NZXT H710i
be quiet! Silent Base 601
DIYPC Trio-GT-RGB
There's far more to consider than attractive looks when choosing a case. Good airflow is key when it comes to keeping your components cool, and noise levels can be affected by everything from the number and type of fans you use to the shape of the fan mounts. Size is also important. You need a case that's big enough to accept the components you have today, as well as what you might want to add in the future.
Choose the right case and it could serve you well through multiple PC builds, thus saving you hundreds of dollars. Pick one that you don't really like to look at, or that doesn't fit the GPU you decide you want a few months down the line, and you might be looking to replace it before that new case smell starts to fade. But with hundreds of available options, from closet-like EATX chassis to tiny sub-shoebox-size Mini-ITX models, where do you start? You're in the right place.
Quick Shopping Tips
- Figure out what parts you have/want first. Aesthetics are important, but before you get to that, you’ll want to know what motherboard, graphics card, and cooler you’ll be using, plus how many drives you’ll want to install. This will dictate the size and shape of the cases you should be considering.
- You probably don’t need a huge tower. Multi-card setups seem to be on the wane, storage is always getting denser (plus with an M.2 SSD, your SSD is physically smaller than ever), and coolers are getting more efficient. So unless you are building a component-packed workstation or you just like the looks and upgradability of a full-sized tower, something smaller will probably serve you well.
- Cooling is key, especially in small cases or with lots of components. Airflow is important, especially when it comes to high-end components in tight spaces. Check our cooler reviews for our cooling test results before buying, and remember that cases with tempered-glass fronts and tops often restrict airflow and may require additional fans.
- Tiny cases are tougher to build in. This is especially important if you’re a novice builder, but even veterans can find it tough to fit components in a small Mini-ITX chassis. There’s no doubt that compact builds with powerful parts are impressive and space-saving. But remember to set aside extra time and patience—and double-check those key component dimensions—before attempting to build a tiny PC.
- Choose a chassis that you like to look at. Unless you don’t care about aesthetics at all and are going to be shove your new system far under your desk, your case is likely to spend lots of time in your peripheral vision. Don’t forget to check airflow and that your parts will fit. But after that, find something that appeals to you visually, whether that be a glass-enclosed rainbow of RGB LEDs, or a simple black box with smooth lines and lots of top-mounted USB ports. There are tons of case options out there. You should take the time to find one that appeals to you visually.
Best PC Cases of 2019
Best High-End ATX Case
NXZT H710i
Best High-End ATX Case
Type: Mid-Tower ATX | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, ITX | Card Length Supported: 413mm (16.3 inches) | Storage Support: (7) 3.5", (2) 2.5" | Included Fans: (1) 140mm, (3) 120mm
The refreshed H710i exudes a premium feel throughout and performs well, ushering in NZXT's new Smart Device v2 RGB/Fan controller with enhanced CAM2 software, and replacing two of the original version's Type A ports with a single Type-C. Buying it would be an absolute no-brainer if ever it reached the market's $150 sweet spot, yet its quality still overwhelms our reviewer at its original $200.
Read Review: NXZT H710i
MORE: Best CPU Cooling
MORE: How To Choose A CPU Cooler
Best Mid-Range ATX Case
be quiet! Silent Base 601
Best Mid-Range ATX Case
Type: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX (E-ATX support up to 12 x 10.7 inches) | Card Length Supported: 449mm (17.6 inches) without HDD cage | Storage Support: (3) 3.5” (+ 4x optional) (6) 2.5” (+ 8x optional) | Included Fans: (2) 140mm
The Silent Base 601 isn’t perfect. But solid design, great features and quality craftsmanship make this ATX case an excellent option, so long as you're okay with the absence of tempered glass (in the base model) and RGB lighting. It’s extremely quiet in most use cases, has excellent dust filtering, and is roomy enough for large components.
Read Review: be quiet! Silent Base 601
MORE: Best CPUs
MORE: Intel and AMD Processor Hierarchy
Best Budget ATX Case
DIYPC Trio-GT-RGB
Best Budget ATX Case
Type: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Card Length Supported: 383mm (15.07 inches) | Storage Support: (2) 3.5” (3) 2.5” | Included Fans: (4) 120mm ARGB
The DIYPC Trio-GT-RGB combines a trio of tempered glass panels with four ARGB fans and its own ARGB controller to deliver solid performance and great overall value for as little as $70. Its poor dust filtration and lack of USB 3 Gen2 front-panel connection are common to this price class, which allows its other improvements to tower over competitors.
