Best PC cases 2017: top cases for your desktop computer

When you’re building a computer, opting for one of the best PC cases is usually the last thing on your mind. Instead, it’s tempting to merely settle for a desktop chassis that’s cheap and fragile instead. Unfortunately, though, when that shell inevitably cracks, migrating all of your components over to a new home is all but an effortless procedure.

That’s why, from the get-go, you should start out with one of the best PC cases on the market. And, luckily, we’ve taken care of the heavy lifting for you. That’s right, whether you plan on using your PC to play games, watch movies, create art or simply write like us, we’ve sifted through every computer case we could get our hands on to bring you only the best.

Although your gut may have you certain that we’re lying, don’t confuse hunger for suspicion, as we’ve sniffed out 8 unique PC cases – each in different categories – that present a collection of compelling arguments for why they should be the one to house your motherboard. Better yet, these cases won’t break the bank either, as they exercise value as much as function.

If you have an inkling that our list may be outdated for including this familiar-looking case, we don’t blame you for the suspicion. The Cooler Master Cosmos II 25th Anniversary Edition was designed to resemble the 2012 chassis of its namesake to – of course– celebrate its 25th Anniversary. The 2017 version optimizes HDD installations with its signature X-Dock, and its tempered glass side panel looks beautiful while illuminated by its blue LEDs.

Finding any other PC case even remotely similar to Fractal Design’s Meshify-C is rare at the very least. Given that the entire front of the chassis is comprised of mesh material divided up into numerous polygonal shapes, the Meshify-C boasts quite the look, 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 set back by a handful of stumbles.

As its unit name suggests, the Nanoxia Deep Silence 4 was molded with the sole intent of being silent as a mouse. This silence-focused case is a well-rounded Micro ATX case that’s affordably priced and even supports some of the largest, most powerful graphics cards with its spacious interior. The fact that you’ll rarely hear it go above 30 decibels is merely icing on the very reserved cake.

Micro ATX may have been around longer, but Mini-ITX technology is getting to that point where it’s finally viable for PC power users and gamers alike. The issue that Mini ITX cases still need to surmount, however, is the limitation they inherently impose on cooling and power options. Luckily, the NZXT Manta was designed for your mightier components as well as tiny mobos. The nearly full-size design might put some people off, but we find that it’s more than reasonable for this bubble-shaped colossus of a chassis.

When you first see it, the Phanteks Evolv Shift X looks more like a sound bar than a PC chassis, but this helps it disappear into any living room or studio setup. It’s versatile 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. While it’s only compatible with Mini-ITX motherboards, which seems silly given its size, the Phanteks Evolv Shift X offers tons of space for components and liquid-cooled loops. If this chassis is a little too large for your liking, there’s also the more manageable and smaller Phanteks Evolv Shift.

Our second entry from Fractal Design, the Define R5 is yet another mid-tower chassis bearing lush aesthetics. The metallic and blue LED-lit front of the case is simple, yet elegant, and is complemented by noise dampening materials throughout its interior. Despite the removable 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 pricey as you might expect from a PC case with such a pretentious name either.

When you’re trying to keep the cost of your build down, we recommend not going for the absolute cheapest PC case available. For the most part, cost cutting cases are deprived of proper ventilation and airflow, not to mention you’ll wind 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 extravagant chassis. It does so with rubberized feet, a bundled LED fan and plenty of room to spare for additional fans and components.

This one is for our Razer fans out there. While the green snake-embellished company doesn’t make its own PCs, it has partnered with a few OEMs in the past to add its signature green-infused flare to a handful of desktop PC cases. This includes the Atec Cube, a small form factor case that tailors to Mini-ITX motherboards and is shaped like an italic font (if it was reversed). Complete with lots of headroom, either for an initial build or later expansion, the Antec Cube is simultaneously compact enough to be taken anywhere.