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The 8 Best Dual Chamber PC Cases of 2026

Dual Chamber PC Case

The 8 Best Dual Chamber PC Cases of 2026

An amazing case type for enthusiast builds: here are the best ones

Dual Chamber PC Case

We’ve updated this feature to cover 2026 releases. A couple of alternatives have been added, but most of our top picks remain the same this year.

What is a dual-chamber case anyway?

Let’s take some of the main criteria when looking for your perfect chassis:

  1. Plenty of space for hardware
  2. Good ventilation/airflow
  3. Stylish/made for showing off beautiful components.

A dual-chamber case excels at providing all of these things by essentially having a second “hidden area” for some of your less attractive parts.

Sure, most mid-range cases have some small cable management compartments.

But having a dedicated full chamber gives room for the other “ugly” parts. Think PSUs, hard drives, etc.

This then isolates your GPU/CPU in the “main” chamber, giving you a cleaner presentation and space/airflow for the parts that need it most.

They’re a fantastic innovation for PC builders, I’ve really enjoyed my time working in this format. Which is why I’ve put together this guide on the best PC cases with 2 chambers.

1

Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

Best Dual Chamber PC Case

Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

Our Rating: 10/10

Check Price

Read Review

2

Corsair Series Air 540

Best Dual Chamber Case for Airflow

Corsair Series Air 540

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

3

Corsair 680X

High-End Pick

Corsair Crystal Series 680X

Our Rating: 9/10

Check Price

Read Review

4

Best Dual Chamber Micro ATX Case

Corsair Crystal Series 280X

Our Rating: 9/10

Check Price

Read Review

5

Thermaltake Tower 900

Best EATX / Largest Pick

Thermaltake Tower 900

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

6

Thermaltake Level 20 HT 1

Worth Considering

Thermaltake Level 20 HT

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

Best Dual Chamber PC Case: Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

This really is a fantastic tower.

From one of the greatest chassis manufacturers today, the PC-011 Dynamic has been featured many times on What in Tech. It’s also my top choice for the overall best PC case in any category.

The PC-011 is beautiful. Boasting a very thick (0.8-1mm) SECC steel body, aluminum front, and dual-tempered glass layout.

The look and feel are simply fantastic for its price point. With the extra window on the front, you’ll have great visibility for your internal build.

Photos do not do it justice. I’ve built some nice setups in this case and seen many more. What gets me every time is how even something quite basic ends up looking stunning.

Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic

Source: Jinair

There’s plenty of room too, with:

  1. 8 expansion slots
  2. GPU cards of up to 420mm
  3. 2 x 3.5″ / 4 x 2.5″ drive bays (all hidden in the second chamber)
  4. Air cooling: Up to 9 x 120mm fans
  5. Or water cooling: Up to 1 x 360mm, 1 x 280mm & 1 x 240mm

These specs are great for the dimensions. The PC-011 is quite large with fantastic cooling capability.

With more room than our runner-up pick, it’s a good choice if you want to fit very large GPUs.

It’s officially a mid-tower case but would likely manage an E-ATX motherboard if that’s your goal (just check dimensions – we’ve got larger options below).

The second chamber on the PC-011 is wonderfully discrete and has room for all of the cable management and drives/PSUs we expect you’ll need in any kind of build, meaning you can establish a really neat main chamber with great airflow for your intensive hardware.

Speaking of power supplies, this is a great option if you’re after a dual PSU case. The hidden drive caddy in the second chamber can be removed for a second power supply.

Is there anything I don’t like about the case? Honestly…not really.

You could argue that in a feature focused on dual chambers, the second chamber is a little smaller than some of the other picks below. But I think this is a credit to the PC-011. It still includes enough space for PSUs, drives, and cables, without making the separate area look unnecessarily bulky or wasteful.

It is a little expensive. But really, it’s at the mid-range price point that many top-quality cases live in. You absolutely can go cheaper if you like, but I don’t fault the case’s price because I think the value on offer is great.

The fact that you’re getting such a wonderful build quality, aesthetic, space, cooling potential and a perfect internal layout to empower neatness/airflow all at a great mid-range price is simply incredible.

Yes, this is my pick for the best dual-chamber ATX case on the market, but to reiterate, it’s the chassis I think excels the most in any category, and frequently recommend it to my readers if you have the budget.

2026 update: The PC-011 remains our top dual chamber chassis pick for 5 years running! Despite some decent new offerings, nothing overtakes the great balance between features, aesthetics, and price. I also still rank it as the best overall case of the year.

Our Rating: 10/10

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Corsair Series Air 540

Best Dual Chamber Case for Airflow: Corsair Series Air 540

The PC-O11 has fantastic airflow that we think will meet an overwhelming majority of needs.

But if you’re someone who really prefers taking advantage of mesh layouts that ensure ventilation from all angles, you may want to consider the Air 540.

This Corsair offering somehow manages to offer a fantastic set of features/quality while also being one of the cheaper options on the list

Boasting great space in both of its chambers, you’ll have room for:

  1. 8 expansion slots
  2. GPU lengths up to 320mm
  3. Up to 2 x 5.25″, 2 x 3.5″ and/or 6 x 2.5″ drives, more than enough for gamers

It’s nice to see options for optical drive bays here too (even though a majority of people no longer use them, you can still convert 5.25″ bays into more SSD/HDD drive bays if desired).

Corsair Series Air 540

Source: Markill-UK

But it’s cooling where a dual-chamber tower really shines. In the Air 540’s case, there’s space for:

  1. 6 x 120mm / 5 x 140mm fans (including 2 pre-installed Corsair Air Series AF140L fans ideal for a quiet build)
  2. 280mm top & 360mm front radiators

Now that may not sound too impressive for an ATX case.

But remember: with your PSU/drives out of the way, these fans/water coolers are dedicated to cooling your GPU and CPU.

Tie that with the fantastic airflow design and you have a really high-value case for overclocking.

Style-wise, the Air 540 has a unique wide form factor.

With a steel exterior, the cube tower boasts a simplistic, high-quality build. In person, it appears minimalist and monolithic.

This simplicity is perfect because when you’re creating a dual-chamber computer, you want the attention to be on the neat internal parts in the main chamber.

Through its tempered glass, the case beautifully presents the main hardware and gives you more than enough space to cleanly build.

We love the PC-O11D and made it our top choice for a reason. But if you’re looking for something that balances unique style, fantastic features, cooling capability, and value; the Air 540 is also well worth considering.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Corsair 680X

Best High-End Dual Chamber Case: Corsair Crystal Series 680X

Having been featured multiple times previously on What in Tech, there are so many amazing qualities to the 680X if you can afford its price tag.

The 680X has some of the best build quality I’ve seen in any case.

With a thick steel exterior, and tempered glass covering its front, top, and hinged side window, the case looks incredible even before you add your hardware.

The RGB version we recommend includes 3 beautiful & addressable Corsair LL120 fans which are some of the best on the market and very expensive if bought solo.

Alongside these is a pre-installed Corsair Lighting Node Pro. One of the best RGB controllers available today, making this a perfect base for an RGB build.

The 2 chamber case offers good internal space too. With:

  • 10 expansion slots (2 for a vertical GPU mount)
  • GPUs up to 330mm
  • 3 x 3.5″ & 4 x 2.5″ drive bays (hidden in second chamber)

The GPU length may seem low compared to the Lian Li, but it’s still more than enough for nearly all mainstream cards. There are also enough storage options if you’re looking for a video editing or server PC case.

Corsair Crystal Series 680X

Source: jjzeng21

What’s even more impressive is the cooling potential:

  • Up to 8 120mm fans
  • 360mm front, 280mm top, 140mm rear & 280mm bottom radiator support

Bearing in mind this is all part of a case with a large secondary chamber where you’re already maximizing airflow to your GPUs/CPU.

Adding this incredible cooling utility on top makes this one of the best ATX cases for overclocking. I’ve been super pleased with the thermal benchmarks from the case during test builds.

Yes, it is pricey.

But you’re getting so much for your money.

From the excellent build quality to the RGB capability, to the fantastic space and airflow design.

If you have the budget, it’s one of the best premium cases available (not just in the dual-chamber category).

Our Rating: 9/10

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Best Dual Chamber Micro ATX Case: Corsair Crystal Series 280X

What about those looking for a small PC case?

Well, thankfully, Corsair’s fantastic 680X has a little brother.

And despite the lower price-point/size, it still manages to retain so much of what makes the ATX version great.

The design is essentially the same (but more of a cube shape) with the high-quality steel exterior and triple-tempered glass setup.

The space is great for its Micro ATX form factor, with:

  • 4 expansion slots
  • VGAs up to 300mm
  • 2 x 3.5″ & 3 x 2.5″ drive bays hidden in the second chamber
Corsair Crystal Series 280X

Source: PTjutsu

I would’ve liked to have seen an extra 5-10mm clearance for GPUs, but you should still manage to fit most cards (just please check dimensions before buying your card!).

The dual-chamber is still (impressively) large enough to hide your cables, PSU, and drives despite the smaller case size.

Between the room and cooling, the 280x is a fantastic case for Micro ATX gaming, with:

  • Up to 6 120mm fans
  • 1 x 280mm top & 2 x 240mm front/bottom radiators

Most in this form factor will not perform as well for cooling & overclocking your GPU/s.

It’s pricey for a smaller build, but I think it’s a great example of getting what you pay for.

I’d also argue with the 2 included RGB fans/Lighting Node controller, the price is actually very decent.

If you’re building a mini-tower and want an RGB aesthetic, you really can’t get much better (or more stylish) than the 280X.

Our Rating: 9/10

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Thermaltake Tower 900

Best Dual Chamber EATX Case: Thermaltake Tower 900

So what if you’re less constrained by budget and want something extra large and powerful?

Whether for a high-end gaming build, production rig, or server PC, an E-ATX case is a great option.

If you combine such a huge size with a dual-chamber layout, you’ve got some real monstrous capability.

The Tower 900 is one of the best examples, with:

  • 8 expansion slots
  • GPUs up to 400mm (including vertical mount option)
  • Up to 1 x 5.25″, 6 x 2.5″/3.5″ & 2 x 2.5″ drives

You have room in this huge case to host a quad-GPU build if tied with an accommodating motherboard.

The case also offers the most cooling on the list and some of the most out of any Extended-ATX case we’ve seen, with:

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

The radiators are installed on the left and right sides, meaning if you wanted to make a liquid/air cooling hybrid, you could also still include 5 x 120mm fans.

Thermaltake Tower 900

Source: dogmatic1723

As you can imagine, between this cooling and the very spacious dual chamber, you have one of the best water cooling cases in the Tower 900.

Another factor it excels in is the modularity/customization available.

This means that so much of what is included (anything from drive bays to dust filters) is completely detachable.

Minimizing parts you don’t need will give you more space for parts/airflow, a cleaner presentation, and reduce vibration (great for a quiet PC build).

Last but by no means least is the design and quality.

Rivaled on this list only by the 680x, the Tower 900 looks and feels fantastic.

With an SGCC steel exterior and 3 full-size windows, it’s somewhere in-between a tempered glass chassis and a sturdy fish tank!

Needless to say, it looks fantastic displaying your main components while the dual-chamber is more than enough to hide what you don’t want to show.

It was really a toss-up between this and the Corsair 680X for the best high-end pick.

The reason we gave it to 680X is that an E-ATX case can be a little too large for many builders and I think the Corsair ATX offering has what most of you would need.

But if you’re drawn to the Tower 900’s monumental capability, or simply want the most powerful dual-chamber computer case you can possibly find, then you can’t go wrong here.

2026 update: If you like the look of the Tower 900 but don’t necessarily need something quite so monolithic, Thermaltake has released the Tower 500, which includes a similar build quality and feature set to the 900 (including EATX motherboard capacity) within some smaller mid-tower dimensions.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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Thermaltake Level 20 HT 1

Worth Considering: Thermaltake Level 20 HT

Last but by no means least.

While not getting one of our top dual-chamber chassis picks, we’ve included the 20 HT for a reason.

You’ll notice it’s similar to our above Thermaltake EATX choice.

When considering the Level 20 HT vs Tower 900, this case seems to be, in many ways, a slightly smaller version of the 900.

That’s not to say it doesn’t have a ton of room for your parts though, with:

  • 8 Expansion slots
  • VGA length up to 400mm
  • 4 x 3.5″ / 2.5″ & 1 x 2.5″ drive bays

It’s still very much a great fit for a large gaming chassis, with enough room for plenty of GPUs and an ATX/EATX build.

Thermaltake Level 20 HT

Source: BoiOnTheGeetar

The same can be said for the cooling, with space for:

  • Up to 10 x 120mm fans – 2 high-quality 140mm fans are included
  • 2 x 360mm & 1 x 280mm radiators

So there’s slightly less space capability compared to the Tower 900. But let’s be real; that’s still a lot of air/water cooling potential.

Not to mention your PSU/drives/cables are suitably hidden in the spacious second chamber.

This is still most definitely an overclocking-capable choice ideal for gamers/multi-GPU builds.

The build quality is as fantastic as you’d expect for a high-end Thermaltake case.

With an SPCC steel exterior and thick tempered glass windows surrounding the left, right, and front. A nice touch is the addition of a glass panel to the top of the chassis, it’s a clear PC case made to show off your hardware.

With the included fans and the slightly lower price point than the Tower 900, we’ve included this as it’s a great option for someone who likes the look of the 900, but doesn’t need quite the space and wanted to save a little money.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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Quick-Fire Picks

While the top 6 are the best dual-chamber cases for a large majority of users, we wanted to throw in another couple of worthy considerations if your needs are more specific.

Rosewill CULLINAN PX 1

Cheapest Dual Chamber PC Case: Rosewill CULLINAN PX

While we consider the top 2 options cheap dual chamber pc cases for what you’re getting, this Rosewill offering is the cheapest available that we could still recommend (and impressively includes 3 fans).

You won’t get the same build quality, cooling, or feature set, but as far as budget options go, this is a great pick.

Our Rating: 7.5/10

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Anidees AI Crystal V3

Best RGB Dual Chamber Case: Anidees AI Crystal Cube

A great case in its own right (especially for RGB lovers), the Anidees Crystal Cube is perfect for someone after a unique aesthetic.

A little more expensive and from a lesser-known manufacturer than our top picks, but you are also getting 5 addressable RGB fans and 2 RGB headers. So if you’re more focused on aesthetics, this isn’t a bad option at all.

Our Rating: 8/10

View on Amazon

Best Dual Chamber ITX Case?

You may have noticed we haven’t included a Mini ITX dual-chamber PC case.

Unfortunately, there isn’t one on the market that we’d recommend for enthusiast builds.

Your best option to get the best out of a dual-chamber gaming PC case is the Corsair 280X discussed above.

This case still has a great small form factor and is light enough that is can act as a portable PC case/perfect for an on-desk setup.

Remember that although it’s a Micro ATX case, you can still fit a Mini-ITX motherboard on it if that’s how you want to build.

You may also appreciate the smaller version of our top pick, the O11D  Mini-X. While technically still an ATX case, it has an impressively tight form factor, an ITX build would operate great inside.

2026 update: The Lian Li O11 AIR MINI has entered the market and is another excellent option. Like the 011D Mini-X, it’s ATX case, but its dimensions feel closer to a smaller form factor and would be great for a more portably-inclined build.

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 PC Case Brands in 2026

Best PC Case Brand

The 10 Best PC Case Brands in 2026

This feature has been updated after reviewing the latest and upcoming offerings from each brand in 2026. Our top brand picks remain the same this time, but a couple of case recommendations have changed.

After our endless amounts of case reviews over different categories, budgets, shapes, and sizes, it’s clear that some chassis brands have shined better than others.

But which manufacturer makes the best quality computer cases?

Today’s What in Tech feature breaks down the best PC case brands on the market today depending on what you’re looking for.

Treat this page as a hub, as we’ve got separate features on the best cases from each of these manufacturers in the links below.

Best PC Case Brands

Overall Best PC Case Brand: Lian-Li

Oh boy, was it hard to decide how to rank this top spot.

Specifically, the battle between Lian-Li and Fractal Design was neck and neck; with both manufacturers offering absolutely incredible cases across most typical buying criteria.

But as it stands right now, we have to give the accolade to Lian-Li.

You may not be as familiar with this manufacturer as say, Corsair or Thermaltake.

But they’ve been in the PC Case business for a long time. Their flagship models today strike an incredible balance between aesthetics, build quality, internal spec, airflow, and cooling capability.

All wrapped into price tags that feel too good to be true next to some of its competitors.

The PC-011 Dynamic, in particular, is what we consider to be the best PC case available today.

Lian-Li is a seasoned manufacturer on the top of their game.

You really can’t beat their top cases for overall value whether you’re after a PC case for gaming, streaming, or production (whether high-end or more budget-leaning).

All of this is why we consider Lian-Li the best computer case brand on the market today.

2026 update: Lian-Li remains my top PC brand pick for 5 years running. Although the rest of the list is worthy of your consideration, especially if you’re interested in silence (Fractal) or other aesthetics, I’ve been really appreciating Lian-Li’s “quality over quantity” approach in terms of new releases (like the Mini-X O11D), and their flagship cases stand strong.

Best Lian-Li Cases

Best PC Case Brand for Silent Builds: Fractal Design

Now like we said, our number one pick on this list was very hard to finalize.

Fractal Design feels just as deserving to take the top spot.

With a similarly incredible execution in balancing quality, design, and internal specs with fantastic pricing, Fractal has been my personal go-to choice for PC cases for a long time.

There is one key area that separates Fractal and Lian-Li: noise vs airflow.

Fractal Design is the undisputed king of silent PC cases.

They manage to achieve this by surrounding their high-quality exteriors with sound dampening insulation, setups that minimize internal vibrations, and side panels that are (usually) covered in thick metal instead of thinner tempered glass.

With this approach comes a set of very minimalist PC case designs that are beautifully subtle and practically silent (particularly in their mid/high-end models).

With that increased insulation comes a slight loss in airflow/cooling capability.

Now make no mistake, for the amount of sound dampening Fractal achieves in its cases, they still perform very well in temperature benchmarks (often beating many cases that have more ventilation openings) and are more than capable of running a powerful PC.

We just think that for the average builder, the perks of slightly superior airflow and a case focussed on high visibility (for your beautiful RGB components!) will win you over.

But if having a quiet case is even a little bit important to you, know that Fractal Design is easily one of the best PC case brands today, and its flagship models are incredible products.

