This thread is a compilation of ATX cases I personally recommend, going by price ranges. I don't have personal experience with every one of these cases, but I do have personal experience with several of these cases, ones like it or in the same series, or I have just done lots of research on the case. I'll give a rundown for the features of every case. First let me make a general list of what I think makes a good case.
- Build Quality - You don't want a case that is built like crap. Now I know you won't be throwing your case around, but I don't like any rattling parts that you might break when disassembling your PC. You probably don't want paint that is easily scratched either. Aluminum is the best material for cases, it is lightweight and if thick enough, it can be very strong while weighing much less than steel. Thin aluminum isn't very good. Budget cases rarely use aluminum.
- Airflow - You probably need air movement in your case if you don't want parts overheating. Most of you reading this don't just browse the web and listen to music. You probably play games, run other sorts of 3D programs such as modelling and/or rendering, or maybe you like to benchmark. Components necessary for such computing can generate a bit of heat. You'll want to cool it down. Airflow direction can be important as well, and positive air pressure is generally preferred. Read more about chassis airflow here.
- User Friendly Design - I like my cases to not be a pain in the ass to work with. Sharp edges are a no go. Not only can you cut yourself but you can cut cables too. I don't like my cases to be too small, cable management cut outs are a must, tool free designs for drive bays and expansion slots are highly preferred, and personally I like having a cut out on the motherboard tray for the retention plate for CPU coolers. High end CPU coolers usually have bolt through mounting mechanisms which require mounting hardware to be installed on the back of the motherboard. Having a hole on the motherboard tray behind the CPU socket is beneficial since you won't have to remove your motherboard to remove or replace such CPU coolers. I also like to have decent places to tuck cables in.
- Styling - Of course you want a case to fit your style. If there is an incredibly awesome case out there that has just about every feature you could possibly want, but has questionable looks (cough), you probably don't want it since it will grow old on you very quickly.
- Portability - To those who move their computer around, you'll want handles on the case and/or casters (wheels) to move the case around. This only applies to a minority of people so I don't make this a big factor in buying cases.
First, lets have a look at known case manufacturers.
Antec - They are known primarily for their gamer series of cases, the 300/600/900/902/1200 and now the Dark Fleet series (DF-30, DF-35 and DF-85). Their Performance One series have gained some recognition as well. Overall Antec cases are simply inferior to the competition. Their gamer cases are incredibly small, even the full tower ones (1200 and DF-85). This makes cable management a pain in the ass. They have no vibration countermeasures, no water cooling support, not many tool free designs and build quality isn't really good. The Performance One series cases are just lacking in features - again there is a lack of tool free designs and airflow. All of their cases lack PSU ventilation as well. At this point, their cases are best avoided.
Cooler Master - Excellent overall company in the case category. Great choices from $50 to $200. Their cases are well known for their feature lists - good cable management, CPU retention plate access holes, unrivaled potential airflow (out of stock ATX cases anyway, read below for more), great water cooling support, tool free designs, vibration counter measures, etc. They're probably the most popular case manufacturer due to their large variety. A good step above Antec, that's for sure.
- Storm Series - Their gamer lineup of chassis. The Storm Scout is inferior to its competition (690 II, HAF 922, Lancool K62) but still a good case, and their Storm Sniper is one of the best value cases. User friendly, tool free designs, excellent airflow (especially potential airflow), good water cooling support in the Storm Sniper, great cable management, carrying handles, fan controllers, so on.
- HAF Series - Well known for their distinctive looks, amazing airflow (HAF stands for High Air Flow), great water cooling support, spacious interior and innovative features. Highly recommended.
- Other - The ATCS 840 is a good all aluminum case, but not really recommended since it is priced too close to the superior Lian-Li PC-A70F. The Cosmos series is being phased out due to their bad cable management and some design flaws. Their 590 and 690 II cases are amazing values.
Corsair - Relatively new in the case market, but their cases are very popular. Sleek looks, good build quality (not good for their price range though), good water cooling support. Overall their cases are highly overrated and overpriced. Airflow is an afterthought, water cooling support isn't even exceptionally good. Their cases are proof that people will buy anything with a Corsair name on it.
- Obsidian Series - Their flagship towers. It's hard to tell what these cases were built for. All steel with an aluminum front and plastic drive bay locks, good side panel locking design, huge, all black and amazing cable management. Airflow is lacking - only one intake vent is present, the case relies on one fan 140mm fan to directly cool video cards, hard drive cooling is an epic failure - the fans are positioned next to no vents. So you might be thinking, "they're built for water cooling, right?". Well, they can hold one 120.3 radiator well on the top of the case. Other than that, and other than 140mm or 120mm radiators which are typically ignored, you'll have to go through a lot of work to use a second radiator. That includes unriveting the bottom hard drive cage, adding ventilation holes and preferably a dust filter and then adding holes to mount your radiator. Not so cool since Cooler Master has cases with similar build quality, better airflow, comparable cable management and easier water cooling support.
- Graphite Series - The first Graphite case, the 600T, is a new case. Read about it here. Loaded with plastic, this case is essentially a clone of the Cooler Master Storm Sniper. What they did was remove the useful carrying handles, add a dust filter for the power supply vent, remove the other bottom intake vent, remove fan LED control, increase the size of the motherboard tray and added cable management holes, and the side panels are no longer extruded, limiting the space behind the motherboard tray for cables and limiting CPU cooler support if indeed a version with a ventilated side panel and 200mm intake fan is included.
Lian-Li - Well known for having amazing build quality and attention to detail. Vibration countermeasures, CPU retention plate access hole, decent cable management on some models, the best tool free designs, removable motherboard tray, fan controllers and all aluminum. Their cases aren't even overpriced anymore due to competition. Highly recommended. Lancool is a sub-brand of Lian-Li where they use less aluminum and cost much less.
- A Series - At the moment there are three A series cases - the PC-A70F, PC-A71F and PC-A77F. All are excellent cases and the first two are great values. The PC-A77F is a tad overpriced, but an excellent case indeed.
- B Series - The B series aren't that much different than the PC-A70F. A VGA support bracket is included and the removable motherboard tray works a bit differently. Cable management can be a bit harder. The PC-B70 has aluminum hard drive trays while the PC-B71 has a bunch of hot swap bays at the front.
- V Series - Lian-Li's flagship cases. Currently all discontinued, although the PC-V2120 will be on shelves October 20. Looks almost perfect - cable management is what seems to be lacking at this point.
- Lancool Series - Budget cases. The body and panels are now steel. Still the best build quality in the price range, highly recommended overall.
Silverstone - Well known for bringing lots of innovation with their cases, and for their exceptionally sturdy build quality and modding capabilities. Some of their cases do away with rivets completely. Some of their cases have a unique, 90 degree rotated motherboard tray which considerably improves cooling. Highly recommended.
- Raven Series - This is where innovation strikes. The RV01 introduced the rotated motherboard tray. The RV02 shifted the motherboard tray to the opposite side of the case to further improve airflow. The RV03 isn't out yet, but is a smaller version of the RV01 with a few new features. Great cases for the money.
- Fortress Series - The term "Fortress" describes the build quality of these cases. They have unibody aluminum designs. The FT01 is a poor value - side panels aren't even built well, no CPU retention plate access hole, small space, not much cable management. The FT02 on the other hand is one of the best all around cases out there - steel frame and aluminum unibody, same design as RV02 but with a better hard drive cage design and excellent cable management. Airflow is amazing and it supports a 120.3 radiator on the bottom.
- Temjin Series - Their flagship cases. The TJ07 is the best tower ATX case for water cooling, but it is outdated. These cases have amazing build quality. The TJ09 and TJ10 have horrible cable management which makes them not recommended, despite their great airflow and good water cooling support. The TJ11 is the best case I ever saw, borrowing features from the TJ07 (unibody aluminum design, compartmentalized design), TJ09/TJ10 (mid section cooling, now with dual 180mm fans), RV02 (motherboard tray), etc. It looks almost perfect.
Mountain Mods - For the water cooling enthusiasts. Otherwise, ignore.
So lets begin. I'll go by price range, using US currency since that's what I know.
