(Reading this via e-mail? Make sure to click on “Show Pictures” or to allow pictures to show, as there many pictures of cases featured in this article)
The Antec DF-85, one of the 114 cases featured in this article.
Computer Case: Showcasing your custom PC
Unlike most parts in a computer, I can’t recommend computer cases based on their performance for their price, since PC cases don’t directly influence performance.
However, the case is what protects your fragile components, cool them down and helps you showcase your awesome computer.
The Computer Case is what your friends, family and colleagues will see when they see your PC. If you want to make your own PC look awesome, professional or outstanding, this where your case will make a major difference.
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. Note that you can also get a fan controller to control the speed and noise of your case fans.
- 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 it’s not properly executed, it can also be not as effective to secure parts, unlike good old screws. Pros system builders 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. Getting a SSD? Make sure that the case features either a 3.5″->2.5″ adapter or the specific space for a SSD.
- Front Panel Ports: USB, E-SATA, FireWire and Audio are commonly found on the front panel ports for easy access.
Keep in mind:
Prices for B&H as of August 5th 2011. Click on Amazon links to see prices. Note that I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Keep in mind that this list is based on the best U.S. prices from NewEgg. 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:
Rosewill DESTROYER
Size: Mid Tower
Dimensions (L x W x H): 18.78″ x 7.41″ x 17.49″
Supported Motherboard Size(s): ATX, MICRO-ATX
Material used: SECC Steel
Cooling: 3 x 120mm fans included, supports up to seven 120mm fans.
Tool-less Assembling: Nope
External 5.25″ drive bays: 5
External 3.5″ drive bays: 0 or 1 (You lose a 5.25″ drive bay)
Internal 3.5″ drive bays: 3
Front Panel Ports: Audio, 2 USB and E-SATA
About the Rosewill Destroyer: For $45, you can get a great looking case with good cooling cooling to begin with, ready to upgrade with four more 120mm fans if you want to have top-notch cooling. Available for $45 on NewEgg, it’s a deal that’s hard to beat.
Obviously, I realize that we all have different tastes and preferences when it comes to the look of our own personal PC case.
This is why I recommend this variety of alternatives cases, in no particular order, with pictures so you can see what they look like:
Click on the pictures for additional pictures and details on a particular case.
Best Case from $50 to $75:
Antec Three Hundred Illusion
Size: Mid Tower
Dimensions (L x W x H): 18.30″ x 8.10″ x 18.00″
Supported Motherboard Size(s): ATX
Material used: Steel
Cooling: (Rear) 1 x 120mm, (Front) 2 x 120mm Blue LEDs with 3-speed switches, (Top) 1 x 140mm Blue LEDs with 2-speed switch. Supports an additional 120mm case fan on the side panel.
Tool-less Assembling: Nope
External 5.25″ drive bays: 3
External 3.5″ drive bays: 0
Internal 3.5″ drive bays: 6
Front Panel Ports: Audio and two USB ports.
About the Antec Three Hundred Illusion: If you like the Antec Three Hundred but are looking for more ventilation or if you like the classic Antec Nine Hundred but find it too expensive, the Antec Three Hundred Illusion is a great choice for you. For $70, this case comes with four cooling fans, three of them with speed switches so you can manually adjust the speed of your fans, for either performance, silence or a nice balance. Good to know: Despite all that cooling power, you don’t have to worry too much about dust accumulating in your case, as it includes washable air filters. Available for $70
Alternatives cases in the $50-$75 price range, in no particular order, with pictures so you can see what they look like:
Click on the pictures for additional pictures and details on a particular case.
Best Case from $75 to $100:
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62
Size: Mid Tower
Dimensions (L x W x H): 19.61″ x 8.43″ x 19.53″
Supported Motherboard Size(s): Micro-ATX, ATX
Material used: 0.8 mm SECC Steel, Plastic + Mesh
Cooling: 1 x 140mm Blue LEDs (Front), 2 x 140mm Blue LEDs (Top) and 1 x 120mm (Back)
Tool-less Assembling: Yes, Tool-less & anti-vibration design on 5.25″ & 3.5″ device cage, PCI card holder, power supply holder, fan mounting and motherboard fixing.
External 5.25″ drive bays: 5
External 3.5″ drive bays: 0
Internal 3.5″ drive bays: 4
Front Panel Ports: Audio and 2 USB
About the LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62: This case was designed with performance and silence in mind. The large case fans keep your component cool, yet are silent. The tool-less parts are solid and easy to work with. The anti-vibration design keeps the case even more silent. I personally use this case with a fan controller, keeping the fans near minimum levels for my workstation. I cannot hear a thing coming out of the case (it’s next to me and it’s dead quiet where I live) and my overclocked CPU stays under 40C under load, even on hot summer days.
It features a window on the side, with not too bright blue LEDs fans, which makes it perfect to showcase your build, without flashing too much, why is one of the reason I picked it, because I wanted something that looked good, yet professional.