Best Fractal Cases

Runner-Up Best PC Case Brand: Phanteks

Phanteks are one of the more popular manufacturers on this list with a huge variety of great towers.

Among them is one of the best PC cases today in the P400, a great case for first-time builders, and some of the most innovative high-end cases in the Enthoo 719 and the EVOLV series.

Even Phantek’s cheap to mid-range cases are often built with a level of quality that you’d pay more for from many other brands.

We don’t think their offerings in the mid-range are quite as good as Lian-Li and Fractal.

But that’s only because the PC-011 and the Define R5/7 are such fantastic computer cases, it’s hard to compete with them.

But if your budget is a little shorter than those chassis, or is much higher that you’re looking for a specialist case like the Enthoo 719, then Phanteks are still well worth considering.

Best Phanteks Cases

Best PC Case Brand for Premium Options: Thermaltake

One of the best selling brands on this list, Thermaltake has some fantastic cases on offer.

Although for your typical tower build, our top picks may provide slightly better value, Thermaltake has a couple of special things on offer:

Yes, you are paying a little more for some unique aesthetics, but design is a big factor when buying your case.

Thermaltake is, to put it simply,  a great choice if you’re looking to build something extra unique to show off.

Best Thermaltake Cases

Most Stylish PC Case Brand: NZXT

We’re sure most of you are very familiar with NZXT, and there’s a good reason for that.

Few other brands have made their mark through sticking to a slick, striking aesthetic as this manufacturer.

Most of the flagship models have decent SGCC steel build qualities with some beautiful matte finishes.

NZXT’s cases aren’t just pretty though; they also offer plenty of utility for a large variety of builds.

Their flagship H510 model in particular is a fantastic mid-range case, and we appreciate that they offer comparable quality across their mATX and ITX variants.

If the aesthetic of NZXT is up your alley, know their cases are a great choice for more than just looks.

Best NZXT Cases

Most Popular PC Case Brand (Best for Variety): Corsair

There’s probably not a person reading this who doesn’t have some dealing with Corsair.

This classic brand has had cases featured throughout tons of our reviews.

One case, in particular, has been featured more than any other to date: the Corsair Crystal Series 680X (one of the best premium cases available today).

Although we like cases like the PC-011 and the Define R5/7 over Corsair’s mid-range offerings, it is simply incredible how many chassis this brand manufactures at any one time.

Anything from unique designs, to RGB powerhouses to dual-chamber setups, one thing we really commend Corsair for is offering as much variety as possible for its enormous consumer base.

They’re a great brand to pay attention to if you’re focussed on picking something extra unique.

Best Corsair Cases

Best Traditional PC Case Brand: SilverStone

On the other end of the variety spectrum is SilverStone.

This classic manufacturer is great at sticking to what it knows best: making traditional-style no-frills PC cases.

And we don’t mean that negatively by any means.

SilverStone cases still look great and perform very well for the price, if you’re after something more minimalist (and aren’t interested in Fractal Design) then this should be your go-to.

Another area they shine in is in the world of horizontal PC cases; combined with their simplistic designs, SilverStone cases are perfect for someone looking for an HTPC case.

Best SilverStone Cases

Great Unique Cases Alternative: InWin

While not taking any particular top spot, InWin is still a great PC brand that we particularly enjoy for creating some very unique offerings that perform as well as they look.

Cases like the D-Frame, 905, A1 Plus, and 925 have designs you simply won’t find from any other manufacturer; so don’t write them off.

Best InWin Cases

Good All-Round Case Options: Cooler Master

Another very popular manufacturer, Cooler Master has made a name for themselves by offering a great variety of cases in all different shapes and sizes – particularly working well as a cheap PC case brand, with a huge array of budget options.

Both their cheap and premium options are worth considering; our standout choice from them is easily the Cosmos C700P  – this is one of the best choices for high-end enthusiast builds.

The only reason we don’t rank them higher is some of the other manufacturers above simply tend to offer more with their competing products in each price range.

Best Cooler Master Cases

Runner-Up Best Silent PC Cases: Be Quiet!

Last but not least is another option for those after a quiet PC case.

As much as we love Fractal Design, if for whatever reason you are looking for an alternative (be it aesthetic or stock/budget issues), Be Quiet!’s range, as the name would suggest, offer excellent noise-reduction solutions.

The Silent Base 801 in particular is a stand-out offering from them, which you can read more about in our coverage here.

Best Be Quiet! Cases

 

Honorable Mentions

While the above are the best PC case brands on the market today, there are still some other great manufacturers that you shouldn’t look down upon if you’ve found something out of this list that takes your eye.

We have, for example, previously recommended cases from Antec, ASUS, Anidees, Cougar, Azza, EVGA & darkFlash.

None of these brands are bad, (Antec for instance once manufactured one of the most popular cases on the market).

It’s just that the above 10 will cover a large majority of user needs and be the best balance of build quality, price, and features.

But if you’re looking for something extra unique, check out our feature on just that.

What's Next?

About the author

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

The 15 Best Monitor Brands in 2026 (Gaming, Work & More)

Monitor Brands

The 15 Best Monitor Brands in 2026

I updated this feature to cover the latest releases of 2026. None of the brand picks have changed this time, but I’ve updated a couple of the monitor recommendations throughout the article.

Are Dell monitors good?

Is HP overpriced?

When searching for your next display, it can be overwhelming when you’re met with so many options, one of your many questions is likely which PC monitor brands you should consider.

Well, today, we will be helping you answer just that!

This feature will take you through everything from the best gaming monitor brands, to the best manufacturers for work displays. We’ll also include where each brand shines the most.

The Top 7
  • Best Overall Monitor Brand: Dell / Alienware
  • Best Gaming Monitor Brand: ASUS
  • Runner-Up Best Monitor Brand: Samsung
  • Runner-Up Best Gaming Monitor Brand: Acer
  • Solid All-Round PC Monitor Brand: HP / Omen
  • Great Brand for High-End Monitors: LG
  • Fantastic Gaming Monitor Brand: BenQ

Worth Considering

  • Best Budget Gaming Monitor Brand: AOC
  • Second Best Budget Monitor Brand: Sceptre
  • Great Gaming Monitor Brand: MSI
  • Great Brand for Video Editing / General Use: Philips
  • Great Monitor Brand for Work Display: Lenovo
  • Cheapest Monitor Brand: Viewsonic
  • Cheapest High-Spec Monitor Brand: Viotek
  • Good Gaming Monitor Brand: Gigabyte

Honorable Mentions

  • Good But Limited: Razer
  • Cheapest PC Monitor Brand Alternative: Pixio
  • Cheapest High-Spec Monitor Brand Alternative: Nixeus
  • Limited Cheap Monitor Brand: Monoprice

The Top 7

We’ve ranked this list into 3 parts; “The Top 7” & “Worth Considering” for the best 15 brands, and a few more “Honorable Mentions” for certain companies who we don’t rank as the best, but shouldn’t be completely written off.

Our 7 front-runners are the best monitor manufacturers at balancing great screen specs, gorgeous design/build quality, reputation, and price.

Bear in mind that these manufacturers have 100s of different monitors and who is best will often depend on your needs (resolution, framerate, budget, etc.).

This is why we’ve included the best picks for each brand to guide you while we go.

Dell SE2719h

Best Overall Monitor Brand: Dell / Alienware

At the top of our list is the behemoth manufacturer in all things technology.

Texas-founded Dell has always been a frontrunner in providing a great mixture of budget desktops with everything a simple general/work users would want, and then higher-end displays with great color gamuts, contrast ratios and build qualities.

At this point, however, what makes us consider Dell the best manufacturer overall is their ownership of the Alienware brand.

With this combination, Dell now has something for everybody:

  • Cheap IPS panels that offer great budget use
  • Mid-range monitors for gaming, video/photo work, or a premium office setup
  • With Alienware; high-end monitors that represent the best display technology on offer today with incredible options for premium gamers.

A huge majority of their options also come at a very competitive price-point (you don’t feel like you’re paying an unfair amount for the reputation/service of a well-known brand with many of Dell’s screens).

Our main highlighted monitor today is the SE2719h. This display is one of the best balances between specs and price for your standard user.

With a 27 inch screen, IPS panel, fantastic picture quality for the price, and all hosted in a gorgeous build quality/design, there’s a reason why this is one of the most popular monitors on the market (and with its thin bezels, would be perfect for a dual-screen setup).

For gamers, the Alienware AW2721D is one of the best monitors for gaming today and tops our list of 1440p 240hz screens (a very hard category with a lot of competition). This is a premium monitor of course, and we have more budget-friendly options highlighted by other manufacturers below.

With something for everybody, and often with specs/prices rivaling other frontrunners, we think Dell is on the top of their game today and well deserving of the best PC monitor brand accolade.

2026 update: Dell, alongside their Alienware subsidiary, remain my top pick for 4 years running. With a solid stream of new releases and some fantastic products old and new that stand the test of time, Dell has done a good job at providing options for every major use type and budget in today’s market.

Best Dell Monitor
ASUS TUF Gaming VG27VH1B

Best Gaming Monitor Brand: ASUS

While Dell is very capable in the gaming sector (especially at the premium range with Alienware), ASUS gives them a run for their money in this category and is equally worth your consideration.

With a huge range of monitors, Taiwanese-based ASUS has its fingers in all of the gaming pies; with some very innovative monitors in the high and low-end price points.

Where we think they shine most, however, is in the mid-range offerings.

Few (if any) monitor companies have more compelling balances between specs for the average gamer, build quality, and price.

Taking our best ASUS monitor pick, the VG27VH1B, as an example: offering 165/144hz options, very fast 1ms MPRT response time, a decent 1500R immersive curvature, AMD Freesync & Nvidia G-sync compatibility, a fantastic 120% sRGB color gamut great technology for sharp blacks all hosted in a full HD 27″ offering with perfect, close-to-frameless build quality.

For all of this to come in its relatively cheap price tag is a fantastic offering and demonstrates just how capable ASUS are of providing some of the best value monitors for gaming.

Don’t count them out if you’re after a more expensive offering too; we constantly feature ASUS across our articles touting more premium specs like the highest Hz, 1440p 240hz, 4k 144hz & 1440p 144hz ultrawide monitors.

While there are a few great contenders on this list for gaming, ASUS offers the best balance of specs and value in today’s market and is our pick for the best gaming monitor manufacturer.

Best ASUS Monitor
SAMSUNG 49-Inch Odyssey G9

Runner-Up Best Monitor Brand: Samsung

Our next display manufacturer is one that needs no introduction…

One of the biggest players in the TV space, Samsung has extended its reach to providing its efficient screen supply chains to create high-quality monitors and very competitive offerings in some of the main PC display categories.

Samsung positions many of its offerings as business monitors, with lightweight, cheap yet deceptively decent LED screens leading their budget range, their monitors are a compelling choice if you want a great picture quality for general use/media without breaking the bank.

Our best Samsung monitor pick is a shining example of that; the LS24R356FZNXZA is a gorgeous full HD display hosted in a fantastic shell and is a very close competitor to our top Dell pick if you’re after something simple but capable of a beautiful picture for the price (we’d go for whichever is cheaper at the time of viewing if this describes you).

For gaming; we wouldn’t recommend Samsung in most cases for budget/mid-range offerings, but they do have some mouth-watering expensive gaming displays. Our favorite of which is the Odyssey G9, with its QHD, 1000R Curve, 240hz setup in a super-ultrawide aspect ratio (essentially, 2 16:9 screens in one) and dual DisplayPort output, this is arguably the best gaming monitor on the market for those after next-level immersion.

While not our #1 pick due to its gaps in non-premium gaming, Samsung is a behemoth for a reason.

With the company’s huge capability in producing high-quality LED panels, they are easily one of the best monitor brands for work setups (and gaming if your budget is very high!). 

Best Samsung Monitor
Acer Nitro XFA243Y Sbiipr 23.8

Runner-Up Best Gaming Monitor Brand: Acer

Although we rank ASUS as the best brand for gaming monitors, it was a close race, and just behind them is another Taiwanese powerhouse.

While far from exclusively focussed on gaming, this area is where Acer really shines. With some very compelling options in budget, mid-range, and premium, we often feature Acer for their innovative products, leading the pack for 1440p 144hz ultrawide screens.

We appreciate Acer is also good at balancing offerings with TN, VA, and IPS panels, allowing them to cater to a wide range of user requirements and budgets.

Our best Acer monitor pick is one to rival the ASUS offering above if your budget is just a little tighter.

With a smaller screen size but still boasting a gorgeous quality full HD screen, 1ms response time, and 144hz, the XFA240 bmjdpr contains all the necessities of a gaming monitor (including DisplayPort/HDMI, G-Sync, and more) if you don’t need a 27-inch display at a price that feels like a steal to still get such a quality product from a very reputable brand.

All in all, Acer is one of the best gaming monitor manufacturers in the field today and is easily one of the companies you should focus your searches on when looking for your next immersive setup, whatever the price range.

Best Acer Monitor
Omen X 27” 240 Hz

Solid All-Round PC Monitor Brand: HP / Omen

Don’t be deceived by us not ranking HP as the top/runner-up overall pick, we’ve called these brands the top 7 for a reason!

Californian-based Hewlett-Packard doesn’t have quite the same level of offerings in the mid/high-range, but they have some really fantastic products for a budget office/general use monitor.

Leading that charge is one of the best budget options on the list; the 1D0J9AA.

With the fantastic, sleek build quality you expect from HP hosting a full HD screen with respectable specs; you’re, of course, not going to get the best picture quality at this price range.

But for the budget users? We’re quite floored by how HP has packed such a beautiful offering in this price-tag. Especially considering many larger brands often opt to add what feels like a “tax” to purchase from a reputable manufacturer with decent customer service.

This would be a great option for an office setup (even purchasing multiple units to run a productive multi-screen environment).

On the gaming front, HP’s sub-brand, Omen, doesn’t rule the roost as much as ASUS, Alienware, and Acer, but in certain categories, has some of the best value options.

Our favorite example is in the 1440p 240hz category; whereby the Omen X is one of the cheapest screens in the category, capable of offering a high-end gaming experience at a deceptive low premium price.

While there are some gaps in the mid-range, if you’re looking for a budget monitor that still has a great reputable company behind it, or like the look of some of the high-end value offerings from Omen, know that HP is still without a doubt one of the top PC monitor manufacturers today.

Best HP Monitor
LG 34WN80C-B

Great Brand for High-End Monitors: LG

If you’re in the market for a premium display, either for top-quality video/photo editing, gaming, or other professional usages, LG is one of the best choices for you.

With a rich experience in the display market, this South-Korean company seems to really understand the demands of users on the premium end, creating some fantastic screen innovations to match these demands like 4k, top-end color gamuts, and contrast ratios, while still boasting compelling price tags.

Our favorite example of this is the 34WN80C-B. With its stunning WQHD setup (in other words, 1440p ultrawide resolution) hosting an HDR10 compatible IPS panel with a superb color gamut, this screen would be a productivity dream for pretty much any kind of work user. We also cover a cheaper 1080p alternative here.

For gaming, LG has a host of other premium innovations on the market and we consistently feature them in many of our gaming monitor posts.

The most impressive amongst them is the incredibly feature-reach 27GN950-B, which is the highest Hz 4k monitor available today, and easily one of the best in any high-res/refresh rate combo category when considering its other specs, build quality, and price. Despite being aimed at gaming, this would also be a dream for 4k video editing work.

While other PC monitor companies seem to come out on top when considering the best picks for a basic office display or a budget gaming monitor, LG is among the best for really cutting-edge screens.

If you’re after the best money can buy (while still retaining impressive value at higher price-tags) LG is one of the top monitor brands for you.

Best LG Monitor
BenQ Zowie XL2566K

Fantastic Gaming Monitor Brand: BenQ

Last but most definitely not least is a company that has stormed the market in the last decade or so to match many of the largest gaming display manufacturers.

While we give Acer and ASUS the top accolades for gamer monitor brands, we can comfortably say BenQ is on the same level as them and is particularly impressive for those after an esports monitor or someone focusing on fast, reflex-based gameplay (note: Acer/ASUS monitors are great at this too, we’re just talking about in general, for those with a focus on latency above all else).

While the company has plenty of offerings for more immersive titles and even non-gaming, their best capability is when they’re focussed on designing screens for the competitive gaming scene at modest price-points, this will include the highest frame rates, lowest latencies, and lots of quality-of-life features an esports enthusiast will demand to take the edge.

Our pick for the best BenQ monitor is the perfect personification of all of these great traits; the BenQ ZOWIE XL2566K is arguably the best esports monitor at its price range.

At a mid-range budget, the screen manages to pack in a 240hz refresh rate and a visual setup specifically designed to better highlight environmental details (e.g. help the player notice enemy movement ASAP).

On top of that, it boasts great adjustability, a quick-settings change remote, and customizable sideways sliders to avoid distractions in your peripheral; all examples of the great mini-features you often see in BenQ innovations.

For good old-fashioned immersive gaming, this stuff might be overkill.

But for esports players? Having the extra edge in the competition can be what really makes a monitor stand out, which is why we still consider BenQ one of the best gamer monitor brands today.

Best BenQ Monitor

Worth Considering

The next section contains some monitor manufacturers who we may not think of as the same level as the top 7, but are still great and will often have offerings to compete with the above brands in certain specific specs/price-ranges.

AOC C24G1 24

Best Budget Gaming Monitor Brand: AOC

AOC is a fantastic gaming display company often capable of producing options that offer comparable value to the top 7 or sometimes offer worthy budget options by sacrificing an optional spec (e.g. a cheap panel type, fast but slightly slower latency).

The AOC C24G1 is a fantastic budget gaming monitor offering 144hz, 1ms, and a 1500R curve all in one affordable package.

Best AOC Monitor
Spectre C345W-2560UN

Second Best Budget Monitor Brand: Sceptre

Sceptre has really impressed us as of late, with their commitment to often undercutting larger brands with very comparable specs.

Yes, you won’t always have the same exact specs or a large reputable brand behind manufacturing, but if you want a premium experience on a budget, we think this is a great option.

Take the C345W-2560UN as an example, which is an absurdly cheap gaming ultrawide monitor – we would not expect to see one geared for gaming at this price, but they managed it!

Best Sceptre Monitor
MSI Optix MAG27CQ

Great Gaming Monitor Brand: MSI

A lot of people might be surprised to not see MSI in the top 7.

