The right size, cooling system, and capacity to provide the proper airflow are some of the things you need to keep in mind when buying a computer case to ensure that you get the right one the first time around. Now, here’s our list of the best computer cases to help you find the most suitable chassis to build your dream PC setup.
Fractal Design Define R5
Best Overall
With a sleek appearance, tool-free installation design, and adaptable layout, Fractal Design’s Define R5 computer case is an excellent choice for any PC builder who wants to combine functionality with style. Its enveloping chassis hides all of your system’s components to keep your setup clutter-free while also keeping the internals well-protected with its durable casing material.
The case supports up to seven 140mm fans and an impressive amount of radiator options for water cooling, plus dampening covers for the fan slots you don’t use. It also has slide-out trays for internal hard drives, side-mounted SSD slots, dust filters for the front and bottom fans, and a quick-release system for the side panel.
Why we love it:
- Quick-release system allows for hassle-free access to the system whenever you need and want
- Has smart filters to keep the interior and your computer components dust-free
- Equipped with soundproof material that keeps the system noise at the minimum for a disturbance-free computing
Something to consider:
This computer chassis might be too heavy for a mid-tower case due to the noise-absorbing material surrounding its interior. Its weight might make it challenging to relocate the case.
Cooler Master Masterbox Q300L
Best Value
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a case with great features, then Cooler Master’s Masterbox Q300L could be the one for you. This budget-friendly Micro-ATX tower case offers enough space for full-length graphic cards, water-cooling radiators, average ATX power supplies, and multiple fans to ensure proper air circulation inside the unit. It also features magnetic dust filters and an I/O front panel that you can place in six configurations.
Moreover, the Q300L offers enough breathing room behind its motherboard tray for better cable management to keep your setup looking well-organized. This computer case also has an open design with front, top, and bottom panels pierced with holes to ensure proper airflow.
Why we love it:
- Patterned design on the dust filters adds a unique look to the chassis while hiding its open perforated construction
- Can be positioned vertically or horizontally, allowing you to place it anyway you want and maximize your space
- Offers all-around ventilation to keep all your computer components cool and prevent them from malfunctioning
Something to consider:
This computer case might not be able to accommodate full-sized motherboards due to its size. You would need a Micro-ATX type of motherboard for this chassis.
NZXT H710i
Most Durable Case
The NZXT H710i packs a clean build and many modern features to create an innovative and capable chassis, making it an excellent choice for any contemporary desktop. It offers a solid, all-steel framing for sturdy protection for all your system components. This computer case also provides ample space to accommodate numerous fans—three at the front, three at the top, one at the rear—along with filters for inlets on the front panel and an under slung PSU grill.
It supports custom and all-in-one water-cooling loops and a bespoke cable management system to prevent airflow impediment. What’s more, it has RGB lighting that you can control and optimize through machine learning to best suit your preferences. Its built-in tempered glass side window also allows everyone to see your fancy lighting setup illuminating from within, adding an aesthetic appeal to your build.
Why we love it:
- Patented cable routing kit to make it easier for you to install and arrange your wires
- Vertical GPU mount allows you to maximize the space within the case and minimize the clutter inside
- Has a release button on the right panel, so you can easily access its interior and make PC building and maintenance a breeze
Something to consider:
While this computer case allows you to mount your GPU vertically, it might not include the hardware for you to do so. You will have to source that part separately if you wish to have a vertical mount.
MUSETEX Phantom Black PC Case
Best with Built-in Fan
The MUSETEX Phantom Black PC Case will save you the trouble of finding the correct fan size to keep your internals well-ventilated. It has six 120mm pre-installed fans that ensure proper airflow inside the case to keep the interior components at optimum temperature. As they eliminate hot air from the unit, the pre-built fans also ensure that the system will run smoothly by preventing your hardware from heating up and triggering their safety mechanism that could slow down your setup’s computing process.
Why we love it:
- Has metal honeycomb mesh on the side to maximize air volume and maintain the proper system temperature
- Top and bottom filters prevent dust from accumulating inside the chassis
- Equipped with a shielded USB cable, allowing you to transmit data from your external device to your computer and vice versa without any interference
Something to consider:
The motherboard cable of this computer case might only be compatible with a 5V 3-pin header. This compatibility might hinder the chassis from supporting other motherboards that have different types of headers.
ASUS TUF Gaming GT501 Computer Case
Most Orderly Interior
Neatly install all your computer components and keep them organized in the compact slots of this stylish ASUS TUF Gaming GT501 Computer Case. Each placement is thoughtfully designed for a clean and coherent interior setup, allowing you to see where a component is placed and make removal or replacement easier. This computer case also ensures that each cable is routed correctly and does not get in the way of any other component with its wire grommet and Velcro wrap.
