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PC Hardware

The 5 Best NZXT Cases in 2026

Best NZXT PC Case

The 5 Best NZXT Cases in 2026

I updated this feature in February after reviewing the latest NZXT releases in 2026. Most of my top recommendations remain the same, but I’ve added some extra alternatives throughout the article.

There’s nothing like a good looking PC case.

And NZXT is the master of balancing design with affordability.

One of the best PC case manufacturers around, they’ve built up a fantastic line of towers refined over many different versions.

But with those versions comes a lot of variety.

So we’ve built this feature to guide you through the best NZXT PC cases for gaming, streaming, production, and general use setups.

We’ve selected the top options for different sizes/budgets, and we’ll explain the differences between NZXT case common models for those interested.

Top Picks

Overall Best NZXT Case: NZXT H510

This is one of the most popular PC cases on the market for a reason!

To start, we also consider this our best budget NZXT case pick.

It somehow manages to balance great build quality and internal features while maintaining a fantastic price-point.

The chassis exterior is built with a great SGCC steel material and a slick tempered glass window.

The finish, whether you choose: white, black, or a custom option, are all in matte. This gives the case a much more “premium” feel.

But it’s not just pretty.

The H510 is a “compact” mid-tower, supporting:

  • 7 expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 381mm (without front radiator installed, 320mm with)
  • 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 3. 5″ drive bays, with an option to expand to one more of each (likely not needed for a gaming tower)

Despite its small dimensions for an ATX case, the H510 still boasts an impressive internal layout.

You’ve got more than enough room in here for a multi-GPU gaming computer case.

But how about cooling such a setup?

Well, you’ll have:

  • Up to 2 x 140mm & 2 x 120mm fans with 2 x Aer F120 case fans included, insane for the price
  • Up to 2 x 140mm & 1 x 120mm radiators (could be combined with 1 140mm fan on the top also)

This availability isn’t super impressive for an ATX PC case.

But between the great cable management facilities and decent airflow design, it is still going to be more than enough for gaming rigs and still can be considered a capable PC case for overclocking.

If you are worried about getting the best NZXT computer case for cooling though, read our high-end pick further below.

NZXT H500 vs H510 vs H510i vs H510 Elite:

The H500 was the previous version of the flagship case.

The only real difference between H500 and H510 is that the latter has an included USB Type C port on the front.

Either way, the H500 is becoming discontinued so the H510 is usually cheaper – stick to it.

The H510i is the same H510 case with a pre-installed Smart Device 2 fan/RGB controller & 2 RGB strips.

It’s you have the extra money, it makes a great RGB PC case and a nice basis for an illuminated build.

The H510 Elite is similar to the H510, but includes the Smart Device 2 controller, 2 vertical GPU expansion slots, and 2 NZXT AER RGB 2 case fans.

These case fans are some of the best RGB fans on the market and expensive to buy alone, so if you like the look of them it is a good deal.

However, the nicest aesthetic difference for the Elite is the beautiful tempered glass front window.

It really is a sharp, unique PC case and we were tempted to give it the top spot over the H510.

But ultimately, the differences between the models are mainly aesthetic.

So don’t fret if you can only afford the H510. We gave it 1st place for a reason!

When you consider the price-tag value, the H510 is the best NZXT ATX case on the market.

If you don’t have the budget for the high-end pick or H510 Elite, this is an amazing choice that will cover everything you need in a mid-range gaming/streaming/general-use NZXT PC build.

2026 update: The NZXT H510 remains my top pick for 3 years running. For whatever reason, its stock listing is spread over multiple listings on Amazon. Please check this link as well as the button below to ensure you get the best price.

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Best NZXT Mini ITX Case: NZXT H210

And then there are those looking for the best NZXT ITX case.

We do have a more expensive tiny option further below, but with a budget in mind, there’s no beating the H210.

Despite the size, the H210 amazingly retains so many of the features and build quality that its larger brothers have.

You’re getting the same beautiful, matte SGCC finish steel/tempered glass exterior.

This NZXT mITX case still offers:

  • 2 x expansion slots (standard for mITX)
  • GPU Clearance up to 325mm
  • 3 x 2.5″ & 1 x 3.5″ drive bays

Bearing in mind you’ll only ever build a single-GPU on a Mini ITX motherboard, this case really does boast fantastic space.

In particular, fitting that amount of storage space is excellent for the form factor.

What’s even more impressive though is the amount of cooling:

  • Up to 2 x 140mm & 2 x 120mm case fans with 2 Aer 120 fans included
  • Up to 3 x 120mm radiators (with the option to add a further 120mm fan on the top)

It’s common for mini ITX PC cases to have 1-3 fans/ 1-2 radiators.

So the availability here is fantastic, the fact that you’re also getting 2 free high-quality ones in a cheap NZXT PC case is the cherry on top.

Bear in mind that in such a small chassis, you’re not going to get the same cable management/airflow as the other list picks.

But for a single GPU build, this case has more than enough, ideal as a portable computer case for gaming, or simply someone who likes a tiny tower.

If you’re looking for the smallest form factor, you really can’t get much better than this for the price.

This is easily one of the best budget ITX cases on the market (not just from NZXT!).

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Best NZXT EATX Case / High-End Choice: NZXT H710

Our next choice is for those looking for an NZXT mid-tower case with a little more budget than the H510.

Despite the larger material dimensions, you’re still getting the same great SGCC steel / tempered glass exterior expected from the H series.

This is also one of our favorite NZXT white case options, the coloring looks fantastic in this black and white aesthetic.

The H710 is the largest case on the list and the closest you’ll get to an NZXT full tower in their range today. 

The case can impressively fit EATX motherboards up to 10.7 inches.

You’ll have room for:

  • 7 x expansion slots (with 2 extra vertical ones on the H510i model)
  • VGA length up to 413mm
  • 7 x 2.5″ & 2 x 3.5″ drive bays (with room to expand with a further 2 x 3.5″ bays)

Tied alongside a high-end ATX setup or EATX motherboard, you’re going to have amazing potential for a very powerful multi-GPU build here.

The storage is also particularly impressive.

With these drive bay allowances (tied with a large motherboard with NVMe storage options) this is a superb PC case for video editing, server or production usage.

The H710 is also easily the best NZXT case for airflow and cooling, with:

  • Up to 6 x 120mm + 1 x 140mm fans (with 3 AER 120 + 1 AER 140 case fans included)
  • Up to 7 x 120mm radiators (or larger size combinations in smaller quantities on the top/bottom)

Tied with a great space for cable management, and massive internal dimensions that will naturally give you more airflow. If you’re looking for an NZXT case for watercooling or overclocking, this is the top pick.

With the 4 high-quality fans included, although this is the expensive case option, it still offers fantastic value.

NZXT H700 vs H710 vs H710i

Similar to the H500 series, the main difference between H700 and H710 is that the latter has a USB Type C port on the I/O panel.

But it’s also the new refreshed model, so more readily available and likely cheaper than buying a H700 now, so stick to it even if you don’t care about this port.

For the H710i, you’re also getting the Smart Device V2 fan/RGB controller and 2 RGB strips for illumination.

The only non-aesthetic difference is the addition of 2 extra expansions slots for a vertical GPU mount (great for presentation).

These additions do look great and are a perfect basis for a beautiful RGB build (but if you can only afford H710, don’t fret: you are essentially getting the same case feature-wise).

Simply put, the H710 is the best NZXT ATX case for gaming and high-end production builds if you have more of a budget.

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Best NZXT Micro ATX Case: NZXT H400i

2021 Update: The H400 series is the last remaining Micro ATX case by NZXT, and unfortunately appears to be in lower stock levels this year.

If it’s not in stock when you click through to the Amazon page, we’d recommend picking up the H510 and running an ATX build. Or, if you’re more focused on compactness, pickup the H210 and go for ITX (alternatively, we have alternative great mATX options available in other features).

Next up is for those looking for the best NZXT mATX case.

The most impressive thing about this PC tower case is that it retains (and in some ways, exceeds) many of the same great qualities as the H510 despite its mini tower form factor.

To start, it has the same great SGCC steel/tempered glass build and matte finish.

The mini form factor also means it looks particularly great for an on-desk setup.

You’re getting excellent internal capability for the size, with:

  • 4 x expansion slots
  • 3 x 2.5″ & 1 x 3.5″ drive bays
  • Graphics cards up to 411mm

This is an ideal NZXT gaming PC case for dual GPU (the most you’ll get out of a Micro ATX motherboard, but more than enough for a powerful setup).

The cooling is excellent for the dimensions, with:

  • Up to 5 x 120mm fans with 3 x Aer 120 Case fans included
  • Up to 2 x 140mm & 1 x 120mm radiators (again, combinable with a top 140mm fan)

As far as Micro ATX cases go, there is still a decent amount of room in here for cable management and airflow.

Between this and the cooling capability, you’ve got one of the best Micro ATX cases for overclocking for a mid-range price tag.

Of course, you are paying a premium above the H510 for this.

But if you have the budget and want to stick to a smaller form factor, this is an amazing choice.

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Smallest NZXT Case: NZXT H1

And last but by no means least is for NZXT builders looking for the smallest PC case they can find.

The NZXT H1 is a new ITX case that boasts what feels like wizardry to create a small console-sized PC case for gaming.

The features include:

  • A PCIe 3 riser card to vertically install a GPU
  • 2 x expansion slots / GPU lengths up to 305mm 
  • Beautiful SGCC steel and tinted tempered glass exterior.
  • 2 x 2.5″ bays (many larger ITX cases only have 1)

With this space, you’ll still have room for most major GPUs on the market (but in a case this small be sure to check the full dimensions when buying GPU).

This is also a PC case with power supply included.

It’s an integrated 650W 80+ Gold PSU with the chassis designed around accomodating it and is enough for a great ITX gaming build.

On top of that, you have a pre-installed AIO 140mm Liquid Cooler for your CPU.

This is designed to be the only cooling required in the tower.

With a dual-chamber case design, the GPU and CPU are getting their own independent airflow in the case.

Of course in a case this small, you’re not going to get the cooling capability of a larger case.

But the fact that a case this small even exists for gaming is impressive in itself!

You’re still going to have a good cooling solution providing you don’t go hard on overclocking.

It’s one of the most expensive PC cases of its form factor, but with all of these features, you can probably see why.

For a high-end ITX build you’d of course need a compatible PSU and cooler anyway so it’s not like you’re paying a tall premium for just the case, there is a lot of value in the price tag.

If you’re building a portable gaming PC, focussed on style and have the budget, know that this is the best small NZXT case around.

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Final Thoughts

Rest assured, the above are the best NZXT cases available today.

If you can’t afford the expensive options, don’t fret, we chose the H510 as our number one pick for a reason.

By all means, if you can fork out for the H1/H710 then great.

But the H510 will have everything an average gaming/production build will need.

Whatever the budget/choice, you’re going to love building in an NZXT tower!

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About the author

Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

The 5 Best Blue PC Cases of 2026

Blue PC Case

The 5 Best Blue PC Cases of 2026

I updated this article in 2026 after reviewing some of the latest cases on the market. There’s been some gorgeous new blue cases on the market recently and I’ve changed some of our top picks to some new and improved offerings.

Don’t want to be just another black and white PC builder?

If a pink or red chassis isn’t your style, there are some fantastic blue towers available.

Note however not all the cases of this color are worth going for; some we’d look to actively avoid.

This is why we’ve put together this feature to guide you through the best blue computer cases for gaming, streaming & production builds (video editing, etc).

Top Picks
Montech Sky Two

Overall Best Blue Case: Montech Sky Two

This top pick was a fairly easy choice!

Not only is this blue mid-tower gorgeous, but it represents an insane value between its fan inclusions and build quality.

This includes a largely steel exterior, with a unique mesh bottom + tempered glass top format. This is a great and practical aesthetic that you don’t usually see at this price point (most cases around the $100 mark tend to just have covered fronts).

I also really appreciate how the internal coloring has also been detailed blue. This sounds like an obvious step, but you’d be surprised at how many colored cases have a black internal coloring to save cost.

Alongside the great aesthetic, this blue ATX case has great internal space for:

  • 7 Expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 400mm
  • 2 x 2.5″ / 3 x 3.5″ drive bays

The VGA length capability and slots make this a great mid-range PC case for gaming.

As far as cooling goes, you’ve got some good options here, with:

  • Up to 8 x 120mm fans (4 ARGB fans included)
  • Up to 1 x 360mm, 1 x 240mm & 1 x 120mm radiators

Combined with the mesh platse, decent cable management, and good design for airflow, the Sky Two is one of the best PC cases for cooling in its price range.

And the fact that it comes with 4 ARGB fans at its price point is honestly unheard of. I would’ve thought this case was offering decent value even if it had none included!

After reading all these features, you can probably see why we rate the Sky Two so highly.

Whether you’re looking for a blue gaming PC case or one for production/personal use, this chassis hits an excellent sweet spot between features and value for money.

2026 update: The Sky Two replaces one of our previous top picks; the Fractal Design Focus G. Although I recommend the Sky Two the most, if you prefer the design of the Focus G, it’s still a great choice.

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Runner-Up Best Blue Case: Silverstone Primera PM01

While not boasting the same blue exterior as the Focus G, the PM01 still looks great if you’re happy with a blue chassis based on LEDs.

Silverstone is another fantastic case manufacturer featured previously on What in Tech.

This white and blue PC case boasts a unique look.

With 3 x pre-installed blue LED case fans alongside multiple blue LED strips illuminating various sections.

All of these are nicely controllable from a slick LED button on the front I/O panel.

Another ATX case slightly larger than our top pick, you’ve got great space for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • Max graphics card lengths of 419mm
  • 4 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ & 5 x 2.5″ drive bays

That storage space is fantastic for the size!

We think the Focus G has enough of it for most builds but if you have a very intense storage demand (perhaps looking for a 4k video editing PC case or server) this would be an amazing option.

The increased size also lends itself nicely to cooling too, with:

  • Up to 7 x 120mm / 6 x 140mm fans with 3 x 140mm ones included
  • Up to 2 x 360mm & 1 x 140mm radiators

Between these options, you’ve got more than enough for a great overclocking PC case.

We ranked the Focus G above the PM01 because the price of the latter was about 20% higher at the time of review

Additionally, we also think someone looking at a blue PC tower specifically may appreciate having the largely blue exterior with options to add further blue LED case fans too.

But if you love the PM01 design, or need the slightly elevated features it has, then rest assured, it’s easily one of the best blue tower cases available.

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Best Cheap Blue PC Case: DeepCool TX Tesseract SW

You may not have heard of DeepCool, but they’ve created an awesome budget blue PC case in the Tesseract SW.

With its exterior still impressively hosting some steel components (though mostly plastic) the build quality is good for the price.

With 2 x 120mm blue LED case fans pre-installed, in addition to the blue front lining against the mesh, the chassis looks great powered on.

A small ATX case, the SW still manages room for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • 310mm GPU max length
  • 3 x 2.5″, 4 x 3.5″ & 2 x 5.25″ drive bays

The GPU space is definitely less than the other choices, though you’ll still be able to get a powerful card (or 2) in here.

Although you definitely could go for an ATX motherboard, if you’re building a cheap setup in a case this size, we’d recommend building a Micro ATX PC instead (these boards are usually better for budget builds, especially in compact cases).

You can still get 6 x 120mm fans in the SW which is great for the size.

You’re not going to get the same airflow, cooling, or cable management as you would in our top picks, and we wouldn’t suggest this as a case for water cooling.

But with its fan capability, it’s certainly still capable of providing decent cooling for a budget gaming computer.

We would certainly recommend the top picks above the SW.

But if it’s the furthest your budget can go, know we’ve happily included it for a reason. It’s easily the best budget blue PC case on the market.

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Best High-End Case: InWin D-Frame (Signature Motorcycle Steel)

Our premium pick is one of the most unique PC cases on the market, perfect for enthusiast builders.

With an incredible design, the D-frame manages to tick so many boxes from aesthetic to quality to feature capability.

To start, this is an aluminum PC case (the best PC case material for premium builds) with this metal used for its base and piping.

Over the top is a thick tempered glass window that beautifully displays a completed build (stock photos don’t do it justice).

It’s an open-frame PC case to maximize airflow/presentation (and making it a surprisingly portable PC case for carrying).

But the real wonder of the D-frame is that it’s not just pretty, offering:

  • 8 x expansion slots
  • GPUs up to 330m in length with vertical mounting options
  • 3 x 3.5″, 2 x 2.5″ & 1 x 5.25″ drive bays
  • Space for 4 x 120mm case fans
  • Subtle cable management options despite the large visible exposure

This may not sound like much for an ATX tower.

But for its dimensions, it’s fantastic and more than enough for a gaming PC with overclocking potential.

The same goes for the case fan availability. Bear in mind that while 4 x 120mm seems low, an open-frame PC case will give you lots more natural airflow than a standard chassis.

If you’re looking for one of the best-looking cases on the market for a truly unique presentation, this case is a wonderful option.

