The 10 Best Horizontal PC Cases in 2023
Reviewing the best picks for home theatres, horizontal cabinets and more
We updated this feature for 2023. After reviewing the new horizontal case options on the market, our top picks remain unchanged. We have, however, included some of the more compelling new options as an alternative for some of the options on our list that sometimes run into stock issues.
I know what you’re thinking:
“Where are all the horizontal cases amongst the thousands of vertical options?”.
Up-front options rule the market, and it’s difficult to find a good sideways case for all of you looking for something a little different for your next HTPC, VR, gaming, or server build.
But fear not, they do exist! And after some extensive reviews, we’re going to break down the top picks in this unique category.
A note on size
Before we jump in: many horizontal cases are on the smaller end of the scale. Whether you’re looking for a full tower or something for ITX, we’ve covered all the options below. Just remember to check that the dimensions of the parts you’re looking at will fit.
So, without further ado:
SilverStone Technology GD09B
Overall Best Horizontal PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS*
Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: SSI-CEB, ATX, Micro-ATX | CPU Clearance: 138mm | GPU Length Clearance: 309mm | Dimensions: 440 (W) x 170 (H) x 358mm (D) | Weight: 4.2kg | Radiator Support: 120mm | Fan Mounts: 5
REASONS TO BUY
+ Fantastic build quality
+ Decent layout for HTPCs & compact gaming builds
+ Good price
REASONS TO AVOID
Our Rating: 9.5/10
Offering both style and substance at a great price point, the GD09B really excels on multiple levels.
From a company that has specialized in building horizontal cases for over a decade, the GD09B has an impressive layout for hardware considering its small dimensions and horizontal orientation, with the ability to support up to an ATX motherboard.
7 expansion slots are available for the case. With support for 1 x 5.25″ external and 2 x 3.5″/ 1 x 2.5″ internal drives, there is decent room for your various storage needs.
Source: stevoisboss
With the compact nature of most horizontal cases, you may have to decide what is most important to you (e.g. drive bays in these cases often come at the cost of fan mounts or GPU space).
The case is surrounded by decent ventilation. This, combined with the reasonable size, allows for builds to run cool with good airflow. This is the ideal pick for a Home Theatre PC/HTPC build as you can keep fans at a lower speed due to the natural cooling capabilities of the chassis (smaller water cooling options are available too, but we think a fan build makes the most sense here).
We also really appreciate that despite the compactness, the GD09B still boasts room for a GPU up to 309mm. Many of the latest cards will fit into this space (but be sure to check dimensions of your desired pick).
We also highly rate the GD09B due to its sophisticated aesthetic and fantastic build quality. Along the front of the case are 2 USB3.0 ports, audio inputs, and a very sleek-looking drive bay.
This SilverStone offering manages to ticks so many boxes. Considering it’s far from the most expensive on the list, it’s the amount of value on offer that seals the deal as our top pick. If the design fits your idea of what you want from a horizontal motherboard case, we think you’ll love it.
2023 update: The GD09B continues to take our top spot for over 3 years running! The product listing we’ve linked to is sometimes low on stock. If this is the case for you, be sure to check the other versions (version 2/version-USA) on the same page and duplicate product listings on Amazon. These are very similar and are perfect alternatives.
Another option you may want to consider is the GD10B, which is very similar to the GD09 except it includes an additional 2 120mm fans (3 total) and a lockable aluminum front panel for a different aesthetic. It’s purely a choice of preference, the reason we rank the GD09B over it is we don’t think the extra fans and front panel will be worth the price increase for most of you. But if you like the look of it, it’s a great option!
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
Runner-Up Best Horizontal PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX | CPU Clearance: 180mm | GPU Length Clearance: 334mm | Dimensions: 442 x 330 x 423 mm | Weight: 8.2kg | Radiator Support: 240mm | Fan Mounts: 5
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great value
+ Generous CPU cooler/GPU clearance for its form factor
+ Decent build quality
REASONS TO AVOID
OUR RATING: 9.5/10
We didn’t quite want to give this Cooler Master pick the top spot partially due to its slightly more square/cube shape.
However, know that if this fits your idea of a horizontal case aesthetically, you’re going to be in for a treat, This chassis is a beast.
Somehow this unit manages to host capacity for up to 2 x 5.25″ drives, 4 x 3.5″ drives, and 4 x 2.5″ drives. If you don’t need all that in your build, then it’s simply more room for other parts to breathe/fit!
The case has room for plenty of airflow/cooling (up to 5 fans, with 2 XtraFlo fans pre-installed) and space for a modest set of water cooling radiators.
Source: taddtorborg
Included on the front panel are the usual I/O connectors (2 x USB3.0/audio ports). We’re pleased to see that the build is largely made of thick steel. The feel/quality of the HAF XB EVO is superb and it comes across even better in person.
One big plus for novice builders: this case was designed for you. Some features have been included to make the build process as easy as possible. Most notably screwless installation and a removable motherboard tray (trust us: trying to install a PC in a more compact case can be a pain, so this is a massive plus!).
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO vs SilverStone GD09B: When considering our two top picks, the big decider will be on aesthetics and dimensions. Which better fits your idea of a horizontal case? We prefer the look of the GD09B, but it’s really the personal choice that matters most.
Aside from that, the key secondary factor is if you’re looking for a gaming PC case. The HAF XB EVO has significantly more room for your CPU cooler and GPU. If your heart is set on the GD09B, you can certainly make that work for a powerful gaming build, but it will require a more careful selection of hardware.
With a great balance between cooling, space, ease of use, and high-quality build/design, the HAF XB is a fantastic option all-around.
