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Best PC Cases
List in brief
1. Best-Looking PC Case
2. Best Budget ATX Gaming Case
3. Best Budget ATX Gaming Case (alternative)
4. Best Premium RGB ATX Gaming Case
5. Best Mainstream Airflow-Focused Case
6. Best Performance-Focused ATX Case
7. Best Compact ATX Case
8. Best Case for Rear-Connector Motherboards
9. Best Design-Focused Mini-ITX Case
10. Best High-End XL/EATX Case
11. Best Workstation Case
12. Shopping Tips
Many PC builders don't give enough thought to PC case options, or push the case decision off until the end of the component-choosing process. But you should think about your case options early on when considering your next build.
The best PC case for your build will dictate the system's size, shape, and identity, dictating its finished looks and what fits inside. And the PC case is a major factor in how noisy your system will get (or how quiet it stays) under load, thanks to included fans and things like mesh or glass panels. These aspects also massively impact the cooling potential of your rig.
If you like your PCs small, you may want to consider one of the best Mini-ITX cases to minimize your PC’s footprint on your desk. Or you can get a chassis like Corsair's Obsidian 9000D or Be Quiet's Dark Base Pro 901 to house a massive workstation or gaming rig with acres of expansion possibilities.
Below, we’ve selected the best PC cases we've tested, from the dozens of models we've reviewed in recent years. So long as you check whether the parts you want to use will fit in it and you like its looks, one of the cases below should keep you and your PC parts happy for years to come.
New Cases Shown at Computex 2024
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
We saw a slew of new cases at Computex, from Phanteks, Fractal, Thermaltake, and several other companies. So expect reviews of some of those and many others as the year progresses. Some of them will undoubtedly wind up on this page.
Best PC Cases
1. Fractal Design North
Best-Looking PC Case
A unique wood-and-mesh front and lots of airflow-focused features at an affordable price, Fractal's North is a fantastic case with performance that's just as impressive as its looks.
Read more below
2. Phanteks XT Pro Ultra
Best Budget ATX Gaming Case
With four 140mm ARGB fans, a glass side panel, and a price around $80, the Phanteks XT Pro Ultra is one of the best values in the PC case space. It doesn't skimp on airflow or aesthetics, has room for top-end components, and even supports new rear-connector motherboards for a clean interior.
Read more below
3. Lian Li Lancool 216
Best Budget ATX Gaming Case Alternative
Combining some of the defining features of the Lancool III and O11D Evo, plus excellent cable management, the Lancool 216 is an excellent case for less than $100.
Read more below
4. Corsair Obsidian Series 4000X RGB
Best Premium RGB ATX Gaming Case
Corsair has combined pretty, minimalist design with everything you need for the vast majority of ATX builds, at a reasonable price.
Read more below
5. NZXT H7 Flow
Best Mainstream Airflow-Focused Case
A revamped classic, focused on cooling performance, which also kept our components surprisingly quiet under load, the H7 Flow is a breeze to recommend.
Read more below
6. be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX
Best Performance-Focused ATX Case
The Be Quiet Shadow Base 800 FX delivered some of the best cooling and acoustic numbers we’ve seen in our tests, making it an excellent case option for builders looking for quiet performance with some RGB.
Read more below
Show More PC Cases ⬇
7. Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini
Best Compact ATX Case
This squat, compact ATX case offers a mesh front panel and three fans for airflow, with an unusual layout that’s surprisingly well-suited to novice builders.
Read more below
8. Corsair 2500D Airflow
Best Rear-Connector Motherboard Case
For builds with rear-connector (MG-RC) motherboards, the 2500D is the best case we've tested so far. This Micro ATX chassis gets the basics right, while also providing extra space behind the motherboard for cable slack, which you'll have a lot of since you aren't routing most to the front.
Read more below
9. Fractal Design Terra
Best Design-Focused Mini-ITX Case
With its striking wood-accented front panel and extremely compact design, the Terra will look great on your desk. Just keep in mind you’ll need a small-form-factor CPU cooler, especially if you also plan on installing a powerful graphics card.
