what is the best computer case to buy

by Annabelle Walker Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What are the best computer cases?

The best PC cases

Corsair iCue RGB 5000X. A hulking glass beast is what you’re getting with the Corsair iCue RGB 5000X whose offerings include good cooling – thanks in large part to ...
Fractal Design Meshify-C. Dimensions: 395 x 212 x 440mm (L x W x H; 15.6 x 8.3 x 17.3) It is extremely rare to see any PC case that ...
Nanoxia Deep Silence 4. ...
NZXT H200i. ...

More items...

What is the best mid tower PC case?

The best mid tower PC cases

SPEC-04 TG Edition Corsair Carbide Series. ...
Silent Edition Corsair Carbide Series 100R. ...
Meshify C TG Fractal Design. ...
Enthoo Pro M TG by Phanteks. ...
R6 Black TG Define. ...
570X RGB Corsair Crystal Series. ...
H500M CoolerMaster MasterCase. ...
Last but not least, It may be tough to choose a decent mid-tower case. ...

What are some good budget PC cases?

The 7 Best Cheap PC Cases (Under $50)

Best Cheap PC Case: AeroCool AeroOne. Our Rating: 8.6/10 ... ...
Affordable High Airflow: Thermaltake Versa H18. Our Rating: 8.6/10 ... ...
Budget Tempered Glass: KOLINK Inspire K2. ...
Budget Mini-ITX Case: Thermaltake Core V1. ...
Honorable Mention #1: Aerocool Cylon. ...
Honorable Mention #2: Thermaltake Versa H17. ...
Honorable Mention #3: MasterBox Q300L. ...

What PC case to choose?

There are three types of PC case towers in total:

The Mini Tower The mini tower PC cases are getting recognition these days because this is the era of miniaturization. ...
The Middle Tower If you want to have a gaming PC then you should probably go for a middle tower PC case. ...
The Big Tower or The Full Tower

Which PC case brand is best?

The Best PC Cases You Can Buy TodayFractal Design Meshify 2 Compact. Best All Round Compact ATX Case. ... Phanteks Eclipse G360A. Best Budget ATX Gaming Case. ... Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini. Best Compact ATX Case. ... NZXT H7 Flow. ... Cooler Master HAF 700 Evo. ... Fractal Design Meshify 2. ... Lian Li Q58. ... Phanteks Evolv Shift 2.More items...•

How do I know what computer case to buy?

It all depends on the size of the case, the number of fans, and whether there are enough strategically placed vents. Your case should have at least two fans (many cases also come with some stock fans included.) One fan should be for intake to get fresher air into the case, and one for exhaust to move the hot stuff out.

What is the best PC case material?

Both aluminum and steel have their benefits, and usually gamers are in favor of one over the other. Those who prefer steel cases do so because of their durability and sound proof qualities. Steel is far less likely to scratch and dent compared to aluminum.

How much should you spend on a computer case?

We'll get into feature details shortly, but around $100 is the sweet spot for price-to-performance when it comes to buying a PC case. Once you extend beyond $150 or so, you should expect a PC case that excels in both performance and acoustics, and one that comes with connectivity options and handy features galore.

What is the best PC case 2022?

Best PC cases in 2022NZXT H710i. The best overall PC case. ... MSI MAG Forge 100R. The best budget PC case. ... Corsair iCue 5000T. The best premium PC case. ... Thermaltake View 71. The best Full Tower PC case. ... Razer Tomahawk ATX. The best Razer PC case. ... Cooler Master MasterCase H500. The best PC case for upgrading. ... NZXT H510 Elite.

Does it matter what PC case you get?

A PC case matters for your PC's build and look. Regardless of how many parts you can afford, you will almost always be limited by what the PC case can hold. A good case will also have better ventilation that will protect your PC from overheating.

Is a full tower case necessary?

Not necessarily. While a Mid Tower case is roughly the best for raw airflow and you can maximize liquid cooling's potential with a Full Tower case, you can still do pretty well with smaller form factors. What's important if you still want great performance in a small form factor is knowing how to optimize around it.

How many fans should a PC have?

