I may earn a small commission for every qualifying purchase made by clicking on links on this platform.
A gaming PC case is an outer shell that houses the internal components of a computer that are necessary for gaming. It’s not just a box to hold your hardware, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your system, keeping it cool, and presenting a personalized look. PC case sizes can also have a significant impact on the functionality and aesthetics of your gaming setup, so it’s essential to choose the right one.
The right gaming PC case can make a huge difference in your overall gaming experience. It can provide adequate airflow to keep your components cool, give you easy access to upgrade or replace hardware, and even reduce noise from the fans. Gaming PC cases come in a variety of sizes and styles, so choosing one that suits your needs can make a significant impact on the aesthetics of your setup.
This article is a buying guide to finding the perfect gaming PC case for your hardware, budget, and style.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gaming PC Case
When choosing a gaming PC case, there are several factors to consider to ensure that it will meet your needs. These include:
- Size and compatibility: Consider the size of your motherboard and other components, such as graphics card and power supply, to ensure they will fit inside the case. Make sure to check the compatibility of the case with your hardware.
- Cooling capabilities: The gaming PC case should provide adequate airflow to keep the components cool. Look for cases with fans, vents, and dust filters, as well as the ability to add additional cooling if necessary.
- Number of drive bays and expansion slots: Consider the number and size of drive bays and expansion slots you need to accommodate your storage and expansion needs. Make sure the case has enough bays and slots for your requirements.
- Cable management: Good cable management is important for airflow and aesthetics. Look for cases with cable routing channels and tie-downs to keep cables organized and hidden.
- Aesthetics and customization options: Gaming PC cases come in different styles and designs, so choose one that matches your preferences and personal style. Look for cases with customization options, such as RGB lighting and tempered glass panels, to make your build stand out.
- Price and budget considerations: Gaming PC cases come in a wide range of prices, so consider your budget and choose a case that provides the features and quality you need without overspending.
Types of Gaming PC Cases
Full Tower PC Cases
Full tower PC cases are the largest type of PC cases, designed to accommodate a wide range of components and provide ample space for customization and upgrades. These cases are ideal for high-end gaming rigs, as they offer plenty of room for powerful graphics cards, multiple storage drives, and advanced cooling systems.
Some of the main features of full-tower PC cases include:
- Large size: Full tower PC cases are typically between 22 to 26 inches in height, providing plenty of interior space to work with.
- Plenty of room for components: Full tower PC cases can accommodate larger motherboards, multiple graphics cards, and numerous storage drives. They also typically have more expansion slots than other types of cases.
- Advanced cooling capabilities: Full tower PC cases often feature multiple fans and radiator mounts, allowing for more advanced cooling setups.
- Room for customization: With their large size and ample interior space, full tower PC cases offer plenty of opportunities for customization, such as custom water-cooling loops or advanced lighting setups.
- Higher price: Due to their larger size and increased number of features, full-tower PC cases are generally more expensive than other types of cases.
Mid Tower PC Cases
Mid-tower PC cases are a popular form factor for gaming builds because they offer a good balance between size and capacity. They are larger than mini-tower cases, but smaller than full-tower cases, making them a versatile choice for many gamers.
Mid-tower cases typically have a height of around 16-18 inches, a width of 7-9 inches, and a depth of 16-20 inches. They can accommodate ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, as well as multiple graphics cards, storage drives, and cooling solutions.
Despite their smaller size, mid-tower cases often offer a range of customization options, such as tempered glass side panels, RGB lighting, and cable management features. They also tend to be more affordable than full tower cases, making them a good choice for gamers on a budget.
When choosing a mid-tower PC case, consider the factors mentioned in the buying guide, such as size and compatibility, cooling capabilities, number of drive bays and expansion slots, cable management, aesthetics, and customization options, and price and budget considerations, to ensure that you find the right fit for your gaming needs.
Mini Tower PC Cases
Mini tower PC cases are small computer cases that are designed to save space. They are perfect for people who have limited desk space or need a portable computer. Despite their small size, mini tower cases can still hold standard hardware components such as motherboards, graphics cards, and power supplies. They have fewer drive bays and expansion slots than larger cases, but still, offer enough room for most users’ needs.
Mini tower cases are popular for budget builds, home theater PCs, and LAN parties because they are lightweight and easy to transport. Some popular mini tower cases include the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L, Fractal Design Define Mini C, and SilverStone Fortress FT03.
Open-Air PC Cases
An open-air PC case is a type of computer case that features an open frame design, with little or no enclosing panels. Unlike traditional closed PC cases, open-air cases expose the internal components of a computer, including the motherboard, graphics card, power supply, and cooling system, making it easier to access and modify them.