Read more below
10. Cooler Master HAF 700 Evo
Best High-End XL or EATX Case
This visually striking beast of a case offers excellent performance, a striking RGB-lit glass grille, and an LCD screen. It's also very expensive, but doesn't pull any punches when it comes to features.
Read more below
11. Fractal Design Meshify 2
Best Case for High-End Rigs and Workstations
All the space and breathing room you need for modern high-end workstation builds, plus excellent cooling performance.
Read more below
The Best PC Cases You Can Buy Today
Best-Looking PC Case
1. Fractal Design North
Best-Looking PC Case
Specifications
Type: Mid Tower
Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX
Card Length Supported: 356mm (14 inches)
Storage Support: (2) 3.5 inches, (6) 2.5 inches
Included Fans: (2) 140mm PWM
Reasons to buy
+ Exceptional thermal performance Gorgeous Solid drive support PWM fans Side fan bracket included Nice price
Reasons to avoid
- Noisy
We aren't sure who asked for a PC case that mixed mid-century modern design (wooden slats and all) and high airflow, but we sure are glad that Fractal Design answered with the excellent North mid-tower. Available with either a mesh side (as we tested) or tempered glass, and in white with chrome accents on the IO and feet, or black with some seriously pretty brass, this is arguably the prettiest PC case ever produced, period.
And thanks to its pair of 140mm fans and an included side bracket (for the mesh model) that can hold another pair of 140mm fans (not included), the North has excellent thermals as well. Just note that it can get noisy when delivering those temps. The glass side panel may help a bit on the noise front, but likely at the cost of at least some thermal performance.
If you don't like the case's looks, then the company's Meshify 2 Compact (below), is probably a better option for you. But if you're after a case that matches the pretty furniture in your living room, has lots of room for storage, and won't break the bank at $130, nothing else comes close to the North. We hope Fractal's bold move inspires other case makers to try something different.
Read: Fractal Design North Review
Best Budget ATX Gaming Case
2. Phanteks XT Pro Ultra
Best Budget ATX Gaming Case
Specifications
Type: Mid Tower
Motherboard Support: Micro ATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX (up to 280mm)
Card Length Supported: 16.34 inches
Storage Support: (1) 3.5-inch and (3) 2.5-inch, or (5) 2.5 inch
Included Fans: (4) 140mm ARGB
Reasons to buy
+ Four 140mm ARGB fans included Room for large components Supports rear-connector motherboards
Reasons to avoid
- No removable front fan filter Only two top panel ports
Not long ago, a PC case with four 140mm RGB fans and a tempered glass side panel would have cost well north of $100. But Phanteks manages to deliver that, plus support for high-end components and emerging
rear-connector motherboards, in a choice of black or white, for just $80. It's a great case for builders looking to put together a gaming rig with great cooling, who want to spend most of their money on core components like the graphics card and CPU.
The four included RGB fans deliver lots of airflow, and with some tweaking of settings in your BIOS or software, they can also run reasonably quietly. And when I installed an MSI Project Zero motherboard in the case, all the holes lined up perfectly and there was enough room for cable slack. SATA drive support is also good for a mainstream case, with a 3.5-inch drive cage and up to five 2.5-inch drives supported.
It's clear that Phanteks had to cut some corners to keep the costs down (there's a even a stepped-down XP Pro model with a single fan that has an MSRP of just $50). There are no grommets around the cable holes, and only two top USB ports (one USB-C and one USB-A). But for just $80, the Phanteks XT Pro Ultra delivers great airflow, lots of RGB, and support for modern features and high-end hardware. There are better cases out there if you're willing to spend significantly more than $100. But in its price range, Phanteks XT Pro Ultra is hands-down the best option for most gamers and system builders.