Ideally, you need one exhaust fan in the back and two intake fans in the front of your case to create the perfect airflow. Install the two intake fans in the top and bottom slots (i.e., leave the middle slot empty) to maximize airflow to your CPU, GPU, and motherboard chipset.

What does ATX stand for?

Advanced Technology EXtended motherboard(Advanced Technology EXtended motherboard) The PC motherboard that superseded the Baby AT design. The ATX layout rotated the CPU and memory 90 degrees, allowing full-length expansions to be plugged into all sockets.

How do I know if my PC case is big enough?

0:293:45How to know if your case is compatible with the rest of your buildYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the length of the card which you can find on the manufacturers. Website is lower than the maximumMoreIf the length of the card which you can find on the manufacturers. Website is lower than the maximum supported by your case. Then. It's alright I'm good to go after that check out how many slots.

What's the difference between mid tower and full tower?

Generally speaking, mid tower cases are shorter/smaller than full tower cases which means they'll have smaller motherboards, lesser fans, and expansion slots. Most mid-towers measure 18 inches or more in height, while most full tower cases measure 22 inches or more.

Should I change my PC case?

Most people feel that switching your PC case is worth it. Benefits of changing your PC case include improved cooling, better air flow, more expansion slots, and better-placed input/output ports.

How do I know my computer case size?

PC cases themselves are often referred to by these three form factors, but the terms more accurately refer to the size of the motherboards they can host. ATX boards measure 12 by 9.6 inches, MicroATX up to 9.6 by 9.6 inches (they're sometimes smaller), and Mini-ITX 6.7 inches square.

How do I know what computer parts are compatible?

Check the motherboard CPU socket and compare against your chosen processor. See what RAM the motherboard supports (example being DDR4 2300MHz). Similarly to the board, see what RAM the CPU can support. Whether or not the motherboard will support an GPU SLI configuration.

How do you tell if your PC parts will fit in the case?

0:293:45How to know if your case is compatible with the rest of your buildYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour GPU takes up if your case has enough expansion slots then you're in the clear.MoreYour GPU takes up if your case has enough expansion slots then you're in the clear.

Are PC cases universal?

Are PC Cases Universal? Generally speaking, a case that supports a large ATX motherboard will also support Micro ATX and Mini ITX, but that's not always the case (again, no pun intended…) Double check the case's specifications before buying to make sure your motherboard is compatible.

What Makes a Good PC Case?from silentpcreview.com

You’re going to spend a lot of time looking at this case, so you want to pick something that really appeals.

What is the best part of picking a PC case?from msn.com

The best part of picking a PC case, like with anything in PC gaming is that you have so many choices that will be absolutely amazing .

What is the best airflow PC case?from msn.com

If you only care about keeping your PC components cool without investing in pricey and complicated liquid cooling setups, the Cooler Master H500P Mesh should be at the top of your list. Plenty of open space, and more room for fans than many other mid-tower PC cases, and it looks good to boot.

How do I know what size computer case I need?from pcgamer.com

The key question here is, how big is your motherboard? A full-size PC case supports the giant E-ATX boards but will take up a ton of space under or on your desk. Small form factor cases like the NZXT H200i can only accommodate Mini-ITX boards and are restrictive for other big GPUs components. Mid-tower PC cases are a more common choice that supports all ATX and a handful of E-ATX boards. Size does indeed matter, after all.

What about all other PC cases?from windowscentral.com

We feel this collection of PC cases reflects the very best available on the market.

How much is a Corsair 4000X RGB?from tomshardware.com

Corsair’s 4000X RGB is a sleek gaming tower that comes with two glass panels and three RGB spinners. Priced at $135 noq, it’s not cheap, but its design is thoroughly considered and as you build with it, it’s clear where Corsair’s gaming and PC building pedigree comes from.

What is a P350X case?from windowscentral.com

The P350X is a mid-tower case with RGB, tempered glass, and support for large-scale builds that include E-ATX motherboards and 400mm GPUs. It supports up to five 120mm fans or, if you're going AIO, a 280mm front-mounted radiator.

What is a computer case?

