively, you can also install up to ten 120mm fans along with three 140mm blowers for the radiator on the top. The case also has enough clearance for GPUs and CPU coolers up to 400mm and 180mm in length respectively. The case has tempered glass enclosures that allow you to see all the internals. It’s delightful to see all the eight RGB fans on the front glowing as soon as you hit the power button.
The Obsidian 1000D supports E-ATX, ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. The chassis is made out of steel and aluminum, which is where the weight comes from.
Corsair has put all that weight and volume to good use by allowing you to have plenty of room for internals. The case also has a lot of room for routing the cables. It’s a necessity considering the fact there will be two PCs worth of cables in a single chassis. Even if you aren’t building two PCs inside this case, the extra space can be used for airflow or adding liquid cooling with a custom loop. It’s good to have more room for cooling, and the Corsair 1000D truly stands out in that regard. The only disadvantage of the Corsair 1000D is it doesn’t come with filters for the vents. It’s not a huge deal until you hear the hefty price this case comes with.
The Corsair Obsidian 1000D carries an expensive price tag, though. The price, however, doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb since it’s also an enthusiast case. Being able to build two PCs in a single chassis makes it perfect for advanced users who know what they’re doing. We recommend this case for its stunning design, plenty of room for customization, and a bevy of other specifications it carries on paper.
Corsair Obsidian 1000D
-
The Corsair Obsidian 1000D full-tower cabinet is the biggest case we have in our collection. It can contain two separate PC builds inside.
- Buy from Amazon
Best mid-tower PC case – Corsair 4000D Airflow
| Specification | Corsair 4000D Airflow |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX |
| Expansion | 9 slots 2x 2.5-inch drives 2x 3.5-inch drives |
| Fans | Front: 3x 120mm Top: 2x 120mm Rear: 1x 120 |
| Radiators | Front: 1x 360mm Top: 1x 280mm |
| Filters | Top, front, and bottom |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler:170mm GPU: 360mm PSU: 220mm |
| I/O | 1x USB 3. 1 Type C1x USB 3.0 1x Audio in/out |
| Weight | 17.1lbs (7.8kg) |
| Dimensions | (W)230mm x(H)466mm x(D)453mm |
| Chassis Materials | Steel, Tempered Glass, Plastic |
| Colors | Black |
Corsair’s 4000D Airflow is a surprisingly affordable and well-thought-out case. It’s a very straightforward cabinet to build in and it features plenty of room for cooling setups. The perforated front panel also has large gaps on either side to move additional air. The top of the case also has perforations and is covered by a magnetic dust filter. The Corsair 4000D Airflow also comes with two 120mm Corsair AirGuide fans pre-installed. There’s enough room for adding four more 120mm fans to the case in addition to that.
The Corsair 4000D Airflow comes with decent radiator mounting options too. You can mount up to a 360mm radiator on the front and a 280mm radiator on the top.
It can fit in CPU coolers with a max height of 170mm and GPUs with a max length of 360mm. The PSU sits in a separate compartment under the motherboard along with space for storage devices. It has plenty of clearance and the shroud separating the two compartments has perforations too.
The Corsair Airflow 4000D also comes with easy-to-remove dust filters on the top, front, and bottom under the PSU. Additionally, the front panel can be easily removed to install fans or radiators. The case is 18.3 inches tall and weighs 7.8kg. Corsair has used steel, plastic, and tempered glass to make this case look nice while keeping it functional. It’s a fairly easy cabinet to work with once you get into it by removing the side panels.
Corsair has made it easier to route cables in this case by adding a channel with velcro ties. This makes it convenient to run cables to devices on both sides of the board. The velcro ties also help to keep the cables neat and organized. These cable-routing features are usually seen only on more expensive cases like the NZXT H710i.
The case also comes with a total of 9 PCI slots. Two of those slots are vertical using which you can also show off your GPU. The front I/O panel only has a single USB 3.0 Type-A and a USB 3.1 Type-C port next to the headphone/microphone jack. It would’ve been nice to have an additional USB 3.0 Type-A port, though.
It was a close call between the Corsair 4000D Airflow and the Fractal Design Meshify-C mid-tower case. The Corsair cabinet made it to our collection for a few reasons including how easy it is to work with. The 4000D Airflow is also readily available on the market now and it also costs less than the Fractal Design’s case. The Corsair 4000D Airflow is a fantastic PC case for those who are building their first PC. It offers great value among budget ATX cases.
Corsair 4000D AIRFLOW
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The Corsair 4000D Airflow is a fantastic mid-tower PC case that’s both functional and easy to work with.
- Buy from Best Buy
Best Mini-ITX case – NZXT h310i
| Specification | NZXT h310i |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | Mini-ITX |
| Expansion | 2 PCIe slots 4x 2.  5-inch drives1x 3.5-inch drives |
| Fans | Rear: 1 x 120mm Front: 2 x 120mm Top: 1 x 120mm |
| Radiators | 120mm/240mm |
| Filters | All air intakes |
| GPU Clearance | GPU: 325mm |
| I/O | 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 (Type-A) 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 (Type-C) 1x 3.5mm Headset Jack (Audio + Mic) |
| Dimensions | 210mm x 349mm x 372mm |
| Chassis Materials | Tempered Glass, Steel |
| Colors | White/Black, Black |
NZXT’s signature case design has been around for a while but still stands out from the crowd. The clean, modern look is complimented by its own ARGB system and the space to build a killer PC. Better still, NZXT has managed to translate everything great about its larger cases down to the Mini ITX scale.
The h310i, in a picture at least, looks just the same as its larger siblings, only noticeably different when you spot the lack of PCIe expansion slots on the rear.
This is, in every regard, just a mini NZXT case. It’s modeled on a tower, just smaller. As such the layout is pretty traditional. In the front, you have space for a pair of 120mm fans or a 240mm radiator, nestled behind the front (filtered) air intake. Additional 120mm fans can be located at the rear and top of the case for exhaust. Or you can put fans in the front and a 120mm radiator at the top or in the rear. Even on this scale, you have flexibility.
That also applies to the size of the graphics card you’re using. With support for up to 325mm cards, you could conceivably squeeze an RTX 3080 Founders Edition inside the h310i with a little wiggle room to spare. When it comes to choosing a graphics card for this case, especially from the latest choices, it’s not so much length that will be the limiting factor. More that you only have two PCIe slots available.
If it’s slightly larger than two slots, it simply won’t fit.
The h310i is clever, too. It boasts built-in support for NZXT Cam to control not only your RGB but your case fans. One whole side is tempered glass, top to bottom, while the included PSU shroud will hide the worst of your cables. The rear of the case has plenty of cable management points for a case this size, likewise plenty of space for drives. If you stick to smaller 2.5-inch storage drives you can locate up to four inside the h310i, and a solitary 3.5-inch for good measure.
The NZXT h310i manages to be stylish and clever without getting too radical. Mini ITX can be tough to build, and this is by no means the smallest case of its type. But it’s easy to use and will certainly help your small-form PC stand out.
NZXT h310i
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Like NZXT’s bigger cases, just smaller. Stylish, high-quality, easy to build in and not too expensive, either.
- See at Amazon
Best silent PC case – Fractal Design Define 7
| Specification | Fractal Design Define 7 |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | E-ATX, ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion | 9 slots 6x 2.  5-inch drives6x 3.5-inch drives 1x 5.25-inch drive |
| Fans | Front: 3x 120/140mm Top: 3x 120/140mm Rear: 1x 120/140mm Bottom: 2x 120/140mm |
| Radiators | Front: Up to 360mm Top: Up to 360 mm Rear: Up to 120mm Bottom: Up to 280mm |
| Filters | Top, front, bottom |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler: 185mm GPU: 467mm PSU: 250mm |
| I/O | 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C 2x USB 3.0 2x USB 2.0 1x Audio in/out |
| Weight | 29.7lbs (13.49kg) |
| Dimensions | (W)240mm x(H)475mm x(D)547mm |
| Chassis Materials | SGCC Steel |
| Colors | Black, White, Gray |
Fractal Design has a variety of cases on the market spanning across different categories.
Their Define series has some great PC cases that are popular in the community. A lot of enthusiasts prefer these cases for both performance and their mechanical design. We picked the Define 7 as a worthy addition to this collection for a few main reasons. It has a lot of convenient build features, is known to offer good thermal performance, and is quieter than most other mid-tower PC cases.
Depending on the chassis color you choose, Fractal Design will make the tempered glass side panel available with clear, light, or dark tinting. The case also comes with an optional vented top panel for those who prefer having more ventilation as opposed to a silent operation. This doesn’t affect any other functionality of the case though. The front I/O panel includes a generous amount of ports. It features two USB 3.0 Type-A, two USB 2.0 Type-A ports, and a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C port. There’s also the headphone and microphone jack in addition to the power button.
The Define 7 PC case supports E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX motherboards with plenty of space for fans, radiators, and more.
There’s enough clearance for a CPU cooler with a max height of 185mm and a GPU with a maximum length of up to 467mm. The case also offers vertical GPU mount support with 65mm total clearance. The Fractal Design Define 7 also has five large cable pass-throughs to route the cables for a clean installation. The Define 7 can be outfitted with seven 3.5 inch drives and two SSDs. It’s also one of the few cases on the market that still has a 5.25 inch drive bay slot.
The Define 7 PC case has space to mount nine fans in total. The case comes pre-installed with two Dynamic X2 GP-14 140mm on the front and a single 140mm exhaust fan at the back. It has four radiator mounting locations for a versatile liquid cooling setup too. And despite the number of fans and radiators you are willing to work with, the Define 7 offers a near quiet operation. It’s largely due to the use of sound-dampening material for the front, top, and side panels.
You’ll have to bring your own RGB lighting to the party but that shouldn’t stop you from considering this PC case.
It’s good for both entry-level as well as high-end performance-oriented builds. The Define 7 can also be used with high-quality air coolers for the CPU due to the low-noise operation.
Fractal Design Define 7
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The Define 7 PC case features sound dampening material on its front, top, and side panels for a quiet operation.
- Buy from Amazon
Second-Best Silent PC case – be quiet! Silent Base 802
| Specification | be quiet! Silent Base 802 |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | E-ATX, ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion | 9 slots 15x 2.5-inch drives 7x 3.5-inch drives |
| Fans | Front: 3x 120/140mm Top: 3x 120/140mm Rear: 1x 120mm/140mm |
| Radiators | Front: Up to 420mm Top: Up to 360 mm Rear: Up to 140mm |
| Filters | Top, front |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler: 185mm GPU: 432mm PSU: 288mm |
| I/O | 1x USB 3. 2 Gen 2 Type C2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A 1x Audio in/out 1x Integrated fan controller |
| Weight | 28.99lbs (13.15kg) |
| Dimensions | (W)281mm x(H)507mm x(D)539mm |
| Chassis Materials | Steel, Tempered Glass |
| Colors | Black |
While the ‘be quiet! Silent Base 802’ isn’t our best pick for a silent PC, we think it deserves a spot in the collection. The Silent Base 802 is a unique case that comes with interchangeable front and top panels. You have the option to use either the solid panel with sound dampening material to keep the case quiet or go with the mesh panel to improve airflow for better thermals. The panels are easily replaceable, allowing you to have the best of both worlds depending on what you need at any given point.
The Silent Base 802 case supports up to an E-ATX motherboard, and there’s plenty of room to fit in components for a high-end performance build.
The case comes with three pre-installed 140mm fans — two of them on the front, and a 140mm fan at the back. There’s more space to further add another 140mm fan on the front, and up to three 140mm fans on the top. Additionally, you can also install radiators on the front, top, and back of this case.
The Silent Base 802 case has enough clearance to support GPUs up to 432mm in length and CPU coolers up to 185mm in height. The case has more sound-dampening material inside, and you also get removable dust filters on the front and the bottom. We wish more manufacturers add removable dust filters since they’re very easy to clean.
The case weighs 13.15kg and stands 21.77 inches in height. It comes with 9 PCI expansion slots with two of them being vertical for the GPU. The front I/O panel includes two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and a single USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type C port. You also get a headphone/microphone combo, and an integrated 4-step fan controller to set the fan speed manually. The Silent Base 802 is also known to be one of the easier PC cases to work with.
It comes with a detachable top bracket to ensure it’s easy to install fans and radiators.
Being able to replace the solid panels with mesh panels for better airflow is a great feature, and it makes the ‘be quiet! Silent Base 802’ is one of the most versatile cases we’ve seen. It can work wonders for your setup depending on what you need. Even if you’re not constantly replacing the panels, you can use it as a feature to perhaps tweak your build once in a while to see which configuration works well with your components.
be quiet! Silent Base 802
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be quiet! Silent Base 802 is a versatile case that lets you replace the panels to favor either quiet operation or better airflow.
- Buy from Amazon
Best PC case for liquid cooling – Thermaltake Tower 900
| Specification | Thermaltake Tower 900 |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | E-ATX, ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion | 8 slots 2x 2.  5-inch drives6x 3.5-inch drives 1x 5.25-inch drive |
| Fans | Top: 2x 120, 2x 140mm Rear: 2x 120, 2x 140mm Left Side: 4 x 120mm, 4 x 140mm Right Side: 4 x 120mm, 4 x 140mm |
| Radiators | Left Side: 1 x 480mm, 1 x 560mm Right Side: 1 x 480mm, 1 x 560mm |
| Filters | NA |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler: 260mm GPU: 400mm PSU: 220mm |
| I/O | 4x USB 3.0 1x HD Audio |
| Weight | 54lbs (24.5kg) |
| Dimensions | (W)423mm x(H)752mm x(D)483mm |
| Chassis Materials | SGCC Steel |
| Colors | Black |
The Thermaltake Tower 900 is the second full tower PC case in this collection, joining the Corsair Obsidian 1000D we mentioned earlier.
The Tower 900 is easily one of the biggest PC cases you’ll find on the market right now, and it’s perfect for an over-the-top enthusiast build with custom loops. This case supports E-ATX, ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, and leaves plenty of space for you to get creative with your cooling solution. There’s enough space in the cabinet to install two water-cooling loops with large radiators and reservoirs.