As great as the company is, we think that their monitor offerings that compete with other brands are limited (and have some history of less impressive customer service).

There is one huge exception though, the Optix MAG27CQ is one of the best gaming monitors on the market, balancing a QHD, curved, 144hz setup in fantastic build quality and price, this single monitor is so good it pretty much puts the company into this category alone!

Best MSI Monitor
PHILIPS 346E2CUAE

Great Brand for Video Editing / General Use: Philips

Philips is a great TV brand that needs no introduction.

While we don’t rate them as high in some monitor categories (not competing with the budget office picks or expensive gamer options), they are a really nice player when it comes to high-quality picture specs for production-focused setups or someone after a nice media/general use screen hybrid.

The 346E2CUAE is a superb example, with a gorgeous 1440p ultrawide screen made better by its excellent contrast and color gamut, it represents what Philips is great at: focussing on picture quality above all else.

Best Philips Monitor
Lenovo Q24h-10

Great Monitor Brand for Work Display: Lenovo

Lenovo is a company we love for its domination in the laptop market.

But they are also a decent manufacturer of some aesthetically pleasing, well-specced monitor setups for work (no surprise, as work has always been a leading focus of this brand).

Standing at the top of their offerings is the fantastic Lenovo Q24h-10. With QHD, a great picture quality, and one of the most beautiful thin designs we’ve seen in any monitor, this display exemplifies Lenovo as a great choice for someone looking to build a premium work environment.

Best Lenovo Monitor
ViewSonic VA2446MH-LED

Cheapest Monitor Brand: Viewsonic

Viewsonic isn’t a powerhouse brand like many of the ones we’ve mentioned today.

But as far as the companies that focus on the absolute cheapest possible? We think they’re arguably the best for the lower-range choices.

Take the VA2446MH for example, yes it has an included VGA cable instead of HDMI, sure the speakers will be the bare minimum.

But for a full HD monitor with a decent picture quality at this price? If you can’t afford anything more, they’re a respectable option.

Best Viewsonic
Viotek GNV34DBE

Cheapest High-Spec Monitor Brand: Viotek

What if you want to fork out on hardware that is impressive say, in resolution, framerate, and/or latency, but have a very limited budget?

This is Viotek’s specialty, often sacrificing some spec to sell a relatively comparable monitor to its competitors at 10-20% less of the price.

The GNV34DBE is their best offering, which is 15% cheaper than the average curved 1440p 144hz ultrawide gaming monitor and has likely achieved this through its slightly slower 4ms latency.

For some gamers (like those focusing on single-player titles like Cyberpunk 2077/Red Dead Redemption 2), the difference between 1ms and 4ms will be insignificant, so we appreciate Biotek, despite not being a huge brand, still has carved a respectable space for a certain type of user.

Best Viotek Monitor
AORUS FI27Q-P

Good Gaming Monitor Brand: Gigabyte

Gigabyte, a huge reputable brand in motherboards, GPUs, and laptops, has a few great options in the monitor space (we just don’t rank this company higher due to only having a few options and being a tad more expensive for what you’re getting).

The FI27Q-P is one of the best 1440p monitors for gaming if you have the budget; with up to 165hz, gorgeous colors/contrast, and perhaps the most beautiful monitor design we’ve seen at the price point (with tons of adjustability options).

Best Gigabyte

Honorable Mentions

While we don’t consider these brands part of the top 15, we wanted to include them as there may still be a situation or two where you might be rightly inclined to pick them for your next PC monitor.

Razer Raptor 27

Good But Limited: Razer

Everybody knows Razer; a gaming company geared for selling high-spec, beautiful products at a premium.

They only have 1 monitor offering right now, the Razer Raptor, which is why we wouldn’t give them any large accolade.

But the Raptor is a great choice in itself! With stunning picture quality and a beautiful design. You are paying more for the brand and aesthetic, but if it speaks to you, it’s a strong option for a gaming setup.

Best Razer Monitor
Pixio PX248 Prime S

Cheapest PC Monitor Brand Alternative: Pixio

Pixio is another choice if you’re very tight on cash and none of our competitors seem to have something for you.

We do think Viewsonic is usually the better choice for ultra-cheap displays, however.

Best Pixio Monitor
Nixeus EDG 34

Cheapest High-Spec Monitor Brand Alternative: Nixeus

Nixeus is a little like Viotek; a brand trying to compete with many of the premium offerings on the market.

Our issue is, they tend to be at a similar price to the Top 7 or where not, lacking in stability across their products (e.g. complaints of G-Sync not fixing ghosting in games).

They’re not a bad manufacturer, but we can’t help but ask “why go for Nixeus if Dell, ASUS, Acer, etc. offer something similar?”.

Best Nixeus Monitor
Monoprice 35 Inch Zero-G

Limited Cheap Monitor Brand: Monoprice

Monoprice is a respectable monitor brand in a few very limited scenarios, usually not competing with other value options.

Perhaps the biggest exception is the Monoprice 35in Zero-G, which offers a very impressive value for a UWQHD 35 inch setup.

Best Monoprice Monitor

Final Word

And there you have it! The above are our top choices for the best monitor manufacturers available and we expect in most cases, the monitor you’re looking at should be amongst these companies.

We’ll re-iterate one last time; most of our top picks have tons of choices, this list is about summarising the best average performance of a brand.

For example; even though we cite ASUS as the best gaming display brand, don’t assume that they are the best in every gaming category, it will depend on your individual needs.

So with that said, focus on our top product picks for each brand, or check out our other monitor features here (or below) to find the perfect screen for you!

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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 15 Most Expensive PC Cases You Can Actually Buy in 2026

Most Expensive PC Case

The 15 Most Expensive PC Cases You Can Buy in 2026

We’ve updated this feature after reviewing the latest (and upcoming) options for 2026. Most of our top picks remain the same, but we’ve changed a couple and added some decent alternatives where relevant.

Your eyes don’t deceive you, the cover photo is in fact a computer chassis!

At the highest price range, many of the best PC case brands have created some of the most fantastic offerings on the market.

Some of these are perfect for a high-end desktop (be it gaming or production work).

And some of them are, well…overkill in every sense of the word.

Today’s feature is about highlighting the most expensive PC cases worth buying for those after the best tower money can buy.

But we’ve also included the craziest cases at high budgets too, just for fun.

Top Picks

Quick-Fire Picks

Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D

Source: Corsair

Most Expensive PC Case Worth Buying: Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D

While we delve into some crazier options on the list, our top pick is focussing on the most expensive chassis worth buying for someone who’s looking to build the most powerful system possible.

The 1000D is simply a masterpiece as far as PC cases go.

Featured many times on What in Tech previously, the 1000D is a super tower PC case. While this term is often a bit of a “gimmick”, the 1000D lives up to the name as one of the largest cases on the market capable of hosting a dual-system chassis build.

This means you can host two independent PCs in one chassis (one Mini-ITX and one motherboard of any size up to E-ATX).

This utility is perfect for high-end streaming or other users who can take advantage of a secondary PC while their main setup does the heavy lifting in gaming/production.

With that said, the beauty of the 1000D is that you don’t need to run 2 systems to make this high-end computer case worth the money, it has a lot more going for it.

To start, the build quality is some of the best we’ve seen in any case. 

With some of the thickest aluminum and smoked tempered glass side panels (without compromising on cooling), the case is not only incredibly durable but also looks fantastic.

Stock photos don’t do this case justice – When powered on with some bright internal components shining through its tinted glass windows, the aesthetic is really a sight to behold and worthy of its high price-tag.

Inside the premium chassis is room for:

  • 10 x expansion slots
  • Graphics card lengths up to 400mm (more than enough for all mainstream cards and one of the best PC cases for RTX 3090 setups)
  • A very well-equipped front I/O panel, with 2 x USB 3.1 gen-2 type C USB inputs alongside the other expected ports (all with beautiful RGB backlighting)
  • Hidden drive bays for up to 5 x 3.5″ & 6 x 3.5″ storage
  • Air cooling: Up to 18 x 120mm fans (base configuration up to 10 x 120mm + 3 x 140mm)
  • Or liquid cooling: Up to 4 x 480mm + 1 x 240mm radiators (base configuration up to 2 x 480mm, 1 x 420mm + 1 x 240mm)
  • Triple-chamber layout to maximize cable management and airflow of both the main and secondary systems (as well as room to hide “uglier” components like PSUs and the aforementioned drive bays)
  • Decent inbuild smart fan controls which, alongside the fan allotment, makes this the best expensive RGB PC Case

These specs speak for themselves; the 1000D is a powerhouse in pretty much every sense of the word.

With its dual-system capability, superb build quality/aesthetic, triple-chamber layout for maximum airflow/clean internals & unmatched cooling capacity, it’s clear to us that no offering better encapsulates what we’d hope for in the most expensive PC case worth buying than the 1000D.

Whether you are building a high-end desktop for gaming/overclocking, stream, editing, or other production, this case ticks all the boxes and has everything we think you’ll need plus more. 

2026 update: As much as I still love the 1000D and recommend it if you can still get your hands on it, it has largely been succeeded by the 9000D. The 9000D is also an excellent case and boasts nearly everything that makes the 1000D great. My only gripe is that there were some minor aesthetic changes in the later model (namely, plastic feet and a slightly powdery paint finish). These are very minor, but given that this feature is about a premium feel, the 1000D still edges that out from my perspective.

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Antec Torque

Source: Antec

Best Looking Expensive PC Case: Antec Torque

Next up is another offering featured countless times on What in Tech for its incredible aesthetic and performance.

For the design, we’re sure the stock photo speaks for itself; the Torque is a wonderfully unique chassis.

With its build based on 14 uniquely-curved aluminum panels and dual tempered glass, the case doesn’t just look great, it feels durable and made to last.

As beautiful as the stock photos of the Torque are, it’s another example of a case that is only done justice by a fully powered-on rig in person.

What we like most about the Torque (aside from its mouth-watering looks) is its ability to still host a powerful build despite its focus on a design so far gone from traditional cuboid PC cases.

With room for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • GPU clearance lengths of up to 450mm
  • Bays for 1 x 2.5″ & 1 x 3.5″ drives
  • E-ATX motherboard compatibility up to 12″ x 11″

You’ll notice the drive allotment is the spec at play that will be a bit disappointing for some high-end desktop builds.

With Antec’s focus on aesthetics, the storage bays have been minimized to ensure the available drives are only in hidden places (as there is no part more capable of looking ugly even in the neatest of builds).

With that said, a single high-capacity 2.5″ SSD and 3.5″ HDD (alongside whatever NVMe your motherboard supports) is still more than enough for a gaming PC case/most other users (unless you’re looking at building a high-end server or production rig).

Where the Torque really shines spec-wise is in cooling; hosting up to 6 120mm fans or 2 360mm radiators.

You may think this isn’t that impressive for an expensive ATX case, but the Torque’s design is completely open-air.

Because your PC isn’t isolated in a completely covered box like traditional cases, even significantly powerful hardware can be cooled with way less air/liquid cooling in place.

If you want to stand out from the crowd but don’t want to compromise on fantastic capability for overclocking/cooling, the Antec Torque is the best expensive PC case for the job.

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InWin WINBOT

Source: InWin

The Most Expensive PC Case Ever: InWin WINBOT

You knew it was coming…

We’ll be clear from the start; we’ve included this pick for fun and don’t recommend this case to anyone with the slightest concern about their budget!

While we’ve focussed on cases worth buying for the most part; a list of the most expensive computer cases wouldn’t be complete without the WINBOT.

InWin is known for being the best chassis brand for creating promotional/limited-run cases. The WINBOT is the grandest example of this style, with a very limited quantity existing worldwide.

It’s one of the rarest PC cases still in the market, usually selling for around $3,000 to $5,000.

With its unique 360 degrees/sphere PC case design, the WINBOT is made up of thick aluminum and plexiglass capable of handling its unique curvature, this chassis is full of unique case innovations like a motorized window opening, 360 degrees rotation that can be aligned with motion detection, and hand gesture operation.

It’s easy to forget this is a PC tower! But it does have plenty of utility for that too, with room for:

  • E-ATX motherboards up to 12″ x 13″
  • 8 x expansion slots
  • GPUs up to 340mm length (still enough for nearly every card available today)
  • Up to 4 x 3.5″ & 8 x 2.5″ drives
  • Up to 5 x 120mm fans or 1 x 360mm radiator + 2 x 120mm fans

Despite its incredibly unique shape, the WINBOT still manages to live up to its expensive full tower title with decent hardware space and airflow inside for a high-end build.

Is the WINBOT worth the money on a practical level? Not in the slightest.

If you’re one of the lucky people who can spend several thousand dollars without batting an eyelid, then the WINBOT is a lot of fun and is the closest to a spaceship PC case we see on the market today (it can’t fly to the moon though).

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ASUS ROG Z1

Source: ASUS

Most Expensive Mini-ITX Case: ASUS ROG Z11

For those building a premium desktop in the smallest possible form factor, ASUS has recently introduced a fantastic offering for Mini-ITX users.

The ASUS ROG Z11 boasts a design that is not only beautiful but also highly capable of hosting powerful gaming, streaming, or production setups (something that can’t be said for every case in the ITX form factor).

Starting with its build quality; the unit is made with a combination of beautiful thick aluminum, tinted tempered glass, and subtle ARGB lighting controllable by a front I/O panel button and ASUS’s signature Aura Sync software.

It’s important for an ITX case to be durable when many users like to build these setups with some portability in mind; which is why we love how ASUS has managed to build something sturdy and beautiful.

Where the real challenge is for even the most expensive mini-tower is the cooling/spec availability, which the Z11 also excels at for its size, with:

  • Support for 3-expansion slot GPUs up to 320mm
  • Up to 4 x 2.5″ & 1 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ drive bays
  • Up to 2 x 120mm & 2 x 140mm fans
  • Support for ATX PSUs up to 160mm

These may not sound very impressive compared to the other expensive mid towers we’ve been looking at. But as far as ITX chassis go, these specs are fantastic.

With plenty of fan cooling to support even a powerful build, the Z11 takes its airflow design one step further with an 11 degree tilted setup; pushing the motherboard to a slight diagonal angle, this layout means the underside of the motherboard/GPU both receive some room for airflow which is a huge plus for a tiny case where every degree of cooling matters tremendously.

With all of this in mind, the ROG Z11 is one of the best ITX cases for gaming with a powerful GPU like the RTX 3090 (just be sure to check the model you’re looking at is less than 320mm wide, which a large majority are).

Asus has created something truly special here. With fantastic GPU space, drive allotments, and cooling for an ITX build all housed in a gorgeous, durable & well-thought-out design; the Z11 is easily our top pick for the most expensive ITX PC case worth buying.

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Thermaltake AH T200

Source: Thermaltake

Most Expensive Micro ATX Case: Thermaltake AH T200

Is it a helicopter?

Is it a spaceship?

No! It’s a PC case!

Thermaltake is another fantastic tower brand and arguably the best at providing a variety of high-quality premium offerings.

Standing at the best for those after an expensive mATX PC case worth buying is the AH T200.

With its open-frame design that rivals our Antec Torque pick, this chassis is built with thick dual tempered glass windows and SPCC steel. This latter material won’t be quite as nice as the Torque’s aluminum finish but is to be expected at a notably lower price and is still very durable/beautiful when compared to nearly every other mATX chassis on the market.

Inside, the T200 has room for:

  • 5 x expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 320mm
  • Hidden bays for up to 2 x 3.5″ or 2.5″ drives
  • Cooling: up to 4 x 140mm fans or 1 x 280mm radiator & 2 x 140mm fans

With a similar approach to the Torque, the AH T200 comes with slightly less spec availability (particularly drives and fans) than other comparable mATX cases in order to keep its unique design as clean as possible.

And like the Torque, the lower fan availability is completely offset by the open-air design (in other words, you have a PC case here capable of high-end setup cooling/overclocking even with low fans – a great perk).

Price-wise, although it’s undoubtedly a premium case, it’s one of the cheapest options on the list.

This is often the case with the micro ATX form factor, which is the leading choice for budget cases that still provide expansive space for mainstream builds.

So if you’re after a case that provides a comparable capability to our more pricey offerings like design, build quality and space, while coming in at a lower price-tag, the AH T200 is a great option and one of the best mATX cases on the market.

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Azza CSAZ-804V

Source: Azza

Most Unique Expensive PC Case: Azza CSAZ-804V

Azza specializes in some of the craziest designs possible at the premium price-range, and leading them is the 804V pyramid PC case.

Made with very high-quality aluminum, thick SPCC steel, and tempered glass, its build adds up to one of the most durable expensive towers around.

The metal finish and sleek, sharp corners make this offering incredibly striking.

We appreciate the 804V isn’t just form over function though, with room for:

  • 2 x expansion slots with vertical GPU installation option
  • Graphics cards up to 295mm in length (lower than other picks but still capable of many mainstream cards, just be sure to check the width of your choice)
  • Bays for up to 2 x 2.5″ & 1 x 3.5″ drives
  • Air: up to 4 x 120mm fans with 1 x Hurricane II Digital RGB Fan included on the case ceiling 
  • Liquid Cooling: up to 1 x 360mm radiator

Of course, compared to the other most expensive ATX cases worth buying on the list, the hardware space is notably lower.

But this is to be expected with such a unique pyramid design; with its layout designed to accommodate a single-GPU build, and with the RTX 3070, 3080, or 3090 leading the market, a one graphics card is all you need for a powerful gaming PC case today.

The internal cooling of the case is well-equipped for a powerhouse build too, with subtle gaps in the glass to work alongside the fans/radiators for decent airflow.

We appreciate the layout of the case also lends itself well to a clean build, with the drives hidden in the bottom and all the visual attention on the main compartment (this unit will look fantastic with some RGB hardware should you look to go down that route).

The one layout issue we’d call out is cable management; some users have cited some slightly clunky accessibility to the hidden spaces available for routing. The 804V is very capable of hiding your cables, it’s just worth pointing out you will have a bit of a challenge putting it together.

What we like about the 804V is it represents a truly crazy design, but its price range isn’t nonsensical like InWin’s sphere PC case.

In other words; it’s a chassis that is still clearly made for mainstream consumption and is worth buying if you’re after a unique build that can perform.

2026 update: For serious PC builders after a unique design, we still love the Azza 804V. That said, in the last year, a literal tank PC case has emerged with all the base needs of a serious build covered; if you’re after a unique aesthetic, these are the 2 best choices available today.

