Best Computer Cases that Suit Any Style
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Corsair Graphite Series 760T Full Tower Windowed Case - CC-9011074-WW -
Silverstone Tek Micro-ATX Computer Cases - PS07B -
Deepcool Steam Castle M Mini Computer Case -
Silverstone Tek GD07B Aluminum Extended ATX / SSI-EEB / SSI-CEB HTPC Computer Case -
nMediaPC HTPC 8000B Computer Case -
Silverstone Milo Series ML05B Computer Case -
ThermalTake System Cabinet - Mid-tower - Black -
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv Mini ITX Case -
Cooler Master Elite 130 - Mini-ITX Computer Case with Mesh Front Panel and Water Cooling Support -
Cougar Case QBX Mini ITX Case -
Buyer's Guide
Computer cases can come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, from bizarre custom models designed to look like spaceships, to more toned-down boxes intended for the average computer user. If the motherboard is the central nervous system of a computer, and the CPU is its heart, then the case is the body of the system, which has to protect and support all of the other pieces. That makes it every bit as important to carefully consider your computer case before you buy it, and choose the perfect one for your needs.
Whether you're interested in water cooling or optimal airflow, you will find the right model here for your needs. Consider towers designed to reduce noise output, as well as the best ones that go easy on your wallet. There's also a wide range of sizes based on the type of motherboard you're using, so consider if you need a mini-ITX case or a full tower capable of housing a dozen or more hard drives. Choosing the right case can seem deceptively simple, so take a look at our list of the best computer cases in 2022 and the buyer’s guide below to know exactly what to look for before making a choice.
Cooler Master Elite 130 - Mini-ITX Computer Case with Mesh Front Panel and Water Cooling Support
Best Computer Case of 2022 Reviewed in Detail
Corsair Graphite Series 760T Full Tower Windowed Case - CC-9011074-WW - Best Computer Case Overall
This is a nicely balanced case delivers classy looks, great airflow, classy looks, and solid construction. It ships with two powerful 140 millimeter fans installed in the front of the case and another installed in the rear with an option for up to three fans in the top of the case. This case can also accommodate radiators up to 360 millimeters in length in the top of the case and up to 280 millimeters in the front. It ships with a two-speed fan controller which is always a plus for those who want to adjust the speed of the case fans for either airflow or quietness.
The 760T offer three 5.25 inch external drive bays for DVD's and Blu-ray drives, It also ships with two movable drive cages for 3.5/2.5 inch SSD's and hard drives with an option for two more; mounts for four more 2.5 inch drives are included on the motherboard tray as well. While it's not cheap, overall this is a well rounded case that looks good as well as offering great cooling and drive options with few compromises.
Silverstone Tek Micro-ATX Computer Cases - PS07B - Best Mini Tower Computer Case
This case is a less expensive alternative to the pricier Tmijin TJ08B, without sacrificing many features. Case construction is sturdy and up to the manufacturer usual high level of quality with a clean, understated appearance with two exposed 5.25 in drive bays for DVD's and the power button, USB, and audio ports running down the front of the case on the side. It ships with three excellent 120 millimeter fans although there are no accommodations for water cooling builds, nonetheless is provides good airflow for air cooling.
This case features a removable motherboard tray and top panel to help ease the installation of hardware. Drive flexibility is good with a removable drive cage that accommodates four 3.5 inch drives while another cage will hold two more drives with another mount for an additional 2.4 inch SSD's. Finally, you get four expansion slots which round out the cases build options. While this case won't support as many hardware configurations (such as water cooled build) it remains an excellent buy and takes a well-deserved place among the best of the best for the money.
Deepcool Steam Castle M Mini Computer Case - Best Mini Tower Computer Case
I've built computers around this case before and found its high quality construction very easy to work with. This case has three 2.4/3.5 inch drive bays and another cage housing two more 2.5 inch drives but the downside to these is that they are non-removable which reduces drive flexibility somewhat. It also has one exposed 5.25 inch bay on the front of the case.
