Best PC Case 2023 – new cases added for airflow & noise performance
Pick yourself up one of the best chassis' in the game
When it comes to finding the best PC case for your next build, there are a few key areas that everyone needs to keep in mind. Ensuring your components have sufficient airflow is the most important, something which many of the recommendations here take care of. Trickier areas to tackle, such as aesthetically pleasing design and acoustic performance, are not so easily handled without additional costs. Still, quality cases tend to offer a balance of all three.
When building a new gaming PC you want to ensure everything gets wrapped up by a high-quality case from reputable manufacturers. No matter your budget it is possible to get quality, regardless if you are going for a full-tower, Mini-ITX, or a case constructed entirely of tempered glass. Our recommendations have spacious interiors and promote excellent airflow, giving you everything needed to maximize performance.
Out of the all the PC cases tested so far, we found the Hyte Y60 to be the best of the bunch, however, there are many other options nipping at the heels of this beauty if it doesn’t meet your requirements.
Best PC case overall: Hyte Y60
Hyte Y60
Type
Mid-Tower
Motherboard Support
EATX, ATX, mATX, ITX
Dimensions
456mm x 285mm x 462mm (LxWxH)
Included Fans
3x Flow FE12 120mm
- Incredible value
- Great thermal and acoustic performance
- Clean, modern design
- Water-cooling support
- Cable management brackets
- Well constructed
- Limited front I/O ports
- Vertical GPU only
Overall, the Hyte Y60 is magnificent. There’s a uniquely modern twist on the very boring rectangular design we see most of the time. This chassis has massive potential to be a modding favorite in the community.
The Hyte Y60 is easy to work with, with so much space even intricate water loops are a doddle. Along with a well-thought-out design, the Y60 features a panoramic view inside, a PCIe 4 riser cable for vertical GPU mounts, and three 120mm fans. Overall the case is well-built, aesthetically pleasing, and well thought out and if you would like to read more, check out our full Hyte Y60 review here.
Best mid-tower PC case: Fractal Design Torrent
Fractal Design Torrent
Size
ATX Mid-tower
Total fan mounts
7x 120/140 mm or 4x 180 mm
Case dimensions (LxWxH)
544 x 242 x 530 mm
Net weight
11.1 kg
Motherboard compatibility
E-ATX / ATX / mATX / ITX / SSI-EEB / SSI-CEB
Dust filters
Front, Bottom
- Great airflow
- Exceptional build quality
- RGB model available
- PSU position
Fractal Design are known for high quality cases and the Torrent was yet another resounding success. The massive open grille front panel features two pre-installed 180mm fans, sucking in vast amounts of cool air. the overall design is fairly unique, featuring a new layout with expansive base intakes (3 x 140mm fans). When the front and bottom fans combine, it delivers all-round great performance while looking stylish in the process.
Most common motherboard form factors are compatible with the Torrent, however, we would still advise you stick to ATX when building inside. General clearance is solid and there are a lot of cooling support options. Aside from that you get a sleek tempered glass side panel and dust filters, making it look and clean like a dream. For a more in-depth look, you can see how the Fractal Torrent performed in our review here.
Best full tower PC case: Phanteks Enthoo 719
Phanteks Enthoo 719
Motherboard Support
E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, SSI-EEB
Dimensions HXWXD
595 x 570 x 240 mm
Drive Bays
21
Included Supported Case Fans
N/A
- Impressive build quality
- Dual system support
- Plenty cable management room
- Great value
- Attractive design
- Could be too tall for some desks
Phanteks takes build quality and useful features as seriously as anyone else, all while offering superb PC cases at affordable prices. The brand has cases to suit all budgets and needs and the Enthoo 719 sits as one of the best full-tower cases you can get. Not only is this tower huge, but it’s also built to last and looks incredibly premium. Furthermore, the price to performance with this chassis is nearly unbeatable.
This PC case supports motherboards from EEB all the way down to Mini-ITX and can even support a dual-system setup. That’s right, if you are a streamer/ content creator you can get everything you need and fit it inside this one full tower.
Some may consider this to be a “budget” full-tower but don’t let that fool you, this is one classy chassis. Any type of build looks amazing behind the huge uninterrupted tempered glass panel. Water cooling isn’t a must but the main features go a long way to support a custom loop setup. Furthermore, there is a vast amount of drive options at hand here, with 11 places to mount a 2.5″ SSD and 12 spots for a 3.5″ drive.