~$50
So, you only have around $50 to spend on a case? No worries. You can actually pick up something decent for around this price range. The case I recommend in this price range is the Lancool PC-K56W.
This mid tower ATX case is constructed out of steel and plastic. It actually has good airflow, good cable management, decent drive bay design and good build quality. Lets look at the feature highlights and specifications for this case.
Model: PC-K56W
Case Type: Advanced mid tower
Dimension: 210mm x 460mm x 490 mm (W, H, D)
Front Bezel Material: Plastic
Color: Black
Side Panel: SECC steel side panel with transparent window
Body Material: SECC steel
Net Weight: 8.62 kg
5.25" Drive Bay: 5
3.5" Drive Bay: 4 internal
Expansion Slots: 8
Motherboard: ATX / M-ATX
System Fan (Front): 120mm Fan x 1 (1200 RPM)
System Fan (Rear): 120mm Fan x 1 (1200 RPM)
I/O Ports: USB2.0 x 2 / HD+AC97 Audio
It's a nice case to look at. On the front we have a power button, reset button, two USB 2.0 ports, headphone and microphone jack and a power/HDD activity LED.
This image shows the tool free designs. Also notice the PSU ventilation and cable organizers.
Front panel can be removed without tools.
Internal layout.
Optical drive bay locks have rubber anti-vibration pads.
Power supply is installed onto rubber padding to absorb vibration and prevent scratching the PSU. Tool free PSU holder.
Dust filters on front drive bay covers.
This image shows the tool free designs. Also notice the PSU ventilation and cable organizers.
Front panel can be removed without tools.
Internal layout.
Optical drive bay locks have rubber anti-vibration pads.
Power supply is installed onto rubber padding to absorb vibration and prevent scratching the PSU. Tool free PSU holder.
Dust filters on front drive bay covers.
So there you have it. This is in my opinion the best ATX case you can get for around $50. It can hold plenty of drives and has a nice tool free drive bay design. Cable management and potential airflow is good. Best case for the price. You do not want to buy the Antec 300. This case is inferior in nearly every regard. It has no cable management, worse potential airflow, its worse for water cooling and the build quality is worse with the front being mostly plastic. I have this case and it was the worst case I have ever purchased. So lets up the price a bit, shall we?
Lancool PC-K56W Product Page
$70-$80
The best case in this price range without a doubt in my mind is the Cooler Master 690 II Basic. This is yet another fine mid tower ATX case for air cooling, water cooling (for what it is), cable management and it is fairly user friendly.
CM 690 II raises the bar again with practical improvements over the top-selling CM 690. The spacious mid-tower will keep enthusiasts happy with room for up to 3 vga cards, high-end CPU coolers, top or bottom mount water cooling radiator. It also features much improved airflow with oversized mesh and enough space for up to 10 fans. Maintenance will be a breeze with the tool-free drive bays, new cable management and CPU cooler retention hole.
Available Color: Black
Material: Steel body / Plastic + Mesh bezel
Dimension (W / H / D): 214.5 x 511.8 x 528.8 mm / 8.4 x 20.1 x 20.8 inches
Net Weight: 9.19 kg / 20.3 lbs
Gross Weight: 11.19 kg / 24.7 lbs
Motherboard Type: Micro ATX, ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 4 Exposed (encloses with two tool-free systems)
3.5" Drive Bay: 6 Hidden
I/O Panel: USB 2.0 x 2 , eSATA x 1 , MIC x 1 , Audio x 1 (supports HD / AC97 audio)
Expansion Slots: 7 + 1
Cooling System:
Power Supply: Standard ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
- Oversized front and top mesh design for superb ventilation
- Accommodates 120 x 240 mm radiator inside the top and bottom
- Dust-control filters for all meshed areas
- Front blue LED fan on/off switch
- Rear retaining holes for water cooling kit
- Cable managment and CPU retaining hole for easy maintainence
Available Color: Black
Material: Steel body / Plastic + Mesh bezel
Dimension (W / H / D): 214.5 x 511.8 x 528.8 mm / 8.4 x 20.1 x 20.8 inches
Net Weight: 9.19 kg / 20.3 lbs
Gross Weight: 11.19 kg / 24.7 lbs
Motherboard Type: Micro ATX, ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 4 Exposed (encloses with two tool-free systems)
3.5" Drive Bay: 6 Hidden
I/O Panel: USB 2.0 x 2 , eSATA x 1 , MIC x 1 , Audio x 1 (supports HD / AC97 audio)
Expansion Slots: 7 + 1
Cooling System:
- Front: 120 x 25 mm Blue LED fan x 1 / 1200 RPM / 19 dBA
- Rear: 120 mm fan x 1 / 1200 RPM / 17 dBA
- Top: 120 / 140 mm fan x 2 / 1200 RPM / 19 dBA (optional)
- Bottom: 120 mm fan x 2 (optional)
- Right side: 80 x 15 mm x 1 (optional)
- Left side: 120 / 140 mm fan x 2 (optional)
- HDD cage: 120 mm fan x 1 (optional)
Power Supply: Standard ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
As usual, a closer look at the case.
The entire front is ventilated and you can see the four optical drive bay covers.
The back features two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through, a 120mm exhaust fan, 7 standard expansion slots, a single vertical expansion slot (good for fan controllers or LED controllers), and at the bottom is where a standard ATX power supply would be installed with the fan facing up or down but it should face down to intake cool air from outside the case.
I like what I see here. A CPU retention plate access hole, plenty of cable management holes, plenty of cable management secure points, tool free drive bay design and thumbscrews on the expansion slots. The top two optical drive bays have tool free plastic locks only on this side. The hard drive cages are plastic but easy to work with. Just pull out the hard drive rack, put a 3.5" drive in it and put the rack back in. It has anti-vibration pads. The PSU has its own ventilation with a dust filter. A 280mm or 240mm radiator can be installed on top but the latter probably won't line up correctly.
The back features two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through, a 120mm exhaust fan, 7 standard expansion slots, a single vertical expansion slot (good for fan controllers or LED controllers), and at the bottom is where a standard ATX power supply would be installed with the fan facing up or down but it should face down to intake cool air from outside the case.
I like what I see here. A CPU retention plate access hole, plenty of cable management holes, plenty of cable management secure points, tool free drive bay design and thumbscrews on the expansion slots. The top two optical drive bays have tool free plastic locks only on this side. The hard drive cages are plastic but easy to work with. Just pull out the hard drive rack, put a 3.5" drive in it and put the rack back in. It has anti-vibration pads. The PSU has its own ventilation with a dust filter. A 280mm or 240mm radiator can be installed on top but the latter probably won't line up correctly.
A nice improvement over the Centurion 590 right? Improved cable management, improved drive bay design, improved cable management. It is a challenge to find competition for this case in this price range.
Cooler Master 690 II Basic Product Page
Lets not forget the Cooler Master HAF 912 which is about to be released in this price range. Everything I have to say about it can be seen here.
Cooler Master HAF 912 Product Page
$100
Yay! Triple digits! Lets see what a hundred smackers can get you. For starters, it can get you the Cooler Master 690 II Advanced. I'm not even going to get into this one, I'll just tell you the differences between it and the 690 II Basic. The 690 II Advanced has a SATA hot swap bay on the top of the case, the HDD cage is split into two now (top 2, bottom 4). The bottom hard drive cage can be removed allowing you to install a 240mm water cooling radiator. Aside from this, the cases are the same.
Cooler Master 690 II Advanced Product Page
There is also the Cooler Master HAF 922. HAF stands for High Air Flow by the way.
It looks very intimidating. I wouldn't want to mess with it. Lets see the specifications and features for this case.
Following the success of the full tower HAF 932, Cooler Master extends the line to a mid tower with the HAF 922. It has a rugged strong appearance and outstanding protection designs that characterize a beast yet to be tamed. Without a doubt this mid tower has it all! It accommodates all sorts of high-end hardware from its spacious interior, and supports up to three 200 mm fans for maximum airflow at minimum noise. This mid tower chassis represents a disorderly collision of machine and beast.
