Many PC enthusiasts focus on the hardware components like the GPU and processor, but they often overlook the importance of a good PC case Often, fans opt for the least expensive choice to cut costs. Nonetheless, this selection might result in issues later on due to subpar construction and restricted air circulation.
To prevent these problems, we'll guide you through the factors you should keep in mind when purchasing a PC case. Additionally, we will point out some of the best options available across different price ranges.
1. The dimensions and design aspects are crucial.
Initially, ensure you select a casing that accommodates all your parts. Compatibility with your motherboard depends on the size of the enclosure. You’ll commonly encounter cases designed for ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. Less frequently utilized formats include XL-ATX and E-ATX configurations, which offer more space yet are seldom seen in typical gaming setups.
Big cases typically accommodate smaller form factors as well, though the opposite can be challenging. For instance, attempting to install a large custom RTX 5080 card into a mini-ITX enclosure would reveal immediate size constraints. Therefore, ensure that your chosen case provides ample room for all components such as GPUs, AIO coolers, fans, and power supply units.
Let's examine the typical form factors. These include full-size tower cases, mid-tower cases, small-form-factor cases, and ITX cases. Full-sized towers provide ample room; they accommodate every common motherboard size, frequently including support for XL-ATX and/or E-ATX standards as well. Such cases grant you generous space for both parts installation and wire organization.
MIDI towers are slightly smaller; although they can accommodate ATX motherboards, E-ATX models do not always fit. In contrast, mini-towers are more compact, fitting only Micro-ATX and smaller sizes, with ITX systems being suitable exclusively for ITX form factors.
2. Are all the parts compatible?
To determine which parts will be compatible with your computer case, you can inspect PC Part Picker — You'll find all the pertinent details listed there. For instance, if you're searching for a MIDI tower, you can view all the sorting options right away.
When choosing a particular case, look at the "Motherboard Form Factor" segment to determine which sizes it supports. The range goes up to E-ATX; however, keep in mind three more elements: power supply unit, CPU cooler, and graphics card compatibility.
In this case, we have an ATX power supply unit, i.e., the standard size. Please note: ATX power supply units have different depths. For compact builds, there are SFX and SFX-L power supplies. You should also check the maximum size of your CPU fan and graphics card. For the CPU fan, it’s about the height, i.e., how far the fan protrudes from the mainboard. As for the GPU, it’s the lengthmeasured from the slot bracket.
You can check how much remaining space your case offers and examine its construction. Typically, this data is accessible via PC Part Picker; however, if it isn’t, you should visit the manufacturer’s site for details. Luckily, once you input all your chosen parts onto the website, it will alert you about any potential compatibility issues.
3. Airflow, fan, AIO
Achieving proper ventilation isn't complicated, yet selecting an appropriate enclosure for it can be challenging, and there are several pitfalls to avoid. Here’s our advice: opt for simplicity. Many manufacturers tend to create elaborate "cooling systems," but these often end up being counterproductive.
The concept is fairly straightforward: introduce as much cool air into the case as possible and expel warm air effectively. A simple method to achieve this involves incorporating a mesh-front panel equipped with perforated grills. This design becomes particularly beneficial when cooling your CPU via an air-cooler setup. Typically, space allows for installing between two to three fans within such configurations, ensuring adequate airflow directly towards both the GPU and the CPU cooler. Additionally, fitting one exhaust fan at the rear will create positive pressure inside the enclosure, providing more than enough ventilation for most setups.
Several cases come with fans included, which you can verify on Geizhals as well. This platform helps you determine which fans work best for specific locations within the case. For instance, the front area might accommodate a single 140mm fan, dual 140mm fans, or even triple 120mm fans. Fans marked as "not optional" indicate they are pre-installed components.
Other methods can enhance proper air circulation as well. An All-In-One (AIO) system changes things significantly once more. Initially, we must determine which coolers are compatible with our case dimensions. On platforms like Geizhals, one can check the specific cooler sizes suitable for various positions within the enclosure.
For the Corsair case (refer to the image provided), anything up to 360 millimeters can be accommodated at the front, top, and side panels. Additionally, at the rear—where typically only one fan is placed—a 120mm all-in-one cooler could also fit comfortably. This means that with an AIO cooler installed, having a mesh design upfront becomes less critical, unless your preference is for mounting the radiator directly behind this area.
Nonetheless, your parts shouldn’t overheat, which means adequate air circulation inside the case remains crucial even when using an all-in-one cooler. That said, it doesn’t matter as much whether the airflow targets the CPU specifically; thus, you can afford to experiment more with fan placement—especially pertinent for larger and mid-size cases. On the flip side, if you're assembling a small form factor build, focus extra attention on cooling solutions and maybe check out some instructional clips online.
4. Connections and equipment
A lot of individuals overlook the connectivity options and functionalities when purchasing a case, yet this oversight could lead to significant issues! Cases often come with external interfaces such as USB-A ports, headphone jacks, possibly microphones, or even USB-C connectors. Nonetheless, verifying the specific USB specifications remains crucial. Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that every case does not include frontal access points, an aspect that might prove vital for your needs.
When considering features, as noted earlier, focus on whether pre-installed fans are included. Additionally, think about the number of SSDs and hard drives you wish to install. Despite gaming PCs rarely requiring hard drives these days, most still incorporate at least one 2.5-inch SSD. As before, consult Geizhals to determine the available space, typically listed under "Internal."
Mini tip: Cable management
Before addressing the final point, let's discuss cable management. It can be challenging to assess from Geizhals how well-suited a case is for managing cables. Hence, carefully examine the provided product images. Check if there are sufficient channels for routing wires and if there is adequate space behind the panel to accommodate all your cabling needs. Should you narrow down your selection of cases, watching some video reviews could provide additional insights.
5. Quality and price
Let's discuss pricing now. What amount should you consider spending for a good-quality casing? A reliable case doesn't necessarily need to break the bank since numerous options include essential ports and high-grade fans. However, a $40 case often consists of flimsy components and might lack the sturdiness found in more costly models.
In the end, the case needs to match your budget. While you could build a $2,500 computer and place it in an inexpensive case, aesthetics may suffer. Typically, it’s advisable to allocate roughly five to ten percent of your total budget towards the case itself. Therefore, for a $1,000 system, target cases priced between $50 and $100.
This serves merely as a basic guide. However, both budget-friendly and higher-end alternatives are usually available. Keep an eye open for discounts or save items you like in your wish list for later buys.
Our recommendations
Below are our suggestions for various budget levels:
・ Endorfy Ventum 200 Air , Midi Tower, includes four pre-installed non-RGB fans, features a glass side panel, comes with a dust filter, offers excellent cable management, $67.95 at Amazon
・ Corsair Frame 4000D midi tower with excellent ventilation, comes with just two non-RGB fans installed. $109.99 at Amazon
・ Stay Silent Light Base 900 tall structure, two layers of glass walls, adjustable base supports, includes four built-in fans, $189.90 at Amazon