Best Computer Case 2021: 17 PC Cases Rated & Reviewed

Thermaltake Level 20

The Thermaktake Level 20 comes in at a whopping ~$900 price tag on Amazon. Is there anyone out there who would ever consider paying that much for a computer case? There probably aren’t many, but for the select few of you who have the enormous budget necessary to accommodate the Level 20, you will definitely get a unique chassis if you choose the Level 20.

The Level 20 sports a triple chamber design, with the front chamber dedicated to holding custom liquid cooling components, the top chamber dedicated to holding the power supply, and the back-bottom chamber dedicated to holding the main components of your system.

All three chambers feature tempered glass side panels and the case comes with Thermaltake’s own RGB PLUS intelligent lighting system. The RGB PLUS lighting system gives you advanced control over the lighting in your case and you can even control the lighting via an app on your smartphone (iPhone or Android.)

In terms of clearance, the Level 20 can hold graphics cards as long as 12.2″ and CPU coolers as tall as 7.9″. The video card clearance isn’t very impressive for a case with a ~$900 price tag, but considering that you can find a few RTX 2080 Tis out there under that length, you should still be able to fit as powerful of a system as possible into the Level 20.

And, while we listed the CPU cooler height, the reality is that, for this expensive of a case, you will likely be opting for liquid cooling. Fortunately, the Level 20 has plenty of support in that department as well. It can hold up to three different radiators simultaneously, including up to a 480mm radiator in the liquid cooling chamber.

Ultimately, though, the Thermaltake Level 20 isn’t a case that will work in 99.9% of system builders’ budgets. For the entire price of this case, you can build a budget-friendly system that will be able to max out pretty much anything you throw at it on a 1080P monitor. So, unless you are working with an unlimited budget, the Thermaltake Level 20 probably isn’t the right option for you.

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Cooler Master Cosmos C700M

While the Cooler Master Cosmos C700M is quite a bit more affordable than the Thermaltake Level 20, it still comes in at a hefty ~$470 price tag. Still, though, that’s nearly half the price of the Level 20 and so, if you’re looking to spend a lot on your upcoming build, the C700M should be a bit more feasible.

The C700M is a full tower case that features the traditional Cosmos design on the exterior (with some modifications) and comes with a tempered glass side panel, an aluminum back panel, and a full length PSU shroud. The case also comes with a video card mounting bracket and riser cable so that you can mount your card, rather than install it in the traditional manner in your motherboard’s PCIe slot.

For clearance, the Cooler Master Cosmos 700M can hold video cards that are up to 19.3″ long and CPU coolers that are up to 7.8″ tall. Both of those clearances will allow you to install any video card or CPU cooler into this case. However, if you’re going to be spending nearly $500 for a computer case, you’re probably going to want to go with a liquid cooling setup. The C700M has you covered there as well, with support for up to four different radiators at a time, with the ability to house up to a 420mm radiator on both the top and front of the case.

The bottom line is that, while the Cooler Master Cosmos 700M is a much more affordable option than the Thermaltake Level 20 listed above, the reality is that at its price (~$470), it also won’t be a very feasible option for the majority of builders. If you can fit it into your budget, though, you won’t be disappointed.

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be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900

If you have a larger budget to work with for your next PC case but you’re still concerned with getting a good return on the amount you’re going to spend, you might want to consider be quiet!’s Dark Base Pro 900 (rev. 2) full tower case. The Dark Base Pro 900 does come in at a whopping ~$260, but considering the cost of the Corsair 1000D and the Caselabs MAGNUM, that seems like a steal considering what the Pro 900 offers.

With the Dark Base Pro 900 you get a large-form-factor case that has clearance to hold graphics cards up to 18.6″ in length and CPU coolers up to 7.3″ tall; both of which will provide you with enough clearance to hold any graphics card and any air CPU cooler currently on the market.

The Pro 900 can also accommodate up to 420mm long radiators and you can hold up to four different radiators inside of the case simultaneously. And, as it is a be quiet! case, the noise level on the Dark Base Pro 900 is exceptional. So, if you’re looking for a high-end case that will give you plenty of options to build a high-end system and that will also help cut down on the noise levels of your PC, the Pro 900 is worth a look.

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Corsair Obsidian 500D

If you like the Corsair Obsidian 1000D but you just can’t justify spending $500 on a case, or you don’t need that big of a chassis, the Corsair 500D is a similar looking (and similarly-designed) alternative.