2026 update: Although I still highly rate the D-frame, Thermaltake has released a gorgeous turquoise PC case as a variant of its P6 model. I love the Thermaltake P series, these are seriously gorgeous cases with so much customisability. If you prefer the aesthetic to the D-Frame, I would recommend it as highly!

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Best Blue EATX Case: Thermaltake View 71 Tempered Glass Edition

The View 71 is easily the best blue full tower case available today.

It may be much more subtle in its blue lighting than other cases on the list.

But combined with a few additional blue LED case fans and RGB parts, this will easily end up being one of the best-looking cases for an EATX setup.

This is largely down to its excellent build quality, starting with a high-quality SPCC steel exterior.

Covering that exterior are 4 beautiful, thick tempered-glass windows shrouding the front, top, left & right sides of the case.

These windows are tinted, which may sound counterintuitive for a build focussed on lighting, but LED case fans/hardware always looks better through a slight tint.

If you’re buying an E-ATX case, the focus also needs to be on what feature availability you’re getting for a high-end build (whether gaming or production).

The View 71 is fantastic in this regard, with:

  • 8 + 2 (vertical mount) expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 410mm (without HDD rack)
  • 4 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ HDD rack and hidden bay for up to 3 x 3.5″ or 3.5″ drives

Alongside an EATX motherboard, you have incredible space in here for a very powerful multi-GPU gaming/streaming PC or a rig perfect for video editing with the amount of storage you can achieve.

Now, how about cooling all of that?

Well, the View 71 provides the most cooling options out of any blue PC case, with:

  • Up to 6 x 140mm & 2 x 120mm case fans with 2 x excellent quality blue ring LED fans included
  • 3 x 420mm, 1 x 240mm & 1 x 140mm radiators

As you can see, there’s an eye-popping amount of cooling capability.

Combined with a great internal airflow design and fantastic capable management facilities to maximize the cooling further.

This is easily one of the best PC cases for overclocking and liquid cooling, 

If you have the budget, are building a high-end gaming PC (or production setup) and the InWin D-Frame doesn’t meet your space requirement, this is hands down the best blue PC case on the market for large builds.

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More Blue Computer Case Options?

We’d highly recommend the above picks for a blue PC case.

But if none of them suit you, we’ve included a couple of additional options:

Blue build based on a PC case with LED fans

  1. Purchase a case that can show off a lot of internal light
  2. Install blue LED case fans inside the tower
  3. If you want to take it further, you can also buy an RGB motherboard that will give you onboard lighting and utility to add further blue strips

Spray paint a PC case blue

If you’re willing to do a little DIY, you can paint a case yourself using a white pc case as a base (we provide an overview of how to do this here).

Best Blue Micro ATX Case or Mini ITX Case?

We always try to include recommendations for builders looking at smaller form factors.

As far as blue computer cases in a mid-range price range go though, there simply aren’t any we would recommend.

If your heart is set on these sizes, we would suggest following our steps just above on getting a clear pc case with blue LED fans.

Our top budget pick (the Tesseract SW) is also on the small side for its ATX form factor and wouldn’t be bad for a budget micro ATX gaming PC.

For a blue ITX case, there is also a smaller version of our top-end pick, the D-frame mini.

What's Next?

About the author

Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

The 10 Best Fractal Design Cases in 2026

Best Fractal Design Case

The 10 Best Fractal Design Cases in 2026

I updated this to cover Fractal’s new and upcoming releases through to 2026. Many of our top picks remain the same this year, but I’ve mentioned some alternatives where relevant.

While there are some great PC case manufacturers in the game today, few (if any) compare to what Fractal Design offer.

With an incredible balance between price, build quality, feature-set, and noise reduction, Fractal is one of the masters at providing the highest quality at an impressive price point in its line of minimalist towers.

Which is why today’s feature on What in Tech is breaking down the best Fractal Design PC cases for gaming, production work, and more (whatever size/budget you have in mind).

Top Picks

Best of the Rest: Quick-Fire Picks

Fractal Design Define R5

Source: Fractal Design

Overall Best Fractal Design Case: Fractal Design Define R5

What a wonderful chassis this is.

Ranking amongst the best PC cases of all time (not just from Fractal), the Define R5 hits the perfect sweet spot in offering what a majority of gaming/production builds will be looking for at its mid-range price.

Starting with the build quality: boasting a largely-steel (or beautifully metal-finished) exterior, the case feels as good as it looks.

With the classic minimalist tower design Fractal is known for, there is no side window.

This closed-off design works with various sound-dampening material around the R5 to create one of the best quiet PC cases of all time.

What we find so impressive about the R5 is that it doesn’t compromise in any meaningful way on cooling to achieve its incredibly low noise level; with up to:

  • 9 x 140mm fans with 2 high-quality Fractal Design Dynamic GP-14 fans included
  • Or up to 420mm top, 360mm side, 240mm bottom & 140mm rear radiators

The cooling capacity for the R5’s mid-tower form factor is simply fantastic, and we consider it the best Fractal ATX case for cooling and airflow.

What’s more, the case consistently outperforms many of its more open-ended rivals in terms of thermal benchmarks despite the focus on silence.

The R5 doesn’t compromise on other space availability either, with: 

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • GPU lengths up to 310mm (which will cover most mainstream cards, but can be expanded up to 440mm with HDD cage removal)
  • 8 x 3.5″ / 2.5″, 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 5.25″ drive bays

The R5 is perfect for a powerful gaming build with great GPU space (and the aforementioned cooling ability), you have a lot of overclocking potential here.

But even if you’re looking at something more work-focused (say, video editing), you have some of the best storage capacity available in any ATX case.

The fact that the R5 nails silence on top of its other capability feels like a too-good-to-be-true bonus for its price (and also makes this one of the best PC cases for music production).

Simply put, whatever your requirements, the Define R5 is a masterpiece and easily the best Fractal computer case to cater to a majority of builds.

2026 Update: The R5 remains my top Fractal pick for 4 years running; it’s such a fantastic balance between price, quality, sound reduction, and feature set.

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Fractal Design Meshify C

Source: Fractal Design

Best Budget Fractal Design Case: Fractal Design Meshify C

While not as cheap as some of our other budget PC case picks, we wanted our cheap Fractal case choice to still retain a lot of what makes the brand’s products so great.

And the Meshify C does just that, with some impressive quality for its price (if you are looking for something extra cheap, see our “cheapest PC case” pick further below).

Starting with the build is the high-quality finish and largely steel exterior you expect from its more expensive counterparts.

On the side is a tempered glass window and on its front, a “trippy” mesh design that provides as much additional airflow as it does style.

The Meshify C is a compact ATX case, with:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • GPU lengths up to 315mm (with the front fan mounted, slightly more space could be achieved without)
  • 2 x 2.5″/3.5″ & 2 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • Air cooling: Up to 7 x 120mm fans with 2 x Dynamic X2 GP-12 fans included
  • Water cooling: Up to 1 x 360, 1 x 240 & 1 x 120mm radiators

You still have everything here you would want in a budget gaming PC case: decent GPU room, cooling potential, and enough storage space.

Sure, the storage isn’t as plentiful as our top pick, and you can’t install quite the same level of cooling.

But the storage will only be a concern for high-capacity builds (think server pc cases or video editing builds) – there’s more than enough here for gaming.

And the cooling is still fantastic, with its mesh design making it one of the best budget PC cases with good airflow (we love that for its price you’re still getting 2 high-quality fans also).

The biggest reason we’d push you towards the Define R5 (or the other more expensive picks) is its superiority in quietness.

The Meshify is by no means bad at noise reduction.

But what makes Fractal Design cases extra special is their combination of a borderline-silent machine that retains great performance.

And that is what the R5/other choices excel at on a whole other level.

That said, rest assured: if your budget maxes out at the Meshify C, you’re still getting a lot of what makes Fractal’s towers so good and it is easily the best budget PC case they have made.

2026 update: I still rate the Meshify C as the best budget pick, but if you are looking for something a little cheaper, Fractal has released the Pop Air which floats around the $100 price mark. While it’s not quite as feature-rich and beautiful as the Meshify C, it boasts great quality and value for its price (including 3 Fractal fans) and is a great pickup if your budget can’t be stretched further.

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Fractal Design Define R7 XL

Source: Fractal Design

Best Fractal Design Case for Performance (High-End / E-ATX Pick): Fractal Design Define 7 XL

Now don’t get us wrong, the Define R5 and our other top picks have excellent performance potential.

But if you’re looking to build the most powerful PC possible with absolute optimum cooling for a silence-focussed design, the Define 7 XL is likely the best premium PC cases on the market to achieve this.

Industrial sound-dampened steel surrounds a lot of the case’s exterior, and while it looks similar to the other cases on the list, it’s impressive how a case of such monumental size can retain such an incredibly low decibel level.

And it really is huge. The Define 7 XL is easily our pick for the best Fractal E-ATX case option, with:

  • 9 Expansion slots + 3 for vertical install options
  • 359mm graphics card clearance (up to 549mm with certain modular components removed)
  • Drive bays included: 8 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ (up to 18 available), 2 x 2.5″ (up to 5 available) & 2 x 5.25″
  • 30mm cable routing space
  • Up to 9 x 120mm fans (with 3 x Dynamic X2 GP-14 included)
  • Or up to 2 x 480mm, 1 x 280mm & 1 x 140mm radiators

As you can probably see, the specs on this chassis are simply insane.

Few other competitors will provide this much utility.

Not only do you have great cooling potential and GPU space for a powerful overclocked gaming build.

But anyone looking for a server, HTPC, or video production PC case will have one of the largest storage capabilities we’ve seen at this price point (and more than we can imagine any user needing).

Tied in with excellent cable management facilities, incredible low-decibel performance, and a beautiful build, there are few cases that match how impressive the Define 7 XL is.

We know many users at a higher price-point look for something a little crazier.

But if you’re after a stylish, minimalist PC case with a price built on nothing but pure quality and performance, then this is the best choice and one of our all-time favorite cases.

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Fractal Design Define Mini C

Source: Fractal Design

Best Fractal Micro ATX Case: Fractal Design Define Mini C

The Define C is the perfect choice for those after the fantastic features that our top pick offers in a mini-tower form factor.

With the same largely steel exterior and beautiful finish, it retains the same minimalist style Fractal is best at.

Of course with its mATX case size comes less component space, but there’s plenty in here for a mini-tower build, with:

  • 5 x expansion slots (usually 4 in mATX)
  • 315mm GPU clearance with a front fan mounted
  • 2 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ & 3 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • Up to 6 x 120mm fans (with 2 x Dynamic X2 GP-12 fans included)
  • Or up to 1 x 280, 1 x 240 & 1 x 140mm radiators

For its form factor, these specs are great and perfect for a Micro ATX gaming case.

In particular, we like the cooling potential here.

And with the Mini C’s decent airflow/cable management facility, you’ll get decent mileage out of an air/water cooling solution you do go with.

Then tying all that together is the fantastic sound dampening material seen throughout the case; performing comparably to its larger counterparts in noise reduction.

Simply put, the Define Mini C is the best Fractal case available today for MATX builds bar none and perfect for most compact enthusiast builds.

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Fractal Design Nano S

Source: Fractal Design

Best Fractal Design Mini ITX Case: Fractal Design Nano S

Finally in our top picks is something designed for those after an extra small Fractal PC case.

The Nano S isn’t just tiny, however, but another example of Fractal employing what feels like wizardry into making a silent case that is as feature-rich as its noisy competitors.

You’re still getting the fantastic sound-dampened steel and classy metallic finish on the outside of the case.

But where this case really shines is its internal specs.

For a case of such tiny dimensions, this Fractal ITX case still manages to include:

  • 2 x expansion slots
  • 2 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ & 2 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • 315 GPU length clearance (still enough for most mainstream cards, but be careful on width, check dimensions).
  • Up to 5 x 140mm + 120mm fans (with 1 x 140mm / 1 x 120mm included)
  • Or up to 2 x 240mm & 2 x 120mm radiators

Yes, compared to most on our list these aren’t that impressive.

But for an ITX case? Wow!

There is so much capability here for great cooling, powerful GPU installation, and decent storage (many ITX cases only include 1-2 2.5″ drive bays).

Alongside a decent ITX motherboard, this would be perfect for a portable PC case (for gaming/LAN parties or even a travel HTPC).

The possibilities with the Nano S are very impressive.

Anybody building an mITX build will know they’re not going to get quite the same performance as a larger build.

But we have to say, if your heart is set on the form factor, you can still have a powerful, quiet machine in the Nano S.

Not only is it the best Fractal PC case for mITX builds, but one of the best from any brand on the market today.

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Quick-Fire Alternatives – Best of the Rest

While the top picks are our favorites, we’ve included a few other options for the minority of readers who may have very specific requirements.

Fractal Design Define 7

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Best Fractal ATX Case Alternative: Fractal Design Define 7

The Define 7 is a wonderful case and 2 iterations up from the R5.

While we love this chassis, we think the R5 strikes a better balance price-wise; and those with less price concern would largely be better off with the 7 XL.

But if this case fits your spec needs better, know it is very much in the same realm of fantastic quality.

Fractal Design Node 202

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Best ITX Alternative / Console Shaped PC Case: Fractal Design Node 202

As much as we love the Nano C, if you’re after the smallest Fractal PC case possible, or one with a console/horizontal aesthetic. this is the choice for you.

Check out our review on our silent cases feature.

Fractal Design Core 1100

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Cheapest Fractal Design Case: Fractal Design Core 1100

The Core 1100 is a very impressive offering for its price point and would be a great choice for a very cheap budget PC.

The reason we don’t rate it highly is because it doesn’t have quite the level of quality, features, and noise-dampening we love from Fractal.

But if your budget is very tight, it is a fantastic choice.

Fractal Design Node 804

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Best Cube PC Case / mATX Alternative: Fractal Design Node 804

If you want the Fractal Design quality but something a little…different, then the Node 804 is a great choice.

Fractal Design Focus G

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Fractal Budget ATX Case Alternative: Fractal Design Focus G

One of the most popular Fractal cases, you may have expected this to rank more highly.

While the Focus G isn’t a bad case, we think it loses out in quality to its more minimalist counterparts.

What’s more, be aware the case seems to have some quality control problems (likely due to the very low price point for its feature set).

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About the author

Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

The 10 Best Premium PC Cases in 2026

Premium PC Case

The 10 Best Premium PC Cases in 2026

I updated this feature in February after reviewing the latest releases of 2026. Most of my top picks remain the same this year, but I have added a couple of decent alternatives for certain cases.

In the many, many PC case review lists we’ve done, we nearly always include a high-end pick for those builders that have the budget to create something truly cutting-edge.

Today’s feature is here to present the top choices from all of those options, and detail the best premium PC cases for gaming, production work, and much more (in all shapes and sizes).

This isn’t simply a list of the most expensive PC cases, but options that really bring something worthy to the table for their price-tag.

Top Picks

Best of the Rest: Quick-Fire Picks

Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL

Overall Best Premium PC Case: Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL

The greatest PC case from what we consider the best manufacturer in the game right now, the Dynamic XL is an incredible offering for creating both a beautiful and powerful build.

The build quality and design of the O11 D XL are fantastic. Stock photos do not do this case justice at all. You are getting a full, thick aluminum exterior with a beautiful finish that doesn’t just look good but also feels very solid and durable. Accompanying that exterior is a subtle RGB light on the front and 2 full length high-quality tempered glass windows.

We really can’t overstate how beautiful this chassis looks with a completed build, powered on, the full-length glass on both sides gives amazing visibility for a premium build. You may be thinking there is a little too much exposure with the internals, but this is a dual-chamber PC case. This means there is a large dedicated compartment in the hidden side of the case that is designed to host your “uglier” parts (think your PSU, cables, etc). This helps in not just creating a clean setup, but one that has a fantastic room for airflow.

Speaking of airflow, this case really excels in cooling and is one of the best premium PC cases for gaming & overclocking available, with:

  • Up to 10 120mm fans
  • Or up to 3 360mm radiators

Tie this in with the efficient dual-chamber layout and you have a simply incredible case for performance.

In terms of hardware space requirements, this is one of the XL’s main strengths. Being a premium full tower case, it has enough room for pretty much any powerhouse build:

  • E-ATX Motherboard Support
  • 8 expansions slots (and vertical installs)
  • 6 2.5″ & 4 2.5″ / 3.5″ drive bays
  • Graphics card lengths up to 446mm. Size-wise this is one of the best PC cases for RTX 3080, 3090 & 3070 GPUs

As you can see, whether you’re looking for a premium gaming PC case or something more for production/server use, there is an incredible capability for all of this in the XL. Despite its high-end price range, it’s still one of the cheaper options on this list (and amongst its premium competitors).

By this point, you can probably see why we love this choice so much. With its incredible value in mind, this is comfortably our pick for the overall best premium computer case.

2026 update: The O11 Dynamic XL remains our top pick in 2026; no other premium PC case has matched its overall quality and value.

