The 15 best cases for the computer

*Editor’s review of the best ones. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a guide to purchase. It is necessary to consult with an expert before buying.

When choosing a computer configuration the most careful attention buyers pay to the characteristics of the electronic “stuffing”, and rightly so. However, all the electronics will be placed in a case in any case, and it is necessary to choose it with the same care. Case size, form factor, availability of options directly determine not only the usability of the assembled workstation, but also the effectiveness of cooling, upgradability, and even the likelihood of malfunction. Finally, a desktop computer case is a complete piece of furniture and its appearance also matters.

Expertology editors have prepared an extended review of our top enclosures in terms of their key attributes: form factor, size, purpose, price class and design.

Best computer cases for sale

The Best Computer Cases for the Budget

In the first nomination, we will consider a selection of the most affordable, yet quality and reliable computer cases. Our experts have chosen two models of different sizes from one of the most famous manufacturers of quality and cheap cases, South Korean company Zalman. Both samples shown come without power supplies. PSU should be selected individually, depending on the specific computer configuration and anticipated power consumption.

Zalman S2 Black

Rating: 4.9

Zalman S2 series mid-sized Midi-Tower case is number one in the ranking. Positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming case, even without looking back at the extremely affordable price. However, besides the extended set of places for fans this case has no more obvious “gaming” features even in design, so it cannot be put on a par with full-fledged gaming cases, which will be discussed below.

Case dimensions 189x451x412mm, weight 3.9 kg. Metal frame and side panels are made of steel. Compatible with ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX motherboards. On the side wall there is a large window to view the innards. Both sides detachable. Black exterior color.

Three screwless drive bays for form factor 3 hard drives are dedicated inside.5″ (compatible with 2.5″) and two for 2.5″, seven expansion slots. Maximum allowed CPU cooler height 156mm, graphics card length up to 330mm. A slot for the power supply is provided at the bottom horizontal position. There is a removable air filter.

The cooling capabilities of this model are as follows. There is a built-in fan 120×120 mm, allocated five seats for installation of additional fans of the same size – two on the top and three in front. There is also a design option to integrate liquid cooling.

Three USB connectors (including one USB 3.0), headphone jacks and microphone jacks.

Comes with a sufficient set of screws, a pair of plugs and cable management ties.

Advantages

• attractive and stern design;
• good airflow;
• filters with magnets;
• large transparent tinted window on the side;
• sufficient equipment.

Disadvantages

• Not a lot of room for a triple-section water-cooling system.

Zalman ZM-T3 Black

Rating: 4.8

The second inexpensive case in our rating is a compact Mini-Tower size model by the same South Korean brand – Zalman. Also positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming, and in terms of design even more similar to the gaming style than the above described.

Case dimensions – 189x428x364mm. Thickness of removable walls – 0.5mm. No viewing window, but there is a side vent that provides a partial view. Power supply mounting area is on the bottom, horizontally. Finished in black with matte and glossy areas of design elements.

This model is adapted for mATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. Two compartments are dedicated for Form Factor 3 media.5″, three for 2.5″ and one for 5.25″. Four expansion slots. The maximum allowed length of the video card is 300 mm.

Built-in 92x92mm fan provides basic cooling. There are also two places on the side for additional 120x120mm fans. Water cooling available.

Two USB connectors (including one 3-slot) are on the front panel of the case.0) and microphone and headphone jacks.

Advantages

• expressive design;
• Fully painted, including all insides;
• convenient screws for fixing the walls;
• Thick enough steel for a budget builder;
• well-placed dust traps;
• maximum benefits for a minimum price.

Disadvantages

• There are no objective disadvantages in terms of class.

The best computer cases for premium computers

The second category in our rating will be interesting for those buyers who are ready to pay a pretty hefty sum for a computer case, but get a really great product with all the advantages of premium electronics. These are the cases that make sense to buy when building a top-of-the-line PC.

