EXPERT INSIGHT & TRUSTED REVIEWS

EXPERT INSIGHT & TRUSTED REVIEWS

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The 5 Best NZXT Cases in 2025

Best NZXT PC Case

The 5 Best NZXT Cases in 2025

I updated this feature in April after reviewing the latest NZXT releases in 2025. 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.

2025 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.

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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 Green PC Cases of 2025

Green PC Case

The 5 Best Green PC Cases of 2025

I updated this feature in April after reviewing the new PC cases of 2025. My top picks remain the same for this feature, but there’s been a couple of great alternatives I’ve added where relevant.

Every popular chassis seems to be black or grey.

What about those after something a little…different?

There’s plenty of options around, be it pink, white, blue or red.

But today’s feature is here to guide you through the best green PC cases available on the market today.

Top Picks

Best of the Rest: Quick-Fire Picks

Overall Best Green PC Case: darkFlash DLM22 Mint Green

Out of the limited green desktop cases available on the market, this top pick was a bit of a no-brainer.

The DLM22 has been recommended on What in Tech in several previous features for its fantastic value and aesthetic.

Starting with the design: with great SPCC steel build quality, beautiful shape, and a very aesthetically pleasing mint green finish, the DLM22 looks fantastic. Stock photos do not do it justice. With its tinted tempered glass window and fully green interior, any impressive inner hardware is going to shine beautifully through this (we really are impressed that the internal coloring isn’t just black/metal, which many cheaper cases do if they are in a unique color).

This is a green Micro ATX case and strikes a good balance between having great space for hardware while not being too bulky and large for a case clearly designed to look sharp. With room inside for:

  • GPU clearance up to 350mm (more than enough for mainstream cards)
  • 4 x expansion slots
  • 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 3.5″ drive bays
  • Up to 5 x 120mm fans (or 1 x 120mm & 1 x 240mm radiator with room still for 2 fans at the front)

Between this space and the decent airflow in the case, this is the best green PC case for gaming or general production builds at the low-mid tier price range.

We would usually add a cheaper choice in our features, but the DLM22 is really not just the best overall option, but the best budget green PC case (we rarely see a chassis this good & stylish at such a low price-tag).

A small additional nice touch is the tool-free magnetic window on the side. After going through years of clunky doors with screws and other contraptions, this is a really handy, elegant idea.

What’s left to say? The DLM22 is very impressive for its price. With everything that the average gaming/work build needs in a stylish design.

This is, without a doubt, the overall best green PC case available today.

2025 update: The darkFlash DLM22 remains my top green PC case pick; yes there aren’t many chassis’ in this color available in today’s market, but we’re thankful that the DLM22 is a high-quality & budget-friendly solution.

Unfortunately, I have seen it run into stock issues over the last several months. If that’s the case, there is a decent alternative in the Vetroo M03. 

Also, if you are an ITX builder, we wanted to point out that a fantastic case, the Thermaltake Tower 100, is now available (limited stock) in green, and is a worthy consideration if you are happy with a small case and can find it in stock.

Runner-Up Best Green PC Case: CUK Mantis

While this is more of a green and black PC case than a straight, clean single color; once the green RGB lighting is up and running, the CUK Mantis shows off a great, unique aesthetic.

The Mantis has an awesome, intriguing design; with raised diagonal panels on the front and top that hide some beautifully subtle green LED lighting. On the main side is a full-length tempered glass window that covers the 6 x included green HALO fans. While the price may seem fairly high, once you count the fact that your cooling and case RGB solution is already fully set up, it’s a great deal.

This is a full tower green case, with room for:

  • GPU clearance up to 360mm length (enough for nearly all mainstream cards)
  • 7 x expansion slots
  • 3 x 3.5″ & 2 x 2.25″ drive bays

The Mantis has everything you need for a powerful gaming build, and with the included fans, you’ll have a great PC case for airflow too.

Make no mistake, while we ranked the V22 as our favorite pick, if the Mantis’s aesthetic is more up your alley, then know that we included it for a reason, it’s still one of the best green computer cases on the market.

High-End Best Green PC Case: InWin D-Frame

If you’re looking for one of the most unique PC cases on the market that also does a great job in performance, the D-Frame is one of your best options.

Featured multiple times on What in Tech, this case is a bit of an architectural marvel (not really looking like a chassis at all) and its green version is wonderfully striking. As you’d expect in the price range, you’re getting a top-quality build, with the tubing/base all made of aluminum (the best metal for PC cases) and a thick, tinted tempered glass covering the top of the case.

This is an open-air design, which doesn’t just make it an amazing chassis for airflow, but also gives your parts high-visibility with its clear layout. 

It’s not just a pretty case, the D-Frame has won the acclaim is has due to its ability to perform and hold a suitably powerful build inside, with room for:

  • 8 x expansion slots (+ vertical install option)
  • 330mm GPU clearance
  • 3 x 3.5″,  2 x 2.5″ & 1 x 5.25″ drive slots
  • 4 x 120mm case fans
  • Great facility for cable management despite the large exposure around the whole case.

These specs are really impressive, considering how so much of the case is completely open. While the 4 x 120mm fan allotment may not sound like much for an ATX tower; you really won’t need more than this with the open-air design which compensates with great airflow.

We’re not trying to say you need to go out and spend this much money on a case to have a powerful build.

But if you have the budget, and are looking for the best green PC tower to truly show off your unique side, while retaining excellent hardware specs and performance, the D-Frame is for you.

Alternative Quick-Fire Picks

While the top 3 choices are the only green PC cases on the market right now we’d recommend, we appreciate that there isn’t a massive choice for this stylish color.

So if you’re a little pickier, we’ve included a couple of other options that would be the next best thing for setting up a green PC build.

Best Clear Case for a Green PC Setup: Thermaltake Core P3

The best alternative to a green-colored PC case is getting the best clear chassis on the market, the P3, and letting your green hardware do the talking (things like green fans, PSU cables, and other parts are more than enough to give you a colorful unique build and will look great against the dark base colors of the P3).

Best RGB Case for a Green PC Setup: MUSETEX Phantom 907

If you want your green aesthetic to come solely from fans, a great budget option is the Phantom 907, which includes 6 x addressable RGB fans. This would be more than enough to make your build shine in the unique color (just check a photo or video of the build in action to see what we mean!).

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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 2025

Blue PC Case

The 5 Best Blue PC Cases of 2025

I updated this article in 2025 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

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.

2025 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.

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.

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.

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.

2025 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!

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.

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.

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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 7 Best Wall Mount PC Cases of 2025

Wall Mount PC Case Cover

The 7 Best Wall Mount PC Cases of 2025

How to install and choose your case for this unique aesthetic

Wall Mount PC Case Cover

We updated this article after reviewing new and upcoming cases up to 2025. While our top picks remain the same after reviewing the new offerings this year, we’ve included a couple of alternatives for our picks that run into some stock issues.

Building a chassis on a desk is boring!

Wall-mounting your computer has become a great alternative in the past few years.

Though completing the DIY approach is hard and not for the novice.

Luckily, there is a small amount of dedicated wall-mountable PC cases available and we’ve broken them down in this wall mount case feature.

If you’re not keen on our top picks or they’re sold out, we’ve included some other options that could achieve wall mounting with PC mounters or shelves instead.

1

Best Wall Mount PC Case

Thermaltake Core P3

Our Rating: 9.75/10

2

Premium Wall Mountable Pick

Thermaltake Core P7

Our Rating: 9.25/10

3

Best Mini-ITX Wall Mount Case:

Thermaltake Core P1

Our Rating: 9.5/10

4

Slim PC Case for Custom Mounts

Thermaltake Core G3

Our Rating: 8.5/10

5

Smallest PC Case for Custom Mounts

Fractal Design Node 202

Our Rating: 9/10

6

Honorable Mention

darkFlash Phantom

Our Rating: 8.5/10

How to Wall Mount your PC

Before we get into the top picks, there are 3 main options you have when buying a wall-mounted PC case:

  1. Cases designed to be wall mountable (i.e. the Thermaltake picks below).
    • These are towers that are compatible with high-quality TV brackets which will give you the best sturdiness, presentation, and ease of setup.
  2. Slim/small cases that can fit into a computer case mounter (we’ve detailed some smaller towers below that would work).
  3. If you want a larger case that isn’t option 1, your best bet is to buy/install heavy-duty shelf brackets.
    • We’d recommend you purchase the wood/metal plank for the brackets from a local DIY store.