The front and half of either side of the Tower 900 PC case feature tempered glass. The remaining portion of the side has perforated side panels covering the radiators. All these parts are easily removable, giving easy access to the internals. The Tower 900 PC case is very easy to work with as long as you have a proper plan for your build. The entire case can be stripped down to its shell using a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
The Tower 900 PC case can be outfitted with 13 fans in total, in addition to either a 480mm or a 560mm radiator on the left/right side. It offers enough clearance for a CPU cooler with a max height of 260mm.
The GPU and PSU length clearance is limited to 400mm and 220mm respectively. Even with all the high-end components installed, the Tower 900 will have plenty of space for installing up to two custom loops.
The Thermaltake Tower 900 is a vertical super tower that will demand a dedicated space next to your table. It weighs 24.5kg and stands 29.6 inches tall. It includes six 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch hidden drives and two dedicated 2.5-inch drives in addition to a single 5.25-inch drive. There are eight expansion slots and the front I/O panel offers four USB 3.0 Type-A ports and a headphone/microphone combo.
Coming in at $300, the Thermaltake Tower 900 is on the more expensive side of the collection. That being said, it offers plenty of freedom to enthusiast builders eyeing a sophisticated water-cooling loop. It’ll offer impressive thermal performance even if you pack a bunch of high-end components in it. It’s the perfect case to show off the custom cooling PC of your dreams. Thermaltake also makes a smaller version of this case called Tower 100 for those who want this look but in Mini ITX.
Thermaltake Tower 900
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The Thermaltake Tower 900 full tower PC case is one of the biggest cabinet you’ll find on the market. It’s the only vertical case you need to build the custom-cooling PC build of your dreams.
- Buy from Amazon
Best Budget PC case: Phanteks Eclipse P400A
| Specification | Phanteks Eclipse P60A |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | E-ATX, ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion | 2x 2.5-inch drives 2x 3.5-inch drives Option for 4x additional 3.5-inch drives |
| Fans | Top: 2x 120, 2x 140mm Rear: 1x 120 Front: 3x 120mm, 2x 140mm |
| Radiators | Front: 1x 240mm/ 1x 360mm Rear: 120mm Top: 1x 240mm |
| Filters | Front dust filter, top dust cover, PSU ventilation dust cover |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler: 160mm GPU: 420mm PSU: 270mm |
| I/O | 2x USB 3. 01x HD Audio Optional digital RGB control |
| Weight | 15.4lbs (7kg) |
| Dimensions | 465mm x 210mm x 470mm |
| Chassis Materials | Steel, Tempered Glass |
| Colors | Black, White |
Building a budget gaming PC doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality and settle for a cheap quality PC case. A lot of case manufacturers releasing premium cabinets on the market for enthusiasts, also happen to make some budget offerings. The Phanteks Eclilpse P400A is one of them. This is the latest in a long-running line from Phanteks that has combined quality build with masses of space, a great-looking design, and an attractive price.
The Phanteks Eclipse P400A is a mid-tower ATX case that supports Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, and even E-ATX motherboards. It’s a well-built case with a nice paint job whether you go for the black or the white version.
This latest Eclipse also comes with a full-height tempered glass panel on the left-hand side. You’ll get either two or three 120mm fans included, depending on which version you go for. The standard model has two regular fans, while the version with built-in RGB control ships with three digital RGB fans. The front panel is entirely mesh, meaning your fans can pull through some serious cool air.
The scope for cooling, in this case, is quite astonishing, and a step up from its predecessor. The Eclipse P400A has space for up to a 360mm radiator (or 3 x 120mm fans) in the front, and a 280mm radiator (or 2 x 140mm fans) in the roof. You can use a GPU with a maximum length of up to 420mm, which is ample for even today’s largest graphics cards. Likewise, you have plenty of space for taller air coolers. The PSU sits behind a shroud that is built in and shields your cable mess from being seen through the glass. The P400A is also one of the few cases in its price range to have support for a vertical GPU bracket if you want to really show off your card.
The Eclipse P360A has the standard seven PCI slots and space for a host of storage. There are two 3.5-inch and two 2.5-inch included drive bays, with the option of another four 3.5-inch drives with additional hardware. Despite its fairly modest size, the P400A can hold all the storage you could ever dream of needing. It’d a nod to the capacious interior of this PC case. Phanteks design is extremely efficient, maximizing every available inch to make it easy to build in.
The Phanteks Eclipse P400A mid-tower case retails for under $100 for the standard model, which for something of this quality is incredible. This is also our go-to recommendation for newcomers in the world of PC building who are looking for an easy, yet high-quality case. Despite the modest price tag, we think it’s viable to use this case for both entry-level and relatively high-end builds.
Phanteks P400A
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An affordable case for beginners and pros alike, the P400A can house a simply remarkable amount of hardware and is so easy to live with.
- See at Amazon
Best affordable mesh PC case: Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh
| Specification | Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh |
|---|---|
| Supported Motherboards | ATX, microATX, Mini-ITX |
| Expansion | 2x 2.5-inch drives 2x 3.5-inch drives |
| Fans | Top: 2 x 120mm, 2x 140mm Rear: 1 x 120mm Front: 2 x 120mm, 2x 140mm |
| Radiators | Front: 240mm Rear: 120mm Top: 240mm |
| Filters | Front dust filter, top dust cover, PSU ventilation dust cover |
| Clearance | CPU Cooler: 160mm GPU: 420mm PSU: 270mm |
| I/O | 2x USB 3.0 Microphone Headphone LED color/mode buttons |
| Dimensions | 205 mm x 415 mm x 485 mm |
| Chassis Materials | Steel, Tempered Glass |
| Colors | Black, White, Pink |
There was a time when buying a Lian Li PC case was out of reach for most of us.
The brand is synonymous with the higher-end, premium space, but times do thankfully change. The Lancool 205 Mesh is not only a great PC case but it’s well within the budget of anyone putting together a solid mid-tower build. The white version is easily the best looking, but it also comes in black if you’d rather. And both come with a mesh front panel to promote great airflow.
What makes this such a great case is that it ticks all the boxes. It’s classy looking without being too radical. It has plenty of space to build in despite not being that large. And it can shine bright with RGB fans and tempered glass without sacrificing airflow. Whether air cooling or using a radiator, building a full ATX PC, or something smaller, this case should be able to fit everything you need with a little added space to work in.
The Lancool 205 Mesh boasts a design where the power supply is kept out of view. The shroud is just the lower portion of the case, so there’s nothing to worry about fitting and removing.
It’s also quite cavernous, despite only being a mid-tower, providing plenty of space to stash additional cables. The upper three-quarters of the left-hand side is covered with a tempered glass panel. The front is almost entirely mesh save for a small panel at the bottom, behind which you can stash 3.5-inch drives and cables and other unsightly items. Behind the motherboard tray, you’ll find ample cable management points along with a couple of 2.5-inch SSD caddies, and plenty of space to work with even larger power supplies.
The fit and finish on the Lancool 205 Mesh is first-rate, with no cut corners, no bare metal, and at least in our experience, no overspray or sub-par paintwork. The Lian Li quality is everywhere. It comes with a trio of 120mm ARGB PWM fans included, though a 240mm radiator can also be mounted in front or at the top of the case. On the outside, there’s a dust filter on the very top, so using this location for heat exhaust is worthwhile. One of the few negatives, though, is that you’re limited to a maximum of 240mm for a radiator, wherever you mount it.
Though the top is certainly a better position than the front. Airflow is excellent, with the included front fans pulling plenty of cooling wind across the motherboard and the graphics card.
Around the back, there is a full suite of seven expansion slots, and the Lancool 205 Mesh is capable of housing even larger, chunkier graphics cards. There’s plenty of room to house longer cards, though you’ll need to be mindful that there’s no included GPU support with this case. So you’ll have to come up with your own solution for sagging GPUs. This minor frustration aside, what you’re left with is a stunning build in a stunning case, and one that won’t break the bank, either.
Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh
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An affordable, yet stylish and high-quality white PC case built to both look great and promote good airflow.
- See at Amazon
Final Thoughts
That concludes our collection of the best PC cases on the market. The Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic is our pick for the best PC case you can buy right now.
It’s a little older than other cases on the list, but it still manages to offer a good mix of features to both new builders and enthusiasts alike. It’s also a simple case to work with, once you make your way into the chamber as there’s plenty of room to experiment and come up with a clean installation.
Picking the right case for your build may seem like a tedious task. However, you can filter the options by simply focusing on a few key points like the motherboard size, preferred cooling method, airflow, etc. Building a PC is just a small piece of the puzzle, though. You’ll have to spend the same amount of time looking for other peripherals like monitors, keyboards, and even webcams now. But it’s a rewarding process that you will thoroughly enjoy.
Also, be sure to pick up a copy of Windows 11 now for your new PC. The new version of the OS, as we mentioned in our review, offers a more refined experience than Windows 10.
Here’s a list of the best PC cases for gamers in 2022
A PC case is more than just an enclosure for the components.
It acts as a solid platform for the overall build and plays a huge role in deciding a lot of other factors such as the radiator support for cooling, GPU support, and more. Besides that, a PC case also acts as a statement piece for your desk. If you’re spending a ton of money putting together a high-end gaming rig, then why not give it some personality? In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best PC cases for gamers in 2021.
As a gamer, you’re likely to build anything from a mid-range PC to a high-performance powerhouse to handle all the new and demanding titles on the market. We recommend picking up a good quality PC case with good support for cooling solutions. You must pick up a PC case that has a lot of space for all the high-end components or even a custom loop for water cooling. Perhaps picking up an airflow case isn’t a bad idea either. The best airflow cases on the market have a lot of air vents and space to install case fans.
Navigate this article:
- Best overall PC case for gamers: Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO
- Second best overall PC case for gamers: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact
- Best full tower PC case for gamers: Corsair Obsidian 1000D Super Tower
- Best case for dual PC setups: Phanteks Enthoo Pro II
- Best RGB case for gamers: Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB case
- Best budget ATX PC case for gamers: Phanteks Eclipse P360A
- Best compact ATX case for gamers: Lian Li Air Mini
- Best miniITX case for gamers: Antec Cube designed by Razer
Best overall PC case for gamers: Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO
Lian Li has been making waves in the industry for quite some time now.
The company has a ton of PC cases on offer and some of them are extremely popular in the PC hardware space. In fact, we picked the Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL as the best overall PC case in our collection of the best PC cases. We still think the O11 Dynamic is one of the best PC cases you can buy on the market, especially as a gamer. As such, the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO is our pick for the best PC case in this collection.
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO is identical to the standard O11 Dynamic case. The main difference between the standard and the EVO version is the fact that the EVO version of the case can be flipped and used in reverse mode. This essentially means that you can move the tempered glass side from left to right. This particular process requires a full disassembly, but the fact that it’s doable makes it a unique case by itself.
Besides that, this is the same Lian Li O11 Dynamic PC case that’s packed with a ton of features. The O11 Dynamic is a mid-tower PC case with a dual-chamber design.
This case, as you can see, has plenty of glass panels on both the front as well as sides. There’s a mesh panel on the top with vents for airflow. This is one of those mid-tower cases that have enough space for plenty of case fans or even a custom cooling loop.
You can install up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans on the front, top as well as bottom panels. There’s also space to add a 120mm fan at the back. As for the radiator support, you can mount up to a 360mm radiator on the top, bottom, or front. You can also mount smaller 60mm fans on the hard drive cage to maintain the temperature of the drives. While the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO PC case doesn’t come with any pre-installed fans, you do get a front panel LED strip. This LED strip can be controlled via the motherboard software or a hub.
Another interesting thing about this case is that you can move the IO ports of the case between four different locations on the case. This can be done without any tools, which makes it very convenient to customize.
Notably, you can also buy a port hub as an additional accessory for the case to add more ports. This feature is unique to the O11 Dynamic EVO that no other PC case currently offers.
Overall, we think there’s a lot to like about the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO PC case. It’s obviously not a perfect case for everyone, but there’s still a lot to consider. It has plenty of space for all the components, support for dual PSU mounts, a cable management bar, modular design, and more. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO is available in black, white, and grey color options, so pick the one that suits the overall aesthetics of your setup.
Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO
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The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO PC case is a solid mid-tower cabinet with lots of customization options and plenty of space.
- Buy from Amazon
Second best overall PC case for gamers: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact
The Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact is one of the best mid-tower PC cases you can buy on the market right now.
We think it’s one of the best Fractal Design PC cases right now mainly because of its form factor and the ability to keep the internals cool. The Meshify 2 Compact PC case, as you can see, comes with the iconic mesh front panel with an angular design. This stylish panel provides fresh filtered air to the chassis with the help of the fans fitted on the front. The top is also a mesh panel for airflow. You get an option to choose between a solid or a tempered glass panel for the side. Tempered glass is probably the one we recommend if you’re using this case to build a high-end gaming rig with RGB lights. The glass panel will allow you to see the internal components.
The front mesh panel also has a removable dust filter under it making it easier to clean. You can also remove the nylon filter for increased airflow. You get dust filters for both the top as well as the bottom panel of the case too. One of the best things about the Meshify 2 Compact PC case is that it comes with three pre-installed fans out of the box.
You get two 140mm Dynamic X2 fans on the front along with a single 120mm fan at the back for exhaust. There’s space to add more fans, but you’ll have to buy them separately.
In addition to the one that’s already installed on the case, you can add another 140mm fan on the front, two 120mm or 140mm fans on the top and a single 120mm fan at the bottom. When it comes to the radiator, there’s space to mount up to 360mm radiator on the front, up to 240mm radiator on the top, and two small 120mm radiators at the back and the at the bottom each. The Meshify 2 Compact also comes with cable routing space, making it easier to manage the cables inside the chassis.
The Meshify 2 Compact PC case is big enough to house a ton of components inside the chassis. You can install GPUs with a max length of up to 341mm and CPU coolers with a max height of up to 169mm. The PSU sits inside a separate compartment at the bottom along with drive bays. The Meshify 2 Compact has seven expansion slots, two 3.
5″ and four 2.5″ drive days at the bottom. It’s also relatively easy to build inside the Meshify 2 Compact PC case as the top panel can easily be removed. We recommend picking up the Meshify 2 Compact PC case mainly for its airflow capability.
You can easily build a high-end PC inside this chassis without worrying about the thermals. You can use both CPU fan coolers or AIO liquid CPU coolers with this case. You can also use an mATX motherboard and use the remaining space inside the chassis to build a custom cooling loop.
Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact
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The Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact is an excellent ATX case with plenty of space inside the chassis and a mesh front panel for airflow.
- Buy from Amazon
Best full tower PC case for gamers: Corsair Obsidian 1000D Super Tower
The Corsair Obsidian 1000D may seem like overkill for most people, but we had to add this particular case to the collection mainly because of how much value it brings to the table.
Full tower PC cases are known for their sheer size. Well, it can’t be better than the Obsidian 1000D PC case. This is one of the biggest PC cases on the market right now. The Obsidian 1000D is big enough to house two systems simultaneously. That’s right, the Obsidian 1000D is big enough to house two PCs inside.
We know there are plenty of gamers out there who also like to stream their gameplay on online platforms like Twitch, YouTube, etc. Having a PC case like this will help you build both your gaming as well as streaming PC in a single chassis. Not only will it save you some money, but it’ll also save you a lot of space. It’s also relatively easier to maintain a single case rather than having to deal with two cases for different rigs.
We think the Obsidian 1000D is also one of the best-looking PC cases on the market right now. It features smoked tempered glass panels, giving it a very unique look. This is one of those PC cases that’ll definitely attract a lot of attention.
The Obsidian 1000D has a triple-chamber design that makes it very easy to work with. One of the best things about this case is that it has a ton of space to add case fans and radiators for cooling. In fact, the Obsidian 1000D also has radiator trays that allow you to install radiator mounts very easily to the unit.
When it comes to case fans, you can install as many as eight 120mm fans on the front, three 140mm fans on the top, and two 120mm fans at the back. As for the radiator mounts, you can install up to two 480mm radiators on the front, up to 420mm radiator on the top, and up to 240mm radiator at the back. This PC case can easily house a full-fledged water-cooled PC with a custom loop. You can also use this case to build just one PC and use the extra space to hide all your cables, add more storage or even have a dual PSU setup. The Obsidian 1000D also comes with built-in lighting and fan control. You’ll need that given the number of fans that can go into this case.
The Obsidian 1000D comes with 10 expansion slots, and six 2.
5″ and five 3.5″ drive bays in total. Component clearance isn’t an issue with this case either. You can install a GPU with a max length of up to 400mm and a CPU cooler with a max height of up to 180mm. This full tower PC case also accommodates anything up to an extended ATX motherboard, so feel free to splurge all you want on high-performance components because the case will be ready for you. We recommend adding RGB fans or even some RGB lights for added bling. The tempered glass panels will allow you to see through the case, so it’s great if you like having a lot of RGB lights.
Corsair Obsidian 1000D
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The Corsair Obsidian 1000D full-tower cabinet is the biggest case we have in our collection. It can contain two separate PC builds inside.
- Buy from Amazon
Best case for dual PC setups: Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2
While the Corsair Obsidian 1000D is also a pretty big PC case, we think the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 has got to be the biggest PC case on the market right now.
We’re talking about a case that’s big enough to easily accommodate two PC builds inside. In addition to the primary build with up to an E-ATX motherboard, the Enthoo Pro 2 has space for a secondary ITX system at the bottom too. This type of case is perfect for power users and streamers who can greatly benefit from a dual PC setup. The Enthoo Pro 2 is also largely used as an enterprise solution as it can house an SSI EEB motherboard too.
We wanted to add this case to the collection as a solid option for gamers mainly because of all the space it offers. The chassis is big enough to accommodate a fully water-cooled build, complete with a custom loop. We highly recommend investing in a case like this even if you don’t necessarily want to have a dual PC setup. You can use all the space to manage cables, add water cooling components such as a pump, a reservoir, and more.
One of the highlights of the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 PC case is that it offers exceptional airflow performance. The case comes with a mesh front panel that uses Phanteks high-performance fabric material.
This mesh panel is made out of rugged and durable nylon fiber for increased airflow. It also helps keep the dust from getting inside the chassis, which is good.
The Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 is big enough to house as many as fifteen 120mm fans. There’s space to install up to four 120mm or three 140mm fans on the front. The top panel can hold up to three 120mm or 140mm fans. You can also install up to four 120mm fans on the internal side panel and three 120mm or a single 140mm fan at the bottom of the case. There’s also space to add a single 120mm or a 140mm fan at the back for exhaust. Radiator support is also plenty inside the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 case.
You can mount up to a 480mm radiator on the front, up to a 360mm radiator on the top panel, up to a 360mm radiator on the bottom panel as well as either a 120mm or a 140mm radiator at the back. There’s also space to add an option 480mm radiator inside the chassis on the side panel. It’s safe to say that the Enthoo Pro 2 is fully kitted to house a fully water-cooled system.
The case also has massive storage support. You can add as many as eleven 2.5″ SSDs and up to four 3.5″ HDDs inside the case.
The big thing about the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 case is that it’s not as expensive as a lot of other full tower PC cases on the market. It’s perfect for those who’re looking to build a high-performance PC, as you can use the money saved on the PC case on other core components such as the best CPUs, motherboards, and more.
Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 PC case
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The Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 is a full tower PC case with space for up to two separate builds inside. It also offers great airflow performance.
- Buy from Amazon
Best RGB case for gamers: Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB case
Corsair’s iCUE RGB-enabled PC cases are perhaps one of the most popular RGB cases on the market. Sure, you can always buy a normal PC case and add RGB lights to it, but the Corsair iCUE cases come with RGB-enabled fans out of the box.
We’ve picked the Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB case for this collection mainly because this also happens to be one of the best mid-tower PC cases around. The iCUE 4000X RGB is a mid-tower PC case that comes in black or white-colored options.
The Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB, as you can see, comes with a tempered glass panel for both the front as well as the side. The top panel has air vents for airflow under which you can attach some fans to move more air in and out of the chassis. One of the best things about these Corsair iCUE RGB cases is that they come with ARGB fans pre-installed out of the box. This means you’re ready to build the PC without having to spend any more money on case fans.
The Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB case is equipped with three Corsair AirGuide RGB fans on the front. In addition to the ones that are already installed, there’s space to add more fans to the chassis. You can install two more 120mm or 140mm fans on the top panel along with a 120mm exhaust fan at the back. You also get decent radiator support with the Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB case for liquid cooling.
There’s space to add up to a 360mm radiator on the front along with a 240mm radiator on the top. This may not be enough for a fully water-cooled build with a custom loop, but there are plenty of compatible AIO liquid coolers on the market that is worth checking out.
You can easily control the lighting of the case or any other RGB lights that you add with the help of Corsair iCUE software. The 4000X RGB case also comes with plenty of space behind the motherboard tray for cable management. It’s also worth pointing out that this particular case supports vertical GPU mounting, thanks to a couple of vertical expansion slots at the back of the case.
When it comes to the component clearance, you can install a GPU with a max length of up to 360mm and a CPU cooler with a max height of up to 170mm. You also get two 3.5″ and 2.5″ drive bays for storage drives. All in all, we think the Corsair 4000X RGB case is a solid option to consider if you’re looking for an RGB case for your gaming rig.
You can also check out the Corsair iCUE 5000X RGB case if you want something bigger. The 5000X is a full tower case which means it’s more suitable for a fully water-cooled PC with a custom loop. Both of these PC cases are readily available on the market, so be sure to check them out.
Corsair 4000X RGB PC case
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The Corsair 4000X RGB is a fantastic PC to for those who’re looking to buy an RGB-enabled PC case for their new gaming rig.
- Buy from Amazon
Best budget ATX PC case for gamers: Phanteks Eclipse P360A
Buying expensive components for a high-end gaming rig significantly increases the overall budget of your build. This is exactly why we wanted to add a relatively affordable PC case to this collection. We think the Phanteks Eclipse P360A is one of the best affordable mid-tower PC cases on the market. It carries a price tag of just $80, making it the most affordable PC case in this collection. But just because the Eclipse P360A is affordable doesn’t necessarily make it a bad PC case.
In fact, this budget case is just as good as many other mid-tower PC cases we’ve mentioned in this collection.
The Phanteks Eclipse P360A comes with a mesh front panel for better airflow. A mesh panel is almost always better than having either a solid or a tempered glass panel. The installed fans on the other side of the case tend to benefit from the mesh panel as there’s more ventilation. The front panel of the Phanteks Eclipse P360A comes with a dust filter to keep the dust and dirt away from the internals. Another thing that’s worth mentioning about this case is that it comes with two 120mm D-RGB PWN fans pre-installed out of the box.
A lot of budget PC cases don’t come with pre-installed fans. The Eclipse P360A, on the other hand, comes with D-RGB PWN fans. You can also sync the fans with the motherboard and control it using any third-party lighting software. The included RGB fans add a touch of bling to the case and look great on both the black as well as the white variant of the case.
The top of the case also has vents for airflow. There’s a dust filter on the top too, which is again a nice addition.
In addition to two 120mm fans that are pre-installed on the front, you can add two more 120mm or 140mm fans on the top panel. There’s also space to add another 120mm fan at the back for exhaust. When it comes to the radiator support, you can mount up to a 280mm radiator on the front along with another 240mm radiator on the top panel. There’s also space to add a small 120mm radiator at the back panel.
The Phanteks Eclipse P360A also comes with vertical expansion slots that lets you mount the GPU vertically to the system. You will, however, need a vertical GPU bracket for the same if you don’t have one already. You can install a GPU with a max length of up to 400mm and a CPU cooler with a max height of up to 160mm. The case also has two 3.5″ and three 2.5″ drive bays for adding more storage drives to the build. The front panel IO ports include two USB 3.0, audio ports, a power button along with buttons to change the LED mode and LED colors.
This particular PC case can fit in motherboards ranging from E-ATX to miniITX, so we think it’s suitable for a variety of different builds.
Phanteks Eclipse P360A PC case
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The Phanteks Eclipse P360A is the most affordable PC case in this collection. Despite the price tag, it comes with pre-installd RGB fans and a mesh front panel with dust filters.
- Buy from Amazon
Best compact ATX case for gamers: Lian Li Air Mini
The Lian Li O11 Air Mini is essentially a smaller version of the regular O11 Dynamic PC case that we saw earlier in this collection. This particular case is perfect for those who don’t have a lot of space in their setup. It’s also worth pointing out that the Air Mini PC case is an airflow case. It’s got a mesh front panel instead of a glass panel to allow for more airflow. The top is also a mesh panel as we’ve seen on the standard variant of the case.
One of the best things about the O11 Air Mini PC case is that it comes with three pre-installed fans.
This is the only Lian Li O11 case that comes with pre-installed fans out of the box. The O11 Air Mini comes fitted with two 140mm PWM fans on the front along with a 120mm PWM at the rear. Additionally, there’s space to add up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans on the top as well as the bottom panel too. You can also install two more 120mm fans on the side. It’s safe to say that there’s a lot of space to add fans to this PC case, making it one of the best airflow cases on the market.
Despite the small form factor, the O11 Air Mini is perfectly viable to be used for a water-cooled system too. You can install plenty of radiators inside the case without having to deal with any clearance issues. There’s space to mount up to 280mm radiator on the front along with a 240mm radiator each on the side as well as the bottom panels. There’s also a dust filter at the bottom of the case, which means it’ll keep all the dust and dirt away from the internals.
The O11 Air Mini may be a compact ATX case, but it’ll allow you to install either an ATX, an mATX, or a miniITX motherboard inside.
The case also has a lot of space inside the chassis which means, you won’t have any issues with component clearance too. You install GPUs with a max length of up to 362mm and CPU coolers with a max height of up to 170mm. The Air Mini case also comes with up to seven expansion slots, allowing you to install even the most modern GPUs out there on the market. As for the front panel IO ports, the case offers two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 3.1 Type C port along with audio ports.
The Lian Li O11 Air Mini is available in black and white colors options, so you can pick the one that matches the overall aesthetics of your setup. The Air Mini isn’t exactly a small form factor PC case. It’s smaller than a lot of other ATX cases on the market, but you might want to look somewhere else if you’re looking for, say, a Mini-ITX case. This is still very much a compact ATX and we think it can be used even for a high-end gaming rig without having to worry about any thermal issues.
Lian Li Air Mini O11
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The Lian Li Air Mini O11 is a smaller, airflow version of the bigger Dynamic O11 full-tower PC case.
- Buy from Amazon
Best miniITX case for gamers: Antec Cube designed by Razer
We don’t necessarily recommend buying a miniITX PC case for a high-performance gaming rig. High-end PCs tend to have powerful internals that produces a ton of heat. Since miniITX PC cases aren’t the best for maintaining the thermal output, it’s best if you keep your expectations in check. That being said, if you’re still in the market to buy a new miniITX PC case for an entry-level to mid-range gaming PC, then you might want to check out the Antec Cube case.
The Antec Cube PC case is, without a doubt, the smallest PC case in this collection. This is good for those who don’t have a lot of space to accommodate a full tower or even a mid-tower PC case in their setup. There’s a lot to like about the Antec Cube despite its small form-factor, which is why we wanted to add this as a solid miniITX case option. The Antec Cube is a premium high-end case that comes with acrylic panels for the top, front and right side.
The acrylic windows allow you to see the internals of the chassis.
Despite the small form factor, the Antec Cube has enough space to hold a couple of fans and radiators for liquid cooling. There’s space inside the chassis to install three fans. You can install two 120mm fans or a single 140mm fan on the front. There’s also some space to add either a 120mm or a 140mm fan at the back for exhaust. As for the radiator mounting options, you can install up to a 240mm radiator on the front and a small 140mm radiator at the back. There are plenty of AIO liquid coolers on the market that comes with a 240mm radiator, so you might want to consider those options for this build.
When it comes to component clearance, the Antec Cube has enough space for GPUs with a max length of up to 350mm and CPU coolers with a max height of up to 190mm. You can add an SFX PSU inside the case with a max length of up to 200mm. The Antec Cube comes with dust filers for all the vents on the case, which means you don’t have to worry too much about dust or dirt getting into the system.
This is crucial for the SFF PC cases as it’s relatively harder to clean the internals of these small cases.
There’s a green-colored Razer logo with LED lights. You also get two USB 3.0 ports along with the audio ports as a part of the front panel IO. There are three expansion slots inside the chassis for your GPU along with two 2.5″ and a single 3.5″ drive bay. The Antec Cube trade blows with a lot of other miniITX cases on the market. We recommend this one over the other options mainly because of its premium build quality and decent component clearance. It’s a little difficult to get your hands on this case right now, but we think it’s worth waiting for a restock.