Available Color: Black
Dimension (W / H / D):
Net Weight: 8.7 / 10.9 kg
Gross Weight: 19.2 / 24.0 lbs
Material: Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel
Motherboard: Micro ATX, ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 5 Exposed (one could convert to 3.5" drive bay)
3.5" Drive Bay: 5 Hidden, 1 exposed if converted from 5.25" drive bay
I/O Panel: USB 2.0 x 2, MIC x 1, Audio x 1 (supports HD / AC97 Audio), eSATA x 1
Cooling System:
Expansion Slots: 7 + 1
Power Supply: ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
Optional Component: Transparent acrylic side panel
- Extreme airflow, uncompromising cooling performance, ruggedly strong with outstanding protection
- Accommodates demanding high-end components including full length graphics cards
- LED ON/OFF switch for front 200 x 30 mm fan
- Patented button design for easy maintenance of 5.25" drive devices
- PSU bottom fan can be setup facing up or down to increase airflow through out the case
- Tool free installation
- Includes cable management and CPU retaining hole for easy customizability
- Spacious interior accommodates with the radiator
- 7+1 PCI expansion slots for increased expandability
Available Color: Black
Dimension (W / H / D):
- Main: 253 x 502 x 563 mm / 10.0 x 19.7 x 22.2 inches
- Box: 285 x 550 x 605 mm / 11.2 x 21.7 x 23.8 inches
Net Weight: 8.7 / 10.9 kg
Gross Weight: 19.2 / 24.0 lbs
Material: Steel + Plastic and Mesh Bezel
Motherboard: Micro ATX, ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 5 Exposed (one could convert to 3.5" drive bay)
3.5" Drive Bay: 5 Hidden, 1 exposed if converted from 5.25" drive bay
I/O Panel: USB 2.0 x 2, MIC x 1, Audio x 1 (supports HD / AC97 Audio), eSATA x 1
Cooling System:
- Front: 200 mm fan x 1 Red LED on / off fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA
(can be swap for 120 / 140 mm fan x 1) - Top: 200 mm fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA (can be swap to 120 mm fan x 2 )
- Rear: 120 mm fan x 1 / 1200 RPM / 17 dBA
- Bottom: 120 / 140 mm fan x 1 (optional)
- Side: 200 mm fan x 1 (optional)
(can be swap for 120 mm fan x 2)
Expansion Slots: 7 + 1
Power Supply: ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
Optional Component: Transparent acrylic side panel
This is definitely a considerably larger case than the rest we have looked at. Lets get up close and personal.
The front of the case has the I/O panel, five optical drive bays and a 200mm red LED intake fan. The LED can be turned off with the top fan LED button. The front bezel can be removed but this requires removing lots of screws. The drive bay covers and fan cover have a dust filter.
The left side panel is pushed out which allows you to install large CPU coolers and still use optional side fans. You can install one 200mm intake fan or up to two 120mm intake fans. There is no dust filter.
They include two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through, a 120mm exhaust fan (can be replaced with 92mm or 80mm fan), seven expansion slots, an eighth vertical expansion slot and a standard ATX power supply can be installed at the bottom with the fan facing up or down if it has an overhead fan. Also you can see that the right side panel (left in this image) is extruded as well. This gives you more space behind the motherboard tray for cable management.
One thing you will notice is how open this case is. This allows cables to be routed behind the motherboard tray easily for good cable management. There is also a large cable management hole on the top and bottom, as well as a CPU retention plate access hole. They also include bottom ventilation for the power supply and a 120mm bottom intake fan (optional). But there is no dust filter present.
On the back of the motherboard tray you can see all of the cut outs I just mentioned as well as the cable management secure points.
This case utilizes a tool free design for the drive bays. The optical drive bay locks are simple - push the button to lock the drive and push it again to release it. Unfortunately these locks are plastic and included only on this side of the case. You'll probably want to use a screw or thumbscrew on the opposite side, much like the previous cases. The hard drive racks are the same as the Cooler Master 690 II cases. Plastic, rubber anti vibration pads and no tools required. Very good design. What you can't see is the tool free expansion slots. They use thumbscrews and no cheap locks.
Here is the case with an optional windowed side panel.
The left side panel is pushed out which allows you to install large CPU coolers and still use optional side fans. You can install one 200mm intake fan or up to two 120mm intake fans. There is no dust filter.
They include two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through, a 120mm exhaust fan (can be replaced with 92mm or 80mm fan), seven expansion slots, an eighth vertical expansion slot and a standard ATX power supply can be installed at the bottom with the fan facing up or down if it has an overhead fan. Also you can see that the right side panel (left in this image) is extruded as well. This gives you more space behind the motherboard tray for cable management.
One thing you will notice is how open this case is. This allows cables to be routed behind the motherboard tray easily for good cable management. There is also a large cable management hole on the top and bottom, as well as a CPU retention plate access hole. They also include bottom ventilation for the power supply and a 120mm bottom intake fan (optional). But there is no dust filter present.
On the back of the motherboard tray you can see all of the cut outs I just mentioned as well as the cable management secure points.
This case utilizes a tool free design for the drive bays. The optical drive bay locks are simple - push the button to lock the drive and push it again to release it. Unfortunately these locks are plastic and included only on this side of the case. You'll probably want to use a screw or thumbscrew on the opposite side, much like the previous cases. The hard drive racks are the same as the Cooler Master 690 II cases. Plastic, rubber anti vibration pads and no tools required. Very good design. What you can't see is the tool free expansion slots. They use thumbscrews and no cheap locks.
Here is the case with an optional windowed side panel.
Overall this is an exceptional case. Airflow isn't much better than the previous cases but if you add extra fans it can be exceptional. Cable management is excellent and it can hold a 240mm radiator on top with no modification. It is also one of the largest mid tower cases out there, it's only called a mid tower because it has 10 drive bays total. It is much longer than any Antec full tower case. So that sums up the HAF 922.
Cooler Master HAF 922 Product Page
If you don't like the looks of the previous cases and want to try a different brand name, I have another case for you. Meet the Lancool K62.
This mid tower ATX case is available in black and is made out of steel with some plastic. In many ways it is similar to the Cooler Master 690 II cases. So lets see the specs of this case.
Model: PC-K62
Dimensions: 214mm x 496mm x 498 mm (W, H, D)
Front Bezel Material: Plastic
Color: Black
Side Panel: SECC Steel
Body Material: SECC Steel
Net Weight: 9.55 kg
5.25" Drive Bay: 5 external
3.5" Drive Bay: 4 internal
Expansion Slot: 8
Motherboard: Micro ATX, ATX
Cooling:
I/O Ports: USB2.0 x 2 / HD+AC97 Audio
Dimensions: 214mm x 496mm x 498 mm (W, H, D)
Front Bezel Material: Plastic
Color: Black
Side Panel: SECC Steel
Body Material: SECC Steel
Net Weight: 9.55 kg
5.25" Drive Bay: 5 external
3.5" Drive Bay: 4 internal
Expansion Slot: 8
Motherboard: Micro ATX, ATX
Cooling:
- 140mm blue LED front intake fan (1000 RPM)
- 2x 140mm blue LED top exhaust fans (1000 RPM)
- 120mm rear exhaust fan (1500 RPM)
I/O Ports: USB2.0 x 2 / HD+AC97 Audio
This case has lots of ventilation.
They include a CPU retention plate access hole, plenty of cable management holes, two tool free optical drive bay locks and tool free hard drive installation.
Very high quality aluminum expansion slot locks with rubber anti-vibration pads for the top seven expansion slots. The bottom expansion slot uses a thumbscrew.
Tool free top panel.
Tool free motherboard stand-offs.
Anti-vibration pads for the top fans. By the way, Lian-Li only uses high quality ball bearing fans while other case manufacturers tend to include generic low end fans.
The two tool free optical drive bay locks I mentioned earlier are actually not plastic. They're metal and feature anti-vibration pads, but are only on one side of the case.
Tool free hard drive cages can also hold 2.5" SSD drives.
Anti-vibration pads and ventilation for the power supply. No tools required for PSU installation.
Dust filters behind front drive bay locks and on the PSU vent.
They include a CPU retention plate access hole, plenty of cable management holes, two tool free optical drive bay locks and tool free hard drive installation.