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Fractal Design Define 7 XL

Best Premium PC Case for Silent Builds: Fractal Design Define 7 XL

Now as much as we love the top Lian Li pick, if there is one premium tower very closely following it, it’s this powerhouse choice from Fractal, one of the other best brands in the case business.

What is so impressive about the 7 XL is how it manages to so easily balance optimum noise reduction with excellent cooling/performance. Usually, you are sacrificing significant airflow when you add the industrial quality sound-dampening panels to a case like the 7 XL has, but this chassis is known to still perform better cooling-wise than many of its louder competitors.

The build quality on the Define 7 XL is beautiful and sturdy; with a monolithic design, it is deceptively striking in person. It’s also a huge space for your setup, with some very impressive specs:

  • Up to E-ATX Motherboard Support
  • 9 x Expansion slots & 3 for vertical install options
  • 359mm graphics card clearance (up to 549mm with certain modular components removed, but 359mm is enough for nearly all cards)
  • Drive bays included: 8 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ (up to 18 available), 2 x 2.5″ (up to 5 available) & 2 x 5.25″
  • 30mm cable routing space (not as good as a dual-chamber but still decent).
  • Up to 9 x 120mm fans (with 3 x high-quality Dynamic X2 GP-14 silent fans included)
  • Or up to 2 x 480mm, 1 x 280mm & 1 x 140mm radiators

As you can see, some of the availability here is insane. This would be a fantastic option as a premium server PC case with all of its storage space.

When choosing between our two top picks, it’s really down to personal preference. You’ll see that the 7 XL has some impressive specs that in many ways beat the O11’s, and for builders focussed on silence, this is definitely the best choice for you (it is, without doubt, the best silent premium PC case for gaming). We gave a slight edge to the Lian Li offering because it still has all of the specs you need for an extremely powerful build; but also offers such a beautiful aesthetic and a dual-chamber layout to maximize airflow and clean design.

Again though, this is a personal preference choice. If you prefer the look of a minimalist PC case, one that is close to silent, or one that has an even crazier amount of storage capability, then the 7 XL is a simply incredible PC case and perfect for you.

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Antec Torque

Most Innovative Premium PC Case: Antec Torque

The Torque speaks for itself, doesn’t it?

One of the most unique PC cases on the market, this Antec tower is special not just because of its incredible aesthetic, but because it has some fantastic performance to match.

But let’s start with the design. The Torque’s exterior is made of 14 uniquely curved aluminum panels and double-sided tempered glass. The finish across the whole case is incredible. As good is it looks in photos, this is another example of a case that simply cannot be done justice unless you have it in person with a powered-on build.

This premium ATX case has room inside for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • Graphics cards up to 450mm length
  • 1 x 2.5″ & 1 x 3.5″ drive bays
  • Compatible with E-ATX motherboards up to 12″ x 11″
  • Up to 6 x 120mm fans or 2 x 360mm Radiators

The storage space is a little lower than our top choices as this case is obviously designed to be exposed from all angles, so its space to hide less-attractive drives is minimal. That said, there is still more than enough space here for a premium gaming PC with 1 SSD & 1 HDD.

Speaking of gaming, perhaps the best feature of this case (aside from its design) is its incredible cooling capability. While 6 x 120mm fans may not sound like much for a premium gaming tower, know that this is an open-air PC case. Your GPU and CPU will be exposed to maximized airflow with the openings surrounding the case, with more than enough capability for overclocking in this machine.

This is one of the most expensive PC cases around today, and you are of course paying (partially) for its fantastic aesthetic. But what we really love about the Torque is that it is a beautiful balance between form and function. Yes, this is the case that will get all of your friends and family to turn their heads; but it’s also a case that can still inform an incredibly powerful PC build.

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Thermaltake Core P8

Best Premium PC Case for Cooling: Thermaltake Core P8

Now if the Antec Torque isn’t in your style (or budget), another incredible option for aesthetic and cooling is the high-end choice in the Thermaltake Core series: the P8.

We have featured this series in many, many articles because of its fantastic versatility as a choice for wall mounting (optional) and clear design.

The P8 really stands at the top of this series. As you can probably tell by the image, if you equip this chassis with some RGB fans and hardware, you have a simply incredible base to show off a beautiful internal setup. With a top-tier build quality compromising of an SPCC steel exterior with 3 thick tempered glass windows surrounding the other sides; the P8 feels as good as it looks, and that’s saying something.

Inside is a space for a seriously powerful premium gaming PC build too, with:

  • 8 x expansion slots
  • GPUs up to 320mm in length (without water cooling reservoir, 280mm with)
  • E-ATX Motherboard support (up to 12″ x 13″)
  • 1 x accessible 2.5″ & hidden HDD bracket to host up to 3 x 3.5″ or 6 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • Up to 18 x 120mm fans
  • Or up to 2 x 480mm, 1 x 360mm & 1 x 240mm radiators

The cooling capability of the P8 is simply insane, with the most fan/radiator allotments we have seen in any chassis (especially impressive as it has no room for side fans with its glass cover). Combined with some nice openings around certain parts of the case, you have one of (if not the) best premium PC case for cooling a powerful gaming/production build, perfect for overclocking.

We love that this case still manages room to hide its main storage drive bay too, with the PSU shroud also nicely covered by another allotment perfect for an RGB fan.

What else is there to say, not only does this case look incredible, but it performs that way too; if this style suits you, it is a fantastic pick.

2026 update: Although we still love the P8 for enthusiast cooling builds, we’ve seen it out of stock frequently recently. If you like what the P8 has to offer but can’t purchase it, check our clear PC case list that offers other similar cases from the Thermaltake Core P series.

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nzxt h1

Best Premium ITX Case: NZXT H1

For those looking for the best smaller form factor PC case, then this new offering from NZXT is a fantastic option.

Another case featured several times for its incredible achievement in chassis architecture, the H1 is special because it has been specifically designed to be as low volume and “tight” as possible while retaining enough room for airflow and a mainstream graphics card (this is one of the best ITX cases for RTX 3080 & 3070 GPUs, but as always with this form factor, remember to check dimensions beforehand as GPU size will vary depending on the brand).

The H1 accomplishes this task by having an included high-quality water cooler and AIO CPU liquid cooler specifically design for the case pre-installed. Not only does this make the case deceptively high-value despite its premium price-tag, but it also means the case isn’t having to accommodate for a wide range of PSUs/coolers with more generic space requirements.

The H1 is carefully designed with everything inside having a distinct purpose, including:

  • A gorgeous SGCC steel/tinted tempered glass design – this is the best premium mITX case build quality we have seen to date
  • A dual-chamber layout that gives fantastic ventilation to the allotted GPU space (up to 305mm x 128mm for your card).
  • 2 x 2.5″ drive bays

We like that they still managed to include 2 SSD slots. We wouldn’t be surprised to see something this small have only one.

The dual-chamber design is perfect to give some independent ventilation to the GPUs and CPUs (with the included AIO cooler being the only intended thermal solution in the case, making the H1 deceptively quiet for an ITX case also).

I know we’ve been over it a couple of times, but it really cannot be overstated how impressive the design and performance of the H1 is; of course, you’re not going to get the cooling of a larger case, but if you’re focussed on a tight form factor, the H1 can easily handle a high-end ITX gaming build.

This is, without a doubt, the best premium mini ITX case on the market.

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Quick-Fire Picks (Best of the Rest)

While the 5 chassis above are the picks we wanted to highlight, there are some other really excellent options in the premium markets that we wanted to present. If they fit your needs/style preferences more, know that these are still excellent choices.

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Alternative Best Premium PC Case for Airflow & Cable Management: Corsair Crystal Series 680X RGB

One of the most featured cases on What in Tech, the 680X has the largest dual chamber of any premium PC case and is therefore perfect for a clean inner build, good cable management, and airflow (read more about it here).

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Best Build-Quality Premium PC Case: Asus ROG Strix Helios GX601

With one of the sturdiest builds we’ve ever seen and some strong handles on the top, this case is built like a tank to be a portable premium PC case (with one of the most beautiful subtle in-built RGB lightings also, read more about it here).

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Best Unique Premium PC Case: AZZA CSAZ-802F

Another incredibly unique choice, this cube PC case doesn’t just look pretty but performs well too. If this design speaks to you, know it’s an excellent choice.

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Best Premium Micro ATX Case: Thermaltake AH T200

If you’re looking for a premium mATX case, the T200 fits the bill perfectly; with fantastic style and no compromise on airflow (there’s also an ATX version if you prefer the design over the Antec Torque).

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Best Premium PC Case for Watercooling Alternative: Thermaltake Tower 900

While the Core P8 takes our top cooling spot, this “fishtank pc case” has been featured many times for not only its excellent unique presentation and sturdy build, but the freedom to create some really fantastic liquid cooling setups, read more about it here.

What's Next?

About the author

Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

The 15 Best White PC Cases of 2026

White PC Case

The 15 Best White PC Cases of 2026

This feature has been updated after reviewing options available on the market (and upcoming) in 2026. A couple of picks have been updated and some relevant alternatives have been included for some options.

White is the new black for PC cases.

Black and grey cases have ruled the market for many, many years, and for a long time, it was hard to find a good white computer case.

But over the last few years, great manufacturers have come up with some fantastic designs.

Note for this topic: while we do have top picks, there are so many fantastic options that we’ve chosen to expand into more than usual to make sure you’ve got the right options for anything from a large white gaming PC to a compact stylish streaming/production build.

Top Picks
Corsair 4000D 2

Overall Best White PC Case: Corsair 4000D

We can’t recommend the 4000D highly enough.

Coming in at a ridiculously great price for what it’s offering, this Corsair offering (one of the best case brands) provides a fantastic build quality. With a largely steel exterior and tempered glass fitting, in addition to the fantastic additional inner/outer features on offer.

The case boasts great space; designed for ATX but also able to cater E-ATX motherboards up to 277mm wide. It will be capable of fitting most GPUs with up to 360mm length coverage, contains 7+2 expansion slots, and up to 2 x 3.5″ / 2 x 2.5″ drives.

The case also exceeds in cooling requirements, with simple cable management options and good space for airflow/your chosen cooling solution (up to 6 fans, 2 included, and plenty of radiator space for a liquid cooling approach). 

And of course, the case is a beauty. Not only does the sharp-white coloring give it a unique style, but Corsair’s front mesh panel provides enough airflow for great cooling, while also being aesthetically pleasing and clear enough for RGB fans to shine through tastefully (if you want to go down that route, otherwise, it can be a good minimalist case without heavy lighting inside).

The front panel I/O is subtle and includes all the usual supects, including a 3.1 type C connector.

There are plenty more options to consider below, but if you’re looking for the best white computer case in this price range, we think you’re going to love the 4000D.

2026 update: The 4000D keeps our top spot for 3-years running; we think it’s the best balance of features, price and a white aesthetic on the market right now.

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Lian Li PC-O11DW

Runner-Up Best White PC Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic

Don’t be deceived by the black in the picture, this case has a great, sleek white design. Not only that, but this is one of the most consistently featured cases on What in Tech, and our pick for the best PC case in any category.

The O11 is another white tower case that shines in build quality. From one of the best chassis manufacturers in the business, the case boasts thiick SECC steel, tempered glass side panels, and subtle dust filters on the interior. The case simply looks incredible and is not done justice by stock photos (an example of it powered on can be seen here).

It takes the design focus one step further by offering one of our favorite features in a larger case: a dual-chamber layout that allows you to hide your “uglier” parts and cables out of view. Great from a design perspective but also for airflow, with this being one of the best white PC cases for cable management.

While classified as a mid-tower, the PC-011 boasts some impressive space, with 4 x 2.5″ / 2 x 3.5″ drive space, up to 9 fans (or 3 decent sized radiators), and GPUs up to 420mm. This is bordering on a full-tower case (which is probably why it suggests it is compatible with some eATX motherboards).

A rather uncommon feature the O11 has is dual PSU support. If you’re looking for some very efficient/powerful spec, this may be an attractive offering for you.

The front I/O panel is nice, alongside the usual 2 x 3.0 USB / HD audio ports is a USB 3.1 Type C input.

The only reason we didn’t rank it above the Phanteks pick is that the price-point of the PC-O11D is slightly higher. For most builds, to get as close to perfect as we can imagine in a white chassis, we think it’s worth it. But we appreciate that may not be the case for all mid-range builders.

Whether you’re looking for a white pc case for gaming, streaming, or business/personal use, this is an amazing tower with an unmatched ability to balance style, build quality, performance, internal layout, and price. If it gits in your budget, we highly recommend it.

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NZXT H510

Best Cheap White PC Case: NZXT H510

You might’ve already heard of the NZXT H510, and for good reasons.

This case is one of the most popular on the market. From a renowned case manufacturer, the slick style and great build quality (with price in mind) are what you expect from NZXT (and if you’re not short on budget, a great elite option is also available).

With a steel exterior and tempered glass window, the case not only feels impressively strong/secure for the price but offers decent space for popular components and an ATX motherboard.

There is less space for fans/water cooling than the top 2 choices. However, there is still more than enough to cover most building requirements (and 2 high-quality, albeit a tad noisy, fans included, really adding to the value).

Setup will be a joy if you’re a beginner too, NZXT has a tried and tested format of cable management in their cases which will give you good results without too much pain.

A nice addition to the front panel is a USB Type C connector alongside a single USB 3.1/headphone output (a slight shame there isn’t a second traditional USB port/audio output, but this likely isn’t an issue for most and can be substituted with an extender or a motherboard with plenty of ports).

One of the cheapest cases on the list, it’s impressive how the H510 retains a great level of quality, space, and ease of use. This is a fantastic option and easily our choice for the best budget white PC case on the market today.

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CORSAIR Crystal Series 680X

Best White PC Case for Airflow (Premium Pick): Corsair 680X

The price may be steep, but oh boy, this case is worth it if you have the budget.

With an incredible, monolithic design, the 680X is striking in both its presentation and superb build quality and has been designed with a dual-chamber layout. This essentially means it has a large hidden compartment that hides your less attractive components (PSU, drives, and cabling).

Not only is this great for displaying your fancy GPU/motherboard, but it gives all components in the PC great airflow and install space.

Talking about airflow, this case is made for it! With room for up to 8 fans and 4 radiators (on top of the lack of PSU/drives hogging space in the main compartment), this case would really be ideal for high-spec gaming, editing, or production PC builds.

On top of that, the RGB edition of this case comes with 3 gorgeous LED RGB fans and the option to control them via a control panel (you could add more to fit into this system too).

In the second-chamber compartment hides an enormous array of quick-install drive bays, up to 3 x 3.5″ and 4 x 2.5″ drives can be installed within this, offering great storage options for anyone looking at a server/media center build.

The 680X is a huge ATX case that will support the most popular parts and even hosts compatibility for some E-ATX motherboards if you are inclined to purchase something that large.

With the 680X, you’re really getting what you pay for. If you have the money, this is the most impressive case on the list and is a fantastic option if you’re looking to build a very high-spec rig.

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CORSAIR Crystal 280X RGB

Best White Micro ATX Case: Corsair 280X

If you’re looking for a white mini-tower, Corsair has created a fantastic smaller brother to the 680X.

The 280X boasts a lot of similar great layout choices to our favorite high-end pick. With a dual-chamber system build that allows you to hide your drives, PSU, and cables; allowing more space for airflow and larger GPU/motherboard parts in the main section.

Bear in mind, of course, this case is designed for mini tower builds so be sure to check your part dimensions. But for a Micro ATX tower, it offers some impressive space and you’ll be able to manage certain dual-GPU builds.

Cooling is also very impressive for the small form factor, with up to 6 fans being installed (and 2 included, controllable LED RGB fans if you choose the RGB edition) and the capability to host multiple 240mm liquid cooling radiators. It’s hard to imagine needing more for a Micro ATX build even if you add very pricey hardware inside.

We may be focussed on the best white tower cases, but make no mistake; as far as Micro ATX cases go at this price range, the 280X is one of the best out of all the possible choices.

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Okinos Aqua 3c

Best Cheap White Micro ATX Case: Okinos Aqua 32

The Aqua 3 is a decent mATX alternative if the 280X is outside of your price range/style preference.

The case includes good cooling options, with up to 6 fans and 240mm radiator support; not to mention decent cable management. Some of the layout may cause the airflow to be sub-optimal but this isn’t too uncommon in mini-tower cases.

The design is wonderfully simplistic, while not quite the same build quality as the 280X, you’re still getting a pair of  tempered glass panels; l‘m impressed that they managed to include a design with a very thin bezel seperating the panels as this gives a much more premium look than most cases at this price point.

Also with budget in mind, I appreciate that Okinos includes 3 x ARGB fans pre-installed, which will be plenty of cooling off the bat for a cheaper build.

2026 update: The Aqua 3 replaces our previous budget mATX pick, the DLM22.

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IN WIN A1 Plus White

Best White Mini ITX Case: inWin A1 Plus

For those of you set on building a tiny white computer tower, inWin has created a very attractive offering with the A1 plus.

