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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best ATX Tower PC Case
NZXT H7 Flow (2024)
The two best ways to rate, quantitatively, how a PC case performs? How well it allows air to flow through, and how well it contains noise. As you’d guess from its name, NZXT’s latest tower emphasizes that highlighted word, but that’s far from its only talent. Its perforated panels look striking and premium, the chassis’ fit and finish are top-notch, and NZXT packed in three effective intake fans while keeping the price at a reasonable $129.99 MSRP. The H7 Flow feels quality, it looks great built out, and the overall thermal performance in our tests earns a proverbial chef’s kiss.
Anyone seeking a state-of-the-art classic midtower in 2024 will find this reboot of NZXT’s already polished H7 Flow an excellent pick for the money. Easy cable routing and hiding mean you can build out a clean-looking rig with only modest effort. It’s also very well equipped for liquid cooling, if you’re looking to drop in a big radiator (or two).
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
External 5.25-Inch Bays
0
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
External 3.5-Inch Bays
0
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
2
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
7
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
410 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
185 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
270 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
21.4 by 9.6 by 18.75 inches
Weight
24.3 lbs
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Best ATX Compact PC Case
Cooler Master Qube 500 Flatpack
The PC case as a DIY project of its own, even before you install any parts? That’s the conceit of the clever Qube 500, which will let you IKEA your way to a cute compact PC. The Qube features an attractive, fun aesthetic in several colors, and this sturdy chassis can host both full-ATX motherboards and full-size power supplies. It delivers above-average value (and lots of fun!) for the money.
The Qube 500’s assemble-it-yourself ethos gives DIY-minded builders a cost-effective chassis that can also serve as a memorable family build project. And you’ll have a pretty darn good case after you’ve had fun building it, with swappable face panels that let you spruce up the look when the fancy seizes you.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
External 5.25-Inch Bays
0
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
4
External 3.5-Inch Bays
0
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
3
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
3
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
1
Maximum GPU Length
368 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
175 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
215 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
16.4 by 9.1 by 16.0 inches
Weight
17 lbs
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Best MicroATX PC Case
In Win A3
Many of us use the boxing analogy “punching above your weight class” when a person performs unexpectedly well. But what about a PC case? Take the In Win A3: This MicroATX case is just a little bigger than the typical size for that class of chassis, but that upsizing gains it a big relative payoff. Add attractive looks and InWin’s distinctive styling, and the A3 is a winner for compact-PC buffs who don’t like to compromise.
MicroATX is that curious ‘tweener size often neglected by serious PC builders, but MicroATX motherboards tend to be the best values in a line, and this case lets you leverage them. It’s an excellent choice for performance-conscious PC builders and upgraders whose space-saving needs are tempered by some give-and-take. Opting for the A3 will give them excellent thermal performance for the case size.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
MicroATX, Mini-ITX
External 5.25-Inch Bays
0
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
External 3.5-Inch Bays
0
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
3
Front Panel Ports
HD Audio, USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2)
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
4
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
5
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
1
Maximum GPU Length
340 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
162 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
200 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Top
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
13.63 by 8.47 by 15.75 inches
Weight
11.6 lbs
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Best Mini-ITX PC Case
Fractal Design Era 2
We chose the Fractal Design Era 2 as our best general-appeal Mini-ITX case pick because the company took the oh-so-promising, striking design of its somewhat flawed Era ITX predecessor, internalized user (and reviewer!) feedback, and ironed out almost all the wrinkles with some thoughtful engineering. Premium materials (including an aluminum body and a walnut top panel) pair up here with improved cooling, enhanced ventilation, and a mix of easy-assembly features for a simply spectacular case. It accommodates a variety of configurations and offers a satisfying build experience, too, thanks to Fractal’s typical clear instructions and well-labeled accessory kit.