Now, let’s get to it!

Thermaltake Core P3

Overall Best Wall Mount PC Case

SPECIFICATIONS*

Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 180mm | GPU Length Clearance: 280mm-450mm | Dimensions: 512 x 333 x 470 mm | Weight: 10.3kg | Radiator Support: 420mm | Fan Mounts: 3

REASONS TO BUY

+ Incredible build quality and aesthetic

+ Spacious layout with lots of modularity for parts and mounting

+ Open-air design provides great airflow

REASONS TO AVOID
– Slightly expensive
 
– A little challenging (but possible) for beginners
 

Our Rating: 9.75/10

Usually, in our best-of features, there’s a lot of deliberation for the top picks.

But if you want a chassis with wall mounting utility built-in, the Thermaltake Core P cases are easily the only ones we would highly recommend.

Don’t fret though, just because they’re the only good option, it doesn’t mean you’re not in great company.

The Core P3 stands as the best mid-range option in the series.

With an absolutely gorgeous design, this tower is covered with a thick, high-quality tempered glass panel over the top.

It’s suitable for vertical, horizontal, and wall mount orientations (with removable legs). Including a built-in bracket attachment on the back to work alongside a sturdy TV wall mounter.

The P3 is an ATX case/mid-tower with plenty of room for a wide range of builds, with:

  • 8 expansion slots
  • Vertical GPU install options
  • VGA cards of up to 450mm (if radiator/reservoir removed)
  • Hidden 2 x 2.5″ or 3.5″ + accessible 2 x 2.5″ or 3.5 storage bays

You’ll be well placed to create a powerful gaming PC here if desired.

As far as cooling goes, the case accommodates up to 3 x 140mm fans or a 420mm radiator.

This may seem low for a mid-tower, but because of its open-air design, it has plenty of breathing room for ventilation, very capable of overclocking.

You can take the cooling and space requirements one step further with the case’s high modularity/customization.

This means that a majority of the case’s parts (mounting facilities/drive bays, etc.) are removable.

This isn’t just great for an easier build process, but it improves ventilation, noise reduction, and style.

I’ve been super impressed with the Core P3. It’s a joy to build in and performs great in thermals. It feels like a product of a behemoth case manufacturer at the top of their game.

If you’re looking for the best wall-mountable PC case for both a beautiful and powerful build, I think this is an unrivaled choice for you.

2025 update: The Core P3 remains our top wall-mount pick for 4 years running! It’s the best mid-range balance between price, spec, build quality, and aesthetic.

If you’re you like the look of this but are building something extra large, Thermaltake has released an equally great E-ATX version of the case; the Core P3 Pro.

Thermaltake Core P7 (& P8)

Best Premium Wall Mountable PC Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Full Tower | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 180mm | GPU Length Clearance: 280mm – 570mm | Dimensions: 608 x 333 x 570 mm | Weight: 25.5kg | Radiator Support: 480mm | Fan Mounts: 12

REASONS TO BUY

+ Beautiful design and top-tier build quality

+ Fantastic airflow/cooling options

+ Plenty of space for enthusiast builds

REASONS TO AVOID
– Expensive
 
– Large & very heavy (not for portability)
 

Our Rating: 9.25/10

2025 Update: While the P7 is still our top premium pick, I’ve seen it run into more stock issues this year. If unavailable, I recommend looking at either the fantastic P8 iteration or Cooler Master’s MasterFrame 700. If these are outside of your price range, the P6 and P5s are excellent mid-range alternatives.

The P7 is the top choice if you’re looking for the most powerful build possible with little budgetary concern.

While we think that the P3 will comfortably handle most gamers’ needs, the features on the P7 are mouth-watering.

Let’s start with the incredible space and what it can offer you:

  1. E-ATX motherboard support
    1. Alongside its 8 expansion slots, will allow you to install up to 4 GPUs
    2. Those graphics cards can be up to 570mm in length (reservoir removed)
  2. Installation of up to 6 x 3.5″ / 7 x 3.5″ drives (or a mix)

As much as this case excels in space and design, its cooling capacity is what impressed me the most:

  • Up to 12 x 120mm / 9 x 140mm fans
  • Up to 3 x 480mm radiators for liquid cooling

Alongside its fantastic ventilation and modularity options, the P7 is one of the best cases for water cooling/air cooling around. The perfect basis for a build focused on overclocking.

The wall-mounting capability and design are the cherries on top. One important note is that this option is heavy. I’ve seen it mounted sturdily on plenty of setups but you’ll want to check that you have a strong enough mount (and wall) to handle this case.

There wasn’t much I didn’t like about the P7. I would say that, for many, the extra features over the P3 will feel like major diminishing returns; this is really for those with huge aspirations in mind (e.g. mining rigs) or those who don’t really have to worry about budget.

With the two side compartments for the additional fans/radiators and the thick tempered-glass presentation similar to the P3, this is one of the best-looking cases available and would make a great base for an RGB build given its excellent visibiltiy.

If you want a larger case than the P3, or are willing to fork out more, you are in for such a treat.

Thermaltake Core P1

Best Mini-ITX Wall Mount Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: SFF| Motherboard Support: mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 170mm | GPU Length Clearance: 380mm | Dimensions: 422 x 332 x 380 mm | Weight: 9.5kg | Radiator Support: 240mm | Fan Mounts: 2

REASONS TO BUY

+ Same fantastic design and quality as the larger Core P cases

+ Very good airflow relative to most ITX cases

+ Good space & cable management options

REASONS TO AVOID
– Expensive for ITX

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Our final P-series/built-in mounting pick is the Core P1.

Another Thermaltake wall mount case, this is the case ideal for someone looking for a tiny build, with:

  • 5 expansion slots/GPU lengths of up to 380mm (including vertical install options)
  • 2 x 120mm fan or 1 x 240mm radiator support
  • 1 x 2.5″/3.5″ inner and 2 x 2.5″ outer storage install options

The hardware support on this case is lower than the above picks, but that’s a given with a Mini-ITX PC.

You’ll be building a single-GPU setup in this form factor and the above specs + the open-air ventilation can easily handle this.

The case boasts the same great design, modularity, and high-quality tempered glass top cover as the P3/P7.

And of course, it still includes the wall-mounting options to attach to a bracket (due to its size, you’d get away with a smaller/lighter-weight bracket too if you prefer).

It’s also notably cheaper as mini-ITX cases often are due to less material. Usually, this is offset by the need to buy “specialist ITX parts”, but the P1 is pretty accommodating for many full-size components, so the price tag is a nice bonus.

If you’re looking for a wall-mounted PC case that also offers some portability, or simply don’t need the features that the top picks have and wanted something a tad cheaper, the Core P1 is perfect.

GDAE10 Open Frame Case

Best Budget Wall Mount PC Case

REASONS TO BUY

+ Very cheap

+ Perfect if you’re looking for a barebones, workbench-style chassis

REASONS TO AVOID
– No notable brand behind it (i.e. no service)
 
– Only to be considered for enthusiasts
 

Our Rating: 7.5/10

Let’s be clear, if you’re not an experienced PC builder, ignore this pick and focus on our other options, they’re worth the extra budget.

That said, we wanted to include something that was less than $100 as an option for budget builders.

This is the first pick on our list that doesn’t have dedicated wall-mount features (you would need to invest in some minimal shelving).

We would recommend the other cases (particularly the Core P series) in the article over this pick.

But if you’re looking for a cheap wall mount case and are ready to get your hands dirty, this may be a good option for you.

This is a DIY case. With very little in the way of features outside of the most barebone platforms for mounting the integral parts.

You’re still getting a slick open-air presentation that lends itself nicely to a budget build (i.e. less money spent on cooling), and if you are a DIY expert, you could makeshift your own glass enclosure around certain sides of the case/mounting shelves.

Reading this, you’ll see why we want you to stick with the Thermaltake Core options.

But if your budget is tight, your DIY/shelving skills are good and you aren’t building something too intensive, then you could still make a great wall mount gaming PC.

Thermaltake Core G3

Best Slim PC Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Mini Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 110mm | GPU Length Clearance: 310mm | Dimensions: 454 x 140 x 371 mm | Weight: 4.2kg | Radiator Support: 240mm | Fan Mounts: 3

REASONS TO BUY

+ Really impressive price-point for the quality

+ Beautifully compact

+ Decent airflow

REASONS TO AVOID
– Tight layout means builds need to be planned
 
– Not too much cable management available
 

Our Rating: 8.5/10

2025 update: As great as the Core G3 is, I’ve seen it run out of stock occasionally. Other great thin case options are available in our horizontal case feature.