Computer cases can come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from bizarre custom models designed to look like spaceships, to more toned-down boxes intended for the average computer user. If the motherboard is the central nervous system of a computer, and the CPU is its heart, then the case is the body of the system, which has to protect and support all of the other pieces. That makes it every bit as important to carefully consider your computer case before you buy it, and choose the perfect one for your needs.

Where to find fans on a case?

What you want to look at is fan locations on the front, side, and rear panel. Some cases include fan mounts or fans on the bottom and top of the case, though this is not strictly necessary. Included fans are great, but since fans are fairly inexpensive it’s more important to look at the mounts for fans on the case; this way you can add or replace any fans in the future.

Why use plastic case?

Just keep in mind that a plastic case will be more prone to breaks and cracks, so you will need to be more careful with it during transportation.

How many slots does a mini ITX case have?

This case can accept top-end GPU's up to 350 millimeters long and has two expansion slots. Drive options include mounts for one 3.5 inch drive and four 2.5 inch drives internally in addition to the slim optical drive. The result is a competent and inexpensive case well suited for a budget Mini-ITX build.

Design

Who doesn’t want something attractive to put all the fancy hardware into? Although it doesn’t have a real practical value, it makes us feel better if we are surrounded with something beautiful, that just makes us happy… and the same goes for PC cases.

Space for components (ATX, ITX, etc.)

Before anything else, you need to be sure that all the hardware that you want to put in your custom PC can really fit there. Because of that, double check everything and be sure that everything can fit where it should. Also, if your available space is a limiting factor or you just want a compact-sized PC, the scenario is pretty much the same.

Cooling

Because no one wants their hardware to fry, this is probably the most important aspect of any chassis. Depending on what you prefer or what better suits your budget – air or liquid cooling, PC case of your choice should provide good results in at least one of these categories.

Light

Just like design, this is more of an eye appealing characteristic that a real practical value. Therefore, if you have a possibility to get yourself a case with fancy RGB LED, go for it, but if that means you are going to sacrifice better cooling or the needed space, don’t do it. Fancy lights will become boring after a while anyway.

What is the GPU case made of?

The basic frame is made from steel, and each side houses a half-glass, half -perforated steel. The front face and the top plate are made from fancier, prettier aluminum, giving the case a very premium feel overall. The GPU can draw fresh air straight from the side, but you can still see its pretty RGB through the glass, and you can squeeze a 280mm radiator into the case’s roof.

How many RGB fans are there in a mesh case?

Behind the mesh front panel you’ll find two 120mm addressable-RGB fans, which provide the chassis with class-leading thermal performance at perfectly acceptable noise levels. This is a case that’s more than capable of dealing with today’s high-TDP GPUs, and a 240mm radiator mount at the top can be used with an AIO to keep your CPU cool too.

How much is a Corsair 4000X RGB?

Does Corsair have RGB?

While it won’t blow you away with premium materials such as aluminum, the dark tinted glass ensures that you only see RGB lighting inside the case, allowing you to be a little sloppy with cable management because you won’t see it anyway. Add to that Corsair’s class-leading RGB ecosystem, and you’ve got a very pretty case that’s convenient in use and always looks good, no matter what you install inside it.

Does Meshify 2 have a case?

The Meshify 2 doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to case design, instead gently chiseling away at it to refine the experience. There’s only one thing about it that you need to ask yourself before smashing the buy button: Will you really use the room for storage or cooling parts, or can you buy a smaller case and save yourself some space and money?

Is Meshify 2 Compact good?

Fractal Design’s Meshify 2 Compact offers an excellent foundation for simple ATX gaming systems, and a chassis that will stand the test of time well. It doesn’t go out of its way to be eccentric, rather providing the user with a classy chassis that will look good for a long time to come -- a chassis you can grow up with.

What is the best case for Corsair?

One of Corsair's best cases, the Carbide 275R, might be the ultimate minimalist's case. Aside from a small "sail" logo on the front panel, the 275R ditches additional branding for the sake of a clean design for the style-obsessed. While the design may be minimal, the functionality isn't.

How do I know what size computer case I need?

How old was Dave when he built his first PC?