Moreover, this computer case is designed to support radiators with its front and top mounts, so you can optimize the cooling system based on your preferences. It features a tempered glass side panel that not only shows off your clean interior, but also ensures that all your components are safe against damage.
Why we love it:
- Comes with removable woven-cotton handles to make it easier to carry and relocate whenever you want
- Has seven mounting points for fans, so you can easily upgrade its cooling system without sacrificing other components
- Equipped with pre-installed physical standoffs for the motherboard, so you don’t have to purchase a separate mounting hardware
Something to consider:
Vertically mounting an air-cooled GPU card in this computer case might block the airflow due to its close distance from the panel. It would be best to use a liquid-cooled card if you prefer a vertically mounted GPU.
Types of computer cases
Computer cases are categorized based on four sizes: full towers, mid-towers, mini-towers, and home theater PC (HTPC)/small form factor (SFF). These sizes help PC builders know which components they need, especially the motherboard, since it is the backbone that ties all the other parts together. Here’s a rundown of the types of computer cases to help you familiarize yourself with their differences.
Full tower: This type of computer case accommodates an E-ATX or CEB motherboard and is used to build high-performance servers. It can house up to processors, a significant RAM, multiple storage units, and several expansion cards. It is significantly tall (about 55cm to 75cm) has a broad build (from 22cm to 32cm) to ensure proper spacing and airflow for all the components inside it. A full tower is best for high-demand applications such as heavy streaming or gaming.
Mid-tower: A mid-tower, also known as an ATX format, is the most used computer case. It can hold several storage types and accommodate most types of motherboards. Although it is smaller than a full tower (standing at 35cm to 55cm in height and 15cm to 25cm in width), this computer chassis can still accommodate full-sized components like 300mm-long video cards and 200mm fans. It offers adequate air circulation with proper fans, making it suitable for regular gaming or office work.
Mini-tower: This computer case type is the least popular variant for builders since it isn’t as spacious as a full or mid-tower chassis. Its small size can only fit low-consumption components due to its inability to provide proper airflow. While it can still accommodate basic gaming applications, this type is most suitable for lighter tasks.
Home theater PC (HTPC) and small form factor (SFF): Although they are the same size, these types of computer cases differ in functionality. The HTPC is used for multimedia entertainment at home, while the SFF is a custom case designed for space efficiency and portability. The SFF also works like any other computer case, with motherboards and fans attached to it.
What to look for in computer cases
Finding the proper computer case can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time doing so. Aside from being visually appealing, it needs to be functional enough to keep all your internal components safe and running smoothly. To help you know which is the right PC chassis for you, we break down the basic things that you need to consider when making your purchase.
Size: Size matters when building a PC, as this indicates the number and dimensions of the components you need. This factor also depends on the space you have for your setup.
Airflow: A case with excellent air circulation is essential for any computer setup, even the most basic ones, to prevent the components from heating up and malfunctioning. You’ll want a computer case that offers enough space between the internal parts and can accommodate additional fans if/when needed.
Cooling system: This factor is optional to those who want to upgrade to a liquid or radiator cooling system. Remember that not all computer cases can accommodate radiators, so it’s best to check their specifications to ensure that they can support this cooling system.
Graphics card length: There are instances when a graphics card is too long for the case it’s supposed to be installed in, although this problem occurs less and less, as video cards become shorter with every update. Still, make sure to check the case’s specifications to ensure the length of the
Cable management: A case with proper cable management support will help make your build look cleaner. It will also make it easier for you to manage the internal components and modify them later on.
PSU shrouds: Similar to cable management; you’d want a PC case that can hide PSU and other loose cables neatly for a neater look. Although it is optional, a shroud is a must if you want to use non-modular PSUs.
About the Author
Rusty Davis has been a tech lover for as long as he can remember. From the early days of gaming consoles to the introduction of the smartphone, portable computers, and more, he’s always wanted to get his hands on the latest and greatest. He has years upon years of experience reviewing and testing everything from phone cases to smartwatches, the latest phones and tablets to gaming computers, and even desks. If it’s a piece of tech or tech-adjacent, he’s interested in how it works and who it works best for. He’s now here sharing all of his knowledge with you to help you make the best decision for yourself.
Trust Statement
The Digital Trends team prides itself in offering expert product recommendations in ways that everyone can understand. Our team of experts is constantly using and reviewing the latest and greatest consumer tech, smart home gadgets, televisions, and so much more to offer insights to help guide your purchasing decision. We have vigorously tested thousands of different products across these categories, and we’ve distilled our lists to bring you the best of the best. If we feel a product does not live up to our expectations, it doesn’t make the list. We are humans though, and realize that not every recommended product will be perfect for everyone, so we do our best to call out important features that may impact your choices. Below our top picks we’ve included additional product information to ensure that you are making the right choice for your unique needs. The products in this guide have been carefully curated by our team of experts and enthusiasts who understand the value and quality needed for the best options.