Read: Phanteks XT Pro Ultra PC case: Modern budget case delivers lots of airflow and RGB
Best Budget ATX Gaming Case Alternative
3. Lian Li Lancool 216
Best Budget ATX Gaming Case (Alternative)
Specifications
Type: Mid Tower
Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX
Card Length Supported: 391mm (15.4 inches)
Storage Support: (2) 3.5 inches or (6) 2.5 inches
Included Fans: (2) 160mm RGB, (1) 140mm
Reasons to buy
+ Two RGB 160mm fans Dedicated PCIe /GPU fan bracket Excellent cable management Bridged IO connector
Reasons to avoid
- RGB controller and PCIe fan sold separately
With a starting price of just $100 (or $15 more if you want to add an RGB controller and more USB ports), Lian Li' Lancool 216 delivers some of the excellent design features of its pricier O11D Evo and Lancool III cases, while adding a nifty PCIe fan mount and large 160mm RGB intake fans. The top IO can be moved to the left side, near the bottom, if you're going to keep the case on your desk.
The LanCool 216 isn't a quiet case, but its thermal performance is excellent – especially if you add a rear 120mm below the GPU mounts, via the included bracket. There are hundreds of cases around the $100 price point, but the 216 stands out thanks to novel features for its price, great airflow, and solid design, with superb cable routing. We just wish an extra fan for the PCIe bracket were included in the price.
Read: Lian Li Lancool 216 Review
Best Premium RGB ATX Gaming Case
4. Corsair Obsidian Series 4000X RGB
Best Premium RGB ATX Gaming Case
Specifications
Type: Mid Tower
Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX
Card Length Supported: 360mm (14.2 inches)
Storage Support: (2) 3.5” (2) 2.5”
Included Fans: (3) 120mm ARGB
Reasons to buy
+ Clean aesthetics and refined interior Good enough thermal performance Mesh option (without RGB) for performance enthusiasts or budget builders RGB variant includes iCUE hub Relatively quiet
Reasons to avoid
- Only one front USB-A port Fans don’t spin fast enough for extreme performance requirements
Corsair’s 4000X RGB is a sleek gaming tower that comes with two glass panels and three RGB spinners. Priced at about $135 now, it’s not cheap, but its design is thoroughly considered and as you build with it, it’s clear where Corsair’s gaming and PC building pedigree comes from. Indeed, the 4000X RGB (as well as the similar 4000D airflow), is an extremely easy and convenient chassis to build a system in, and everything just makes sense.
While it won’t blow you away with premium materials such as aluminum, the dark tinted glass ensures that you only see RGB lighting inside the case, allowing you to be a little sloppy with cable management because you won’t see it anyway. Add to that Corsair’s class-leading RGB ecosystem, and you’ve got a very pretty case that’s convenient in use and always looks good, no matter what you install inside it.
Read:
Corsair Obsidian Series 4000X RGB ReviewAlternatively, if you're after something with a bit more flexibility, the Lian Li Lancool III RBG is an impressive option with movable front IO, excellent cable management and lots of internal space. But priced about $30 more than the Corsair case, with somewhat noisy fans and CPU thermals that weren't quite as good as we'd expect from a mesh front case with three 140mm spinners, it's not as easy to recommend as Corsair's 4000X RGB.
Best Mainstream Airflow-Focused Case
5. NZXT H7 Flow
Best Mainstream Airflow-Focused Case
Specifications
Type: Mid-Tower
Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Card Length Supported: 15.74 inches (39.98 cm)
Storage Support: (2) 3.5 or (4) 2.5-inch
Included Fans: (2) 120 mm
Reasons to buy
+ Surprisingly quiet Impressive and quiet stock case fans Satisfying cable management
Reasons to avoid
- No RGB (a Pro for some)
With just two of the company's F120Q Airflow case fans behind a skeletal frame with a perforated front panel, the NZXT H7 Flow manages to deliver excellent temperature and noise level numbers in our testing, beating or competing well against pricier chassis with more fans and glass panels. It's also a pleasure to build in, with good cable management and a $130 MSRP that's quite reasonable in this era of seemingly ever-increasing prices.
The primary missing feature here, which will feel refreshing for many builders, is the lack of any RGB to light up your system. That, combined with the boxy look and perforated front means this case isn't the prettiest on our list, but it can certainly look good with some tasteful lighting delivered via your components, extra fans or a light strip. And if you don't like the look of the fully vented front and you aren't that concerned about keeping your temps a low as they can go, the non-Flow H7 model has a solid front, but with everything else we loved about the H7 Flow.