Thermaltake Level 20 CA-1J9-00F9WN-00 Silver

Rating: 4.9

The flagship of the top models from Taiwan-based Thermaltake opens up the Expertology’s rating of the best computer cases. This technological marvel leaves no one indifferent, but not everyone can afford it. In fact, the exorbitant price is actually the only disadvantage of this model. Positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming, but here this is more of an obvious point than some kind of specialization, as the model is highly versatile in all respects.

Made in Super-Tower size with impressive size 280x688x732mm and even more impressive weight of 32kg. The design is clearly divided into three functional sections: one for the power supply, one for the motherboard and one for the liquid-cooling components (can also be used for housing additional storage devices). Each section has a window of tempered tinted glass, secured with hinges. The design is dominated by futuristic notes, rounded shapes, combination of metallic silver shade and deep black.

Support for a wide variety of motherboard form factors including ATX, mATX, EATX, Mini-ITX. Internal space options allow for as many as 11 hard drives in any form factor.5″ or 2.5″. Maximum allowable CPU cooler height is 200mm. The maximum length of graphics cards is 310mm. There are 10 expansion slots. The power supply section is on the top and can be placed as you wish, vertically or horizontally. PSU itself is not included.

The standard cooling system includes three Riing Plus 14 RGB 140x140mm fans. There are also three additional spaces for fans of the same size. Separate section is provided for installation of key modules of water cooling system (pump with reservoir, radiator).

On the right side of the near top section is a panel of interfaces: three connectors USB 3.0, one 2.0, one fast USB Type-C, separate headphone and microphone jacks.

RGB backlighting elements, including two Lumi Plus LED strips with a digital controller, are included as standard. Backlight tuning can be done via proprietary software, a dedicated mobile app or by voice messaging (Amazon Alexa voice communication is supported).

Advantages

• One of the most reputable brands of this kind of equipment;
• futuristic design;
• Modular structure (three separate functional sections);
• flawless quality of materials and assembly;
• large spaces inside;
• Decorative backlight elements with multifactor control;
• High-speed raiser included;
• Amazon Alexa voice control;
• comprehensive versatility in functionality and compatibility.

Disadvantages

• high price even for a premium model.

Deepcool New Ark 90 Black

Rating: 4.8

From the unattainable heights of the above model go down a little lower in terms of functionality and significantly lower in terms of cost. The computer case from the famous Chinese manufacturer Deepcool is more than three times cheaper than the previous super-flagship from Thermaltake, but in terms of performance it quite corresponds to the premium class.

Of course, this case is positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming case. However, here we must not forget that the functionality of almost all expensive cases is fully sufficient for the normal functioning of powerful gaming “stuffing”, and the differences mainly come down to the appearance. Here the exterior is more “server” than gaming, and evokes easy associations with the IBM supercomputer Deep Blue.

The size of the case is 232x546x532 mm – it balances on the border of Midi-Tower and F-size

l-Tower . weight 14.3kg. Metal structural elements are made of steel. Removable side panels, left side has large tinted viewing window almost all over. Mainly black color except for RGB backlight elements. Design – strict and extremely laconic, but adjusted with such care that despite the minimalism looks very stylish, solid and expensive.

Compatible with ATX, mATX, EATX and Mini-ITX form factor motherboards. Three cavities with screwless mounting for media 3.5″, and the same amount for 2.5″. There are 10 expansion slots. The seat for the power supply is on the bottom, horizontally. PSU not included. Maximum allowed CPU cooler height is 186mm, video card length limit is 310mm.

Cooling system including four regular 140x140mm fans, six locations for optional fans (three each from front and top) and a full featured Integrated Cooling Water Flow System with large 280mm radiator and two 140mm fans. There is a transparent pipe in between the two parts of the case where the coolant circulates.

On the front side there are two USB 3 sockets.0, headphone and microphone jacks. Users rebuked the manufacturers for such a limited set of ports saying it is too poor for a premium case.

The vertical perimeter of the case is divided by a recess with built-in RGB LED strip lighting.