Antec Cube miniITX PC case
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The Antec Cube PC case is a solid option to consider if you’re looking to buy a miniITX case for your build.
- Buy from Newegg
Best PC cases for gamers: Final Thoughts
Well, that concludes our list of the best PC cases for gamers.
We think the Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO is the best case to buy for your gaming rig followed by the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact. Those leaning towards a high-end rig should consider checking out the Corsair Obsidian 1000D case. It’s one of the most expensive PC cases on the market, but we think it’s worth splurging for all the features it offers. The Lian Li O11 Air Mini is also a great option to consider if you’re looking for a compact case, but not necessarily a miniITX cabinet.
We also encourage you to check out our collection of the best white PC case and even the best pink PC cases if you want your PC to stand out from others. Picking a PC case is only the only first in your PC building process. We hope you’re pairing your case with the best CPUs, best GPUs, etc. for better overall performance. You can also consider checking out our XDA Computing Forums where you can discuss your PC builds or get more product recommendations from the experts in our community.
Best PC case in 2022 – the top chassis to house your new build
When it comes to putting together the best gaming PC, the case is often an afterthought based on the budget you have left or what you think looks the best.
But since it houses all of your shiny new components, it’s not all about aesthetics – you’ll want the case to have good airflow to keep your temperatures low, helping to prevent thermal throttling, keep things stable, and give more headroom when it comes to overclocking your CPU and GPU.
You’ll also want to look out for things like what connectivity is available on the front panel, as a USB-C port, for example, can fast-charge your phone or connect the best VR headset without you delving into the mess of wires at the back. How well the case lets you manage cables internally is also an important consideration to make, as it not only makes your gaming PC look the part but gives you an easier time as you build it. And there’s also the simple fact that some cases are easier to build with than others.
With such a wide range of cases on offer, it can be hard to sift through them all and find the perfect case for you. Whether you want the best mini gaming PC to replace a console, a case stuffed to the brim with RGB lights, or a chassis with superb airflow for the best overclocking potential, we’ve got something for you here.
Here are the best PC cases to buy in 2022:
Check prices
Be Quiet Dark Base 700
The best PC case is the Be Quiet Dark Base 700.
The best all-rounder in the PC case world is Be Quiet’s Dark Base 700, which is a mid tower sporting a sleek black design with RGB lights running down the trim and a large side window so you can peek at your components in action. It ticks all of the boxes for a great enclosure with a great cable management system and modern front panel with a USB-C port. While it doesn’t look great for airflow, with no visible vents on the front, all of the borders feature vents and there are some smart internal solutions to aid with airflow.
As its name suggests, there’s an emphasis on silent operation in this case, thanks to padded side panels and tempered glass that’s thicker than on most PC cases. The chassis is made of both metal and plastic, but don’t let that put you off – it’s still a sturdy case with a solid feel.
It also has no issues fitting the best AIO cooler, with support for up to 360mm radiators mounted to the top, front, or bottom. It also features a fan switch so you can easily switch between quiet operation and performance based on your needs.
| Be Quiet Dark Base 700 Specs | |
| Case type | Mid tower |
| Motherboard support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX |
| Panels | 1x tempered glass, 1x metal panel |
| Cooling | 2x 120mm fans |
| I/O | 1x Type-A USB, 1x Type-C USB, 1x 3.5mm jack |
| Dimensions (mm) | 544 x 241 x 519 |
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Corsair Carbide 100R
The best cheap PC case is the Corsair Carbide 100R.
For around $50 / £50, Corsair’s Carbide 100R is one of the best low-price mid tower cases you can get without sacrificing quality, being our choice of case for the best cheap gaming PC build.
It’s a pretty simple design and available in any colour, er, so as long as that colour is black. It definitely doesn’t scream gaming PC, but there’s the option for a windowed panel if you want a bit of extra flair. Plus, it still does the trick when it comes to cooling, with room for a 120mm AIO cooler, and five mounting points for fans. Corsair offers superb build quality despite the low price point, so you can be sure your components are being well looked after.
There are other conveniences built in, too, like toolless drive slots and space for 5.25-inch bays. Yes, even in 2022 there’s still space to install a DVD drive, but maybe you still have some older disc-based PC games. Much like our top entry, the side panels on the Corsair Carbide 100R also have some insulation, helping the PC to stay relatively quiet. Add that to its subdued design and it could be the perfect case for a subtle PC build.
| Corsair Carbide 100R Specs | |
| Case type | Mid tower |
|---|---|
| Motherboard support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX |
| Panels | 1x metal/glass panel, 1x metal panel |
| Cooling | 1x 120mm fans |
| I/O | 2x Type-A USB, 2x 3. 5mm jack |
| Dimensions (mm) | 471 x 200 x 430 |
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Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
The best high-end PC case is the Cooler Master Cosmos C700M.
If money’s not an issue for your high-end PC build then Cooler Master’s full tower is definitely worth considering. Although the Cosmos C700M doesn’t come cheap, it packs a curved glass side panel and aluminium frame to help justify its premium price tag. There aren’t many PC cases offering RGB lighting on the outside, but this one does, with RGB strips running along the top and bottom of the case that even sync up to RGB headers on your best gaming motherboard.
Thanks to the monster size of the case, you don’t need to worry about components struggling to fit, with GPU lengths of up to 490mm supported. Cable management is on point too, with panels and grommets hiding the jungle of wires going around your PC. There’s extensive connectivity on the front too, with four standard USB 3.
0 ports, and a USB Type-C port.
| Cooler Master Cosmos C700M Specs | |
| Case type | Full tower |
|---|---|
| Motherboard support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX |
| Panels | 1x curved glass panel, 1x curved metal panel |
| Cooling | 4x 140mm fans |
| I/O | 4x Type-A USB, 1x Type-C USB, 2x 3.5mm jack |
| Dimensions (mm) | 651 x 306 x 650 |
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Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P
The best mini ITX case is the Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P.
If you’re building a pint-sized gaming PC then Cooler Master’s mini ITX chassis is a great choice. Unlike other cases this small, the MasterBox NR200P still has pretty good airflow, particularly if you choose the vented side panel over the glass option. Despite its small size, it’s still capable of holding some of the largest flagship graphics cards, with support for GPUs up to 330mm in length.
It’s also surprisingly easy to navigate when building inside thanks to its 360-degree dismantling feature, avoiding the notorious difficulty that comes with other mini ITX cases out there.
You can even stuff a 280mm AIO cooler in there, allowing you to build a powerhouse inside this diminutive chassis. The case is available in black or white and made of steel, which feels solid. Due to its small size, however, you’ll have to source a slightly more expensive form factor power supply.
| Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P Specs | |
| Case type | Mini ITX tower |
|---|---|
| Motherboard support | Mini ITX, Mini DTX |
| Panels | 1x metal/glass panel, 1x metal panel |
| Cooling | 1x 92mm + 1x 120mm fan |
| I/O | 2x Type-A USB, 1x 3.5mm jack |
| Dimensions (mm) | 360 x 185 x 274 |
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Lian Li Lancool 205M
The best micro ATX case is the Lian Li Lancool 205M.
A micro ATX case is the best way to cut down the size of your PC without some of the sacrifices to airflow and PSU compatibility that occur with the smaller mini ITX varients. Lian Li’s Lancool 205M is one of the best micro ATX cases you can buy, available in black or white with a solid build quality thanks to its steel frame and large glass side panel to show off any RGB components you might have.
Despite the small footprint, you can still fit a 240mm AIO cooler at the front or along the top. It’s also got a separate, removable side panel solely for accessing SSDs and hard drives, making it an easy task to add or remove storage. Plus, there’s plenty of space behind the motherboard tray and a power supply shroud for managing cables.
| Lian Li Lancool 205M Specs | |
| Case type | Mid tower |
|---|---|
| Motherboard support | Micro ATX, Mini ITX |
| Panels | 1x glass panel, 1x metal panel |
| Cooling | 2x 120mm fans |
| I/O | 2x Type-A USB, 2x 3. 5mm jack |
| Dimensions (mm) | 210 x 415 x 400 |
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Corsair 4000D Airflow
The best airflow PC case is the Corsair 4000D Airflow.
Looking for the case with the best airflow to keep your components running nice and cool, and perhaps give you more overclocking headroom? Corsair’s 4000D Airflow case (it’s in the name for a reason) touts a front panel that’s designed to take in as much air as possible, with up to three 120mm fans, and look good while doing so. You can even fit a 360mm AIO here, or a top mounted 280mm one. Cooling for days.
Its minimalist design might be hit or miss depending on what you’re into, but you can always kit it out with RGB fans if you want to give it more personality. We think the triangles do a wonderful job of making it stand out as it is, however. Cable management is easy thanks to the plentiful space behind the motherboard, a cable routing channel, and a power supply shroud to further hide the wires.
As a bonus, there’s also a Type-C USB port on the front I/O.
| Corsair 4000D Airflow Specs | |
| Case type | Mid tower |
|---|---|
| Motherboard support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX |
| Panels | 1x glass panel, 1x metal panel |
| Cooling | 2x 120mm fans |
| I/O | 1x Type-A USB, 1x Type-C USB, 1x 3.5mm jack |
| Dimensions (mm) | 453 x 230 x 466 |
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Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB
The best RGB Case is the Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB.
Yes, it’s yet another Corsair chassis on the list, but we can’t argue when its iCUE 4000X RGB really is the best RGB case if you’re looking to light up your build. There are three 120mm RGB fans preinstalled behind the glass front panel, and you can mount up to three more inside.
It’s available in black or white, and is still one of the best cases even without factoring its stylish RGB lights.
There’s a smart cable management system behind the motherboard tray, a power supply shroud to tuck away any mess, and Corsair’s great build quality. If you’ve got an RGB graphics card that you want to show off, you can also mount it vertically with Corsair’s PCIe 3.0 riser cable, although this is sold separately.
| Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB Specs | |
| Case type | Mid tower |
|---|---|
| Motherboard support | ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX |
| Panels | 1x glass panel, 1x metal panel |
| Cooling | 3x 120mm RGB fans |
| I/O | 1x Type-A USB, 1x Type-C USB, 1x 3.5mm jack |
| Dimensions (mm) | 453 x 230 x 466 |
PC case buying guide
Looks are probably the largest consideration when buying a PC case for many gamers, and since this is subjective, we’ll leave that up to you. However, while aesthetics are tempting you’ll want to look for cases with good airflow so your components can breathe freely, with lots of fan mounting points to push air in and out of the system.
Corsair’s 4000D Airflow case is perfect for maximum airflow. Noise is often dependent on what your rig is running, but the sound dampening features in the Be Quiet Dark Base 700 are sure to keep decibels down, although it’s unlikely to cover up high frequency sounds like coil whine.
Will my components fit?
If you’re going for a smaller mini ITX case, be sure to check out the supported dimensions for larger components like the best graphics card or the best CPU cooler, as they won’t always fit. You’ll also need to check whether you’ll have to purchase an SFX power supply rather than the usual larger ATX power supply. In addition, these smaller cases can be a headache to build in depending on their design, although Cooler Master’s MasterBox NR200 is an exception to this problem thanks to its 360-degree dismantling granting you easy access to all areas.
PC case price list
Gaming PC Cases: The Best Illuminated Cases
Purchasing one of the best cases for your brand new home-built computer is an important but often overlooked aspect of PC building.
The search for the best graphics card or the best processor for gaming is often the first thing that comes to mind for gamers, which ultimately creates a «killer machine», but do not forget about the case — this is also very important! If you put in the wrong case, anything can happen, from your motherboard not being able to fit inside it, to the fact that you can create a serious CPU or video card cooling nightmare.
But of course, it’s not just about avoiding potential problems. The best cases these days come with some really handy extras, like cable management, which helps hide all those annoying wires sticking out of your power supply.
Many of today’s next generation models also have built-in RGB lighting features if you want your computer to glow like a Christmas tree, or have extensive options for installing fans or liquid cooling. With all of these options, finding the right case for your PC can be tricky, but don’t worry, we’re here to help! Here are the best options available right now.
Budget Gaming Cases
GameMax H601
Motherboard Compatibility : Micro-ATX | Dimensions: 188mm x 451mm x 403mm (W x H x D) | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 2″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: white.
The GameMax H601 is ideal for building a compact gaming system: it is designed to accept mATX motherboards and takes up little desk space — 188mm wide, 403mm deep and 451mm high.
In such a small space, you can install a video card up to 340 mm long, CPU cooling up to 155 mm high, and even liquid cooling! Yes, you will have to work hard to properly manage all the cables behind the back wall, but the effort is worth it — you get a productive assembly in a compact, but well-ventilated case.
AeroCool Menace Saturn
Motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 205 mm x 457 mm x 392 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 120mm front fan | Drive bays: 2″ x 3.
5″, 3″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 3 x USB 2.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black.
This computer case belongs to the budget category, but you can’t call it bad: AeroCool Menace Saturn will please its owner with good ventilation, beautiful backlighting and a separate fan mount for blowing video cards.
Otherwise, this model is fully consistent with modern needs: durable metal, transparent side wall, space for cable management behind the back cover, bottom location of the power supply, and so on. A good inexpensive option for your gaming PC.
SilverStone PM01BR-W
Motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, ATX | Dimensions: 220mm x 571mm x 560mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 4 x 140mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive bays: 4″ x 3.5″, 5″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: white, black, grey.
When you see the SilverStone case, you will surely be amazed by its aggressive design with chopped edges and huge 140mm glowing fans.
The model combines quiet operation and excellent airflow, accommodates long video cards (up to 419 mm) and high cooling towers (up to 180 mm), gives free access to the «insides» of the PC and allows you to switch the backlight of the built-in LEDs. You can only complain about the side window — in some configurations it can be made of plexiglass, which loses tempered glass in its qualities.
PowerCase Mistral X4 Mesh LED
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 190mm x 440mm x 400mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 2″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 3 x USB 3.1, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colors: black
PowerCase Mistral X4 Mesh LED looks strict, although this severity is partially diluted by the presence of fans with bright illumination.
The case is well perforated: the front and top panels are covered with a metal mesh, which contributes to the intake of cold air and the ejection of hot air.