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Quick-Fire Picks

The above cases are our top picks are the most expensive CPU cases worth buying (or wanted to highlight for hilarity, in the WINBOT’s case).

However, there’s a bunch of other worthy contenders for those after the best premium offering/someone with more specific requirements or a different aesthetic; and we’ve covered them below!

Thermaltake Core P8

Best Expensive Clear PC Case: Thermaltake Core P8

With cooling to rival the 1000D and one of the most beautiful aesthetics to show off an internal build, we love the Core P8 and talk about it more in our premium feature.

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Fractal Design Define R7 XL

Most Expensive Case for Quiet Builds: Fractal Design Define 7 XL

One of our favorite cases of all time in any category, the Define 7 XL is a masterpiece from the brand king of quiet cases; if you want the perfect chassis for a silent build, you don’t need to go any more expensive than this. Read our review here.

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Cooler Master Cosmos C700M

Most Expensive E-ATX Case Runner-Up: Cooler Master Cosmos C700M

While we think the 1000D does what C700M does a little better, it’s still a great choice if you prefer its aesthetic or specs on offer and is still one of the largest chassis on the market for a high-end PC.

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FSP CMT710

Most Expensive Dual Chamber Case: FSP CMT710

This is a “for fun” pick as there are cheaper dual-chamber cases that perform better for a high-end setup.

But there’s no denying this FSP case has a wonderful, crazy aesthetic and is still decent enough to host expensive hardware if you’re in love with its design (and have big pockets).

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AZZA CSAZ-802F

Beautiful Expensive PC Case Alternative: AZZA CSAZ-802F

Azza likes to work in unique shapes; while it doesn’t stand out quite as much as a pyramid, the 802F looks stunning and its cube shape is more naturally suited to the requirements of a PC. This is one of the best expensive desktop cases available for someone wanted to balance a unique shape with capability.

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Cougar Conquer 2

Craziest PC Case: Cougar Conquer 2

This case speaks for itself! If you want something extra large with more curvature, edges, and crazy colors than any other option on the market, the Conquer 2 is for you and comes with a layout and accessibility features design for a high-end gaming build. Check our review here.

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iBUYPOWER Snowblind S

Best PC Case with In-Built Screen: iBUYPOWER Snowblind S

While not as pricey or impressive for high-end overclocking/cooling as some of our other picks, a mid-tower with a screen built into the side panel window will be the kind of extravagance a lot of people have in mind when looking at the most expensive PC cases.

It’s a great mid-range case and is still capable of decent performance alongside it’s screen aesthetic.

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InWin A1 Plus

Most Expensive ITX Case Alternative: InWin A1 Plus

As much as we love our top ASUS ITX case pick, if you’re after something even smaller, the A1 Plus is the best premium option.

With wonderfully tight dimensions, a unique ARGB light base, and included PSU, there’s a lot going for it which is why we’ve featured it many times.

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MSI MPG SEKIRA 500X

Striking Expensive PC Case: MSI MPG SEKIRA 500X

Last but not least is an offering from PC gaming giant MSI.

While not as big in the case manufacturer space, they’ve managed to put together a really beautiful option with the 500X capable of hosting a powerful gaming build.

Our only trepidation is the cooling is not quite up to par with other full tower options, but if you’re in love with the aesthetic, it’s still worth considering. 

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The most expensive PC cases missing from the list?

If you look around the web, you’ll undoubtedly come across other offerings which are very pricey but not on this list.

We reviewed many more of the most expensive computer cases while writing this feature, but we wanted to focus more on highlighting products that actually offer something for their expensive price-tag.

Take, for example, the JONSBO MechWarrior, which offers similar utility/aesthetic to the Antec Torque at double the price (and from a less reputable brand), or the Thermaltake Core W200 which has a significant history of difficult customization.

So if you don’t see an expensive chassis on this list, know we likely haven’t included it for a reason!

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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 8 Best EATX Cases of 2026

Best EATX Case Cover

The 8 Best E-ATX Cases of 2026

Extra large options for serious enthusiast builds

Best EATX Case Cover

We updated this article in June to cover the latest options from 2026. After reviewing new and upcoming releases, most of our top picks remain the same, but we’ve included some additional options where relevant.

There’s no tower like a full tower.

As we’ve seen in recent years, ATX and mATX form factors have become more popular for your average gaming build.

But if you are looking for the most powerful PC possible, there’s no beating an E-ATX computer case.

These monoliths offer incredible features across the board.

Whether it’s gaming, production, server builds, or streaming; I’ve reviewed and ranked the popular options (and some smaller cases that can handle EATX) for your next powerhouse PC.

1

Fractal Design Define R7 XL

Overall Best EATX Case 

Fractal Design Define R7 XL

Our Rating: 9.75/10

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Read Review

2

Thermaltake View 71

Runner-Up EATX Case

Thermaltake View 71

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

3

ASUS TUF Gaming GT501

Best Budget EATX Case

ASUS TUF Gaming GT501

Our Rating: 9.25/10

Check Price

Read Review

4

Corsair Obsidian 1000D

Best High-End EATX Case

Corsair Obsidian 1000D

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Read Review

5

be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900

Best Quiet EATX Case

be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900

Our Rating: 9/10

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Read Review

6

Corsair 680X

Best Dual Chamber EATX PC Case

Corsair 680X

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

7

Thermaltake AH T600 Snow Helicopter

Wildcard Pick

Thermaltake AH T600 Snow Helicopter

Our Rating: 9.25/10

Check Price

Read Review

8

Phanteks Enthoo Primo

Honorable Mention

Phanteks Enthoo Primo

Our Rating: 9/10


Check Price

Read Review

Fractal Design Define R7 XL

Best EATX Case Overall: Fractal Design Define 7 XL

This case is simply fantastic.

It’s no secret that I rate Fractal highly for their work on creating the best silent PC cases.

But the new 7 XL model isn’t just great for noise reduction, it excels across the board as a premium chassis.

Let’s start with space.

The 7 XL is huge. For storage, it supports up to:

  • 18 x 3.5″/2.5″ drive brackets
  • 5 x 2.5″ dedicated positions
  • 2 x 5.25″ optical bays

You will not need more storage than this case can host (unless you’re building a house).

This utility would also make it an incredible option for video editing/production/server builds.

So what if you’re like most gamers and don’t need that many drives?

That’s the beauty of Fractal’s high-end cases, they offer great modularity/customization.

This means you’ll be able to remove any unnecessary drive brackets and free up more space for a multi-GPU build and/or better airflow.

That includes GPUs up to 359 mm in length (549mm in an expandable open layout it needed) alongside 9 + 3 expansion slots.

You have the freedom here to install the best graphics card setup possible.

Fractal Design Define 7 XL

Source: JrRay25

Now how are you going to cool/overclock all of this hardware? Well, you have:

  • 13 fan mounts across the case (120-140mm) with 3 high-quality quiet fans included.
  • Great radiator support: up to 420mm top, 360mm front, 280mm bottom & 120mm rear.

Whether you’re looking for a water cooling case, air-cooling build, or a hybrid; the utility you get here for the price is incredible.

The 7’s internal size is so impressive it can act as an EE-ATX motherboard (but check dimensions beforehand for such models).

The front I/O panel is great. With 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x USB 3.01 Type C, and the usual HD audio ports (all very stylishly integrated).

Finally, there is the build quality; with a large steel base and a slick, monolithic design, the 7 XL is gorgeous.

I’ve been consistently impressed with the sound-dampening panels on Fractal’s premium units and this offering is no exception. They seemed to have outdone themselves here.

There isn’t much we dislike about the 7 XL other than the price tag. There’s no denying it’s an expensive chassis and with all of the storage space, it might be more than some of you need. But for what’s on offer, it’s not out of a respectable range (even the cheapest cases on this list are in the same ballpark, it’s to be expected with E-ATX enthusiast builds).

If you prefer a transparent side panel, the window variation will still offer great sound reduction compared to other extended-ATX cases, with nothing sacrificed in the way of cooling or hardware space.

Simply put, the 7 XL is a brilliant high-value pick from a manufacturer on the top of their game.

If you’re looking for the all-around best E ATX case, this is my pick for you.

2026 update: While some enticing new E-ATX cases have come into the market, the Define R7 XL is still the best all-rounder and our top pick for over 3 years. No other chassis has come close to the fantastic balance between storage, aesthetic, sound & price of this Fractal offering.

Our Rating: 9.75/10

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Thermaltake View 71

Best E-ATX Case Runner-Up: Thermaltake View 71

We’ve raved about the 7 XL above, but the second-place option by Thermaltake is still a fantastic offering.

It’s hard not to talk about the design of the View 71 first.

With 4 beautiful, high-quality tempered glass windows surrounding the front, top, left and right sides, the case looks incredible.

Not to mention the 3 high-quality LED fans included in the RGB model. This would be a perfect basis for an RGB build or if you’re looking for something a little more flashy.

The build process and customization of this case are also top-tier.

Offering wonderful modularity for bays/other parts and a (largely) tool-free design, you’ll be well placed to get exactly what you want out of the case.

There are few storage bays here compared to the 7 XL, but still more than enough for most builds with up to 10 2.5″ / 7 3.5″ drives (or a mix).

The case does a great job in the rest of the size department too, with:

  • Huge space for an SLI/crossfire PC build if desired (including vertical GPU install options).
  • Up to 9 overall decent-sized fans (120mm-140mm).
  • Good room to spare for decent ventilation and airflow.
Thermaltake View 71

Source: demoante

The View 71’s crowning feature for gaming, however, is its fantastic radiator compatibility, with:

  • Front: up to 420mm
  • Top: up to 420mm
  • Right-side: up to 420mm
  • Rear: up to 140mm
  • Bottom: up to 240mm

It’s the best water cooling EATX case available in its price range.

Fractal Design Define 7 XL vs Thermaltake View 71

There is not much separating these cases in terms of quality, what will be best for you will likely come down to what your needs are.

I ranked the 7 XL in first place as I’ve had a lot of experience with both the case and the brand’s fantastic long-term quality. I also love the extent to which it excels at noise reduction despite the enormous size. The tempered glass of the View 71 is gorgeous, but it also makes the case a little fragile compared to many of the other picks here built to be somewhat sturdier at their enormous sizes.

But I’ll reiterate: it’s a very close race, which is why we rate the cases so closely overall.

If you happen to like the design more than the 7, aren’t as bothered about maximizing silence, or want to focus on water cooling, this is perfect for you.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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ASUS TUF Gaming GT501

Best Budget EATX PC Case: ASUS TUF Gaming GT501

The GT501 is very popular for a reason (many reasons, in fact!).

We appreciate this may not be quite as cheap as you’d hope for a budget pick, but we have to caution that if you’re looking at an extended ATX build, you’re going to want to spend more than you would on smaller form factors.

That being said, this offering is fantastic and the cheapest PC case we would recommend for a large build.

Despite officially being a mid-tower, you’re still getting great space for:

  • GPUs up to 420mm long (with 7 PCI-e slots and an extra 2 for vertical installs)
  • Up to 7 120mm fans or 2 x 360mm, 1 x 140mm radiator support
  • 3 x 2.5″ drive bays & 4 x 3.5″/2.5″ bays
ASUS TUF Gaming GT501

Source: ASUSTECHMKTJJ

What really gives this case incredible value though, is the 1 included 140mm rear fan and 3 pre-installed RGB fans which you can use alongside your other compatible RGB parts with Asus’s fantastic light control software (Aura Sync).

Despite the price and inclusions, the GT501 still manages to have great build quality and plenty of features to make the build process smooth.

The carry straps on the top are a nice extra perk. Don’t underestimate how convenient these will be when you’re building in such a large tower, they’re heavy to move!

We’re really impressed by what Asus has achieved here in the price range. There isn’t really much separating it in terms of quality from our top picks. I do prefer the View 71/ Define 7 XL’s designs though, and if you’re in this category of an enthusiast setup, I think considering aesthetic is a worthwhile venture!

If you can’t afford our other top choices or prefer the design of the GT501, then know it’s a fantastic chassis and more than capable of building a gaming monster.

2026 update: I’d still highly recommend the GT501 if this fits within your idea of a budget pick. That said, if you really need to be tighter on cost, Corsair’s 4000D case is one of the most formidable new offerings on the market. It’s technically a mid-tower, but still manages to boast E-ATX support at around the $100 mark, very impressive!

Our Rating: 9.25/10

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Corsair Obsidian 1000D

Best EATX Case for Airflow: Corsair Obsidian 1000D

Now let’s be real. This is a lot of money to spend on a PC case.

And you can accomplish a lot with the other options available on this list.

But, if you’re one of the lucky ones that can afford this and want nothing but the best super tower for as much power as possible, this is it.

Let’s start with the crowning feature for high-end builds: dual system PC support.

What is a dual system PC?

It’s the ability to have a secondary Mini ITX motherboard (with its own dedicated parts) on top of your main E-ATX motherboard.

That means you can have another PC operating in your machine doing secondary tasks.

On top of the obvious production/gaming uses, this is one of the best streaming PC cases if you can afford it. Allowing you to play games on your main mobo, and stream with the secondary one.

Corsair Obsidian 1000D

Source: six60six

With VGA card support of up to 400mm, 5 x 3.5″ / 6 x 2.5″ drive positions, and an overall huge size allotment in the case,  you’ll have more than you need to create the best multi-GPU PC you can.

So how can you overclock and cool all of this?

The case offers fantastic air/water cooling options with:

  • Front: 8 x 120mm fans or 2 x 480mm radiator (the best we’ve ever seen on a front panel).
  • Top: 3 x 140mm fans or 1 x 420mm radiator
  • Rear: 2 x 140mm fans or 1 x 240mm radiator

It’s really hard to imagine needing more cooling even for the most expensive gaming PC.

The 1000D also has one of the best front I/O panels in any case. With 2 x USB 3.1 type C ports (on top of 4 x USB 3.0 & 2 HD audio ports). All topped off with very stylish RGB backlighting.

There are more perks to talk about in this case, from amazing build quality to great ease-of-use build features. But you’d be here all day reading if we went through each one!

The only real downside (and the reason we won’t give this case a straight 10/10 rating) is that we expect many users simply won’t need what’s on offer here. The extras included in the 1000D vs the Define 7 XL & View 71 are only for the absolute most powerful PC builds.

That said, not only is it one of the best dual system PC cases money can buy, but its utility would be incredible even for a standard one-motherboard setup.

If you can afford its hefty price tag, boy are you in for a treat.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900

Best Quiet EATX Case: be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900

While the Corsair 1000D is the undisputed powerhouse for expensive gaming builds, and we love our top Fractal pick for quiet builds, we’ve included this option for anyone focusing on a silent PC with a higher budget.

We’ve written previously on the quietest cases available and the Pro 900 was our pick for the top high-end option.

The internal dimensions are fantastic. Suitable as an XL-ATX case, you have room for 2 x 5.25″, 10 x 2.5″, and 5 x 3.5″ drives (with options to extend further with additional bays if needed).

Similar to the 7 Xl, this space is made more valuable by the very high level of modularity available. With multiple ways to remove unused bays/other components to maximize airflow and space for parts.

This comes in handy, for example, if you want to install very large GPUs. Up to 470mm if the HDD bracket is removed.

The Pro 900 supports up to 9 fans with 3 silence-focussed 140mm ones pre-installed.

be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900

Source: ElectricSheepsDream

For water cooling, you can get up to 2 x 420mm and 1 x 140mm radiators in here, offering plenty of potential for overclocking.

With thick SECC/aluminum surrounding much of the case and a great tempered glass window should you choose the transparent option, I was really impressed with the sturdy build quality.

To top it off is a feature-rich front I/O panel. In addition to the usual USB 3.0/audio inputs, you’re getting a USB 3.1 type C port, a universal fan controller, and (on the Rev. 2 version) a wireless QI charger.

Define 7 XL vs Dark Base Pro 900

Both cases perform similarly in terms of decibel-level tests, so you’re not really getting an improvement in noise reduction with the extra cost of the Pro 900.

What you’re really paying for is to have even more space on offer for certain hardware, the largest we’ve seen in any silence-focused built.

I think the 7 XL will satisfy even the most significant of requirements, but if you see the dimensions/layout of the Pro 900 as a bonus, then by all means go for it.

If you liked the look of the 1000D but it was perhaps out of your price range, or you were keen on still building a quiet gaming PC, you can’t go wrong with the Pro 900.

Our Rating: 9/10

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Corsair 680X

Best Dual Chamber EATX PC Case: Corsair 680X

I love the 680X. It’s not the first time it’s been highlighted on What in Tech.

What is a Dual Chamber PC Case?

Nearly all (decent) cases come with “compartments” behind the motherboard for cable management and (sometimes) SSD placement.

Dual chambers take this one step further and have a dedicated “mini-case” in the back to not only offer you ample room for cables, but also the space to hide your other “uglier” components (PSU, HDDs, etc).

This is great for making the build process super easy and maximizing ventilation on your best-looking hardware. Allowing you to show them off clutter-free.

Speaking of showing off, this case’s build quality and design are top-tier.

With 3 tempered glass panels, a high-quality steel/plastic construction mix. In the RGB version, you’re also getting 3 included controllable RGB fans.

Corsair Crystal Series 680X

Source: jjzeng21

Note: This is a bit of a rogue pick as the 680X, officially, is an ATX case.

However, there are multiple examples of users who have installed an E-ATX mobo here and its dimensions do seem suitable for such a build.

I wanted to include it as a dual-chamber setup would be great for the very demanding builds you tend to get when building a huge, E-ATX desktop.

But sadly there aren’t any great dual-chamber full towers I can recommend (a great option is the Corsair Air 540, but despite supporting E-ATX officially, it is smaller than the 680X).

Just check the size requirements of your desired mobo before you purchase.

With that said, although you’re not getting the size of a super/full tower, you can still:

  • Fit 3 x 3.5″ HDDs and 4 x 2.5″ SSDs in the hidden chamber
  • Support multiple GPUs up to 330mm (with vertical install capability)
  • Install a good number of cooling options:
    • Up to 8 x 120mm / 7 x 140mm fans
    • 4 water cooling radiators up to 280mm, 360mm, 280mm & 140mm for top, front, bottom, and rear respectively

If you’ve got the size requirements figured out, the Corsair 680X is a fantastic case for those looking for a special aesthetic and would be great for a large RGB PC build.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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Thermaltake AH T600 Snow Helicopter

Best Looking EATX PC Case (Wildcard): Thermaltake AH T600 Snow Helicopter

OK, look at this thing.