Read:
NZXT H7 Flow reviewBest Performance-Focused ATX Case
6. be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX
Best Performance-Focused ATX Case
Specifications
Type: ATX Mid-Tower
Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
Card Length Supported: 16.9 inches (42.93 cm)
Storage Support: (2) 3.5 or (4) 2.5-inch
Included Fans: (4) 140 mm RGB
Reasons to buy
+ Lots of features for the price Respectable IO Four included RGB Light Wings fans Rotatable PCIe bracket Sound-dampening foam
Reasons to avoid
- Visual design looks a bit plain PCIe riser cable not included
Be Quiet’s Shadow Base 800 FX case may not turn heads based on its looks alone, but it’s one of the best-performing thermal and acoustic cases we have tested. At $220, it’s far from the most affordable, especially for a mid-tower. But its stellar performance and inclusion of four aRGB fans make it worth the investment.
If you don’t care about RBG, a non-FX, non-lit model drops the included fan count from four to three, and sells for $170. Neither is particularly affordable. But in our testing, both the thermal and acoustic performance of the Shadow Base 800 FX approached the best PC cases we’ve tested.
Read:
be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX ReviewBest Compact ATX Case
7. Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini
Best Compact ATX Case
Specifications
Type: ATX Case
Motherboard Support: ATX
Card Length Supported: 362mm (14.6 inches)
Storage Support: (4) 3.5” (2) 2.5”
Included Fans: 2x 140mm PWM, 1x 120mm PWM
Reasons to buy
+ Improved cooling and 3 PWM fans Supports ATX boards and PSUs Affordable at $110
Reasons to avoid
- Ditches aluminum panels for steel No longer as ITX-focused Ugly bottom air filter implementation remains
Lian Li’s PC-O11 Dynamic has been a staple, go-to PC case for pretty builds in recent years, but its days might be numbered. The O11D Mini was inspired by the Dynamic's design, but had a few issues. Now though, the O11 Air Mini is a brilliant alternative.
Priced at around $120, you get a lot for your money with this case, including three PWM fans, bits of pretty aluminum, a glass panel, handsome looks, plentiful IO, a brilliant internal design, and full ATX compatibility.
The O11 Air Mini features an unusual side-by-side chambered design, but building in it is a breeze and its performance is well up to snuff by modern standards. With this many features, great handsome styling, and such value for money, it’s a case that easily earns its place on this list.
Read: Lian Li O11 Air Mini Review
Best Case for Rear-Connector Motherboards
8. Corsair 2500D Airflow
Best Rear-Connector Motherboard Case
Specifications
Type: mATX mid-tower
Motherboard Support: Micro ATX, Mini-ITX
Card Length Supported: 400mm (15.75 inches)
Storage Support: (2) 2.5-inch, (2) 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch
Included Fans: None
Reasons to buy
+ Ample space behind motherboard Very configurable with accessories Good airflow
Reasons to avoid
- Large for a Micro ATX case Can get very expensive with accessories
Corsair's 2500D airflow doesn't stand out much as a general Micro ATX case. But as a case specifically for rear-connector motherboards, it's the best I've tested so far. And if you're after a case for a full-size ATX build, the company also sells a 6500D Airflow for $199. These cases get the basics right, like cutout placement (although a PSU support strip right above the bottom cutout is annoying). But more importantly, due to their dual-chamber design, they provide enough room for the large amount of cable slack that results from plugging nearly everything in behind the motherboard, instead of up front. The other cases I've tested with these rear-connector boards don't have nearly enough space behind the motherboard. For even more room for cables on the 2500D, you can opt for a smaller SFX power supply. But of course, that generally costs extra.
I do find the basic presentation of the 2500D a bit drab, but adding the $69 wood accent panels morphs the 2500D from a plain bulky box to something I enjoy looing at. That's not going to be worth the extra expense for everyone, but because the panels are accessories, you don't have to decide whether you want them or not until after you own the case. And you are spoiled for choice, as the company offers panels in silver aluminum and four wood varieties. Other accessories include a vertical GPU mounting kit and a front panel to turn the 2500D into the 2500X.