Read Review: DIYPC Trio-GT-RGB
MORE: Best Gaming Desktops
MORE: Best Gaming Laptops
Best MicroATX Case
NZXT H400i
Best MicroATX Case
Type: Mini Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX | Card Length Supported: 411mm (16.2 inches) | Storage Support: (1) 3.5", (4) 2.5" | Included Fans: (3) 120mm
Excellent performance, good-looking design, included RGB and fan control, and competitive price tag come together to make the H400i an excellent choice for MicroATX builders. The case gets a little noisy with fans running at top speed, and there’s no USB-C ports on the front panel. But if those shortcomings sound reasonable to you and your motherboard is smaller than full-size ATX, this case should be on your short list.
Read Review: NZXT H400i
Best Budget MicroATX Case
Cooler Master Silencio S400
Best Budget MicroATX Case
Type: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX | Card Length Supported: 319mm (12.56 inches) | Storage Support: (4) 3.5", (4) 2.5" | Included Fans: (3) 120mm
We don't often find a case that's lined with sound damping sheets for under $100, let alone one that has a damped front panel door with reversible swing. The Silencio 400 offers these, plus a hidden front panel device bay and adequate dust filtration, along with a classic look. Despite its slightly higher-than-average temperatures, the case's exceptionally reduced noise gave it a great performance balance that could be perfect for your low-noise environment.
Read Review: Cooler Master Silencio S400
MORE: Best Graphics Cards
MORE: Desktop GPU Performance Hierarchy
Best Mini-ITX Case
NZXT H200i
Best Mini-ITX Case
Type: Mini Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 325mm (12.8 inches) | Storage Support: (1) 3.5", (4) 2.5" | Included Fans: (2) 120mm
Despite its small size, the H200i the commands a strong lead in our thermal benchmark, running several degrees cooler than competing chassis. Its $130 price tag isn’t cheap, but it’s one of the best-performing Mini-ITX cases we tested in well over two years.
The H200i’s strong performance-per-dollar value, coupled with its good-looking steel and tempered glass design and its included RGB lighting and fan control make it an excellent product for those considering a compact build.
Read Review: NZXT H200i
MORE: Best Motherboards
MORE: How To Choose A Motherboard
Best High-End Showcase PC Case
Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
Best High-End Showcase PC Case
Type: Full Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, (E-ATX support up to 12 x 10.7 inches) | Card Length Supported: 490mm (19.3 inches) | Storage Support: (5) 3.5” (4) 2.5” (+ 5x converted from 3.5) | Included Fans: (4) 140mm
You couldn't ask for a more full-featured, future-proof chassis than the Cooler Master Cosmos C700M. Even with the higher than average price tag, the case's thermal performance, integrated ARGB lighting, multi-layout design and laundry list of features definitely justifies the asking price.
Not everyone can or should spend $440 on a case, but but this is a specialized, high-end chassis specifically built for enthusiasts willing to spend their hard earned money to have the best. And make no mistake about it, the Cooler Master Cosmos C700M is one of the best.
Read Review: Cooler Master Cosmos C700M
MORE: Best Gaming Monitors
MORE: Best Professional Monitors
Best XL/EATX Case
be quiet! Dark Base 700
Best XL/EATX Case
Type: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX | Card Length Supported: 286mm (11.2 inches)/430mm (16.9 inches with HD cage removed) | Storage Support: (7) 3.5, (9) 2.5" | Included Fans: (2) 140mm
The be quiet! Dark Base 700 is in a class of its own. At first glance it may seem like just another case with a tempered-glass side panel. But upon further inspection, it’s clear how much time and effort went into the design. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more versatile, high-performance enclosure.
It’s clear that be quiet! put a great deal of thought into the design of this chassis’ filtration system. Every intake fan mounting location in the Dark Base 700 is equipped with a washable nylon fan filter. Gaining access to filters requires removing the front panel, but even though the front and bottom filters are extremely long, maintenance and cleaning is a snap.
Read Review: be quiet! Dark Base 700
MORE: Best Deals
MORE: All Case Content
But you still have the pc o11 air and Lan cool one to test! Reviews for the lancool one digital asap plz!
I had the Lian Li A20. It was an expensive beast, and a damn good case, but i find Fractal Design's cases to be more practical, same build quality - if not better, and definitely quieter.
The thin aluminium of the Lian Li was prone to vibration.
It's a legacy name thing from a time when your CRT monitor sat upon a PC case that was designed to be laid flat & sit on a desk. It then served as a distinction between laptops & other equipment.
If you have your mid-tower case on your desk you are doing it wrong.
Its noisier and it eats up valuable desk real estate. Its a big stupid box on a desk - F it off.
'But how else can we look at the purty lights?!' they might ask. That's where it all went wrong.