Best computer cases: Full tower, mid-tower and mini case models
If you decided to build your own PC, whether for work or for play, one of the most important things you need to decide on right away is the type of computer case you want to use. After all, some cases are best for high-end gaming, while others might be better for a home office PC, and still others would work best as a home theater PC.
In this article, we take a look at our picks for the best computer cases you can currently buy. We have broken it down into three categories. One is the full tower, which is best for hardcore PC gaming. The second is the mid-tower, for normal everyday computing. Finally, we have the mini-tower category, for PCs that can be connected to your big-screen TV, among other jobs.
Best computer cases – full tower: Cooler Master COSMOS C700P
The Cooler Master COSMOS C700P full tower computer case is perfect for high-end PC gamers who want to build a rig with no compromises. It has a glass panel on the side so you can see all of the PC’s components clearly, and its twin handle bars on the top and bottom actually make it easier to transport this huge case around. It also has built-in RGB lighting, so you can give this case a cool custom look right out of the box. It’s available now on Tiger Direct for $345.99.
Specs
- Dimensions: 639 x 306 x 651mm
- Weight: 22.2 kg
- USB ports: Four USB 3.0 ports; one USB-C port
- Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX
- Drive Bays: 8 3.5-inch bays, 2 2.5-inch bays
Honorable mentions
Corsair Obsidian 1000D – This is a massive “super tower” that can hold two full PCs (one E-ATX motherboard and one Mini-ITX board) at the same time, along with room for up to 18 fans. It’s also expensive; Tiger Direct is selling it for $619.99.
Dark Base Pro 900 – This full tower case is very modular, allowing for more than one position for the motherboard. It’s also been made to support very quiet PC systems and even supports Qi wireless charging for your smartphone. It’s available on Amazon for $269.
Best computer cases – mid-tower: Fractal Design Meshify-C
The first thing you notice about the Fractal Design Meshify-C mid-tower case is its cool-looking front. It’s made of a mesh material that’s been molded into a unique looking design of different shapes. It’s not just for show, this design is supposed to help maximize air flow as well. However, the case also has plenty of space for most PC components and includes two fans for plenty of cooling support. It’s available via Tiger Direct for $129.99
Specs
- Dimensions: 395 x 212 x 440mm
- Weight: 6.16 kg
- USB ports: Two USB 3.0 ports
- Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX
- Drive Bays: 2 3.5-inch bays, 3 2.5-inch bays
Honorable mentions
NZXT H700i – This case includes what the company calls a “smart hub” that is supposed to learn how to perfectly balance fan cooling with noise, with its four pre-installed fan. It’s also a bit more expensive as a result. It’s available on Amazon for $169.99
Corsair Obsidian 500D – This smaller version of the huge 1000D case is not only slick-looking, but it still has plenty of space for lots of custom cooling solutions if you want to turn it into a gaming PC. It’s available on Amazon for $149.99, or your can get it with RGB lighting for $249.99,
Best computer cases – mini case: NZXT H200i
The NZXT H200i mini-case is basically a miniature version of the previously mentioned H700i case. It even shares some of the same features as its big brother, including the smart hub that should give the case the perfect balance of cooling and noise when you use it for everyday work, for gaming or even for a home theater PC. It has a glass panel for checking out all of your components and even includes a pre-installed RGB LED strip. It’s available now on Amazon for as low as $118.
Specs
- Dimensions: 210 x 349 x 372mm
- Weight: 6 kg
- USB ports: Two USB 3.1 ports
- Motherboard support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX
- Drive Bays: 1 3.5-inch bays, 4 2.5-inch bays
Honorable mentions
In Win A1 – This Micro-ATX case includes its own 600w power supply, along with Qi wireless charging support. It also has an RGB base that makes it look like it’s floating on light. However, it’s on the expensive side at $169 on Amazon.
Phanteks Evolv Shift – This Mini-ITX case is not only cool-looking with its brushed aluminum material, it’s designed to be placed either as a tower case or flat for use as a home theater PC. It’s available on Amazon for $106.
And that wraps up our look at the best computer cases you can get right now. Any other options you’d like to recommend? Let us know.
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