PC Case Buying Guide 2023

After the buying guide for CPU cooling, we wondered if we would not do the same for PC cases? Well, here we are, it’s time to offer you a new guide. We’ve scoured the market and picked out a selection of cases worth checking out.

The H5 Elite from NZXT, in test here/caption]

Contrary to what one might think, the case of a PC is not just a “vulgar box” used to accommodate all our components. Its choice deserves some attention since a number of factors come into play. Of course, there is the visual style, but we almost feel like telling you that this is secondary.

In order to make the right choice, we’ll look at the system’s capacity to accommodate the computer, especially in terms of liquid or air cooling systems. The same goes for the graphics cards: lately, the new generations of cards have become so big that some people have had to change their cases to accommodate the latest RTX 4090 for example. And of course, we find the constraints related to cooling, the number of fans provided as standard, etc., etc.

In order to better advise you, we have organized our guide into several price ranges. Moreover, we have based our guide on “mid-tower” models which are designed to accommodate ATX motherboards. Finally, our criteria are simple: maximized airflow, you’re not going to see a lot of glass front panel here and component compatibility. Anyway, here’s how it’s organized:

• • Entry level: from 0 € to 60 €

• • Mid-range: 61 € to 120 €

• • High end : 121 € to 200 €

• • Very high end : > 201 €

• • ITX

Before we start, we want to make it clear that just because a model isn’t in this case buying guide doesn’t mean it’s necessarily bad, far from it. Think of this guide as a selection of good cameras according to their price category. Now that this is said, let’s get on with it!

PC Case Buying Guide 2023 – entry level

Let’s get to the heart of the matter with our first section of this 2023 case buying guide: the entry level. Here, we focus on models whose prices are between 0 € and 60 €. Of course, in these models, we’ll avoid putting non-standard components… However, the models we’ve found are perfectly capable of hosting decent configurations!

Entry-level: Antec AX20

Among the references located on this price segment from 0 € to 60 €, our main choice will be a model signed Antec. Indeed, the brand offers us the AX20, a reference priced at €49.99 that combines quite a few good points.

First of all, for this price, the case benefits from a rather complete ventilation with three fans on the front. Then, it has a good compatibility with the components: 170 mm for a CPU fan and 375 mm free for the graphics card. And we have four slots dedicated to storage and support for watercooling radiators in 360 mm on the front!

For about 50 euros, this is the model we recommend, and it’s not too big: 207 (W) x 358 (D) x 451 (H) mm.

Entry-level alternative: Zalman S2 TG

For a similar budget, if we were to recommend an alternative model, it would be the Zalman S2 TG.

Just like theAntec model, this model benefits from a rather complete basic ventilation with three fans. Nevertheless, its reduced width (189 mm), negatively impacts the compatibility of the CPU fans: 156 mm against 170 mm. The same goes for the graphics card, which should not exceed 330 mm… Just like the cabling, which can be complicated due to the lack of rear space.

On the other hand, the power supply could be bigger and the hard disk cage seems to us easier to use.

OCC tips for entry-level :

• • Entry level :
    • • Antec AX20

     

• • Alternative Entry Level:
    • • Zalman S2 TG

     

     

2023 PC Case Buying Guide : mid range

This time, we go upmarket and focus on the price range between 61 € and 120 €. There, we start to have interesting models well equipped with fans. Also, the restrictions on components are melting like snow in the sun. Let’s see what we can find!

Mid-range ” – ” : MSI MAG Forge 112R

On the low end of the mid-range segment, we spotted the small MSI MAG Forge 112R, a recent model.

The reason we chose to include it in this guide is simply because of its full standard ventilation. Indeed, this case benefits from a total of four ARGB fans as standard. With its mesh front, the air flow should be at the rendezvous. The same goes for the storage where it offers no less than five slots, up to two 3.5″ and three 2.5″.

Otherwise, we have the right to an RGB hub for six lighted devices as well as compatibility with watercooling radiators in 240 mm … What remains quite basic finally.

Mid-range “+”: Antec DF800 Flux or DF700 Flux

DF800 Flux on the left, DF700 Flux on the right

Finally, for the high end of the mid-range segment, we find the Antec DF800 Flux and DF700 Flux! It’s simple, these cases offer everything you need for a muscular configuration. Watercooling? No problem, you can install a 360mm radiator in the front or in the top.Aircooling? Don’t worry, an NH-D15 will fit with the 175mm of space offered.

With this, these two cases will be able to accommodate your newly acquired RTX 4090 Strix since they offer up to 405 mm of space for the graphics card… While being able to cool it with their four fans present in base. And if that’s not enough, you can add up to five more fans: three on the top, two on the power supply cover. What’s more, the management of all these fans can be entrusted to a hub that can handle up to six fans and six RGB devices.