Cooling is handled by mounts for a 200/140/120 millimeter fan in the front of the case, two 120/140 millimeter fans on the top and one 120 millimeter fan in the rear (Two 120 millimeter fans are included from the factory). The top panel can accommodate radiators up to 240 millimeters in length. The result is a well-rounded amount of cooling options.
The front panel features a steam punk-look which includes sculpted corners on the front panel and four stylized, round air vents on the top of the case equipped with LED lights (which can be changed to glow red, green, or blue by turning a dial on the side of the case). USB ports, audio ports and the power button are also to be found on the side of the case. In the end, if the steam punk style is up to your personal tastes, you'll find using this case very satisfactory.
Silverstone Tek GD07B Aluminum Extended ATX / SSI-EEB / SSI-CEB HTPC Computer Case - Best HTPC Case
This case is a stately, subdued, and very well built design large enough to accommodate the biggest dual CPU motherboards and most powerful components. It's well built with a brushed aluminum front panel that functions as a door with a lock for system security. Behind the door are the USB and audio ports, and a four exposed 5.25 inch drive bays. It has five 3.5 inch and 2 2.5 inch internal drive bays for plenty of drive options, a feature that is all important for this type of computer. For greater flexibility it is equipped with a removable drive cage as well. It has seven expansion slots that can accommodate the most powerful multi-GPU setups.
Cooling options are handled by two 80 millimeter fan amounts in the rear, one 120 millimeter fan mount on the left side of the case and two fan mounts of the same size on the right side of the case. It also has oversized vents on the top of the case and two more 120 millimeter fan mounts on the bottom of the case. All-in-all, this case will accommodate the most demanding HTPC builds with ease. While not a case to consider if you intend to build a small HTPC, but for the most demanding builds, this is an outstanding choice.
nMediaPC HTPC 8000B Computer Case - Best HTPC Case
This computer case offers a unique, award winning design with an antique aesthetic meant to be proudly displayed in your media center. It's constructed of wood, plastic and steel to create a very pleasing appearance that looks right out of the thirties. As a concession to the size and appearance of this case, the drive and cooling options aren't up to the standards of some of the other cases in this line up, although they are adequate for all mainstream builds. The case is equipped with a single 140 millimeter fan that provides good cooling and quiet operation but lower profile CPU coolers must be used and there aren't accommodations for water-cooling although this isn't a huge factor for this sort of PC.
One external 5.25 inch and four 3.5 inch drive bay provide good SSD and hard drive flexibility, although, once again it isn't as robust as some of the other cases on this list. Also of note is that the LCD panel shown in the illustrations of this case is an option and will cost you a little extra. In the end, the strong point of this case is its striking appearance while providing good but not great flexibility in the choice of components you use. For that reason it take a well deserved place on our list.
Silverstone Milo Series ML05B Computer Case - Best HTPC Case
This is a very tiny, good looking case meant for use with the very small mini-ITX motherboard form factor. The front plate of the case is clear acrylic and lends an very attractive, elegant attractive appearance to the case. Despite its small size, this case is equipped with mounts for up to four 2.5 inch drives giving the case good drive flexibility. A four-in-one bracket also allow the installation of a slim-factor DVD drive an additional 3.5 inch hard drive or a 120 millimeter fan, again, adding to the adaptability of the case.
Cooling is handled by provisions for two 80 millimeter fans on the right side of the case and a mount for another 120 millimeter fan. These are acceptable cooling options of the type of hardware this case is intended to accommodate. A single expansion slot is provided for use with video cards. With little in downsides for a case this size and a price that is very reasonable, if you are seeking the ideal small case for your build, this is well worth a close look.
ThermalTake System Cabinet - Mid-tower - Black - Best Cheap Computer Case
This case brings a lot to the table considering its inexpensive price point. It features a classy-looking mesh front panel for improved airflow along with a small side window which contributes cases overall appearance. It also ships with a blue LED fan installed in the rear of the case lending some color to the build. It offers two fan mounts on the top, and one each on the bottom, and front of the case those interested in more cooling capacity. It has seven expansion slots for multi-GPU setups.