Looking to build a powerful, small-form-factor PC? This case will thrill you if you appreciate a sleek, modern aesthetic, clever craftsmanship, and high-quality materials. It’s not the cheapest Mini-ITX option on the market, by a long shot, but Mini-ITX gear always carries a premium, and your case is not the item to skimp on if you’ll be filling it with premium parts. This one will do them justice.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
Mini-ITX
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
4
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
No
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
3
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
4
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
2
Maximum GPU Length
326 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
70 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
200 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
SFX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Front
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
12.4 x 6.5 x 14.4 inches
Weight
10.1 lbs
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Best Extended ATX PC Case
Fractal Design North XL
Sure, we were being cute when we called the North XL “a timber tower to pack with power.” But Fractal Design’s North line has single-handedly set off a trend of wood accents on PCs that we are all-in for. The North XL is the classic North blown up slightly to Extended ATX (EATX) scale. It can also house a triple-140mm (420mm format) radiator up front or a graphics card up to 413mm deep, all for the cost of just an extra inch or two of space on your desk. That’s a pretty good trade-off if you liked the original North but needed more interior room for your cooling, your motherboard, or your GPU—or all three.
Yes, admittedly, it’s down to a case of chassis aesthetics; if you’re smitten with the wood face of the original North, the North XL will be likely your go-to pick if your timber-lust goes along with a need for oversize components. Plus, you can take comfort that the build process in this case was about as easy and quick as any of recent note. You’ll be hard pressed to find a finer-looking combo of steel, glass, and wood outside an architect’s studio.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
External 5.25-Inch Bays
0
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
External 3.5-Inch Bays
0
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
4
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
7
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
413 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
185 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
200 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
20.1 by 9.5 by 19.8 inches
Weight
21 lbs
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Best Budget ATX Tower PC Case
Thermaltake View 270 TG ARGB Matcha Green
This green chassis could save you some green, too: The View 270 RG ARGB gets you a bunch of typically higher-end features at a budget price. Given the View 270 RG’s USB Type-C support, wraparound glass, three spiffy included fans, and dust filters at all fan locations, you can’t ask for much more from a PC case under $100. We gave it our Editors’ Choice award for its exceptional value proposition. Not to mention the striking hue of our test model—try finding a better green case from another maker. We’ll wait here. (In fairness, white and an equally striking Hydrangea Blue are options too, if you’re not into pistachio.)
Call it a green giant. The View 270 TG is a winner of an ATX case for gaming-system builders seeking a superior value that’ll free up cash for other components. It’s a unique-looking case that looks and acts like it costs a bunch more than it does.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
2
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
6
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
428 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
280 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
18.02 by 9.07 by 17.9 inches
Weight
14 lbs
Best Budget MicroATX PC Case
Lian Li DAN A3-mATX
A new design collaboration with case brand DAN Cases (a well-regarded German maker of compact chassis), Lian Li’s DAN A3-mATX is full of details that will surely surprise its fans. It’s too big to be a true “compact” case, but it’s far from a desk hog and holds a lot of gear. And it’s a very good value for the features and build quality you get. It’s a Goldilocks MicroATX PC case of sorts, just about the right size for what most folks build in 2024. (And that’s just part of why we gave it an Editors’ Choice award.)
The DAN is the man if your PC build is not a liquid-cooled monster with a Godzilla video card. It’s best built out with Lian’s Li’s solid side panel, given the lack of cable finessing features, so this build will be more substance over style. But you’ll have a hard time finding a better general-use MicroATX chassis for close to the same price. Lian Li and DAN deliver a noble budget effort here.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
1
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
3
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Optional Accessory
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
4
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
4
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
0
Maximum GPU Length
425 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
165 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
270 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX, SFX, SFX-L
Power Supply Mounting Location
Front
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
12.66 by 7.64 by 17.8 inches
Weight
10.8 lbs
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Best Glass Showcase PC Case
Corsair 3500X ARGB
If you’re like 99% of us, you’ll never install more than one liquid cooling radiator in your PC, and a chassis like Corsair’s 3500X ARGB will give you all the bling and room you could want from a high-exposure ATX case. The 3500X ARGB delivers a heap of feature hits for the money: lots of room, lots of fan mounts, even lots of pre-installed fans. It also affords lots of fish-tank-glass visibility, like it or not, into your system’s build, so you’ll need to bring your cabling A-game. It delivers very good value and quality for $109.99, and it snagged an Editors’ Choice award from us for a mainstream-priced ATX showcase chassis.