This may not be to everyone’s taste, but I simply had to feature it as a great E-ATX open-frame case option.

Looking like a transformer halfway through turning into a chassis, the design is simply incredible and perfect if you’re craving a unique build.

The build quality is what you’d hope for at the price tag. From a brilliant case manufacturer, the entire exterior is made of high-quality steel, tempered glass, and has great removable/modular options to make your build process easier. I was really pleased with how easy it was to work in this case, you don’t always get this for unique-looking cases.

Thermaltake AH T600 Snow

Source: RoyalDovahKiing

The T600 isn’t just about the exterior though. You’re still going to be able to create a powerhouse, with:

  • GPUs of up to 440mm (if water pump removed, 300mm while installed)
  • Up to 10 x 120mm or 7 x 140mm fans
  • Up to 1 x 480mm and 2 x 320mm liquid cooling radiators

The biggest spec weakness is the drive availability, only offering space for 2 x 3.5″ or 3 x 2.5″.

This is very low. I expect because they wanted to only included spaces where they can be hidden given the case’s focus on design.

With that being said, even for an expensive gaming pc, you can easily manage with this amount (installation of M2 storage is also an option with the right motherboard).

You’re of course paying a premium for the cases’s aesthetic.

But wow, it looks fantastic! And it still has everything you need to create a well-cooled, overclocked, multi-GPU machine.

Our Rating: 9.25/10

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Phanteks Enthoo Primo

Honorable Mention: Phanteks Enthoo Primo

Don’t be deceived by this pick being so low down the list.

The Primo was very close in the consideration for runner-up and deserves nearly as much attention as much as the Thermaltake View 71.

The case seems deceptively large due to how slim it is, there’s a lot of space to play around with here:

  • Up to 5 x 5.25″ and 6 x 3.5″ / 12 x 2.5″ drives
  • Up to 10 140mm fans with 5 pre-installed (including 2 LED ones on the front)
  • GPU size allowances up to 515mm (just note this is if the reservoir bracket and HDD cages are removed)
  • A 30mm cable management area in the back of the case

And finally, the Primo is a beast of a liquid cooling case.

Phanteks Enthoo Primo

Source: FastRedPonyCar

With 5 separate spaces for decent-sized radiators (1 being a side installation with an HDD cage removed), it’s one of the best water cooling options in today’s market.

The manufacturing quality is fantastic. Largely made of a mix between steel and aluminum.

You’ll have plenty of modular capability during your build. I had a easy enough time removing unneeded elements and once done, really felt like it offered great additional airflow for the slim form factor.

Reading this, you’ll see why I’ve still included it despite not getting the runner-up spot.

The only reason we didn’t rank this above the View 71 is the slightly higher price point.

But if this is in your range and you like the design/features, you won’t be disappointed.

2026 update: If you’re still looking for more options, a couple of other new great E-ATX cases on the market are the LIAN LI V3000 & the ASUS ROG Hyperion GR701. Although I think these are fantastic options, I haven’t added them to the main picks as I feel like the above offerings are better value for what they offer in their respective categories. But if you particularly like the aesthetic or feature-set of either one and don’t mind the premium, they’re both great choices. 

Our Rating: 9/10

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What's Next?

About the author

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

The 10 Cheapest PC Cases Worth Buying in 2026

Cheapest PC Case

The 10 Cheapest PC Cases Worth Buying in 2026

This feature has been updated to cover cases new (and upcoming) for 2026. Our main picks are the same this time, but we’ve added some relevant alternatives.

Though we love to recommend cases in all shapes, sizes, and price-ranges, we know that some readers are on very tight budgets.

That’s why today’s feature will take you through the Cheapest PC cases for gaming, work, and more.

We’ve specifically chosen very cheap PC cases that are still worth purchasing, and some options are on the list may cost a tiny bit more for having great extras for a budget build (e.g. fans included) so read each one before you judge on price alone!

Top Picks

Best of the Rest: Quick-Fire Picks

Cooler Master N200

Source: Cooler Master

Overall Best Cheap PC Case: Cooler Master N200

Now yes, there are some cheaper towers around (we go over them further below).

But if you’re looking for the best value cheap PC case, and especially the cheapest PC case for gaming we would recommend, the N200 is your best choice.

Why? Well, you’re not just getting a very cheap Micro ATX Case, but also:

  • Decent build quality for the price from one of the best PC case brands, with extra ventilation and mesh panels to maximize airflow.
  • 2 x 120mm included fans (fantastic for the price) which combined with the airflow design, will be enough to get a build up and running
  • Perfect space for a budget gaming PC case with 4 x expansion slots and GPU lengths up to 355mm (more than enough)
  • Great storage space with up to 3 x 2.5″ & 4 x 3.5″ drive bays (more than enough for budget builds)
  • 5.25″ optical drive bay space if you require a DVD/CD drive.

This really is an excellent package. We really appreciate the inclusion of the 2 fans at this price-point (pretty unheard of, especially from a large manufacturer). Assuming you’re looking at purchasing a graphics card in the low to mid-range price point; then all of the included cooling will likely suffice, but you have options to expand with up to 2 further 120mm fans in the future if needed.

If you’re a non-gamer looking for something without a GPU, then this will handle your needs without spending any more money on additional fans.

There are other features in this case that we’re shocked to see at this price point: decent cable management, USB 3.0 port on the front I/O panel, and an all-around decent layout to work in as you’re building.

There’s a reason we’ve featured the N200 multiple times before. When we think of the cheapest PC case worth buying, there really is no greater contender.

2026 update: For 5 years running, the N200 remains my top pick for the cheapest PC case worth buying. No other chassis has managed to retain the balance between quality and price displayed here for ultra-cheap builds.

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Fractal Design Core 1100

Source: Fractal Design

Cheapest PC Case for Quiet Build: Fractal Design Core 1100

Another surprisingly cheap PC case from one of the best manufacturers in the chassis space (and the best for silent builds), the Core 1100 is the cheapest Fractal Design case around, but still retains some of the company’s signature features.

The build-quality is simple as you’d expect for the price, but the front of the case has a nice aluminum-brush finish to give this case a deceptively slick aesthetic.

The 1100 has been designed to provide a reduction in noise through its build, with a vibration dampening setup on the 3.5″ drive bays (a common noisy part) and the included high-quality Fractal 120mm fan. 

You’re of course not going to get the same silent PC as you would with the mid/premium-tier choices, but at this price range? You can’t expect much more (if you’re really dedicated to a silent PC, there are some excellent choices if you can consider a larger budget).

This is one of the cheapest mini-tower cases around (which is the most common form factor for budget builds), with room inside for:

  • 4 x expansion slots
  • GPU length clearance up to 350mm (enough for any budget card)
  • 2 x 3.5″ HDD or 3x 2.5″ HDD/SSD or 1x 2.5″ HDD/SSD or 1x 3.5″ HDD bays
  • 2 x 5.25″ optical drive bays
  • Room for additional 1 x 120mm & 1 x 92mm fans

As you can see, the specs aren’t quite up to speed for gaming with the N200. We’d definitely recommend our top pick over this for that purpose.

But if you’re looking for the cheapest HTPC case or something for office work? This would be a decent quiet runner.

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Zalman S2

Source: Zalman

Cheapest PC Case for Airflow: Zalman S2

Now, as capable as the N200 is for a cheap gaming PC case, if you’re looking to purchase a premium GPU, or you simply like to have a windowed PC case, the Zalman S2 will likely be your better choice.

The first ATX case on the list, this is one of the cheapest mid towers available. What makes that more impressive is that the S2 comes with 3 pre-installed fans. Simply unheard of for an ATX case at this price.

The GPU clearance length is actually a tad less at 330mm; but this will still be more than enough for nearly every card (just check length before purchasing). The reason we like this case for airflow (other than its incredibly valuable 3 fan inclusion) is its:

  • Decent ventilation setup, with mesh and other vents surrounding most sides of the case
  • ATX form factor, meaning there’s a little more room to breathe within the case (you can still set up an mATX motherboard within it if you wish)
  • Room to install an additional 5 x 120mm fans in the future (not necessary for a budget build, but nice to have the option for overclocking/dual-GPU setups at a later date)

The build quality is perfectly serviceable for the price range, with the option to pay a tiny bit more for a tempered glass side (but an acrylic window is fine if you’re on a tight budget).

This cheap ATX case also has room for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 2.5″/3.5″ drive bays (perfectly decent for a budget setup)
  • Front I/O panel that includes a USB 3.0 port

What else is there to say, if you want an incredible deal on a larger chassis for a gaming build, the S2 is the cheapest ATX case with the level of airflow it offers.

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MUSETEX 903-N4

Source: MUSETEX

Cheapest PC case with RGB Fans: MUSETEX 903-N4

Our next option is for those after something a little flashier.

Of course, with the introduction of RGB fans, comes a slightly higher price-tag, but the 903-N4 is still a very cheap deal for what you are getting. On top of the 4 included RGB fans (with front I/O light controller), you’re also getting a case with a decent build quality that includes 2 x tempered glass windows (many non-RGB cases at this price don’t even include one!)

This is certainly the best looking PC case on the list; and what’s more, with its included fans and decent internal ventilation, you’re still getting one of the cheapest gaming PC cases with good cooling out of the box.

This ATX tower has room for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • GPU lengths up to 380mm (this will almost certainly be enough for you).
  • E-ATX motherboard support (unlikely suitable for a budget build but a nice option nonetheless)
  • 3 x 2.5″ & 3 x 3.5″ drive bays – more than enough for gaming, also great for a budget media PC case
  • Option to add an additional 2 x 140mm fans (but not required)

As you can see, excellent specs for a cheap gaming PC case, or simply someone looking for a chassis for non-gaming that’s a little head-turning.

Yes, there is a slightly cheaper option for a case with LED fans.

But this cheaper choice only offers fans that output static colors, not RGB. The 903-N4 is, by far, the cheapest RGB PC case. The difference is that you can actually customize and change the colors of the RGB lights. In cheaper cases, they are usually a static rainbow-color, which isn’t nearly as good for creating your own style/aesthetic.

If you can’t afford the more luxurious light-focussed PC cases, the MUSETEX 903-N4 is the best cheap PC case with RGB fans without question.

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Quick-Fire Picks (Best of the Rest)

While the top 4 picks are what we consider the cheapest PC cases worth buying for a majority of gaming or budget work needs, we appreciate there will be some users with more specific requirements, and perhaps some more who are looking specifically for a case as cheap as possible regardless of value inclusions like fans. The picks below are worthy for you to consider if you fall into one of these camps.

HEC HX210

Cheapest PC Case (Under $30): HEC HX210

The cheapest PC case we can find that is suitable for a “traditional” build. There are some quality drops here compared to the above picks that we don’t think is worth the saving (with significantly less value when you consider fans), but you could certainly still build a budget setup with this.

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Zalman T4

Cheapest ATX Case with Fan: Zalman T4

If you want an ATX case, but don’t feel the need to have 3 fans like the Zalman S2 (2 is still enough for a beginner budget build), the T4 is another great value pick.

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DEEPCOOL MATREXX 30

Cheapest Tempered Glass PC Case: DEEPCOOL MATREXX 30

This isn’t just the cheapest Micro ATX case with tempered glass, but the cheapest in any form factor. With a fan and decent mesh layout, this would be good for a budget build (but if you’re looking at gaming, you’ll want to add at least 1 more fan, ideally 2).

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Thermaltake Core V1

Cheapest Gaming ITX Case: Thermaltake Core V1

For those after a cheap ITX case for a gaming build, one of the best Mini ITX cases happens to be a very cheap offering, read more about it here.

 

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Goodisory 05

Cheapest Non-Gaming PC Case: Goodisory 05

The cheapest PC case on the list (and the cheapest we could find). This could only be recommended to someone with very basic needs (e.g. a budget HTPC case) due to its tiny size (no room for GPU). If you have even remotely serious non-gaming requirements, we’d recommend the N200 or Core 1100 over this.

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Rosewill SRM-01B

Cheapest Micro ATX Case Alternative: Rosewill SRM-01B

One of the most popular cheap PC cases, we don’t think this option is as good as the other Micro ATX choices on the list, but it’s still not a bad deal if you prefer the style/inclusions.

Check Price

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 5 Best PC Cases Without Windows in 2026

Best PC Case Without Window

The 5 Best PC Cases Without Windows in 2026

The best choices for a minimalism and silence

Best PC Case Without Window

We have updated this feature for 2026 after reviewing the latest options. This time around, our picks remain the same, other than mentioning a couple of decent alternatives for options that sometimes run into stock issues.

As popular as a tempered glass chassis is nowadays, we know that showing off all of your PC’s bells and whistles isn’t to everyone’s taste.

What about those after a more minimalist build?

Whether it’s for a cleaner style, noise reduction, or anything else; today’s feature breaks down the best windowless PC cases available today for different budgets and sizes.

1

Fractal Design Define R5

Overall Best Case Without Window

Fractal Design Define R5

Our Rating: 10/10

Check Price

Read Review

2

Corsair Carbide 200R

Best Budget Pick

Corsair Carbide 200R

Our Rating: 9/10

Check Price

Read Review

3

Fractal Design Define R7 XL

Premium Pick

Fractal Design Define 7 XL

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

4

Cooler Master N200

Best Micro ATX Option

Cooler Master N200

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

5

silverstone sg13b

Best Mini ITX Option

SilverStone SG13

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

Fractal Design Define R5

Overall Best PC Case Without Window: Fractal Design Define R5

2026 update: The Define R5 remains our top pick for 5 years running. We’ve reviewed some other windowless cases that have entered the market since, but nothing that ticks the boxes quite as well.

I really cannot speak highly enough of the Define R5.

Not only is this the best computer case without windows, but it’s one of the greatest towers on the market today in any category (and our favorite case from Fractal Design, who are a fantastic manufacturer focused on no-window options).

The build quality of this case is top-tier. With a majority steel (+ metal finish) exterior that gives the chassis an understated but stylish look (stock photos do not do it justice).

Fractal Design Define R5

Source: Gabiche

Fractal towers are known for their sound-dampening abilities without notable compromise on performance. Building your setup in the R5 gives you a fantastic balance between silence and cooling. You’re getting a fantastic windowless PC case for airflow, including room for:

  • Up to 9 140mm fans + 2 great Fractal Design Dynamic GP-14 fans included
  • Or up to 420mm top, 360mm side, 240mm bottom & 140mm rear radiators

This is a really impressive allotment for its size. The form factor often offers a lot less. Not that you need to have all 9 fans to run a computer well, but it’s nice to know you can max out this capability if you’re going for overclocking or a seriously powerful setup. I’ve seen the R5 actually outperform many of its open-air competitors for running an intensive setup in thermal benchmarking.

The hardware space is great too, with room for:

  • 7 expansion slots
  • VGA cards up to 310mm in length (if you need to, removing the HDD case can up this to 440mm, but most mainstream cards will fit in the 310mm space).
  • 8 x 3.5″ / 2.5″, 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x optical drive bays

Between the cooling and internal space, it’s a great windowless PC case for gaming. Beyond that, anybody with high storage needs is going to be spoilt with options building in the R5 (think video editing, production work, or server builds).

What else is there to say? Between its fantastic build quality, cooling performance, sound dampening, and space for powerful hardware all rolled into a mid-range price, the R5 ticks all the boxes and is, without doubt, the overall best PC case without a side-panel window.

Our Rating: 10/10

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Corsair Carbide 200R

Best Budget PC Case Without Window: Corsair Carbide 200R

As much as we love the R5 for gaming and work builds alike, if you’re looking for a cheap windowless PC case, the 200R is a great substitute for its price.

One of the flagship budget options by powerhouse Corsair, this chassis has a steel exterior. Albeit a thin material with a basic finish, we still respect that Corsair has not gone for plastic in such a low-price PC case. It looks and feels decent compared to its budget counterparts.

This windowless chassis is a compact ATX case, with decent room for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • Graphics cards up to 420mm in length
  • 3 x 5.25″, 4 x 3.5″ & 4 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • Fan setup: Up to 8 x 120mm fans (2 included)
Corsair Carbide 200R

Source: Octothorpe

For its size and price, the 200R has an impressive allowance for fans and hardware.

You are, of course, not going to get the same level of cooling & sound dampening as the R5 (but again, with its low price in mind, it’s a great offering). That said, for a budget build, we think what’s on offer here is more than enough to cool some less-intensive GPUs.

We like also that even at this budget, Corsair hasn’t avoided including 2 fans which will be enough to get your build up and running.

If your wallet is tight, this is my comfortable choice for the best cheap PC case without a window on the market today.

2026 update: The 200R is still my top budget pick, but we’ve seen it run into stock issues occasionally. If it ticked the boxes for you but is unavailable, Fractal Design has a very similar offering in the Core 1100. It’s an mATX case but I expect it will be an excellent alternative for smaller budget builds.

Our Rating: 9/10

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Fractal Design Define R7 XL

Best Premium PC Case Without Window: Fractal Design Define 7 XL

We’re back to Fractal. The next option is for their top-range model which is perfect for anybody trying to build the most powerful silent PC setup they possibly can.

The Define 7 XL is a huge E-ATX chassis, with incredible space for:

  • 9 Expansion slots with a further 3 for vertical install options
  • 359mm GPU clearance (or up to 549mm when removing some modular case parts)
  • Drive bays included: 8 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ (up to 18 available), 2 x 2.5″ (up to 5 available) & 2 x optical″
  • 30mm routing space for cable management
  • 9 x 120mm fans (with 3 x Dynamic X2 GP-14 included)
  • Or  2 x 480mm, 1 x 280mm & 1 x 140mm radiators

The 7 XL has pretty much everything you could need, even in a powerful high-end build.

Fractal Design Define 7 XL

Source: Azerai

With incredible storage space, this is one of the best server PC cases I’ve come across.

As far as gaming goes; between the excellent cooling capability and its monumental space for hardware, I’ve seen the 7 XL excel for overclocking, multi-GPU setups, and much more.

Fractal R5 vs 7 XL: Note that if you’re looking for a standard single-GPU build with modest overclocking or you don’t need the incredible storage space on offer in the 7 XL, then the R5 will suit you better.

