The Best PC Case

Buying Guide

Getting the right PC case is essential, regardless of whether your computer is an essential part of your work or home life or just another technological gadget you use from time to time. From having the right amount of USB ports to having enough room for all your hardware, you have a lot of elements to consider. There are an overwhelming number of PC cases available in a range of prices, so how do you start narrowing down your options?

The most important aspect to consider when choosing a PC case is the size. There are three categories of sizes to choose from: Full tower, mid tower and mini ITX. As the name suggests, full tower PC cases are the biggest size available and they are typically over 20 inches high and can be quite deep as well. If you’re using an extended ATX motherboard with custom hardware, this size of case is a good choice. Mid tower cases are typically about 18 inches high and can fit standard motherboard sizes. If you’re planning using a mini ITX motherboard, then you need the mini ITX PC case. It’s compact and designed to fit inside small spaces, like a home theater cabinet.

For many people, one of the most important features other than size in a PC case are the drive bays and SSD mounting ports. You’ll need to ensure the case has enough room to house your storage drives in the right location, as well as enough room for an optical drive and fan controller.

• Building a PC used to require a screwdriver, but these days that is not always the case. Many PC cases now actually have a tool-less design that involves using thumb screws. Some even use twist-on or snap-on mechanisms.
• Figuring out cable management can be a challenge when putting together a PC, so when you choose a PC case, look for one that has cut-outs in the motherboard tray for your cables. This will help you run the cables through the back of the case, making it look much neater and more professional. Some PC cases have cable tie-off points or wire covers in the motherboard tray so that the cables are neatly organized.
• If you plan on using a lot of external devices with your PC, then you’re going to want to look for a PC case that includes front-panel connectivity. Having USB-A Type 2.0 ports in the front of the PC case is a must, while some PC cases also include USB-A Type 3.0 and USB-C ports as well. Some PC cases also come with audio jacks for your headset. This not only helps with cable management but also makes usability easier.
• Pay special attention to the fans and airflow because you don’t want your PC to heat up. Having space for two fans is ideal, so be sure to check how many the case you want can accommodate. Even if you plan on only using one fan, having the extra room means you can add on another fan later if you find the performance of your PC is lacking due to the temperature. For optimal airflow, you want to go with a PC case that doesn’t have any obstructions in front of the fans.