A Guide to Shopping for a New PC Case

[Julio Franco]

The perfect PC chassis is a bit of a misnomer. Plenty of cases over the years have been highly regarded as being great, trend-setting or iconic, but one size does not fit all. This article aims to help you construct that shortlist of options and steer your search in the right direction.

Read the full article here.

https://www.techspot.com/guides/1834-choosing-the-right-pc-case/

 

[Squid Surprise]

When searching for a case, the first thing you should know are your PC specs... This will be the largest influence on your final case selection - it will also directly affect your budget (aka cost) decisions as well.

Example:
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You have a monster PC with 2-3 high-end GPUs, a high-end CPU, E-ATX motherboard and tons of storage drives.... well, you're now looking at super towers.... and you probably have a pretty high budget!

Or... you are building an HTPC with a cheap 2/4 core CPU, integrated GPU and 1-2 storage drives... well, you're looking at small-form cases... and your budget is considerably cheaper...
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Next, you're now looking at your noise/cooling requirements. Your environment will dictate some of this (office, bedroom, living room, etc), as will your build (see above). Once again, if you have some crazy setup, cooling will be a priority - but if not, perhaps you don't really need more than a few fans...

Last, look at aesthetics: even after narrowing down your choices, there are still tons of cases to choose from - pick the one you think looks best. Even the pickiest PC owner can probably find something that appeals to them, and, if not well.... there's always custom case modding

 

[Uncle Al]

Computer cases are a little bit like camera's in that you have to really work hard to find a bad one. As mentioned, if you invest a little time into studying your equipment spec's, it virtually eliminates a mistake but if you buy a case because of "pretty lights" or some other trendy option, the changes of disappointment go way up!

 

[QuantumPhysics]

#1 Obviously BUDGET is going to control your shopping for the PC case unless you butch up and pull out your credit card and do things right.

#2 STYLE should matter. I specifically bought my case because I loved the design and the subtle RGB elements.

#3 UTILITY: My case can hold 8 SSD comfortably, 3 GPU, a PSU to run them and came with a liquid cooling loop for its i9Extreme.

I only have one 2080Ti and have no intentions of buying another. Both my CPU and GPU are liquid cooled and manageable in the Control Center.

If I were gonna buy a casefrom Microcenter right now, I'd probably pick one by EVGA.

 

[Palladium1987]

I don't know what started this trend, but I find it ridiculous how nearly all new ATX tower cases now has top-facing instead of the good old front-facing I/O ports. Top-facing ports are an ergonomic nightmare for users who put their cases on the table, or when the furniture doesn't allow enough clearance to use the ports.

 

[elementalSG]

Somehow I already own 3 of the recommended cases in this article: Fractal Design Define R6 Black, Phanteks Enthoo Pro, and NZXT H200 (basically the shrunken mini-ITX version of the H500 and H700).

Could it be that I'm a Techspot reader...?

 

[VitalyT]

I bought my desktop PC almost 5 years ago. For me, as an IT professional, this is unusually long to go without upgrading my main rig, and while I can easily afford one, I just cannot find enough justification to do so. And that's because my rig was put together so well, it still rocks.

Check out the full spec in my profile: https://www.techspot.com/community/members/vitalyt.296220/

The main factors of success to me was how quiet the PC is, which was achieved by the right choice of the case + cooler + video card. If you want a quiet video card, the original nVidia is usually a good choice. The case is the most quiet I've ever used, and the Noctua cooler - incredibly quiet! How quiet is it? - most of the time I cannot tell of the PC is on or off, I actually have to look at the power button to see if it's lit.

The only thing I upgraded since was for monitor DELL U3219Q.

 

[R00sT3R]

Still using my Corsair Obsidian 450D, Fantastically cool running, high airflow case. Very reluctant to change it, TBH.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

No 'little black dress'? On a budget? How about Cooler Master HAF 912, a mid-tower for less than $80? Not as nice as the others, but functional.

