Best PC Cases 2018: Our Tested Picks for Your New Build

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 graphics card 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.

Why Trust Us

We've tested hundreds of cases over the years, from massive luxury models to tiny Mini-ITX budget chassis, with plenty of RGB-lit tempered-glass models spending time on our test bench in recent years. We build a full system in each case we review, and test airflow, temperature, and noise. Below you'll find our favorites among dozens we've tested, broken out by size and, with the most-common ATX category, price. 

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 M.2, SSDs are 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 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-enclosedrainbow 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 XL/EATX Cases

be quiet! Dark Base 700

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Good thermal performance
• Great looking chassis
• Embedded lighting
• Tempered-glass side panel
• Low noise
• Excellent filtration system

Cons

• A little pricey
• Only two 140mm fans (three would be ideal at this price)

Verdict

The be quiet! Dark Base 700 is in a class of its own. It may seem like just another case with a tempered-glass side panel, but upon closer inspection it's clear just how much time and effort went into the design of this chassis. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more versatile, high-performance enclosure.

4.5/5

Review

$180Newegg

Alternate

Thermaltake View 71 TG

$149.99Amazon

Best High-End ATX Case

Cougar Panzer EVO RGB

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Great thermal performance
• Four fans included
• Built-in Fan Controller
• Whisper quiet
• Impressive RGB lighting
• Four Tempered glass panels
• USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
• Good build quality
• solid construction

Cons

• Expensive
• Fingerprint Magnet
• Not true E-ATX

Verdict

The Panzer EVO RGB is a fantastic chassis with enough tempered glass and RGB lighting to satisfy even the most hard-core gamer. Top-notch thermal performance combined with a laundry list of premium features guarantees this chassis will delight performance enthusiasts as well.

4.5/5

Review

$219.99Amazon

Best Mid-Range ATX Cases

Fractal Design Define R6

Pros

• Tempered-glass side panel
• Filtration system
• Low noise
• Water cooling support
• Versatility

Cons

• No RGB lighting
• Mediocre thermal performance

Verdict

For enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded chassis, the Fractal Design Define R6 is an extremely versatile, feature-packed case that is well worth the asking price. Even if you don’t have immediate plans to install a pair of 360mm all-in-one coolers or build a custom loop water cooling system, the Define R6 lets you easily reconfigure your system at a later date to do just that.

4/5

Review

$149.99Newegg

Cooler Master MasterCase H500P

Pros

• Efficient temps
• RGB controller included
• 200mm intake fans
• Strong cable management

Cons

• Price a little high for what this case is
• No USB Type-C on front panel

Verdict

The MasterCase H500P Mesh is worth consideration if you are in the market for a cooling-efficient tower with a tempered-glass side. We'd just like to see a moderate price drop from the MSRP.

4/5

Review

$149.99Newegg

Best Budget ATX Case

Riotoro CR500 TG

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Great price
• Tempered glass side sanel
• Good fit, finish and performance
• Greatlooks

Cons

• Not a true dual-chamber design
• Case uses expansion slot knock-outs

Verdict

The Riotoro CR500 is a great-looking chassis with compelling features and solid performance. Buyers looking for a stylish case to house their entry-level hardware will find good value in this chassis. Despite a few minor drawbacks, value-seeking performance enthusiasts should consider it for its low price, good looks and respectable performance.

4.5/5

Review

$59.99Amazon

Best MicroATX Case

NZXT H400i

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Good-looking tempered-glass design
• Strong thermal performance
• Included RGB lighting and fan control
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Slightly noisy at full fan speed
• No front-panel USB-C ports

Verdict

NZXT’s MicroATX chassis adopts a winning design to a smaller form factor, while bringing along excellent performance, RGB and fan controls, and competitive pricing. It’s an excellent option for a modern mid-sized PC build.

4.5/5

Review

$129.99Amazon

Alternate

Cooler Master MasterCase Pro 3

$99.99Amazon

Best Mini-ITX Case

NZXT H200i

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Good looking tempered glass and steel design
• Strong thermal performance
• Included RGB lighting and fan control
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Top fan placement may conflict with some configurations
• Slightly noisy at full fan speed
• No front panel USB-C ports

Verdict

The H200i takes a winning NZXT design and shrinks it down to Mini-ITX tower dimensions, while maintaining good thermal performance. The addition of controls for RGB lights and fans and a reasonable price point make it easy to recommend for those building a compact performance PC.

4/5

Review

$129.99Amazon

Alternate

SilverStone ML08

$72.50Amazon

Best Tempered-Glass Case

Cougar Panzer EVO RGB

Editor's choice tom's Hardware

Pros

• Great thermal performance
• Four fans included
• Built-in Fan Controller
• Whisper quiet
• Impressive RGB lighting
• Four Tempered glass panels
• USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
• Good build quality
• solid construction

Cons

• Price (For Some)
• Fingerprint Magnet
• Not true E-ATX

Verdict

Cougar’s big RGB-equipped chassis gets our enthusiastic nod for combining great lighting with excellent thermals, something few other case makers have accomplished. Solid construction and quiet operation make it a great choice even if lighting isn’t a priority.

4.5/5

Review

$219.99Amazon

Alternate

NZXT H700i

$199.99Amazon

Best High-End Showcase PC Case

Deepcool Quadstellar

Pros

• Impressive design
• Unique looks
• Phenomenal thermal performance
• Includes PCI-E riser cable
• Over-the-top features
• Wow factor

Cons

• Very expensive
• No USB Type-C port
• No manual controls (app only)

Verdict

The Quadstellar is a uniquely impressive chassis that caters to high-end builders with discretionary income. Without any mods or add-ons, it's the perfect showcase for system builders, gamers, and enthusiasts.

4/5

Review

$399.99Amazon

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