Very high quality aluminum expansion slot locks with rubber anti-vibration pads for the top seven expansion slots. The bottom expansion slot uses a thumbscrew.
Tool free top panel.
Tool free motherboard stand-offs.
Anti-vibration pads for the top fans. By the way, Lian-Li only uses high quality ball bearing fans while other case manufacturers tend to include generic low end fans.
The two tool free optical drive bay locks I mentioned earlier are actually not plastic. They're metal and feature anti-vibration pads, but are only on one side of the case.
Tool free hard drive cages can also hold 2.5" SSD drives.
Anti-vibration pads and ventilation for the power supply. No tools required for PSU installation.
Dust filters behind front drive bay locks and on the PSU vent.
So that's the Lancool K62. In many ways it bests the Cooler Master 690 II cases but it also costs more than all of the above cases. The Cooler Master cases are the best ones here for air cooling, the HAF 922 is clearly the best for water cooling and cable management while the Lancool K62 has the best build quality. Go for any one of these and you should be satisfied, but the much larger HAF 922 just might satisfy you some more.
Lian-Li Lancool PC-K62 Product Page
$130-$150
Okay okay, not all of the cases in the last category had a triple digit price tag. But now triple digits are guaranteed. So what can $120-$130 buy you? How about the Cooler Master Storm Sniper?
Nice, some features listed right there! Now I have less stuff to reprint.
CM Storm Sniper™ Black Edition mesh version - the best gaming chassis in the world just got better, with an all black interior and 2.5" HDD/SSD support.
Reinforced by CM Storm's revolutionary Storm Tactics™, with its dedicated focus on Strength, Security, and Control, the Sniper Black Edition stands ready to mobilize your next gaming session and fully back up your skills!
Strength - undeniable material strength and unprecedented airflow from three huge 200mm fans.
Security - the groundbreaking StormGuard™ security system efficiently protects your gaming peripherals from theft.
Control - the unique control center offers convenient control over fan speeds and lights, while the sturdy carrying handles let you decide the place for your next battle.
Sniper also has plenty of flexibility for water cooling enthusiasts, with radiator support and two positions for routing tubes (top 26mm and bottom 18mm).
Model: SGC-6000-KXN1-GP
Available Color: Black
Material: Steel, ABS plastic, mesh bezel
Dimension: (D)22.3 x (W)10 x (H)21.7 inches OR (D)566.6 x (W)254.6 X (H)551 mm
Weight: 12 kg / 26.46 lbs
Motherboard Type: Micro ATX, ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 5 exposed (without the use of 5.25" to 3.5" adapter)
3.5" Drive Bay: 5 hidden, 1 exposed with use of 5.25" to 3.5" adapter
2.5" Drive Bay: 1 hidden, converted from 3.5" drive bay
Cooling System:
Expansion Slots: 7 + 1
I/O Panel: USB2.0 x 4; IEEE1394 x 1; eSATA x 1; Mic x 1; HD Audio+AC’97 x 1
Power Supply: Standard ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
Reinforced by CM Storm's revolutionary Storm Tactics™, with its dedicated focus on Strength, Security, and Control, the Sniper Black Edition stands ready to mobilize your next gaming session and fully back up your skills!
Strength - undeniable material strength and unprecedented airflow from three huge 200mm fans.
Security - the groundbreaking StormGuard™ security system efficiently protects your gaming peripherals from theft.
Control - the unique control center offers convenient control over fan speeds and lights, while the sturdy carrying handles let you decide the place for your next battle.
Sniper also has plenty of flexibility for water cooling enthusiasts, with radiator support and two positions for routing tubes (top 26mm and bottom 18mm).
Model: SGC-6000-KXN1-GP
Available Color: Black
Material: Steel, ABS plastic, mesh bezel
Dimension: (D)22.3 x (W)10 x (H)21.7 inches OR (D)566.6 x (W)254.6 X (H)551 mm
Weight: 12 kg / 26.46 lbs
Motherboard Type: Micro ATX, ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 5 exposed (without the use of 5.25" to 3.5" adapter)
3.5" Drive Bay: 5 hidden, 1 exposed with use of 5.25" to 3.5" adapter
2.5" Drive Bay: 1 hidden, converted from 3.5" drive bay
Cooling System:
- Front: 200x30mm Blue LED Fan x 1 (500 - 1000rpm, 17 - 23 dBA)
- Top: 200x30mm Blue LED Fan x 1 (500 - 1000rpm, 17 - 23 dBA)
(can be swapped for two 120mm fans or 120x240mm Radiator) - Side: 200x30mm Blue LED Fan x 1 (500 - 1000rpm, 17 - 23 dBA)
120x25mm Fan x 2 (optional) - Rear: 120x25mm Standard Fan x 1 (1200rpm, 17 dBA)
(can be swapped for 90mm fan or 80mm fan) - Bottom: Supports 140mm Fan x 1 or 120mm Fan x 1 w/ Dust Filter (optional)
Expansion Slots: 7 + 1
I/O Panel: USB2.0 x 4; IEEE1394 x 1; eSATA x 1; Mic x 1; HD Audio+AC’97 x 1
Power Supply: Standard ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
On the front you can see 5 drive bay covers and a bezel for the 200mm blue LED front intake fan. The bezel and drive bay covers have a dust filter. The fan bezel can easily be removed by pulling it from the bottom.
The I/O panel, fan controller, two carrying handles and a 200mm blue LED exhaust fan can be spotted up top. Up to two 120mm fans or a 240mm radiator can be installed on top instead. The fan controller controls the speed and LEDs of all three 200mm fans.
The left side panel is almost all ventilation and includes a 200mm blue LED intake fan. This fan can be replaced with up to two 120mm fans instead. It is also extruded so that you can use the stock side fan or optional side fans and still use a large CPU cooler.
The back of the case has two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through, a 120mm exhaust fan which can be replaced with a 92mm or 80mm fan if preferred, seven ventilated expansion slots, an eighth vertical expansion slot, two more holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through (rubber inserts are included) and at the bottom is where a standard ATX power supply would be installed with the fan facing up or down if it has an overhead fan. It should face down to intake cool air from outside the case. This image also reveals that the right side panel (left in this image) is also extruded which gives you more room behind the motherboard tray for cable management. The feet are rotated 90 degrees in this image for enhanced stability and the side panels are secured with thumbscrews just as every other case this far.
Look up at the HAF 922. Now look at this image. Aside from color, do you see any differences? Not really! The HAF 922 cloned the Storm Sniper's interior which is a good thing, but there are a few differences. The Storm Sniper has plastic PCI-E locks which don't hold so well, but they can be replaced with screws or thumbscrews. The HAF 922 has thumbscrews. Score one for the HAF 922. On the other hand, the HAF 922 had a complete lack of dust filters on the bottom section. The Storm Sniper has a dust filter for the optional bottom intake fan (120mm) but if you have a fan installed here, you'll have to remove it to get to the filter. But still, score one one for the Storm Sniper. Now they're even. If you prefer the all black finish which I definitely do, then this case gets another point.
So yeah, CPU retention plate access hole, open design for easy cable management, many cable management secure points, tool free plastic drive bays (you might want to use a screw or thumbscrew on the opposite side of your optical drive), but this one has a 3.5" to 2.5" adapter unlike the HAF 922.
Oh yeah, the left side panel ventilation has a dust filter.
Wow! Who would have guessed that the bottom ventilation is identical to the top ventilation? Oh yeah, those feet can be rotated 90 degrees as stated before and shown before, offering more stability. Standard rubber feet can be installed instead.
The I/O panel, fan controller, two carrying handles and a 200mm blue LED exhaust fan can be spotted up top. Up to two 120mm fans or a 240mm radiator can be installed on top instead. The fan controller controls the speed and LEDs of all three 200mm fans.
The left side panel is almost all ventilation and includes a 200mm blue LED intake fan. This fan can be replaced with up to two 120mm fans instead. It is also extruded so that you can use the stock side fan or optional side fans and still use a large CPU cooler.