Advantages

• Stylish and elegant design;
• Flawless quality of materials and assembly;
• Built-in water cooling;
• sliding and removable hard drive cage;
• Backlighting on waterblock and back fan.

Disadvantages

• few front ports.

an

PC-Q37WX Black

Rating: 4.7



Thermaltake Cube series enclosures are the first ones in our selection of the best-sized and roomy computer cases.

Enclosure dimensions are 394x515x623mm, weight 20.4kg. As you can see, even with the minimum height of the case it weighs quite decently. It’s all about the full depth, the steel metal elements and the thickness of these elements. Also features massive tempered glass in the design. Design of the case is restrained but distinctive hi-tech with natural-colored metal surfaces and plenty of tinted glass.

The depth of this case can accommodate motherboard of any popular form factor – ATX, mATX, EATX, Mini-ITX. The type of power supply will already determine the PSU, which must be purchased separately. The place for the power supply is provided at the bottom back part, it is designed for horizontal positioning of the case.

Inside the case there are seven compartments for 3.5″ form-factor media.5″, two compartments 2.5″ and 8 expansion slots. The maximum height of the cooler processor – 250mm, the length of the video card – no more than 590mm (this is not a typo – these video cards though not happen, but the case is clearly made “outgrowth”).

Cooling system has just one regular 140x140mm fan, but the amount of places reserved for fans are really impressive: room for three 120mm or two 140/200mm fans in the front, eight 120mm or six 140mm or two 200mm fans in the top, one 120/140mm fan in the back, three 120mm fans underneath and four 120mm or three 140mm fans left or right. The chassis is also designed for the installation of a liquid cooling system.

USB 3 interfaces are on the front panel.0, USB 3.1 Type-C and headphone and microphone jacks.

Advantages

• High-quality materials and construction;
• wide coverage of compatible motherboard form factors;
• Nice hi-tech design;
• Vast opportunities for cooling system modernization;
• The most capacious Midi-Tower case;
• Three year manufacturer warranty.

Disadvantages

• not noted.

Fractal Design Node 804 Black

Rating: 4.8



For the second place in the rating of the best computer cases we will consider one of the best developments of the Swedish special-purpose company Fractal Design. In 2007, a group of Cooltek descendants – mostly designers and engineers – founded their own company and set out to show the world what should be a compact, quiet, yet super-capacious computer case.

This model has an almost cubic shape with dimensions of 344x307x389mm and weighs 6kg. exterior color black, classic design. Main material of enclosure is steel. Both side panels can be removed and there is a big viewing window on the left side.

Enclosure supports mATX and Mini-ITX form factor motherboards. Maximum allowed CPU cooler height is 160mm, graphics card length is up to 320mm. Inside there are ten drive bays for form factor 3 media.5″, two compartments 2.5″, one compartment 5.25″, five expansion slots.

The place for the power supply (power supply is not included) is at the bottom and assumes horizontal positioning of the unit. The kit includes a removable air filter for the ventilation grill.

The chassis has a dual-chamber structure to separate cooling of the components – those modules that are by definition hotter are cooled separately. Built-in three 120x120mm regular fans, plus room for three extra 120x120mm fans at the front and four 140x140mm fans on the top. Cooling operation is controlled by built-in controller. It’s possible to install a VCR or up to four 240mm radiators.

Two USB 3 sockets on the front panel.0 and headphone jacks and microphone jack.

Advantages

• Dual chamber interior with separate component cooling;
• plenty of space for cables;
• enough slots for a RAID device;
• vibration mounts for HDD;
• Built-in re-obas (fan controller);
• One of the most functional Micro Tower enclosures on the market.

Drawbacks

• No fundamental flaws or inconsistencies with the advertised specifications were registered.

IN WIN BQ660U3 150W Black

Rating: 4.7



The third and final position in this selection of the best computer cases is the original product of another bright and specialized brand IN WIN. The case with the smallest footprint in our review.