Read:
Hands-on with Corsair's 2500D Airflow caseBest Design-Focused Mini-ITX Case
9. Fractal Design Terra
Best Design-Focused Mini-ITX Case
Specifications
Type: SFF
Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX
Card Length Supported: 322.1mm (12.68 inches)
Storage Support: (2) 2.5-inch
Included Fans: None
Reasons to buy
+ Stunning wood-accented looks Extremely compact Flexible spine to adjust cooling or GPU space
Reasons to avoid
- No front audio jacks Cramped cooling, storage and PSU support
The substantial size and substantial cooling needs of today's components – particularly graphics cards like Nvidia's RTX 4090 – have made several compact cases from the past few years effectively obsolete. But at just 10.4 liters of volume, the Mini-ITX Fractal Design Terra case has enough room for most big GPUs, while delivering attractively thanks to an aluminum exterior with some attractive wood on the front.
It doesn't have as wide of an appeal as its ATX North cousin, since you'll be far more limited in your component and airflow options with the Terra. But if you don't need to pack in the absolute most powerful CPU (cooling clearance is particularly cramped) and you don't need several storage drives, the Terra is compact, practical, and stunning – especially if you want a respite from PC gaming's typical RGB and aggressive designs. The Terra's flip-up doors and adjustable spine also make this case surprisingly easy to build considering it's so compact. Just know you'll need to bring a modular SFX PSU, because you'll need all the spare interanal space you can get with this case.
Read: Fractal Design Terra Hands On
Best High-End XL/EATX Case
10. Cooler Master HAF 700 Evo
Best High-End XL/EATX Case
Specifications
Type: Full Tower
Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Card Length Supported: 490mm (19.29 inches)
Storage Support: (12) 3.5 or 2.5-inch
Included Fans: (2) 200 mm, (3) 120 mm
Reasons to buy
+ Great thermal performance Gorgeous glass grille and infinity mirror Iris LCD screen + Server-level drive support Tool-free GPU, PSU and drive installation
Reasons to avoid
- Very expensive Side panels aren’t hinged
Cooler Master's HAF 700 Evo packs in loads of unique features, like an edge-lit RGB glass grille front with a circular LCD display, an infinity mirror to hide ugly bits of the interior while showing off your pretty components and five front USB ports. There's also room for up to 12 drives and EATX server-class motherboards, plus clearance for the largest graphics cards and coolers.
But Cooler Master didn't forget about performance with its HAF 700 Evo. It lands at or near the top of our testing charts, thanks to two huge 200 mm intake fans and a trio of smaller 120 mm spinners. Plus, with 18 fan mounts, airflow can get even better.
The only downsides of the HAF 700 Evo are its $500-plus price, the fact that it weighs over 50 pounds empty, and the dust filter is behind the front panel, which is difficult to remove. If you're after great looks and great performance with loads of room for high-end parts, Cooler Master's flagship HAF is hard to beat.
Read: Cooler Master HAF 700 Evo review
Best Case for High-End Rigs and Workstations
11. Fractal Design Meshify 2
Best Case for High-End Rigs and Workstations
Specifications
Type: Mid-Tower ATX
Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (285 mm)
Card Length Supported: 467mm (18.4 inches)
Storage Support: (11) 3.5" (6 brackets included), (4) 2.5" (2 brackets included)
Included Fans: (3) 140mm
Reasons to buy
+ Interior brilliance Excellent cooling performance Easy panel and dust filter removal
Reasons to avoid
- Overkill for modest builds Slightly buzzy fan motors
Fractal's Meshify 2 is well-thought-out and versatile, delivering an enjoyable building experience. Whether you use this case as a system where you just want to deliver copious amounts of airflow and expansion space, a workstation with a cadre of hard drives, a server, or high-end custom liquid cooling, the Meshify 2 can accommodate your build. Its thermal and acoustic performance is also in line with what we'd expect from a mesh front. All this cobined earns this case a rare five-star rating.
The only thing to consider before hitting the buy button is whether you really need the space for storage or cooling parts, or should you buy a smaller chassis and save some money and sapce?