Chassis supports 120mm fans including water cooling systems. The disadvantages of the model include a small thickness of the metal: steel with a thickness of 0.8 mm is like a sheet of paper for a serious gaming system.
MSI MAG FORGE 101M
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 210 mm x 499 mm x 421 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120 mm, 140 mm | Drive bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 5″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
The MSI MAG FORGE 101M features a recognizable profile, pre-installed illuminated fans and a tempered glass side wall. The front panel lacks a dust filter, but otherwise this is a very good case with an affordable price.
When buying this model, you should take into account the capacity restrictions: the height of the CPU cooler must not exceed 160 mm, and the length of the video card must not exceed 330 mm. The case is compatible with 120mm and 140mm cooling systems, which can be adjusted via the built-in control unit.
COUGAR MX410 Mesh-G RGB
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 210 mm x 455 mm x 380 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 3″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
This computer case is available in two versions — with and without RGB lighting. We chose the first one, because the illumination can always be turned off if desired, turning the body into a strict model. Although, if you want to save a small amount on the absence of RGB fans in the chassis, you can choose the non-backlit version.
The COUGAR MX410 Mesh-G RGB has good ventilation and plenty of space inside, as well as well-thought-out cable management: all wires can be laid behind the back wall, leaving room for accessories inside the case. The only drawback is that a video card longer than 300 mm will not fit into this case.
HIPER HG-C104
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 190 mm x 410 mm x 350 mm (W x H x D) | Radiator Compatibility: 120 mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 2″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
The HIPER HG-C104’s body combines heavy tempered glass panels to reveal the interior of the chassis. They are easily removed, but the blank front wall prevents free access of cold air, which does not have the best effect on the temperatures of the components.
On the other hand, the case is very cheap compared to devices from other companies.
The kit does not include case fans, but given that inexpensive chassis usually do not have the best «turntables», this is perhaps even for the best. In general, we have a compromise option, which can be forgiven a lot due to the affordable price tag.
Zalman i3
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 196mm x 456mm x 445mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm | Drive bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 5″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.2, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
Zalman i3 attracts with four pre-installed fans: three are mounted on the front panel and one is located on the back. It also features good perforations on the front to allow air to flow in, and additional space behind the sidewall for better cable management.
The case is quiet: the fan speed can be adjusted using the built-in reobus, and the drive seats are equipped with anti-vibration pads.
Someone may be confused by not the most modern design of the model, but it does an excellent job with its functions.
AeroCool Aero One Frost
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 210 mm x 520 mm x 404 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 3″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black, white
AeroCool Aero One Frost has a very interesting design, with a «visor» on the front panel and FRGB lighting. The front panel is perforated, which provides better airflow, and air and water cooling systems can be placed inside the case.
This model is available in black or white and the PC components look beautiful through the tempered glass side panel. A significant drawback of AeroCool Aero One Frost was the thickness of the walls of the case — only 0.
5 mm. This makes the body lighter, but not in the best way affects the reliability of the design.
PowerCase Mistral Micro T3W
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 200mm x 385mm x 335mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 2 x 140mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 1 x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.2, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black, white
PowerCase Mistral Micro T3W is an option for those who want to build a compact PC with a clean look and good airflow. There is space for Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, and the length of the installed video card should not exceed 280 mm.
As with many compact cases, this model has some cable management issues, so we recommend getting a modular power supply for the Mistral Micro T3W to keep unused wires out of the way.
In addition, very thin metal is used here, which also does not add points to the case. But it is beautiful and inexpensive, and this can most likely tip the scales in favor.
Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 230 mm x 381 mm x 387 mm (W x H x D) | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 1 x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: gray
Another case for small gaming systems with a Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboard. What distinguishes Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L from other models is the non-standard arrangement of controls and input/output — on the side panel embedded in a transparent window. Moreover, this panel can be moved along any of the side panels, placing it in the front, lower or upper part.
The housing also supports horizontal or vertical installation.
Behind the opaque side wall, there is plenty of space for cable routing, and the flow of air is thought out so as to provide the body with good ventilation. For all its compactness, the chassis accommodates video cards up to 360mm in length, a figure that some «large» cases cannot achieve.
COUGAR MX331 Mesh-G
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 204mm x 481mm x 443mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 2 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 4″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
The COUGAR MX331 Mesh-G is quite roomy for its class. On the one hand, the case is covered with thick tempered glass, and the front panel is perforated, which ensures better airflow. The designers also placed three ARGB-illumination bays on the front side, which refreshed the strict design of the case, and switches for adjusting the fan speed.
Enough space inside to accommodate two massive video cards and install a water cooling system. However, there are not enough slots for drives, and the metal of the chassis is very thin and soft: we recommend that you handle the screwdriver carefully so as not to damage the threads when installing the video card.
AeroCool Streak
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 191mm x 413mm x 383mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 2 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 80mm, 120mm | Drive bays: 3″ x 3.5″, 4″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 1 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
AeroCool Streak looks a little old-fashioned, although the case is not retro: the strict front panel is illuminated by a pair of oblique RGB lines, and the interior is visible through an acrylic window. You can install liquid cooling on the front panel, but if you have a long video card, you will have to make compromises.
The disadvantages of the model include thin steel, which actively transmits vibrations from hard drives, as well as acrylic side panel, which is prone to scratches. The rest is a good inexpensive case for a gaming PC.
HIPER HG-C103 EREBOS
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 180mm x 410mm x 375mm (W x H x D) | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 2″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
HIPER HG-C103 EREBOS — a celebration of style and glass: the case is closed on both sides with tempered glass panels, while the engineers have provided perforation for airflow — your PC components will receive proper airflow.
Chassis features dust filters and anti-vibration feet, plus plenty of holes and tabs for easier cable management. Only thin steel of the case can confuse — only 0.
45 mm, which can cause problems when fixing components with threaded connections.
AeroCool Atomic v1
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 230 mm x 390 mm x 403 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 200mm front fan | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm, 200mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 4″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
AeroCool Atomic v1 is designed for building small-sized systems: the case is compact, although it can accommodate a video card up to 347 mm long, and it can be installed both horizontally and vertically.
A huge 200mm ARGB fan is mounted on the front of the chassis. It delivers powerful airflow with near-silent operation, so the case is also quiet. Cable management is also well thought out here, and a video card stand is provided in the kit — a nice and useful little thing.
Mid-End Cases
Thermaltake h200
Motherboard Compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 210mm x 416mm x 454mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 120mm front fan | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 2″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black.
Thermaltake h200 offers a strict design without unnecessary elements: a blank facade is set off only by a modest colored stripe at the bottom, and you will not find fashionable RGB effects here.
Still, this case provides plenty of space for water cooling, allows you to view cool components through the tempered glass side cover, and comes with easy-to-clean dust filters. Of the obvious drawbacks — only one complete fan located on the rear panel. Otherwise, this is a great choice for a gaming build.
Deepcool Macube 310P
motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 295 mm x 495 mm x 425 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 120mm front fan | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.
5″, 2″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black.
If you are looking for an inexpensive, roomy and cool case, then Deepcool Macube 310P will surely satisfy your needs. It supports motherboards up to ATX, contains a tempered glass panel for quick access to components, and will delight perfectionists with a well-thought-out cable management system.
You will need to buy a couple of additional fans for the case, and there is no RGB lighting, but for its price, the Deepcool Macube 310P will provide you with the main thing — silence and good cooling.
be quiet! Pure Base 500DX
Motherboard Compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 232mm x 463mm x 450mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 140mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.5″, 5″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.
0, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio/mic | Colours: white, black.
The previous model was very small, but this one, on the contrary, will require a lot of space to accommodate. However, it will give you more options than the GameMax case.
For example, here you can install as many as three 120mm fans on the front, one 140mm on the back, and one more on the top. Inside can easily fit a video card up to 369 in lengthmm and a CPU cooler up to 190 mm high. In addition, the case boasts ARGB lighting, thoughtful cable management and exceptional silence in operation — it is not in vain that the be quiet brand is called that way. The model is available in white — for those who care about the aesthetic side of PC gaming.
Fractal Design Node 202
Motherboard compatibility : Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 377mm x 82mm x 330mm (W x H x D) | Radiator Compatibility: 120 mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 2.
5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black.
Fractal Design is famous for its cases, and the Node 202 is no exception — it makes a great base for building a compact PC where you don’t have to compromise on cooling or noise.
Supports Mini-ITX boards and graphics cards up to 310mm in length, and is designed for vertical and horizontal placement. The design of the case separates the motherboard and graphics card, preventing components from heating up, and dust filters will ensure cleanliness in the case.
Corsair Carbide Series 678C
Motherboard Compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 239 mm x 497 mm x 549 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 140mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive bays: 6″ x 3.5″, 3″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio/mic | Colours: white, black, RGB SE.
Corsair is positioning the Carbide Series 678C as a silent option, using special panels that dampen sound while allowing users to experiment with different cooling configurations, including air and liquid.
At the same time, the case supports the installation of large E-ATX motherboards, contains a large set of bays for drives of different formats, has a competent cable management system, as well as a large transparent tempered glass panel. The model is available in two colors — black and white.
Thermaltake Core V21
Motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 320mm x 336mm x 424mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 200mm front fan | Radiator Compatibility : Front: up to 240mm, Rear: 120mm, Top: up to 280mm, Side: up to 280mm | Drive Bays: 3″ x 3.5″, 2″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colors: black
Take a look at the checklist of must-have features for a gaming PC case, and you’re unlikely to find «stackable» there.
But that’s exactly what the Thermaltake Core V21 is famous for. This impressively customizable little cube can be combined with various designs — one half contains the motherboard, while the other is dedicated to liquid cooling, for example.
The symmetrical panels and modular fan rails and drive mounts allow for a variety of configurations, and the relatively few tool design makes them easy to reach. Large ventilated panels with magnetic dust filters help keep the interior cool, as does a large front 200mm fan. The only downside to this design is the lack of noise absorption.
Alternative: Thermaltake Versa h25
If you really want to save money, there’s an even cheaper offering from Thermaltake that provides enough space for most m-ATX and mini-ITX PCs.
Corsair Carbide 280X
Motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 398mm x 276mm x 351mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 2 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm | Drive bays: 2 x 3.
5″, 3 x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colors: white, black, RGB SE (white, black).
The Corsair Carbide 280X is the successor to the popular Air 240. With a similar form factor, it boasts a nice new design with three glass panels. The regular 280X is pretty inexpensive given its sturdy, attractive frame, although you’ll likely be tempted to buy the extra RGB SE benefits (pictured).
This includes two 120mm RGB fans for fantastic rainbow lighting, albeit with the help of Corsair’s proprietary iCUE software. What’s also great about the 280X is the camera, where you can hide the power supply, drives, and most importantly, cables. While you won’t get the best cooling from stock fans, there is room for water cooling radiators in the front and top of the case.
Phanteks Enthoo Pro Glass
Motherboard compatibility: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 235 x 535 x 550 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 140mm front fan, 1 x 140mm rear fan | Radiator compatibility: front: up to 240mm, top: up to 360mm, rear: 120mm, bottom: up to 240mm | Drive Bays: 6″ x 3.
5″, 4″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black satin, white satin (special edition).
Big body doesn’t always mean big money. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro Glass is big enough to fit a cat inside, or at least a very large graphics card. This case is solidly built and looks solid with a sleek black exterior with a tempered glass side panel.
Whether you prioritize memory, space for your components, or cooling, the case can be customized to suit your needs. Convenient cable routing options and Velcro straps ensure everything stays neat despite its design. Due to its size, the frame has room for several heatsinks and fans. Only the front and rear fans are included in the kit, but there is room for four more.
AeroCool P7-C1
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX | Dimensions: 245 mm x 500 mm x 446 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 2″ x 3.
5″, 4″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black, black and white
The AeroCool P7-C1 is reminiscent of Alienware brand computers, with a spacey design and backlighting around the front panel. The case is large and roomy: for example, a processor cooling 165 mm high and a video card 375 mm long (and if you remove the front fan, then all 400 mm), and a radiator up to 360 mm long can be installed on the front panel.
The chassis features easy-to-remove and easy-to-clean dust filters, and plenty of cable management space behind the motherboard tray. The I/O panel contains four USB ports, and you can also control colors and backlight modes from it. This case will be a gem in a gaming setup, but you may need to make room for it.
Expensive gaming cases
be quiet! Silent Base 802
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 245 mm x 507 mm x 539 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 2 x 140mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 3″ x 3.
5″, 7″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.2, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black, white
be quiet! Silent Base 802 is one of the best computer cases in general. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it. The case combines thoughtful internal design, including the ability to assemble an inverted system inside, a tempered glass side door, replaceable front and top panels, and a built-in reobus that allows you to adjust the speed of the case fans.
Following the brand philosophy, be quiet! The Silent Base 802 is extremely quiet in operation. The walls of the case are glued with noise and vibration insulating material, and 140 mm fans provide a strong airflow at a low noise level. For those who need good ventilation of the case, perforated panels are provided in the kit, which slightly increase the noise, but at the same time allow more air to pass through. The model is available in black and white, but fans of bright backlighting will have to look for other options.
NZXT H710
Motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 516mm x 494mm x 230mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 4″ x 3.5″, 7″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colors: black, black-white, black-red.
NZXT H710 boasts a smart design and amazing modularity: this case can be stripped down to the base and installed exactly the components you need, including water cooling, additional fans and so on.
There’s plenty of room for a large motherboard and a long graphics card, and the drive cages are positioned so they don’t block airflow to other parts of the PC. Finally, the patented system of channels and straps will allow you to hide the power cables and not spoil the internal aesthetics of the case.
Cooler Master MasterBox CM694
motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 224 mm x 506 mm x 493 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 3 x 120mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive bays: 6″ x 3.
5″, 8″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black.
Cooler Master’s MasterBox CM694 looks old-fashioned, even a little archaic with its 5.25-bay front panel and classic drive layout in the front of the case — which, by the way, imposes restrictions on the allowable length of the video card.
On the other hand, it’s a tough, heavy-duty steel case that allows you to assemble a massive gaming system that will be cooled by three built-in 120mm fans (and three additional ones if you want to install them), with thoughtful cable management and dust filters. Design aside, it’s the perfect storage for your gaming gear.
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv X
motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 240mm x 520mm x 520mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 4 x 140mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 4″ x 3.