Best of all? The inside of the case is painted in black and features various holes, including one perfectly located to attach a CPU Cooler. I have worked with many (and I mean MANY) computer cases over the years and I can tell you that the LIAN LI Lancool PC-K62, at its current price of $100 (Instead of $130) is definitely one the best deals that you can get for such a wonderful case.
Obviously, I realize that not everyone share my tastes, so here are so other great alternatives in the same $75-$100 price range:
Alternatives cases, in no particular order, with pictures so you can see what they look like:
Click on the pictures for additional pictures and details on a particular case.
Best Case from $100 to $150:
COOLER MASTER HAF 932
Size: Full-size Tower
Dimensions (L x W x H): 22.70″ x 9.00″ x 21.50″
Supported Motherboard Size(s): ATX , Micro-ATX, E-ATX
Material used: Plastic and Steel
Cooling: 3 x 230mm and 1 x 140mm
Tool-less Assembling: Yes, for 5.25″ & 3.5″ drive bays and expansion slots
External 5.25″ drive bays: 6
External 3.5″ drive bays: 1
Internal 3.5″ drive bays: 5
Front Panel Ports: Audio, 4 USB, FireWire and E-SATA
About the Cooler Master HAF 932: In a few words, this case is simply wonderful. Equipped with 3 massive 230mm and a 140mm case fans for optimal cooling, 4 USB, Firewire AND E-Sata on the front panel and since it’s a full-size tower, you have plenty of space for an high-end powerful PC. Available for $130 on NewEgg.com
Alternatives cases, in no particular order, with pictures so you can see what they look like:
Click on the pictures for additional pictures and details on a particular case.
Best Case from $150 to $200:
Antec Twelve Hundred
Size: Full Tower
Dimensions (L x W x H): 20.20″ x 8.40″ x 22.90″
Supported Motherboard Size(s): ATX
Material used: Steel
Cooling: 3 x 120mm Blue LEDs (Front), 2 x 120mm Blue LEDs (Back) and 1 x 200mm Blue LEDs (Top)
Tool-less Assembling: Nope.
External 5.25″ drive bays: 3 by default, up to 12
External 3.5″ drive bays: 0
Internal 3.5″ drive bays: Up to 9
Front Panel Ports: Audio, 2 USB
About the Antec Twelve Hundred: Can you say incredible cooling? With five 120mm and one 200mm case fans, this case will help you cool down the most extreme PC without a problem. Available for $175
Alternatives cases, in no particular order, with pictures so you can see what they look like:
Click on the pictures for additional pictures and details on a particular case.
Best Computer Case over $200:
Thermaltake Level 10
Size: Super Full Tower
Dimensions (L x W x H): 24.17″ x 12.52″ x 26.22″
Supported Motherboard Size(s):ATX, MicroATX
Material used: Aluminium
Cooling: 1 x 140mm, 1 x 120mm and 1 x 60mm
Tool-less Assembling: Yes
External 5.25″ drive bays: 3
External 3.5″ drive bays: 0
Internal 3.5″ drive bays: 6
Front Panel Ports: Audio, 4 USB and 1 E-SATA
About the Thermaltake Level 10: The design is the collaboration by Thermaltake and BMW Group DesignworksUSA. This results in a truly striking look that is unique. All parts are separated in different enclosures. Available for $800 on NewEgg.com
Alternatives cases, in no particular order, with pictures so you can see what they look like:
Click on the pictures for additional pictures and details on a particular case.
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.
What do you think of the new format of this article, with all the pictures? If you have any suggestions, let me know too!
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No Antec Sonata III case listed???
That is like the best case in the 100-150 buck range, but it comes with a PSU.
For like 80 bucks you can get that same case with no PSU as the Sonata Proto.
Richardginn,
I used to recommend the Antec Sonata III, until I heard about the various users who had/still are having trouble with static discharge (ESD). Basically, nearly every time that you use the front USB ports, the OS crashes/reboots.
While the last few customers on NewEgg seems to have no problem, I rather wait a bit to make sure the problem is actually resolved, before recommending it again.
Hope that answers your question.
Take care,
Mathieu
Any chance on getting a sublist of cases compatible with a 5970?
EBOBO,
Sure, I'll update the article with that sometime this week when I have some
time for it.
Take care,
Mathieu
These are some awesome cases – thanks for sharing the info.
What about the NZXT Phantom? It's surely the prettiest case out there, and i hear it's rather good too.
aRmand,
It's a new model that came out after I wrote this article, but I just took a look at it and it looks outstanding, features plenty of ventilation, tons of drive bays, fan controllers, a lot of cable management, tons of space and good looks, for $140.
I would definitely recommend it, I see nothing wrong with it, especially for the price.
Take care,
Mathieu
Yeah, sorry i didn't notice it was that new.
Anyway thanks, and i think i'll go for that one in my new build.
Great site you have by the way, helped me a lot.
Cheers.
aRmand,
No problem, actually thanks for getting me to notice that case, I might just recommend it in a build or two on Hardware Revolution.
Thanks for the kind words regarding the website, glad to heat that it was useful to you.
Cheers,
Mathieu
I feel the AssA Helios 910 should be listed.