Read: Fractal Design Meshify 2 Review
Quick PC Case Shopping Tips
- Figure out what parts you have/want first. Before prioritizing looks, you’ll want to know what motherboard, graphics card, and cooler you’ll be using, plus how many drives you’ll want to install. This will dictate the size of the cases to consider.
- Cooling is key, especially in small cases. Airflow is important in choosing the best PC case, especially when it comes to high-end components in tight spaces. Check our cooler reviews for our cooling test results before buying, and remember that cases with glass fronts and tops restrict airflow and may need extra fans.
- Choose a chassis that you like to look at. Your case of choice is likely to spend lots of time in your peripheral vision. Don’t forget to check airflow and that your parts will fit. But after that, find something that appeals to you visually. Take the time to find a case that appeals to you visually. If you want to show off your case's internals, a case like Hyte's Y60 with its panoramic glass is certainly appealing. But know that generally speaking, the more glass found on a case, particularly in the front, the warmer your system is likely to run.
Discounts on the Best PC Cases
Whether you're buying one of the best PC cases on our list above or a different product, you may find some savings by checking out the latest Corsair coupon codes, Newegg promo codes or Micro Center coupon codes.
MORE: Best PC Cases
MORE: Best Mini-ITX Cases
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Matt Safford
After a rough start with the Mattel Aquarius as a child, Matt built his first PC in the late 1990s and ventured into mild PC modding in the early 2000s. He’s spent the last 15 years covering emerging technology for Smithsonian, Popular Science, and Consumer Reports, while testing components and PCs for Computer Shopper, PCMag and Digital Trends.
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Latest
59 CommentsComment from the forums
abryant Archived comments are found here: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-3761873/cases.html
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Peter Martin Lol. No thanks. Lian-Li for me
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1_rick In the info block at the top, the "review" link for the H200i goes to the Define R6 review; it's correct at the page bottom.
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Scrotus Why are front panel USB ports, power switches, activity lights, etc. placed on top of cases? If I interpret correctly a desktop computer indicates it is placed on your desktop. My last 3 or 4 cases had everything on top and I couldn't see them without standing up and the hard drive activity light was out of sight while I'm sitting in my normal position. I wish they would start putting front panel stuff on the front panel and not on top of the case.
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joedavies87 Why isn’t Phanteks on this list?
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Lucky_SLS The pc O11 dynamic will get a 2/5 in Tom's review cuz they test it at stock fan configuration. Maybe that's why it's not in the list XD.
But you still have the pc o11 air and Lan cool one to test! Reviews for the lancool one digital asap plz!
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invisiblezombie A lot of cases aren't available in this part of the world and computer parts are priced at 50% or higher premium against US prices. Amongst those that were, I found Corsair Obsidian and Corsair Carbide cases generally good but overpriced. Personally I liked the Corsair Obsidian 750D most, but purchased what I consider the next best case and much better value for money - the Antec 1100 V2. Being the first desktop I assembled myself, the Antec 1100 made the job a lot easier.
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kep55 Why do so many of the top cases have glass panels? Glass is a bit of a thermal insulator, add unnecessary weight, and serves no practical purpose in a PC case. If you want to see all your gear, don't bother putting it a case.
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fredfinks 21359713 said:
Lol. No thanks. Lian-Li for meI had the Lian Li A20. It was an expensive beast, and a damn good case, but i find Fractal Design's cases to be more practical, same build quality - if not better, and definitely quieter.
The thin aluminium of the Lian Li was prone to vibration.
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fredfinks 21360113 said:
Why are front panel USB ports, power switches, activity lights, etc. placed on top of cases? If I interpret correctly a desktop computer indicates it is placed on your desktop. My last 3 or 4 cases had everything on top and I couldn't see them without standing up and the hard drive activity light was out of sight while I'm sitting in my normal position. I wish they would start putting front panel stuff on the front panel and not on top of the case.It's a legacy name thing from a time when your CRT monitor sat upon a PC case that was designed to be laid flat & sit on a desk. It then served as a distinction between laptops & other equipment.
If you have your mid-tower case on your desk you are doing it wrong.
Its noisier and it eats up valuable desk real estate. Its a big stupid box on a desk - F it off.'But how else can we look at the purty lights?!' they might ask. That's where it all went wrong.
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