The 500D comes with dual tempered glass side panels and it can hold graphics cards that are as long as 14.6″ and CPU coolers that are as tall as 6.7″. So, with the 500D, you’ll have plenty of clearance to build a powerful system inside of.

This version of the 500D also comes with three RGB lights installed on the front panel. However, the non-RGB version of the case comes in at a quite a bit lower of a price and so if you don’t need the RGB lights (or you want to install your own), that would probably be the better route to go.

Overall, the 500D is a nice alternative for anyone who likes the look and the layout of the 1000D, but who doesn’t have the budget (or the need for the extra size) that the 1000D comes with.

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Thermaltake Core P5

Thermaltake has introduced a couple of really cool open frame cases that offer a nice unique option for anyone who wants their PC to stand out from the crowd. Thermaltake’s Core P5 is an open frame ATX tower case that is built for those who want to show off the “core” of their system. And, more specifically, for users who want to do a custom-loop water cooling setup.

The P5 has room for graphics cards as long as 11″ when a reservoir is installed, and well over 20″ if no reservoir is installed. However, as I mentioned above, as this case is built for users who will build a custom-loop, you’ll likely use a reservoir in this case and, therefore, you are limited to an 11″ graphics card.

The front panel, two side panels, and the top and bottom panels on this case are all tempered glass.

In the end, if you’re looking for one of the best computer cases under $300 and you want something that will help you stand out from the crowd, the Core P5 might be a case you’ll want to consider.

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Thermaltake Core X71

In our opinion, the Thermaltake Core X71 is one of the best value options currently on the market. As it is a full tower case it obviously isn’t a great option for anyone who wants to build a small-form-factor PC. However, for those of you who prefer bigger and badder cases, the X71 is large enough to suit your needs.

And, the best part is that it won’t cost you hundreds of dollars to get. In fact, the Core X71 comes in at just under ~$130. For that ~$130 you’ll get a large-form-factor case that can hold graphics cards up to 16.5″ long and air CPU coolers up to 7.1″ tall. The Core X71 can also house an extra-large 480mm radiator on the front panel as well as hold up to six different radiators simultaneously. So, if you’re looking to build an extreme liquid cooling setup, this case will allow you to do so.

The case also comes with a dual-chamber design with the motherboard chamber up top on the power supply chamber located at the bottom of the case. The bottom chamber also comes with support for three 120mm fans to help keep your power supply as cool as possible. And, the case can hold up to 15 fans in total.

Ultimately, for the price you pay and the features, size, and value you get out of the Core X71, it should be at the top of the list for any system-builder who wants a larger case but who doesn’t have an insane budget to spend on one.

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Phanteks Evolv X

Another solid option in the sub-$200 price range is the Phanteks Enthoo Evolv X. The Evolv X comes in at just under $200 and offers a high-end chassis that can hold just about any setup possible. The case can support video cards up to 17.2″ long and CPU coolers up to 7.4″ tall.

The Evolv X can also hold three different radiators simultaneously, including a radiator up to 420mm long on the front panel. So, whether you want to go with a large air cooler, a 360mm AIO cooler, or run your own custom liquid cooling loop with a 420mm radiator, you can do so in the Evolv X.

The Evolv X is also a tempered glass PC case and it has built-in RGB strips on the full length PSU shroud and on the front panel.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the Enthoo Evolv X, though, is that fact that it can be upgraded to hold dual systems. With the dual system upgrade, the Enthoo Evolv X can hold both an extended-ATX motherboard and a mini-ITX motherboard.

Overall, the Evolv X is an excellent case option if you’re looking to build an extreme gaming computer.

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Corsair Crystal 570X

If you love RGB lights and tempered glass, then you ’ll want to consider the Corsair Crystal Series 570X. This mid-tower design is encased with four tempered glass panels, giving you full visibility of the front, top, and sides of the case. It comes with three SP 120 RGB LED fans and has the capacity to run up to six fans total.

This model has a built-in RGB controller which allows you to select your LED effects to light up your build. If you want to add more, it’s compatible with 360mm, 280mm, 240mm, and 120mm radiators. You’ll just need to add fan trays to customize your space. The controller also keeps your components running cool to maximize the performance of your system.

