Find Out the 88 Best Computer Cases For Your Money
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The Thermaltake Level 10 Case. What a great looking case
Computer Cases: A Dilemma
Unlike most parts in a computer, I can’t recommend computer cases based on their performance for their price, as pc cases don’t influence performance at all.
However, the case is what protects your fragile components, cool them down and for some of you, help you showcase your awesome computer.
Here’s What to Look for When Buying a Computer Case:
- Its look: What is the best look is based on your tastes obviously, so I can’t pick for you here. Pick a look that suits you, the environment where the computer will be located and the rest of the people living with you if applicable.
- Its size: Mini-Tower, Mid Tower, Full-size Tower, Mini-ITX, Media Center, HTPC, Desktop, etc. If all you want to build is a small discrete server, a smaller case will do for you. However, if you want a monster gaming rig with a powerful processor and two high-end video cards, a full size tower, with all the space and cooling that it offers, will suit you best.
- What motherboard size(s) it supports: Mini-ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, Baby AT, EATX (Extended ATX), etc. Make sure that the case you buy supports the size type of your motherboard.
- The material used and the thickness of the metal: Plastic is light and inexpensive, but also not very solid. Aluminum is light, looks good, but is expensive and less solid than steel. Steel is the most solid material, but also the heaviest. Keep in mind that there’s a lot of difference between a thickness of say 0.5mm and 1.2mm. Too thin and your case will be flimsy.
- Cooling: A bigger case gives more room for your components to breath. It also allows you to install more and bigger fans. When it comes to case cooling, the more fans you have and the bigger they are, the better your temperatures will be.
- Noise: Now, while more fans will cool better, more fans will also create more noise. For less noise, look for bigger fans (at least 120mm preferably) that rotates slower and moves as much or more air for a lower noise level compared to smaller fans that have to spin faster and make more noise to move as much air compared to bigger fans. Some cases are also equipped with noise dampening material and rubber mountings to absorb vibrations, reducing the overall level of sound.
- Tool-less assembling: A pro for some, a con for others. A tool-less design for assembling tend to make things more simple if it’s well designed, however it also tends to not secure parts as well as good old screws. Pros tend to prefer not having a tool-less design for a more secure installation and cut down on the case price. Beginners appreciate the friendly tool-less design because it’s usually more simple to assemble.
- Number of drives: 5.25″ drive bays for Optical Drives, external 3.5 for floppy drives, or swappable hard drive and internal 3.5″ drive bay. Most people only have a single hard drive and a single optical drive, so the vast majority of cases will be fine, but if you have a lot of hard drives, make sure that you have enough bays to install them all.
- Front Panel Ports: USB, E-SATA, FireWire and Audio are commonly found on the front panel ports for easy access.
Keep in mind:
I’ll use this opportunity to remind you that this article is only a guideline for the prices I’ve seen on December 4th. You’re letting yourself down if you’re not looking for deals when you decide to purchase.
Keep in mind that this list is based on the best U.S. prices from NewEgg and/or Amazon. Prices and availability change everyday. I can’t keep up with accurate pricing everyday, but I can suggest to you great cases that you won’t regret buying at the price ranges that I list.
Let’s get started!
Best Computer Case for up to $50:
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 Best Case from $50 to $75:
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Best Case from $75 to $125:
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Best Case from $125 to $175:
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Conclusion:
Which one is your favorite case? Any case that you’ve seen for the first time that impressed you? Let us know by commenting right below.
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