Depending on where you are with your build, the PC case is either the first or the last part you pick. Having the right case can drastically improve your PC’s performance if, say, it’s designed for optimal cooling or accommodates different components. Start off on the right foot by checking out the best PC cases first.
NZXT H5 Flow
Fractal Design Torrent
Cooler Master NR200
ASUS Prime AP201
Best PC Case Overall:HYTE Y70
In all aspects of building a PC, theHYTE Y70is a dream come true and even refines the previous model, theHYTE Y60, which is still a fantastic option. With just a noticeable increase in space, the HYTE Y70 allows for wider GPUs because a case like this should be fitted with the latest and greatest hardware, like an RTX 4090.
Of course, that extra horsepower is going to produce more heat, but the HYTE Y70 has you covered there, too. That extra space also gives you the option to strap two 360mm radiators on the side and top, in addition to more fans. In other words, cooling won’t be an issue, especially if you opt for anAIO cooler.
The HYTE Y70 is the perfect marriage between performance and a modern style. The dual chamber layout means you may hide away any unsightly hardware (or poor cable management) and let the best pieces shine.
Best Budget:NZXT H5 Flow
If you’re on a budget, one area you’re able to cut corners with is the case itself, provided it has good airflow. That’s especially true if said budget case is theNZXT H5 Flow, which is designed to carry air straight through to the back of the case.
In fact, the NZXT H5 Flow leaves a lot of room for customization down the line if you want to upgrade your cooling. At the front, top, and back, you can fit a 280mm, 240mm, and 120mm radiator, respectively, all at once. To further help cooling, there’s a 120mm fan along the bottom that’s angled towards your GPU, which is a godsend for keeping a warm RTX 40 Series GPU frosty.
Along with good cable management from hooks, bridges, and straps, every panel can be removed, making the NZXT H5 Flow an overall joy to work with, especially if it’s your first PC build.
The NZXT H5 Flow is punching well above its weight class by accommodating as many as three radiators at once. And for maximum cooling performance, there’s even a 120mm fan for cooling your GPU.
Best PC Case for Gaming:Fractal Design Torrent
TheFractal Design Torrentaccommodates a variety of cooling options, including water cooling, thanks to a series of mounting holes for the reservoir. There’s even a fill port at the top of the case for convenience.
If you like radiators, the Fractal Design Torrent has you covered there, too. Both 280mm and 360mm radiators are great, but the Torrent supports extra-thick 420mm radiators. Combine that with the two thick 180mm fans included, and the inside will feel as cool as an autumn morning.
The cherry on top is just how roomy the Fractal Design Torrent is. With the power supply moved to the top and the cables tucked away, it’s no wonder the case stays cool. Very little, if anything at all, is obstructing airflow.
Cooling is king when it comes to building a gaming PC, and the Fractal Design Torrent delivers. Thanks to its big, 180mm fans and open floor plan, air passes through with very little resistance. you may even install 420mm radiators, and it has mounting holes for a reservoir.
Best Mini-ITX PC Case:Cooler Master NR200
Compact PCs are incredibly fun to build, especially when you’re trying to cram in as much power as possible. Arguably, the best part is accounting for every millimeter, and the build works out beautifully because of it. If you want one of your own, theCooler Master NR200is a joy to work with.
This is because the Cooler Master NR200 has a toolless design, which gives you quick and easy access to the components inside just in case you misplace your tools. Simply pop the panels off from the top, sides, and bottom, and you’re good to go.
Best of all, the Cooler Master NR200 is a shining example of space efficiency. Though it’s small, it can easily handle GPUs as long as 330mm and 156mm in width and still have room for radiators and fans. As long as yourCPU air coolerdoesn’t exceed 155mm, you’re golden.
Thanks to almost every side being removable without tools, few mini-ITX cases are as easy to work with as the Cooler Master NR200. Don’t let its size fool you; it easily handles full-sized GPUs, radiators, and even AIOs to improve its already fantastic cooling potential.
Best Micro-ATX PC Case:ASUS Prime AP201
A micro-ATX case is the best size for small PC builds, especially if said case is theASUS Prime AP201. It’s right in the sweet spot of being larger than a mini-ITX case but significantly smaller than a mid-tower case. In practice, it won’t take up as much space, and you still have that extra headroom for bigger, better GPUs and cooling potential.
You can configure the cooling for the ASUS Prime AP201 in a myriad of ways since it has plenty of clearance for a 360mm radiator and six fans at once. In fact, if you wanted to mount an extra thick AIO to the top with a few 120mm fans, you could safely do so without it interfering with your RAM.
One major plus of the ASUS Prime AP201 is its mesh design, which provides better ventilation overall. It does mean you’ll have to dust regularly (which you should be doing anyway), but since each side can be popped off without tools, it isn’t a big deal.
With a space-efficient design and mesh on all sides, the ASUS Prime AP201 is comfortable handling high-end hardware. It even handles thick 360mm radiators and half a dozen fans to help funnel heat.
Q: Does RBG lighting affect PC cases or computer performance?
While RGB does add a small amount of heat (they are LEDs, after all), it’s so insignificant that it doesn’t make a difference. Otherwise, RGB lighting won’t affect your processor or graphics card’s performance.
Q: Can all motherboards fit in all PC cases?
No. Every PC case has a series of pre-drilled holes, which only match up to specific motherboard standards like mini-ITX, micro-ATX, ATX, and E-ATX. Some accommodate more than one size, like the HYTE Y70.
Q: What are some things to consider when shopping for a PC case?
When you’re picking out a PC, there are three factors to consider: form factor, size, and features.
The form factor, for the most part, refers to the motherboard. For example, if you have an ATX motherboard, the case needs to have holes for the standoffs.
Beyond that, the case also needs to have room to fit every component. It’s not great if your motherboard fits inside, but you have no headroom for an AIO, custom water cooling, or even the GPU you want.
And for features, you have to ask yourself what the purpose of the PC is. Are you an editor? You may want a case that has several mounts for SSDs and HDDs. Are you gaming a lot? To keep everything cool, you may want to opt for a case with mesh rather than tempered glass.
Q: How can I tell if my PC case has proper inflow?
A cheap and easy way to do it is by lighting incense and watching where the smoke travels. If the smoke enters the front of the case just fine and exits through your exhaust fans, you’ve got proper inflow or, at the very least, it’s neutral.
Another option is to simply keep tabs on the temperature of your components. With the right software, you canmonitor your CPU and GPU temperatureto ensure yourPC isn’t getting too hot.