The back of the case has two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through, a 120mm exhaust fan which can be replaced with a 92mm or 80mm fan if preferred, seven ventilated expansion slots, an eighth vertical expansion slot, two more holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through (rubber inserts are included) and at the bottom is where a standard ATX power supply would be installed with the fan facing up or down if it has an overhead fan. It should face down to intake cool air from outside the case. This image also reveals that the right side panel (left in this image) is also extruded which gives you more room behind the motherboard tray for cable management. The feet are rotated 90 degrees in this image for enhanced stability and the side panels are secured with thumbscrews just as every other case this far.
Look up at the HAF 922. Now look at this image. Aside from color, do you see any differences? Not really! The HAF 922 cloned the Storm Sniper's interior which is a good thing, but there are a few differences. The Storm Sniper has plastic PCI-E locks which don't hold so well, but they can be replaced with screws or thumbscrews. The HAF 922 has thumbscrews. Score one for the HAF 922. On the other hand, the HAF 922 had a complete lack of dust filters on the bottom section. The Storm Sniper has a dust filter for the optional bottom intake fan (120mm) but if you have a fan installed here, you'll have to remove it to get to the filter. But still, score one one for the Storm Sniper. Now they're even. If you prefer the all black finish which I definitely do, then this case gets another point.
So yeah, CPU retention plate access hole, open design for easy cable management, many cable management secure points, tool free plastic drive bays (you might want to use a screw or thumbscrew on the opposite side of your optical drive), but this one has a 3.5" to 2.5" adapter unlike the HAF 922.
Oh yeah, the left side panel ventilation has a dust filter.
Wow! Who would have guessed that the bottom ventilation is identical to the top ventilation? Oh yeah, those feet can be rotated 90 degrees as stated before and shown before, offering more stability. Standard rubber feet can be installed instead.
So there is the Cooler Master Storm Sniper, an excellent gaming case. Flashy LEDs can be disabled by pushing a button, easily portable, excellent airflow, good choice for water cooling, tool free design, dust filters. Highly recommended.
Cooler Master Storm Sniper Product Page
What's the matter? You have an E-ATX motherboard and/or a 360mm radiator? No problem, I have another case to recommend in this range. The first full tower so far too. But it is basically the same size as the Storm Sniper but a tad bit taller. Anyway, say hello to the Cooler Master HAF 932.
No, it's a computer case not a tank.
With pure innovative strength, Cooler Master, the leader in enthusiast computer components, has unleashed yet another prevailing arsenal to compete in the full-tower chassis segment. Proud and robust in its appearance, the HAF 932 presents its sturdy sentinel housing and revolutionary High Air Flow structure to enhance and protect any hardware component that is worthy of the highest performance.
Available Color: Black
Dimension: (W) 243 x (H) 560 x (D) 564 mm OR (W) 9.6 x (H) 22.0 x (D) 22.2 inch
Net Weight: 13.2 kg / 29.1 lb
Gross Weight: 15.85 kg / 35 lb
Material: SECC, plastic
Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, ATX, Extended ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 6 without the use of 5.25" to 3.5" adapter
3.5" Drive Bay: 5 internal, 1 external with use of 5.25" to 3.5" adapter
I/O Panel: USB 2.0 x 4, IEEE 1394a x 1, eSATA x 1, Mic x 1, Audio x 1 (supports HD audio)
Cooling System:
Expansion Slots: 7
Power Supply: Up to 2x standard ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
- The HAF932 features a fully-rugged appearance and is housed in a tough casing to offer outstanding protection.
- A rugged HAF932 comes equipped to operate with unparalleled thermal performance
- Patented finger-press buttons for quickly maintaining or upgrading 5.25 inch drive devices
- Removable HDD racks and cable management system for better cable routing and neatness
- Easy access to liquid coolant fills port
- Meshed back slot for providing passive cooling
- Independent air intake designed for bottom-mounted PSU or installation of two 120mm fans
- Retaining holes for easy installation of CPU coolers
Available Color: Black
Dimension: (W) 243 x (H) 560 x (D) 564 mm OR (W) 9.6 x (H) 22.0 x (D) 22.2 inch
Net Weight: 13.2 kg / 29.1 lb
Gross Weight: 15.85 kg / 35 lb
Material: SECC, plastic
Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, ATX, Extended ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 6 without the use of 5.25" to 3.5" adapter
3.5" Drive Bay: 5 internal, 1 external with use of 5.25" to 3.5" adapter
I/O Panel: USB 2.0 x 4, IEEE 1394a x 1, eSATA x 1, Mic x 1, Audio x 1 (supports HD audio)
Cooling System:
- Front: 230 x 30 mm red LED fan x 1 / 700 rpm / 19 dBA
- Side: 230 x 30 mm standard fan x 1 / 700 rpm / 19 dBA (supports 120 mm fan x 4)
- Top: 230 x 30 mm fan x 1 / 700 rpm / 19 dBA
(supports 120 mm fan x 3 / 120 mm fan x 1 + 230 x 30 mm fan x 1) - Rear: 140 x 25 mm fan x 1, 1200 RPM, 17 dBA
(supports 120 mm fan)
Expansion Slots: 7
Power Supply: Up to 2x standard ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
On the front is the I/O panel, HDD activity LED, power LED (both glow blue), six optical drive bay covers and a 230mm red LED intake fan. This fan can be replaced with a 120mm fan if preferred. The front fan bezel can easily be removed - just pull from the bottom.
Top panel includes a 230mm exhaust fan (can install up to 3x 120mm fans if preferred or a 360mm radiator), power button, reset button and a fillport for a water cooling reservoir or T-line.
Water cooling fillport in use. But do not use a coolant like the image depicts. Use distilled water with PHN PT nuke in it or just distilled water if you have silver kill coils in your loop. Damn, got side tracked.
The left side panel has a window, lots of ventilation and a 230mm intake fan which can be replaced with up to four 120mm fans for ridiculous cooling. The side panel is extruded so that you can use the stock side fan or optional side fans and still use a large CPU cooler. I wonder where the auto turrets are on this case.
The back of the case has two PSU mounts - one at the top and one at the bottom. They want you to use the bottom mount since they include a top fan which would have to be removed if you install a PSU up there, and the top PSU mount has a cover over it with two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through. A 140mm exhaust fan is included but a 120mm fan can be used instead. The case has 7 ventilated expansion slots and a standard dual thumbscrew design for each side panel. The right side panel (left in this image) is also extruded so that you have more space behind the motherboard tray for cable management.
This case has a CPU retention plate access hole, four cable management holes, plenty of cable management secure points and a tool free design for the optical drives and expansion slots. The optical drives and hard drives use the same tool free design as the Storm Sniper and 690 II cases. They're plastic, the optical drive bay locks are only on one side of the case so you might want to use a screw or thumbscrew on the other side, and the hard drive racks have rubber anti-vibration pads and work well. The expansion slots utilize the plastic clips as seen in the Cooler Master Centurion 590 and Storm Sniper. Some situations might force you to use screws instead.
Back of the motherboard tray. Good cable management.
Also keep in mind the bottom PSU section can be removed and up to two 120mm fans can be installed if you use a top mounted PSU. If your PSU isn't very long then you can probably use a 120mm bottom intake fan and a bottom mounted PSU.
Top panel includes a 230mm exhaust fan (can install up to 3x 120mm fans if preferred or a 360mm radiator), power button, reset button and a fillport for a water cooling reservoir or T-line.
Water cooling fillport in use. But do not use a coolant like the image depicts. Use distilled water with PHN PT nuke in it or just distilled water if you have silver kill coils in your loop. Damn, got side tracked.
The left side panel has a window, lots of ventilation and a 230mm intake fan which can be replaced with up to four 120mm fans for ridiculous cooling. The side panel is extruded so that you can use the stock side fan or optional side fans and still use a large CPU cooler. I wonder where the auto turrets are on this case.
The back of the case has two PSU mounts - one at the top and one at the bottom. They want you to use the bottom mount since they include a top fan which would have to be removed if you install a PSU up there, and the top PSU mount has a cover over it with two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through. A 140mm exhaust fan is included but a 120mm fan can be used instead. The case has 7 ventilated expansion slots and a standard dual thumbscrew design for each side panel. The right side panel (left in this image) is also extruded so that you have more space behind the motherboard tray for cable management.