As there is plenty of radiator and fan support options, the Phanteks Enthoo 719 comes with a fan hub. A simple feature to include but it is much appreciated when you need to tidy up the cables in this build. Looks great and performs even better, a superb full-tower PC case.
Check out our full review of the Phanteks Enthoo 719 here.
Best MicroATX PC case: ASUS Prime AP201
ASUS Prime AP201
Type
Small tower
Motherboard Support
Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
Dimensions
460 x 205 x 350 mm (LxWxH)
Included Fans
1x Prime 120mm
- Mesh Mesh Mesh (nice airflow)
- Sleek
- Surprising amount of room
- Not the best for RGB components
Good quality SFF PC cases are hard to come buy, however, ASUS entered the Prime AP201 into the market and it’s actually pretty good. Mini-ITX lovers will find this to be a little on the large size, with a 33 liter volume, however, it looks and feels pretty compact, with four Quasi-filter mesh panels.
The AP201 has support for a 360mm radiator, or five fans, and come with tool-free side panels for easy access. The case has a 120mm fan pre-installed but you are going to want to add to this for better thermals. The case is compact, sleek, and kind of stealthy, with room for a graphics card up to 338mm in length.
This may not offer the same compact size as cases such as the Thermaltake Core V1 or Fractal Design Node 202 PC cases but its unique size in this bracket means you can get some impressive builds in here. Take a look at our ASUS Prime AP201 review here for more information.
Best silent PC case: Fractal Design Define 7
Fractal Design Define 7
Type
Mid-tower
Motherboard Support
E-ATX, ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX
Dimensions HXWXD
547 x 240 x 475mm
Included Fans
3 x Dynamic X2 GP-14 140mm
- Great acoustic performance
- Packed with cooling options
- Easy cable management
- Quality materials used
- Modular top panel
- Retains optical bay
- Excellent build quality
- Sound dampening door bad for thermal performance
- Similar performance to previous model
Fractal Design has released some unbelievably good PC cases over the years and this latest refresh follows that trend. The Define 7 is essentially the latest update on the brilliant R6, aimed towards those who love silent operation. The interior, color options, and tempered glass options all remain the same, with a few tweaks that make this one of the best silent PC cases I have seen in recent years.
You can’t hide from Fractal’s build quality, it hits you in the face straight away. Furthermore, the brand constantly adds useful features whenever they spot a gap for one and while you may not always need it, it’s great to have these extra options.
We see a lightly tinted glass back on these and the interior now sports a gorgeous white coat on the tempered glass models. Of course, if you go for the non-TG version the inside remains that gun-metal grey color. This case supports all the way up to E-ATX but you will lose the use of the cutouts. For optimal use go for ATX form factor when building in this case.
Sound performance is very close to its predecessor, with the added quality of life improvements making all the difference. The cooling performance takes a hit with the case door at the front but you are most likely grabbing one of these to cut down on system noise. The front, sides, and top all feature heavy-duty sound dampening materials to give you excellent acoustic performance.
This well-constructed case comes with a modular layout, plenty of cooling support, water-cooling support, and drive options. A truly amazing case and one of the best for silent operation.
Check out our full Fractal Design Define 7 review here.
Best PC case for water cooling: Corsair iCUE 5000X
Corsair iCUE 5000X RGB
Type
Mid-tower
Motherboard Support
ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX
Dimensions
520mm x 245mm x 520mm
Included Fans
3 x 120mm RGB
- Visually stunning
- Performs well
- High quality
- Airflow model performs better
Corsair’s 5000-series still goes down as one of the best as far as PC cases go. While the iCUE 5000D Airflow model offering better performance, for watercooling, it has to be the slightly more extravagant 5000X. The iCUE 5000X is marvelous and will make any system build look spectacular. Of course, there are many PC cases in this round up that you could build an impressive loop inside, however, we had to shout out the 5000X.
This case is premium, so as you would expect, we have a bunch of premium features to match. Aside from four sides of tempered glass, the interior is spacious, modular, and can support massive amounts of cooling options. We love this case so if you would like to read more, check out our full review of the 5000X and 5000D Airlfow here.