Buyers who want a stacked feature set but don’t want to pay a lot will find the 3500X ARGB a happy medium. You’ll need to moderate your fans to get just the right mix of cooling, acoustics, and performance, but the 3500X can be an able venue for your build if you’re a patient tweaker. Just make sure you have a camera-ready mix of cool components; this chassis gives your PC’s guts nowhere to hide.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
2
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
7
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
430 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
170 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
270 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
19.9 by 9.5 by 18.1 inches
Weight
20.3 lbs
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Best Cost-No-Object PC Case
SilverStone Alta F2
Is there any mix of killer PC components that SilverStone’s Alta F2 can’t fit, in any reasonable combination? We can’t think of one. The bigger question is, can you afford it, and can you find a place for it? A supercar among PC cases and featuring a nifty angled graphics-card mount, the colossal F2 performs in line with its luxury cost. Just make sure you have the mother of all hardware loadouts to justify what it costs. (The list price is $999.99.)
At first, you might think the Alta F2’s price might limit it to the “If you have to ask what it costs…” crowd. But given that the F2 can host the mother of all liquid-cooled, storage-stacked PC builds with space to spare, this total beast could be the PC case that would last any dedicated performance-minded enthusiast the rest of their DIY days.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
External 5.25-Inch Bays
0
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
8
External 3.5-Inch Bays
0
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
7
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (4), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
9
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
10
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
354 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
219 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
252 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Top
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
22.7 by 10.3 by 25.9 inches
Weight
46.5 lbs
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Best PC Case for Silent Operation
Be Quiet Shadow Base 800 DX
Few cases we’ve reviewed can simultaneously hold a triple-140 mm fan radiator on both the front and top. Even rarer? A case big enough inside to do that but still small enough on the outside to carry the label “mid-tower.” Be Quiet pulled that off while making the Shadow Base 800 DX an exceptionally well-constructed under-$200 box capable of hosting EATX motherboards and running hush-hush with its stock parts. This is not a garish bling box for the RGB hounds in the crowd, but a great performer and value.
The Shadow Base is a superb chassis for DIY PC builders, casual and serious alike, who are looking for a silent runner at an excellent price. At the extremes, too, users with big plans for custom liquid cooling requiring two big radiators, but looking to not drop major bucks on a case, will be pleased. (That frees up more money for costly fittings and pumps!)
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
External 5.25-Inch Bays
0
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
External 3.5-Inch Bays
0
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
4
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
8
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
2
Maximum GPU Length
470 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
480 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
20.5 by 9.8 by 22.2 inches
Weight
24.7 lbs
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Best Small-Footprint PC Case
Corsair 2000D RGB Airflow
Corsair is big on small-footprint, pillar-style chassis, and its 2000D RGB Airflow refines that style to the max. This tall case flips most of its components onto their edges while retaining the vertical graphics card space for which this type of case is known. And it was quite the performer in our thermal tests. As long as you can stomach the cost and a little fan noise under load, it can be the basis of a stellar-looking—and super-cooling—small-form-factor PC build for Mini-ITX that takes up almost no surface area but can host tons of power.
Do you have little desktop space but have big aspirations, hot components, and the patience to build them out? The 2000D RGB Airflow delivers excellent cooling performance for the desk space it takes up. It’s a little pricey, but when our test build was fired up, we couldn’t quit looking at our build inside this distinctive case.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
Mini-ITX, Mini-DTX
External 5.25-Inch Bays
0
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
0
External 3.5-Inch Bays
0
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
2
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
No
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
3
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
8
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
355 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
152 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
175 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
SFX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Top
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
18.0 by 7.9 by 10.7 Inches
Weight
9.2 lbs
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Most Expandable PC Case
InWin ModFree Deluxe
Think of the ModFree, a modular PC case, as primitive PC-builder Legos, just with four blocks. It comprises several case “modules” you can attach in multiple orientations and build out into a variety of physical arrangements. You can buy the modules singly, or go all-in with the $249 ModFree Deluxe, with a base ModFree kit (the main chassis, plus a lower PSU module) and two more modules that can be attached in various configurations.
The extra modules of the quirky ModFree are mostly designed for radiators, so the actual modularity will appeal most to those liquid-cooling their desktops. But restless builders who might want to rethink their flows and layouts will like the options the Deluxe Kit brings to the table. And you can always buy more modules to bolt on if you want to try something new (like, say, building two PCs in one connected enclosure).