If you don’t like the exposed tempered glass options above and want something a little more traditional, this is for you.

The G3 is a great all-around ATX case with lots of features for a very decent price.

It doesn’t have standalone wall-mounting options but is slim enough that it can work alongside an independent computer mounter (or a sturdy shelf if preferred).

The Core G3 is made with SECC steel, looking (and feeling) very sturdy.

Given it’s one of the slimmest ATX cases, you have limited room compared to other choices in this form factor. But still enough for:

  1. 2 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ hidden storage bays
  2. Up to 3 x 120mm fans (or replace 2 at the front with a 240mm radiator)
  3. VGA length support of up to 310mm (with front fans installed)

This is a build for single GPUs only (with a great-looking vertical install option included).

That being said, for a single graphics card PC, the available cooling is more than enough.

The build is very well ventilated to ensure your parts have decent breathing room.

The G3 is also (rather uniquely) a reverse tower. This means its window is on the right side as opposed to the usual left.

This would be great if you want to wall-mount it to the right of your desk (so that the front I/O panel is still available easily to you).

The Core G3 ticks a lot of boxes as long as you can fit the hardware you want in it.

Affordable, compact, and stylish. If this case fits your specifications, then I highly recommend it.

Fractal Design Node 202

Smallest PC Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: SFF | Motherboard Support: mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 56mm | GPU Length Clearance: 310mm | Dimensions: 377 x 82 x 330 mm | Weight: 3.5kg | Radiator Support: N/A | Fan Mounts: 2

REASONS TO BUY

+ High quality, compact build/design

+ Layout can still manage solid hardware/airflow

+ Portable

REASONS TO AVOID
– Thermals are, of course, limited compared to larger cases
 
– Tight space will limit some builds
 

Our Rating: 9/10

If you didn’t want any of the Thermaltake choices, we wanted to include the smallest case for wall mounting that we’d recommend.

The Node 202 is an incredibly low volume tower that excels as an HTPC case and could still manage to host a full gaming computer.

No in-built wall mounting options but due to its small size, it’s going to look great with either a PC mounter or on a shelf.

It also doubles as an incredible portable computer case (should you need something for LAN parties, a VR demo build, etc).

This Mini-ITX offering is a console-sized PC case with the excellent build quality, the design looks fantastic for those who enjoy a minimal style.

Despite the very tight dimensions, you can still achieve a gaming build with:

  1. Vertical/riser GPU install options up to 310mm in length
  2. 2 x 2.5″ SSDs (you can go with M.2 storage if you need more)
  3. 2 x 120mm fans

The fan availability and room for ventilation are of course low.

But as always with Fractal, the case is designed to maximize the small volume it has.

With separate chambers for the motherboard and GPU (the 2 fan slots being located in the graphics card section), you’ll still have adequate cooling for a single-GPU gaming setup.

If you’re building this you’ll need to pay attention to the dimensions of your parts and their compatibility.

But if you want the smallest computer case that suits wall-mounting, this is a great option from a fantastic manufacturer.

darkFlash Phantom

Honorable Mention

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 174mm | GPU Length Clearance: 375mm | Dimensions: 548 x 219 x 419mm | Weight: 8.8kg | Radiator Support: 360mm | Fan Mounts: 11

REASONS TO BUY

+ Beautiful glass and RGB fan aesthetic

+ Fantastic value for the build quality and fans included

REASONS TO AVOID
– Airflow is OK but inferior to some cases due to the glass coverage
 
– Some layout decisions make builds a little more difficult
 

Our Rating: 8.5/10

2025 update: If you like the RGB customization nature of the case, we recommend our RGB chassis feature to give you alternatives you could mount on a shelf.

We’ve raved about the Thermaltake P series and would push you towards these cases for the best wall-mounted computer.

But if you were looking at a shelf build, weren’t a fan of the open-air case design, and needed something large, we’re rounding off our list with a great option from darkFlash.

You may not have heard of this manufacturer, but they’ve made plenty of other decent cases (some of which I’ve reviewed and featured here and here).

This one stands out with its beautiful 3-way thick tempered glass covers, covering all the sides that would be well-visible on a shelved PC.

The case has a lot of great utility for a powerful gaming build, you could build a 2-way or 3-way VGA build (with cards up to 359mm).

The Phantom has great options to cool all of this too, with:

  1. Up to 11 x 120mm fans
  2. Or up to 1 x 280mm, 1 x 240 & 1 x 140mm radiators

For an ATX form factor, this fan allowance (alongside the good internal layout) makes it a fantastic choice for overclocking.

Not only that, but the version we’re reviewing comes with 6 RGB LED fans pre-installed.

This makes the case an incredibly high-value offering for RGB builds (if you think the pictures look good, RGB setups always look better in person).

Make no mistake, while we have talked a lot about the Thermaltake P1/3/7, we’ve included this for a reason.

If you’re looking for more of a traditional case and don’t mind it being on-shelf, the Phantom is an incredibly cheap case for the quality, style, and features you’re getting.

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.

* Specifications throughout our articles are double-checked and intended to inform our users, but should not be treated as factual information. When making final decisions on your products, please check the manufacturer pages to confirm the fine details.

The 10 Best Fractal Design Cases in 2025

Best Fractal Design Case

The 10 Best Fractal Design Cases in 2025

I updated this to cover Fractal’s new and upcoming releases through to 2025. 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

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.

2025 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.

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.

2025 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

120mm vs 140mm Fans – The Complete Guide

120mm vs 140mm fans

120mm vs 140mm Fans: The Complete Guide

This feature has been reviewed and fact-checked in April. The information and fan recommendations are up-to-date for 2025.

Ah, cooling, it’s easy to spend hours obsessing over what the best setup is to reduce your PC temperatures just that little bit more.

One of the most important aspects is what arrangement of 120mm & 140mm case fans you install.

But which kind of setup is better? 

Today’s feature is here to explain everything you want (and need) to know for 120mm vs 140mm PC fans; comparing noise, performance, size, and price.

We’ll also go over the best case fans for your next build, too!

Table of Contents

Differences Between 120mm & 140mm Fans – Short Answer

We’ll discuss each of the main comparison areas in depth below.

But if you’re after the TLDR; on average, builds based on 140mm fans are superior to 120mm fans.

They tend to perform more quietly in comparable operations, offer slightly better cooling & are cheaper when considering you need to buy less of them to perform.

But, and it’s a big but, it hugely depends on the quality of the fans in question.

A good 120mm fan will be better than a mediocre 140mm fan, etc.

It also depends on the PC case you’re using and what it allows; we wouldn’t say that 140mm fans are so superior that you shouldn’t get a certain type of case if it has more allotment for 120mm cooling. 

Unless you’re very focussed on min-maxing cooling, we’d instead advise you to focus more on which PC case you want; which is why we’ve included the best 140mm and 120mm fans throughout this feature.

Overall Best 140mm Fan: Noctua NF-P14

This flagship fan from one of the best brands in the PC cooling business has been through countless iterations.

While we recommend other options below for RGB, premium, silence-focussed, or budget users, the NF-P14 strikes the best sweet spot between decent airflow and a wonderfully low price.

Overall Best 120mm Fan: Noctua NF-P12

Thankfully, as with most of our top picks on the list, if a brand has made a great 140mm fan, they’ve nearly always come through with a 120mm version that is of the same quality (relatively).

The P12 is no exception; with excellent CFM for the price, it’s a perfect mid-range option.

120mm vs 140mm Fan Cooling

There are a few miscellaneous factors like bearing type that determine the finer aspects of a fan’s performance, but by far the two most impactful specs (and the ones you should focus on) are RPM and CFM.

CFM, or cubic feet per minute, is the amount of air a fan can move per minute and the most important spec when establishing cooling capability.

Most benchmarks and tests show that the average 140mm fan, with its longer blades, tends to boast a significantly higher CFM rating and can produce better airflow in a case per-fan compared to 120mm offerings.

Things other than mm size can affect the CFM, like blade design, material quality, and most notably RPM.

RPM, or rounds per minute, is how many times a fan can spin per minute.

So for example, if you had two fans identical in every way other than their RPM, the higher RPM fan would be able to produce better CFM.

Generally speaking, 120mm fans often (but not always) have slightly higher RPMs if we’re comparing the same 120mm/140mm models.