Rynoceros,
Indeed, I agree with you on this. Nice find, thanks for bringing it to my attention. I'll make sure to add it in the next edition of this article.
Take care,
Mathieu
Would the NZXT Lexa S Have enough cooling power for your $1500 build. I plan to use a Cooler Master V8, MSI Cyclone N460GTXs in SLI, and the EVGA p55 SLI Motherboard (Found a realy good combo deal). I also plan to Overclock both the CPU and the GTX 460s. Is there something else with the cooling power of the HAF 922, but the the look and feel of the Lexa S ( I really like the side window). Or would you just recommend using the HAF 922 instead?
Roinuj,
The NZXT Lexa S would be alright for a stock configuration, but for overclocking, you'll want more airflow.
For a case with better airflow, that looks closer to the Lexa S, I'd go with either the Antec Nine Hundred Two or the LIAN-LI PC-K62.
Also, the MSI Cyclone GTX 460 are to avoid for SLI: Their open-cooler design exhaust the heat inside of the case, which results in the following: The bottom card exhaust hot air, which rises and gets sucked in by the top card, which ends up being much hotter, which will either result in overheating or at the very least, much higher temperatures which will hurt overclocking.
Also make sure that the EVGA p55 have 8x/8x PCI-Express slots, not the 16x/4x, as I wrote about in Warning: These P55 motherboards will cripple your Crossfire/SLI performance. Another thing to look at is the space between the PCI-Express 16x slots. The more, the better, since you want your cards to be able to “breath” for fresh air. Finally, make sure that the motherboard includes a SLI cable.
Take care,
Mathieu
Thanks alot. I've convinced myself that I don't need the side window, like the LEXA S. I'm pretty much sticking to your exact $1250 configuration. It seems like the best option to tell you the truth. And with a bit of thought I realize you are right about external exhaust, I was just drawn to the cheaper price and a sweet Combo Deal they had on Newegg for the MSI Cyclone. As well as the higher benchmark ratings.
Sorry I meant the $1250 Build.
New case from Cooler Master; The HAF 912 Plus: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
Andrew,
Awesome, thanks for the heads up. It's a pretty good deal for $60. Too bad that they only include two fans though, but still, at least you have the option to add many more.
Cheers,
Mathieu
Antec just released a new case, the LanBoy: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129093
Looks like a very unique case, it is made almost completely out of mesh and it's “modular”.
It also has a yellow version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129092
Talk about a flashy case, makes sense as a LAN case I guess. Still, $200 for such a case is asking for too much in my opinion. Not to mention using mesh everywhere. Sure, it's good for ventilation, but what a pain for maintenance, since it's going to get dusty really quick…
My 2 cents.
how about the antec 1200 case or cooler master haf x ????????????
Depends on your system…I personally prefer the HAF-X, for the GPU cooling, but if you want a LOT of hard drives, the Antec 1200 would be better.
Having owned both cases, I went back to the Antec 1200, it allowed my Pc to run much cooler… thats with the same fans used on both builds as stock fans are never enough…
looks like gadgets in a low budget star trek movie
hi, what do you think of the coolermaster cosmos s case.i am thinking of purchasing it for the new socket 2011 when its released.trying to gather parts ahead of time
The coolermaster cosmos s has a lot of airflow, which is good for cooling. If you're up for it, you can also modify it in many ways (just google coolermaster cosmos s modding or something similar) too.
Cons being: The power button seems to often become defective, the large 200mm side fan can be in the way of tall CPU Coolers, the drive bay is pain to use and can only hold four 3.5″ drives, there's no cutout on the motherboard tray to install a CPU cooler that requires a backplate.
It's a good case for cooling and looks, but it's an old design and its age is starting show. Not worth $180 if you ask me.
Would love to get your opinion of this case from Canyon:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811215014&cm_re=abs_canyon-_-11-215-014-_-Product
Yeah it's large. I really love the aesthetics though, the understated look with the anodized finish on the aluminum is just so so pretty and appeals to my sense of style. Plus it comes with 6 fans preinstalled, 4 120mm and 2 60mm. Building with it looks like it will be a complete joy as it's got all the right removable parts in all the right places, like a completely removeable MoBo plate, and a behind MB cable design. The sound dampeners in the sides are a nice bonus for me since I like things to stay quiet.
Just for the sake of argument, what would you recommend for the $200-300 range if I wasn't willing to go all the way up to $800 for that admittedly sweet looking Level 10?
The Lanboy Air Mesh Style and Fan setup vents air through the mesh. With the air being forced out of all the holes actually helps keep dust from building up on/in the case. Been using mine for a while and haven't noticed much of a dust build up. Due to some of its more unique features like the air mounts for the drives its extremely quiet for being so open. I wouldn't have paid 200 for the case, however, I was able to pick it up for 154.00 which was more then worth it. Portability and the Modular design is second too none in my book.
The Phanteks Enthoo Pro, at $99, is a hell of a full size.
I think this entire article is out of date. only a few of the pictures loaded and every single under $50 case was out of stock.
Well, yes — it was published in 2010. Six years is an eternity in computer parts.