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
1
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
4
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
9
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
6
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
4
Maximum GPU Length
390 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
200 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
390 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
24.9 by 10.4 by 20.1 inches
Weight
31.6 lbs
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Best PC Case for the Very Tightest Budgets
Montech Air 903 Base
If you’re all about utility, the Air 903 Base delivers a lot of PC case for budget builders still looking to go “big rig.” Montech is a rising star among budget-price PC case makers, and this no-frills, low-end ATX case effort is easy to overlook if you’re looking at it on a shelf full of other chassis. But it gives you a lot of flex in installing liquid-cooling gear on the cheap, freeing up more money for other components. It’s not a sexy glass aquarium case or a slick aluminum effort, but call the Montech Air 903 Base the budget-strapped enthusiast’s best friend.
Function-over-form builders will find the 903 Base a fine enclosure for a strapping build that doesn’t sink many bucks into the box. If you want a little more bling but still need to adhere to a strict budget, also check out Montech’s Air 903 Max, much like the 903 Base but outfitted with a fan hub and RGB fans for about $15 more.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
5
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
7
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
400 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
270 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
19.4 by 9.0 by 18.8 inches
Weight
16.8 lbs
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Buying Guide: The Best PC Cases for 2024
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX: What Size of PC Case Should I Buy?
Contrary to Yoda’s wisdom, size does matter with PC cases—a lot. Cases come in three major types: ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX. These correspond to the three main form factors of motherboard; case categories follow these motherboard standards. (For a kick-start to understanding desktop mainboards, see our guide to the best motherboards, and our primer Buying a Motherboard: 20 Terms You Need to Know.)
The most common case type is the ATX chassis, which accommodates ATX motherboards (far left in the picture below). These boards typically measure 12 by 9.6 inches, and an ATX case has mounting holes in a standardized layout to match boards of that size.
Size comparison: ATX, MicroATX, and Mini-ITX mainboards, left to right (Credit: Molly Flores)
The lion’s share of ATX cases are classed as “mid-towers” or “full towers,” which are inexact terms that refer to the case’s exterior dimensions. Full towers, which are larger, feature extra bays inside for storage drives and more room for larger cooling hardware. Some full towers also work with the less common 12-by-13-inch Extended ATX (EATX) motherboard standard. That board size is mainly used for so-called high-end desktop (HEDT) builds, with the boards supporting Intel’s fading Core X-Series or AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper processors. Most motherboards for mainstream AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors are ATX or smaller.
A classic ATX chassis from Corsair (Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Mini-ITX motherboards (on the far right in the board comparison photo above), at 6.7 inches square, are on the opposite side of the size spectrum from ATX and EATX. Meanwhile, MicroATX boards (middle in the photo) measure 9.6 inches square. MicroATX is a compromise size. Most ATX cases are compatible with these smaller motherboards, as well, via alternate mounting points.
A Mini-ITX chassis from Lian Li (Credit: Molly Flores)
Likewise, most MicroATX cases accept smaller Mini-ITX boards, in addition to (of course!) MicroATX ones. But the whole point of buying and using a smaller-than-ATX motherboard is to install it in a smaller-than-ATX case. So, as a general rule, the case you buy really should match the motherboard standard you’re using.
ATX or SFX: What Type of Power Supply Does My Case Need?
The power supply unit (PSU) is another decision point that correlates with PC case size. Like motherboards, PSUs have some commonly accepted size standards.
Most larger cases require what’s dubbed an “ATX” power supply, which defines the height and width of the supply and its screw mounting points. (The ATX power supply standard and ATX motherboard standard share only a name, but larger cases tend to accommodate them both.) Note that a PSU being ATX says nothing about its depth; some cases are rated for a certain maximum PSU depth, and you should make note of that when matching up a PSU with a chassis, allowing a little extra space for the cabling.
Nearly all MicroATX cases also use ATX power supplies. Compact Mini-ITX cases are a mixed bag, though, when it comes to PSU support. Some are designed to hold these large power supplies, which can be a plus given the wide availability and cheaper price-per-watt of ATX PSUs. But many Mini-ITX (and a few MicroATX) cases require a particular compact type of power supply, the SFX or SFX-L. (See our guide to choosing a PC power supply.)