This case really shines in the design department, made out of a very attractive SECC steel exterior and tempered glass window, the whole unit sits on top of a transparent stand that hosts a set of addressable RGB lights. As you can see from the photo, this provides a very unique look; the case really looks fantastic on a desk.

For size, you have room for 2 x 2.5″ drives, 2 PCI-e slots, and reasonable dimensions allowing for a GPU of up to 320mm.

The front I/O panel rests on a gorgeous metal covering and has the standard ports (2 x USB 3 / audios, you’re unlikely to see more than this for an mITX case).

As far as the cooling goes, you’re of course not going to get the same levels as an ATX/mini-tower case. But for the size, it performs impressively and offers room for up to 4 x 120mm fans (with 2 high-quality ones included).

One thing to point out is that the provided PSU may not be well performant with high-spec builds. For most average mITX builds, the PSU should be fine. But if you have the budget and are trying to include the most powerful GPU that will fit, it may be worth purchasing a more reputable alternative (such as the Corsair SF series), and using the inWin provided PSU as a backup.

If the PSU factor isn’t offputting for you, this is our number one pick for the best white mini ITX case.

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Thermaltake Core V1 Snow Edition

Best Cheap White Mini ITX Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Snow Edition

We really like this case, and have talked about it in another series and were very pleased to see the Snow Edition give our white builders an option.

The Core V1 is an impressive cheap white PC case. Still containing some steel exterior components and a ventilation setup similar to those of higher price.

The case comes with a pre-installed 200mm fan (very good for the price) and the option of 2 x 80mm fans on the rear, giving you a pretty decent option for cooling considering the tightness of the case.

The cube layout, while attractive and unique, means you will have to pay extra attention to ensuring your components will fit.

Similarly to our budget Micro ATX choice, there has been some feedback surrounding defective units of the V1. A large majority are fine and your warranty will cover replacement, but just bear this in mind if the risk of problems is something you want to avoid.

If your main case-purchase factor is price and your build can fit in a mITX case, this is arguably the best value white case available today.

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Thermaltake CA-1H1-00F6WN-00

Best Large E-ATX PC Case: Thermaltake “The Tower 900” Snow Edition

This thing is a beast.

If you’re looking for a white super tower case, Thermaltake has created a fantastic offering with a multitude of great features.

Similarly to the Thermaltake P series discussed below, The Tower 900 comes with a 3-way tempered-glass panel layout, designed to show off your components.

And speaking of components: you can fit a lot of hardware in here.

With CPU coolers of up to 260mm, multi-GPU compatibility of up to 400mm (+ vertical install options), and great modular drive design allowing you to install up to 1 x 5.25″, 6 x 3.5″ or 6 x 2.5″ (via drive cage) and 2 x 2.5″ (via HDD tray). It’s the best white case around for assembling some monstrous parts.

Like the 680X above, the case has a dual-chamber layout that is designed to “hide” the plainer components in the non-glass panel. In such a big case, this is really a nice feature. Not just from a design perspective, but also because it gives you the freedom to complete your ideal cable management without driving yourself too crazy on space allocation. Not to mention giving your GPU and CPU more room to breathe.

The Tower 900 really shines in the cooling department. This is easily our pick for the best white PC case for watercooling. Supporting up to 560mm dual radiators (for DIY units, this falls to 360 for AIO types, but still great). 

For air cooling, you can have up to 13 140mm fans installed around the case. This is one of the highest counts we have seen across all our case reviews.

The Front I/O control panel is well presented and includes the usual 2 x USB 3.0 / audio ports alongside an extra 2 x USB 2.0.

It’s worth bearing in mind that building an E-ATX tower of this magnitude can be quite an undertaking for a beginner. It’s certainly doable if your heart is set on creating some unstoppable hardware, but make sure to do some reading and have some patience once you come round to it.

The Tower 900 is not just good for someone with space, but any enthusiast  – be it for gaming, streaming or a large-scale production build – looking to create the most powerful tower they possibly can.

All this is why we rate it as the best white full tower case on the market today.

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Thermaltake Core P3 ATX

Best White PC Case for Wall Mounting: Thermaltake P3 Snow Edition

We raved about the Thermaltake P-series in our horizontal case article. It’s great news that they have created a white version of the fantastic P3.

Few cases can compete with the aesthetic of a P3 case once put together. With a tempered glass top, the case is designed to show off your components either horizontally or vertically. And if you’re looking to wall-mount, there is no case better than this.

The lack of side panels may be intimidating for some, just be sure to have this build on a desk/wall where nothing too heavy will fall on it (or a pet can get to it!) and there won’t be a problem.

The P3 boasts great space for airflow, ATX motherboards, and decent-sized GPUs. Not to mention modularity to the design that gives you good cable management and some decent flexibility in where each component goes (as of course, Thermaltake are aware you need to get it looking just the way you want it with the level of visibility).

If that modularity sounds intimidating to you, the case is also deceptively simple to set up. This is largely due to the removable glass plate that means you have very little physical barrier while completing your build, something that can be a pain with traditional cases.

The front I/O panel is also nice – including 2 x USB 2.0 on top of the usual 2 x USB 3.0 / audio ports.

If you’re looking for a white case to show off your beautiful PC hardware, this comes as one of our top recommendations.

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Thermaltake S500

Best Budget White PC Case Alternative: Thermaltake S500 Snow Edition

We may have a lot of Thermaltake offerings in this list, but with all their excellent snow editions, it’s hard not to rate them for white PC options.

At a decent price with both a 140mm and 120mm fan pre-installed, the S500 is really great for value. Boasting a gorgeous simplistic design and open-up window case for ease of access (much superior to screws!). The case is made from high-quality (albeit slightly thin) steel.

The space for cooling and components are decent, with a lot of customizable sizes available for air or water cooling (but to simplify, room for 5 fans, 2 x large radiators and 1 x small) and GPUs up to 400mm (including vertical riser).

We’ve talked about the S500 here as an ATX/mid-tower option, but if you’re looking smaller, consider the S300 or S100.

Overall the S500 is great if you’re looking for a bit of size, cooling customization, and style while not breaking the bank – we this is a great option for a budget gaming PC case.

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Corsair iCUE 220T

Alternative White ATX Case: Corsair iCue 220T RGB

This Corsair offering impressively balances value with a unique, high-quality design.

Underneath the cool mesh-like front panel includes 3 pre-installed RGB fans with 8 adjustable LEDs per fan; allowing you to really customize the coloring of the case.

There’s a focus on presentation here. With removable dust filters, room for cable management, hidden PSU bay, and a tempered glass window/steel exterior. Again, rather impressive for the price point.

One thing to point out for this case is its rather tight for a mid-tower. Depending on your requirements this might attract you, but know this is definitely one you should research part size on before starting on an ATX build inside it.

That being said, the unit still accommodates up to 6 fans, 3 radiators, and 2 x 3.5 ” / 2 x 2.5 ” drives.

You’ll see from the above that the iCue 220T really is a fantastic value offering, if you’re keen on its design, know that this wasn’t too far from taking our “budget choice” and is definitely still a great buy for those looking for a cheap white PC case.

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Fractal Design Focus G

Alternative White Budget ATX Case: Fractal Design Focus G

We love Fractal cases. They are one of the best chassis manufacturers in the business and their offerings have been featured many, many times What in Tech (like our horizontal and quiet PC case reviews).

Here they’ve created a very popular offering at a very cheap price in a white and black PC case design.

The case offers pretty decent/standard space availability for its size, with 2 x dedicated 5.25″ brackets (not many cases these days have 2 of these if this is helpful to you), 2 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ drives, and 1 x 2.5″ dedicated drive.

With up to 6 fans, the Focus G comes pre-installed with 2 x Silent Series LL 120 mm LED fans set to white for a great contrasting look against the black front mesh panel. You can also trust the “silent” in the name as Fractal cases and fans are fantastic at low noise output (though bear in mind that that isn’t the specific focus of this case).

The Focus G, with its included fans, runs at a very impressive price-point. With that, unfortunately, comes complaints from users who receive defective models of various sorts. While this isn’t the case for a majority of customers, if you don’t want the risk of having to deal with warranty fix lead times, you may want to consider a more expensive case.

That being said with a history of great products and a unique design, this Fractal model is a great offering for someone with a limited budget who is after a white PC case with fans included.

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EVGA DG-77 Alpine White

Best White PC Case Without Window: EVGA DG-77 / DG-75

Update: We originally wrote this white PC case review highlight the DG-77. however, it seems to be sporadic in availability, if you like the look of this case, a great alternative is the similar DG-75 model, just check it still meets your space requirements.

Picking the top choices was hard for this selection because the DG-77 is only a touch behind our other top picks for a jack-of-all-trades PC case.

Designed to be the best white gaming PC case, the ATX mid-tower boasts space for most sizes of PSU, GPUs, and cooling solutions (with 4 fans included/room for up to 7 and 360mm radiator support for water cooling). The case includes removable PCI brackets should you not require them, which will give you a good advantage for increased airflow/space.

A nice unique feature for the price point is the K-boost button on the front panel, which allows users to enable overclocking of their GPUs/CPUs with a single press (most systems can dynamically control overclocked components based on what you are doing, but it’s nice to have the option if you want to switch it on manually for gaming/editing/video and off for lower activity).

Alongside the K-boost panel is a standard but sleek I/O port set (2 x USB 3.0 / audio outputs).

Presentation is a real focus here without sacrificing space and airflow, with spacious hidden areas for the PSU/HDDs and cable management as well as dust filters to avoid build-up.

The case’s build quality is fantastic. With 3 sides of tempered glass surrounding the case’s well-built interior (not many cases are designed in this format, giving it a very unique presentation). EVGA has also included the rack kit/option for a vertical GPU install, giving you the opportunity to really show off your graphics card through the fantastic glass layout.

It stands out well as a windowless white PC case, which is nice for a unique aesthetic (though if you’re after noise reduction, we recommend the next pick).

The case’s EVGA logo lights up beautifully with software control options to manage the RGB LED lighting (alongside your other EVGA RGB parts if available).

If you like the look or features of this case over our other top picks, then we say don’t hesitate in picking it up instead! It’s a fantastic option for a white gaming PC setup or stylish production PC!

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be quiet! Pure Base 500

Best Quiet White PC Case: be Quiet! Pure Base 500

And last but by no means least, we wanted to include a case that is focussed on low decibels for those of you looking for noise reduction (for the quietest PC cases of any color, check our deep dive).

From a high-quality German manufacturer known for quality quiet cases, the Pure Base 500 has lots of great quiet-focussed features, to name a few:

  • Windowless design (necessary for optimal reduction).
  • Insulation mats surrounding the inside of the panels for further noise dampening.
  • 2 pre-installed “silent” pre-wing fans (great quality).

…all within a very decent price-point. This would be a great choice for a studio recording PC, streaming build extra focussed on silence, or if you’re like me, and simply like a PC that doesn’t sound like an airplane.

This white desktop case isn’t just about silence, boasting a decent size for components (including up to 5 SSDs/decent GPU size), cable management options, and a layout that can accommodate up to 5 additional fans on top of the 2 already installed.

On top of all that, the case is gorgeous, It’s covered in aluminum (albeit fairly thin) and the front has a nice finish that gives the case a great look. The Front I/O panel is also slick and well presented (with standard 2 x USB 3.0 / audio ports).

If you’re looking for the quietest white PC case to host your next silent build without hitting your wallet too hard, then you won’t find better than the Pure Base 500.

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About the author

Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

The 6 Best Motherboards With 8 RAM Slots in 2026

Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots

The 6 Best Motherboards With 8 RAM Slots in 2026

Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots

I updated this article after checking for any new releases in 2026. That said, there haven’t been any new 8-slot boards since early 2022.

Today’s 8 RAM options run on HEDT chipsets that are a few years old. These are still very powerful for niche requirements but will have some diminishing returns compared to modern mid-range chipsets (e.g. the below picks have limited Intel processor and DDR5 compatibility).

With that in mind, unless you were aware of these limitations before even reading this article and know what you’re doing, I would highly recommend any builder serious about high-end performance checking out out my premium E-ATX motherboard feature. The top few picks in this article include options that not only boast support for more modern CPUs/GPUs, but also DDR5 support up to 192GB. Even for memory-focussed users, this combo will nearly always outweigh DDR4 @ 256GB.

If you told me there would be motherboards with 256GB RAM support 20 years ago, I would have laughed at your funny joke.

And yet, here we are!

AMD and Intel’s innovations have come so far that there are now premium offerings that boast 8 DIMM slots capable of up to 32GB each.

While the average user does not need this amount of RAM, if you’re building a serious setup for production, hosting, or the most powerful PC you possibly can, then this capability could really take you to the next level.

Today’s feature is here to guide you through the best motherboards with 8 RAM slots. These are premium offerings with lots more going for them than just the RAM, too.

1

MSI Creator TRX40

Best AMD Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots

MSI Creator TRX40

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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2

ASUS ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II

Best Intel Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots

ASUS ROG Strix X299-E

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Read Review

3

Asus Prime TRX40-PRO

Budget AMD Pick

ASUS Prime TRX40-PRO

Our Rating: 9.25/10

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4

GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Master

Budget Intel Pick

GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Master

Our Rating: 9/10

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5

ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha

High-End AMD Pick

ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha

Our Rating: /10

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6

ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Encore

High-End Intel Pick

ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Encore

Our Rating: 9.25/10

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Read Review

MSI Creator TRX40

Best AMD Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots: MSI Creator TRX40

We’re starting with AMD in no particular order (both leading manufacturers are kings in the high-end desktop space, though AMD is a great choice for those after a CPU with the most cores).

The MSI Creator TRX40 is a fantastic offering. While no mobo with 8 ram slots is cheap, this option achieves a great sweet spot; balancing most of the features you expect in a premium motherboard, while not carrying the 4-figure price tag some HEDT hardware can creep up to.

This Threadripper motherboard doesn’t just boast 8 RAM slots but also supports up to 256GB DDR4 RAM.

Don’t assume this is the case for all 8-sotted offerings, many only go up to 128GB/even 64GB in some budget cases.

What’s more, its JEDEC RAM capacity allows you to achieve 256GB RAM @ 3200MHz, this is an insane speed for this quantity of JEDEC which we would often expect to be bottlenecked further at these amounts.

This is an E-ATX motherboard, with an incredible level of power drawn across the board. With a Threadripper CPU and powerful GPU/s, we can’t imagine any builder, be it for rendering, gaming, or other high-end needs, would be left wanting more power than a build on this motherboard could offer.

Speaking of GPUs; with 4x PCIe 4.0 x16 slots and compatibility for 3-way Nvidia SLI or 3-way AMD Crossfire GPU setups, the amount of graphical capability here is insane. I’m really impressed by MSI’s ability to balance the power draw between the RAM, CPU, GPU, and other onboard features.

The motherboard excels storage-wise too, with 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports & up to 3 M.2 storage slots. I expect this to be a decent option (alongside a premium PC case with high storage capacity) for those after a server motherboard or one for virtual hosting.

On the notion of overclocking your key specs; the Creator TRX40 also lives up to its HEDT name. With plenty of heatsinks operating through the board to maintain appropriate thermal control.

You might not have the bells and whistles of our pricier picks below. But relative to many other options on the market, you can get expect to achieve some impressive speeds.

It’s also worth touching on the I/O panel port and Wi-Fi/audio availability here too. With a whopping 9 x USB 3.2 type-A outputs (some equipped for Flash BIOS use also), a 20G USB type-C port, in-built Intel Wi-Fi 6/bluetooth, Realtek ALC1220 Codec/outputs for high-quality 7.1 audio & 10G Super LAN. 

The inner connectivity is equally impressive, with tonnes of 4-pin fan connectors, ARGB/RGB headers, and all the other ports you’d expect.

What else is there to say? Not only is this the best motherboard with 8 DIMM slots for AMD builders, but it’s an offering that excels in all the categories HEDT users demand.

If you’re looking for the most power possible without getting into nearly 4 figures for your motherboard alone, this is an incredible choice.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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ASUS ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II

Best Intel Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots: ASUS ROG Strix X299-E Gaming II

If you are instead, after an Intel LGA 2066 motherboard with 8 DIMM slot capability, our top pick comfortably goes to this ASUS offering.

Coming in at a very impressive price point for the features, it’s a worthy rival to our top AMD choice.

With its 8 RAM slots also supporting up to 256GB RAM at impressive speeds (or lower quantities at up to 4266MHz). Whether it’s quantity, speed, or a mix of both, you won’t find better RAM capacity at this price point.

With a very impressive set of PCI-e 3.0 x16 slots, you will have the option to install up to 3-way GPU builds with SLI or Crossfire.

ASUS is also a great reliable brand as far as decent BIOs and onboard overclocking software go; often ranking very favorably in benchmarks if you’re after a fantastic OC motherboard.

Another offering with 3 x M.2 slots, the E Gaming II isn’t just great for storage, but also slightly trumps our top AMD pick with an extra 2 SATA ports totaling 8 (6 was already impressive!).