5″, 6″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black, grey.
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv X impresses with its design — a real block that inspires confidence that PC components will remain intact.
Inside, everything is also in order: support for E-ATX motherboards, the ability to vertically install video cards, mounts for CBO, a large number of drive bays and expansion slots, convenient cable management, good sound insulation, thick steel. If you have enough budget to purchase this case — take it without hesitation!
be quiet! Dark Base 700 RGB
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 241mm x 519mm x 544mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 120mm front fan | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 3″ x 3.5″, 9″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.2, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black
be quiet! Dark Base 700 RGB is a rare representative of be quiet! with backlight.
Although it is also very modest here: only two thin stripes glow along the perimeter of the air intake holes.
However, the chassis is notable not so much for the presence of illumination as for its capabilities: the model is very spacious and can accommodate large motherboards, it is distinguished by quiet operation and powerful airflow from 140 mm fans that can cool PC components with high quality. German engineers, with their usual pedantry, thought out the design of the case very well: anti-vibration pads, noise-insulating materials and durable steel are used here, as well as tempered glass that opens up a view of the insides. An outstanding model, although its price «bites».
Fractal Design Define S2 Vision Blackout Edition
Motherboard Compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 233 mm x 465 mm x 543 mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 4 x 140mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 3″ x 3. 5″, 2″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black.
We say «Fractal Design» — we mean «high quality workmanship». The hero of our selection will please you with a large number of built-in fans (four 140 mm), the presence of mounts for CBO.
It also keeps your PC near silent, keeps dust out, and supports huge 440mm graphics cards. The case weighs a lot — such is the price paid for thick steel and heavy tempered glass — but you will certainly be delighted with it.
Thermaltake Premium A700
motherboard compatibility : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 294mm x 582mm x 596mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 2 x 140mm front fans | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm, 200mm | Drive Bays: 7″ x 3.5″, 10″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB-C 1 x audio/mic | Colours: black.
This 22 kg behemoth can accommodate any gaming PC configuration based on an ATX form factor motherboard. You can install three 140mm fans on the front, one 140mm on the back, three 140mm on the top, and two more 120mm fans on the bottom to keep the cool air flowing inside the case!
In addition, the Thermaltake Premium A700 supports graphics cards up to 410mm long and CPU coolers up to 200mm high. Of course, there are also seats for liquid cooling. The icing on the cake is 10 2.5-bay and 7 3.5-bay drives in case you want to build up a lot of home storage.
be quiet! Silent Base 601
Motherboard compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, EATX, ATX | Dimensions: 240mm x 514mm x 532mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 140mm front fan | Radiator Compatibility: 120mm, 140mm | Drive Bays: 3″ x 3.5″, 6″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.2, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x audio, 1 x microphone | Colours: black, black-orange, black-grey
be quiet! Silent Base 601 looks modest, and there is even a model without a glass side panel on sale — which is rare for the modern case market. Strict style is compensated by the minimum noise level and high-quality cooling of PC components.
Chassis supports low noise 140mm fans as well as water cooling systems. The case is very spacious, due to its dimensions and internal layout. A great option if you are willing to fork out a little.
NZXT H500
Motherboard compatibility: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 210mm x 460mm x 428mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 120mm top fan, 1 x 120mm rear fan | Radiator Compatibility: Front: up to 280mm, Rear: 120mm | Drive Bays: 3″ x 3.5″, 3″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x audio/mic | Colors: Matte White, Matte Black, Matte Black + Red, Matte Black + Blue
The NZXT S340 mid-tower case has become popular due to its clean, minimalist design and attractive price tag. The H500, in turn, upgrades it with a new tempered glass panel, larger air intake and other design changes. While airflow is still not the best due to the solid front, it is suitable for many PCs.
The H500 steel cable and power supply cover are a godsend. The thoughtful design of this case and the high build quality are a pleasant surprise considering the price. This budget hero is pretty underrated, and comes in a few new colors.
Corsair Crystal Series 570X RGB
Motherboard compatibility: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 210mm x 460mm x 428mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 1 x 120mm top fan, 1 x 120mm rear fan | Radiator Compatibility: Front: up to 280mm, Rear: 120mm | Drive Bays: 3″ x 3.5″, 3″ x 2.5″ | I/O: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: Matte White, Matte Black, Matte Black + Red, Matte Black + Blue
It’s hard not to fall in love with the Corsair 570X. Covered in tempered glass panels and equipped with three RGB fans, this stunning case reveals the insides of your PC.
But the 570X isn’t just pretty on the outside. The glass can be dangerous due to heat, but the case is well ventilated as it has a chamber with six fans and all sorts of cooling systems. Full filtering of the top and front panels helps to keep out dust that is harmful to the computer. The only disappointment is that the cable management doesn’t match such a revealing case.
Cooler Master Cosmos C700P
Motherboard compatibility: E-ATX (12″ x 11″ supported), ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 306mm x 651mm x 639mm (W x H x D) | Includes: 2 x 140mm front fans, 1 x 140mm rear fan | Radiator compatibility: front: up to 420 mm, top: up to 360 mm, rear: up to 140 mm, bottom: up to 240 mm | Drive bays: 2 x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″ (one used for RGB controller) | I/O: 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x audio/mic | Colours: Gray with red shades, black.
Cooler Master Cosmos C700P is a case that pushes the boundaries in size, style and customization as well as price and weight. It has a rough frosted tempered aluminum glass that wouldn’t look out of place even on a spaceship!
The distinctive feature of the C700P is its modularity. With all the cutouts, you can mount your motherboard and components in any possible orientation — even on the opposite side of the case by switching side panels to match. Needless to say, it also has plenty of room for extensive cooling configurations. And the handles make it easy to lift the C700P. And finally, its cool gray metallic appearance! The only drawback is the default meager drive bays, allowing you to use only one SSD and two HDDs.
Alternative: be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 v2
Another very modular option. This upgraded model has a number of upgrades to the already attractive full tower frame.
How to choose a PC case?
If you take the case «for delivery», you will doom yourself to many inconveniences: problems with the placement of components, poor cable management and poor cooling of the components. Therefore, the choice of case must be approached with no less care than the choice of RAM or video card.
First, decide what form factor you need. It’s simple: your motherboard must fit into the case; depending on this, you should choose a regular ATX MidiTower or, for example, a compact Mini-ITX.
We do not recommend taking a case with a pre-installed power supply: with a high degree of probability, the PSU will turn out to be of poor quality or will not match the power to your configuration, while the price of the case will increase. As for the location of the power supply, you should take the version with the lower PSU bay: so it will not take on the hot air from the PC components rising up.
Most cases come with fans. Pre-installed fans are often enough for good cooling, although you can always replace them with more efficient options if for some reason they do not suit you. Do not forget the lessons of physics: cold air is taken in at the front bottom of the case, and is ejected at the back of the top. You need to make sure that the case does not interfere with the air flow: models with a blank front panel are best ignored.
Consider various little things in the design of the case: the number of seats for drives, the convenience of cable routing, the presence of anti-vibration pads, noise isolation, the ability to control the speed of the fans. All this will directly affect the comfort of working with a PC: the less noise and vibration it makes, the better, and neatly laid wires will not interfere with the air flow inside the case.
Best PC Case 2022 — Boiling Machine
Where to place the most powerful components?
Anyone who has ever thought about building or buying a ready-made PC has come across the question: what kind of case to choose? Yes, this issue is not as paramount as the choice of CPU or video card, motherboard, RAM or drives. But in order to make even the most top-end components work properly, you cannot do without a cool computer case. So what are the cases?
The basis of a gaming PC is often Mid-Tower housing. It offers optimal capacity and the ability to install basic computer components without any problems. Universal choice. If you do not want to limit yourself to the size and performance of components, then the Full-Tower case will come to the rescue. Well, if you want something compact, unusual and expensive, then the Mini-ITX case is your choice.
No matter how different in size and purpose these types of cases are, the best of them are united by easy access to components, good ventilation, quality materials and stylish appearance. Introduced the best case in 2022 in each of the listed categories.
Cooler Master NR200P Max
Best mini case
- Supports motherboards: Mini-ITX USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 3.5 mm jack
- Maximum installed graphics card length: 336mm
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 155mm
- Number of storage bays: 2 pcs.
3.5″, 3 pcs. 2.5”
- Fans included: 2 x 140mm
- Dimensions: 376x185x292mm
- Weight: 5.1 kg
The ultimate solution in a small size. The ability to install LSS and most existing video cards is a definite plus. An 850W power supply and a pump with two 140mm fans are included.
Pros:
— Easy to assemble
— Excellent cooling
— Well packaged
Cons:
— Design and paint may seem too boring to some
NZXT H510 Flow
Most Stylish Mid-Tower Case
- Supports Motherboards: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX
- Ports: USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 3.5mm jack
- Maximum installed graphics card length: 360mm
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 165mm
- Number of drive bays: 3 pcs. 3.5″, 3 pcs. 2.5”
- Fans included: 2 x 120mm
- Dimensions: 460x210x428mm
- Weight: 6.6 kg
An elegant case that boasts both a strict appearance and good ventilation. For optimal system performance, we recommend installing graphics cards with no more power than the GeForce RTX 3070 in this case. We use this case in Boiling Machine Line computers, because it provides convenient build space and a minimalist design.
Pros:
– Cool looks
– Smart interface for cable management
— A good purge level
— Ideal price/quality ratio
disadvantages:
— Complete fans can be excessively noise
ASUS GX 900 GX GX No-Compromise Mid-Tower Chassis
- Supports Motherboards: MicroATX, Mini-ATX, ATX, EATX
- Connectors: 1 pc. USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C x 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, HD Audio
- Maximum graphics card length: 450mm
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 190mm
- Number of storage bays: 2 pcs. 3.5″, 6 pcs. 2.5”
- Fans included: 4 x 140mm
- Dimensions: 591x250x565mm
- Weight: 18 kg
. Designed with many small details in mind, that’s why we use it in Boiling R Machine — the flagship of advanced technology and maximum performance.
Pros:
— Exceptional package including fans, dust filters, lights, and carrying straps
— Roomy for any build
— Looks even better in real life than pictures
Cons:
– not all motherboards will fit the backlight connection method
– relatively thin motherboard mounting plate
Fractal Design Meshify S2
Airiest Mid-Tower Case
- Supports Motherboards: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, ATX, E-ATX
- Connectors: 2 pcs. USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C, 3.5 mm jack
- Maximum installed graphics card length: 440 mm
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 185 mm
- Number of drive bays: 4 pcs. 3.5″, 7 pcs. 2.5”
- Fans included: 3 x 140mm
- Dimensions: 538x233x465mm
- Weight: 10.4 kg
The ideal enclosure for any power level. Support for long form factor graphics cards, a large number of expansion slots, as well as a trio of 140mm fans and full filters make this case the best solution for a productive PC for work and play.
Pros:
— Roomy
— Incredible ventilation
— Lots of room to upgrade
Cons:
– May be too big for some
Thermaltake View 71
Largest case
- Supports motherboards: MicroATX, Mini-ATX, ATX, EATX
- USB2 x 2 USB 2.0, HD Audio
- Maximum installed graphics card length: 410mm
- Maximum CPU cooler height: 190mm
- Number of storage bays: 7 pcs. 3.5″, 10 pcs. 2.5″
- Fans included: 3 x 140mm
- Dimensions: 592x274x577mm
- Weight: 19.1 kg
Incredibly roomy case with a convenient drive replacement system. If you’ve been thinking about building a PC with the most powerful parts available today and using a custom CBO, then the View 71 is a good, simple choice.
Pros:
— Vertical graphics card mounting capability
— Modular drive space
— Supports all cooling circuits
— Amazing capacity
Cons:
— Some may find it too big: a lot of empty space inside the case and little free space where your PC will stand
COMOS Cooler0 Master0
Best Full-Tower Case
- Supports Motherboards: MicroATX, Mini-ATX, ATX, EATX
- Connectors: 1 pc. USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C x 4 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, HD Audio
- Max graphics card length: 490mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 198mm
- Number of drive bays: 1 pc. 5.25”, 5 pcs. 3.5″, 5 pcs. 2.5”
- Fans included: 4 x 140mm
- Dimensions: 651x306x650mm
- Weight: 23.8 kg
One of the most spacious premium cases, and at the same time one of the most beautiful. Stylish RGB lighting combined with an unusual design make an incredible impression. As befits a case of this level, the COSMOS C700M supports the highest quality components, and the custom VO system will fit here like a native. It was in this case that we created a PC for Stas AiKakProsto and FixEye.
Pros:
— Built-in RGB lighting system
— Multiple motherboard layout options
— Exceptional design and premium components
— Well packaged
Cons:
— needs to have good knowledge to handle the routing cables
If you still could not decide on the case you need or you are interested in the compatibility of components, you can always contact the specialists of our upgrade service in any way convenient for you.
The Best Gaming PC Cases of 2019
This roundup highlights the best gaming PC cases, ranging from mini-ITX to Full-Tower, from budget to high-end.
Whether your computer is big or small, powerful or not, you need a good case. Undoubtedly, a case will not increase the performance of your PC, but you will not be able to do without it. So, what should you pay attention to when choosing a case? First, consider what size you need. If you want a monster that will catch the attention of anyone who enters the room, then the Full-Tower case is ideal. If you want a computer as a media center, which will be combined with the rest of the devices in your room, then take Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX.
Cooling must also be considered. Heat is the mortal enemy of all computer components, so it’s worth considering finding a case with efficient heat dissipation. In 2019, you can’t discuss the case without thinking about aesthetics. Gaming cases should have RGB lighting and transparent tempered glass panels.
Cooler Master Cosmos C700P
Best Full Tower Computer Case of 2019.
Form factor: Full tower | Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 639 mm x 306 mm x 651 mm | Weight: : 22.2 kg | Fan Support: : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm | I/O Ports: : 1 x Audio/Microphone, 1 x USB 3. 1 Gen 2 Type – C, 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x Audio | Mic | Drive bays: : 2 x 2.5″. 8 x 3.5″
Pros:
+ Integrated RGB lighting
Cons:
– May require cable extensions
— Lots of plastic
Like the original Cooler Master Cosmos, the C700P is a hefty beast with a hefty price tag. But it’s worth it. The beautiful design, curved glass panel and sleek color scheme combine with features that support the highest quality components (including E-ATX motherboards and large graphics cards). The large internal space ensures that you do not have to look for places for any component. What’s more, the RGB lighting is subtle enough not to be distracting while gaming. The cost is high, but those who are willing to put in the best effort into their build will get a case with everything they need to build an amazing PC.