If budget isn’t a concern, you could still pick up the 7 XL for the increased airflow space, but it would be a bit of an overkill if you’re not intending to utilize its massive layout for something extra powerful.

What’s even more impressive is how this case can still retain very low decibel levels even when I’ve seen behemoth builds running inside. It manages to achieve this through its high-quality (beautiful) build, industrial sound dampening panels, great cable management facilities, and modularity for non-required components (e.g. HDD cages, removing unneeded case parts reduces rattling).

While the R5 will suit a majority of gamers and other builds well, if your goal is to create the most powerful build possible in a PC case without glass, this is your best option.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Small Form Factor Windowless PC Cases

While the top 3 picks are our favorites for your typical gaming or work-related build, we’ve added a couple of extra quick-fire picks for great cases in smaller form factors.

Cooler Master N200

Best Micro ATX Case Without Window: Cooler Master N200

A ridiculously cheap offering for windowless Micro ATX builds that still retains a great quality for gaming and production setups alike. The fact that it includes fans at its price is insane, I’d still be recommending it if it didn’t

If you have a tight budget, know the N200 has nearly everything the average mini-build needs.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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silverstone sg13b

Best Mini-ITX Case Without Window: SilverStone SG13

From a classic minimalist manufacturer, the SG13 is a fantastic quality windowless ITX option.

Like mATX, Fractal offers great windowless options for mITX, but SG13 is the best pick for a budget/value build (which we know many smaller form factors target).

2026 update: While we still rate it highest for ITX builds, the SG13 occasionally encounters stock problems in our recent checks. If you can’t get hold of it, an excellent alternative is Cooler Master’s MasterCase H100.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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What's Next?

About the author

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

The 5 Best Console-Style PC Cases in 2026

Console Style PC Case

The 5 Best Console-Style PC Cases in 2026

We've reviewed the options available in this unique style

Console Style PC Case

We updated this article in 2026 releases. After reviewing the new cases on the market, our top choices remain the same. We’ve mentioned a couple of decent new alternatives to certain choices where relevant.

Is anybody else looking for a build that looks a little more…console-y?

In the world of chassis, there’s an overwhelming amount of good-looking cases out there.

But I often find myself being surprised at how large and imposing many designs are. What about those after a more classic gaming aesthetic akin to a PlayStation/Xbox?

In today’s feature, we’ve found the appropriate options and reviewed them to guide you through the best console-sized PC cases for your next gaming build.

1

Fractal Design Node 202

Overall Best Console-Style PC Case

Fractal Design Node 202

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

2

SilverStone ML08

Runner-Up Console-Style Pick

SilverStone ML08

Our Rating: 9/10

Check Price

Read Review

3

Thermaltake Core V1

Best Budget Console-Style PC Case

Thermaltake Core V1

Our Rating: 8.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

4

NZXT H1

Console-Style Premium Pick

NZXT H1

Our Rating: 9.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

5

SilverStone ML05

Budget Pick Alternative

SilverStone ML05

Our Rating: 7.5/10

Check Price

Read Review

Fractal Design Node 202

Overall Best Console-Style PC Case: Fractal Design Node 202

What a fantastic chassis this is.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to our top premium pick further below, the Node 202 is the perfect choice for creating a console-style aesthetic.

We rank it at the top because of the impressive balance between its tight, slim, Mini-ITX form factor and an intelligent, internal design that allows you to install a powerful mainstream GPU within its size limitations.

Its steel/plastic hybrid design looks very slick, boasting a high-quality finish and sturdiness, giving the chassis a nice premium aesthetic.

Fractal Design Node 202

Source: System48

Inside, there is room for:

  • A separate GPU chamber that can accommodate a video card up to 310 x 147 mm
  • 2 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • Room in the GPU chamber for 2 x 120mm fans (impressive for the shape/size, but bear in mind these will have to compete with the GPU dimensions)

The hardware you can install within the Node 202 is really impressive considering its unique, slim form factor.

It doesn’t just look the part, you have room in here for a powerful console-style gaming PC build; with a majority of mainstream graphics cards being installable (please check your dimensions before installing!).

While you’re (of course) not going to get the same airflow as a more extensive “traditional” case (ATX, etc.), the ventilation design in the Node 202 is fantastic. With its separate GPU chamber that segregates cooling, not to mention the optional fan mounts if your build demands them.

Overall, while we love the premium NZXT H1 pick below (and think anyone reading should also consider that chassis), I chose the Node 202 overall as it represents an incredible balance in design, quality, specification, and price. Whether for gaming or other PC builds, this is a fantastic choice.

2026 Update: The Node 202 remains my top Console-Style pick for 5 years running; nothing else better balances price, quality, and inner space while retaining a nice, slim aesthetic.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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SilverStone ML08

Runner-Up Best Console-Style PC Case: SilverStone ML08

Coming in very closely behind the Node 202 is a worthy alternative in the ML08.

Its steel body and reinforced plastic shell look as high quality as they feel. Like the 202, the ML08 easily doubles as a great portable PC case option with its decent durability.

With room inside for:

  • An independent graphics card chamber for a dual-expansion slot card up to 330 x 121mm
  • Oversized vents designed to provide a fanless cooling setup for the tight layout
  • 2 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • Some convenient install features, such as its tool-less drive bays/dual chamber design
SilverStone ML08

Source: phdpepper

The internal dimensions here are still very impressive for the case’s external size, with the GPU slot still being large enough for most popular choices (remember to check!).

Fractal Node 202 vs Silverstone ML08

We rank the ML08 a tad below the Node 202 as its GPU width allowances are slightly less, and there are no optional case fans (though the ML08 performs surprisingly well with its oversized vents).

The GPU length allowance is notably longer, but we expect the width to be the main consideration point for your installation as very few cards are over 310mm (having extended width is also nicer for airflow on most cards).

But all things considered, this is still an excellent option and easily one of the best console-sized cases available. Don’t hesitate if you prefer it over the Node 202.

Our Rating: 9/10

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Thermaltake Core V1

Best Budget Console-Style PC Case: Thermaltake Core V1

This pick is a bit of a side-track from the main aesthetic we’ve featured in the rest of the list.

But we thought this pick still deserved a place if your idea of a console PC case is closer to a GameCube (or you’re simply flexible if the budget is right).

The Core V1 is a really impressive case for the price and has been featured many times previously on What in Tech.

The build quality is really quite impressive considering its low cost; with an SPCC steel/tempered glass design, covered with extended ventilation (important in a small case).

Thermaltake Core V1

Source: Seiren2112

Largely considered as one of the best Mini-ITX cases for budget gaming builds, you have great room in here for:

  • 2 expansion slots/GPU lengths up to 285mm
  • 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 3.5″ hidden drive bays
  • 1 included 200mm fan + space for 2 x 80mm fans

As you can see, the length allowance on the GPU space is a tad lower than the other cases featured (but still good enough for many popular cards if you check pre-purchase).

The Core V1 makes up for this with its additional storage compartments and excellent cooling capability.

While we think the above picks better capture the essence of a console-style computer case, there is no chassis of those styles in the V1’s price range. It really is an excellent budget alternative.

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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NZXT H1

Best Console-Style PC Case for Cooling (Premium Pick): NZXT H1

If we had to pick just one case to crown as the best console-style tower available today, this would be it.

Due to its price tag, we’ve given the H1 the “premium choice” label.

But before you cry at the price, know you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck beyond just the case itself.

On top of its incredible design/build quality, the case is worth its price tag due to the included fully modular 650W PSU and AIO water-cooler.

The NZXT H1 is special as it has been designed with this PSU and water cooler in mind.

This has been done to remove any unnecessary size gaps that the other cases demand to be compatible with a wider range of SFX PSUs/cooling.

NZXT H1

Source: THLNG

Everything inside the unit is carefully designed and has its place (no waste) with room for:

  • A beautiful SGCC steel/tinted tempered glass design. This is easily the highest quality and best-looking console tower on the list and the closest thing you’ll see to an Xbox Series X PC case
  • 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

It cannot be overstated how impressive the H1 is from both a design and performance perspective. I was particularly impressed by how it looks in person, photos don’t do it justice!

As good-looking as the unit is turned off, seeign a complete build light up through the tinted window (much more classily than a completely transparent panel in my experience) is a level of elegance you can’t really find in the other console-like PC cases we’ve reviewed.

And the fact that the ventilation/integrated water-cooler work so well to provide decent thermals is something extra special in this form factor, which can be plagued with cases that have serious heat issues.

This isn’t just the best console-shaped PC case, but one of the best Mini-ITX cases available today in any category

2026 update: This case is sadly quite low on stock in 2025. If you like the style but want something a little cheaper (or in stock), the closest alternative to the H1 is the SilverStone LD03B which is an excellent console-like alternative.

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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SilverStone ML05

Best Budget Console-Style Tower Alternative: SilverStone ML05

As much as we rave about the Core V1 as a budget pick above, we thought it sensible to include the cheapest option we’ve seen that has similar “cuboid” dimensions to the other choices.

The ML05 is the smaller brother of the ML08 and is the smallest PC case on the list with a tiny 7-liter volume.

With a comparably great build quality and design, as well as space for 2 x 80mm fans, 4 x 2.5″ drive bays, and an optical disc drive, you can be forgiven for thinking this is the ideal choice.

There is a big gap with the Ml05 though: it only has 1 expansion slot and is not designed for most independent/large GPUs.

SilverStone ML05

Source: monophonotronic

Being more specialized as an HTPC case, you would need either a specialized GPU with 1 expansion slot or integrated motherboard graphics for this to work for you.

I thought to include this pick as appreciated some budget builders may be OK with integrated graphics if their focus was more on portability.

That being said, if you’re looking for the best console-sized computer case for gaming, the options above will be far better suited and we think you’ll prefer the Core V1 model if your budget is tight.

Our Rating: 7.5/10

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Round-Up

What's Next?

About the author

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

The 15 Best PC Cases of 2026

Best PC Cases

Source: Jaqobe

The 15 Best PC Cases of 2026

This feature has been updated after reviewing new and upcoming releases in 2026.

We’ve been through a lot of cases on What in Tech.

Anything from the cheapest to the largest to the quietest (to name a few).

But after 100s of PC case reviews, which stand out as the top choices?

Today’s feature is here to guide you through the best computer cases for gaming, general use, streaming, and production requirements (e.g. video editing) in all shapes, sizes, and budgets.

Top Picks

Best of the Rest: Quick-Fire Picks

Lian Li Dynamic PC-O11

Source: jerameyj

Overall Best PC Case: Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic

What a fantastic PC case this is.

From one of the best tower manufacturers in the business today; the PC-011 is simply incredible at balancing everything most users want: build quality, design, internal features, and airflow all at a fantastic mid-range price-point.

Starting with aesthetic: the PC-011 is not done justice by stock photos.

We also gave the PC-011 the best looking PC case accolade. With an exterior made of beautifully finished thick aluminum and dual full-length tempered glass windows, it has the nicest build quality in its price range (as durable as it is beautiful).

The tower looks slick on its own, but what really gives it such a unique presentation is how a completed, powered-on build looks with the case’s fantastic internal visibility (this feature’s cover photo is an example, but the chassis looks even better in person). We love how much aesthetic customization you have here; you can go all out with an RGB lighting build, or something more minimalist. Either way, the chassis looks great.

Many of the PC-011’s competitors will just have a half-length window on the side only (with a PSU shroud at the bottom). The full-length windows on 2 sides may seem daunting if you’re a novice builder and can’t hide your cables at the bottom, but the PC-011 is a dual-chamber PC case. This means it has an additional compartment behind the motherboard designed for your “uglier” parts (think PSUs, drives, and cable management). Not only does this mean that you can get an incredibly clean aesthetic in the main chamber, but your primary parts will have more room to breathe/benefit from better airflow.

But this is far from just a beautiful chassis.

The PC-011 is an ATX PC case, with great space inside for:

  • 8 expansion slots
  • 2 x 3.5″ + 4 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • GPU length up to 420mm (more than enough room for mainstream cards, and one of the best PC cases for RTX 3070, 3080 & 3090 graphics cards)
  • I/O front panel that includes a USB3.1 Type-C

We think the PC-011 is the best ATX case for gaming available, with its excellent space for GPU installation/breathing room, more than enough storage capacity (hidden in the second chamber for a clean setup), and a beautiful aesthetic to show off your fancy hardware.

But the cherry on top for its gaming capability (or even someone more focussed on production), is the cooling. With up to:

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

This is a fantastic allotment for the dimensions of the case. Bear in mind that’s on top of the dual-chamber design that already gives you a great internal layout for ventilation.

We’ve included a choice below that we consider the best case for airflow, but the PC-011 really does have everything most builders will need in this respect. The fact that Lian Li has also managed to create such a beautiful and durable offering alongside its internal feature/cooling capability at a mid-range price is simply fantastic.

The last PC case you’ll need for a long time, we consider the PC-011 to be the best computer tower on the market today to satisfy most builder’s needs and simply can’t recommend it enough.

2026 update: The PC-011 Dynamic remains our best PC case choice for 6 years running! There just doesn’t seem to be anything that feels like the full package (providing you’re into the aesthetic) quite like it. One noteworthy addition to the market is the O11D Mini -X; a mini-tower version of the Dynamic that still can host ATX builds. We still rate the original as the best all-around choice, but it’s a nice option if you’d like something a little smaller.

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Fractal Design Define R5

Source: Fractal Design

Best PC Case for Quiet Builds: Fractal Design Define R5

Now, as much as we love the PC-011, there is one competitor that makes the top computer case spot a very close race.

Fractal Design has been at the peak of the case manufacturing game for years, and their flagship Define R series has been refined over many iterations to the R5 which, without a doubt, is the best quiet PC case in the mid-range price point.

If you are more inclined towards a minimalist PC case, the R5 shines in aesthetic. With a beautiful, sophisticated steel build surrounding most of its exterior (the front is plastic to retain lightness when opening the front panel, but has a beautiful metal finish).

Fractal are the masters of the quiet computer case. The R5 is the epitome of that; with its windowless design and powerful sound-dampening materials throughout. Even with a powerful gaming/production rig running inside, you can expect to have something very close to silence.

The best part about all of the low-decibel capability? The R5 is still an excellent PC case for cooling. Many towers dedicated to quietness compromise by running hotter, but this Fractal offering still records excellent low temps in benchmarks, with capacity for:

  • Up to 9 x 140mm fans with 2 top-quality Fractal Design Dynamic GP-14 fans (designed for silent builds) included
  • Or up to 420mm top, 360mm side, 240mm bottom & 140mm rear radiators

This is a fantastic allotment, with both water cooling and fan cooling builders having great options here with the R5 being one of the best PC cases for overclocking if you also don’t want your setup to sound like a jet engine.

While you don’t need the hyper-clean internals that a window PC case demands, the R5 still has some decent cable routing facilities to keep your internal ventilation going well.

This Fractal chassis is a mid-tower case, with room inside for:

  • 7 expansion slots
  • VGA card lengths up to 310mm (enough space for most GPUs, 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
  • Decent, easy to use dust filters
  • Minimalist I/O top panel including USB 3.0, 2.0 & a fan controller (perfect to control noise depending on your task).

The R5 is one of the top computer cases for gaming; but as you can see from the incredible storage space, this would also be an excellent production chassis if your work demands a large quantity of hard drives (think video editors, rendering, etc.).

All-in-all, what makes the Define R5 so impressive is how it pretty much ticks all of the boxes.

It’s well-built, beautifully minimalist, runs cool, has one of the best sound-dampening setups, and has great internal room for whatever your build demands.

And all of that comes at a mid-range price?

If you like the idea of a quieter PC case, or simply prefer the aesthetic over the PC-011, know this is easily one of the best mid-tower cases that has ever been produced.

2026 update: The R5 still comfortably ranks as our best choice for quiet builds, but we’ve observed some stock issues occasionally over the last year. If it’s out of stock, we highly recommend the Define R6 as a very similar alternative (the main difference is it is slightly larger and thus more suitable for E-ATX builds).

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Source: Corsair

Best PC Case for Airflow: CORSAIR 7000D AIRFLOW

Next up is one of our favorite offerings from arguably the biggest PC case brand today.

Corsair’s 7000D Airflow Edition is, as the name suggests, a case designed to offer the best ventilation and cooling for mid-range builders. 

While the PC-011 and Define R5 has excellent cooling capabilities in their own right for gaming/production use, the 7000D is even more impressive if decent airflow is your single most important objective.

This case is one of the latest iterations in a long line of D Airflow cases that have been improved over the years. With a build quality consisting of aluminum, high-quality steel, and tempered glass; the 750D is very durable and has a balanced aesthetic between the high visibility vs minimalist designs of our top two picks (with still enough window space for you to show off your beautiful internal hardware).

One of the best full tower PC cases on the market, you have room for:

  • E-ATX motherboard compatibility
  • 11 x expansion slots (3 vertical)
  • GPU length clearance up to 450mm
  • 4 x 2.5″ & 6 x 3.5″ bays

As you can probably tell, there is some serious room in this case for a powerful build; be it for gaming, streaming, or other high-end usages.

I am a little disappointed there is no 5.25″ optical bay available, the previous 750D case that this replaces had one. But I think that’s the old man in me not realizing nobody needs a DVD drive anymore!

You’ll have no issues fitting mainstream graphics cards inside. Tied with its great airflow, this is one of the best PC cases for RTX 4080, 4090, or 4070 overclocking.

Speaking of airflow, this is what this 7000D edition was designed to excel in, with:

  • Up to 7 x 140mm & 4 x 120mm fans (other configs possible, but I believe this is the best balance) with 3 high-quality Corsair 140mm fans included
  • Up to 3 x 260mm or 2 x 420mm radiator compatibility

Not only are these cooling specs great, but you’re combining it with a case design that is internally and externally very well equipped for ventilation & cable management. You can achieve some really excellent temps in the 7000D.

Although it’s worth the price, if you’re looking for an airflow focus but on a lower budget, Corsair also has a very compelling offering in the 4000D which offerings fantastic value at the 100$ pricemark.

While we give the overall top PC case edge to the Lian Li and Fractal offerings, you can probably see why we still hold the 750D in high regard.

If your focus is on ensuring ventilation for a beastly setup, or if you prefer the balanced aesthetic of this Corsair offering, then know it’s one of the best full tower cases on the market today.