This is to ensure they don’t fall too far behind the high airflow/CFMs of 140mm offerings, which can run at lower rounds and achieve the same as a 120mm fan working harder.

So with all that said, we still rate the performance of 140mm fans as the best in most situations, but 120mm can still be a great ally if your desired case focuses on them.

As always, quality matters most.

We’ve seen other resources say 120mm/140mm fans go up to ~1,500 RPM, and this is very far from the truth.

The range is huge; for mainstream choices, fans in either size tend to vary from around 600rpm to 3000rpm, but for some crazier offerings they can go as high as 10,000 (not that you need this, they’d sound like a jet engine too!).

Conclusion: 140mm fans are usually the better choice for airflow if your build allows it. But if not, don’t fret; you can still get great cooling done with 120mm offerings, what’s most important is picking high-quality fans in either size and a chassis that facilitates good airflow.

120mm vs 140mm case fans 3

Static Pressure

While CFM/RPM is where the main difference occurs between 120mm/140mm head-to-heads, we wanted to touch on a spec that is very important for certain placements.

Static pressure is the rating a fan gets which, in simple terms, dictates how much of the airflow/CFM produced will penetrate heatsinks or mesh enclosures.

Providing air through mesh-like barriers is a very different goal to airflow in a clean environment, so different fan types specialize in this area.

There isn’t a clear winner in 120mm vs 140mm for static pressure, so it will really come down to whatever your setup allows you to install (we recommend 140mm if possible due to its CFM advantage, but either is fine).

So if you want decent static pressure fans to cool your CPU heatsink (or a value bundle for mesh casing setups also), the Arctic P12 for 120mm, or P14 for 140mm are the ideal picks at a mid-range budget.

But if you’re interested in our other fan picks below, don’t fret; the choices on this guide all have decent static pressure ratings in comparison to many similar options, and this spec is not as important if you’re not dealing with heatsink/mesh coverage.

Best High-End 140mm Fan: Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-3000

If you’re after the best fan cooling possible, the NF-A14s are one of the best offerings to fit the bill.

With incredible high-quality material/blade designs and up to 3000 RPM mean the A14 have one of the best CFMs on the market.

It’s worth noting these things can get loud at the highest RPM (which you’ll only hear during intensive operation), but if you’re after the best airflow, they’re fit for the job.

The NF-A14s (and F-12s) also have excellent static pressure, and are a perfect choice if you’re looking for heatsink/mesh cooling.

Best High-End 120mm Fan: Noctua NF-F12 iPPC 3000

The smaller brother of the NF-A14 is a fantastic choice for setting up 120mm fan cooling.

Achieving similar top-range CFM and RPMs with their superb materials (relative to other 120mm fans) these products are one of the best PC case fans for gaming, overclocking, and other high-end usages.

120mm vs 140mm Fan Noise

Although the differences on the cooling/airflow front are notable, we think the real reason to prefer 140mm fans (if possible) is their quieter operation.

We’ll repeat the same disclaimer; this is on average. A low noise-focussed 120mm fan will be quieter than a standard 140mm offering (and would still be a decent solution for a quiet build).

But if we’re talking about how to achieve the quietest fan setup, we definitely prefer 140mm-focussed setups.

The reason is relatively straightforward; as per our airflow section, 120mm fans have to spin at slightly faster RPMs to achieve similar cooling to 140mm fans.

Now while other factors do matter in decibel production, if you put two similar fans head-to-head, the RPM they work at will be the largest indicator of which makes more noise.

You may think the blade fan size must matter too, but have you ever thought about how a ceiling fan in a house can be nearly inaudible, but a tiny desk fan can get loud very quickly? It’s primarily to do with the ceiling fan having to spin way less to cool its environment.

In other words; because 140mm fans have to spin less fast to achieve suitable thermal control, they produce notably less noise on average than 120mm fans.

This has been demonstrated in numerous benchmarks and tests.

If you’re looking at a quiet PC but only have 120mm fan availability in certain parts, don’t worry; the recommended quiet 120mm fan pick below still achieves very low DB(a) cooling.

120mm vs 140mm case fans 4

PWM vs DC Fans

While not strictly related to the 120mm/140mm battle, if you’re interested in noise, it’s worth briefly touching on this spec as you’re bound to see it in comparing quiet fans.

DC (direct current) fans are controlled by 3-pin headers on your motherboard, while PWM (pulse width modulation) adds an additional pin that allows the motor and voltage requirements of the fan to signal each other more effectively than DC units.

Both types of fans require a minimum RPM to operate (too low and they begin to stall, act erratically, etc.) and due to the PWM’s improved signaling, fans with this functionality can achieve lower RPMs (either by the user’s control or automatically during less-intense operation).

So for something focussed on quiet operation, it’s a good little bonus to have a PWM fan (if your motherboard has 4-pin headers, which many modern ones do).

(Don’t fret too much about this though, you can connect a 3-pin fan to a 4-pin header and vice versa, you just won’t get PWM functionality from a 3-pin header or fan).

Though to be clear; a good DC fan still goes to fairly low RPMs that we expect will satisfy even those users focused on a silent build (providing they’re using a decent enough case).

Go for PWM fans if you have 4-pin headers by all means, but only consider this a nice-to-have, and not a super important factor of a quiet machine.

 

Best Quiet 140mm Fan: Be Quiet! BL040

Be Quiet!, as you might expect from the name, is one of the leading brands in silent PC cases, and their work in fans is just as impressive.

The BL040 is fantastic at keeping its great CFM/airflow to a very low-decibel standard; if used with a decent quiet computer case, you’ll have the best chance at a nearly silent PC setup.

Best Quiet 120mm Fan: Be Quiet! BL039

The BL40’s smaller brother is a fantastic product for 120mm fan builds too.

It outputs a slightly higher decibel rating per fan than the 140mm version, but this is a difference of only 0.4 Db(a) at maximum speed. The BL039 is still very quiet when compared to nearly every other 120mm fan on the market.

120mm vs 140mm Size / Compatability

Sometimes, comparing the differences between 120mm and 140mm PC fans is apples and oranges, because it really depends on the computer case’s compatibility.

The average 120mm fan dimensions are 120mm x 120mm x 25mm

The average 140mm fan dimensions are 140mm x 140mm x 25mm 

In other words, although these can vary in thickness, 140mm are always notably larger, and most PC cases can accommodate fewer 140mm fans than 120mm ones.

We’ll reiterate one of our main points through the feature: it’s better to focus on getting a high-quality PC case for your needs. That could be anything from the best all-round, the largest, the cheapest, or the quietest, whether it accommodates 120mm setups or 140mm setups better is a secondary point.

But if you have the luxury of choosing between them, you will often be comparing larger amounts of 120mm fans and how they can perform versus less 140mm fans. The most common battle is 3 120mm vs 2 140mm.

3 120mm Fans vs 2 140mm Fans

For cooling, 3 120mm fans tend to have slightly better CFM /air output than 2 140mm fan builds.

But this isn’t the whole picture for a majority of cases.

3 120mm vs 2 140mm fans

Look at this picture of a relatively standard PC case boasting 3 120mm fans on its front.

The front is the most common place where you are choosing 3 120mm vs 2 140mm, notice how the lowest 120mm fan is mostly level with the PSU/HDD shroud.

Having a fan that is almost directly providing airflow to your PSU is not really very helpful.

Now take the red squares as an example of how the placements would look if you were instead using 2  x 140mm fans, and the arrows as the highest and lowest points the air is directed at.

Yes, the CFM might technically be slightly lower, but the airflow you are getting from the 140mm fans is better directed at your hardware that needs it (i.e. GPU & CPU).

Therefore if you have a chassis with a PSU shroud at the bottom of the case, the 2 x 140mm fan setup is better for cooling.

If you have a PC case with no shroud like the Lian-Li PC-011 Dynamic, then it’s very close to 50-50, but we would say 120mm fans come out on top for their slightly superior CFM (2 high-quality 140mm fans would still serve you well).

For noise reduction, 140mm fans still tend to come out as the best choice, with their narrow second-best CFM coming largely from lower RPMs.  If silence is your focus, stick to the quiet 140mm fan picks above.

120mm vs 140mm Price / Value

It’s all good saying which fan size is quieter, better at cooling, etc. 

But what is the best bang for your buck? Is the average improvement of 140mm worth a price difference?

Generally speaking, 140mm fans are slightly more expensive than their 120mm counterparts.

This isn’t a big increase though; the average price difference is less than 10%, and as far as we’re concerned, the superior CFM and noise reduction is well worth the modest price increase.