 

[Faplyboy]

I got Phanteks p300 case and it's quite solid for mid range price build around 1400€, tho won't fit bigger gpu's cos it's size, fits my rx590 easily with two fans. for 70€ I got it its a steal, considering it has 2x 120mm fans, tempered glass, rgb and looks very minimalistic with it's branding. Also good builded. Can see Germans builded it

 

[ShagnWagn]

My order of preference:

1. Features - It has to be what I am building it for. My next build will be as small as possible for Gaming HTPC while allowing a full size graphics card. I will be using M.2 storage only (have a NAS).
2. Aesthetics - It is in the living room and high visibility to guests. I would like it to blend in with my other components. I do not want artificial lighting, which is a distraction (even in just my office).
3. Noise - Quiet because, well who wants a fan blowing when you are listening/watching at low volumes?
4. Cooling Capability - I have always loved to overclock, and would be difficult for me to not What I am looking into the next build would be tough. Thankfully, high end CPUs aren't needed for graphics as frame rate is tied to GPU, not CPU.
5. Cost - I am willing to pay a bit extra for my requirements, within reason.

Edit: I am currently using the SilverStone Grandia GD08. I would like something (much?) smaller. Watercooling would be awesome, but seems like a pain.

 

[RaXelliX]

You mention noise and yet forget to list Be Quiet Silent Base case below that? Cmon Techspot. Everyone knows that if low noise is your #1 concern then Silent Base cases are one of the best options on the market.

 

[toooooot]

Somehow I already own 3 of the recommended cases in this article: Fractal Design Define R6 Black, Phanteks Enthoo Pro, and NZXT H200 (basically the shrunken mini-ITX version of the H500 and H700).

Could it be that I'm a Techspot reader...?

Those ones or the ones from those companies are some of the best selling cases.
I have looked at NZXT and Phantek before choosing a Fractal design case for $80 (dont recall the model)

 

[LinxESP]

My Top 3:
Phanteks P600S
Lian Li 011 Dynamic
Fractal Meshify S2

 

[newcombcmb]

I'm still rockin' my NZXT Source 530... It has everything I need and my only "want" would be a full see through side panel. Other than that, I still haven't found a case that will meet my needs that I like.

 

[DukeD]

Bought a couple Fractal Focus G cases for around $50/ $60 each for new builds for wife and I... very nice case, two fans included, lots of room, quality product, remarkably quiet. Highly recommended.

 

[StupidPeopleSuk]

IT would seem that (at least) one criteria has been left out of this article:

How easy is a case to build in ? As in do you have small or big hands & fingers and can you get close enough to the mobo & it's connectors to actually see what goes where and get everything connected properly without resorting to using bi-focal glasses, magnifying lamps or what not...

For my preferences and limited eyesight, the Supertowers (like my TT900) win every time in this regard , sure I know everyone is not in this situation, but some folks here are or may be....

 

[EClyde]

I'm sure it's all good advice. My advice is:swap out your case every few years and you will learn what works for you

 

[pp luh pee yoo]

I buy the cheapest cases for budget builds. I also find the low end 600w. PSUs can handle more than you think as long as you spend $5.00 for nice big amp numbers...( talking single video cards)

So have no fear---1st timer, if it seems you need $500 for case + liquid---- you do not need it.

Blow your x-tra $$$ on fast RAM so your CPU will perform.



As for color *** mobos mostly come with some for free, but remember to get a Clear Case window to admire it.



Finally see you get a case exhaust fan or two. You need F L O W so first off Suck the component heat out of the case!

NO SHAME in buying even the online cheapo case. I never had a bum!er the last few years...specials $30 shipped....now.that is cheap so get enough PSU.

I personally love two 120mm. intakes with a nice Lint Screen I can easily vacuum, or remove to blow from the inside out. I recently pulled a mat of lint off a bottom PSU intake filter.....watch it!

 

[DonquixoteIII]

I would have appreciated this article a bit more if the links were to the actual sites of the MFG's instead of to a sales outlet.