Mounting bay for an ATX power supply (Credit: Molly Flores)
SFX-class PSUs are designed expressly for small chassis, with SFX-L signifying a slightly longer (that is, deeper) design than regular SFX. They also tend to cost more than an equivalent-wattage ATX PSU.
Of course, exceptions to these rules exist. A few of the smallest Mini-ITX cases use special proprietary power supplies that don’t conform to ATX or SFX; in these chassis, the PSU is usually included with the chassis. We’ve seen a few MicroATX and Mini-ITX cases that can accept either an ATX power supply or an SFX one via a special bracket. So, you’ll want to scrutinize this detail in the spec sheet of any case you buy.
Storage Drives and Graphics Cards: What Will My Case Hold?
Mostly gone are the days of hulking tower PC chassis stacked with 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch drive bays, destined to house multiple optical drives, front-panel devices like fan controllers, and a whole brace of hard drives. Tiny, speedy M.2 SSDs mounted on motherboards, bolstered by PCI Express bus connections, are the boot drives of choice in most up-to-the-moment PC builds. Optical drives have mostly vanished, and platter hard drives in the 2020s can hold truly titanic capacities (where users install them at all). So, unless you’re a video editor storing huge libraries of footage at the ready, the old-school banks of drive bays in PC cases are shrinking…big-time.
Today’s typical ATX tower case will let you install a handful of 3.5-inch hard drives. Sometimes, those same bays can alternately support 2.5-inch hard drives or SSDs. Usually, a big case will have a few additional mounting points just for 2.5-inch drives. These may be hidden behind the side panel, on the rear of the motherboard tray, or in a visible spot atop the power supply enclosure. And you’ll have to search hard for any new case with a 5.25-inch external bay for a DVD or Blu-ray drive. They do exist, but they are rare now.
Twin 2.5-inch drive mounts on the back of a case motherboard tray (Credit: Molly Flores)
Smaller MicroATX and Mini-ITX cases predictably have fewer storage bays than your average ATX case. Bottom line: Enumerate how many non-M.2 drives you plan to install, and make sure you have bays to match, with one or two in reserve for possible future expansion.
A removable module with trays for two 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drives: Two trays are the norm for most towers today. (Credit: Molly Flores)
One additional case-size consideration is your choice of graphics card. The maximum length of a graphics card a case can hold will be listed in its specifications. ATX cases, again, provide the greatest flexibility here and usually have enough room for the largest cards (which seldom get above 12 inches nowadays), though watch for caveats. Sometimes a case can only fit an extra-long card if, for instance, you remove an internal storage-drive rack that would otherwise block it. If you were planning to use that rack, that could be a deal-breaker.
As you’d expect, MicroATX and Mini-ITX cases tend to have more restrictions on how large a graphics card can fit. A few deeply compact models assume you won’t use a video card at all and will rely on the integrated graphics on your system’s CPU, making no accommodation for video cards.
Another implementation of 3.5-inch bays: Screw the drives straight into the drive cage, no trays. (Credit: Molly Flores)
That said, case manufacturers try to leave as much room as possible for graphics cards. Even makers of compact cases: We’ve reviewed several Mini-ITX cases from makers such as Lian Li, NZXT, and SilverStone that have healthy clearances for long cards, plus widths of two or three slots across to explicitly support thick, high-end graphics cards. Check carefully the internal dimensions of any case you buy to ensure that the graphics card you mean to install will fit. As noted, most case makers provide a maximum supported card length.
PC Case Aesthetics: This Is Why You Buy
A fancy-looking PC case won’t make your computer run any faster, but it pays big dividends when appreciating your build. Build materials play a significant part in this. RGB-laden and sculpted sci-fi designs, heavy on the plastic, were all the rage for a while. These days, clear or tinted full-side tempered glass for viewing your PC’s innards is the dominant trend, even in budget-oriented cases retailing between $50 and $100.
Lian Li’s O11 Dynamic EVO: A glass-sided showcase chassis (Credit: Molly Flores)
Cases in that price range will probably have just one partial or full tempered glass panel on the left side, but some high-end cases from case makers such as Azza, Corsair, and Lian Li use the material for multiple panels.