To keep the case aesthetically pleasing, it has built-in cable routing channels and comes with velcro cable straps so that you have streamlined internal cable management. The front panel features a high-speed USB 3.0 port for easy access and has a bright white LED backlit CORSAIR logo. If you’re not for branding, this panel is removable.

Internally, the 570X can incorporate up to a 370mm graphics card, or 14.5 inches, which is standard for cases at this price point and is enough clearance to hold the largest graphics cards on the market

While it looks good, the 570x is a straightforward case. It has a tool-less design, and it has three-point dust filter access which makes it easy to clean and maintain. Overall, if you’re looking for a high-end tempered glass PC case for under $200, the Corsair 570X is one option you’ll want to check out.

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NZXT H210i

If you’re looking for a high-end stylish mini-ITX case, you might not want to look further than the NZXT H210i. The H210i takes the latest trends in computer cases (namely, PSU shrouds, tempered glass, and RGB lighting control) and combines them into a compact chassis.

However, the H210i isn’t so small as to limit you to the kind of performance you can get if you were to build inside of it. It can hold graphics cards up to 12.8″ long and air CPU coolers up to 6.5″ in height. While the graphics card clearance is low compared to the other options on this list, the reality is that there are RTX 2080 Tis out there that come in shorter than 12.8″ long. So, unlike other mini-ITX cases where you’re forced to use a low-profile graphics card, in the H210i you can easily fit a full-length graphics card inside of it.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a feature-rich case that will work with a mini-ITX motherboard and that won’t limit you on the kind of performance you can get from your system, the H210i is a solid choice if you have the budget to accommodate it.

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Fractal Design Meshify C

Fractal Design’s Meshify C is one of the most popular sub-$100 cases currently on the market. It doesn’t come with a bunch of RGB lights and it doesn’t have a ton of clearance for extra long GPUs or super tall CPU coolers.

However, what it does come with is a full mesh front and top panel that allow for nearly unrestricted airflow in and out of the case. If you’re looking for a fairly affordable case that can take your cooling to the next level, the Meshify C is probably an option you’ll want to consider.

It comes with a full length PSU shroud, the ability to hold up to seven fans (including two fans preinstalled), and room for radiators on the front, top, and rear of the case.

Again, its GPU clearance won’t blow you away (12.4-inches max). However, as there are RTX 2080 Tis out there that come under 12.4-inches long, this case won’t prevent you from building an extreme system inside of it.

Ultimately, if cooling performance is your main goal and you’re looking for a PC case under $100, then the Meshify C is probably the option for you.

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Phanteks Pro M

Our pick for the best computer case under $100 is the Phanteks Pro M mid-tower case. The Pro M sneaks in just under $100 and it comes with a tempered glass side panel, a PSU shroud, and it can support up to seven different fans along the front, top, and rear of the case.

The Pro M can hold the longest graphics cards and CPU coolers on the market (up to 16.5″ long and 7.6″ tall respectively) and so you’re really not limited on what you can do inside of this case in regards to sheer performance.

The Pro M also has plenty of options for liquid cooling, too, with support for up to 360mm radiators and the inclusion of reservoir mounts. So, if you’re looking for a fairly affordable PC case that will allow you to build a high-end system inside of, the Pro M is probably an option you’ll want to check out before you make your decision.

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NZXT H510i

Another solid option from NZXT is their H510i mid-tower case. Like the H210i, the H510i has a PSU shroud, a tempered glass side panel, and advanced support for RGB lighting (out-of-the-box).

The H510i can hold graphics cards that are up to 15.0″ long and CPU coolers as tall as 6.5″. The case also comes in three different color schemes: white and black, black, and black and red. So, if you’re looking to do a specific color scheme for your build and one of the H510i’s color schemes matches your own, that is an extra plus.

Overall, the H510i stacks up well with the Phanteks Pro M and Meshify C. So, if you have right around ~$100 to spend on a case, I’d say that of those three choices, go with whichever one has a style that is more appealing to you.

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Phanteks Eclipse P350X

If you don’t have a ton of money to spend but you want to get a nice-looking case that will give you enough room to build a powerful gaming computer inside of, for just ~$70 you can land the Phanteks Eclipse P350X.

The P350X can hold graphics cards that are as long as 15.7″ and CPU coolers that are as tall as 6.3″. The case can also support 280mm radiators and hold extended-ATX motherboards as well. So, there really is no limit on what you can put inside of this case.