This case has a CPU retention plate access hole, four cable management holes, plenty of cable management secure points and a tool free design for the optical drives and expansion slots. The optical drives and hard drives use the same tool free design as the Storm Sniper and 690 II cases. They're plastic, the optical drive bay locks are only on one side of the case so you might want to use a screw or thumbscrew on the other side, and the hard drive racks have rubber anti-vibration pads and work well. The expansion slots utilize the plastic clips as seen in the Cooler Master Centurion 590 and Storm Sniper. Some situations might force you to use screws instead.
Back of the motherboard tray. Good cable management.
Also keep in mind the bottom PSU section can be removed and up to two 120mm fans can be installed if you use a top mounted PSU. If your PSU isn't very long then you can probably use a 120mm bottom intake fan and a bottom mounted PSU.
So that's the Cooler Master HAF 932, the first full tower case we have looked at. A very good one too. It only has one real big problem - the lack of dust filters. Someone does sell a magnetic dust filter kit designed specifically for this case, or you can make your own, or just keep some canned air nearby and not give a damn.
Cooler Master HAF 932 Product Page
$170-$180
We're getting into the high class of cases. You don't want to mess with these bad boys. Lets start off with the Cooler Master ATCS 840, which is also my current case but it won't be for much longer.
It's available in black and silver.
ATCS 840 constitutes a classic all-aluminum design that builds on the legacy of the original ATCS design. The aluminum construction not only allows for a lighter weight but complements the thermal design seamlessly with three 230mm fans, dedicated air duct for graphics card cooling and HDD cooling module for superb cooling.
Extra attention to make sure this elegantly design chassis is easy to install and maintain, which includes: slide-out motherboard tray along with easy CPU cooler-remove slot, tool-free HDD casing, patented finger pressing 5.25" drive to dust filter.
Lastly, it gives users the freedom to choose any components they desire, as it supports the latest standards such as E-ATX and dual PSUs.
Available Color: Black / Silver
Dimensions: (W) 243 x (H) 580 x (D) 630 mm OR (W) 9.57 x (H) 22.83 x (D) 24.80 inch
Net Weight: 13.25 kg / 29.21 lb
Gross Weight: 15.75 kg / 34.72 lb
Material: Aluminum
Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, ATX, Extended ATX
5.25" Drive Bays: 6 exposed without the use of 5.25" to 3.5" drive bay adapter
3.5" Drive Bays: 6 hidden, 1 exposed with use of 5.25" to 3.5" drive bay adapter
I/O Panel:
Cooling System:
Expansion Slots: 7
Power Supply: Dual standard ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
Extra attention to make sure this elegantly design chassis is easy to install and maintain, which includes: slide-out motherboard tray along with easy CPU cooler-remove slot, tool-free HDD casing, patented finger pressing 5.25" drive to dust filter.
Lastly, it gives users the freedom to choose any components they desire, as it supports the latest standards such as E-ATX and dual PSUs.
- Independent GPU cooling
- High-end graphic cards temperatures can be reduced by 3~5oC
- Ergonomic Design
- Dual PSUs System.
- PSU could be mounted on top or bottom for flexible installation or dual PSU configuration
- Advanced Cooling System.
- Support high end CPU cooler (the cooler should be lower than 200mm)
- Support the radiator with three 120mm fans
- Ergonomic Design
- Cable Management system for better cable routing and neatness
Available Color: Black / Silver
Dimensions: (W) 243 x (H) 580 x (D) 630 mm OR (W) 9.57 x (H) 22.83 x (D) 24.80 inch
Net Weight: 13.25 kg / 29.21 lb
Gross Weight: 15.75 kg / 34.72 lb
Material: Aluminum
Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, ATX, Extended ATX
5.25" Drive Bays: 6 exposed without the use of 5.25" to 3.5" drive bay adapter
3.5" Drive Bays: 6 hidden, 1 exposed with use of 5.25" to 3.5" drive bay adapter
I/O Panel:
- USB x 4,
- IEEE 1394a x 1,
- eSATA x 1,
- Mic x 1,
- Audio x 1
Cooling System:
- Front: 230 x 30 mm fan x 1 / 700 RPM / 19 dBA
- Top: 230 x 30 mm fan x 2 /700 RPM / 19 dBA
(can be swapped for three 120 mm fans) - Rear: 120 x 25 mm fan x 1 / 1200 RPM, 17 dBA
- Bottom: 120 x 25 mm (optional)
- HDD Module: 120 mm fan x 2 (optional)
- External Air Duct: 120 mm fan x 1 (optional)
Expansion Slots: 7
Power Supply: Dual standard ATX PS/2 / EPS 12V
On the front of the case you will see 6 drive bay covers, the bottom one has a 5.25" to 3.5" adapter preinstalled. Below this is a cover for the front 230mm intake fan. It is extruded so it allows the front fan to intake cool air. And be careful, there is a technique to removing and installing this thing. If you don't follow it, you will break it. To remove it, just push it to the left, perhaps inwards just a tad bit. To install it, put the left side locks in first, slide it to the left as much as possible, then push the right tabs in. It must be done this way because the left side locks are rubber while the right side tabs are plastic and can break if you do it wrong.
You can almost see the dust filter in this shot that is installed right in front of the two front feet. The filter is slightly in front of and below the front 230mm intake fan, providing increased air intake for the front fan.
The top panel houses the power button, reset button, HDD activity and power LEDs which glow blue. And they're very bright. Behind this is the I/O panel which is concealed under a spring loaded cover. Behind this is a huge ventilated area which can easily be removed. Remove two thumbscrews from the back of the case and then slide the top panel backwards. This gives you direct access to TWO 230mm top exhaust fans. The included plastic fan brackets can be used to install up to a 360mm water cooling radiator. The top 230mm fan closest to the front of the case does more harm than good though. It exhausts air prematurely before it gets to cool the CPU and video cards, and it adds negative air pressure to the chassis. Disabling mine reduced CPU and GPU temps 5-7 degrees Celsius.
The side panels have no window, fans or ventilation. A windowed side panel is sold separately.
On the back of the case you will see two PSU mounts - one at the top and one at the bottom. You can install a standard ATX PSU in either position with the fan facing up or down if it has an overhead fan. It should face down in either position - on the bottom it would intake fresh air this way from outside the case, and on the top it would assist case exhaust. They also include two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through on the PSU mount cover, and seven ventilated expansion slots which are secured with screws externally. This allows you to access the screws for the expansion slots with a screw driver more easily, but I would have preferred thumbscrews. They also include a plastic strip to cover that sharp edge next to the expansion slots.
The external VGA air duct, which is made out of plastic, gets installed on the back of the case with two thumbscrews. They include a fan grill but no fan. If you install a fan in this device, it will assist GPU exhaust if you have dual slot video cards that exhaust air out of the case (most NVIDIA reference cards to this). It reduced my GTX 260 temperatures by 4 degrees Celsius under load, using an 1800 RPM/69.69 CFM Cooler Master SickleFlow R4 series 120mm x 25mm fan. I haven't recorded my GTX 480 temperatures without this device. This device also has rubber slots for your cables to pass through.
On the bottom they include four very high quality aluminum feet with rubber padding, ventilation for a power supply and an optional 120mm bottom intake fan, and a removable, washable dust filter for the bottom fan mount. You do not have to tilt the case over to remove this filter. It just requires you to squeeze your fingers in and slide it out.
Here is the inside of the case. It's like the previous Cooler Master cases we looked at, but much larger. The CPU retention plate access hole is larger but still not large enough for many LGA 1156 and LGA 1366 motherboards. There are 2 cable management holes, I wish one was included below that vertical one. The horizontal one gets covered up by even an ATX motherboard. The drive bays' tool free design is the same as before. The bottom PSU mount has rubber to absorb vibrations and to prevent scratching the PSU. It has a slide-out dust filter but if you have a bottom intake fan installed, it will interfere.
The motherboard tray is removable and secured by screws on the back of the case. It has horizontal strips to increase its stability and it slides out on a ball bearing tray for smooth removal and installation.
Two 120mm intake fans can be installed on the back of the HDD cage to improve airflow.
