When you set out to build a computer, one of the most important decisions you must make is what case to buy. A case isn’t just a pretty housing for everything to go into, it is also a vital part of keeping your system cool, quiet, and tidy. 

 

While there are a wide variety of cases out there that can work for you, many come with downsides you may not want to live with. The key is to focus on what you want and need, then minimize the downsides as much as you can. 

Corsair Carbide 275R

The Corsair Carbide 275R is a sleek, minimalist case, with only a tiny sail logo and soft ambient lighting disrupting the clean look of the outside of the case.

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Corsair Carbide 275R

The Corsair Carbide 275R is a sleek, minimalist case, with only a tiny sail logo and soft ambient lighting disrupting the clean look of the outside of the case.

NZXT H510

This is an update of the already attractive H500, with the major difference being the H510 has a USB C port on the front.

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NZXT H510

This is an update of the already attractive H500, with the major difference being the H510 has a USB C port on the front.

Thermaltake Core V1

The Thermaltake Core V1 is a small, cube-style case. It has an interesting design that allows you to interchange any of the sides.

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Thermaltake Core V1

The Thermaltake Core V1 is a small, cube-style case. It has an interesting design that allows you to interchange any of the sides.

Fractal Design Meshify C

Instead of the typical flat face panel, on the Fractal Meshify C the entire front is a sort of diamond-facet looking mesh. This allows for superior airflow through the front of the system and gives this case a style all its own. This case has amazing airflow when you get it, but you can add additional fans and make things…

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Fractal Design Meshify C

Instead of the typical flat face panel, on the Fractal Meshify C the entire front is a sort of diamond-facet looking mesh. This allows for superior airflow through the front of the system and gives this case a style all its own. This case has amazing airflow when you get it, but you can add additional fans and make things…

Phanteks Eclipse P400S

Though it isn't the newest case around, it’s still the best case you can get for under $100. This is a great case for a gamer who needs a mid tower case. It has good sound dampening, magnetic dust filters, good cable management, and RGB lighting. It looks nice too, with a tempered glass side to show off an attractive…

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Phanteks Eclipse P400S

Though it isn't the newest case around, it’s still the best case you can get for under $100. This is a great case for a gamer who needs a mid tower case. It has good sound dampening, magnetic dust filters, good cable management, and RGB lighting. It looks nice too, with a tempered glass side to show off an attractive…

APEX

Specializes in the manufacture of a wide range of computer cases and PC power supplies. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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APEX

Specializes in the manufacture of a wide range of computer cases and PC power supplies. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Chenbro

Rackmount chassis and PC and server case designer and manufacturer. Site provides information on services and the product lines available. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Chenbro

Rackmount chassis and PC and server case designer and manufacturer. Site provides information on services and the product lines available. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Colorware

Providing custom-colored Apple and PC notebooks, iPods, and other corporate branding services. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Colorware

Providing custom-colored Apple and PC notebooks, iPods, and other corporate branding services. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Computer Plug

Canadian company distributes Lian-Li aluminum cases and offers other related accessories and electronics. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Computer Plug

Canadian company distributes Lian-Li aluminum cases and offers other related accessories and electronics. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Lian Li Industrial Co. Ltd.

Manufacturer of brackets for cases and interfaces, mounting kits, IPC cases, and mobile racks. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Lian Li Industrial Co. Ltd.

Manufacturer of brackets for cases and interfaces, mounting kits, IPC cases, and mobile racks. Unclaimed: Claim this business

MetkuMods

Features computer hardware modification reviews, ideas, and articles. With a mod gallery. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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MetkuMods

Features computer hardware modification reviews, ideas, and articles. With a mod gallery. Unclaimed: Claim this business

MyPCcase.com

Offers rackmount and server cases, switches, industrial CPU boards, monitors, and related accessories. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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MyPCcase.com

Offers rackmount and server cases, switches, industrial CPU boards, monitors, and related accessories. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Plink

Distributor and online retailer of rackmount chassis, TFT LCD, mod case, power supply, CPU fan, and various other accessories. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Plink

Distributor and online retailer of rackmount chassis, TFT LCD, mod case, power supply, CPU fan, and various other accessories. Unclaimed: Claim this business

The Best Case Scenario

Custom computer community presents news and featured projects on computer case modification. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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The Best Case Scenario

Custom computer community presents news and featured projects on computer case modification. Unclaimed: Claim this business

Xoxide

Provides standard, modified and water cooled PC cases. Also provides gaming gear, computer speakers and other accessories. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Xoxide

Provides standard, modified and water cooled PC cases. Also provides gaming gear, computer speakers and other accessories. Unclaimed: Claim this business

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Case Size

 

Case size is one of the most important factors you need to consider. Part of the reason for this is that it relates to so many of the other items below. It factors heavily into PSU and graphics card sizes, can affect what cooling system you must run, and can make cable management easy or a nightmare. 

 

The most important thing about case size is the form factor of the motherboards a case supports. No matter which of the other factors your new case is perfect for, if the motherboard won’t fit you can’t use it.

Motherboard Form Factor

 

The most common form factors for motherboards are ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini ITX. You may also come across EATX, which is a larger version of ATX, or variations on ITX, such as Nano ITX or Pico ITX. These are all size variations, with ATX and its variants being larger than the ITX variants. ATX is the typical, full-sized motherboard.