The case measures 76x225x193mm and weighs 1kg without packing.62kg. Metal elements are made of steel; the external finish is black with matte and glossy surface. Chassis wall thickness – 0.8mm. No side viewing window, only side panel perforation. One side can be removed for access to accessories.

The case has been designed for a Mini-ITX form factor motherboard. A 150W power supply is included and is built into the bottom of the case in a separate compartment with air intake through an external filter. Dimensions of the power supply are not standard, taking into account the specifics of the case itself – 52x40x170mm. Inside there is one compartment for hard drive 2.5″ and one compartment 5.25″ with external output (for low profile drives only).

Cooling is handled by the regular fans and there’s no room for extra cooling.

Two USB 3 sockets are on the front panel.0 and sockets for microphone and headphones. Optionally there can be a card reader slot on the front panel, this has to be checked with the sales point.

The notable feature of this case is its design, weight and dimensions that allow you to mount it in the back of the monitor, thus getting a composite monoblock.

The product comes with adapters to connect a low-profile SATA drive.

Advantages

• Minimal size and weight;
• attractive look;
• Thick steel walls;
• Ability to mount in the back of the monitor.

Disadvantages

• The extremely limited number of compartments for accessories is more of a feature than a drawback, considering the small size of the case.

Best gaming cases for computers

Next nomination in our rating is devoted to one of the most interesting and brightest lines of computer hardware market. Here we take a look at four computer case models designed specifically for gamers. What they have in common is a wide functionality, well thought-out system of regular and potential cooling, lots of options and of course, distinctive gaming design.

Thermaltake View 91 TG RGB CA-1I9-00F1WN-00 Black

Rating: 4.9



First up in the selection, let’s take a look at one of the top enclosures from Thermaltake, the Taiwanese company known for their premium quality chassis. This is the flagship model of the View gaming series.

According to dimensions this is a real “monster” in a good way – it is a Super-Tower case of 344x645x691mm dimensions and weighs 30kg (pure weight). In the quality of materials Thermaltake excels as always with thick steel and 5mm thick tempered glass. Build quality also makes you doubt the conscientiousness of the manufacturer.

This case supports all major motherboard form factors including ATX, mATX, EATX, Mini-ITX and even XL-ATX. Maximum allowed CPU cooler height is 200mm, graphics card length up to 600mm. Inside there are 12 combo bays for form factor 3 devices.5″ i 2.5″, 10 expansion slots. The place for the power supply (not included) is located at the bottom and it is supposed to be placed horizontally.

Incorporates 4 fans for 140x140mm. Allotted three spaces for optional 140x140mm fans and eight 200x200mm fans. The possibility of installing a water (liquid) cooling. Ventilation grilles are equipped with removable air filters. Built-in fans have RGB-lighting.

On the top panel is located 4 USB 3 ports.0 one USB port 3.1 Type-C, separate headphone and microphone jacks.

The enclosure has a modular design with the most flexible options for customizing the internal space. Includes special bracket for vertical mounting of graphics module.

Advantages

• A premium gaming flagship;
• A reputable specialty brand;
• Exceptional quality of materials and assembly;
• Wide breadth of motherboard form factor support;
• large volume of free space;
• Hinged side panels;
• Thick, tempered tempered glass;
• convenient screws for screwdriver-free mounting;
• The dust filter with magnets;
• Brilliant, futuristic appearance.

Flaws

• No obvious defects were not detected.

Corsair Obsidian 500D RGB SE Black

Rating: 4.8



Number two in our rating is another premium gaming case by American company Corsair Components. Compared to the Thermaltake giant described above, it looks very modest, but objectively, it is one of the best in its category and size available in Russia.

The case measures 237x507x500mm and corresponds to the Midi-Tower standard size. Weighs almost three times as much as the previous model – 11.7kg. Main materials are steel, aluminum and tempered glass. A large viewing window is built into the side panel. Both side panels are removable. The color of the exterior trim is black predominantly.