Port-wise, there’s a lot on offer here. With 9 x USB 3.2 Type-A & 1 x Type-C ports, as well as a SupremeFX CODEC S1220A leading its audio ports are perfect for high-quality speakers or headphones. There is little left to desire network connectivity-wise (the LAN port is 2.5G vs our top AMD pick’s 10G, but I don’t expect many users will notice this difference much).

Also for those aesthetic focussed folk, ASUS is a great brand for offering onboard ARGB lighting with the fantastic ASUS ARGB software/onboard headers. I’ve seen these create beautifully illuminated builds alongside an RGB PC case.

Alongside one of the Core-i9 10000X series CPUs in its X299 socket, it’s hard to imagine any type of user wanting more from a high-end build.

At an incredible price for the offering, this is comfortably our top pick for the best Intel mobo with 8 RAM slots.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Asus Prime TRX40-PRO

Best Budget AMD Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots: Asus Prime TRX40-PRO

Looking for a cheap motherboard with 8 RAM slots feels like a bit of an oxymoron; you’re not going to find the budget options of the mainstream market here.

But with that said, there’s still a huge difference in the price range between the top 8 DIMM options and the cheapest. I’m pleased to say this AMD offering is a very decent choice for those with a tighter budget.

One of the cheapest Threadripper motherboards available today, I’m impressed that the TRX40-PRO still boats 256GB memory support across its 8 DIMM outputs. I expect with the onboard specs, you won’t get quite the same speeds as that of our top AMD pick @ 256GB, but the board will still be capable of a very impressive speed/GB balance when compared to a huge majority of other market offerings.

One of the biggest changes to our more expensive offerings is a slightly reduced power draw to PCIe. With 3 4.0 slots, it’s still a fantastic capability for a budget, but supports a max of 2-way SLI/CLX instead of our main choice’s triple-GPU capability. It’s really up to your if this matters, dual GPUs will still offer incredible utility for most HEDT builds.

The unit still boasts plenty of onboard M.2, VRM, and active chipset thermal protection with its heatsink arrays (alongside the great ASUS UEFI BIOs, you’ll have plenty of customization available).

For storage, we’re pleased to see the TRX40-PRO boasts 3 x M.2 slots and 8 x SATA ports at 6Gb/s; if your prime needs are storage, this may even be a better choice for you than our overall best AMD pick!

Port-wise, you still have a great array of connectivity, with 9 x USB-Type A, 1 x USB Type-C, and decent onboard audio. Compared to our more expensive picks, it’s worth noting the outputs are slightly less capable, with only 3 of the Type-A USB ports being 3.2 Gen 2 (we expect most users will be fine balancing their needs here though).

There is no included Wi-Fi or Bluetooth onboard. We expect this has been done to achieve both the fantastic price and also minimize the power draw. If you do need these, a good Wi-Fi card and Bluetooth adapter will do the job just fine.

The budget hasn’t compromised on headers either, with decent fan, RGB & ARGB connectivity.

If the reduced ports, no Bluetooth/Wi-FI, missing third GPU capability, and slightly lower expected RAM speeds don’t bother you much, know I very nearly made this our top overall AMD pick. It’s great for the price and I was impressed by the performance I saw from it.

Our Rating: 9.25/10

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GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Master

Best Budget Intel Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots: GIGABYTE X299X AORUS Master

Although our top pick is already a very cheap 256GB motherboard offering, there’s another compelling option in the AORUS Master.

Previously highlighted on our E-ATX motherboard feature, I consider it one of the best HEDT options on the market and have reviewed some fantastic builds operating on it.

Let’s start with one of the most impressive capabilities of the X299X; its PCIe bandwidth is capable of 4-way GPU builds (with a 48-lane CPU).

You’d be forgiven for thinking this means it’s better than many of our pricier offerings, and for those focussed on graphical capability, it’s a very compelling choice!

RAM-wise, the system still boasts the ability to support 256GB RAM (we expect slightly lower speeds than the top overall/high-end Intel choices, but not significant in the grand scheme of things). Bear in mind that if your CPU is <48 lanes, the maximum support will be 128GB RAM (still a fantastic amount even for a production machine).

Port-wise, the motherboard is still plenty equipped with 9 x USB 3.2 Type-A and 1 x Type-C. The audio codec is a little more basic than our higher ends choices but still capable of great sound output to the average listener (especially with a good pair of headphones). We’re happy to see the board still includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth too.

The inner connectivity is still good, with plentiful fan headers and outputs for the front I/O panel.

The only thing to reiterate is that to access its 4-way GPU capability, and many other features (including 256GB RAM instead of 128GB max) the motherboard requires a 48-lane CPU to draw from.

That’s the secret to the X299X, part of its lower price tag is achieved by utilizing more capability from the onboard CPU.

While more expensive offerings definitely still require high-lane CPUs for their capability, they can get more done with less. With this dependence, you can also expect to be a little more limited speed-wise if you choose to use all of the Master’s functionality (e.g. quad GPU, 256GB RAM, max storage).

So if you’re a top-end user, you may desire one of the other picks. But on a budget, there is no contender more worthy than the Aorus Master.

Our Rating: 9/10

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ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha

Best High-End AMD Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots: ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme Alpha

Now, we will say that we think the mid-range or budget AMD board picks will satisfy many users, even those after a HEDT setup with 256GB RAM.

That said, if you want the best sTRX4 motherboard possible in the premium price range, this is our choice for you.

With its E-ATX form factor, the Zenith II Extreme Alpha has a feature list as long as its name and is an incredible solution for balancing high-end RAM, CPU, GPU, and storage combinations.

With its 8 DIMM slots, this ASUS offering doesn’t just support 256GB RAM, but according to user reports, can handle that quantity at 3600MHz.

This is an incredible achievement on modern hardware, if your needs are of a serious production/rendering persuasian, this RAM capability could be a game-changer for high-end productivity.

The PCI-express 4.0 x16 capability is what you would hope for in a top-end choice, with excellent bandwidths capable of 3-way SLI/Crossfire and unrivaled overclocking capability.

Now, onto storage…

The Extreme Alpha boasts, wait for it…5 PCIe 4.0 bandwidth M.2 drive & 8 x SATA ports!

We are floored by how ASUS has managed to utilize the power draw to incorporate this on top of all of the other specs throughout the motherboard and we can’t imagine anybody needing more storage capability.

There is no compromise on ports either, with 2 x USB Type-C, 6 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 & 4 x USB3.2 Gen 1 outputs, we haven’t come across a motherboard with more USB connectivity. These are accompanied by a 10Gbps ethernet port, AX200/Wi-fi 6, and a fantastic codec for high-quality audio output.

Internal headers are what you would expect in a premium ASUS mobo too, with plenty of connectivity for ARGB/RGB lighting and 4-pin fans.

As you’d expect at this high-end price, it’s also one of the most beautiful motherboards we’ve come across.

Not only does it have some gorgeous ARGB lighting surrounding the top and bottom, but its various heatsinks are designed in a way that has clearly put aesthetics in the equation (without compromise on thermal control capability, something the Extreme Alpha is unrivaled for).

Speaking of thermal control, with all of its onboard heatsinks, intelligent layout, various buttons to test/switch during failed OCs, and fantastic BIOs, the Extreme Alpha is one of the best overclocking motherboards available for Threadripper (or any socket, for that matter).

There is even a customizable OLED screen to display either key thermals or other overclocking stats you’re focussed on at a given time.

Is there anything I don’t like about this offering? Well, I could certainly say it’s easy to praise something that is this expensive because it has all of the bells and whistles you can imagine. But that comes at a price that might be overkill for some builds.

So with that in mind, ask yourself: do you need everything the Extreme Alpha offers to enjoy the benefits of 8 RAM slots? No, our above choices are very respectable offerings.

But if you want to build on the most powerful AMD HEDT motherboard possible in nearly every sense of the word, then this is the choice for you.

Our Rating: 9/10

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ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Encore

Best High-End Intel Motherboard With 8 RAM Slots: ASUS ROG Rampage VI Extreme Encore

Last but most certainly not least is our premium 8 DIMM Intel motherboard option.

The Extreme Encore is made for the top echelon of HEDT and overclocking with its 16 70 amp power stages giving an incredible capability across the board.

Its 8 RAM slots are capable of 256GB with decent speeds, its PCIe capable can support up to 3-way Crossfire/SLI & with 3 x m.2 outputs and 8 x SATA ports, it’s got fantastic storage allotment.

Similar to our top AMD pick, the overclocking capability is top class. Working alongside the fantastic AI overclocking/UEFI BIOs is an active VRM heatsink & onboard M.2 heatsinks (not to mention an incredible array of fan headers).

It’s one of the best-looking motherboards, with its metal heatsinks sharply covering many of the more traditional “ugly” board components, with ASUS design lighting on the front and further illumination on the bottom; this would look gorgeous in a clear PC case.

One thing we will say; if you are trying to support the best of the best as we expect for this price range, we think that AMD may be the better choice for you.

That’s not to say the Extreme Encore isn’t capable of an immensely powerful build for rendering, production, server-building, or more.

We just recognize that our AMD premium pick above offers unparalleled connectivity with PCIe 4.0 and its 5 M.2 slots amongst all the other incredible features.

That said, if your heart is set on an Intel HEDT, this is comfortably our choice for the best 8 RAM slot motherboard for LGA 2066 and still packs an incredible punch.

Our Rating: 9.25/10

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LGA 1200, 1700 or AM4 Motherboards with 8 RAM Slots

We appreciate some users may be looking for significant RAM on mainstream, non-HEDT motherboards.

However, for 8 RAM slots, you need to be looking at LGA 2066and sTRX4 motherboards.

Not only are these the only type with support for 8 slots, but also the only sockets that can accommodate up to 256GB of RAM.

On top of this, if you are building a production/hosting machine that requires 8 RAM slots, we expect you’ll probably want a HEDT motherboard to match anyway. These machines give you CPUs with insane amounts of cores, the power to draw lots of PCIe slots (for multi-GPU builds), and much more.

If however, you want to build a setup with mainstream GPUs, then check our best E-ATX motherboard picks, which include premium AM4/LGA1200 mobos (some of which can accommodate a hefty 128GB RAM).

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Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

The 7 Best Clear PC Cases of 2026

Clear PC Case

The 8 Best Clear PC Cases of 2026

For those looking to show off their beautiful internal builds

Clear PC Case

After reviewing the latest options available in 2026, our top picks remain the same, but we’ve included a couple of decent alternatives where relevant.

Let’s look at a hypothetical:

You’ve dedicated loads of time and money into putting together your perfect build.

The hardware looks amazing and you plan to set it up as neatly as possible.

…but then most of the cases you’re looking at only have one small window showing the internals!

Thankfully, there’s been an emergence of beautiful, clear computer cases that give as much transparency to your build as possible.

I’ve reviewed all of the significant offerings and reviewed/ranked them below for a range of sizes/budgets.

1

thermaltake core p5 v2 2

Overall Best Clear PC Case

Thermaltake Core P5 V2

Our Rating: 9.75/10

Check Price

Read Review

2

Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

Runner-Up Clear Case Pick

Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

Our Rating: 10/10

Check Price

Read Review

3

Thermaltake Core P7

High-End Clear PC Case Pick

Thermaltake Core P7

Our Rating: 9/10

Check Price

Read Review

4

Thermaltake Level 20 VT

Best Clear Micro ATX Case

Thermaltake Level 20 VT

Our Rating: 9/10

Check Price

Read Review

5

Thermaltake Core P1

Best Clear Mini ITX Case

Thermaltake Core P1

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

6

Thermaltake Tower 900

Best Clear EATX case

Thermaltake Tower 900

Our Rating: 9.25/10

Check Price

Read Review

7

Worth Considering

Thermaltake View 37

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

thermaltake core p5 v2 2

Best Clear PC Case: Thermaltake Core P5 V2

The Thermaltake Core P series is the undisputed king of transparent computer cases.

The P5 is the best “all-around” pick.

A tempered-glass ATX case, it has a single window on the top and completely open sides, with its slim base being made up of SPCC steel.

The case can be orientated horizontally, vertically, or even wall-mounted.

So you’re well-positioned to ensure the non-transparent base is against a wall/your desk with the rest fully on display.

Inside room for:

  • 8 Expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 570mm (without drive reservoir)
  • 1 x accessible 2.5″/3.5 & 3 x hidden 2.5″/3.5″ drive bays

You’ll have plenty of space for a meaty GPU and good storage options for a gaming PC.

I really appreciate how most of the drives can be hidden in a case designed to be so exposed.

thermaltake core p5 v2 2

Some builders choose to keep the top glass panel off. Source: chief3630

The other impressive allotment is cooling. Despite not having a lot of fixtures, the case still manages to have room for either

  • 4 x 120mm fans
  • 1 x 480mm radiator

This may not seem like much for an ATX case.

But remember, this clear tower has excellent ventilation with airflow from 4 of its sides. Meaning you don’t need as much internal cooling (a nice value-add).

With some basic air/water cooling setup you have a chassis perfectly capable of decent overclocking. I was really pleased with the thermals I observed in a test build.

Don’t be intimidated by the lack of fixtures and mounts that you’d see in a traditional case. The P5 is actually quite beginner-friendly for building.

When taking off the glass panel during assembly, you have a lot of space to place around with and are not “reaching inside” plastic/metal casing like you are with other chassis.

Is there anything I don’t like about the P5? Honestly; not really.

It is pretty expensive considering its very bare-bones material. But what you do get is high quality and I have seen so many great looking builds inside that it feels worth the premium.

If you’re comfortable paying a bit of a premium for an amazing aesthetic, I can’t recommend the P5 (and the other P-series options) enough. I’ve not seen another fully visible case that better balances excellent build quality, style, and space.

2026 update: The P series is still the best choice for clear case builders. I think the P5 is still one of the better mid-range options, but you might want to consider the P3 if you have less of a budget or if the P5 is out of stock.

Our Rating: 9.75/10

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Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

Best Clear Case Runner-Up: Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

One of the most renowned PC cases on the market, and for good reasons.

Lian Li’s flagship PC-011D model seems to tick every box most users need for a gaming ATX case and also ranks at the top of the list in our overall best PC case feature.

While a little more covered than the Core P5, I still think it warrants a good place on this list because of its full-length tempered glass panels on the side and front. It’s a lot more visible than a majority of options.

And with the rest of the exterior made between high-quality SECC steel and aluminum, even the non-clear sides look and feel excellent.

The case has great room for a mid-tower, with:

  • 8 expansion slots
  • VGA cards up to 420mm in length
  • 2 x 3.5″ & 4 x 2.5″ drive bays

There’s a very important USP over other chassis on this list: it’s a dual-chamber case.

This means it has a second compartment fully dedicated to hiding your “uglier” parts; think PSU, hard drives & cables.

I think this is a great bonus add for those after a clear case. It gives you the freedom to fine-tune how your build looks and make sure only the parts that you want on show are visible.

Lian Li Dynamic PC-O11

I’ve seen so many builds in the PC-011 and they never disappoint. Source: jerameyj

It also maximizes the airflow to your key components that need it (i.e. GPUs and CPU).

Despite the split compartments, the PC-011 still has room for:

  • Up to 9 x 120mm fans
  • Up to 1 x 360mm, 1 x 280mm & 1 x 240mm radiators

I’ve seen great thermal results in the case despite how much of it is covered. Both watercooling and air cooling builds have excelled in overclocking due to its great internal layout.

The reason I don’t give this case the top spot over the P5 is because it’s significantly more covered.

But if you prefer the 2-window approach of the PC-011 to the very transparent presentation of the P5, then I truly don’t think you can find a better case on the market.

Our Rating: 10/10

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Thermaltake Core P7

Best High-End Clear Case: Thermaltake Core P7 & Core P8

2026 update: The below focuses on the Core P7, our original high-end pick. However, Thermaltake has created another fantastic option in the Core P8 , check out our full review in our premium PC case feature.

For our most expensive case pick, we’re back to the P-series.

The premium model is an incredibly unique case and I’m sure you can tell why from its monolithic aesthetic.

The central body is similar to the Core P5 (just sized up for EATX motherboards / a full tower form factor).

But on top of that are two side panels on the left and right side designed to host and show off extra fans/radiators.

If you check out some of the build/stock photos on the product listing, you’ll see just how incredible this case can look, especially if you’re building an RGB setup.

The cooling potential is crazy for a see-through PC case with so much ventilation:

  • Up to 12 x 120mm fans
  • Up to 3 x 480mm radiators

The fact that there are so many cooling allotments despite the case also being large open-air is quite the achievement. I was really impressed by thermal benchmarks here. There’s capability here to run a very intensive build.

Thermaltake Core P7 2

Few cases offer more freedom of expression while building. Source: ittypartspicker

You have the room in the main case for a monstrous multi-GPU build too, with:

Between all the cooling options, space, and open-air case design, this is one of the best overclocking towers available today.

Let’s be real though; this is a very expensive choice.

And for many gaming builds, the Core P5 and others on this list are more than enough for what you’ll need and I recommend them more over the P7 for that reason.