Also, as alluded to in the last section, you usually need to buy fewer 140mm fans to perform a comparable job to high-quantity 120mm setups.

Remember that you get what you pay for with either fan type; the budget fans below can serve most build well, but if you’re after the highest performance, see our premium picks directly after.

Conclusion: 140mm may be slightly more expensive, but it’s a modest increase for better performance/lower noise, and you usually need to buy less to achieve the same cooling which will mean many 140mm fan builds will work out cheaper!

Best Budget 140mm Fan: uphere BK143-3 pack

At an incredibly low price point, the uphere triple packs still manage to provide decent cooling for a budget build.

We would prefer users after the best PC fans for gaming or overclocking to go for our other picks on the list, but if you can’t stretch your budget very far, the BK143 are without a doubt the most impressive ultra-cheap fan options on the market.

Best Budget 120mm Fan: uphere 12BK3-3 pack

The 120mm version of the BK143 fans are even cheaper, it’s worth noting you won’t get the same level of cooling as the 140mm fans (with their longer blades resulting in better CFM).

But if your case is equipped for 120mm fans and you’re on a budget, the 12BK3 are unmatched in the cheapest 120mm fan category.

RGB Lover?

While there is no notable difference between 120mm and 140mm fans in the RGB category, we appreciate all of our picks so far are geared towards non-lit fans.

We love some RGB lighting too! So couldn’t end this list without some of our top recommendations.

Best 140mm RGB Fan: Cooler Master MF140

Cooler Master’s flagship RGB fan was the 120mm -sized MF120 for many years, and one of the most popular fans on the market.

But we’re pleased to see that they’ve created a 140mm offering that is just as beautiful, with its ARGB lighting illuminating the outer halo and inner fans, the MF140 doesn’t just look stunning in motion, but also boasts great performance/CFM for a powerful build.

Best 120mm RGB Fan: Cooler Master MF120

The MF120 is the classic option in Cooler Master’s RGB series and a long-standing perfect choice for those after the best ARGB fans on the market; balancing a great customizable aesthetic with impressive CFM, we recommend either the MF120 or the MF140 for anyone with the available RGB headers on their motherboard.

Top Picks Summary

120mm vs 140mm PC Fans Verdict

Let’s break everything down one last time.

Performance: 140mm usually offers superior airflow/CFM, with the exception of more 120mm fans in open cases with no PSU shrouds (still a very close race).

Noise: 140mm is the clear winner, having to spin lower to achieve the same performance as a 120mm counterpart.

Value: 140mm fans are slightly more expensive but their performance is worth the increase. You usually have to buy less of them to perform the same job, which means overall, you will likely save on a 140mm fan build.

Conclusion: In a majority of cases, we give the edge to 140mm fan setups.

However, with that said, we’ll wrap up the piece by saying our main point one last time; the quality of the fan is more important than the size, whether 120mm or 140mm, stick to our to picks above or other high-quality offerings, and you’ll be well set for a well-cooled build whatever the size!

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 2025

Best Lian Li Case

The 6 Best Lian Li Cases in 2025

We’ve updated this feature in 2025 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

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.

2025 update: The PC-011 remains my top Lian Li case pick (and the best PC case in any category) for 4 years running – I’ve not seen anything enter the market that manages to match it in the quality it offers across the board.

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.

2025 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 10 Best Premium PC Cases in 2025

Premium PC Case

The 10 Best Premium PC Cases in 2025

I updated this feature in June after reviewing the latest releases of 2025. 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

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.

2025 update: The O11 Dynamic XL remains our top pick in 2025; no other premium PC case has matched its overall quality and value.

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.

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.

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 insanewith 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.

2025 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.

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:

  • 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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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).

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 8 Best PC Cases with Fans Included in 2025

PC Case with Fans

The 8 Best PC Cases With Fans Included in 2025

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 2025. 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

2

MUSETEX T400-MN8 1

Best Case With RGB Fans

MUSETEX T400-MN8

Our Rating: 9/10

3

Thermaltake Core V1

Best ITX Case With Fan Included

Thermaltake Core V1

Our Rating: 9/10

4

Fractal Design Focus G 1

Best ATX Case With Fans

Fractal Design Focus G

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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.

2025 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

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 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.

2025 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Easy Guide to CPUs – Dual Core vs Quad Core vs Six Core vs Eight Core

Dual Core vs Quad Core vs Six Core vs Eight Core

The Easy Guide to CPUs

Ah, the central processing unit; this integral part is at the heart of any PC build.

Despite that, it can be deceptively hard to learn about what makes a CPU good and which one you should buy for your next build.

That’s why today’s feature is here to guide you through

  • The makings of a CPU
  • What elements to focus on depending on your needs (e.g. gaming, production)
  • Some FAQs (i3 vs i5, dual-core vs quad-core, etc.)

We’ve also included our top recommendations if you’re just after the best CPU for your budget/requirements without being bogged down by the details!

Table of Contents

Dual Core vs Quad Core vs Six Core vs Eight Core 6

What makes a CPU good?

The easiest way to answer this question is to break-down the main parts that make up a CPU.

Clock Speed

If you’ve seen processors advertised before, you’ll be familiar with seeing clock speeds (or the clock rate) in GHz.

What this indicates is how many times per second your CPU can perform tasks. So, if your processor has a speed of 3GHz (3,000,000,000 hertz), it can perform up to 3 billion cycles a second (more is better).

Base Clock vs Max Clock (or Boost Clock)

Most Ryzen/Intel CPUs today record their clock rate with multiple figures, usually “base speed” and “max speed”/”up to”.

Essentially, CPUs today are intelligently built to only use the clock speed that is required for the tasks at hand in order to conserve power.

If you have an expensive processor and are just running Netflix, there’s no reason for the hardware to heat up and run at max capacity!

The base clock, as the name suggests, is what your CPU runs at when idling/during low intensity.

The max clock is how much individual CPU cores can climb up to in power when performing intensive tasks (e.g. gaming, rendering).

Both are important, and a higher value for either means a faster system in different circumstances (in most cases, the 2 values increase at a similar rate to each other with more expensive CPUs).

Cores

The other term you’re probably already familiar with when seeing CPUs on Amazon; a core is an integral part of buying a processor today.

Essentially, each core is its own individual processor within your CPU.

So, for example, a quad-core CPU is essentially 4 CPUs in one, each capable of performing its own tasks.

Most processors today are between 4 and 8 cores, but the full range is anything from 1 to 128.

Sounds pretty awesome right? Well, for the most part, it is!

But there is an important point to make, using quad-core as an example: 4 x the cores does not mean 4 x the power in individual processes.

In simplistic terms, having 4 cores means you can perform 4 independent operations as fast as 1 core can perform 1 operation.

If you’re trying to get 4 cores to target the same task (e.g. playing a game), then the clock speeds, IPC, and other aspects of how your CPU works for a single core will be integral too.

That’s not to say having more cores doesn’t help individual processes, many applications (including games, as we’ll discuss further below) are developed with multi-core use in mind and can utilize some of their power.

Cores are important, and the days of single-core are over (with dual-core also on its way out), but we’re just trying to stress that there is no reason to go too crazy with cores. We expect 99% of readers would see close to 0 benefits from more than 16 cores, and many will see diminishing returns past 4-8 (we break this down for each PC type further below).

Threads

Multithreading is a technology that is used by Ryzen (SMT or simultaneous multithreaded) and Intel (hyperthreading) to allocate multiple  “virtual cores” (i.e. threads) inside each core.

In simple terms, this allows cores to split up certain types of workload (e.g. when 1 thread is waiting on information to complete a task, the second thread can be busy doing “prep work” for that task).

They both share the same physical specs of the core, so real-world performance gains are usually only marginal from your thread count.

There’s good news for learners too: nearly every mainstream CPU today has 2 threads per core. Therefore there’s no significant need to focus on thread count when you’re already considering cores.

Dual Core vs Quad Core vs Six Core vs Eight Core 9

IPC

The IPC is best described as the “hidden ingredient” for what makes a CPU good, as it is often not as discussed as the more marketable specs above and below.

Despite that, it’s very important in establishing speed; IPC stands for instructions per cycle/clock.

As you might expect from the name, IPC indicates how many tasks/instructions your CPU can perform for each cycle.

This is an underutilized spec as you could have a CPU with a very high clock speed, but if its IPC is low, it will be slower than a low-clock speed CPU with notably higher IPC.

