This is 2020, we can’t just grab a cheap metal box for our rig and call it done. There’s a lot more to PC building than just it’s internal components. You need to consider how you’re going to combat every PC’s mortal enemy, heat. You also need to contend with the amount of space you’re going to need for all your form factors. Thankfully, the best PC cases out there can assist in solving your build problems.

Building a gaming PC can be an adventure or a headache. Especially in 2020 with Intel, Nvidia, and AMD clamoring for top design with their new lineups. For the new builders on the block, PC building has never been more confusing. In this day and age, it’s easy to focus solely on the internal form factors and figure out how you’re going to mix and match your build to your personalized preference. This makes it easy for the computer case to be completely overlooked.

You’re curious, a little intimidated, and more than a little bit in over your head. There’s so many options, so many buzzwords, so many features, and drawbacks. Your head starts to spin. You find yourself quickly losing interest in the whole idea. “I’ll just get whatever is cheapest,” you tell yourself.

This article is for beginners or those who want to refresh their knowledge of the best computer cases. Here you will find an information hub for the best PC chassis guides for the full tower and mid tower options on this site.

Don’t worry. We get how intimidating it can be for inexperienced buyers (and even returning veterans) stepping onto the custom PC scene. Back in the old days, something like a “Micro-ATX” system wasn’t even in the discussion; they didn’t exist. Jump to today and you’re quickly swamped by manufacturers offering their take on the best PC cases. Best computer cases now appear in all form factors, supporting any build.

Computer cases are more than just aesthetics. They are a big part of your build and should be given plenty of thought (and not just toward showing off your rig). There is an entire world of best PC cases available on the market to choose from. For new builders, high-end cases may seem complicated when you first read through the specs and features list. However, they’re simple once you break them down into a few metrics.

However, if you want to dive deeper into the components, features, and terms for the best PC chassis, then keep reading.

We are going to first review some key terms which you’ll find while reviewing the best PC cases. Next, we are going to explore three brands of full tower PC chassis. Then, we’ll review three of our favorite mid-tower sized chassis (currently on the market). Finally, we’ll look at some other chassis options (including the pros and cons of the Mini-ITX and the Mini-ATX case models)and at a mini case option.

Every case will have the same basic setup. These chassis are intended to hold all of the major components of your PC together; minus the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Each case is unique in its size, structure, and how it organizes the components inside. Having a good idea of where everything sits in the different form factors will help you piece together your masterpiece with fewer hiccups.

First up, we are going to review the most common components and terms that you will find listed in the specs and feature section of each of the best PC cases. If you’re familiar with the most common terms, feel free to jump to the next section.

Something worth noting is that, typically, larger cases will accept only the larger motherboard form factors, but not always! Some of the best computer cases that accept larger motherboard form factors can also host smaller motherboard form factors as well. You will find all of these specifications when reviewing your PC case. Keep in mind that a larger PC case hosting a smaller motherboard form factor isn’t the most efficient use of space.

As you can see, ATX motherboard form factors come in a variety of sizes, with the standard size obviously being the most common. When looking at the specs of your PC case, you’ll see the motherboard form factors that it accepts. There are pros and cons to each motherboard form factor, and the form factors accepted by your chosen case may influence your decision.

best computer cases, the ATX motherboard form factor describes which size motherboards your PC case is able to host. The change to ATX from the previous AT series showcases the vast strides they have made in improving the standardization and interchangeability of parts within the PC case, motherboard, and power supply.

ATX stands for “Advanced Technology eXtended” and is a term coined by Intel in 1995. When it comes to ​

SFX Vs ATX Power Supply

When we look at power supply form factors we basically see a difference in size when it comes to the SFX PSU and the ATX PSU. The SFX PSU is basically a smaller version of the ATX PSU. This is useful to know when looking for the best PC case, as many of the smaller cases are unable to host the traditional-sized ATX power supply, meaning a smaller version is necessary. On the flip side, given the SFX PSUs pin compatibility with the ATX PSU, an SFX PSU can be used in larger PC cases. Always check the case features to ensure compatibility.





Power supply Shroud

A PSU shroud is the cover designed to enclose your power supply and cables for a neat and organized tower. These can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, metal, and plexiglass. A shroud is used mostly for clean aesthetics and provides minimal impact on the technical side of your build. The option to hide away the apparent mess that unmanaged cables give off can keep the entire build tidy. Some PSU shrouds have the option of including a mount.

