Best PC cases 2017: top cases for your desktop computer

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If you’re planning to begin building a computer, finding the best PC case is probably the last thing that you’re thinking about. So, why wouldn’t you settle for a PC case that’s cheap and wobbly instead. Well, when that chassis eventually breaks, moving all of your myriad PC parts over to a new case will probably drive you out of your mind.

That’s why, before you start even thinking about the best graphics card for your new rig, you should begin with one of the best PC cases on the market right now. And, luckily, we here at TechRadar have went ahead and found all the best PC cases for you. Whether you’re planning on using your new PC to play games, make art, watch movies or just write like us, we’ve sorted through every PC case we could get our hands on to bring you only the very best PC cases that you can find.

We know, this sounds just a little bit too good to be true, you can feel it deep in your gut. Don’t confuse hunger for suspicion, though, as we’ve rounded up 8 unique PC cases for you – each in separate categories – that feature an array of airtight reasons for why they should be the case to house your beloved PC components. What’s better, these cases won’t hurt your wallet either, as they pursue value just as much as function. 

Cooler Master Cosmos C700P

The best full-tower PC case

Form factor: Full-tower | Dimensions: 639 x 306 x 651mm (L x W x H; 25.2 x 12 x 25.6 inches) | Mobo compatibility: Mini-ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX (12 x 11 inches) | PSU support: Bottom mount, ATX PS2 | I/O: USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C x 1, USB 3.0 x 4, fan speed and RGB control buttons, audio in/out (supports HD Audio) | Includes: 2 x 140mm front fans, 1 x 140mm rear fan

Physically controlled RGB

Universal, multi-orientation design

Comically heavy

Controversial frame rails

The Cooler Master Cosmos C700P is anything but portable. In fact, at 22kg (or 48.5 pounds), it’s probably going to exceed 32kg (or 70.5 pounds) by the time you’ve stuffed your entire rig into it. However, that doesn’t make it a bad case, it just makes it one you’ll have to lug around by its upper rails. Otherwise, the C700P is gorgeous and versatile, thanks to Cooler Master’s decision to integrate RGB lighting and support six different system orientations.

Fractal Design Meshify-C

The best mid-tower PC case

Form factor: Mid-tower | Dimensions: 395 x 212 x 440mm (L x W x H; 15.6 x 8.3 x 17.3) | PSU support: ATX | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x HD audio in/out, power button, reset button | Includes: 2 x Dynamic X2 GP-12

Freshly designed in multiple ways

Reasonable price

USB 3.0 cable is too short Front

PSU dust filter is hard to remove

There are very few PC cases that look anything like Fractal Design’s Meshify-C. It’s even rare to see a chassis that even vaguely resembles it.. Given that the entire front of the case is made of mesh material sectioned off into many polygonal shapes, the Meshify-C has a unique aesthetic, and it does so without compromising on function. With two fans pre-installed, interior cooling is (forgive us) a breeze, even if the Meshify-C is held back by a number of obstacles. 

Nanoxia Deep Silence 4

The best Micro ATX PC case

Form factor: Small form factor | Dimensions: 380 x 200 x 480mm (W x H x D; 15 x 7.9 x 18.9 inches) | PSU support: ATX | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, HD audio in/out, power button, reset button, two-channel fan control | Includes: 2 x 120mm fans, 2 x modular HDD cages for up to five hard drives

Low-noise

Onboard dual-zone fan controls

 Not many extras 

Nanoxia Deep Silence 4, as it’s name suggests, was crafted with the sole purpose of being quiet as a mouse. This silence-focused case is a well-balanced Micro ATX case that’s affordably priced and even accommodates some of the biggest, most powerful graphics cards with its spacious interior. The fact that you’ll rarely hear it go above 30 decibels is just icing on the very taciturn cake.   