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Source: Phanetks

Best Budget PC Case: Phanteks Eclipse P300A Mesh

We appreciate some readers will be looking for the best cheap PC case options for a budget build. Phanteks, another classic manufacturer, has a fantastic offering in the P300A Mesh.

While we do explore an even cheaper computer case further below (the N200), this Phanteks case represents the best compromise between running at a much cheaper price range, while still retaining what we believe any good budget gaming, streaming or general use build will want.

The build quality, while not up to quite the same level as our top 3 picks, is still very impressive for the price. With a full steel exterior and tempered glass side panel, it’s a surprisingly beautiful case when you compare it to other budget options. The full-length mesh front panel excellent way to provide additional ventilation without loading up on fan purchases (there is a non-mesh edition if you prefer the design, but we would go with mesh if you’re looking to cool as cheap as possible).

This is a budget ATX case, still boasting good room inside for:

  • 7 x expansion slots
  • 355mm GPU clearance (enough for nearly all mainstream cards)
  • 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ drive bays 

With all the GPU and storage room we think anyone would need on a low wallet, this is easily one of the best budget PC cases for gaming.

Cooling-wise, you have room for:

  • Up to 3 x 140mm + 1 x 120mm fans with 1 120mm fan included
  • Or up to 1 x 280mm + 1 x 120mm radiator (could be combined with a 140mm fan)

While this capability isn’t as high as the more expensive options on the list, there is enough here to comfortably cool a budget gaming/streaming PC.

We like how even at this price range, with the case already being relatively high quality, you’re still getting an included fan. You’ll want an extra 1-2 fans for most builds, but with the mesh ventilation design, this is a great little runner.

If you’re looking for the best cheap PC case for gaming, or another classic budget build, this is the best you’ll find on the market today.

2026 update: We still rank the P300A Mesh as the best all-around budget case but it has occasionally been out of stock in recent months. If you need something cheaper than the other top picks, check out our cheapest case feature.

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Thermaltake Tower 900

Source: Thermaltake

Best PC Case for Watercooling & Large Builds: Thermaltake Tower 900

Now, if you’re looking for something more high-end, perhaps for an extra-large PC or to liquid cool your premium gaming/production setup, the Tower 900 is one of the best options available to you.

Thermaltake is another fantastic brand in the chassis business. Amongst their many great offerings, the Tower 900 really stands out in so many ways.

Starting with its aesthetic/build quality: the 900 is dubbed the “fish tank pc case”, with a wonderfully thick SGCC steel exterior and 3 durable full-size tempered glass windows. This is one of the sturdiest clear PC cases available today. It’s built to last and has a commanding presence due to its huge size. 

This is another chassis that isn’t done justice by stock photos. Not only does it have great visibility, but its also one of the best modular PC cases on the market, giving you incredible customization capability in how you setup your parts/cooling, you can get an amazing look. On top of that, the Tower 900 is a dual-chamber case, with room in the second hidden compartment for your cables, power supply, and drives (to hide away for aesthetic and ventilation purposes).

One of the top full tower cases available today, there’s room for:

  • E-ATX Motherboard support
  • 8 expansion slots
  • GPUs up to 400mm (with vertical mounting install options)
  • 1 x 5.25″, 6 x 2.5″/3.5″ & 2 x 2.5″ drive bays

With these specs, you have an incredible PC case for multi-GPU setups, serious overclocking, and other demanding build types (we like that there is an option for an optical drive too even though we appreciate most users no longer require this).

To take such an intense build further, you have some seriously capable cooling capability, with room for up to:

  • 13 x 120mm fans
  • Or 1 x 480mm & 1 x 560mm radiators (or other smaller variations of these sizes)

This case is big, but there aren’t many other cases at its dimensions that provide this level of cooling. We rank this as the best PC case for liquid cooling not just for the number of radiators, but the incredible modularity in the chassis that will really allow you to get the exact setup you want (not just practically, but aesthetically).

The Tower 900 is a beast in build quality, cooling, and internal space. If you’re someone looking after a unique aesthetic, or you’re serious about building something truly monstrous, we think you’ll love this chassis.

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Cooler Master N200

Source: Cooler Master

Cheapest PC Case for Gaming: Cooler Master N200

Now, while we would recommend you at least try and go with our top budget option (the Phanteks P300A) if possible, we appreciate some readers will be looking for the best computer tower we can comfortably recommend at very low price ranges.

We did a full feature on this recently, and the clear stand-out is the Cooler Master N200.

This cheap Micro ATX case is a little smaller than our other picks, in the mini tower form factor. But for a super budget build, mATX PC cases are exactly what you should be looking at.

So why does the N200 stand out? Well at its incredibly low price tag, you’re still getting:

  • A case from a reputable manufacturer (many super-cheap computer cases are from lesser-known brands).
  • A build quality superior to its other competitors at the same price point
  • 2 120mm fans – this inclusion is simply fantastic for the price and, combined with the mesh ventilation around the case, will be enough to get a budget setup going
  • Great GPU space for a budget gaming mATX case: up to 355mm (more than enough for nearly all cards)
  • 1 x 5.25″, 3 x 2.5″ & 4 x 3.5″ drive bays (we can’t imagine any budget builder needing even half of these bays)

The N200’s specs really are very impressive for the price. The fact that you’re getting 2 120mm fans is especially excellent as they could’ve easily included 0, and we’d still be highly recommending it for budget builds!

If you’re looking at gaming, we would recommend adding an extra fan or 2 eventually (with the N200 supporting up to 4 x 120mm) but this won’t be essential to get the build started if you’re on an extra tight budget.

If you’re looking for a non-gaming PC case for a general use build, then the fans included will be all the cooling you need.

If your budget can’t stretch any further than the N200, know that you’re still in luck, Cooler Master has really knocked it out of the park for those after the cheapest computer case possible.

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S100 Snow

Source: Thermaltake

Best Micro ATX Case: Thermaltake S100

Much of our list has been focused on the top ATX computer cases. For those interested in the best Micro ATX PC cases for gaming, streaming, or other use, we consider the S100 to be the best option.

Coming in at a very impressive price, the design of the S100 is beautiful. With a slick SPCC steel exterior and full-length tempered glass window, you’re getting an aesthetic and build quality rivaled by little else at the price point. We like that the window is an easy-access magnetic swivel design too. Too many PC case windows are still screw-based. The S100’s approach is way nicer and makes the building process more pleasant.

As you’d expect even from the best mATX cases, there’s a reduction in internal feature space; but still more than enough for most builders, with:

  • 4 x expansion slots
  • VGA lengths up to 330mm (enough for nearly all mainstream cards)
  • 2 x 2.5″ / 3.5″ and 2 x 2.5″ drive bays
  • Can host up to 6 x 120mm fans (with 1 pre-installed)

All the specs are decent for a chassis with this dimension range; with more than enough storage/GPU space for gaming or most other setup types.

We like that on top of having a pre-installed 120mm fan, the case can host up to 5 more. This is great for the form factor and gives you everything you need to cool even a powerful GPU.

Simply put, the S100 is an excellent all-rounder. It could be 20% more expensive and we’d still highly recommend it. Because of its very competitive price, we consider it to be the best mini-tower case for the average mATX build.

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Thermaltake Core V1

Source: Thermaltake

Best Mini ITX Case: Thermaltake Core V1

We’ve recommended the Core V1 many times in our various PC case features, and it’s no surprise that it comes out as the best smaller form factor PC case available.

The V1 is one of the most popular PC cases for Mini ITX builds ever (and for good reasons). Not only does this tiny chassis come at a very competitive price, but it also manages to balance its small size with some great cooling (for its form factor), build quality, and internal feature set.

For design, Thermaltake has created a fantastic cube PC case with a full SPCC steel & tempered glass exterior. This is a durable little unit and would comfortably act as a portable computer case as many ITX builders demand. Our favorite design choice is the focus on mesh for the front panel and other areas around the chassis.

It can be really difficult to reach acceptable temps in this form factor, but the Core V1 is very capable of that with its design, alongside an included 200m fan and room for 2 further 80mm fans. The 200mm fan is meant to act as the main cooling, and the fact that this is included at an already low price-point makes the V1 feel like a steal. 

In terms of other specs, we consider this one of the best mini ITX cases for gaming, with room for:

  • 2 x expansion slots (standard for form factor)
  • 2 x 2.5″ & 2 x 3.5″ hidden drive bays
  • Graphics cards lengths up to 285mm 

The GPU clearance is, of course, lower than larger cases. 285mm will still suit most cards (perhaps not RTX 3090s), but of course, check all the dimensions before you complete your build (that goes for power supplies & CPU coolers too).

The storage capability is perhaps the most impressive part of this case. We’ve seen larger ITX cases with only 1 x 2.5″ drive bays. The fact that you have great room for your HDDs & SSDs is one thing, but the way the case also manages to hide them in covered areas really adds to the sharp aesthetic.

We love the Core V1. Whether you’re looking at a Mini ITX case for gaming, streaming, or general use, this chassis provides so much utility for its price.

We’re comfortable in considering it the best mITX PC case for most builders and, providing you know the limitations of the form factor, think you’ll love it.

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Alternative Quick-Fire Picks (Best of the Rest)

The above cases are our absolute top picks for a majority of situations. That said, we’ve reviewed a lot of cases, and some stand out as being excellent alternatives, or perfect for people after a less common aesthetic/build requirement – the below cases are still very much worth considering.

Corsair Obsidian 1000D

Best Dual System PC Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D

Ranking at the top of our premium PC case feature, this is the best full tower case for those with no budgetary constraints who want to either achieve immense cooling or a dual system setup (perfect for production and streaming).

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Thermaltake Core P8

Alternative High-End PC Case: Thermaltake Core P8

The Core P8 is an incredible offering for those after high visibility and high cooling. It’s the perfect place for a beautiful RGB build if you purchase fans separately. You can create both a powerful and beautiful machine with it. See our full write-up here.

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Antec Torque

Most Unique PC Case: Antec Torque

For those after something truly head-turning, the Torque is an incredible option and has a motherboard tray that is deceptively simple to work with despite the intimidating look. We talked more about it in our best-looking cases feature.

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Phanteks Eclipse P400

Best Mid-Range Budget Alternative: Phanteks P400

The P400 is the perfect pick for someone who doesn’t quite have the budget for the P-011/Define R5, but can stretch a little further than our best cheap PC case picks. Read more here.

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Best High-End Micro ATX Case: Corsair Crystal 280X

We’ve recommended the 280X in a lot of features through What in Tech. If you’re after the best mATX case for gaming at a premium price-point, this case is perfect for you. Read our full take here.

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Best Mini ITX Premium Case: SilverStone LD03B

A fantastic PC case from a classic manufacturer, the LD03B is perfect for ITX builders who want something a little higher-end than our top Core V1 pick.

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InWin A1 Plus 2

Best Mini ITX Case Alternative: InWin A1 Plus

Last but not least, from another great PC case brand, is a case we’ve featured several times before. With a beautifully unique aesthetic and included PSU, this is a fantastic option if the design speaks to you.

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Best NZXT PC Case?

We know some gamers may be wondering what the best NZXT options are. The only reason we haven’t included a pick from them in this list is the above choices tend to beat out in most of the major categories slightly.

But make no mistake, NZXT are still a fantastic PC case manufacturer and one of the best for budget/mid-range stylish options, our favorite options are detailed here.

Best RGB PC Case?

To be clear, many of the windowed cases on this list would make great high-visibility options to show off ARGB fans and other illuminated parts (especially our top Lian Li pick, you can see an example of how good a build can look with the PC-O11 in this feature’s cover photo).

That said, if you want to purchase a PC case with RGB fans readily included (or in-built ARGB elements) we have another full feature on just that.

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 Quiet PC Cases for a Silent PC Build in 2026

Silent PC Case

The 10 Best Quiet PC Cases for a Silent PC Build

Guiding you through the quietest PC cases for all shapes, sizes, and budgets

Silent PC Case

This feature has been updated after reviewing new and upcoming cases for 2026. Most of our top picks remain the same, but we’ve included a couple of decent alternatives throughout.

Hear that?

It’s the wonderful sound of a silent PC case!

Years ago, having a loud computer was almost a boast point; “check out my huge, high-RPM fans through my thin case window!” one would shout over the sound of their jet-engine PC.

Thankfully, today, there has been an emergence of really great cases that focus on various noise-dampening methods. Padding/insulation, modular components to reduce fans/vibrating parts, and other features combine into a desktop that is capable of outputting extremely low decibels when you are idling or even testing the computer to its limits.

Whether it’s for home theatre (HTPC), gaming, streaming, video editing, or music/studio production, here are the best quiet PC cases available after our extensive cases reviews (including deep-dives in decibel/cooling benchmarking).

1

Fractal Design Define 7

Overall Best Silent PC Case

Fractal Design Define 7

Our Rating: 10/10

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Read Review

2

Be Quiet! Silent Base 802

Runner-Up Silent PC Case

Be Quiet! Silent Base 802

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Read Review

3

Corsair 100R Silent Edition

Best Budget Quiet Case

Corsair 100R Silent Edition

Our Rating: 9/10

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Read Review

4

Fractal Design Define Mini C

Best Silent MicroATX Case

Fractal Design Define Mini C

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Read Review

5

Fractal Design Define Nano S

Best Silent Mini-ITX Case

Fractal Design Define Nano S

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Read Review

6

Be Quiet! Pro 900 Full Tower

High-End Silent Case

Be Quiet! Pro 900 Full Tower

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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Read Review

7

Corsair Carbide Series 678C Low-Noise Case

Alternative ATX Pick

Corsair Carbide Series 678C Low-Noise Case

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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Read Review

8

Cooler Master Silencio S400

Alternative Micro ATX Pick

Cooler Master Silencio S400

Our Rating: 9/10

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Read Review

9

Deep Silence 6

Silent Super Tower Case

Deep Silence 6

Our Rating: 8/10

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Read Review

10

Thermaltake Suppressor F31

Alternative Budget ATX Pick

Thermaltake Suppressor F31

Our Rating: 8/10

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Read Review

Fractal Design Define 7

Fractal Design Define 7

Overall Best Silent PC Case

SPECIFICATIONS*

Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 185mm | GPU Length Clearance: 315mm | Dimensions: 547 x 240 x 475 mm | Weight: 13.5kg | Radiator Support: 360mm | Fan Mounts: 9

REASONS TO BUY

+ Fantastic sound isolation

+ High-quality/sturdy

+ Great internal layout for cooling & parts

+ Beautiful look

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 −  Expensive
 
 −  More spacious than some will need (similar smaller versions available)
 

Our Rating: 10/10

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What a fantastic chassis this is.

The latest version in a long line of excellent mid-towers from the best silence-focused brand, the Define 7 is unmatched in its ability to balance low-decibels and cooling.

The assumption with a silent case is that you are having to sacrifice a great deal in the way of airflow and heat management for the quietest performance.

But the Define 7 has an excellent track record of ranking very well in component heat tests (often out-scoring many other cases that are much louder!).

The sound dampening panels covering most of the chassis offer excellent low-decibel levels during idling and high loads (often benchmarking as one of the quietest PC cases in tests against the notable competitors).

The chassis comes with 3 pre-installed Fractal fans designed for low noise output.

If your heart is set on water-cooling, the Define 7 has a fantastic setup and radiator space to cater to you. We’ve seen builds in all sorts of shapes and sizes accomplished in the D7.

Fractal Design Define 7

Source: Hubwest

The Define 7 has all the usual features you’d expect in a high-quality PC case; lots of space for HDDs/SSDs, large enough to fit nearly all GPUs (but be sure to check based on your size requirements, we have larger cases reviewed below) and a decent front I/O panel that includes a USB 3.1 Type-C, 2 x USB2.0, 2 x USB3.0 & headphone/mic ports.

The case boasts great customization, with plenty of modular parts like its 6 universal drive trays that you can remove or reposition depending on the need of your components, airflow, and cabling. This is one of the many reasons we rate the case so highly in the pursuit of maximizing quietness as unused trays/cages can often result in slightly more vibration.

If you are willing to sacrifice a few decibels for more airflow you can install up to 9 140mm fans (though most builds will be completely fine using just the 3 included).

The non-window version also boasts a gorgeous minimalist aesthetic and allows for maximum noise-reduction. If you want to show off your parts and go for the windowed version, its still going to be notably more quiet than other windowed cases as it boasts a thick tempered glass panel (and all of the other features that make the Define 7 quiet).

It’s true that the case is on the expensive side, but if you’re serious about making a quiet build, this is the best silent PC case on the market overall and we think it’s worth the investment; especially when you consider the high-quality fans included and very long lifespan you can expect with the excellent build quality.

Like the case but seeing it out of stock or looking for something a tad cheaper? The R5 version is an excellent alternative (the R6 is also great, but a very similar iteration of the R5 while often costing significantly more on price checks). We also feature smaller Fractal cases in this list that run cheaper if you can build your PC compactly.

2026 update: The Define 7 remains our top pick for 5 years running! We recommend the Define R5 just as much for users who don’t need the enormous space the Define 7 boasts (featured in our best overall case article).

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Be Quiet! Silent Base 802

Be Quiet! Silent Base 802

Runner-Up Best Silent PC Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 185mm | GPU Length Clearance: 432mm | Dimensions: 539 x 281 x 553mm | Weight: 13.2kg | Radiator Support: 420mm | Fan Mounts: 7

REASONS TO BUY

+ Great sound dampening

+ Solid build quality

+ Plenty of modularity/customization

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − Some complaints of difficulty with fitting large parts & cable management
 

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Very close behind the Define 7 is one of the latest Be Quiet! models, the only brand to rival Fractal in noise cancellation.

The German-made Silent Base 802 performs excellently in both heat and noise tests, with 3 140mm Pure Wings 2 Be Quiet! fans pre-installed. It boasts an impressive array of modular customization with its HDD/SSD trays and removable insulation mats should you desire a boost in cooling over quietness. The 802 essentially has everything you need to get a quiet build up and running off the bat.

Some users have reported problems with previous versions of the case fitting their larger components (such as E-ATX builds) however the dimensions of the 802 seem apt for a majority of mid-range builds (just make sure to check the dimensions with your specific parts before purchasing).

One great feature of the 802 is the fan controller switch on the top of the case (giving easy access to different speeds and an “auto” setting). This is great for those users who want to have more control over their fans (e.g. maximize speeds while gaming, but minimize while recording/watching content). There is plenty of good software for fan control though, so if you’re interested in another case on this list, not having the physical button isn’t a big deal, it’s more of a “nice-to-have”.