Open-air PC cases have gained popularity among gamers and computer enthusiasts for several reasons. One advantage of open-air cases is their superior airflow and cooling capabilities, as they allow for unrestricted air circulation around the components. This can help reduce the temperature inside the case, improving the performance and longevity of the PC’s hardware.
Another advantage of open-air cases is their aesthetics. Many open-air cases feature unique and visually appealing designs, which can showcase the components of a PC and add a decorative element to a gaming setup. Additionally, open-air cases often offer more customization options, such as the ability to add custom water-cooling loops or RGB lighting.
However, open-air cases also have some drawbacks. One potential issue is the lack of dust filters, which can lead to dust accumulation and potentially damage the components. Additionally, open-air cases are typically larger and more cumbersome than traditional PC cases, which can make them more difficult to transport or store.
Cube PC Cases
A cube PC case is a type of computer case that is designed in a cube shape, typically with a smaller form factor than traditional tower cases. Cube cases can offer a more compact and space-efficient design while still providing ample room for components and cooling systems.
Some advantages of cube cases include their portability, unique aesthetics, and the ability to fit larger components such as graphics cards and power supplies. However, cube cases can also have some drawbacks, such as limited cable management options and potential airflow challenges due to their compact design.
When choosing a cube case, it is important to consider factors such as size, compatibility, cooling capabilities, and aesthetics to ensure the case meets your needs and preferences. Some popular cube cases in the market include the Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D, the Thermaltake Core X1, and the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX.
Small Form Factor (SFF)
Small form factor (SFF) PC cases are compact computer cases designed to be space-efficient and portable. SFF cases are typically smaller in size compared to traditional tower cases, allowing for a more compact build that is easier to transport and takes up less desk space.
Despite their small size, SFF cases can still accommodate high-performance hardware, including full-size graphics cards and powerful processors. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including cube-shaped cases, slim cases, and mini-ITX cases. SFF cases are ideal for gamers, enthusiasts, or anyone looking to build a powerful PC in a compact and portable form factor.
What Should be Your Budget To Buy a Case?
The budget for a gaming PC case can vary widely depending on the features and quality you are looking for. Entry-level cases can cost around $50, while high-end cases can cost several hundred dollars or more.
When deciding on a budget for your gaming PC case, consider your overall budget for your gaming setup, as well as your specific needs and preferences. If you’re on a tight budget, you may need to prioritize certain features over others, such as cooling capabilities or aesthetics.
It’s also important to remember that the case is an essential component of your gaming PC, and investing in a quality case can help protect and prolong the life of your hardware. Ultimately, the amount you should spend on a gaming PC case depends on your individual needs and preferences, but aim to strike a balance between quality, features, and price.
How to Upgrade and Customize Your Gaming PC Case
- Consider upgrading your PC’s components, such as the CPU, GPU, or RAM, to improve performance. Make sure the new components are compatible with your PC’s case and motherboard.
- Upgrade your cooling system to improve your PC’s performance and reduce noise levels. Consider installing additional fans or a liquid cooling system.
- Add lighting or custom graphics to your PC’s case to give it a unique and personalized look. This can be done using LED lights, vinyl decals, or custom paint jobs.
- Upgrade your PC’s storage by adding additional hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs) to increase storage capacity and improve performance.
- Upgrade your PC’s peripherals, such as the keyboard, mouse, or monitor, to enhance your gaming experience and improve your overall setup
How to Keep Your Gaming PC Case Clean
- Regularly dust your PC case using compressed air or a soft brush. Dust can accumulate on your PC’s components, clog fans, and reduce airflow, which can lead to overheating and performance issues.
- Use a lint-free cloth and a mild cleaning solution to wipe down your PC case, including the exterior and interior surfaces. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could damage the case’s finish or components.
- Clean your PC’s fans and filters to prevent dust buildup and ensure proper airflow. Fans can be removed and cleaned using compressed air or a soft brush, while filters can be removed and washed with warm water and soap.
- Check your PC’s cables and connections regularly to ensure they are secure and not frayed or damaged. Loose or damaged cables can cause performance issues and even damage your PC’s components.
Wrapping Up
When choosing a gaming PC case, you need to consider various factors such as the size and compatibility of the case, its cooling capabilities, number of drive bays and expansion slots, cable management, aesthetics, customization options, and price and budget considerations.
Full tower PC case sizes are the largest, mid-tower cases offer a good balance between size and capacity, mini-tower cases are designed to save space and are perfect for portable computers, and open-air cases expose the internal components for superior airflow and cooling capabilities.