Thermaltake Core P5 V2
Best Premium Horizontal Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX | CPU Clearance: 180mm | GPU Length Clearance: Up to 320mm | Dimensions: 608 x 333 x 570 mm | Weight: 16.3kg | Radiator Support: 480mm | Fan Mounts: 7
REASONS TO BUY
+ Fantastic build quality and endless potential for great build aesthetics
+ Great open-air cooling
+ Good layout customization for your build requirements
REASONS TO AVOID
OUR RATING: 9.5/10
This Thermaltake range is quite special. We were very close to ranking this as the best overall case despite its high price point.
With a full-glass design, once you have installed your components in the Core P5, it is truly a sight to behold and one of the most beautiful cases available in today’s market.
The legs are fully removable, allowing this case to look as good horizontally as it does vertically.
There is plenty of space to play with when building here. But more than that, the case is very modular/customizable. Thermaltake is aware that when you invest in a chassis this transparent you’re trying to build a PC that is fully visible. The ability to install GPUs, drives, and other components in various positions is something the P5 excels at more than most other options on the market.
With the great design of this case, comes the recommendation to include water cooling if possible. Given the high visibility, you’ll be wanting to avoid dust, and air cooling builds will cause more of that. If you want to go down this route, however, the excellent cabling management capabilities should allow you to clear decent airflow paths and keep it relatively clean.
Source: vmitri
The front I/O panel is well presented and has 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, and HD audio inputs.
This case may look intimidating to assemble, but it is actually quite a beginner-friendly unit. Being able to detach the glass during your build, makes the overall process a lot easier than traditional cases!
Thermaltake Core P1 vs P3 vs P5 vs P7 vs P8 vs P90:
Here we’ve focussed on P5 as the main choice, but there are other great options for this range. Note that all of these cases support horizontal placing.
Aside from the obvious presentation differences (especially the beastly P90…), the biggest differences here are in the size/form factor.
- The P1 is the Mini-ITX option. Full review available here.
- The P3 and P5 are both ATX options and have the same number of expansion slots/part compatibility, but the P5 has a larger height/depth for freedom in your build. Our P3 review is available here.
- P7, confusingly, is the biggest of the set, supporting E-ATX motherboards.
- The P8 is a newer offering and is perhaps the best looking of the lot, see our full write-up in our premium case feature.
- P90 offers the second-largest layout, but across 2 separate areas (as you’ll see in pictures of its striking design).
If you have the budget, we cannot speak highly enough of the Thermaltake P series. The P5 strikes a perfect balance for mid-range builds that will tick the right boxes for nearly every horizontal mobo builder (especially style!).
2023 update: Thermaltake has released a new variant; the Core P6. It’s a great addition to the series and takes some of the best parts from its predecessors. Namely a customizable choice between an open-air design like the P1/P3 or an enclosed P8 design, and an ATX form factor that will satisfy most builders.
The case has a removable stand so you can set up a great horizontal placement. If you’re an ATX builder, we still like the Core P5 the most as we consider it the best value; but if you’re drawn to the P6 and don’t mind paying the premium, go for it!
Thermaltake Core G3
Best Budget Horizontal PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX | CPU Clearance: 110mm | GPU Length Clearance: Up to 310mm | Dimensions: 454 x 140 x 371 mm | Weight: 4.2kg | Radiator Support: 240mm | Fan Mounts: 3
REASONS TO BUY
+ Fantastic price for what’s on offer
+ Sturdy, well-built unit
+ Plenty of ventilation to make up for the lesser cooling
REASONS TO AVOID
OUR RATING: 9/10
I know, I know, the picture shows a vertical case.
But the beauty of the G3 is that it’s designed for either type of orientation.
The cheapest ATX case on our list, this Thermaltake offering still provides impressive performance for the price point.
Source: TheLeadPontoon
Designed to host a horizontal gaming PC with consideration for compactness (think virtual reality or people with small media cabinets). The case is on the smaller side for ATX but still offers 120mm / 240mm water cooling options and/or 3 fans, with 2 front fans pre-installed. The cooling should be fine for most builds but bear in mind that the space available is less than most mid-towers.
The front I/O panel is great and surprisingly one of the most plentiful on this list: with 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0 / standard audio ports.
Note that as the G3 is a very slim PC case, you will likely not have room for other PCI-e cards outside of your GPU. The case does, however, come with options to fit your GPU in vertically, giving you more control over space for the most spaciously demanding piece.
Overall, if you are looking for a cheap Horizontal PC case and don’t have the largest of components to install, the G3 is a great option for your build.
2023 update: While the Core G3 is still our favorite budget pick, it does still run into stock problems from time to time. If you can fit your build into a micro ATX chassis, we recommend the ML04 pick below if the G3 is not available. If you still need/want ATX, we haven’t found another budget case as memorable as the G3, so we’d highly recommend paying a little more for our top GD09B pick, which has fantastic value for its mid-range price.
SilverStone ML04
Best Horizontal Micro ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 70mm | GPU Length Clearance: N/A | Dimensions: 440mm (W) x 105mm (H) x 350mm | Weight: 4kg | Radiator Support: 240mm | Fan Mounts: 4
REASONS TO BUY
+ Unit is well built and deceptively compact
+ Great price
+ Still manages decent cooling for its size
REASONS TO AVOID
OUR RATING: 8/10
We’re back to SilverStone for the best horizontal microATX computer case.
With a very high-quality steel/aluminum mix build and compact form, this unit is durable and looks fantastic on display.
We’re getting into the smaller builds now. Don’t expect