But if budget isn’t a big concern and you want the most power/style you can possibly get, this is one of the best clear computer cases available.

Final note: If you like the look of this high-end chassis but it’s a little out of your price range, you can also consider the Core P90 as a great middle-ground option.

Our Rating: 9/10

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Thermaltake Level 20 VT

Best Clear Micro ATX Case: Thermaltake Level 20 VT

This list may seem a little Thermaltake-heavy

But there simply isn’t any other manufacturer that has come out with clear chassis as good as them (in so many prices/size ranges).

This next offering is for those looking for the best clear mini-tower case.

The L20 VT is covered with 4 tempered glass panels: left, right, top, and front.

These exposed angles and the small form factor would make it fantastic for an on-desk setup.

Due to the solid build quality of the case overall (SPCC steel), it’s still more than sturdy enough to act as a portable/LAN Party case if needed.

Thermaltake Level 20 VT 2

Source: a_pc_has_no_name

The space is really excellent for Micro ATX too, with:

  • 5 expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 350mm (great for mATX)
  • Up to 7 x 120mm + 1 included high quality RGB 200m fan on the front
  • Up to 3 x 240mm & 1 x 120mm radiators

This case is also the smallest dual-chamber tower on the list.

With hidden compartments for PSUs, drives, and some of your cables.

There aren’t many see-through computer cases with full/open exposure for Micro ATX.

But fortunately, the Level 20 VT is such a good offering it hardly matters.

With excellent build quality, deceptive internal size, beautiful presentation/style, and unparalleled cooling options for a Micro ATX tower, this is an easy pick if you’re looking at this form factor.

Our Rating: 9/10

View on Amazon
Thermaltake Core P1

Best Clear Mini ITX Case: Thermaltake Core P1

The last Core P case on our list is the smallest one available – perfect for mITX builders.

What I really like about the P1 is that it manages to maintain the excellent build quality of its larger brothers.

With an SPCC steel base and the same signature open-air setup (+ a thick tempered glass top).

Stock pictures really don’t do the P1 justice; with its compact size and high visibility, I’ve never seen a build completed and powered on that doesn’t look beautiful.

Note also, that even in this tiny option, the Core P1 still has dedicated wall mounting support and looks great in this format.

Thermaltake Core P1

The tiny case still manages full-sized GPUs. Source: Flyinlow23

You’ll be getting good space for mITX, with:

  • 5 expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 380mm
  • 2 x 2.5″ accessible & 1 x 3.5″ / 2.5″ hidden bays

Obviously, this is much more limited than a mid/full tower.

But if your focus is on the smallest build possible, you have more options here for a portable gaming build than a lot of other similarly sized chassis.

Cooling-wise, you’ll be looking at either 2 x 140mm fans or 1 x 280mm radiator.

Alongside the open-air case design, this is more than enough for a single-GPU build.

The case is the cheapest of the P series, but it shares the premium price tag relative to other ITX options (which are usually cheaper due to their smaller size). My same point applies to this version; I think the premium is worth it if you’re really after a gorgeous aesthetic.

With excellent build quality, deceptive internal size, beautiful presentation/style, and unparalleled cooling options for a Mini ITX case. The P1 is unmatched in its form factor for a high-visibility build.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Thermaltake Tower 900

Best Clear EATX case: Thermaltake Tower 900

So what if you’re looking for the most space possible?

The Tower 900 is a fantastic option for Extended-ATX motherboard builds.

Dubbed “the fish tank PC case”, the Tower 900 has 3 full-length thick, tinted tempered-glass windows.

They provide an excellent presentation for a monstrous build alongside the rest of its rock-solid SGCC steel exterior.

Speaking of monstrous builds, you can certainly create one here, with:

  • 8 Expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 400mm
  • 1 x 5.25 “, 6 x 3.5″ / 2.5 ” & 2 x 2.5″ drive bays

Note this is in a case that is extra-long. If tied with an appropriate motherboard, these space provisions will give you room for a Quad-GPU build.

You’ll be able to overclock them well with the incredible cooling on the Tower 900 too.

Thermaltake Tower 900

Trust me; it’s larger than it looks. Source: Jaz11

It’s the largest dual-chamber case we recommend. With space to hide all your storage drives, PSU, and cables.

This gives maximum airflow to your GPUs/CPU in the main chamber (and makes them look as neat as possible).

That great airflow can then be combined with:

  • 13 x 120mm fans
  • 1 x 480mm & 1 x 560mm radiators

You can add air cooling to your water cooling build too if you prefer. If you install both of these radiators, there will still be room for 5 further 120mm fans on the top, rear & HDD cage.

The Tower 900, simply put, is one of the best cases for cooling and overclocking available today.

You will get diminishing returns compared to an ATX/Micro ATX case as we detail in our complete case size guide. These form factors are suitable for most builds.

But if your concern is less on budget and more on asking “how do I make the most powerful PC possible?”, here’s your answer.

Our Rating: 9.25/10

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Worth Considering: Thermaltake View 37

While not taking one of our top picks, the View 37 has some great factors going for it.

The biggest one by far is style.

The design is very unique; with a curved window covering the full length of the left side/top.

Paired alongside its included addressable RGB fans, it’s one of the coolest-looking cases in its price point.

For a mid-tower chassis, you’re getting excellent room too, with:

  • 8 + 2 (vertical mount) expansion slots
  • VGA cards up to 410mm (without front fans)
  • 3 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ accessible & 8 x 2.5 /4 x  3.5″ hidden drive bays
  • Up to 8 x 120mm fans
  • Up to 1 x 420mm, 1 x 360mm & 1 x 120mm radiators
Thermaltake View 37 2

The lack of an edge between the top/side glass looks very slick. Source: JTricky

The storage capability in this case is a particular standout.

With the drive bays here, you have room for an HTPC, server, production, and/or video editing build.

Note the airflow design of this case isn’t quite up to the standards of some of the other options on this list.

But there’s still great cable management utility and it’s good enough to achieve decent overclocking on a multi-GPU build.

The case even claims to support E-ATX motherboards. Though this may be a tight squeeze and we’d recommend the larger options above if you were looking at a huge build.

One important note: the View 37 is a clear plastic PC case.

It still has a sturdy SPCC steel exterior but the window is not tempered glass like the rest of our picks.

But if its curved window design, excellent space, or decent price-point appeal to you, know we’ve included it for a reason and would still highly recommend for a clear PC case RGB build.

2026 update: Hopefully you’ve found what you’re looking for in the picks above, but one more fresher case that is worth a quick shout-out is the HYTE Y60 – it offers a great single-glass, dual chamber aesthetic at a good mid-range price.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

View on Amazon

What's Next?

About the author

Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

The 6 Best Lian Li Cases of 2026

Best Lian Li Case

The 6 Best Lian Li Cases in 2026

We’ve updated this feature in 2026 to cover recent Lian Li releases. Our top picks remain the same this time around.

Lian Li is arguably the best PC case brand in the business today.

While there are plenty of other great companies offering towers to consider, this manufacturing beast seems to balance price, quality, and features like no other.

What in Tech’s latest feature is here to guide you through the best Lian Li computer cases for gaming, streaming, editing/production usage, and more.

Top Picks

Best of the Rest – Alternative Choices

Lian Li Dynamic PC-O11

Source: jerameyj

Overall Best Lian Li Case: PC-011 Dynamic

The PC-011DX isn’t just the best Lian Li PC case, but our choice for the best PC case available today for any mid-range build.

There is simply so much to praise with this chassis.

To start: stock photos do not do its aesthetic justice (check out the cover photo of our best PC case feature to see what this case can look like in practice).

The build quality is the best you’ll find in its price range.

With an exterior (and most of the interior) made with high-quality SECC steel and a beautiful finish, the case feels as good as it looks.

Then there are the thick tempered glass panels that fall down the full length of both the front and the side of the chassis (with the rest of the front boasting a sleek aluminum).

This is perhaps what gives the case such a beautiful presentation.

You’ll notice most cases have a partial side window and nothing else.

And while there are some great cases that do have a front window (like say, the NZXT 510 Elite), they’ll often also be partially covered at the bottom.

You may realize that a lot of cases do this because it hides the “uglier” parts (like the PSU).

Well, Lian Li completes the same task in a much better way by operating as a dual-chamber PC case.

This means it has a dedicated compartment on the non-window side to install your PSU/drives and give you significantly better cable management/airflow than your average tower.

Having a case that reveals the full length of your PC really makes it the perfect case for showing off your awesome internal components (especially if any RGB elements are present).

We gave the PC-011DX the top spot in our “Best Looking PC Case” feature due to all of these fantastic elements.

But enough on the design, because the tower excels in size too.

This Lian Li tower is an ATX PC case with room for:

  • 8 x expansion slots
  • 2 x 3.5″ + 4 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • VGA card length up to 420mm (enough for pretty much all mainstream cards)
  • Front I/O panel that includes a USB3.1 Type-C port

With the large dimensions, you’ll have great potential here for a multi-GPU gaming PC (or plenty of space for ventilation if not).

The drive bay allowance is quite standard, and more than enough for most (especially a PC case for gamers, streamers, and normal usage).

What’s more, all of the bays are hidden in the second hidden chamber.

And finally, there’s cooling.

This Lian Li mid-tower is one of the best PC cases for overclocking and cooling around, with:

  • Up to 9 x 120mm fans
  • Up to 1 x 360mm, 1 x 280mm & 1 x 240mm radiators

This is a really great capability for an ATX PC chassis.

But what makes it even better is the incredible ventilation achieved by the large internal space and hidden components in the second chamber not interfering with the airflow.

By now, you can probably understand why we love this case so much.

It’s really hard to believe you get all the build quality and features in its mid-range price.

Simply put, this is the best Lian Li PC case available bar none – and possibly the best by any brand.

If you’re building for gaming, production, or general usage, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better than the Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic.

2026 update: The PC-011 remains my top Lian Li case pick (and the best PC case in any category) for 5 years running – I’ve not seen anything enter the market that manages to match it in the quality it offers across the board.

Check Price
LANCOOL II

Source: Lian Li

Best Budget Lian Li Case: LANCOOL II

While you can go even cheaper with our pick lower down, the LANCOOL 2 is easily the best choice for someone who wants the great quality LianLi is known or on a budget.

With a solid SGCC exterior build quality and tempered glass on both of its size, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a case that feels as high-quality at its price point.

The most striking visual features however are the two RGB strips running up the front of the case – This case would be a great start to an RGB build.

You have decent space in here too, with:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • 4 x 2.5″ & 3 x 3.5″ / 2.5″ drive bays
  • VGA lengths up to 384mm

There is still enough size in here for a multi-GPU gaming setup should you wish to upgrade your budget setup later.

The storage capability, in particular, is excellent, this is easily one of the best budget PC cases for video editing, media center, and other PC setups that demand lots of drive space.

You’ll have more than enough cooling for a budget build too, with:

  • Up to 8 x 120mm fans
  • Or up to 1 x 360mm & 1 x 240mm radiators

While the internal design and cooling availability doesn’t reach the highs of the PC-011, this case still performs great and very impressively at its price-point.

While we would push you to pick up the dynamic if you can afford it, know that this is still a fantastic option.

If your wallet is tight, rest assured this is the best budget Lian Li PC case available.

2026 update: Although I still highly rate the LANCOOL II, I’ve seen it run into some stock issues occasionally over the last several months (or price hiked where the case is being sold for $200+). If you liked the look of it but this is the case, the LANCOOL 205 MESH is an ideal replacement, and arguably a little better if you are airflow focussed due to its front mesh panel.

Check Price
PC–O11 Dynamic XL

Source: Lian Li

Best High-End / E-ATX Lian Li Case: PC – O11 Dynamic XL

If you’re looking to go all out, this is the case for you.

Sharing many of the fantastic qualities as its smaller PC-011 brother, the XL is made for those creating the biggest gaming/production beast they can.

With a similar fantastic design to the PC-011, you’re also getting a full aluminum exterior and a tastefully subtle RGB strip running down the front.

But space is where the XL really shines, with

  • 8 expansions slots (and options to upgrade to vertical installs)
  • 6 x 2.5″ & 4 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ drive bays
  • Graphics card lengths up to 446mm

With even more space in this case, if you’re building a crossfire/SLI GPU setup, you’re going to have so much room to play with here.

And the storage allotment speaks for itself, this is easily one of the best PC cases for video editing and other utilities that demand high bay space.

The XL is also a great option if you’re looking at building an E-ATX motherboard PC.

While the top two picks above do support E-ATX, we’d recommend picking this case up over them if that’s your inclination.

Cooling wise, the XL is clearly designed to overclock and cool some meaty components, with:

  • Up to 10 x 120mm fans
  • Up to 3 x 360mm radiators

Even in a multi-GPU build, it’s really hard to imagine needing more availability for your air or water cooling solution.

PC-011 Dynamic vs XL

The key difference between the two is the XL having an improved exterior material/RGB strip and the upped space requirements.

We will say that the PC-011D will satisfy a large majority of gaming & other PC build needs.

But if you’re trying to build the best PC you can then here’s the one.

If budget isn’t a consideration for you, the PC-011 Dynamic XL is the best of the best Lian Li computer cases.

Check Price
TU-150

Source: Lian Li

Best Lian Li Mini ITX Case: TU-150

If you’re looking for a portable PC case or simply trying to build the smallest PC possible, our last top recommendation is for you.

The TU-150 is one of the best looking mITX PC cases around with a full aluminum exterior and tempered glass window.

The finish on the case is gorgeous and it has a quality of life feature we’re surprised we don’t see more on a mini-ITX case: a retractable handle.

The handle, size, and sturdiness make this ideal for a LAN party PC case or even if you’re looking for something console-sized.

Despite the small space, you’ll still have room for:

  • 3 x expansion slots
  • GPUs up to 320mm in length
  • 1 x 2.5″ & 1 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ drive bays
  • A front I/O panel that includes a USB3.1 Type C port
  • Air cooling: Up to 4 x 120mm fans (one could be replaced for a 120m radiators to add water cooling)

Of course, this availability isn’t impressive compared to our other top picks.

But for its form factor? The TU-150 excels in offering what most tiny builders will need.

And the cooling on offer ties in perfectly with a well-built internal design that doesn’t just look great but offers decent airflow for the size.

Simply put, if you’re looking for a tower as small and portable as possible that still performs, know this is easily the best Lian Li Mini ITX PC case for it.

Check Price

Best Lian Li Micro ATX Case?

Unfortunatley at the time of writing this feature, there is no Lian Li mATX case option we would recommend.

We would suggest picking up the PC-011D if your build is demanding, or pushing down your requirements to a m-ITX build and picking up the TU-150 if small form factor is your main focus.

Best of the Rest – Alternative Choices

While the 4 chassis’ above are easily our top picks for the best Lian Li PC cases, we’ve recommended a couple of alternative options for very specific needs.

O11D Mini

Check Price

Best PC-011 Alternative: O11D Mini

PC-011 Dynamic vs O11D Mini: The Mini was developed as an option to be very similar to the PC-011 but those happy to sacrifice some spec/airflow space with a more compact build.

We prefer the all-round capabilities of the full-size dynamic, but if you want something smaller, the Mini is a fantastic choice.

LANCOOL 205

Check Price

Cheapest Lian Li PC Case: LANCOOL 205

While we’d stick to the LANCOOL II for your budget build if possible, we wanted to include the cheapest option Lian Li provides because its still a decent case.

You’ll be losing out on some aesthetic, build quality and cooling potential compared to the II, but on a budget, it’s still a great option.

What's Next?

About the author

Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

The 8 Best PC Cases with Fans Included in 2026

PC Case with Fans

The 8 Best PC Cases With Fans Included in 2026

We've narrowed down the best value picks with cooling covered

PC Case with Fans

We updated this feature to cover the options available in 2026. None of our top picks have changed, but we have added a couple of decent alternatives where relevant.

Why settle for a PC case that doesn’t include your cooling off the bat?

While many options include fans nowadays, it can be hard to know when the quality and quantity are decent for the price of the case in question.

After 100s of chassis reviews, I’ve put today’s features together to guide you through the best PC cases with fans included.

These picks will focus on value. We’ll look at cheaper cases including 1-2 fans/decent ventilation perfect for a budget builder, and also slightly more expensive choices that still offer an excellent deal by including a more extensive RGB fan/cooling setup.

1

Cooler Master N200

Best PC Case with Fans Under $50

Cooler Master N200

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

2

MUSETEX T400-MN8 1

Best Case With RGB Fans

MUSETEX T400-MN8

Our Rating: 9/10

Check Price

Read Review

3

Thermaltake Core V1

Best ITX Case With Fan Included

Thermaltake Core V1

Our Rating: 9/10

Check Price

Read Review

4

Fractal Design Focus G 1

Best ATX Case With Fans

Fractal Design Focus G

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

Cooler Master N200

Best PC Case with Fans Under $50: Cooler Master N200

The top pick was a bit of a no-brainer for this feature.

The N200, from one of the best PC case manufacturers in the game, is an absolutely incredible value purchase. Of course, you’re not going to get the same level of product as some more expensive options, but it’s still well ahead of its similarly-priced counterparts.