NZXT H710i
Best Mid Tower Computer Case of 2019.
Form factor: Mid tower | Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 516 mm x 230 mm x 494 mm | Weight: : 12. 3 kg | Fan Support: : Front: 2 x 140mm or 3 x 120mm, Top: 2 x 140mm or 3 x 120mm 140mm, Rear: 1 x 120mm or 1 x 140mm | I/O ports: : 1 x Audio/Microphone, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-A Gen 1, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C Gen 2 | Drive Bays: : 7 x 2.5″. 4 x 3.5″
Pros:
+ Integrated addressable RGB lighting
+ Smart device support with CAM
+ Vertical graphics card mounting
Cons:
– Tight HDD layout
Latest iteration offers several “smart” NZXT cases new features to help modernize your build. The clean and uncomplicated mid-tower design brings convenience first and foremost. The NZXT H710i includes many of its predecessor’s trappings but costs a bit more and has a couple of changes. Firstly, a USB-C port on the front panel, and secondly, the ability to vertically install a video card using a separate PCIe slot.
The H710i features integrated RGB lighting around the tempered glass side panel controlled by NZXT CAM and a built-in LED hub that allows you to easily control RGB lighting and fan speeds. To keep it cool, the H710i is equipped with air ducts that run around the perimeter of each side of the case and four 120mm fans.
H710i feature in the cable run. A large aluminum bar allows cables to be routed through the built-in cable channels on the back of the case. They keep your case clean and the Velcro fasteners built into the back will help keep the cables in place.
NZXT h300i
Best Mini-ATX PC Case of 2019.
Form factor: Mini-ITX | Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX | Dimensions: 210 mm x 349 mm x 372 mm | Weight: : 6.0 kg | Fan Support: 120mm, 140mm | I/O Ports: : 1 x Audio/Microphone, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 | Drive Bays: : 4 x 2.5″. 1 x 3.5″
Pros:
+ Excellent cooling support
+ Preinstalled addressable RGB lighting
+ Smart device support with CAM
Cons:
— Poor airflow
The NZXT h300i is a miniature version of the H700i (Mid tower). Designed for Mini-ITX builds, the NZXT h300i is designed to pack high-performance systems into a compact, minimalist package.
Like its big brother, the case is equipped with NZXT’s smart hub and also includes two fans and one RGB LED strip. With wide support for water cooling systems and full-sized components, the NZXT h300i is the perfect compromise between small ITX builds and larger mid-tower cases.
Corsair Obsidian 500D SE
Great all-rounder.
Form factor: Mid tower | Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX | Dimensions: 500 mm x 237 mm x 507 mm | Weight: : 11.75 kg | Fan Support: : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm | I/O ports: : 1 x USB 3.1 Type — C, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x Audio | Mic | Drive Bays: : 3 x 2.5″. 2 x 3.5″
Pros:
+ Gorgeous RGB lighting
+ Easy cooling installation
Cons:
— Little space for cable management tower. Like its predecessors, the 500D offers an elegant combination of tempered glass and brushed aluminum for a premium look.
As you’d expect from a modern Corsair case, the 500D and newer 500D SE offer water cooling support and convenient cable management options. The 500D SE version replaces the aluminum front bezel with darkened tempered glass and has an integrated version of Corsair’s RGB LED and fan controller with three pre-installed fans. The end result is a remarkable case that is as beautiful as it is functional.
By purchasing Corsair Obsidian 500D or 500D SE you will satisfy all your desires for the case. The difference between the 500D SE and the regular version is the colorful RGB lighting, but this case also costs more.
be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900
Best case for modding.
Form factor: Full tower | Motherboard support: E-ATX, XL-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 577 x 243 x 586 mm | Weight: : 14. 39 kg | Fan support: : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, 420mm | I/O ports: : 1 x Audio/Mic, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C, Qi Wireless Charger | Drive Bays: : 10 x 2.5″. 5 x 3.5″
Pros:
+ Highly modular
+ Qi Wireless Charger
+ Broad cooling support
Cons:
– High price
Originally known for its quiet power supplies and fans, be quiet! entered the case market with a lot of hype and has performed well in the short period of time since their first launch in 2014. New Dark Base Pro 9 case00 remains one of our highly recommended full tower cases thanks to its stylish design and enthusiast-friendly interior.
Dark Base Pro 900 is large enough to support the largest motherboards and heatsinks up to 420mm. The case also features full modularity with options for a flipped motherboard layout and even some extra features like Qi wireless charging and pre-installed LED lighting.
Corsair Obsidian 1000D
The best case for high end PCs.
Form factor: Super tower | Motherboard support: ATX, Extended ATX, Mini-ITX, SSI EEB, microATX | Dimensions: 693 x 307 x 697 mm | Weight: : 29.5 kg | Fan Support: : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm, 420mm, 480mm | I/O ports: : 1 x Audio/Mic, 4 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 3.1 Type-C | Drive Bays: : 6 x 2.5″. 5 x 3.5″
Pros:
+ Supports pretty much any crazy build
+ Can fit E-ATX and Mini-ITX at the same time
+ Supports dual 480mm front radiators
Cons:
— High price
Corsair0 Series0 Obsidian is a huge PC case ready to house the biggest and heaviest systems. This «super tower» case is almost 70 cm high, it has enough space to accommodate 18 fans and install up to four massive heatsinks at the same time.
In addition to extensive cooling support, the 1000D features a unique three-chamber design with convenient French door style compartments and telescoping radiator trays for easy installation. Of course, it has RGB lighting on the front I/O panel with built-in smart lighting and fan control thanks to the built-in Corsair Commander Pro controller. The Obsidian 900D has long been the go-to choice for massive, unbeatable builds, and the 1000D was designed to take its throne.
Corsair Carbide 275R
Best Budget Case
Form Factor: Mid tower | Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Dimensions: 460 x 211 x 455 mm | Weight: : 10.14 kg | Fan Support: : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm | I/O ports: : 1 x Audio/Mic, 2 x USB 3.0 | Drive Bays: : 3 x 2.5″. 2 x 3.5″
Pros:
+ Minimum branding
+ Dust Filters
+ Wide Cooling Support
Cons:
— Lacks cable routing space
One of Corsair’s newest cases, the Carbide 275R, might just be the perfect minimalist case. Aside from a small logo on the front, the 275R eschews additional branding for a clean design that everyone will love. While the design doesn’t stand out, the functionality is quite the opposite, stunning.
Unlike NZXT’s minimalist S340, the Carbide 275R supports a 360mm front fan and up to six 120mm fans. With a modest $80 price tag, the 275R is great for both beginners and advanced users looking to create a sleek build.
Cooler Master MasterCase H500M
Best RGB lighting.
Form factor: Mid tower | Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 544 x 248 x 546 mm | Weight: : 14.2 kg | Fan Support: : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm, 360mm | I/O ports: : 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x Audio/Mic | Drive Bays: : 2.5″. 2 x 3.5″
Pros:
+ Massive
+ Excellent airflow on two 200mm fans
+ Wide cooling support
Cons:
— No magnetic dust filters but the name Full tower suits him better. Measuring 544 x 248 x 546mm, the H500M is the largest Mid tower in this review. Thanks to its huge size and internal compactness, it is easy to assemble any system in it, it supports a huge number of components and customizable cooling parameters.
The H500M comes with two massive 200mm RGB LED fans that do a great job of increasing airflow. Other features include a USB 3.1 Type-C connector and the ability to choose between mesh and tempered glass.
The only major problem with the case is the absence of easily removable magnetic dust filters for the front fan. Luckily, the entire H500 mesh has a secondary filter layer to help keep dust out of your build.
Best Thermaltake PC Cases of 2021 — PC Cases
Tiffany Garrett
PC Cases
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
Best Thermaltake PC CasesWindows Central 2021
When it comes to the best Thermaltake PC cases, there are plenty to choose from. But only a few offer the right mix of size, customization, and affordability, making them an incredible choice for your next PC build. Cases like the Thermaltake Core P3 or even the Thermaltake S100 offer what you can only get in more expensive cases for a fraction of the price.
Best overall:
Thermaltake Core P3
for PC from Thermaltake is Thermaltake Core P3. This case comes in black or white and looks sleek even without any PC components. This is a case built for looks but with great usability. This is one case you won’t have to mess around with and you can take a look at it to admire your beautiful build.
Thermaltake Core P3 can compete with some of the best PC cases. Thanks to the open-air design, you won’t have to spend extra money on cooling fans. Plus, it’s made to showcase your components, which can be a boon for anyone with a deep knowledge of RGB. The case also supports all three types of motherboards, so don’t worry if it won’t work with your system. And since GPUs look a lot more trendy these days, the case mounting system can help you showcase that.
Although the case can become a dust magnet if you live in a particularly prone area. It’s not a big downside considering you can keep all your cables out of the way and almost invisible. A little maintenance for a clean look is more than worth it, especially if you’ll be doing it with any other case anyway.
Pros:
- Sleek open design
- Wall mounted
- Secure cable management options
Best ratio:
Thermaltake S100
Source: Thermaltake
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The
S100 is Thermaltake’s best PC case for people on a budget. While the company has cheaper options, the add-ons in this case put it at the top if you’re willing to spend about $20 more. The case is small, but it has all the extras you’ll need for any maintenance or upgrades in the future.
The Thermaltake S100 looks great and has plenty of room for anyone with a spacious build. It even has a power supply cover that can also hide your cables if you want to keep it as tidy as possible. But what really makes this case the best is that it has magnetic dust filters, a glass door, and an overall understated look. These are the things you will thank yourself for investing in when you have to tinker with your business later. This is that rare case where you will spend a little more and see no reason to replace it if an update ever comes.
- $70 from Amazon
Best mini-ITX case:
Thermaltake Core V1
Source: Thermaltake
If you want to build a compact PC, the best PC case from Thermaltake Core V1take is Thermaltake Core V1take. This thing may not look pretty, but if done right, it blocks everything like Tetris blocks. With a little work, you can equip this suitcase in such a way that it can withstand more power.
Thermaltake Core V1 also offers a lot for its price. It has enough room for massive current market GPUs, room for a 140mm CPU cooler, and an included 200mm fan. The best part? You can easily access all of this with the easily removable side panels. This is a case that won’t let you down if you’re trying to keep everything private.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Lots of room for small size
- Removable drive bays and floor
Cons:
- Limited cooling options
- Not very sleek
Best mini-ITX case
Thermaltake Core V1
Smart choice for mini-ITX PC builders.
Thermaltake Core V1 offers customization options and space in a compact PC case.
- $62 off Amazon
- $60 off Walmart
Top Premium:
Thermaltake View 91
Source: Thermaltake
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If you have the money, the best Thermaltake PC case for those who want to drop everything is the Thermaltake View 91. This case has enough room for 20 fans and four heatsinks. You could probably put a second case in it. This is something that can be bought for a lot of money, and, fortunately, it is really good.
Thermaltake View 91 is made for people who want to run multi-core or multi-core builds with extensive water cooling. This is for a person who does not want to be limited to his own business. It is tool-free, has removable drive bays and three tempered glass walls. This case has it all when you need it all.
- $500 off Amazon
Best Unique Case:
Thermaltake AH T600 Thermostat
Source: Thermaltake
T600. Looks like this thing will haunt you to five stars in Grand Theft Auto. This is a completely unique case that is hard to stop looking at. This is also a solid case for practical reasons.
The Thermaltake AH T200 comes in black, pink and white, but none of the colors change the fact that it looks like a helicopter about to blow you away. Aside from looks, the case has two tempered glass panels, a modular design, and a good array of ports on the front I/O panel.
Pros:
- Looks like a helicopter
- Large glass side panels
- Possibly a dust magnet
Cons:
- does not look very thin
- Cooling can be both successful and absent
- Dear
The best unique
Thermal engine Thermaltake AH TREENT, which also has a grave 9000 9000 9000 AHAMALTAK . While its looks may not be for everyone, it’s also a solid PC case.
- $170 from Amazon
Best RGB Mid-Tower:
Thermaltake Level 20 MT
Source: Thermaltake
If you’re looking for a mid-tower case with a little extra RGB lighting, look no further than the Thermaltake Level 20 MT. This case is slightly cheaper than the company’s other models, but still offers a great design for those looking for a modest PC build. The case itself comes with three RGB fans and a controller so you can sync the lighting together. It also has a glass panel on the side if you want to see all your components light up.
The Thermaltake Level 20 MT does not have a front panel air filter like some of its brothers, but maintains a comfortable interior that can accommodate up to 10 120mm fans and two heatsinks. Overall, this is a pretty standard case that can save you some money when it comes to RGB fans. If you need something that gets the job done, the Thermaltake Level 20 MT is the best PC case from Thermaltake.
Pros:
- Three pre-installed RGB fans
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- $100 from Amazon
Best water cooled case:
Thermaltake Tower 900
Source: Rich Edmonds / Windows Central
The Thermaltake Tower 900 is an incredible water cooled case. It has a huge interior space, glass panels and supports for radiators up to 480 and 560 mm in diameter. We also found it to have fantastic thermal performance in our review.
The Thermaltake Tower 900 is a bit awkward to use and can be quite bulky compared to others. But if you’re looking for something that specifically supports all the space needed for water cooling loops, this is the one to go for.
Pros:
- Huge interior space
- Excellent thermals
- Glass panels
Cons:
- Cumbersome
980826 Cumbersome cable management
- 0842
Best water cooled case
Thermaltake Tower 900
Massive case suitable for water cooling needs.
The Thermaltake Tower 900 is a great choice for water-cooled PCs and anyone looking for a way to showcase their builds.
- $290 at Amazon
Lower Bound
When it comes to Thermaltake’s overall best PC case, it’s easily the Thermaltake Core P3. This is a case that may not have it all compared to the other cases in this guide, but it has exactly what you need for a standard PC build. Thermaltake has done an outstanding job in terms of aesthetics and build quality.
Even when compared to other modern PC cases, the Thermaltake Core P3 stands up to the mark. This is just the case if you don’t have extravagant needs.