Here is an ATX motherboard, standard length power supply and a full length GPU (10.5" long) completely dwarfed by the ATCS 840.
You can almost see the dust filter in this shot that is installed right in front of the two front feet. The filter is slightly in front of and below the front 230mm intake fan, providing increased air intake for the front fan.
The top panel houses the power button, reset button, HDD activity and power LEDs which glow blue. And they're very bright. Behind this is the I/O panel which is concealed under a spring loaded cover. Behind this is a huge ventilated area which can easily be removed. Remove two thumbscrews from the back of the case and then slide the top panel backwards. This gives you direct access to TWO 230mm top exhaust fans. The included plastic fan brackets can be used to install up to a 360mm water cooling radiator. The top 230mm fan closest to the front of the case does more harm than good though. It exhausts air prematurely before it gets to cool the CPU and video cards, and it adds negative air pressure to the chassis. Disabling mine reduced CPU and GPU temps 5-7 degrees Celsius.
The side panels have no window, fans or ventilation. A windowed side panel is sold separately.
On the back of the case you will see two PSU mounts - one at the top and one at the bottom. You can install a standard ATX PSU in either position with the fan facing up or down if it has an overhead fan. It should face down in either position - on the bottom it would intake fresh air this way from outside the case, and on the top it would assist case exhaust. They also include two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through on the PSU mount cover, and seven ventilated expansion slots which are secured with screws externally. This allows you to access the screws for the expansion slots with a screw driver more easily, but I would have preferred thumbscrews. They also include a plastic strip to cover that sharp edge next to the expansion slots.
The external VGA air duct, which is made out of plastic, gets installed on the back of the case with two thumbscrews. They include a fan grill but no fan. If you install a fan in this device, it will assist GPU exhaust if you have dual slot video cards that exhaust air out of the case (most NVIDIA reference cards to this). It reduced my GTX 260 temperatures by 4 degrees Celsius under load, using an 1800 RPM/69.69 CFM Cooler Master SickleFlow R4 series 120mm x 25mm fan. I haven't recorded my GTX 480 temperatures without this device. This device also has rubber slots for your cables to pass through.
On the bottom they include four very high quality aluminum feet with rubber padding, ventilation for a power supply and an optional 120mm bottom intake fan, and a removable, washable dust filter for the bottom fan mount. You do not have to tilt the case over to remove this filter. It just requires you to squeeze your fingers in and slide it out.
Here is the inside of the case. It's like the previous Cooler Master cases we looked at, but much larger. The CPU retention plate access hole is larger but still not large enough for many LGA 1156 and LGA 1366 motherboards. There are 2 cable management holes, I wish one was included below that vertical one. The horizontal one gets covered up by even an ATX motherboard. The drive bays' tool free design is the same as before. The bottom PSU mount has rubber to absorb vibrations and to prevent scratching the PSU. It has a slide-out dust filter but if you have a bottom intake fan installed, it will interfere.
The motherboard tray is removable and secured by screws on the back of the case. It has horizontal strips to increase its stability and it slides out on a ball bearing tray for smooth removal and installation.
Two 120mm intake fans can be installed on the back of the HDD cage to improve airflow.
Here is an ATX motherboard, standard length power supply and a full length GPU (10.5" long) completely dwarfed by the ATCS 840.
So this was the first all aluminum case we looked at. The Cooler Master ATCS 840 is a good purchase, reasonably priced, good airflow, great water cooling support, decent tool free design, decent cable management and I love the removable motherboard tray. Overall it is a very good case.
Cooler Master ATCS 840 Product Page
What's that? You like sleek aluminum cases? I've got another one for you! In the same price range too. Here is the Lian-Li PC-A70F.
Mode: PC-A70F
Case Type: Full Tower Chassis
Dimensions: 220mm x 590mm x 585mm ( W, H, D)
Material: Aluminum
Available Color: Black
Net Weight: 8.21 kg
5.25" Drive Bays: 5 external, 4 external with 5.25" to 3.5" adapter
3.5" Drive Bays: 10 internal, 1 external with use of 5.25" to 3.5" drive bay adapter
Expansion Slots: 7
Motherboard Type: Micro ATX, ATX, Extended ATX
Cooling:
I/O Ports: USB2.0 x 4 / IEEE1394 x 1 / E-SATA x 1 / HD+AC97 Audio
Case Type: Full Tower Chassis
Dimensions: 220mm x 590mm x 585mm ( W, H, D)
Material: Aluminum
Available Color: Black
Net Weight: 8.21 kg
5.25" Drive Bays: 5 external, 4 external with 5.25" to 3.5" adapter
3.5" Drive Bays: 10 internal, 1 external with use of 5.25" to 3.5" drive bay adapter
Expansion Slots: 7
Motherboard Type: Micro ATX, ATX, Extended ATX
Cooling:
- 2x 140mm blue LED front intake fans (1000 RPM)
- 2x 120mm rear exhaust fans (1500 RPM)
I/O Ports: USB2.0 x 4 / IEEE1394 x 1 / E-SATA x 1 / HD+AC97 Audio
On the front of the case you can see the 5 optical drive bay covers, one of them has a 5.25" to 3.5" faceplate. There is also lots of ventilation for the front 140mm intake fans.
The front panel can easily be removed giving you access to the front 140mm fans, their dust filters and the fan controller.
The I/O panel, power button and reset button are on the top of the case.
The side panels have no windows, fans or ventilation. There is a lot going on on the back of the case. Starting at the top they include lots of ventilation and two 120mm exhaust fans. The top ventilation section can be removed by removing 4 thumbscrews. A standard ATX power supply can be installed here although a hard drive cage is installed here by default which holds 3 hard drives. They include two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through, 7 ventilated expansion slots and the standard location for a power supply is the bottom of the case. The side panels still use a standard thumbscrew design, but 3 for each. The right side panel can be secured with an optional lock, like the Cooler Master Storm Sniper.
Side panels have anti-vibration pads.
Huge case, can fit 390mm or 15.35 inch video cards. You can see the CPU retention plate access hole, two tool free locks for the optical drives, but a lack of cable management holes on the motherboard tray. Not a big deal, since the rest of the case is open. Motherboard tray is removable.
Aluminum tool free optical drive bay locks have rubber anti-vibration pads but are included only on this side of the case.
Hard drive cage is less restrictive. Installing hard drives is a tool free design. Just mount the special thumbscrews with rubber anti-vibration pads on the hard drive, and slide the hard drive into the cage.
Aluminum tool free PCI-E locks hold with massive force and feature rubber anti-vibration pads.
Top mounted HDD cage works the same way as the other HDD cage. This section can be removed and a standard ATX PSU can be installed. You can fit a CPX power supply as well but there are no mounts for one.
PSU installation is tool free. Rubber anti-vibration pads and ventilation is included.
Cable organizer gets mounted on the bottom.
The front panel can easily be removed giving you access to the front 140mm fans, their dust filters and the fan controller.
The I/O panel, power button and reset button are on the top of the case.
The side panels have no windows, fans or ventilation. There is a lot going on on the back of the case. Starting at the top they include lots of ventilation and two 120mm exhaust fans. The top ventilation section can be removed by removing 4 thumbscrews. A standard ATX power supply can be installed here although a hard drive cage is installed here by default which holds 3 hard drives. They include two rubberized holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through, 7 ventilated expansion slots and the standard location for a power supply is the bottom of the case. The side panels still use a standard thumbscrew design, but 3 for each. The right side panel can be secured with an optional lock, like the Cooler Master Storm Sniper.
Side panels have anti-vibration pads.
Huge case, can fit 390mm or 15.35 inch video cards. You can see the CPU retention plate access hole, two tool free locks for the optical drives, but a lack of cable management holes on the motherboard tray. Not a big deal, since the rest of the case is open. Motherboard tray is removable.
Aluminum tool free optical drive bay locks have rubber anti-vibration pads but are included only on this side of the case.
Hard drive cage is less restrictive. Installing hard drives is a tool free design. Just mount the special thumbscrews with rubber anti-vibration pads on the hard drive, and slide the hard drive into the cage.
Aluminum tool free PCI-E locks hold with massive force and feature rubber anti-vibration pads.