The build quality is a nice mix of steel, plastic, and metal for the mesh (again, great for the price). I like the choice of mesh in this case. Alongside the vents on the sides, top, and rear, Cooler Master has clearly recognized that purchasers of the N200 don’t want to then spend lots more on expensive fans. So the cooling out of the box is already suitable for your budget gaming PC build (or something for general work).

This case comes with a very generous 2 x 120mm fans installed (1 on the rear & 1 on the front). You could install up to 3 more if you wish to later. But between the mesh and surrounding ventilators, you have all the cooling you need out of the box here. I was pleased with the thermal benchmarking I saw on a test budget build.

Cooler Master N200

Source: jnanof

This is a Micro ATX case, the perfect form factor for a budget builder (not too big that you’re paying for unnecessary material, not too small you’re worried about specialist parts), with room inside for:

  • 4 expansion slots
  • 4 x 3.5″, 3 x 2.5″ & 1 x 5.25″ (optical) drive bays
  • Graphics card clearance up to 355mm in length (more than enough for most mainstream cards)
  • 1 x USB 3.0 & 2 x USB 2.0 on the front I/O panel (many cases this cheap will have fewer ports)

We can’t reiterate enough what an impressive budget offering this is.

The fact that you get a case from one of the most reliable brands with a slick design, build quality, 2 120mm fans, decent ventilation, and enough space for a great gaming build is really impressive.

This isn’t just the best micro ATX case with fans, but the best cheap choice across any form factor I’ve found by a notable margin.

2026 update: The N200 remains my top pick for 4 years running! There’s been some other compelling fan-included offerings, but nothing that quite matches the incredible value that the N200 boasts. The only reason not to enjoy it is style or if you have a larger wallet for something fancier.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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MUSETEX T400-MN8 1

Best PC Case with RGB Fans: MUSETEX T400-MN8

For those with a slightly larger budget who want to build something with a more eye-catching aesthetic, MUSETEX’s T400-MN8 is a very impressive value offering.

If you told me you could get a decent quality mid-tower with 8 addressable RGB fans & 2 sides of tempered glass at this price before I saw this? I would have thought you were lying!

But that’s exactly what you get with the MN8. RGB fans that are addressable can be customized in a huge variety of ways to behave as you want. This can mean anything from what color each light is, to how the lights are animated (they can fade on and off at various speeds or even flare up in sync with your music). The system includes a remote control to change the lights easily (a nice touch, as this can get tiresome if going through software).

The tempered glass windows are full-length, which we always appreciate in showing off a great aesthetic (especially one focussed on RGBs). There is enough room in here for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • Up to 380mm GPU lengths (all you’ll need for nearly every card)
  • 3 x 2.5″ & 2 x 3.5″ drive bays
MUSETEX T400 MN8

Source: MUSETEX

There’s all the space you need for a full size card. The ridiculous inclusion of cooling inside the case gives you a great basis for overclocking if you desire. Between these factors, it’s often my top answer when readers ask what the best gaming PC with fans included is on a budget.

Cooler Master N200 vs MUSETEX T440-MN8

MUSETEX isn’t as big and reputable of a brand as Cooler Master, but we still consider them worthy of inclusion, with their various flagship cases being well-received for quite a while now.

The N200 is a little more practical of a choice than the MN8 with far more ventilation surrounding the case. Even though the cooling on the MN8 is very capable with its fans, it’s slightly hampered by the choice to g for a tempered glass front panel. This is clearly an aesthetic-focussed decision and you’ll have to ask yourself if you prefer a more reliable consistent airflow (N200) or a beautifully transparent case that overcompensated for its ventilation issues with plenty of fans (MN8).

As insane as the N200 offer may be, the MN8, with its dual tempered glass and 8 ARGB fans, is the most value I see in the list’s options. Yes, it costs more, but the extra inclusions are even crazier for the price.

If you want an RGB aesthetic, this is a fantastic budget choice.

2026 update: I still recommend the T400, but I’ve seen it run into several availability issues over the last several months. If you catch it out of stock, MUSETEX does some similar models that offer a ton of RGB fan inclusions at a reasonable price, like the Phantom.

Our Rating: 9/10

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Thermaltake Core V1

Best ITX Case with Fan Included: Thermaltake Core V1

If you were looking for a small pc case with good fan inclusion, I have good news.

One of the most popular ITX cases on the market, the Core V1, is a fantastic value offering. At its low price, it only includes 1 fan, but that is a 200mm fan that is as nearly as large as the case and combined with the great ventilation and mesh design, is enough to cool your ITX build on its own (with an option for 2 x 80mm fans in future if you do want to upgrade).

The V1 has a deceptively high-quality build for its price, with SPCC steel and tempered glass surrounding its exterior (not to mention its incredibly unique cube tower design).

Thermaltake Core V1

Source: Seiren2112

Quite largely considered one of the best budget ITX cases for gaming, there’s space inside for:

  • GPUs up to 285mm in length
  • 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 3.5″ drive bays (both hidden)

The storage space, in particular, is really impressive for a case of its size (with many similar cases only having 1-2 2.5″ drive bays). You of course won’t get the cooling that you would in our larger choices, but still more than enough for a budget gaming PC.

We’re a little disappointed by the GPU length. It’s not uncommon to see this kind of clearance in ITX, but for a case that has gaming in mind, pushing to 295-300mm would’ve been nice to see. With that said, that’s often the sacrifice of getting a great compact aesthetic. It will still accommodate many mainstream GPUs. Just be sure to check your dimensions before you buy (and if this is too small, many of the other options on this list are larger).

NOTE: If you’re looking at the Amazon reviews for this case, know that a majority of the very low ratings are for a different Thermaltake Core series cases (the V200), if you specifically look for the V1 reception, you’ll see that it’s largely very positive for all the reason’s we’ve discussed.

This isn’t just one of the best mini ITX cases with fans, but one of my most common recommendations to budget builders looking for a nice compact case that still packs a punch.

Our Rating: 9/10

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Fractal Design Focus G 1

Best ATX Case With Fans: Fractal Design Focus G

I know that not everyone is into the big “flashy” aesthetic that a case like our MUSETEX pick above provides. I want to also offer a gaming PC case with fan inclusion that’s a little more traditional (and also from one of the best chassis brands in the business).

Fractal cases are always top quality. The Focus G, despite its lower price tag, is no exception. Featured several times on What in Tech previously, this mid-tower includes a pair of high-quality Silent LL Series 120mm case fans. I’m really pleased by this, as it would’ve been easy to cheap out and offer some very basic fans at this price point. Fractal is known for silent builds, and while this budget offering isn’t as quiet as its flagship choices, it will still be the quietest option on the list.

Inside is room for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • GPU clearance up to 380mm (more than enough for most cards)
  • 2 x 2.5″ / 3.5″, 1 x 2.5″ & 2 x 5.25″ drive bays
Fractal Design Focus G

Source: MrThreePik

There’s plenty of graphic card/storage room in here for either a gaming pc or someone looking for more of an enthusiast work build.

There are lots of smaller “quality of life” features in the case too. Including decent cable management and airflow (nicely aided by the mesh front plate). The inclusion of optical drives is great for anyone still using older media (if not, they can easily be converted into more storage space).

Alongside the decent ventilation and included cooling is the option to add up to 4 more 120mm fans (not that you’ll need these on a budget setup, but it’s a nice option for later if you want to consider overclocking).

If the other cases don’t hit the mark for you (perhaps you want more of a minimalist choice from a big brand, and your budget is a little above the N200), this Fractal offering is a great choice.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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Quick-Fire Picks (Best of the Rest)

While the top 4 choices are what we consider the best budget PC cases with fans included, there are a few extra options worth considering in certain situations that we thought worth adding (and are still worth considering if they more comfortably match your requirements).

montech x1

Best Budget Case With RGB Fans: Montech X1

If you want a cheap PC case with RGB fans and the MUSETEX top pick is outside of your price bracket, the Montech X1 will be the best model for you.

Our Rating: 8/10

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DEEPCOOL MATREXX 30

Cheapest PC Case With Fan Included: DEEPCOOL MATREXX 30

Although we would recommend pushing you to purchase the N200 model if you can stretch your budget a tiny bit further (with the higher quality/reputable manufacturer behind it), we respect some builders will literally be looking for the cheapest PC case with fans that will get their build up and running. The MATREXX is the choice we’d recommend for just that (only 1 fan included but with enough ventilation for a budget build, though we’d highly recommend adding 1-2 more when possible).

Our Rating: 8/10

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DEEPCOOL MATREXX 50

Cheapest ATX PC Case With Fan: DEEPCOOL MATREXX 50

The larger brother of the pick directly above, if you are after the cheapest ATX PC case that also has that classic, tempered glass look, this is it (we would recommend purchasing a cheap second 120mm fan with this as a minimum, however). We would still recommend our top Fractal pick vs this if you have the extra budget for its superior build quality and airflow.

Our Rating: 8/10

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Thermaltake V250

Best ATX Case With RGB Fans Alternative Pick: Thermaltake V250

If you prefer an RGB case to be with one of the larger brands as opposed to the MUSETEX offering we present above, this is your best value option. One of Thermaltake’s flagship budget models includes a beautiful tempered glass design and 3 high-quality RGB fans.

We also like the quantity of cooling built-in as we know many readers are after a PC case with 3 fans included.

Our Rating: 8/10

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What's Next?

About the author

Picture of Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross
Kaelum Ross, BSc is the Lead Writer at What in Tech and a leading authority in PC hardware and software. With a career as a senior IT professional, Kaelum has led multi-million dollar projects covering everything from bespoke software development to complex Windows hardware upgrades. Today, Kaelum uses his expertise to serve What in Tech's readers and has been featured in numerous global publications including New York Magazine and Lifewire.

256GB vs 512GB vs 1TB SSD – How Much is Enough? Laptop & Desktop 2026 Guide

Solid State Drive

256GB vs 512GB vs 1TB GB SSDs - How Much is Enough for You?

Finding the ideal storage solution for desktop and laptop buyers

Solid State Drive

Short answer:

  • 256GB (or even 128GB) for light/budget users who only browse the internet, watch online videos and use basic programs (Microsoft Office, very light gaming, etc.).
  • 512GB: Users who want more apps, modest media collections & gaming.
  • 1TB: Serious gamers, larger media collections, and/or people who have file-intensive work (video editing, music production, etc.).
  • 2TB: Very heavy gaming/production work – at this point consider mixing a smaller SSD + larger HDD (hard drive) for the budget.

That’s just a very simplistic summary.

For the rest of this feature, we’re going to be breaking down each size, detail what you might want depending on your usage, and recommend the best 256GB, 512GB & 1TB SSDs to ensure you avoid fake options on the market.

(This is a long, in-depth piece, use the contents to guide you!).

Table of Contents

A quick word on where to buy SSDs

Before we get started, we need to touch on the problem with fake SSDs in today’s market.

For whatever reason, storage tends to attract a lot of inauthentic listings that usually use smaller SSDs disguised as a larger size (e.g. a 128GB drive that “pretends” it’s 1TB but will fill up very early).

I point this out because some scammers are cunning and will use a well-reviewed page to deceive buyers into thinking they’re purchasing a well-reputed product (e.g. a listing for a 1TB drive with lots of reviews is changed to a fake 4TB SSD option).

These fake drives are often more common at larger sizes because they lure buyers in with prices around 80-90% less expensive than our top, genuine picks (e.g. a 1TB SSD for $10…).

Unfortunately, we’re here to tell you won’t be able to buy an SSD that cheap for a long time, so be vigilant, keep to our recommendations later in this article if possible, and even when buying from these choices, make sure it is Amazon themselves delivering the product (or a reseller with 98%+ feedback).

If you want to stray to other picks around the web, then we highly recommend purchasing from reputable brands like Corsair and Samsung.

What type of user are you?

The easiest way to find out how much storage you need is by assessing what you will be using it for. Which of the below best fits your needs?

Note: the advice in this section applies to laptops & desktops.

How much storage do you need for gaming?

Gaming is one of the most storage-intensive activities for PC users.

If you like to have a regular library of games, you can very quickly fill up 256GB, 512GB, and even a 1TB drive.

This is all very dependent on what type of games you play and how many you cycle through at one time.

For example, if you’re into big blockbuster titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (231GB!) and Red Dead Redemption 2 (150GB) and like to have many games installed at once, you will want to invest in the largest SSD your budget can afford.

On the other hand, if you perhaps stick to playing a few competitive games, you’ll likely be fine with a much smaller drive (256GB or 512GB) as many of these games are well optimized and run under 30GB (including Fortnite, Overwatch, and League of Legends).

If you have a big library but only play a few of the titles regularly, then your best option will likely be to purchase an SSD + HDD combo: a smaller SSD (say 512GB) for key apps/games, and a larger HDD (1TB-4TB) for the rest of your less-played titles. We talk more about this later in the article.

Is a 256GB SSD enough for gaming?

A 250GB SSD is good for a budget gaming PC that is more focused on running simpler titles (perhaps you only play one or two popular optimized titles like Minecraft or Dota 2).

256GB is not going to be enough for any user that plays larger, modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077 (remember, you don’t get 256GB of raw space to use, after Windows, other apps, and drive configuration, you may only have around half the drive available for your games).

For desktops, we would encourage you to try and go for at least 512GB. For laptop users, if the choice you’re interested in charges significantly more for this size upgrade, then you can make do with 256GB if your gaming library is very light (we would strongly suggest buying a laptop that has a spare solid-state or hard drive slot so that you can upgrade later).

Is a 512GB SSD enough for gaming?

A 500GB SSD is the minimum size we would recommend for a gaming laptop /desktop where possible. 

You will still run into some space constraints if you play lots of modern AAA titles, but you should typically be able to have enough space for a limited library at once (so you can play certain games at a time, and then install others using Steam at a later time).

512GB is good enough if you’re the kind of gamer dedicated to one or two titles.

Is a 1TB SSD enough for gaming?

A 1TB SSD is what we would consider a good standard for a serious gamer who likes to play lots of titles.

You’ll have plenty of room for a large array of titles and won’t feel the need to constantly remove/re-install games (of course, this depends on your library, if you have a massive catalog, then a 2TB SSD+ will continue to provide benefits).

If you want this capability but don’t necessarily have the budget, then we recommend going for a 256GB/512GB SSD with a larger hard drive for your game library. Games won’t run/load as fast, but the cost will be a notable difference.

That said, if you can afford it, having the luxury of a large SSD is a great privilege. Compared to HDD speeds, your games will load notably faster.

For some users (like competitive gamers who mainly stick to one game), 1TB may begin to enter the “overkill” range. If this sounds like you, you’ll likely be fine with a 512GB solid-state drive.

How much storage do you need for a Windows 10 / 11 general use PC?

If you are purchasing a laptop or desktop for the purpose of very general uses like browsing the internet, using simple apps (e.g. Microsoft Word/Excel), sending e-mails, and watching YouTube/Netflix, then we think most users will find a 256GB SSD to be good enough.

This is because most modern mainstream usage all happens on the internet. Between cloud storage and streaming videos, you don’t have to worry too much about installing content on your PC.

In some cases, you can even get away with 128GB or 64GB SSD budget options, just beware you’ll be quite limited in application and backup storage (for photos, music, etc.).

The only exception to 256GB being good enough is if you’re the kind of user who has a lot of heavy work documents, or perhaps a very large family photo/video collection. If this sounds like you, going a little further to 512GB would be a good option (but you can also stick with 256GB and purchase a decent flash drive or external hard drive at a later time).

How much storage do you need for video editing?

1TB is the minimum we would recommend for a serious video editing laptop/desktop.

That said, there is very little more demanding on storage than this profession, and you could easily fill up a 1TB drive, especially if you’re an 8K video editor or work with long rolls/footage.

If budget allows, investing in a 2TB+ SSD would be a great option, but if not, you can consider SSD + HDD combos.

If you’re a professional or have a big budget, we’d consider looking at our largest SSD feature, which also covers external drives (a great idea if you want to get a laptop or desktop with a base 1TB drive and then have an enormous, portable solution for your less-used video projects).

How much storage do you need for a Macbook?

If you’re an average user who browses the internet, streams video content, and uses a few simple apps, then you will likely be fine with the 128GB/256GB SSD options a Macbook offers.

If you’re a gamer, video editor, or another type of production user, then the same advice as above applies, you’ll want a Macbook that has a 512GB/1TB storage to give you some leeway in the big apps/files you’ll be working with

(Apple does charge a huge amount for storage increases though, so another great option will be to purchase a small SSD Macbook and also pick up a large flash drive or an external SSD if you don’t need to constantly access the information).

How much storage do you need for music production?

A 500GB SSD is the minimum we would recommend for music producers. Although not as intensive in size as video work, you quickly run into high storage requirements with the various software, recordings, and sound libraries accumulated.

A 1000GB SSD would be the preferred option where possible, 512GB drives will likely be eventually surpassed if you’re a serious producer.