IPC is often indicated or tested in CPU reviews/benchmarks as opposed to product listings.

The good news/rule of thumb is that newer generation processors from Ryzen and Intel will provide better IPCs than their predecessors, so although this spec is integral, you don’t have to overthink it too hard.

TDP

Thermal design profile (or TDP) is how much power your CPU demands in watts (e.g. 65W).

If just one TDP figure is provided, this is nearly always the max wattage required by your CPU (under heavy loads). Sometimes listings also include the idle/base TDPs, which refer to how much power is drawn at calmer usage.

In terms of performance, TDP does not directly affect your CPU (yes, higher TDP tends to mean a more powerful processor, but this isn’t a great metric, focus on the specs above).

Instead, what TDP is good for is understanding what level of CPU cooling you need and the PSU requirements of your CPU.

It’s also the best indication of how much you can expect your CPU to increase your energy bill (higher = more) but the difference between a modest and high TDP usually won’t mean more than $5-$20 per year.

Cache

Processor cache is the onboard caching system on a CPU that is used to interact with your RAM and access frequently used information from it as required.

The cache is important, but the values between modern CPUs are going to be very similar, and any differences are going to have immense diminishing returns in real-world performance compared to clock speed, core count and IPC. We included this for completeness but would recommend most users to not worry about this spec in their buying decision.

Integrated Graphics

Depending on the model of CPU you’re purchasing, you may have a processor designed to also do the job of a GPU included.

This is more useful if you are building a very budget/basic general use PC or a smaller computer with less graphical requirements to avoid the spatial needs of a graphics card (a common example is building a home theatre PC in a horizontal case).

If you’re building a mid-range desktop or something for gaming, you’ll definitely want a graphics card over integrated graphics; an independent GPU provides much more power (having the integrated functionality may still be useful to have as a backup if your GPU has issues and you need to troubleshoot, but isn’t essential if you’re on a budget).

The same logic goes for laptops, many have integrated GPUs to save on space; this is fine if you are a general user, but you’ll want a laptop with a GPU for gaming, video editing, or longevity.

Which CPU specs are the most important?

We’ve included all the main parts for completeness, but the short answer is how good a CPU is for most users is mostly determined by a mixture of its clock speed, IPC, and core count.

If you’re confused, a great rule of thumb to follow is that the latest generation of Intel and Ryzen processors will be the best “bang for your buck” at each of their respective price ranges and contain the latest innovations in clock speed, IPC, and core counts (we’ve provided some of the best options below).

Dual Core vs Quad Core vs Six Core vs Eight Core 5

How to choose the right CPU for your needs

The utility of a CPU usually overlaps into multiple areas (i.e. a processor good for gaming will be good for general use and media).

The question on how to chose is really around how much power you need.

If you do high-end development (rendering, intensive video editing, etc.) you’ll need a more powerful CPU than the average gamer.

This section is about providing a guideline depending on your individual requirements.

Choosing a CPU for Gaming

How many cores do you need for gaming?

4 is the absolute minimum today, as many developers have begun to use multi-core technology in the fundamentals of their game engines. If you’re using a single/dual-core, you’ll likely not meet the minimum specs for many titles.

While 4/quad core is the minimum, we’re now past the days where it’s recommended. We’ve noticed other resources saying “4 cores are all you need” – but this is an outdated statement.

Many PC gaming benchmarks have tested the average FPS of new popular titles at 1080p, 1440p, and 4k and it’s clear there can be a significant difference between 4 and 6 cores, a notable increase from 6 to 8, and a lesser-but-fair improvement from 8 to 10/12 (above this amount is when diminishing returns really settle in).

Now, benchmarks are examples, and of course don’t reflect your exact setup (GPU, motherboard, cooling, graphics settings, etc.). Additionally, each game has different CPU requirements (with simulation/larger-scale games usually benefitting more from increased processor power).

But the differences noted in various benchmarks demonstrate that the average user is likely to see real-world improvement above 4 cores.

Bear in mind all this advice is about shopping with the latest generation of Intel/Ryzen CPUs (10th gen and 5000 series); a previous-gen 8 core CPU may run slower than a current-gen 6 core CPU.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the latest generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox One X) are built with 8 core/16 thread CPUs. This doesn’t mean that you need this for gaming, but there will likely be some advantage to having a similar architecture in your gaming PC once developers begin to focus on this layout with major cross-platform titles.

With all that said, a good rule of thumb for gaming core requirement is:

  • 4 cores at a bare minimum 
  • 6 cores as a good standard for budget/lower mid-range 
  • 8 cores for the optimal sweet-spot/mid-range and to match the new console gen standards
  • 10/12 cores for a premium gaming desktop

How many threads do you need for gaming?

We see this question asked a fair bit, but as mentioned in the first section: nearly all mainstream CPUs (especially those focused on gaming) have 2 threads per cores, with the latter half being a more important overall indicator.

In other words, don’t focus on threads, focus on cores.

What other CPU specs are important for gaming?

Clock speed and IPC are also very important, but it’s harder to break these down in the same way as threads/cores (as they vary notably between choices). 

The easiest suggestion is to focus on the latest generation CPUs which will be tailored for the optimum clock speeds/IPCs at each price-range (we list the best for different budget types just below).

Ryzen vs Intel for gaming

No CPU discussion would be complete without a word on Intel vs AMD processors for gaming!

It’s a very close race for the most part.

AMD tends to have a focus on increased core/thread count, while Intel’s focus is on achieving the highest single-core clock speed.

For gaming, single-core clock speed is very important, and typically you’d expect Intel’s approach to win out here.

However, AMD sometimes offers better prices for similar performance and as we’ve seen from benchmarks, core/thread count does also play a notable role in avoiding bottlenecking a GPU’s performance.

We would say it’s usually common for AMD to come out on top, but right now, it’s really too close to call for gaming. As you’ll see in our recommendations below, we choose CPUs from both vendors and the best value is really going to depend on the state of the market at any given time (ignore CPU brand loyalty, it’s a waste of time!).

Best CPU for Gaming (Mid-Range): Intel Core i7-10700K

It’s a very close race for the best gaming CPU between the 10700k and AMD’s new 5800X.

The 5800X usually averages 2-3% FPS improvement in gaming benchmarks but comes at a near 20% increased cost (and is short in stock) therefore we give the crown to the 10700k.

This beastly Intel processor hits the sweet spot with 8 cores/16 threads to match new console architecture, and with fantastic clock speeds/IPC, it’s one of the best CPUs for RTX 3070 & 3080 builders.

Best CPU for Gaming (High-End):
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

For those after a high-end gaming desktop CPU, we give this accolade to the fantastic new 5900X.

With an impressive 12 cores & 24 threads alongside immense clock speeds, the combinations on offer here is what we consider the maximum you need in a CPU today for gaming (anything more is where you start to see notable diminishing returns), with the right GPU you’ll be able to throw pretty much any game at this CPU and get a great result in 1440p or 4k.

You don’t just have one of the best CPUs for RTX 3090 builds (and other premium gaming machines) but also a CPU capable of working alongside other high-end parts for intensive production work (be it development, rendering, or high-scale video editing).

After the best high-end Intel gaming CPU? Your best option will be the i9-10900K.

Best Budget CPU for Gaming: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

For cheaper builds, the new budget offering in AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series is a fantastic choice.

The 5600X still hits 6 cores / 12 threads with the excellent clock speeds and IPC you expect from the latest generation of gaming processors.

What’s more, unlike the other 5000-series CPUs, the 5600X comes bundled with AMD’s Wraith Cooler, which is a pretty decent option as far as stock coolers go (especially for a budget build).

We would say, however, that if you could stretch that little bit further and get our top i7-10700K choice (or the Ryzen 7 4800X), we think that is the best value for money in the gaming space today.

But rest assured; if not, this is still a great processor and would work well alongside an RTX 2000 series GPU or even the RTX 3060 when released.

If you’re looking for something even cheaper while still hitting our recommend 6 cores for a budget build, the Core i5-10600K is your best bet.

Choosing a CPU for Streaming

If you’re looking to stream on Twitch or another platform, you can usually expect a couple of cores to be pre-occupied with the streaming tasks.

So as a rule of thumb; follow our gaming core requirements above and +2 for streaming (6 minimum, 8 budget, 10/12 mid-range, and more for premium).

Best CPU for Streaming: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X

With AMD’s focus on cores, you not only have a great CPU for gaming here but something that has enough spatial capacity to handle even demanding streaming requirements.