Enclosure supports ATX, mATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. Seat for the power supply (not included) is located at the bottom and assumes horizontal mounting. CPU cooler height limited at 170mm, graphics card length limited at 370mm. Inside there are two dedicated compartments of form factor 3.5″ and three 2.5″, nine expansion slots. The air vents are equipped with a removable air filter.

This model features an advanced cooling system with flexible upgrades. Three regular 120x120mm fans with RGB illumination of each are located in the front under the glass panel, dedicated seats for one 120x120mm fan in the back and two seats for 120x120mm or 140x140mm fans on top. Fans operation is controlled by Commander PRO built-in controller based on monitoring of built-in temperature sensors. It also controls the backlighting. You can also integrate liquid cooling system.

Three USB connectors are on the front of the case, two of them are USB 3.0; one USB 3 socket.1 Type-C; microphone and headphone jacks.

In addition to the standard accessories, this model comes with Commander PRO controller add-ons, connection cables, double-sided adhesive tape, and temperature sensors.

Advantages

• reputable manufacturer;
• premium class;
• striking design;
• high quality materials and assembly;
• Built-in fan and backlight controller;

Disadvantages

• No disadvantages noted.

NZXT H700 PUBG

mited Edition

Rating: 4.7



And to finish this compilation of the best gaming computer cases rating, let’s take a look at the “heavyweight” – full-size computer case size F

l-Tower. This case is ideal for those who want to get a gaming computer look and feel for a minimum amount of money. And, it must be said, this model is remarkable not only appearance.

Dimensions of the case – 208x565x520mm. Steel and aluminum dominate the frame construction. Both side panels are detachable, the left one has a nearly full-size viewing window. Almost exclusively in deep black on the outside. Its high-tech design is impressive with expressive angular forms, combination of tinted glass and metal, and “sinister” orange-red illumination of the fans.

Compatible with ATX, mATX and Mini-ITX form factor motherboards. Two drive bays for 3.9″ form factor drives are provided inside.5″ and four – 3.5″; eight expansion slots. The height of the cooler is limited to 165mm and the length of the graphics card is limited to 425mm. Power supply is on the bottom and it is supposed to be mounted horizontally. PSU is not included.

Cooling is provided by three built-in 120x120mm fans located on the front panel under the protective glass. There is also room for three 120x120mm or two 140x140mm fans at the top and one 120x120mm fan at the back and bottom. Provides the ability to install a VHE. Air vent grille with removable dust filter.

4 USB ports on the front, two of them are USB 3 ports.0. Microphone and headphone jacks are located in the same place.

Advantages

• distinctive design with original backlighting;
• High-quality materials and build quality;
• handy “manual” screws;
• Well-designed seating for cooling fans;
• a lot of free space;
• the most affordable price in the group.

Disadvantages

• not found.

The best computer cases with the most distinctive design

The final selection of computer cases from Expertology is a real godsend for those who value originality in appearance above all else. Our experts have analyzed the Russian market and found three most unusual and original cases that at first glance do not always allow you to say that this is a real computer and not a hadron collider or a time machine.

Deepcool Quadstellar Black

Rating: 4.9



Let’s start with a real work of art from Deepcool who we already mentioned above in the premium case section. The appearance of the device will surely astonish and delight not only the uninitiated public, but also a very high-tech-savvy people. And only fans of the legendary game Half-

• fe unmistakable references to annoying flying drones in the shape of the body.

  Case dimensions – 483x493x538 mm, weight without packing – 14.5 kg. Prevailing materials are steel, tempered glass. One of the “petals” has a built-in viewing window. Finish color is deep black, the surface is mostly glossy, perfectly matching the glass elements.

  Compatible with ATX, mATX, EATX and Mini-ITX form factor motherboards. Power supply is not included. Power supply compartment in separate tray. CPU cooler height limitation – 110mm, graphics card length – 380mm. Inside there are 8 drive bays 3.5″ and five 2.5″, up to 14 expansion slots (depending on the size of other accessories and the number of fans installed). Ventilation grilles are equipped with air filters.