Best budget PC case: Phanteks P400
Phanteks Eclipse P400
Type
Mid-tower
Motherboard Support
E-ATX, ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX
Dimensions HXWXD
460 x 210 x 470mm
Included Fans
2 x 120mm
- Excellent value
- Design is superb
- High build quality
- Tempered glass
- Great thermal performance
- Limited water-cooling potential
- Radiator at the front limits storage
The Phanteks Eclipse P400 offers PC builders a more affordable option without compromising on build quality or performance. Phanteks always deliver high-quality options and the P400 isn’t just nice to look at, it’s feature-packed too.
You get your necessities such as tempered glass, pre-installed fans, and sleek design but more importantly, you get out of the box cooling performance. This delivers in thermal testing and all for a very friendly price.
The P400 supports motherboards up to the ATX form factor and has plenty of radiator/ fan mounting options. Furthermore, the case is incredibly easy to build in, giving newer builders a less stressful experience.
There is no optical drive bay support and there could be a few more cable tier points but these are minor gripes at best. There is a reason this case features on a few of our PC builds, it is hands-down one of the best PC cases you can get value-wise and you will not be disappointed.
Best PC case for airflow: Corsair 4000D Airflow
Corsair 4000D Airflow
Type
Mid-tower
Motherboard Support
ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX
Dimensions
17.83 x 9.06 x 18.35 inches
Included Fans
2 x 120mm AirGuide fans
- Good airflow and mesh filtration
- Great quality and ease of build
- A more basic option for its price as RGB options more expensive
When it comes to an affordable mid-tower case, the Corsair 4000D is a great choice to look at. With great build quality, the case is built to last and keeps standing, no matter your build. Especially with Corsair’s ease of build. which means you’ll have no issue with the 4000D.
It also adds good airflow throughout, changing up the front panel with a mesh does improve what cooling is available to the insides. As such it stops the choking the other versions may offer. And with a clean aesthetic to it, there is a lot to look at especially with the clean glass side panel to peer into the components.
The back side is also spacious, with plenty of room for cables to fit in. And with great cable channels, cable management is easy and simple giving you a clean overall build.
Check out our full Corsair 4000D airflow review.
How we test
From graphics cards to PC cases, we like to get hands-on with all the hardware we recommend. Testing the products is a huge part of our overall selection process and it is a way we can be sure that a specific option is the best for the job.
PC Cases must pass our testing which is largely a lot of PC building, with some other boring stuff but most if not every recommendation will have gone through a strict testing process. With a PC case, we need to assess build quality, construction, thermal performance, and finally, value.
Things to consider
When purchasing cases, there are certain things you will need, like support for your cooling or motherboard. But there are other things you will really want or value as quality of life improvements.
Before anything else, you’re going to want to know what parts you’ll be using with your case. You’ll want to know your motherboard form factor (ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX), graphics card length, how many drives you’ll be using, how many fans you need, whether or not you’re installing a radiator, etc.
All of these factors are important to take into consideration before buying your case. That’s why we’ll go over these things in some more detail.
Motherboard form factor
Before buying a case, you’ll need to know your motherboard’s form factor. The three most popular form factors are E-ATX motherboards, ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX, each of which being smaller than the former.
Being smaller means you have less room for components and that you’ll generally have fewer features. This isn’t bad if you don’t need a lot, but if you’re making a high-end gaming build, or a mid-range build you intend to upgrade in the future, then you might want to stick with the classic ATX board.
PC Case form factor
Since there are motherboards with different sizes, there will obviously be smaller cases that can’t accommodate for larger form factors. However, larger cases can usually fit smaller motherboards but always be sure to double-check compatibility before you make a purchase.
There are three prominent types of computer cases (although there are more) and each is compatible with different types of motherboards:
- Full-tower PC cases are the largest cases and can work with E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Their large size is more meant for extra components rather than exceptionally larger motherboards. You can view our best full tower PC cases here.
- Mid-tower PC cases are the most popular and can also work with motherboards from Mini-ITX up to ATX.
- Mini-ITX PC cases sacrifice the larger ATX boards, but can always fit Mini-ITX boards inside, with the odd PC case being able to cope with Micro-ATX.
Form factor aside, there are cases that follow similar dimensions but don’t conform with design. Take open-air PC cases, for example, giving water-cooling enthusiasts a very unique chassis to create some incredible loop designs. You also want a better look to it, fitting mini-ITX motherboards in anything other than a mini-ITX case will make it stand out and leave a lot of room empty.