Credits — the team behind this guide
Best Micro-ATX Chassis for Gaming PCs —
Contents
- 1 1. NZXT h500i
- 2 2. FANTEX Enthoo Evolv MATX
- Core 3 Thermaltake
- 4 4. Cooler Master Masterbox Q300P
- 5 5. Invin 301
3.
The case is seen as the first thing to buy when building a new PC, because unlike other components, there are not many drastic changes in the quality and specification of the cases. In addition, the case determines compatibility with components such as the form factor of the motherboard or video card. Speaking of form factor, the most popular case form factors are ATX and micro-ATX, which in terms of size tend to lead to full and mid-case cases.
The micro-ATX case means it will support the maximum micro-ATX form factor, meaning ATX motherboards will not work in this case. However, the micro-ATX case provides plenty of room even for high-end builds, and the main difference is only the limited PCI Express slots. Since there are many single high-end graphics cards available, a micro-ATX case can even be considered a gaming rig for 4K Gaming. In this article, we’ll take a look at some great micro-ATX cases that won’t let you down by any means.
1. NZXT h500i
Our rating: 9.5 / 10
- Pre-installed RGB lighting looks amazing
- Advanced customization with CAM software
- Dust filters ensure dust-free airflow
- Front Dust Filter Makes Placement Problem for AIO Coolers
980242 Considerable at this price 96 Full Tower
838 reviews
Shape Factor : Micro-ATX Tower | Motherboard support : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions (W x H x D) : 210 mm x 417 mm x 421 mm | Weight : 16.7 lbs | Radiator Support : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm | I/O Ports : 1 x Audio/Mic, 2 x USB 3. 1 Gen 1 | 2.5” Drive bays: 4 | 3.5″ Drive Bays: 1
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NZXT products are renowned for their premium design and essential features. The NZXT h500i is another addition to the company’s new lineup and provides fairly similar features like the larger sibling H700i, but comes in a much smaller form factor. This i-variant body comes pre-installed with RGB lighting that can be controlled using the NZXT CAM software. The build quality of the case is surprisingly good with an all-steel construction, though you might be more concerned about the price of this case.
The case comes with three Aer F120 fans and provides a noise management algorithm called adaptive noise reduction, although we found this to be more of a marketing gimmick. This noise reduction algorithm is fixed in the included smart device, which also takes care of controlling the fans and LEDs. The case also has dust filters located on the front, top, and on the power supply vent. The I/O panel is located at the top of the case, which creates problems for some users as the cables don’t stay straight when using headphones or other wired peripheral.
The airflow in the case was really excellent as it provided a lot of space for the fans. We think this product truly deserves the NZXT title and should be your top priority for mATX cases if you can bear the cost. Speaking of cost, this case is certainly way above the cost of other mATX cases and as such you can consider many full tower options in this range unless you appreciate the smaller size of this case.
2. Fantex Enthoo Evolv Matx
Our rating: 9.5 / 10
- Subtle and smooth design
- is available in three elegant colors
- Synchronization of the RGB and other products
- Side panel slightly loosened
- Motherboard can be installed either horizontally or vertically
- Provides enough space for efficient airflow
- Cube form factor provides a premium look
- Overall chassis build quality could be better
- Hard to install components
- Pre-installed RGB Fans Present Exquisite Appearance
- provides extensive portables using removable pens
- Extremely easy design provides convenience in circulation
- BOKAL PARAL and the front panel is easily scratched by the meager air flow
- offers a simplified but effective design
- Fans
- Dear for the provided set of functions
- TOM
- provides the limited capabilities no sign of cable management anywhere
- Max. graphics card length: up to 360 mm
- Features: 3 fans included, wide choice of layouts, noise isolation
- Max. CPU cooler height: up to 169 mm.
- Max. video card length: up to 360 mm.
- 908
40 Reviews
Shape Factor : Micro-ATX Tower | Motherboard support : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions (W x H x D) : 230 mm x 450 mm x 400 mm | Weight : 19. 8 lbs | Radiator Support : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm | I/O Ports : 1 x audio/mic, 2 x USB 3.0 | 2.5” Drive bays: 5 | 3.5″ Drive Bays: 3
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Phanteks is a name few people know about. Most of their products provide great value and it’s pretty hard to get similar features in a certain price range. The Phanteks Enthoo Evolv MATX is the micro-ATX version of the Enthoo Evolv series and provides a similar design to the ATX version. The appearance of this case is quite unique, especially the front of the case looks spectacular. You can easily judge the build quality of this case just by looking at it. The body has an aluminum body, and the main body is made of steel. The side panel is old style, half of which has clear tempered glass, but it provides a much better view of the components than the old shells.
The case comes with a 200mm fan in the front and a 140mm fan in the back. You can optionally install two 120mm or 140mm fans on top, or replace the front 200mm fan with a similar configuration. The chassis I/O panel is located on the right side of the chassis, although removing the right panel does not affect the I/O panel as it is fixed inside the inner chassis. However, the location of the I/O panel results in an awkward placement of wired peripherals, unless you place the case on the left side of a desk, which can ruin the look of the left side panel.
The cooling capacity of this case was poor and we felt that the case was overpacked resulting in limited airflow. This can be improved by filling all fan placements, which can result in noisier operation. If you’re impressed with the look of the cabinet and want to go for it, then you should definitely buy one if you’re doing an intermediate setup or can sacrifice acoustic levels for performance.
3. Thermaltake Core V21
Our rating: 10/10
1,095 reviews
Shape Factor : Micro-ATX Tower | Motherboard support : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions (W x H x D) : 320 mm x 336 mm x 424 mm | Weight : 14. 3 lbs | Radiator Support : 120mm, 140mm, 240mm, 280mm | I/O Ports : 1 x audio/mic, 2 x USB 3.0 | 2.5” Drive bays: 3 | 3.5″ Drive Bays: 3
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The Thermaltake Core series offers a range of chassis that are widely recognized for their value. The Core V-21 isn’t the latest of the company’s models, but it offers pretty good features at a minimal price. The case has a cubic form factor, which provides a unique feature — the placement of the motherboard. Yes, the motherboard can be placed both horizontally and vertically, resulting in a lot of customization. If you are a person who gets bored with the same style very soon, this feature will revive you.
The case only comes with a 200mm front fan, but due to the wide width, the cooling options for this case are huge. With thirteen fans at your disposal, you can connect it to even the most power-hungry components without a thermal choke. The I/O panel of the case is located on the lower right side, and we think this is the ideal place for the I/O panel, since the front of the case does not get tangled up with wires.
The case provides so much space inside that if you don’t have many components, the empty view can be considered a disadvantage. The case also introduces the concept of chambers with the top chamber designed for efficient cooling while the bottom chamber is used for power and cable retention. Speaking of cables, this case could have been much better if the manufacturer used a PSU shroud, as looking directly at the cables from the side panel looks terrible.
The case provides great temperatures in both horizontal and vertical motherboard placement and can be easily connected with custom hinges if you like that sort of thing. There is absolutely no product that provides that kind of capability in this range, and if you don’t like the shape of the cube in this case, you should definitely consider it.
4. Cooler Master Masterbox Q300P
Our Rating: 9/10
9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 178 9000 178 9000 178 9000 178 178 9000 178 178 9000 178 178 178 178 178 178 178 178 9000 9000 178 -ATX | Motherboard support : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions (W x H x D) : 230 mm x 453 mm x 453 mm | Weight : 14.1 pounds | Radiator Support : 120mm, 240mm | I/O Ports : 1 x audio/mic, 2 x USB 3.0 | 2.5″ drive bays: 2 | 3.5″ Drive Bays: 1
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The Cooler Master Masterbox is the company’s newest line of cases that offers many interesting cases. The Masterbox Q300P is compact, small and lightweight, making it highly portable. The body provides detachable handles at the top, while a similar design is used at the base as the feet of the body. The main body of the case is made of steel, but the outer part of the case is made of cheap plastic that can be easily damaged, although this is quite acceptable given the price of the case.
The chassis comes with three 120mm RGB fans, two of which are mounted on the front and one on the back. There is room for two more fans at the top and one fan at the bottom. A unique feature of this case is the modular I/O panel, which can be placed in three different locations on both sides. This results in great ease of use and the user can easily customize it according to personal preferences.
We found the airflow to be rather disappointing, which seems to be the result of edge-to-edge cutting edge. Everything would be much better if it had a mesh front panel, but in the current case, you can only increase airflow with additional fans. In addition to the appearance of the case, if you move the settings around a lot, especially for gaming parties, this case will provide you with a valuable service.
5. Invin 301
Our rating: 8.5/10
189 reviews
Form Factor : Micro-ATX Tower | Motherboard support : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions (W x H x D) : 381 mm x 209 mm x 390 mm | Weight : 14.4 lbs | Radiator Support : 120mm, 240mm | I/O Ports : 1 x audio/mic, 2 x USB 3.0 | 2.5” Drive bays: 2 | 3.5 inch drive bays: 1
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Invin is getting popular day by day. The reason for such popularity is the unique design of cases produced by the company. Inwin 301, however, does not have a special design and offers a simple and clear appearance. This is a shockproof case that uses 1.2mm steel construction.
The chassis comes without fans, which is a bit odd as there should be at least one inlet and one exhaust fan. It supports a maximum of five fans: two at the front, one at the back, and two fans at the bottom. With this configuration, you might have guessed that the case does not support the fans from above. The I/O panel is located on the front and is lit by LED lights, which is a bit off the theme of the case.
We’ve seen a slight airflow issue, and because the top of the case is sealed, hot air feels like it’s trapped inside the case. Although some of the hot air was expelled through the right side panel, the airflow cannot be directed through these holes, so we will say that the cooling of the case is not up to par. This could be improved if you are planning on using AIO or a low end system, in which case this case makes a good value considering the clean aesthetics of the case.
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TOP-10. The best PC cases. Rating 2022!
Author Anatoly Vorontsov Reading 8 min. Views 88 Posted by
Updated
Welcome! And today you will see the TOP 10 computer cases in 2022. The selection includes the best representatives of all price categories: from high-quality state employees in classic design to uncompromising and outrageous designer cases.
Zalman i3 is one of the most popular mid-tower cases for inexpensive and stylish gaming builds. Made of metal and painted black. And the side wall is made of acrylic glass. The fully assembled case weighs almost 5 kg. The power supply bay is located at the bottom and supports PSUs up to 180mm in length. The package includes 4 fans with a diameter of 120 mm with white backlight. In total, the case provides 6 seats for fans — 2 at the top, 3 at the front and 1 at the back. The fan speed is controlled by buttons on the top panel. Zalman i3 is a simple and high-quality case in which you can assemble even a top-end computer.
Fractal Define 7 compact is aimed at users who value quiet operation and a neat appearance of the system unit.
The quality of the materials used is reflected in the weight of the case, which reaches almost 11 kg.
It is worth noting that the front and side panels are made of polished aluminum and provide industrial noise isolation, and they are attached to the case using magnets. The front panel can open either to the right or to the left, depending on how you install it.
The design provides up to 7 seats for 120 mm fans or up to 4 140 mm fans, 2 fans are included with the case.
Nylon filters installed at the air intakes.
Define 7 compact is an excellent base for creating a build that emphasizes silence and internal organization. A-Data XPG BATTLECRUISER
- 0827
- Case material: metal
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 506x225x485mm
- Weight: 10.84 kg
- Fan slots: 12 (4 included)
- Front panel ports: 1x Type C Gen 1*1, 2x USB audio panel
- PSU format and location: ATX, bottom
- Features: Assembly without tools, Type-C on the front panel, backlight operation mode to the beat of music
- Max. CPU cooler height: up to 170 mm.
- Max. video card length: up to 400 mm.
XPG BATTLECRUISER Mid Tower case designed specifically for gamers. Consists of a strong steel framework with walls from the tempered glass. The front panel and dust filter are magnetically mounted, and no tools are needed to remove the side and top panels. The package includes 4 fans with 13 lighting modes, a total of 12 fans are supported. For high-quality cooling, a ventilation gap between the top and side panels is thought out, the height of the legs is increased for unhindered air movement.
Cooler Master MasterBox MB511 mid-tower computer case with plexiglass side window. The power supply is located at the bottom. You can install up to 6 fans with a diameter of 120mm. Dust filters are mounted on magnets. The front panel has 2 USB 3.0 connectors. Cooler Master MasterBox MB511 is a reliable and thoughtful case for any assembly.
Thermaltake AH T200 Micro Chassis
Thermaltake AH T200 Micro Chassis I chose in the TOP because of the design inspired by combat helicopters. The case is made of cold rolled steel with tempered glass side inserts. The cooling system can include up to 8 120mm fans. Thanks to the thoughtful design and construction features, unobstructed air circulation is ensured. The case is assembled according to the principle of modules, which allows you to install only those elements that are needed in this assembly. The appearance and compact dimensions are an excellent base for modding builds.
Thermaltake Level 20 XT Cube is a premium case for building the most powerful systems. Weighing in at 20.4kg, the case doesn’t feel bulky thanks to tempered glass side and top panels. Up to 20 fans can be installed for air cooling. There are 5 USB connectors available on the front panel. Full Tower case RoD Prince looks much more expensive than its price. Futuristic design, support for RGB backlights and high-quality materials, body weight 9kg. The side walls are made of tempered glass, and the frame is made of metal. Up to 7 120mm backlit fans can be installed. An excellent base for a serious modding project or for creating an extraordinary block with minimal effort. Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P (MCB-NR200P-KGNN-S00)
Cooler Master MasterCase NR200 is a typical middle class, but made in premium quality and with attention to detail. Mini ITX The case is fully assembled without tools, and if necessary, all external panels can be removed for easy access to components. The package includes 2 fans. The maximum number of turntables is 7. One of the features of the case is the ability to download leg layouts for 3D printing from the manufacturer’s website. This will make any case unique. The compact dimensions and strict design of the MasterCase NR200 will perfectly fit into any interior.
MSI’s MAG FORGE 111R case is MSI’s workhorse, designed to be a reliable and powerful piece of your gaming PC while weighing just over 5.5kg. The right wall is made of tempered glass 4mm thick. video card length: up to 320 mm.
The Thermaltake Level 20 XT Cube provides plenty of room for creativity and the realization of a powerful and stylish system.
CPU cooler height: up to 155 mm.