The case also offers one external 3.5 inch bay, four internal 3.5 inch bays, and four external 5.25 inch bays, all with a tool-less design for ease of use and plenty of drive flexibility. A downside is that no 2.5 inch bays are offered standard, so if you want to install 2.5 inch SSD's, you will have to purchase drive adapters. It comes with a comprehensive three year warranty which is very good given how inexpensive this unit is. For a good looking case from a respected manufacturer with plenty of flexibility considering its price point, you need look no further.
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv Mini ITX Case - Best Mini-ITX Case
Frankly, we’re astounded at what the manufacturer has managed to fit in this case. Since this case may also house micro-ATX motherboards, four expansions slots are included although for ITX builds you will need only two slots. Drive options are good with one external 5.25 inch drive bay, three internal 3.5 inch bays and five 2.5 inch bays. Cooling options are also very good with space for 200/140/120 millimeter fans in the front of the case and mounts for 120/140 millimeter fans in the rear and top of the case. You also get water cooling radiators up to 280 millimeters in the top of the case and up to 240 millimeters round out the cooling options. The exterior of the case is restrained and finished with black aluminum front and side panels. A five year warranty covers this case which boasts top notch hardware in a well built, good looking package.
Cooler Master Elite 130 - Mini-ITX Computer Case with Mesh Front Panel and Water Cooling Support - Best Mini-ITX Case
With a small and attractive design, this case feature a lot of room and adequate flexibility at a very attractive price point. The front panel is mesh that lends itself well to the stately, subdued appearance of the case. USB and audio ports are found one side of the case front panel, while the power and reset buttons are one the other side.
It can accommodate up to one 5.25 inch DVD, three 3.5 inch hard drives and four 2.5 inch SSD's through use of innovative drive cages. The downside is that not all of these drives can be housed at the same time, just different combinations of them such as one optical drive, two hard drives and one SSD. This case also includes two expansion slots and mounts GPU's up to 343 millimeters in length allowing the user to install high-end video cards.
It has mounts for an 80 millimeter fan in the side and one 120 millimeter fan in the front and 120 millimeter radiators can be installed in the front. Thus, while adequate, the cooling options are just not up to the same standards as some of the other cases on this list. In the end, this case is a good, inexpensive alternative to more capable and costly solutions.
Cougar Case QBX Mini ITX Case - Best Mini-ITX Case
This is a very good looking case with a number of innovative features and a price that won't break the bank. The front panel is devoid of slots or features with USB and audio ports and recessed air exhaust slots running down each side. An exposed 5.25 inch bay that accepts only slot loading slim optical drives can be found on the top of the case.
Cooling is handled by accommodations for an 80 millimeter fan in the front, one 90 millimeter fan in the rear, two 120 millimeter fans in the top, a 120 millimeter fan in the side and another in the bottom. It can also accept 240 millimeter radiators in the side although it may only have one fan. So, cooling options are good but not top-of-class.
This case can accept top-end GPU's up to 350 millimeters long and has two expansion slots. Drive options include mounts for one 3.5 inch drive and four 2.5 inch drives internally in addition to the slim optical drive. The result is a competent and inexpensive case well suited for a budget Mini-ITX build.
Buyer's Guide
While computer cases might not have as many technical specifications as a motherboard or video card, there are quite a few important factors to consider. The form factor you choose depends on the motherboard you plan on using, and consider whether you want one that includes a power supply. Proper cooling is very important, so look at included fans plus mounts for more and filters, while you consider physical options like what the case is made from as well as the ports, drive bays, and expansion slots available.
Form Factor and Size
Also referred to as the type of case, the size or form factor is based around the type of motherboard that can fit into it, as well as how much additional room you have within the case. The most common type is ATX with sizes that include Full, Mid, and Mini, as well as MicroATX and Mini-ITX.