If you’re after an option that’s cheaper, Intel, or more readily in stock right now, the i9-10900K is a good second place.

Choosing a CPU for General Use

If you’re after a non-gaming CPU and your tasks aren’t much more than internet browsing, Netflix, and business applications (Word, PowerPoint, etc.) or an HTPC/media build, then you can get away with a significantly cheaper processor.

We never recommend too cheap of course, even decent budget CPUs today with the latest motherboard sockets still offer decent core/thread counts to make sure you have a relatively smooth experience, you can just afford to lose the high clock speeds/IPC offered by the more expensive options.

Note: by general use, we do not mean more hefty production tasks like video editing or development work (those are discussed below).

Best CPU for General Use: Intel Core i5-10400

At a fantastic low price-point, the 10400 has enough juice to run a smooth budget non-gaming build.

One of the really nice things about this processor is the integrated Intel UHD 630 graphics, which have enough capability to act as a GPU solution for a basic build (and can reportedly run/stream 4k video, so could be a great option for a budget HTPC).

Choosing a CPU for Video Editing (or Production)

Although people think that a GPU is the be-all-end-all for video editing, most popular software, including Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro & Sony Vegas, are all designed to make good use of high core/thread counts.

Therefore, you benefit significantly from the newest generations of CPUs with their excellent core/thread provisions (the same advice goes for other medium intensity software requirements like mid-range animation or development work).

So how many cores for video editing are recommended? We would advise at least six, but more will improve your experience notably too.

Best CPU for Video Editing: Ryzen 9 5900X

It’s another win for the fantastic 5900X, its 12-core 24-thread capability simply provides so much performance potential for a video editing desktop (including 4k/8k).

Do you need to spend this much on a video editing CPU? Of course not, you could still manage edits on a lesser CPU (like the 5600X from our budget gaming picks) but if you’re serious about a productive rig, this is an ideal choice.

The i9-10900K is your best choice for something mid-range or for those after Intel and is still a great choice with its 10 core/20 thread setup.

HEDT CPU for High-End Development & Production

To be clear; an overwhelming majority of users do not need a high-end desktop CPU (HEDT).

HEDT CPUs are specifically designed for very high-end production work; think industry-standard rendering, server builds, and other intensive requirements.

That said, if any of these sound like you, there is a select set of CPUs designed for some incredible levels of computation going up to 64 cores/128 threads while still retaining great clock speeds and enormous caches.

Best HEDT CPU: AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X

Arguably the most powerful CPU on the market today, the 3990X includes an immense 64 cores and 128 threads while still retaining other decent specs.

Of course, its single-core clock speeds are not as high, but this isn’t a chip for gaming, it’s about large-scale production work; its productivity potential will be pretty much unmatched by any mainstream CPU line.

Bear in mind that the Threadripper series runs on the TRX40 chipset and requires a different motherboard type to many mainstream choices, we have a recommendation on a good option in our EATX motherboards feature.

Needing a budget HEDT CPU? The best we’d recommend is the brand new Ryzen 9 5950X which is still a productivity machine (with less diminishing returns).

Other Build Types

We’ve aimed to cover a large majority of build types in the picks above, but appreciate some of you may have very refined requirements.

We’d reiterate an earlier point made: if you’re focussing on the latest generation of Intel and Ryzen chips (10th gen and 5000 series) then you’ll be in a good spot to get the best value for whatever budget you have.

The processors this gen are also fairly well balanced between various spec types, so you can take our above gaming/production picks as a template, and we’d expect they would apply to most other purpose you’re looking for (as a rule of thumb).

Dual Core vs Quad Core vs Six Core vs Eight Core 4

CPU FAQs & Head-to-Heads

There are not many things more common in the CPU space than people asking questions like:

What’s the difference between dual-core and quad-core?

or:

What’s better, a core i3 or core i5?

And we’re not surprised! The processor industry doesn’t always do a great job of making what actually makes a CPU good clear.

The answers to these questions aren’t always clear-cut, but we’re going to give you the best summation for someone after the essential knowledge when buying a CPU.

Note: don’t feel inclined to read through all of the FAQs to learn about CPUs; our key knowledge/recommendations are above. These are specifically here for those of you who want a little more clarity on certain areas.

Intel Core i3 vs i5 vs i7 vs i9 CPUs

This i naming structure is how Intel allows users to have a quick reference point to compare CPUs in the same generation depending on their needs as follows:

  • i3 CPUs are the cheapest/budget options (still fairly powerful with the current 10th gen CPUs)
  • i5 CPUs are budget/low mid-range options
  • i7 CPUs are the higher mid-range choices
  • i9 CPUs are for enthusiasts and professionals (i.e. maximizing your productivity or gaming capability, with some diminishing returns for the latter).

These aren’t definitions set in stone, but usually how the I-series go and is a good guideline for you to make sense of all the different offerings (i.e. the higher the number, the better the processor usually is).

There are other non-i processors (like the Pentium series) but in today’s market, for anyone reading this list (providing you have the budget) it’s good to stick to at least i3 for a somewhat smooth experience.

It’s key to remember that these comparisons only make sense for Intel CPUs in the same generation. 

For example, an i5 9400F (9th gen) will provide about the same performance as an i3-10100 (10th gen). This is because the 10100 comes from the next generation which is created using more efficient practices than the 9th gen.

Any resource that says i3 “has X cores or Y clock speed” is false. i3 (or any of the i CPUs) have lots of different meanings depending on the generation, only use these terms as a guideline!

Ryzen 3 vs 5 vs 7 vs 9 CPUs

Very similarly to the Intel naming standard, AMD uses these terms as a guideline naming convention in place to allow you to compare same generation CPUs with some ease:

  • Ryzen 3 CPUs are the lower end choices (still capable for general use)
  • Ryzen 5 CPUs are budget/ lower mid-range choices
  • Ryzen 7 CPUs are the mid-range choices on the premium-side
  • Ryzen 9 CPUs are the enthusiast options

It’s worth noting that we don’t know if there will be a Ryzen 3 5000 CPU as of yet, AMD has only announced Ryzen 5, 7 & 9 5000 series CPUs.

Remember, the terms only work for comparison if the Ryzen CPUs are from the same series.

Intel vs Ryzen CPUs (Non-Gaming)

We touched on Intel vs Ryzen early, specifically for gaming, where the winner isn’t too decisive.

Now, what about other areas like general use, business productivity, and production (mid-range or high end)?

Well, both companies do still have great options.

However, with non-gaming software, it is a lot more common to see more beneficial use from multi-core/thread performance that AMD specializes in (as opposed to Intel’s single-core performance gains).

So generally speaking, AMD comes out on top for providing the best value for non-gaming desktops.

But this is not universal, which is why we highly recommend sticking to our recommended CPU picks above, where both brands are offered for different requirements.

dual core vs quad core vs six core vs eight core

Core head-to-heads

We see many users asking questions about values of specific core quantities and how they compare to others, so we’ve put together a quick-fire reference for some of the most common “battles”.

These head-to-heads are for a rule of thumb only because in reality, for example, a 4 core and 8 core will nearly always have different clock speeds, IPCs, etc. These examples are based on the assumption that all the other specs of the CPUs are identical (other than threads, which we are assuming will be 2 x the core quantity).

Dual-Core vs Quad-Core / 2 Cores vs 4 Cores

While Quad-core processors are becoming less used, dual-core is, in a larger way, on its way out as a valid option for modern desktops.

One of the only CPUs we would consider a valid option for very basic workstations is AMD’s Athlon 3000G (which is nicely on the modern AM4 motherboard socket, but was released in 2019, so is still becoming dated).

Sure, you could build a basic general use PC with dual-core. But for only a tad extra, a quad-core CPU like the i3-9100 will offer significantly more value with its slightly higher price tag. Quad-core is definitely the better choice for even a basic workstation (even 6 core if you can stretch to it, as we detail below).

For gaming, we would pretty much not consider dual-core a valid option as quad-core is the bare minimum for a gaming PC nowadays due to the number of games that require 4 cores / 8 threads as a minimum. Bear in mind that 4 cores are still a tad low for games too (though perfectly doable if you are on a very tight budget).

Dual-Core vs Six-Core / 2 Cores vs 6 Cores

The difference between dual-core and six-core is very significant in modern-day computing. The key change is that 6 cores are way more of a leading market force with more supply/options, so you’ll nearly always be getting way better value with a 6 core processor (even if its price-tag is higher).