Dave has been obsessed with gaming since the days of Zaxxon on the Colecovision, and code books for the Commodore Vic 20 (Death Race 2000!). He built his first gaming PC at the tender age of 16, and finally finished bug-fixing the Cyrix-based system around a year later. When he dropped it out of the window. Thankfully it's a lot easier to build a gaming rig now there are no motherboard jumper switches, though he has been breaking technology ever since… at least he gets paid for it now.

Why is a quiet PC case important?

If you’re the type of gamer that requires total concentration , a quiet PC case can be critical. Once your PC starts heating up and fans begin blowing at full force, your once-silent PC can quickly turn into something that resembles a roaring jet engine.

Is a quiet PC case good?

If you’re the type of gamer that requires total concentration, a quiet PC case can be critical. Once your PC starts heating up and fans begin blowing at full force, your once-silent PC can quickly turn into something that resembles a roaring jet engine. It’s times like these when a silent PC case can come in handy, and nothing does the job quite like Cooler Master’s Silencio series.

Is the C700P worth it?

Much like the original Cooler Master Cosmos, the C700P is a hefty beast with a similarly large price tag. However, we'd argue that it's worth the expense. A beautiful handlebar design, curved glass panel, and sleek color scheme are matched by features that'll support even the most high-end components (including E-ATX motherboards and oversized GPUs).

What is Cooler Master case?

The combination of durable brackets, mesh panels, and a thorough cable cover system gives this Cooler Master case the edge over almost all the alternatives. The design can be conventional, inverse, or personalized, depending on exactly what hardware you want to include. Even the cable system has three different covers to choose from based on your goals and what type of storage you use.

How many SSDs can a Dark Base Pro 900 support?

It comes with a removable drive cage, which has the capacity to support up to five different hard drives, 10 SSDs, and two 5.25-inch devices. You have the chance to modify the case by merely rearranging and removing features as you see fit. For example, flip your motherboard to use the opposite tempered glass-side panel. There are tons of ways to play around with your new device.

Is the Dark Base Pro 900 silent?

One of the device’s most prominent features is that it’s practically silent, as you may have guessed already. The Dark Base Pro 900 has three Silent Wings 3 fans, which specifically reinforce radiators up to 420 mm. Some people may indeed find fault with the PC case’s PSU shroud. However, we believe that the Pro 900 is genuinely not to be trifled with.

Is Corsair a good case?

This Corsair case is the right choice for you if you’re looking for a combination of aesthetics and affordability. The tempered glass panel case lets you show off the various aspects of your build, and the modern design and smooth lines give your computer a unique look.

Does the Q300L have a motherboard?

The Q300L doesn’t support full-size motherboards, but there’s enough space for full-size graphics cards, water-cooling radiators, full-size ATX power supplies, and plenty of fans to keep things cool. It also comes with magnetic dust filters and an I/O front panel you can place in six different configurations.

What type of USB ports are in a PC case?

Front-panel connectivity: If you’ve got a lot of external devices, check out the front-panel connectivity of the PC case. Even cheap cases have a couple of USB-A Type 2.0 ports in the front. Many modern cases include USB-A Type 3, USB-C, and even fan or RGB lighting controllers as table stakes. You’ll often find front-panel audio jacks as well, though we’d always recommend plugging your headset directly into the audio jack on your motherboard’s rear I/O shield.

What is a mini tower case?

Sometimes you’ll see “mini-tower” cases, which slot between mini-ITX and mid-tower in size to accommodate micro-ATX motherboards. They’re rarer than the others.

How to keep a PC quiet?

Sound-dampening: Soundproof cases keep your rig running quiet, often by using sound-dampening materials inside the panels of your PC. Those materials keep noise in but also tend to impede airflow, so soundproof cases often hit somewhat higher temperatures than standard cases. Some nicer soundproof cases manage to stay silent while also optimizing for airflow by including large 140mm fans spinning at low (and hence quiet) speeds.

How much does a Corsair 4000D cost?

Corsair 4000D Airflow: Coming in at under $100, this is a very well-rounded case. It looks great aesthetically, while offering good cooling performance. You can also swap out the front panel with glass if desired.

How tall is a full tower case?