No case size is particularly better than another, it all depends on the type of computer you are building and the associated motherboard. Just be sure to pick a case with proper mounting for the motherboard and is large enough to accommodate your other components, especially if you’re looking to include a very large video card.
Power Supply Options
This is a pretty simple consideration but still one you should keep in mind before making a choice. If you need a power supply, then look at computer cases that include a PSU to save yourself some money and time in picking a separate power supply and installing it. If you already have a power supply, or want a very specific one, choose a computer case without one, but look at whether the case has top or bottom mounts for the PSU. Keep in mind, any included power supply can easily be removed and swapped out with a different PSU, but there’s no reason to pay for a power supply included with a case you don’t intend to use.
Fans, Mountings, and Removable Filters
Cooling within a case is very important so look at the fans that are included and the potential to add more of your own. What you want to look at is fan locations on the front, side, and rear panel. Some cases include fan mounts or fans on the bottom and top of the case, though this is not strictly necessary. Included fans are great, but since fans are fairly inexpensive it’s more important to look at the mounts for fans on the case; this way you can add or replace any fans in the future.
You want mounts for at least 140mm fans, but 160mm or up to 200mm are really ideal. At least one fan mount at each location is important, but you should look for a case with two mounts on the front and back for optimal ventilation. While you can choose fans that include filters, it’s worth considering a case which includes fan filters you can easily slide out for easy cleaning to ensure proper air flow.
Front Ports
While the usability of front ports depends a lot on your motherboard and the connections that it has, it is still worth considering what ports are available to you on the case itself. You probably want at least a pair of USB ports, preferably 2.0 or 3.0, though audio ports on the front of a case can be very convenient. If you have a motherboard already or one in mind you plan on purchasing, look at how many USB ports and similar connections it has mid-board and choose a computer case which takes advantage of these connectors.
Size and Number of Drive Bays
Looking inside a computer case, you want to be sure to consider how many drive bays are available as well as the sizes of each one. At the very least, you should choose a case with three or four 5.25 inch bays, a pair of 3.5 inch bays, and at least one 2.5 inch bay. This gives you a lot of freedom for how you want to set up your system as well as options for future expansion as you may want to add more drives.
Much of this will depend on the size of the case you choose, however, which is why it is important to look at every aspect of a case altogether. Plan out your system ahead of time and decide on how many drives you want and of what sizes, so you can then choose a case that gives you the options you need. However, pick a model with a few more drive bays then you plan on using so you always leave room for additions and future expansion.
Expansion Slots
You also need to pick a computer case with the right number of rear expansion slots to work with your motherboard and configured to match where your cards will be. Figure out what motherboard you want to use and your expansion cards (especially video cards) so you know how many expansion slots you need on the rear of the case. Your motherboard’s rear panel should work fine with any computer case, as long as you choose a tower that’s the right form factor for your motherboard.
Case Material
Computer cases are prone to taking quite a bit of abuse, so be sure to pick a model that can hold up to anything you throw at it. Look for cases which include as much metal in their construction as possible in order to resist most damage and protect the vital components within. While some plastic components are acceptable, the bulk of the case should be metal.
If you’re building a smaller case you intend to be portable, such as taking to conventions or LAN parties, then plastic materials might be ideal to keep the overall unit weight low. Just keep in mind that a plastic case will be more prone to breaks and cracks, so you will need to be more careful with it during transportation.
Manufacturer and Warranty
Although you are less likely to have manufacturing issues with a computer case compared to complex components like processors and graphics cards, it is still important to choose a good company with a reputation for reliability and durability. Look at manufacturers like Antec, Raidmax, NZXT, and Enermax for solid cases that are built well. Companies that are known for other peripherals like CoolMaster, Corsair, and ThermalTake also construct excellent computer cases. While a one-year warranty is the bare minimum you should except, there are quite a few manufacturers that cover their cases for two or three years, so keep that in mind as you consider your options.