Be Quiet Silent Base 802

Source: Gioriv

The 802 is an improved iteration of the previous 801 version that was received excellently.

The main differences between the Silent Base 802 and 801 are better ports on the I/O panel (now includes USB type-C) and a nice touch for the front panel. We like that both a mesh and solid panel cover are included. This means you can choose whether to have a slightly better airflow or slightly lower noise depending on your needs.

With that said, if you happen to be interested in the 802 but it’s out of stock or expensive, the 801 is a great alternative if the above differences don’t bother you too much.

When ranking the 802 versus the Define 7 and R5, the Fractal Design choices perform slightly better in most decibel benchmarks and temperature ratings for CPU, GPU, and storage (both idle and high-load) which is why we give the edge to Fractal.

That being said, it’s still a close race. If you prefer the design or something else the 802 offers over the Define 7 or R5, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed in choosing this case.

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Corsair 100R Silent Edition

Corsair 100R Silent Edition

Best Budget Quiet PC Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 150mm | GPU Length Clearance: 414mm | Dimensions: 471 x 200 x 430mm | Weight: 4.8kg | Radiator Support: 120mm | Fan Mounts: 5

REASONS TO BUY

+ Fantastic value

+ Plenty of space for a budget build

+ Still performs decently for quiet & cooling

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − Cheaper quality material
 
 − Airflow, layout & sound dampening notably inferior to our top picks
 

Our Rating: 9/10

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For a sub-$100 case, the 100R is a very impressive mid-tower value option.

One 120mm fan is included and a maximum of 5 can be installed (we would recommend at least buying a second fan to give yourself manageable airflow, more if you plan on overclocking or running a bulky gaming/editing rig).

The 100R comes with the usual power/audio buttons and USB ports (just 2) on the front with all the HDD/SSD/Universal Drive support you are likely to need on a budget build.

Corsair 100R Silent Edition

Source: Mybooo

With a lower price comes fewer features. There is little in the way of modularity for the various drive bays compared to our top Fractal/Be Quiet! picks (meaning more risk of vibration and a less “clean” internal setup). Some of the general build quality is less impressive than the more expensive cases on this list (e.g. plastic thumb screws and cheaper quality noise-dampening panels)

That being said, for the price point, the case still manages to output low noise levels over many other popular budget PC cases. If you’re a new builder, some of the modular options available in pricier options may be more than you need. The 100R will be quick and easy to get up and running even if it isn’t the quietest.

A common question is what case wins in a battle between the Corsair 100R vs 200R. Bear in mind that while the 200R comes with some marginally improved features/cooling, it’s not a case focused on noise-canceling (there’s a reason the 100R is called the “silent edition”!). The 200R is a good case, but if noise-cancellation is your goal, we would stick to the 100R.

You’re not going to get the same silence and quality as the Define 7 or Silent Base 802, but if you are on a budget, this is a great option for a cheaper quiet build.

2026 update: The 100R is still a great option, but we’ve seen it encounter some stock issues this year(or get sold grossly over RRP by third-party vendors). If the 100R isn’t available at a low price, we recommend the Corsair 110Q iteration, (just check this option meets your storage requirements, this is where the cases differ most). The Thermaltake Versa H17 is another decent option for very low budgets.

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Fractal Design Define Mini C

Fractal Design Define Mini C

Best Silent Micro ATX Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: SFF | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 170mm | GPU Length Clearance: 315mm | Dimensions: 210 x 399 x 399 mm | Weight: 6.9kg | Radiator Support: 280mm | Fan Mounts: 7

REASONS TO BUY

+ Best M-ATX sound-dampening

+ High-quality build material

+ Lots of internal space despite its small size

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − Slightly expensive for an M-ATX case
 

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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Trying to create the quietest mATX desktop you can? Then the Mini C is quite the case for the job.

Pre-installed with 2 Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 120 mm fans with all the usual top buttons and ports (only 2 USB3.0, but this is standard on an mATX unit).

Just like its larger Define 7 counterpart, the case comes with great customization capability. With removable drive bays & filters depending on your component/airflow needs (with up to 5 bays and 5 PCI expansion slots available).

Fractal Design Define Mini C

Source: mjmill4

If you’re concerned about having enough cooling options in a smaller case, this pick comes with space for up to 7 fans, excellent for an mATX chassis.

The Mini C performs very well in noise level tests against the mini-tower competition while maintaining good airflow, solid cable management options, and even enough space for a dual GPU setup should you need it.

It’s very impressive how much freedom Fractal has managed to put into an mATX case. Not only are your customization options great, but they’re balanced against a really impressive noise-dampening layout.

If you’re looking for a Micro ATX case with a focus on silence, you will be hard-pressed to find better than this.

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Fractal Design Define Nano S

Fractal Design Define Nano S

Best Silent Mini ITX Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: SFF | Motherboard Support: mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 162mm | GPU Length Clearance: 315mm | Dimensions: 203 x 330 x 400 mm | Weight: 5kg | Radiator Support: 240mm | Fan Mounts: 6

REASONS TO BUY

+ Great sound-dampening

+ Same great quality as larger Fractal cases

+ Fantastic space/cooling options for mITX

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − Slightly larger/heavier than some other ITX offerings
 

Our Rating: 9.5/10

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I know what you’re thinking, “another Fractal case?”. Hear me out!

It just so happens Fractal has managed to create wonderful offerings in all 3 of the most popular case size categories.  There’s no point in switching the products across our top picks if one name has done it best!

When it comes to Mini ITX specifically, there is really no other chassis  that comes close right now. The Nano S defies what little space it has to offer impressively quiet readings (with high-quality noise-dampening filters and 2 quiet fans pre-installed). It also still manages to offer decent temperatures and a layout for good cable management/airflow.

Fractal Design Define Nano S

Source: MrNathanielP

As always with Mini-ITX builds, be extra careful about the parts you’re installing and their size requirements. That being said, the Nano S has managed an impressive inner dimension against its competitors (the case somehow manages to fit some of the largest GPUs on the market!). It may be a little larger than a few other ITX options, but this isn’t surprising as it allows more airflow to run fans at lower RPMs, notably reducing noise output.

The Nano S comes with the usual ports and buttons on the front panel (including 2xUSB3.0), up to 4 drives including 2 dedicated SSD areas, 2 expansion slots, and up to 6 fans (for such a small machine, this is great!).

In such a tiny case dedicated to silence, it’s incredible what balance is managed here, this is a no-brainer for any mITX builder.

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Be Quiet! Pro 900 Full Tower

Be Quiet! Pro 900 Full Tower

Best High-End Silent Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Full Tower| Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 185mm | GPU Length Clearance: 323mm | Dimensions: 577 x 243 x 586mm | Weight: 16.5kg | Radiator Support: 420mm | Fan Mounts: 10

REASONS TO BUY

+ Incredible noise isolation

+ Tons of customization options

+ Huge case for high-end cooling/space

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − Very expensive
 
 − Some build process annoyances
 

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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If budget isn’t a word you care about, the Be Quiet! Pro 900 is a great option.

In terms of noise reduction, there are diminishing returns after the price points that the Fractal Define 7 or Be Quiet! 802 sit at. You’re not getting too much of an improvement on the search for silence by spending more on this case.

That being said, this full tower offering has very impressive space, modular capabilities, and control. With 5 relocatable/removable HDD slots (and support for up to 10 SSDs) and many other customization options within the case to get the airflow/presentation you want, the large dimensions make this a great option for most E-ATX/XL-ATX motherboards.

Source: Xocet

Be Quiet! focussed on maximizing the water-cooling potential of the 900, with 4 areas for radiators of up to 420mm, or 7 additional fans if air cooling is your preferred route. Even if you’re building something truly monstrous, there is so much airflow & hardware space for you to play with.

Included are 3 Silent Wings 140mm PWM fans to get your build up and running with close to no noise. The case has the most feature-filled front panel on the list, with an advanced fan controller, the usual ports and a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C input. The Rev 2. version even includes a QI charger on the top of the case.

The main reason we don’t score this case higher is its price. We think that a large majority of users will have everything they need in the Define 7 or Be Quiet 802.

But if you’re building something very expensive with overclocking, multi-GPUs, and other large goals in mind, the Pro 900 is the quietest you can get with an extra-large PC today.

2026 update: The Pro 900 is still usually available, but we’ve seen it go out of stock/over RRP a couple of times recently. If that’s the case, the Fractal Define 7 XL is just as worthy for a large, high-end build. 

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Other Options

None of the cases so far take your fancy? The above picks are our top choices for a silent computer case, but we’ve included some further recommendations below that are still great options:

Corsair Carbide Series 678C Low-Noise Case

Corsair Carbide Series 678C Low-Noise Case

Alternative Quiet ATX Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Mid Tower| Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 170mm | GPU Length Clearance: 370mm | Dimensions: 549 x 239 x 497mm | Weight: 13.1kg | Radiator Support: 420mm | Fan Mounts: 9

REASONS TO BUY

+ Decent sound dampening

+ Well constructed

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − Less value than Fractal choices
 

Our Rating: 8.5/10

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Another option in the price range similar to the Define 7/Silent Base 802, Corsair has built a case that performs great across noise and cooling benchmarking.

The chassis is surrounded by a rich amount of sound-dampening material, with the option to remove it out for dust filters should your cooling be more of a priority to you.

3 high-quality silent fans are included with a maximum space of 9 (at 120mm), not to mention water-cooling capabilities with space for multiple radiators. The 678C hasn’t compromised on performance options for silence.

Corsair Carbide Series 678C Low-Noise Case

Source: idarwin

It comes with modular capabilities not too dissimilar from the D7/801, with plenty of space for your HDDs, SSDs, and drives (and the option to remove the casing you don’t use).

You may also be drawn to this case by its sleek design; the white color option boasts a great look for someone wanting something a little different.

The front panel has the usual ports/buttons and also includes a USB3.1/Type C input. It only has 2 USB ports, however (3.0).

The Define 7 and 802 perform marginally better in noise tests and offer a slightly better value point. So as good as this case is, we can’t help but ask why anyone would choose it over those 2. But if you are drawn to this case or see it on offer, we say go for it. It’s still a great option as far as quiet windowed PC cases go.

Cooler Master Silencio S400

Cooler Master Silencio S400

Alternative Quiet Micro ATX Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: SFF| Motherboard Support: Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 166mm | GPU Length Clearance: 319mm | Dimensions: 418 X 210 X 408mm | Weight: 7kg | Radiator Support: 280mm | Fan Mounts: 5

REASONS TO BUY

+ Great value

+ Sturdy build & slick aesthetic

+ Decent modularity/space for mATX

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − Sound dampening inferior to Mini C
 

Our Rating: 9/10

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The S400 vs Mini C was a close race for the best silent mini-tower and this pick certainly deserves your consideration.

From another classic manufacturer, this chassis performs great across decibel tests with good noise-dampening material surrounding it (a mix of vinyl, foam, and steel) while still offering great ventilation options.

Two Silencio FP 120mm PWM come pre-installed, offering you a great starting point for cooling. The S400 comes with space for up to 6 fans or 3 radiators for a water-cooling build (impressive for such a small case!).

Cooler Master Silencio S400

Source: Litebeard

Comes with space for 1 ODD, 4 HDDs, and 2 SSDs (and the ability to remove unwanted bays). The usual ports are seen on the front panel (2xUSB3.0) with an SD card reader also.

A small feature some of you might appreciate is the reversible door hinge setup, if you want the front panel of your PC to open the other way to the standard right side, this might be a positive USP for you.

The reason we choose the Mini C is because it performs slightly better in noise tests. We also slightly prefer the build & aesthetic of the Fractal case (though this is highly subjective).

With great modular options, cooling, noise levels, and large inner dimensions considering its small size, the S400 is a great option for you if you are drawn to it over the Mini C.

Deep Silence 6

Deep Silence 6

Best Silent Super Tower

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Super Tower| Motherboard Support: HPTX, E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 200mm | GPU Length Clearance: 405mm | Dimensions: 644 x 250 x 655mm | Weight: 20.8kg | Radiator Support: 360mm | Fan Mounts: 9

REASONS TO BUY

+ Incredible space for cooling & high-end builds

+ Fantastic sound isolation for a case of its size

+ One of the most modular PC cases around

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − More than most users need in space and cost
 

Our Rating: 8/10

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2026 update: The Deep Silence 6 is unfortunately often out-of-stock and doesn’t seem to re-supply regularly. If you like the sound of it (or lack thereof!), you’ve got 2 great alternatives; the Be Quiet Pro 900 pick above or the Fractal Define 7 XL.

Trying to fit a skyscraper into your case? We haven’t forgotten you!

While the Be Quiet! 900 PRO is our preferred full-tower choice if your desired build fits that case’s dimensions, the DS6 is the largest case on the market with a focus on silence.

Deep Silence 6 is designed to have all of the impressive features the cases above have. Including very quiet noise levels with its sophisticated sound-dampening materials, fan controllers, and modular options (with up to 18 HDD/SSD slots!).

With 5 high-quality silent fans pre-installed and the option of up to 7 more, the case is in great shape for cooling. One of the downsides in this tower is due to some of the limitations of the top panel, you are likely going to have some slight sound leakage if you install radiators on the top side.

For that reason, if you’re looking at water cooling we would suggest the 900 PRO if possible, or keep your radiators off the top panel.

This thing is truly a beast and the only case on the list capable of HPTX motherboards. If you have a very demanding component size and cooling requirements but still don’t want to compromise on a silent build, the DS6 is your best option.

Like the sound of the Deep Silence cases but not this one? Check out the Deep Silence 3 or Deep Silence 5 for other options. While we wouldn’t recommend them over the above cases, they are certainly not bad choices.

Thermaltake Suppressor F31

Thermaltake Suppressor F31

Alternative Budget Quiet Mid Tower Case

SPECIFICATIONS

Form Factor: Mid Tower| Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 180mm | GPU Length Clearance: 278mm | Dimensions: 497 x 250 x 515 mm | Weight: 10.6kg | Radiator Support: 360mm | Fan Mounts: 8

REASONS TO BUY

+Good mid-range value choice

+ Decent space/cooling for the average build

 

REASONS TO AVOID
 − Other cases beat it out for silence
 

Our Rating: 8/10

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To round up our list we have included another cheap option from a great PC case brand.

While not out-performing most of the above competition in regards to silence or cooling, it certainly holds its own at its price point and is impressively quiet for a case in the $100 range; high-quality sound dampening panels on the front, side, and back.

Thermaltake Suppressor F31

Source: TheNolanK

The case has great options for air and water cooling builders alike, with 2 pre-installed 140mm fans (up to 6 total) and decent space for radiators.

The F31 has great modular options too. You’ll be able to remove the unnecessary drives for your cabling/airflow preferences, and with the case boasting 8 expansion slots, you’ll have a good amount of room to fit an ambitious build.

This is certainly a time where “last but not least” applies. If your budget is around the $100 mark, this is a really solid case and strikes a great balance between price, silence, and cooling.

Why no quiet NZXT option?

We know a lot of readers really enjoy the design of NZXT or have a positive history with the brand. That said, we simply can’t recommend any of their cases when considering a silent build. The ones above are far superior and we would strongly suggest them. If your heart is really set on NZXT, the H510 has performed OK on some noise benchmarking tests, combined with quiet fans/water-cooling you could still achieve a relatively quiet build.

Further Advice on a Silent PC Build

The importance of cooling

As a lot of the above alludes to, the setup of your PC cooling and airflow is an integral part of what level of silence you’re going to build.

Below we talk about the hardware cooling requirements, remember: the physical layout of your PC is also key. Make sure when building your silent PC, you remove unneeded trays/disc shelves, neatly arrange your cables and position your parts to allow for airflow. Doing so means you have fewer cooling requirements and thus, less noise!

Is water cooling quieter than fan/air cooling? If you are running a very intensive build (I’m talking full-tower or a beefy mid-tower, expensive GPU/CPU with lots of other inner components) then water cooling will be your best choice (not just for silence, but for the advantages of superior cooling in general). The problem with fan builds is that noise tends to appear when you have a high quantity and they’re all blasting at maximum RPM.

For an average desktop, unless budget really isn’t a concern, we would say stick to fans. Frankly, the expense & complication of water cooling isn’t necessary unless you’re running a monstrous build (or really like the aesthetic). Just make sure you get fans that are designed for quiet performance as discussed below.

Want the absolute optimal setup for cooling and silence? Then get both! This may sound like an odd answer but it’s the truth. If you have both fans and a water cooling system in place, your fans can run at low RPM and the water cooling at low speeds. The real noise comes from when either system is working hard. So for silence, keep your cooling of choice running low.

Quietest PC Case Fans: We strongly recommend picking up some Noctuna NF-S12A FLX fans which rank excellently on noise tests and are the closest to silent PC fans you’ll find.

Quietest traditional CPU Cooler: This is an easy one: the Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 is the choice for a CPU cooler with a focus on silence. In noise benchmarking, this cooler is nearly always one of the top on the list for decibel minimums and still ranks excellently on keeping CPU temperatures low.

Quietest CPU Water Cooler: We recommend the Corsair Hydro Series115i. The included fans are specialized for very low noise even at high-stress levels and the included Corsair software has a zero RPM mode that can turn off (silence!) when the fans aren’t actively needed. On top of this, the Hydro is a fantastic cooler in its own right regardless of its impressively low noise levels.

Final quick-fire tips for a silent PC

Glass panel vs no panel cases: If you care about silence, having a PC case without a window is going to be the quieter option. However, with the high-quality cases above mostly using thick tempered glass, the difference isn’t severe if you want to show off your beautiful build!

Go for SSDs over HDDs: Hard drives are prone to vibrate and spin at high speeds, you’ll likely be familiar with this noise. If you can’t afford a full SSD build, then just make sure to put your OS and most used applications on your SSD space.

High-quality PSU: Getting a Power supply that can more than handle your needs is important to reduce noise (similarly to your cooling, if a PSU is under heavy load, it’s going to be noisy!). We recommend the Fractal Design Ion+ range (high wattage is better but even the low watt options will cover most builders’ needs) – excellent performance, noise ratings, and user options to set the PSU fan to zero RPM at low loads.

Keep it clean: Dust and any other build-up in your PC will cause the cooling to work harder for performance. Clean regularly with compressed air for silence and a healthy machine.

Finally, enjoy the sound of silence!

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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.

* 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.