Less-expensive cases, especially those under $50, may use acrylic plastic instead. It’s just as clear as tempered glass and less prone to shattering, and it can be molded into different shapes. Higher-end case designs avoid it, though, since it’s easier to scratch and doesn’t look quite as slick. Open-air side panels with perforations have also started to fall out of favor at the high end, though they still have benefits for airflow, which we’ll address a bit later.
Aesthetics can also extend to the inside of the case. Some cases will offer a painted interior to contrast with the components you install; pay attention to that versus, say, the PCB color of the motherboard you’ll be installing. A light board on a dark background can make for a cool, stark contrast. Conversely, you may want to go for a color-coordinated or understated look.
Sharp contrast in a Montech case (Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Then we have the most polarizing element: RGB lighting. Case designers often implement single-color or RGB LED strips and add ways to hide cables to create a cleaner-looking finished build. If that’s your jam, you’ll want to check into how the lighting is implemented: via a built-in controller or by attaching directly to your motherboard via RGB or Addressable RGB (ARGB) pin headers (more about which in a moment).
Aggressive cable-containment design (and a fan/light controller) in a Corsair iCUE chassis (Credit: Molly Flores)
If you don’t want a see-through or reflective look, look for cases with solid exterior panels of steel or brushed aluminum. Stealthy-looking high-end cases that take this route may incorporate sound-deadening material to drown out the noise from cooling fans.
A case’s orientation can also affect its appearance. Most tower cases are designed to sit upright, though a few MicroATX and Mini-ITX cases can be situated on their sides, lying down in a so-called “desktop” orientation. These are rare nowadays, though, as it’s hard to support installing a full-size graphics card in a case in a flat orientation.
Light It Up: Does Your Case Need RGB?
PC cases that provide a view of the interior practically beg for internal lighting to show off your components. Nowadays, almost every PC part, from graphics cards and CPU coolers to memory modules and even SSDs, can be found with LED decoration. But the brunt of illumination in most aftermarket cases that emphasize RGB is done by discrete light sources in the case itself, usually LED-equipped case fans and light strips.
Lian Li O11D: A case designed for extreme exposure (Credit: John Burek)
Many cases will include pre-installed LED fans, though don’t assume one LED fan is as decent as another—their brightness and color intensity can vary greatly. For those extra-sensitive to how the lighting will look, it’s often better to buy a case without LED fans (or any fans at all) and then install higher-quality fans of your choosing. (See the airflow section below for more on installing your own fans.)
Basic case lighting pre-installed in a cheaper case may just be a single color of LED, or the lights may cycle through a preset menu of colors and effects via a button or control on the front panel. The more advanced form of LED lighting is RGB, which supports the 16.7 million colors of the RGB color spectrum. Controlling those colors can be a complex business, or at least as complex as you want it to be.
Outfitting an APNX case with RGB fans (Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Most RGB fans, light strips, and other components nowadays will connect to a standard RGB or an Addressable RGB (ARGB) header connector, either on the motherboard or on a controller box that connects to the motherboard. An ordinary RGB header connection will simply cause the lights to illuminate, but the ARGB type gives you far more granular control. It opens a lot of possibilities when it comes to strobing, pulsing, and color changing, as well as coordinating effects across supported LED-equipped components.
The RGB gear in the case may be affiliated with a given case maker’s light control solution, like Corsair’s or Razer’s, or it may work with the RGB-control software provided by a motherboard maker, such as Asus (Aura Sync), MSI (Mystic Light), Asrock (Polychrome), or Gigabyte (RGB Fusion). You’ll want to look for what RGB standards the case lighting adheres to, to see if it syncs, no pun intended, with other hardware you own, especially a motherboard’s control scheme.
Front Panel Connectivity: What to Look For
Whereas the motherboard you install in a desktop PC provides the bulk of its connectivity, the case also plays a part by providing front-facing connectors. USB Type-A ports are common, but a USB Type-C port or two is a fine idea for future-looking peripherals. A media card reader (uncommon nowadays) can be convenient for transferring images and other files from digital cameras and other devices.
Front ports on a SilverStone case (Credit: Molly Flores)
USB is the one port type you’ll reliably see, along with audio jacks for headphone and mic, or a single combo jack for a headset. It’s also important on tower cases to ensure that top or front-facing ports are conveniently located. If the tower is to sit on top of a desk, the ports will be more accessible if they’re located toward the bottom; conversely, for towers that will sit on the floor, the ports will be easier to access if they’re up top.