Full-tower cases are massive. They often measure more than 20 inches in height and are longer and deeper than mid-tower cases, which makes them ideal if you’re one of the rare people using a massive Extended-ATX motherboard.

Why is it important to keep your PC clean?

Dust filters: Keeping your PC clean is important. A computer clogged with dust and pet hair and tobacco gunk is a computer that runs hot and throttles more often. Dust filters keep most of that debris from ever reaching your fans, much less your precious internal hardware. But be sure to configure your fans for positive air pressure to keep dust from being sucked in through the unoccupied vents in your chassis.

Is RGB a craze?

Integrated lighting: Customizable RGB lighting is a big craze in recent years, and that includes PC cases. You either love RGB or you hate RGB. Either way, it’s easy to find cases that meet your aesthetic tastes. You can even watch us build an RGB PC —that was fun!

What is the best cheap PC case?

If you often find yourself running out of storage space on your computer due to an ever-expanding library of games, movies, and music then the Corsair Carbide 200R is probably the best cheap pc case for you. This case has an incredible amount of storage space for its price and size with a total of 11 drive bays.

What is the F1 case?

The F1 is a simple cube-shaped mITX case that boasts large grills on each of the magnetic side panels and a plastic window on the top that lets you see your hardware.

How many bays does a Corsair motherboard have?

The drive bays include four 2.5” bays, four 3.5” bays, and three 5.25” bays. This should allow most people to store their Steam library, plenty of movies, or enough music to last a lifetime. The case is also very easy to build in with an almost entirely toolless design. Corsair claims that the only time you’ll need a screwdriver during the building process is to put the motherboard in.

Is PC Guide reader supported?

PC Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Can a custom PC cause damage?

On the other hand, if your case doesn’t provide you with proper airflow then you could damage your parts and a lackluster I/O can make using your rig a pain.

What is the best laptop bag?

The best laptop bag is one that's comfortable, durable, and has enough storage space for all your devices and daily needs. Most laptop bags come with various pockets, allowing you to fit a laptop and a notebook, battery pack, pens, water bottles, and cables. For those who travel a lot, there are also rolling laptop bags.

How big is a laptop?

Laptops are measured in screen size. A 15-inch laptop has a 15-inch diagonal screen, a 13-inch laptop has a 13-inch diagonal screen, and so on. Laptop bags typically list the size of laptop that they can hold in terms of inches. That's the industry standard.

What is an incase icon backpack?

The Incase ICON Backpack is the perfect laptop bag for any lifestyle. The super sleek, one-size-fits-all, 100 percent-ballistic nylon ICON Backpack offers one interior zippered pocket and five exterior pockets.

How big is a Mancro laptop backpack?

Inside the laptop backpack measuring 20 x 12.2 x 5.7 inches, you’ll find three main compartments, nine smaller pockets, and two sealed sleeves for your tablet or laptop up to 15.6 inches. Mancro also included a handy USB cable built in. If you need to charge your phone on the go, you can easily access a portable battery pack. No matter what you decide to carry in the Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack, you’ll be comfortable as the bag features reinforced padded shoulder straps to alleviate strain.

What is a Taygeer briefcase?

The Taygeer 17-Inch Laptop Briefcase is perfect for those who are serious about storage. The utilitarian design of Taygeer's briefcase won’t win any beauty contests, but it’s a reliable product that’ll stand up to the daily grind and at a shockingly low price.

How to organize a laptop bag?

Pockets and storage space are key to keeping your laptop bag organized. How much storage or how many pockets you desire is for you to decide. Some bags have pockets dedicated just to chargers, cables, and water bottles. Although these thoughtful pockets are convenient, they increase the bulkiness of your bag. If you want a more streamlined style, opt for something simpler. If you decide on a simpler laptop bag, a built-in organizer can help handle loose items like charging cables and pens.

How big is a laptop in a daypack?

Internally, your tablet or laptop is secured by a protective slip pocket with a soft interior lining. A laptop up to 13 inches can fit comfortably in this sleeve that sits between the bag’s backplate and main storage space. Ultimately, the Daypack’s top-loading compartment, which results from uncurling the roll-top, is a big-time saver. The compartment doesn't require going through the main cavity, so you'll have quick access to your laptop.