Finally, what is the difference between the two models? The dimensions, the DF700 is a little smaller, but especially less expensive. Its price, at Top Achat, goes from 119,99 € to 112,99 € for the same services or almost. In any case, by going through their technical data sheets on the brand’s website, we did not find any significant differences. It’s up to you to see what the design looks like.

OCC Tip for Mid-Range:

• • Mid-range “-“:
    • • MSI MAG Forge 112R

     

• • Mid-range “+”:
    • • Antec DF800 Flux or Antec DF700 Flux

     

2023 PC case buying guide: high-end

With this high-end segment, we focus on cases where compatibility concerns are no longer really an issue. Ditto, now we start to look at the extra equipment provided in a more serious way. So, which cameras have caught our attention?

High end ” – ” : Zalman Z10 Duo

With its Z10 Duo, the Zalman brand offers us a rather interesting model. Indeed, this model comes with two fronts to choose from: one in tempered glass for more style, the other in mesh for better air flow. Of course, if the temperature of your components soars, we can only advise you to use the mesh. Wouldn’t it be a shame to leave your setup to leather?

In addition to the four fans offered as standard, this model offers dual compatibility with 360mm watercooling radiators. It is also possible to mount CPU fans 173 mm high, GPUs 395 mm deep and up to 4 storage units.

But what makes this model interesting is its graphics card support. Thanks to it, your card won’t sag under its own weight. Also, the brand offers a bracket for vertical mounting, an interesting idea, but you will have to buy the PCIe riser separately.

High end ” + ” : Phanteks Eclipse 500A

We go up in range again and this time we turn to Phanteks and its Eclipse P500A.

Here, we go a step further since the case is compatible with larger motherboards: E-ATX. The same goes for the watercooling compatibility with a reference that can accommodate 420 mm radiators. If you own an Arctic Liquid Freezer II 420 or a Corsair H170i Elite Capellix, you can install them. Nevertheless, the counterpart, the number of fans provided, two in 140 mm.

Besides that, if you have big storage needs, you can install up to ten 3.5″ hard drives and three 2 .5″ SSDs . Likewise, we have three vertical expansion slots, so you can show off your graphics card… Although we do not recommend it, as the latter is very close to the glass. It might not be able to breathe properly… Unless you opt for a custom watercooling installation.

Alternative high-end “+”: be quiet! Silent Base 802

Finally, for ~195 € at Top Achat, you can turn to the Silent Base 802 from be quiet! At this price, you will get the version with steel panel, the model with glass panel will cost 10 € more.

On the other hand, the German brand signs here an excellent case also compatible with E-ATX motherboards. Like the Phanteks, we find a 420mm watercooling radiator support and an easy opening system of the side panels. Nevertheless, this model is distinguished by a motherboard tray that can be reversed!

Finally, even though it comes with only three base installation fans, it will be possible to add more to complete the ventilation. The Silent Base 802 can accommodate three fans in 120/140 mm in the front, in the top and a 120/140 mm in the back. And on the storage side, there’s nothing to worry about with up to seven 3.5″ units and fifteen 2.5″ units.

• • high End ” – “:
    • • Zalman Z10 Duo

     

• • high-end ” + ” :
    • • Phanteks Eclipse P500A

     

• • high-end ” + ” alternative:
    • • be quiet! Silent Base 802

     

PC Case Buying Guide 2023 : very high-end

On the very high end sector, i.e. more than 201 €, there is no more reason to be disappointed. Compatibility with components is no longer a concern and the cases come with a good standard equipment.

High end: Fractal Design Torrent TG

In this sector of the very high rubber, we can mention the Torrent TG Light from Fractal Design. A model with a particularly sleek design and focused on airflow. This case will offer a powerful standard ventilation with no less than five fans included in the standard package. There will be two 180mm models in the front complemented by three 140mm models at the bottom.

The watercooling radiator support in 420 mm is also present, in the front and in the bottom of the case. For the rest of the components, no worries either, especially since a hub to manage up to nine fans.

But it will be distinguished above all by its internal layout that greatly favors the flow of air, especially for the graphics card. When we see the consumption that can reach the cards of the last generation, we say that it is not a bad thing!

What’s next?

Beyond 250 € to 300 €, it is difficult to recommend a case specifically as these models are, finally, a showcase for brands. We are thinking in particular of the Cooler Master Cosmos series with its very particular look or the revival of the HAF series with the HAF 700 Evo and its crazy watercooling compatibility.