Although a smaller case will also give you some size drawbacks. With limited size, there are workarounds. Something like a Hyte Y60 or smaller may utilize a PCIe riser cable to move the GPU to a more convenient location where it can fit.
Airflow and water cooling
If it weren’t for your CPU cooler, your processor would reach dangerous temps. While PC components are designed to operate at relatively high temperatures without being damaged, that doesn’t mean you want them to get too hot. If your components overheat, it will damage them and significantly reduce their lifespan.
When building a computer, it needs to have good airflow. Most cases ship with fans already installed, some even with built-in LEDs. It would also be wise to have additional space for aftermarket fans or a radiator if you choose to use an all-in-one cooler.
I would recommend having at least two case fans, but three or more is ideal. If you’re only using two, you’ll want one of them to draw in cool air while the other exhausts hot air. This system will keep a constant stream of air passing over your components, while at the same time drawing in cooler air and expelling warm air.
Fan configurations vary based on your case, and the level of airflow your system requires. For example, heavy overclockers would need more airflow to their hot components than the average builder.
Of course, some PC cases are designed to benefit from negative air pressure (only have exhaust fans), but this can attract dust in unwanted places, so be wary.
Knowing how to pick the best case for water cooling can be tricky. Water coolers tend to have large radiators and pumps, so you’re going to want a case with plenty of space for the water cooler itself, not to mention the large radiator fans.
Drive bays and expansion slots
In general, cases ship with three different kinds of drive bays to fit your storage needs, each with their own uses:
- 2.5-inch bays are generally used for SSDs (solid-state drives)
- 3.5-inch bays are used for standard mechanical hard drives.
- 5.25-inch bays are used for optical drives (aka DVD or BluRay readers). However, many manufacturers have started to do away with 5.25-inch optical drive bays since physical disks are becoming less and less popular (or needed).
Cases will also come with expansion slots. These are found in the back of the case and are used for graphics cards, sound cards, etc. That’s to say they are very vital.
Some PC cases now do away with drive bays altogether and favor SSD/HDD mounting brackets instead. This system is no different and is actually a more efficient way of using space in some cases.
Cable management
A good case has plenty of options for cable management. Most cases have holes in the back panel for you to run cables through, but some cases are better for cable management than others. For example, the holes may be there, but not in ideal locations. Some cases also don’t leave enough space underneath the back panel for cables. Along with a PSU shroud to keep that hidden as well.
Not only do poorly managed cables look bad, but they can also restrict airflow. We threw this quick video together to show how to do cable management correctly in one of our budget PC cases picks, the Fractal Design Focus G.
Good cable routing allows for a good look and airflow throughout. Especially if you have a tempered glass side panel to peer through and appreciate it. Dust filters also can be left uninterrupted to make it easier for you to clear out.
Silence is bliss
Nobody wants to be bothered by noisy case fans. If your case ships with fans, make sure they aren’t too loud – trust me, you’ll thank me later. Many popular cases, including all of the cases in our roundup, have been reviewed online. Before you purchase a case, make sure you look at their reviews. During testing, many reviewers will make note of not only the fans’ cooling performance but also their noise levels.
Understanding build quality
If you’re building a computer, odds are you’re investing a decent chunk of change. Damaging or destroying your components is the last thing you want to do – that’s why it’s important to buy a case with a solid construction (this is an even bigger concern if you move your PC around frequently). Side panel windows are okay, but make sure the glass is strong, and the case is sturdy. If you are keen on a tempered glass PC case, read our guide to the best tempered glass PC cases right here.
Let’s have a quick run-through of our best PC case selections and a sneak peek at their stats.
Final word
Although often overlooked, the importance of a PC case cannot be overstated. Your case protects the rest of your components and provides them with airflow to ensure they’re running at a stable temperature, making it important to find the best PC cases available.
Now you have everything you need to choose a good case no matter what your needs are, whether it’s airflow or for that water-cooled build. Have you built with any of our best PC case selections? We would love to know what case you went for to house your build in and also if you have any alternate suggestions we should look into!
FAQs
Are Expensive PC Cases Worth It?
The humble PC case is a vastly underappreciated aspect of any build. Often treated as an afterthought, it actually has a massive impact on system performance, so it’s a good idea to allocate a bigger chunk of your budget to your build’s house than you first thought to.