NZXT H200i

Form factor: Small form factor | Dimensions: 210 x 349 x 372mm (8.3 x 13.7 x 14.6) | Mobo compatibility: Mini-ITX | PSU support: ATX | I/O: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x audio/mic, 3 x fan channels with max 10W per channel output, 1 x RGB LED port support up to 4 x HUE + LED strips or 5 x Aer RGB fans | Includes: 1 x Aer F120 Case Version top fan, 1 x Aer F120 Case Version rear fan

Built-in Smart Device RGB control

Adaptive noise reduction

Ugly color options

Now that Mini-ITX is getting to the point where it’s a viable alternative to the age-old Micro ATX, it only makes sense that the form factor has made its way into NZXT’s new H series case lineup. And awe-inspiring enough, it shares a lot of the same features as its Micro ATX and mid-tower equivalents, with spellbinding, built-in and Smart Device-operated RGB lighting and an adaptive noise sensor that sees improvement only by way of the Grid+ V3 fan controller.

Phanteks Evolv Shift X

The best home theater PC case

Form factor: Small form factor | Dimensions: 170 x 650 x 274mm (W x H x D; 6.7 x 26.1 x 10.8 inches) | Mobo compatibility: Mini-ITX | PSU support: SFX, SFX-L, ATX (160mm max) | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, power button, RGB button | Includes: 2 x 140mm fan, 1 x power supply cover, 1 x pump bracket, 2 x SSD bracket, 1 x PCIe x16 Riser cable, 1 x 8-pin CPU extension cable

Plenty of room for beefy components

One-of-a-kind aesthetic

 Massive for Mini-ITX

When you first look at it, the Phanteks Evolv Shift X appears more like a sound bar than a PC case, but this helps it vanish into any living area or studio setup. It’s flexible to the point that it looks natural placed under a TV just as it does atop a desk, next to an equally high-end monitor. It may only be compatible with Mini-ITX mobos, which seems crazy given its size but the Phanteks Evolv Shift X offers tons of space for components and liquid-cooled loops. If this case is a little too large for your preference, there’s also the more manageable and smaller Phanteks Evolv Shift.  

Fractal Design Define R5

Form factor: Mid-tower | Dimensions: 232 x 451 x 521mm (W x H x D; 232 x 451 x 521 inches) | PSU support: ATX | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, audio in/out, power button with LED, HDD activity LED, reset button | Includes: 2 x Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 140mm fans, velcro straps

User-friendly (and handsome) design

 Affordable price

 Definitely not tool-less

Fractal Design has scored a second entry on this list, and they deserve it. The Define R5 is yet another mid-tower case exhibiting a beautiful style. The metallic and blue LED-lit face of the case is simple, yet elegant, and is accompanied by noise dampening materials throughout its interior. In spite of the detachable ModuVent panels and drive trays not being tool-lessly accessible, the Fractal Design Define R5 is otherwise painless to build a computer inside of. Not only that, but it’s not as expensive as you would expect from a PC case with such a pretentious name either. 

Corsair Carbide Spec-04

Form factor: Mid-tower | Dimensions: 492 x 201 x 433mm (L x W x H; 19.4 x 7.9 x 17 inches) | PSU support: ATX | I/O: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x headphone port, 1 x microphone port, power on button, reset button | Includes: 1 x 120mm LED front fan

Premium look and feel

Compelling price point

Only one USB 3.0 port

Inputs located on right side

Even if you’re trying to avoid spending a fortune on your build, it’s probably not a great idea to not settle for the absolute cheapest PC case you can find. For the most part, cheap cases don’t really incorporate proper ventilation and airflow, not to mention you’ll end up buying your own fans and cable management supplies. The Corsair Carbide Spec-04, on the other hand, shows up even some of the more expensive cases. It does so with rubberized feet, an included LED fan and tons of room to spare for additional fans and components.  

Antec Cube

Form factor: Small form factor | Dimensions: 365 x 250 x 460mm (H x W x D; 14.4 x 9.8 x 18.1 inches) | PSU support: ATX | I/O: 2 x USB 3.0, I/O button, audio in/out | Includes: 1 x 120mm rear exhaust fan mount

Ample space for power and cooling

Integrated fan controller

Wildly expensive

Less than satisfactory performance

This case is for the Razer fans out there. While the green snake-adorned company doesn’t manufacture its own PCs, it has partnered with several OEMs in the past to add its signature green-infused flare to a handful of desktop PC cases. This includes the Antec Cube, a small form factor chassis that supports Mini-ITX motherboards and is shaped like an italic font (but backwards). Complete with lots of space, either for an initial build or future expansion, the Antec Cube is also compact enough to travel with.

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