At Corsair we have the iCUE 7000 which are in the same vein, but with a more sober, more monolithic design. Clearly, we find very well equipped models, with many fans as standard, assistance for wiring, software support ..

And if you want to go further, why not look at the Obsidian 1000D or the Enthoo Elite by Phanteks… Or even the In Win signature series for example.

• • Very High End:
    • • Fractal Design Torrent TG Light

     

2023 PC case buying guide: ITX

Here, we offer you a small selection of compact cases that deserve your attention. However, it is not because they are small in size that these cases are ” cheap “. By the way, for this selection, don’t hesitate to visit Caseking.de for fairer prices in Europe!

Choice #1: Ssupd Meshlicious

The Meshlicious tested and approved at Vonguru !

We start with the little Meshlicious from Ssupd. In the program, we find a model, compact, necessarily. However, it will accept watercooling kits with radiators in 280 mm maximum. The graphics card is not really limited in size: 336 mm in length on three slots. And for the power supply, you can integrate a block in SFX/SFX-L or ATX format, without being too greedy as to the depth.

The whole thing should also breathe well since all the panels are made of mesh… But you can opt for a version with a tempered glass panel if you want to highlight the graphics card or motherboard side. In short, an interesting choice that will be rather simple to wire and to assemble.

Choice n°2 : Lian Li A4H2O

Resulting from the collaboration between Dan (cases) and Lian Li, we have the A4 H2O which also deserves its place in this ITX selection. Like the Meshlicious, this model is compatible with large graphics cards of 322 mm in length while occupying three slots. Otherwise, the watercooling compatibility is also on the program even if the radiator must be in 240 mm maximum.

On the other hand, the storage part is rather poor with a single 2.5″ slot, unlike the Ssupd model which can accommodate up to seven depending on the choice of components.

Nevertheless, this model being more compact, it can be interesting if you have strong space constraints. However, beware of the assembly where the shoehorn can be used to accommodate some components.

Similarly, the case comes with a riser either in PCIe 3. 0 or PCIe 4. 0 in black or silver depending on your preferences and needs.

Choice n°3 : Lian Li Q58

The little Q58 from Lian Li, tested by Vonguru !

As a choice, n°4, we choose to talk about the Q58 from Lian Li. This model offers, in general, similar characteristics to the Meshlicious from Ssupd. Nevertheless, it is distinguished by the presence of more noble materials and a different internal layout.

Otherwise, we will be able to install a 320mm long graphics card in three slots. On the cooling side, 280/240 mm watercooling radiators are also supported. And if we manage the cabling well enough, we can integrate up to three 120 mm fans.

As far as assembly and wiring are concerned, this model is well managed and it is possible to have a neat assembly without too much effort.

Otherwise, in the same genre, we have the Phanteks Evolv Shift XT which offers a similar chassis. On the other hand, you can manage its height according to the components installed inside, but it will be more expensive overall.

Choice n°4 : NZXT H1 v2

Finally, as the last case, we choose to tell you about the NZXT H1 v2. In reality, it is more of a set of components since under this reference is actually a case, a power supply and a cooling system. Admittedly, it is quite expensive, but if you plan to build a complete machine, it may be of some interest. Note that the power supply is rated at 750W in 80+ Gold and the AIO is 140mm.

Inside, everything is already pre-wired. If the assembly of an ITX configuration scares you a little, you only have to assemble your motherboard, your graphics card and your 2.5″ storage and to wire it up! Simple and fast.

On the other hand, the package costs almost 400 €, but it is complete… Especially since all the defects of youth have been corrected!

• Choice #1:
  • Ssupd Meshlicious
• Choice n°2 :
  • Lian Li DAN cases A4 H2O
• Choice n°3 :
  • Lian Li Q58 or Phanteks Shift Evolv XT
• Choice n°4 :
  • NZXT H1 v2

Conclusion:

It is now time to conclude about this 2023 PC case buying guide. As we have seen, the case market is rich in references and various models. On the other hand, if this profusion can lose you, it also guarantees that you will find the right product for you, whatever your budget.

Moreover, keep in mind that this is a selection of models based mainly on their technical specifications. We have tried, throughout, to offer you the models that offer the most in each price category… While maintaining a certain consistency. We were not going to recommend a more expensive model, but less interesting than the model of lower category.

Likewise, we tried to favor the air flow as much as possible to guarantee you correct temperatures during use… Especially with the new generation components, the consumptions are soaring and the temperatures too.

We hope that this file will have helped you to see a little more clearly and to find your case!

The post PC Case Buying Guide 2023 appeared first on Overclocking.com.