  Cooling system includes five built-in 120×120 mm fans and an integrated control module. You can expand the cooling capacity by installing four additional fans of the same size and/or a liquid cooling system.

  Two USB 3 sockets are on the front of the case.0 and audio jacks for microphone and headphones. In addition to the expressive shape, the casing is also equipped with RGB lighting.

  Advantages

  • One of the most expressive non-standard design solutions;
  • Rugged metal frame, thick tempered glass;
  • A lot of slots and expansion slots;
  • modular structure – isolated placement of key blocks;
  • Fan controller;
  • All the possibilities for equipping a full-fledged gaming machine;
  • Fans and backlight control, temperature tracking via mobile app.

  Disadvantages

  • No negative quality or performance claims.

  GameMax Hot Wheel Black

  Rating: 4.8

  

  Next in the rating of the most unusual computer cases is a model no less expressive in design than the previous one, but much more recognizable. The housing is styled like a sports car wheel. Probably the perfect choice for those who like sports car racing computer games.

  Dimensions of the case are 235x527x520mm, weight 9.5 kg. Frame material – aluminum with record thickness of 2mm. Removable side glass panels. Black color and silver color dominate the bus. Also available in other colors.

  The case is compatible with ATX, mATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. PSU housing is vertical, PSU is not included. CPU cooler height is limited to 175mm, graphics card length is limited to 455mm. Two inner drive bays for 3 drives.5″ and two 2.5″, four expansion slots.

  Cooling system includes regular 120x120mm fans and three additional fan trays of the same size on the left, right, and rear. “Wheel” is mounted on the base, which also houses two liquid cooling system reservoirs.

  On the front panel there are two USB 3.0 and two headphone and microphone jacks.

  Advantages

  • extra-thick elements of the metal frame;
  • Exceptionally high quality and reliable materials;
  • Relative ease of assembly;
  • colorful backlighting;
  • reservoirs for water cooling circuit;
  • Sufficient space for the installation of a high-performance system;
  • Many color variations available.

  Disadvantages

  • No obvious disadvantages revealed.

  Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition VN10006W2N White

  Rating: 4.7

  

  And the Expertology review of the best computer cases closes with another engineering marvel from Thermaltake, the futuristic full-size chassis from Level 10 series. Its expressive modular structure is more like an alien base from sci-fi movies or games.

  The dimensions of this model – 282x584x590 mm, weight – 12.7 kg. Main material is steel. White color with touches of deep black dominates in the exterior. Modular enclosure design is another engineering feat that allows for optimum housing of large and bulky components.

  The case is compatible with ATX, mATX and EATX motherboards. Each module has its own viewing window. Five combo 2 bays for installing and connecting hard drives.5″/2.5″, one dedicated 3.5″, four slide-out compartments 5.25″. Bay unit mounts screwless. There are eight expansion slots. The walls of the modules are detachable. The place for the power supply unit allocated in the bottom module, PSU is not included. The height limitation for the CPU cooler is 190 mm, the length of the video card – 360 mm.

  Cooling system includes three massive 200x200mm fans and one 140x140mm fan. There is room for an extra 120x120mm fan. Cooling is controlled by a built-in controller. The design allows you to install a VVO. Dust filters are easy to remove and just as easy to clean.

  Two USB 3 plugs are on the top of the front panel.0, eSATA connector, microphone and headphone jacks. The chassis also includes stylish backlighting elements that you can easily control or turn off.

  One notable feature of this model is its low noise level. This was achieved by the designers thanks to the successful integration of high volume fans. This makes it possible to pump larger air volumes at lower speeds.

  Advantages

  • Stylish, futuristic design;
  • Exceptionally high quality materials and workmanship;
  • The illustrious premium brand;
  • One of the quietest air coolers available, thanks to massive, large-diameter fans;
  • Modular structure – key blocks are insulated and cooled separately
  • easy access to the innards.

  Flaws

  • a high percentage of users have conflicting opinions about the quietness of the cooling system – it is impossible to verify their objectivity.
  Read more  The 10 best manufacturers of laptops