(That said, like the other aforementioned sections, you can comfortably combine a smaller SSD with a larger HDD or external drive, this is likely the best option for most users on a tighter budget).

M.2 SSDs

Breaking down each size

So, the above section defined storage needs based on the type of user you are, which we think is the best way to determine what size SSD you need.

However, if you’re still after more info, we’ve broken down each popular SSD type below and the kind of functions we think each one fulfills (skip to the next section if you’re already comfortable with what size SSD you’re after).

Is a 128GB SSD good enough?

A 128GB SSD is good for a laptop or desktop that isn’t going to be used for much more than internet browsing, streaming, and basic document/picture storage.

Many decent family/work laptops come in this size; as long as you don’t have a large media collection (remember, Netflix/YouTube don’t count as they’re all streamed online), you’ll be fine with this option as a budget choice.

(Some users can even get away with 64GB choices! But we’d try and stick to 128GB, having some leeway on a PC you intend to use for a while tends to be a nice perk).

If you’re a gamer, you might get away with 1 to 2 popular games installed if they’re not too large (e.g. Minecraft/Overwatch) but we’d really recommend a larger choice.

Is a 256GB SSD good enough?

A 256GB SSD will feel like a luxury for most office/general-use computers. You’ll have plenty of space for office documents and most family photo/video collections (providing they’re not very large).

It’s a comfortable minimum for gamers who don’t play huge titles or don’t mind re-installing titles, but 512GB+ is really the ideal.

A 250GB SSD isn’t recommended for users who are heavier production users (video, photo and music production, game development, or programming); you’ll definitely want to consider larger SSDs for these areas.

Many 256GB laptops come with a second drive bay to upgrade at a later time, we always recommend checking to see if your choice has this (it’s not a deal-breaker if not, but a nice bonus if you’re not 100% sure you won’t need more later).

Is SSD 512GB good enough?

512GB is likely where things become overkill for a family/office computer unless you have a huge photo/video collection or work in an industry that demands saving large office files.

This is, however, the size where gamers and some production users will begin to feel more comfortable. A 512GB SSD + larger HDD is one of our favorite recommendations for gamers.

The only common area we don’t consider 500GB a suitable minimum is video editing (see next).

Is 1TB good enough?

1TB is for serious production users (video editors, music producers, etc.) who demand significant, high-speed storage for larger files (you’d be surprised how quickly you can fill up space when working in these areas, so a serious SSD solution is best).

1000GB is also excellent for gamers with diverse libraries, especially those who want to play lots of games regularly (to make full use of the fast load times an SSD enables).

If you think many of the files/games you store may not be accessed super regularly, then we would recommend looking at a smaller SSD + Hard drive combo to ease your budget.

(Don’t consider 1TB for a general use PC unless you have a good reason/budget, we expect this will often be unnecessary).

Is 2TB good enough?

2TB SSDs are for users who are either serious gamers or professionals who will be working with large video/audio files or miscellaneous work (database files, game dev projects, etc.).

We would say that a 2000GB SSD is likely more than most gamers will need (unless you simply want the best setup no matter what); yes, you can fill this space up with games, but if you don’t use all 2TBs worth regularly, you’ll be better storing many of your lesser-played games on a second largest (and cheaper) hard drive.

You won’t see many 2TB laptop options as these power users are less common and usually stray to home PCs. That said, you can easily build a larger storage solution if you need portability by looking at a 1TB laptop with an extra drive bay. You can also pick up one of the largest external SSDs which is an excellent balance between storage & cost.

Hard Drives vs Solid State Drives?

If you’re like most users, you’re considering how much you want to invest in an SSD vs HDD.

HDDs are the more traditional hard disk format of storage that were more common in the last couple of decades.

Many PCs today (especially laptops) focus on providing SSD storage

Can I use SSDs and HDDs together?

Depending on what your desktop/laptop has available, yes!

In most cases, if you’re building a PC (or even if you’re buying a pre-built desktop) a majority of PC cases will come with spare 3.5″ and 2.5″ drive bays for SATA SSDs and HDDs (your motherboard may also include space for ultra-fast NVMe M.2 SSDs also).

For laptops, many DO come with spare SATA ports for 2.5″ HDDs or 2.5″ SSDs (typically this is the size of the drive bay available), it’s also becoming increasingly common for laptops to come with spare M.2 slots for NVMe storage (which is expensive, but the fastest around).

That said, it’s not a guarantee for a laptop to come with this option, so check the manufacturer’s website (you’ll often also find user reviews confirming if the model you’re after has the capacity to upgrade storage also).

If you like the look of a laptop and it doesn’t have upgrade capacity, we wouldn’t say this is a dealbreaker. You can focus more of your budget on getting a large primary SSD or purchasing an external drive for your lesser-used files/backup.

Either way, we would recommend using both of these formats if you are a user that demands a lot of space but has budget limitations.

SSD vs HDD Head-to-Head

  • Speed – SSD: You will get a significantly better read & write speed with an SSD, which is the main reason manufacturers are moving towards them today. This is why we’ll always recommend installing your operating system and key apps/games/files on an SSD over an HDD.
  • Price – HDD: HDDs are usually notably cheaper which is why they’re often recommended for larger storage requirements.
  • Reliability – Tie: It used to be the case that HDDs had better longevity, but with most storage innovation focussed on solid-state drives today, SSDs now have a very similar level of reliability (in fact, because of their lack of moving parts, they can often be the better choice, especially for portable solutions like laptops).
  • Noise – SSD: A SSD is the easy winner here, without the physical disk spinning inside like a hard drive, the flash memory an SSD operates on is significantly quieter, you’ll find all of our top quiet laptop choices use them.
  • Best usage: As you can probably tell from the above factors, there’s a reason SSDs are becoming the de facto standard for most manufacturers. Where hard drives still rain supreme, are for lesser-used/backup storage where there is no point in forking out the extra price tag for a solid-state drive.

Best SSD + HDD combos

Providing you have the physical space in your PC, you can mix and match what sizes you like, there’s no set rule/best combination.

As a general rule of thumb though, we would recommend getting a solid-state drive large enough for your operating system, core apps (internet browser, Microsoft Office, etc.) & games/media you use regularly.

For most people, this will be a 256GB or 512GB SSD (1TB+ if you’re a big gamer/production user), and then whatever hard drive size makes sense for your needs (1-2TB will suit most, but you can get HDDs up to 16GB if desired!).

SSDs & HDDs

Best SSDs by Type

For nearly every pick below, we rate the same product as the best for different sizes (and we’ll make it clear where there are exceptions) – so the best 256GB 2.5″ SSD is the same product range as our top 1TB 2.5″ SSD.

You’ll also notice some sizes are slightly different (e.g. 250GB instead of 256GB), we’d recommend ignoring any differences where drive sizes are very close (we explain why in the FAQs below).

Best 2.5″ SATA SSD (256GB – 2TB): SanDisk SSD PLUS

One of the most popular SSDs on the market for a good reason, SanDisk has created a very reliable, cost-friendly 2.5″ SSD that reaches great speeds for by its SATA standards – perfect for serious desktop storage.

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Best M.2 NVMe SSD (256GB – 2TB): SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus

With stunning 3500/3300 read/write speeds (up to) that are replicated in real-world environments better than most of its counterparts at a competitive price point, the 970 EVO is the choice for someone after a PCIe SSD that is all about performance and can stretch their budget further than a traditional SATA drive.

Samsung stands alongside SanDisk as a behemoth in the storage space and we rate them very highly for their performance, especially when investing in expensive, premium storage.

Note: For laptop users, we would recommend the 980 EVO Plus variation, which will run slightly cooler (desktop/PC builders should stick to the 970).

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Best M.2 SATA SSD (256GB – 2TB): Western Digital WD Blue

If your desktop/laptop has space for an M.2 SATA drive, the WD blue series is the best balance between performance, reliability & price.

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Best Portable / External SSD (512GB – 2TB): SAMSUNG T7

Throughout this guide, we’ve recommended that if you aren’t able to upgrade your internal storage any further, an external solid-state drive is a great alternative. Samsung has created a competitively priced, durable drive here that runs on NVMe to reach fantastic speeds alongside gen 2 USB 3.2.
SanDisk also has a great option in this market should the T7 be unavailable.

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Best mSATA SSD (128GB – 1TB): Kingshark Gamer mSATA

mSATA is becoming increasingly less common in today’s market and we recommend the other types of SSDs where possible.

Still, if you have a laptop that only has an mSATA slot available, Kingshark has created a decent option here. This would also be an excellent upgrade if you have an older laptop that only runs on a HDD.

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SSDs

FAQs

Can I run my PC or laptop with just an SSD?

Yes! Not only is this possible but it’s becoming the standard, especially for laptops. You only really need to consider a hard drive if you’re looking at needing lots of storage and need 

Best laptop SSD?

There is no universal type of laptop SSD as it varies depending on your laptops’ compatibility options (and your budget!).

Generally speaking, the most common laptop drives are 2.5″ SATA (same as our desktop picks above), mSATA/mini-SATA SSDs (same functionality as 2.5″ but smaller), or M.2 (SATA or PCIe, both are significantly faster than traditional SATA but PCIe moreso).

In other words, check with the manufacturer’s website what drive options there are for your specific laptop and go from there (we have recommendations for all types in the section above).

Best type of SSD (NVMe vs SATA)?

Traditional SATA drives (2.5″ and mSATA) are the slowest of all the SSD choices (still decent overall and perfectly fine), SATA M.2 are notably faster but more expensive & PCI-E M.2 (NVMe) drives are the fastest but run the highest cost.

Note that when considering these different types of SSDs, it really comes down to what your laptop/desktop has available (in terms of SATA/M.2 & PCIe ports) so be sure to check before making any purchase decisions.

How long do SSDs last?

SSDs typically last 10 years by today’s average estimates. This of course varies dramatically depending on how much you use it, physical care (i.e. no using your SSD as a tennis ball!) & how often you replace (read & write) data on the SSD.

That’s not to strike fear in you though, there’s a reason SSDs are now the common standard in storage, they last as good as any mainstream drive solution in 2022.

240GB vs 256GB SSD, 480GB vs 512GB SSD & 960GB vs 1TB SSD difference?

You may have noticed there are many confusing differences in sizes when shopping for SSDs; drives that advertise as 240GB, 250GB & 256GB (with similar minor variations in higher sizes).

Because of the way SSDs operate, there is typically a “usable space” that is slightly smaller than the usual 256GB/512GB/1TB “true” sizes.

This is because an SSD performs better and has increased longevity when not completely full – generally speaking, 10-20% of the drive should remain empty.

In nearly every case, all of these drives have the same amount of actual space (256, 512GB, etc), but many drives like to lock the maximum space to ensure drive health (even many drives that advertise as 256GB end up being 230-240GB on arrival).

Note, there technically are exceptions to this rule (i.e. drives that operate on slightly different technology), but without getting needlessly complex, we would suggest it’s worth treating 240GB and 256GB SSDs (and similar variations) the same during your search.

Best SSD + RAM combo/ratio

Although not strictly related, we see a lot of our users curious over what combination of SSD and RAM is typically best.

As always, these things are far from set in stone, some users will want 1TB of storage and 8GB RAM, others 32GB RAM and 256GB storage (though unlikely!)

Generally, the RAM sweet spot is 8GB-16GB, and the storage sweet spot is 256GB-1TB. If you’re not very experienced with PC buying, operating within this spectrum based on your budget will be your best bet.

If you’re interested in the details of RAM speed, we have an extensive feature covering it.

Is 16GB RAM 512GB SSD good enough for a laptop?

This combination is one of the most common in laptops today, and for a good reason!

For a majority of laptop users (work, general use, and some light gaming), 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD is a great balance. 16GB ensures you are relatively “future-proofed” for the next several years and 512GB offers plenty of space for apps, files, and smaller games.

If you’re a production user (video editor, etc.) you may want to invest in 32GB if possible, but more importantly, you will appreciate 1TB+ in storage (we would say this is typically going to be a higher priority upgrade than surpassing 16GB RAM).

Is 8GB RAM 256GB SSD good enough for a laptop?

8GB RAM + 256GB Storage is a good budget standard for most users. If you’re the kind of person to mostly consume online content (social media, Netflix, Youtube, etc.), we expect you’ll be fine with 256GB in storage.

Of course, upgrading to 16GB RAM would be preferable, what we would recommend, if possible, is picking up a laptop that has 1 stick of 8GB RAM with a spare second slot so later on, you can add a second stick of 8GB to get to that nice 16GB upgrade.

M.2 SSD

Direct Head-to-Heads

The key information about today’s features is in the sections above.

If, however, you find yourself stuck between 2 specific sizes, we’ve built this quick-fire list of comparisons to give you some indication.

Important point: With these head-to-heads, we are assuming the 2 drives you are picking between have the same secondary specs (speed, etc.). Make sure to consider you’re not buying a slower, larger drive over a faster, smaller one (as for many users, the latter may be the better pick overall).

128GB vs 256GB SSD

Typically, we would recommend people go with 256GB if possible. Even though many users can get by on 128GB, 256GB gives a nice safety net as files, work documents and family photos manage to fill more and more storage over time (it’s not fun running into limitations and feeling like you need to keep your PC super clean at all times).

That said, we appreciate budget is a big concern for users (especially if you’re looking at a Macbook, where the upgrade to 256GB can be very expensive). If this sounds like you, then rest assured, you can get by on 128GB, especially if you’re mainly focused on internet/cloud/streaming usage. You’ll also always be able to buy an external SSD if your storage isn’t looking enough.

One important thing to bear in mind when looking at the smallest drives is, assuming you are using either choice as your main storage, the drive configuration, operating system, and your key apps will likely take up around 30-40GB of space.

On a 256GB, this is only 10-20%, but on a 128GB SSD, it’s cold be p to 40% of your space being taken before you consider adding media/games. For many this is fine, but just bear it in mind if you think you have things to store.

128GB vs 512GB SSD

We see this question asked by some readers but really, these drives are in separate leagues.

128GB is for the budget user who is confident they only need a small amount of space for media/documents (most of their usage likely being online).

A 512GB SSD, on the other hand, is for users who have a larger budget and want to be able to store games, larger media collections, and/or have room for some novice production use (music, photo editing, etc.).

Although we’d recommend 512GB where possible, it is going to be overkill for many simple users who don’t do much more than browse the internet/e-mails, so let your budget & intentions decide.

256GB vs 512GB SSD

One of the most common storage questions is between 256GB and 512GB as most mainstream laptops come in one of these two specifications.

256GB will suit most users after a simple family/work computer used mostly for online content, basic document storage, and even light gaming.

512GB is better for those who are more serious about gaming, have large work/media collections to store, or do not want to worry about managing storage as much.

We imagine most people building a desktop PC will likely be the sort to at least want a 512GB SSD (unless you plan on running a 256GB SSD + large HDD combination).

512GB vs 1TB SSD

512GB will suit a majority of average users fine, even those after a long-lasting laptop or desktop.

The big exceptions here are gamers, large media collectors, and serious production users (video editors and similar) who are going to demand serious, fast storage.

Remember also, this is the period of storage where combining say, a 512GB SSD with a 512GB/1TB HDD may make a lot more sense for your budget.

1TB vs 2TB SSD

1TB is a generous size for a majority of users, with plenty of room for the games you’re currently playing, demanding work storage & fairly large media collections.

There will, however, certainly be enthusiast gamers, collectors and serious production users who would benefit from the jump to 2TB (if you’re working in 4K video editing, for example, this can fill up faster than you can imagine).

Remember also that as we get into these larger drives, the price increases are steep, so a 512GB/1TB SSD for your main files alongside a larger HDD for your secondary documents/games may suit you best.

2TB vs 4TB SSD

We’re getting to the very serious storage now. Both of these picks are really only for enthusiast PC builders, hardcore gamers who demand lots of game storage at once, or production users who are dealing with a lot of content.

This really comes down to personal preference. We expect most users can manage with a 2TB drive if they keep things clean (e.g. keep games in their Steam library uninstalled when they haven’t played for a few months, organize video projects) but there’s no denying that the freedom of 4 terabytes is a wonderful feeling.

In other words, it’s a choice between budget and convenience, which is more important to you?

If you need an even bigger option than 4TB (say, if you’re trying to build the best PC possible, a server, or something special), check out our feature on the largest SSDs available today.

Solid State Drives

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! We’re pretty confident this is everything you need to comfortably know as someone looking at 256GB vs 512GB vs 1TB solid-state drives.

To sum up: the smaller drives are going to suit simple, internet-using family computers and those for basic work. 256GB or 512GB will be enough if this sounds like you.

The larger drives will be more suited toward gamers, serious production users, and enthusiasts with big budgets.

And remember, where possible, try to look for a laptop (or PC case) that has space for upgrades later (e.g. spare SATA/m.2 PCIe ports and drive bays). If that isn’t possible for your desired choice, then there are also always the external SSDs above which are great options.

Best of luck, and be careful to avoid the fake drives around by sticking to our recommendations above where possible!

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