Mounts

A “mount” is the area on the case with screw holes designed to fit different sized motherboards. This is where form factor compatibility comes into play. The motherboard doesn’t just lie flat on the side of the case. It fits neatly onto the mount with pre-drilled holes so that metal circuitry doesn’t touch the metal of the case. Not only does this prevent short circuits, but it creates a gap behind your motherboard, allowing air to flow.

Drive Bays

Similar to mounts, drive bays are another feature you will see and are intended for slotting in additional tower features, like DVD and Blu-ray disc drives. Some of the best computer cases have prebuilt slots in the front meaning you’ll essentially need to slide the DVD drive in and snap it into place. However other cases will require you to slide these drive bays in and screw them in place.

When reviewing drive bays that are included in your case you will see:

5.25” Drive Bays

More common in older cases, this option provides an area to mount CD/DVD drives along with other front-mounted peripherals including Blu-ray drives, fans, and case lighting modules.

2.5” vs 3.5” Drive Bays

Both of these drive bays serve the same purpose: they house your PC’s hard drive. Typically we will find the 3.5” drive bays in desktop computers, while the 2.5” will be found in notebooks and laptops. The 2.5” drive bays are not just smaller in width, but length as well. If you’re looking at putting in a svelte SSD hard drive into your PC’s heftier drive bay, you’ll need to invest in an adapter bracket.

Expansion Slots

An expansion slot (also called a bus slot or expansion port) is specifically designed for the addition of hardware to your build. This is helpful for users who want to add a video or graphics, memory, network, or sound card. These expansion slots are typically on the back and can range anywhere from 5 to 8 slots.

Modular

The best PC cases are ‘modular’ - they can have the mounts for their internal components and features taken apart and re-organized to the PC builders content. This style of PC case is ideal for individuals looking for new and improved ways to optimize their provided case space.

Cable Grommet

A cable grommet allows cables to pass through the backside of your PC case unhindered. These are often rubber pieces that help protect the cable from sharp edges and angles that may cause it to fray. Locations are typically on the top of the motherboard tray, the side and below. Not all cases will have a rubber coated grommet, and some cases may have more than others.

Tempered Glass

One feature you may see on the list of the best PC cases is tempered glass, often abbreviated as TG. This is a newer material for paneled windows on cases, allowing users to show off their builds to their fellow enthusiasts. The benefit of tempered glass is its durability, as compared to more brittle acrylic glass.

CPU Cooler Cutout

A CPU cooler cutout lets you exchange your CPU cooler without removing the motherboard. Some aftermarket coolers come with a backplate, which makes installation a bit difficult without this cutout option. Having a CPU cooler cutout makes things much easier for the initial and future builds.

Front Ports

Front ports typically consist of USB ports and headphone/microphone jacks. Newer best PC cases may offer USB Type-C ports which work for both motherboards and some smartphones. The advantage of a USB-C port is its much higher data transfer speed.

Vertical GPU Mount

You may see some cases feature a vertical GPU mount, which allows your graphics card to be mounted vertically against the side panel. Unfortunately, these typically restrict airflow and cause higher temperatures.

Fan Support And Radiators

There are two support options for keeping your PC cool and thermal-regulated. The most common among the owners of the best computer cases is using fans. You’ll usually see the number and size of fans listed on a case’s feature list (some cases will have a number of fans included with space and mounts for more). The second option is a radiator, which uses a liquid cooling system within your PC to funnel heat away from the components.

Typically, PCs are built with copper or aluminum heatsinks with a fan to push the heat away from important components, like the CPU. Even high powered rigs that are under high-pressure usage will usually have fans in place rather than a liquid cooling system. So long as the PC case allows for an equal amount of input and output airflow, then a fan-using rig should be able to keep cool.

Liquid cooling will instead use a radiator and liquid-filled tubing to disperse heat. A liquid, typically water, will circulate through the tubes absorbing heat. The heated liquid is pumped through a radiator which absorbs the heat and transfers it to the air around it. A fan blows the hot air out of the case. Liquid cooling systems remove more heat, faster, and quieter than multiple fans.

Airflow

The importance of airflow through your PC case can’t be understated. If the goal is to bring fresh and cool air into the system while simultaneously expelling heated air away from your internal components (it very much is), then clear airflows are critical. Some cases have fantastic airflow options due to the number of open panels, while others may be a bit more restrictive and closed off.