Ultimately, how much you should spend on a case really depends on what kind of build you’re dreaming up. If it’s a low power system that’s relatively quiet and doesn’t give off too much heat, you don’t need to worry about fancy-schmancy designs.
If you’re working on a mid-range build, you don’t need the most expensive case on the market, but forking out for one that allows your hardware to reach its true potential is a no-brainer.
A case worthy of a gaming supercomputer, on the other hand, will need to have optimal airflow, pristine cable management, sound dampening panels, and attractive aesthetics, and that, folks, is going to cost you.
Is a Bigger PC Case Better?
The idea that a big PC case is somehow inherently better than a compact design is something of a myth derived from the idea that if a case can fit more fans in, it will cool your components more efficiently, thereby improving performance.
The truth is that smaller cases can keep your CPUs and GPUs just as cool by optimizing airflow. If the airflow throughout the case is sufficient, you don’t necessarily need a ton of fans. You can even boost a micro-build performance beyond that of a mid-tower build by installing some liquid cooling.
Having said that, bigger cases do offer more clearance room for hefty tower-style CPU coolers, which is definitely a bonus. They also offer more room for tweaking, keeping you feeling like King Kong every time you reach in to make an adjustment, but the best argument of all for choosing a larger case is expandability.
Small cases obviously can’t fit all that much hardware in. Sure, you may have masterfully measured out every aspect of your build to ensure it fits into your tiny case, but what happens when you’re ready to upgrade?
Are Mesh Cases Better?
Mesh-focused cases do tend to enable a better airflow than solid closed-front designs and that’s simply because it’s easier for air to get in. Closed panel designs typically only use small vented zones to facilitate airflow, and sometimes, it’s a little restrictive.
That’s not to say that a well-made solid front case can’t compete at a near-mesh-level, but if you check out any of the ‘best airflow case’ lists, at least 90% of them well have a mesh front panel. Do bear in mind; however, that mesh doesn’t always mean better airflow.
If the mesh panel is clogged up with a bunch of unnecessary or ill-designed filters, airflow is going to be just as stilted as it is with a solid panel case.
Are Full Tower Cases Worth It?
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, whether a full tower case is worth your money depends on the kind of computer you’re building. Typically, gamers only really shoot for a full tower if they’re building something akin to a NASA supercomputer. The extra room gives you a ton of space for high-powered hardware, fitting loads of chunky thermal solutions, and opens the door for future upgrades.
If you’re not trying to create a computer so powerful that it will one day cast off the shackles of a subservient existence, rise up, and lead the machine revolution, a full tower case doesn’t really bring anything essential to the table. They’re incredibly expensive, weigh more when empty than a small form factor case does carrying your whole build, and stick out like a sore thumb.
For the average build, you’re much better off opting for a large mid tower case. It’ll fit bigger, modern GPUs in without too much bother, and there’ll be plenty of space for advanced cooling systems should you choose to dabble with a spot of manual overclocking.
Are Open PC Cases Better?
Open air cases do have some perks, but there is an equal amount of downsides to their design as well.
As there’s literally nothing inhibiting airflow, they almost always have better thermals than closed or mesh panel cases, but only at first. In the absence of panels and filters preventing debris from the environment from getting into your open-case build, the accumulation of dust can bring running temperatures way up. The lack of shielding also leaves them vulnerable to impacts and moisture.
Often looking like some sort of exhibit in an alien museum of fine art, open cases can really make your build pop, but without full paneling, there’s nothing to dampen the noise of your hardware. In light of this, it’s best to replace as many fans as possible with liquid.
If you want the skinny on the best open PC cases around, you should definitely give our article a quick read – https://www.wepc.com/reviews/best-open-air-pc-case/.
Why Are SFF cases So Expensive?
They may be small, but SFF cases are almost always incredibly well-made. Fewer materials are required to craft them, but more often than not, those materials are the highest quality.
In addition, as things get smaller, production requires greater precision and different techniques. You may have also noticed that SFF cases are actually something of a rarity.
Being that there simply aren’t as many cases for SFF builds as there are for other form factors, their scarcity, comes hand in hand with value. They’re like rare gems, while mid towers are mere pebbles.
One last reason you shouldn’t expect smaller to mean cheaper is that manufacturers need to keep up their profit margins. These little things are harder to produce and don’t sell nearly as well as your standard ATX mid tower case. Bumping the price up a bit ensures making SFF cases is worth the resources they put into making them.
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