On the front panel, some cases provide USB-A only; others give you USB-C, too. (Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
You’ll want to make sure that you can connect all of the case’s front-panel ports to your particular motherboard model. Audio (headphone/mic) ports connect to a standard HD Audio header that you’ll find on any modern motherboard. Late-model motherboards will have headers for USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 Type-A ports, but Type-C ports on PC cases require a newer USB 3.2 Gen 2 header that older motherboards may lack.
Header cables from a recent chassis, left to right: Front-panel connectors, audio, USB 3.0, and USB 3.2 Gen 2. (Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Also, if your chassis has more than two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, check whether it requires two USB 3.0 19-pin header connections on the motherboard. Not every motherboard will have two of these headers. If not, you may need a converter cable to connect one of those case cables to a slower USB 2.0 header on the board. Most motherboards have at least a couple of those.
The Intangibles: PC Case Build Considerations
All the components of a desktop must, of course, go inside the case. Some cases are easier to work in than others, so here are some key building considerations. To start with the obvious: Larger cases provide roomier and more flexible working conditions.
Some ATX tower cases provide modular interiors with removable partitions and drive racks. A versatile tower may also provide several ways to mount a liquid-cooling radiator, whether along the front or the top or even attached to a side panel. Support for vertically mounting the graphics card can also be important for high-visibility builds. A case may allow for such a mounting orientation (that has been a trend over the last year or two), but most cases don’t include the required riser cable to actually make a vertical video-card mount work, and such cables generally run $30 to $50. Check that detail.
Smaller cases tend to lose out on this kind of flexibility, especially down at the Mini-ITX end of the market, where every cubic centimeter is used for something. Planning how components will fit into a small tower is essential—and that doesn’t mean waiting until all the parts arrive. You’ll want to scrutinize the specs of any Mini-ITX case for the space limitations for things like CPU coolers (if you’re planning on using something tall) or video cards (in case the length may make for a tight fit).
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It’ll take a big video card, but inside this Mini-ITX chassis from SilverStone is a tight fit! (Credit: Molly Flores)
The ease of routing wires inside a case is another major consideration. Cable pass-throughs—openings in the desktop’s interior where cables can run from one compartment to another—should be located close to where cables actually plug in. Multiple cables will be connected to the motherboard at different locations, so you should make sufficient pass-throughs to ensure that wires don’t have to travel unsightly long distances and cross over each other and bulky components.
Note the handy cutaways for cable passthrough to the motherboard all across the interior top, and on the PSU shroud. (Credit: Molly Flores)
High-end cases may have proprietary cable-management features that make the job easier, such as Velcro-style mounts pre-installed in the chassis or channels in the back of the motherboard tray to help restrain cables. (Pro tip for less elaborate cases: A pack of zip ties is always money well spent.)
We talked earlier about the power-supply form factors that a case supports, but let’s also address the PSU mounting location. Most modern towers situate the PSU at the bottom, which keeps the power cable from dangling from the top. It also gives the power supply access to cooler air. (Remember, hot air rises, especially in an enclosed box.) Older case designs placed the power supply at the top of the case, where it was fed with warm air from the other components, which could negatively affect its efficiency and lifespan.
Some cases continue to place the power supply at the top and avoid this issue by blocking air from flowing up to the power supply. A smaller subset of cases sets the PSU near the front of the case (employing a passthrough cable to the back panel) or somewhere else altogether. Bottom line: Make sure the power plug will emerge from the case in a place that is convenient to you.
This XPG case, like most towers, mounts its ATX PSU down in the bottom. (Credit: Michael Sexton)
And whatever the location, look for cases that put the power supply in its own compartment, usually behind what the PC-build community calls a “shroud.” At the minimum, this creates a convenient place to hide unused cables. Some extra-wide case designs (which tend more toward the cubic or oblong than the classic tower) take compartmentalization to another level by isolating the power supply and storage drives into one half of the tower, behind the motherboard compartment in a side-by-side arrangement.
