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Finding the best computer cases can be a daunting task since there are so many options on the market. The best gaming PC has to start somewhere and the starting point is usually the case. To create our selections, we narrowed down our criteria by focusing on size, drive bay and card expansion options, ease of installation, airflow, and front panel connections. These considerations are going to be the most important features that impacted our selections. Speaking of important features, check out our picks for the best desktop computers and what they have to offer.
Because of this, we opted for the Rosewill Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Case as our Top Pick and Best Budget choice. In addition to the extremely modest price, you’ll find that this computer case is designed with customization and functionality in mind. The front panel supports USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, while you have two 2.5 and 3.5-inch internal drive bays and four expansion slots. While there’s one pre-installed 80-millimeter fan in the rear panel, you can install an additional 120-millimeter fan in the front panel for enhanced cooling.
Computer cases don’t have to be expensive to be functional, and that’s why the Rosewill Micro ATX Mini Tower Computer Case is not just our top pick and one of the best PC case options on the market but also our best budget selection. The modestly priced case features a sturdy plastic and steel exterior with expansion in mind. This compact design can accommodate Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX motherboards as well as graphics cards up to 11.81 inches long. The front panel features one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, an audio-out jack, and an audio-in microphone jack.
You’ll like that two internal drive bays can accommodate 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives, with the ability to upgrade in the future with four expansion slots. For cooling, you’ll get a pre-installed 80-millimeter fan in the rear panel, and for improved performance, you can add a 120-millimeter fan in the front panel. This computer case is ideal for office use. Check out more computer accessories.
If you’re a gamer, cooling is the thing that matters most to you. And this is why the Corsair CC-9011075-WW Carbide Series 100R Mid Tower Case is a smart choice. Optimal performance is easy to achieve thanks to the pre-installed 120-millimeter fan and the additional five fan mounts for improved airflow and cooling. You can also add an optional cooler as this computer case is compatible with select Corsair coolers that are up to 5.9 inches tall and nine inches long.
Installation is a breeze with this tool-free case. Use the built-in thumb screws to install your 2.5 and 3.5-inch drives. Add as many as four SSD drives as well. Other features such as two USB 3.0 ports, audio in and out ports, and a flush side window help to make this computer case a compelling option. Now that you have a good case you need some computer speakers.
The idea of a desktop computer that’s as beautiful as it is function can be pretty alluring. The Thermaltake ATX Mid-Tower comes with a full-length power supply cover and combines massive customization with a three sleek RGB LED backlit front panel fans and tempered glass side panel for a computer case that will make your friends jealous. Cycle through 16 modes with the RGB controls.
More importantly, increase performance with a maximum capacity of six fans across the front and rear panels, and the ability to accommodate front panel radiators between 240 and 280 millimeters or a rear panel radiator of 120 millimeters. Install as many as five HDD drives, two 3.5-inch drives, and three 2.5-inch drives. Best of all, installation is a breeze thanks to the tool-free built-in thumbscrews. To ensure you achieve the best performance possible the Thermaltake is best compatible with extreme liquid cooling configurations. You might also want to read about the best printer for computer.
Keeping your cables organized within your computer case can be difficult. But the NZXT H510 Compact ATX Mid-Tower has a proprietary cable control kit that keeps them organized and features channels and straps for a straightforward and easy to manage system. Cables aside, you can also prioritize cooling with this computer case. This case comes with two 120 millimeter fans that can be installed on the front panel but can accommodate a total of seven fans. If you’re looking for a gaming computer specifically, check out the best computer for VR.
And it features a removable bracket that can support 240-millimeter radiators. You’ll also like that this case supports up to seven 2.5-inch drives and three 3.5-inch drives. Additionally, the front panel features USB-C connectivity for modern electronic compatibility. Speaking of modern, check out the best router for gaming.
Flexible mounting is a major issue for anyone who likes to build their computers or feels that they might need to make frequent upgrades. The Cooler Master MasterBox ATX Mid-Tower is designed with this type of user in mind. This computer case comes standard with three RGB backlit 120-millimeter fans and the capacity to support an additional rear 120-millimeter fan and a 360-millimeter front radiator.
Make your computer as fast as possible with two 3.5 and 2.5 drive bays, seven expansion slots, and two SSD bays. And for improved airflow, install a cooler up to 158 millimeters to optimize performance. Speaking of performance, read about the best gaming PCs desktop computers.
A sleek computer case combines with customization to give DIYers as much freedom as possible. This mid-tower computer case can support full-size ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. More importantly, this case can support larger components. VGA cards as large as 400 millimeters long and coolers up to 160 millimeters can easily fit in the case. If you are looking for a gaming computer specifically, you may want to also look at best computer for VR.
If you’re concerned about overheating, this case is ideal for creating an optimized system with improved airflow and the ability to accommodate radiators and coolers. Improve performance with three internal 2.5 and 3.5-inch drive bays, seven tool-free expansion bays, and two external 5.25-inch drive bays. For displays, check out the best gaming monitors under $200.
If you’re looking for a computer case that has shelf appeal as well as functionality, the Corsair Crystal Mid-Tower Case features four tempered-glass panels that showcase your DIY computer building skills. Three RGB backlit 120-millimeter fans come standard with this computer case while you can also increase capacity for a total of six fans.
More importantly, you’ll appreciate the cable system to keep your cables organized, and the improved airflow system that’s strategically designed with elevated drive cages to prevent additional components from blocking ventilation. Now that you found a case, check out the best printer for home.
Computer cases are an essential prerequisite if you’re thinking of building your computer. DIY computer enthusiasts know that it can be better to build a computer from scratch as it allows for customization. Based on your needs, building a computer on your own can allow you to create a computer with better airflow and ventilation, improved performance and with a stylish exterior that looks great on your desk. They are a far cry from the best tablet computer in terms of size.
To discover the best PC cases the market has to offer, we began by focusing on the computer case size. Size is going to be one of the most important factors you need to use to determine if a case is going to work with your needs. There are three standard sizes — full-tower, mid-tower, and mini-ITX. But we prioritized mid-tower models as this is the most common size and can work with most motherboards, graphics cards, radiators, coolers, and drives. If you’re looking for a more niche option, you can also take a look at the best computer for VR.
Next, we looked at customization. “Customization” is a bit of a broad term, but we focused on how easy it was to expand storage, add graphics cards, as well as install additional fans, coolers, or radiators. This meant that we prioritized models that featured a wider range of expanding slots and even included options that accommodated larger graphics cards and coolers.
We continued our process by focusing on airflow and cooling support features. A computer that overheats will stall and offer poor performance. So, we prioritized brands that included multiple fans to improve airflow. But we also emphasized models that offer additional fan mounting options on the front and rear panels. Along with this, we also highlighted computer cases that were designed for installing coolers and radiators.
Some people are also motivated to purchase based on aesthetics. And to that end, we included a range of tempered glass models that often included RGB back-lit fans for a computer tower that looks as good as it runs. While this isn’t a must-have, you’ll find that of the tempered glass models we featured, almost all of them feature customization, increased fan capacity and the ability to customize storage and power. After all, some people want the best nas hard drive and others might prefer something else.
Finally, we reviewed the front panel features. In general, even the most basic computer case featured at least one or more USB ports — typically at least USB 2.0 — as well as audio in and out jacks. But if you rely on options like USB-C, you’ll find that it’s quickly becoming a standard feature for computer cases, and comes standard on many of the models included in our guide.
Other popular options include the Fractal Design Define 7, the Corsair Obsidian, the Corsair Carbide 275R, the Dark Base 900, and the ENTHOO Evolv X.