Yes, some will argue you can still get away with dual-core for a very basic workstation and we don’t disagree. But our counter would be why not invest a little more for a CPU that will be dramatically more future-proofed for building a long-lasting machine (even for basic use)?

This is why our top general-use/budget recommendation above is the 6-core i5-10400, which still comes on the new LGA 1200 socket and has integrated graphics for a ridiculously low price-tag.

For gaming, this question is a no-brainer; 2 cores is not good enough for modern gaming, 6-8 cores is the sweet spot, with six being perfect for those a little more budget-conscious as we point out in our recommendations above.

Dual-Core vs Octa-Core / 2 Cores vs 8 Cores

At this point, the battle between 2 and 8 cores barely feels fair; with most 8-core options today being premium choices that pack serious power for productivity workstations.

We will say that 8-cores may begin to be the point where your CPU may be overkill if you’re just building a web browsing, media, and/or basic work software computer (where you can get away with a quad-core like the i3-9100 as a budget choice or the 6-core i5-10400 as our recommendation).

If you’re after a machine for productivity, video editing, or mid-range production however, 2 cores is not a good option for you, and 8-core CPUs like the 5800X will provide fantastic utility for more intensive software.

For gaming, 2 cores are below our minimum recommendation of 4 cores; an 8 core processor is what we consider to be on the high-end of the sweet spot of FPS performance gains for most gaming titles (i.e. perfect for mid-range gaming desktops looking for the most value before diminishing returns kick in).

Quad-Core vs Hexa-Core / 4 Cores vs 6 Cores

An argument can be made both ways for a general use PC, but we think the value and longevity a 6-core will provide is the better option for a larger majority of desktop builders even if your needs are simple.

This is largely because modern generations of CPUs are moving to 6-core as one of their standards, so the available options tend to offer better value per dollar.

This is, of course, a rule of thumb only; but taking examples of two of the best value processors for budget builds, the i3-10100 vs the i5 10400. Both of these processors are perfectly suited for a cheap PC, and if your budget is really tight, we can happily recommend the 10100 as a valid option. The reason we focus more on the 10400 as the best budget CPU is because we think that for its modest price increase, having the extra 2 cores will provide you with better longevity that is worth the small price jump.

For gaming, we’d recommend a 6 core processor with better clock speeds like the 4600X if possible. You absolutely can get away with a quad-core CPU if needed, but 6 cores will be better suited to match what games will likely move to in the future as they continue to focus on multi-core/threading optimization.

On a gaming note, while in a perfect world you will have a decent spec GPU and CPU, if your budget is very tight, it will usually be more beneficial to sacrifice CPU specs over investing in a better graphics card.

Quad-Core vs Octa-Core / 4 Cores vs 8 Cores

For a general use PC, we’d definitely recommend four cores over 8 cores, the latter being overkill even for somebody focussed on providing some longevity.

For productivity/production/video editing, 8 cores will usually provide a notable benefit over a 4-core setup.

For gaming, 4-cores is our minimum recommendation, and 8-cores is on the higher mid-range side of the gaming “sweet-spot”, so while we would of course recommend Octa-core processors if possible, it really comes down to if you have the budget as there is certainly a stark difference in cost between the two.

Hexa-Core vs Octa-Core / 6 Cores vs 8 Cores

General workstations with basic internet/software/media needs will usually be fine with the modern 6-core options.

For productivity users, it really depends on how demanding your needs are; there are certainly plenty of 6-core processors that can handle things like 4k video editing, significant compiling, etc. but 8-core options, especially something like the 5800X, will certainly provide you a worthy boost if you can stretch further.

For gaming, 6-8 cores is what we consider the “sweet-spot” for modern-day gaming CPUs; with 6 being on the lower budget side, and 8 being for mid-range users who can fork out for something extra performative.

6 cores would be sensible for someone who needs to invest more in their GPU and there is no shame in settling for something like a Ryzen 5 5600X.

That said; one big reason it would be great to push your build to an 8 core/16 thread CPU if possible as you are then working with a gaming PC that has the same core/thread specs as the new PS5/Xbox Series X. This might not mean much for a little while, but over the console generation, developers will likely start utilizing this architecture layout. Having a CPU that shares these qualities isn’t necessary but will likely open up some better optimization for you on AAA titles made with consoles in mind.

It’s really a close call for gaming, and purely comes down to your budget; we think you’ll be satisfied with the value both options provide.

Hexa-Core vs Deca-Core / 6 Cores vs 10 Cores

Now that our head-to-heads are looking at 10 cores and beyond, we’re really getting into the power-users who are either running intensive workstations or want the absoloute best quality even with diminishing returns.

If you are running demanding production applications with high requirements in rendering, compiling, etc., you will find some value in 10+ core options, but 6 core processor with good specs elsewhere will be more than fine for a budget/mid-range production machine.

For gaming, 10+ cores is where the diminishing returns really settle in. Yes, there will be improvements over 6-core, but most of these will be shared by 8-core processors, so we’d only recommend 10+ for high-end streaming or those who want the absolute best quality regardless of price.

Octa-Core vs Deca-Core / 8 Cores vs 10 Cores

For users with very intensive production requirements, you can expect to see some improvement during your most demanding processes between 8 and 10 cores (but not so much that its a requirement to have those 2 extra cores, 8 will still cope with even some demanding needs).

For gaming, we would recommend sticking to 8 cores unless you are happy with paying significantly more for very minor gains.

Octa-Core vs Dodeca-Core / 8 Cores vs 12 Cores

With AMD being the only player with mainstream 12 core options right now, if you’re interested in this question, we imagine you’re looking at the difference between something like the Ryzen 7 5800X vs Ryzen 9 5900X.

In this case, we would say the 12-core option is reserved for those after a premium productivity machine who significantly rely on intensive processing throughout their day-to-day operations.

For gaming, we would only recommend 12 cores to those who absolutely want the most power out of their desktop, as there are some diminishing returns for the price-tag.

That’s the best way to sum up this head-to-head for most users; 8-core is the better value option for mid-range builds, 12-core is for those more interested in maximum performance over budget concerns.

Octa-Core vs Hexadeca-Core / 8 Cores vs 16 Cores

Although we see this question asked, the difference between 8 cores and 16 cores is becoming so much that it’s a bit of an “apples and oranges” question.

All general users and most productivity users should stick to 8 cores between these two options, which will already provide fantastic power for a large majority of operations.

16 core+ is only recommended today for advanced users with dramatic production/server requirements; we do not recommend going as far as 16 cores for gaming (unless you don’t really care about your wallet!).

Deca-Core vs Dodeca-Core / 10 Cores vs 12 Cores

This head-to-head is a little hard to quantify, as 10-core is where Intel has focussed their higher-end 10th gen options, and 12 core+ is where AMD has defined their premium 5000 series CPUs.

So really, the battle will usually be if you are after a CPU that focuses more on single-core performance (Intel) or more cores/threads (AMD).

In general, we’re more impressed by AMD’s latest 12+ core options and think this will suit more users in this price-range who are likely looking at productivity builds that will benefit from an increase in cores.

Dodeca-Core vs Hexadeca-Core / 12 Cores vs 16 Cores

The only users this question should apply to are those after a very high-spec production machine. Gamers (with finite wallets) will be fine with 12 cores or less, and even advanced productivity machines will get a lot done on 8-12 cores.

So 16 cores and beyond are really reserved for HEDT CPUs that may be needed by large software companies, animators, high-spec production users, and similar. Our honest opinion is that if you’re an individual builder, you almost certainly don’t need 16 cores and we’d only get it if it’s a luxury you can afford comfortably.

Single-Core vs Dual-Core / Multi-Core

We wanted to add this head-to-head just for completeness but realistically, nobody today should build a single-core desktop PC (unless you have some weird nostalgia for it, you may have a hard time finding them though!).

Gaming or not, most applications take advantage of multi-core/threading capabilities and the industry has moved well away from 1 core CPUs, so whatever your build requirement, go for 2 as an absolute minimum.

Final Word

And there you have it! The above is everything we think you need to know about what makes a CPU good and how to pick for your next build.

Feeling overwhelmed? We understand!

We’ve mentioned this point a few times in the feature but it’s worth re-iterating one last time: you don’t need to know every part of the CPU to make a good purchase.

Stay close to our recommendations above depending on your type of build, you can’t go too wrong as long as you’re buying a CPU that’s current-generation (Intel 10th gen/Ryzen 5000 series) and in your budget!

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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.