Last, don’t underestimate the logistics of installing storage drives. Traditional 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives require both a power cable from the PSU and a Serial ATA cable to the motherboard. These flat cables can be tricky to route to the drive bays once a PC case is stuffed with other cabling and hardware. Mounting them last is usually best to avoid wear and torque on the connectors. Some cases will also implement a tool-free mounting system to make adding or removing drives faster and easier.
Fans of Yours: How to Judge Cooling and Airflow
A case’s airflow is a function of its cooling fans: what they are, where they are placed, and how fast they are run. One of the best strategies when cooling a PC is to try and create static pressure to keep air flowing in from one location and out elsewhere. (In the front or bottom, and out the top or back, are the classic airflow patterns.) You don’t want all of the fans set to blow air into or out of the system; this will negatively affect cooling performance and even result in heating issues.
Fans pre-installed in a chassis usually reflect a logical airflow arrangement, but mind how you install aftermarket fans. The side of the fan with the blades closest to the frame is the exhaust side in most designs. You want that side of the fan facing out if it’s meant to serve as an exhaust, or facing the inside of the case if it’s meant to be an intake fan.
Not all cases will give you a full complement of fans these days. That’s because some PC builders prefer to install their own colorized or LED-lit fans according to an aesthetic theme, or the mounting areas may be left empty so you can bring your own fans or liquid cooler. (In the case of liquid-cooling-friendly chassis, why provide fans at extra expense if some buyers will just junk them in favor of a radiator?)
Twin front-panel intake fans: This side is the exhaust, passing fresh air from outside into the case. (Credit: Molly Flores)
The intake side of the front fans in a Corsair chassis (Credit: Molly Flores)
The specifications of a given case will state the number and size of fans it supports, including the dimensions of supported liquid-cooling radiators. Standard fans typically are 120mm or 140mm, though some cases use special smaller 92mm fans or the occasional 200mm whopper for effect. The bigger the fan, the more air volume it can push per revolution, all else being equal, so large fans can allow for slower spin rates and, thus, quieter operation. That’s always a trade-off in PC chassis and fan design.
Then you have the liquid cooling option, usually applied to the CPU. Typical liquid coolers’ radiators are 120mm, 240mm, or 360mm long, so you’ll want to look for a match between any cooler you install and the chassis’ designated mounting area. In the case of liquid cooling, it’s also essential to know the thickness of the radiator that a case supports. Some cases may fit a chunky radiator on supported length but clash on thickness due to interference with the motherboard or the clearance around other hardware.
A radiator mount on top of an Asus ATX case (Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Airflow is more challenging in smaller cases because they tend to be packed with parts. An ATX tower should have no problem accommodating the standard 120mm and 140mm fan sizes, but a MicroATX or Mini-ITX case may be restricted to 92mm or smaller. As noted above, because smaller fans must spin faster to move the same amount of air as a bigger one, they thus have the potential to be noisier. If you’re sensitive to noise, research the case’s noise levels before buying.
The fan in this position is a rear exhaust fan, in its default mounting orientation. (Credit: Molly Flores)
Of course, fans only work correctly if they’re free of dust buildup. Removable dust filters can make regular maintenance less of a chore. Dust-filter implementations differ, though; some are installed as snap-in plates, others are slide-in drawers, and the least elaborate are simply magnetic-rimmed sheets of mesh that you slap over the fan intakes, usually on the top of a chassis. However they are implemented, though, the filters should be easy to remove (i.e., they shouldn’t require unscrewing to extract), and they should be washable in water to make cleaning a cinch.
Slideout dust filters are a nice touch for keeping your case interior clean. (Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Case-Buying Takeaways: Which Case to Buy?
The best desktop builds start with the right case. Once you know the motherboard standard you’ll be using (such as ATX or Mini-ITX), you’ll know the minimum size case required for your build. The case must have enough bays for your storage drives, enough room for your graphics card, and any necessary headroom for cooling devices such as liquid-cooling radiators.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Beyond the functional aspect, case buying comes down to aesthetics and preferences. Don’t be afraid to spend extra for an attractive case made of quality materials like aluminum or tempered glass. The case is, after all, a reflection of your build and what you put into it, and it may survive multiple PC iterations, outliving what’s inside.
When you consider that you can reuse your case for future builds, the money you spend for the right model can go further than you think. So don’t repress your PC’s personality, or your own: Check out a host of our favorites here as a launching point for your case search.