With the P350X, you also get a PSU shroud, a tempered glass side panel, and some built-in RGB strips as well. So, ultimately, for a really fair price, you get a lot of high-end features as well as what I think is a nice-looking design, too.

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Cooler Master MasterBox MB600L

The sub-$50 PC case market has changed dramatically over the past couple of years. Two years ago, the only sub-$50 cases you could find were not very attractive options and they didn’t have fully transparent side panels and PSU shrouds. Now, there are a bunch of those options.

And, the best of those options might be Cooler Master’s MasterBox MB600L. Not only does it come in at just under $50, but it also sports a fully transparent side panel and a PSU shroud.

The other thing that helps it stand out in the sub-$50 category is how much interior space it offers. The MB600L can hold GPUs up to 15.7-inches long (400mm) and CPU coolers up to 7.1-inches tall (180mm). It can also hold up to 360mm AIO coolers.

All of that means that this budget-friendly case is large enough to fit a high-end system.

The only real downsides to this case are that there isn’t a lot of great cable management options, the front panel is not grilled (which would help with airflow), and the side panel is acrylic instead of tempered glass. However, you’re not going to find a case for under $50 that has all of those features and offers as much room inside of it as the MB600L. So, the bottom line is that, if you’re looking for an affordable case that will allow you to build a high-end system inside of it, the MB600L is a worthy option to consider.

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Cougar MX330-G

It’s always fun to see what case manufacturer wants to make a bold move to try and grab the sub-$50 case market. Right now, PSU shrouds and tempered glass panels are hot features on higher-end cases. But, you don’t really see them on sub-$50 cases.

Yet, Cougar has somehow managed that with their MX330-G. It has a full length PSU shroud and a full tempered glass side panel. And, it costs less than $40.

Cougar’s case also comes with a grilled front panel, which is a feature I think a lot of more expensive cases mess up on (by offering a solid front panel—which restricts air intake). And, it has enough GPU and CPU cooler clearance to build as high-end of a system as you want inside of it.

So, if you’re strapped for cash, and you’re looking for a budget-friendly PC case that looks cool, offers decent airflow, and has enough room to expand your system in the future, then the MX330-G is definitely worth checking out.

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Fractal Design Focus

Our pick for the top case under $50 is Fractal Design’s Focus. The Focus is a mid-tower case that comes available in five different color schemes and offers good airflow and plenty of space to hold a higher-end system.

It can accommodate graphics cards up to 15.0″ long and CPU coolers up to 6.5″ tall. It can also hold radiators up to 280mm in length on the front panel, or up to 240mm in length on the top panel. So, liquid cooling isn’t out of the question in this case as well.

Overall, there’s nothing fancy with the Focus. It’s just a solid budget-friendly computer case that looks nice and gives you the space you need to build a solid computer inside of.

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Thermaltake Core V1

The Thermaltake Core V1 is not only one of our favorite options for a budget-friendly mini-ITX case, but it also made our top choices for the Best Cube-Style Cases, too. Its compact cube-style design gives builders a unique option for building a smaller form-factor system. And, because it comes in at under $50, it won’t break the bank either.

Despite its small size, the Core V1 can still hold graphics cards up to 11.2″ long and CPU coolers as tall as 5.5″. So, you can either use standard size coolers and graphics cards in this build, or you can opt for a low-profile CPU cooler and low-profile graphics card to give you more room, too.

In the end, though, if you’re looking for a cube-style mini-ITX case and you don’t have a huge budget, the Thermaltake Core V1 should suit your needs just fine.

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Thermaltake Versa H15

Finally, we have the Thermaltake Versa H15 micro-ATX case. While the Fractal Design Focus and the Thermaltake Core V1 are excellent budget options, we chose the Thermaltake Versa H15 as our top budget pick mainly because of the insanely low price it comes in at. You can land the Versa H15 For just $30 ( which is ~$20 less than the Core V1 and the Focus).

And, for that $30, you get a case that can hold just about any graphics card and CPU cooler currently available. Yes, the micro-ATX motherboard form-factor will limit you a bit on the kind of system you can put inside of this case. However, for the price you pay and the potential you can get out of it, the Versa H15 is a good cheap option that will allow you to build an entry-level system inside of now and that will also give you the opportunity to upgrade to a more powerful system in the future, too.

So, if you’re working with a tight budget and you want to optimize it so that you can build as powerful of a system as possible, you can save some money by choosing the Thermaltake Versa H15.

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