Full Tower

Most full tower cases will accept most variations of ATX. They are large cases, usually around two feet tall. A lot of these cases weigh in at a hefty thirty pounds or more when empty.


Mid Tower

Mid tower cases are the most common. Nearly all mid tower cases will accept the Micro ATX, and many will accept a full-sized ATX motherboard. While it is rare, some will even accept the larger EATX form factor. You can usually put an ITX in a mid tower case, as well. These cases tend to be around 18 inches tall, and typically weigh around fifteen to twenty pounds. 


Mini Tower

While they are less common among people building their own systems, you can get mini tower cases. These cases usually are designed to accept Micro ATX, and most will accept ITX variants. Mini towers usually are around fourteen inches tall and weigh in the neighborhood of ten to fifteen pounds.


Small Form Factor

Small form factor cases are the tiniest cases available. While they vary in size and weight, they are smaller than even the mini tower. They sometimes come in cube shapes or other space-saving shapes. They typically only accept ITX or its variants.

 

Airflow

 

Airflow is essential to your computer, and you need to consider this carefully when choosing a case. A case with proper airflow will allow enough air to move through the case to cool the components inside. 

 

The number of fans can, but doesn’t always, play a large part in how much air flows to your components. A larger case typically allows more, or larger, fans. Some larger cases do not have vents or locations to mount a sufficient number of fans, though.

 

Even with a lot of fans, a case may have a restricted design. Constricted vent openings can cause this,  as can restrictive filtering, or even dead spaces in the case where air doesn’t flow properly. If a case has improper airflow then you could wind up with a CPU or graphics card that runs much hotter than it should, which could damage the components or affect their performance.

 

Sound Dampening

 

Sound dampening can be the difference between a pc that sounds like a jet taking off and one that makes a nearly silent hum. That could be especially important if you spend a lot of time with your system, since most people don’t want that much constant sound pollution.

 

Some of the factors involved in sound dampening are acoustic padding, anti-vibration screw kits, rubber mounts for components, and even soft feet on the bottom of the case. Many systems come with some of these, and a few may come with multiple of these sound-deadening parts. 

 

Cable Management

 

Cable management can mean different things to different manufacturers. Some have rubber-mounted ties to hold your cables in place, while others have hidden channels under the motherboard. In some cases you can tuck the cables away in a separate compartment from most of the components.

 

Cable management is important for aesthetic purposes. If your case has a clear side or top and you want to show off the interior you don’t want a rat’s nest of wires.

 

But cable management can also have an effect on system cooling. Misrouted or messy cable layouts can restrict airflow, and could cause your system to heat up.

Graphics Card Length

 

This is related to the case size, but doesn’t always have to do with whether it is a full tower, mid tower, or other size. Instead, it has more to do with case depth. You will find cases of different depths in all of these sizes. Just keep in mind, graphics cards are common in lengths greater than ten inches, but are becoming more common in smaller sizes too. If you already have a card, or one that you intend to use, make sure there is space in the case for it. If you haven’t selected a card yet, for many cases you can find a card of the proper length to fit your case.

 

PSU Length

 

Much like the graphics card, you need to make sure your case will support your PSU if you’ve already selected one. Some cases will allow almost any depth of PSU, but some have limited space for it. This isn’t a major hindrance if you haven’t bought your PSU already, since they are readily available in a variety of sizes.


Cooling Systems Supported

 

For a lot of people this is just going to mean how many fans the system supports and what size the fans can be. But if you are planning on running a liquid cooling system then your case needs room for that. Some state that they will, others do not. In some PC cases things may be so closely packed that it is difficult to use liquid cooling for your CPU or graphics card.

 

Number Of Drive Bays

 

Sometimes the size of the case dictates the number of drive bays, but not always. A mid tower case may have space for three drives, while some have room for up to six. Typically, a full tower can have more drives inside because there is more room within the case. Small form factor cases may support far fewer drives. The exact number you need support for depends on your use, but make sure whatever case you select has enough room for all the drives you plan to use.

 

Front Panel Connectivity

 

A lot of cases of all sizes have USB ports on the front, as well headphone ports or other ports. Some have USB C, some don’t. The key is to make sure you pick a case that has enough ports to suit your needs.

 

Aesthetics

 

While aesthetic appeal isn’t the most important factor, it can be a big one. Some cases have a smooth, clean look, and some have curves and swooshes to style them up a bit. And some come with a mesh front to allow maximum airflow. Or you may prefer a cube-style case that will look great in your entertainment system in the living room. It all comes down to your preference.

 

Cost

 

This can be one of the biggest factors for some people. If you can’t afford a case then most of the factors above will be meaningless to you. And most people want to save a few dollars here and there, if only to focus their budget toward a higher-performance graphics card or processor. 

 

Cases range in price from under $50 all the way up to ridiculous amounts. A lot of people want to focus their attention on cases in a range of around $100. While that won’t get you every single bell and whistle out there, it can get you a good number of features and a great overall case. You can grab any of our top five recommendations below for under a hundred bucks at the time of this writing.

 

Selecting A Case

 

The best way to select a case is to make a list of your must-haves and what you would like, then let that guide which case is appropriate for your build. Is water cooling a requirement for you? Add it to the list. Maybe your maximum budget is $60, which would be another to add to your list. Look at the factors mentioned in detail above and consider how important each is to you. 

 

Once you have your list, search for a case that matches your needs. Do this and you’ll end up with a case that you are happy with and which should serve you well.


 

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