Top mounted HDD cage works the same way as the other HDD cage. This section can be removed and a standard ATX PSU can be installed. You can fit a CPX power supply as well but there are no mounts for one.
PSU installation is tool free. Rubber anti-vibration pads and ventilation is included.
Cable organizer gets mounted on the bottom.
So there you have it. Great all around case, comparable to the ATCS 840. The ATCS 840 has more fan mounts and radiator support, but a ventilated top panel is sold separately for the PC-A70F and you can zip tie a pair of 120mm or 140mm fans behind the HDD cage for better cooling. This will actually beat the airflow of the ATCS 840 since the PC-A70F has a less restrictive HDD cage and the two 140mm front fans outperform the front 230mm fan of the ATCS 840, and they intake more air than the ATCS 840. The lack of top exhaust fans is actually beneficial for airflow, since it has two 120mm rear exhaust fans creating a wind tunnel in your case. Overall this is a highly recommended case.
Lian-Li PC-A70F Product Page
Well now, we have one more case to go over. While it still has a steel body/frame and plastic top/front panel, the features it has can't be ignored. The case we're looking at now is the Silverstone Raven RV02.
Model Number: SST-RV02B (black), SST-RV02B-W (black, windowed)
Material: Reinforced plastic outer shell, 0.8mm steel body
Color: Matte black
Motherboard: SSI CEB, ATX (maximum 12” x 11”) , Micro ATX
5.25" Drive Bay: 8 (without use of HDD cage), 5 with use of HDD cage
3.5" Drive Bay: 3 internal
2.5" Drive Bay: 1 internal
Cooling System:
- Top: 1x 120mm exhaust fan, 950 RPM, 18 DBA
- Bottom: 3x 180mm intake fans, 700 RPM/1000 RPM, 18/27 DBA
Expansion Slot: 8
Front I/O Port: USB 2.0 x 2, MIC, audio
Power Supply: 1 x optional standard PS2 (ATX)
Expansion Card: Compatible with expansion card up to 12 inches (or more if you remove one fan grill)
Limitation of CPU Cooler: 169mm
Limitation of PSU: Unlimited
Net Weight: 12.5 kg
Dimension: 212mm (W) x 503mm (H) x 643mm (D)
This is a unique looking case. On the front there are 8 optical drive bay covers. All 8 can be used for optical drives, but by default a hard drive cage occupies the bottom three, leaving you with 5 optical drive bays.
There is also a blue LED at the top front of the case.
Here is the I/O panel and a look at the ventilation on the top of the case. Underneath that ventilation are 8 expansion slots, a 120mm exhaust fan and three fan controllers - one for each 180mm fan. They can be set to a low or high speed.
This is the bottom of the case. It is full of ventilation. There are four rubberized feet and two holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through.
Inside of the case. Four of the optical drive bays have a sturdy but plastic tool free design, and is only on this side of the case. It has a CPU retention plate access hole and lots of cable management holes and secure points. Unfortunately the expansion slots are secured with normal screws. At the top is a 120mm exhaust fan. So the motherboard tray has been rotated 90 degrees. The idea behind this is that heat naturally rises - so now cards that use a blower type cooling design can exhaust air better, multiple video cards have less of a heat effect and a vertical wind tunnel is created inside of the case for quick heat removal.
Three 180mm fans intake air from the bottom of the case and blow it upwards. One of them cool the hard drives while the other two cool the motherboard tray area. These two fans can be removed and a 120mm x 3 radiator can be installed here instead.
Each 180mm fan also has a removable, washable dust filter. It just slides out from the bottom.
There is also a blue LED at the top front of the case.
Here is the I/O panel and a look at the ventilation on the top of the case. Underneath that ventilation are 8 expansion slots, a 120mm exhaust fan and three fan controllers - one for each 180mm fan. They can be set to a low or high speed.
This is the bottom of the case. It is full of ventilation. There are four rubberized feet and two holes for a water cooling system's tubes to pass through.
Inside of the case. Four of the optical drive bays have a sturdy but plastic tool free design, and is only on this side of the case. It has a CPU retention plate access hole and lots of cable management holes and secure points. Unfortunately the expansion slots are secured with normal screws. At the top is a 120mm exhaust fan. So the motherboard tray has been rotated 90 degrees. The idea behind this is that heat naturally rises - so now cards that use a blower type cooling design can exhaust air better, multiple video cards have less of a heat effect and a vertical wind tunnel is created inside of the case for quick heat removal.
Three 180mm fans intake air from the bottom of the case and blow it upwards. One of them cool the hard drives while the other two cool the motherboard tray area. These two fans can be removed and a 120mm x 3 radiator can be installed here instead.
Each 180mm fan also has a removable, washable dust filter. It just slides out from the bottom.
So there you have it. While the build quality is not as good as the ATCS 840 or PC-A70F, the RV02 has superior cable management, airflow and is also a very good case for water cooling. Highly recommended.
Silverstone Raven RV02 Product Page
$200
Okay, you have at least $200 to spend on a case. Now you're getting serious. Luckily for you, we have some seriously awesome cases for this price. I have two recommended cases in this price range. Lets get the first out of the way, the Lian-Li PC-A71F. I'm just going to tell it like it is - the PC-A71F is just a PC-A70F but with a spring loaded front door, different front bezel mesh and no LED fans. The other case is the Cooler Master HAF-X.
Hmm, you know what? I have nothing more to say about this case. I already made an in-depth article about it, here it is. Okay I'll say one more thing - it's the best overall case out there in my opinion. For real. Very good stock airflow, excellent potential airflow, very good for water cooling, dust filters (front ones are easy to access), tool free design, hot swap bays, supports up to three 2.5" SSDs, great cable management, easily removable top and front panels, so on. It just has almost everything going for it. What throws people off is its looks, and the elitist Lian-Li fans don't take anything that is steel like the HAF-X. So I think it's time to move on.
$210-$300
That's a big price gap you say? Why, that's because I find it hard to justify the price of most cases in this price range. We have the Lian-Li PC-B70 and PC-B71 which seriously lack cable management and have the same nice features as the PC-A70F and PC-A71F, except the PC-B71 has hot swap bays. We also have the Corsair Obsidian 700D and 800D. Both of which are highly overpriced and overrated in my opinion. Mostly steel construction with plastic drive bays, airflow isn't very good and water cooling support is fine for one large radiator. The HAF-X and ATCS 840 are equal or better in nearly every regard and cost much less. There is also the Silverstone TJ09 and TJ10 which look awesome, but I don't see why it should cost more than some said cases already. So lets move on to a case I actually do recommend in this price range - the Silverstone FT02.
Model Number:
Material: 4.5mm aluminum unibody frame, 0.8mm steel body
Motherboard Type: SSI CEB, ATX (maximum 12” x 11”), Micro ATX
5.25" Drive Bays: 5 external
3.5" Drive Bays: 5 internal
2.5" Drive Bays: 1 internal
Cooling System:
Expansion Slots: 7
I/O Panel: USB2.0 x 2, Audio x 1, MIC x 1
Power Supply: Standard ATX PS/2 \ EPS 12V
Expansion Card: Support 12” or 12.2” (with fan grille removed)
Limitation of CPU Cooler: 165mm
Limitation of Power Supply: Unlimited
Net Weight: 15 kg
Dimension: 212mm (W) x 497mm (H) x 616mm (D)
- SST-FT02B (black, no window)
- SST-FT02B-W (black, windowed right side panel)
- SST-FT02S (silver, no window)
- SST-FT02S-W (silver, windowed right side panel)
Material: 4.5mm aluminum unibody frame, 0.8mm steel body
Motherboard Type: SSI CEB, ATX (maximum 12” x 11”), Micro ATX
5.25" Drive Bays: 5 external
3.5" Drive Bays: 5 internal
2.5" Drive Bays: 1 internal
Cooling System:
- Top: 1x 120mm exhaust fan, 1200 RPM, 19 DBA
- Bottom: 3x 180mm intake fans, 700 RPM - 1300 RPM, 18 DBA - 27 DBA
Expansion Slots: 7
I/O Panel: USB2.0 x 2, Audio x 1, MIC x 1
Power Supply: Standard ATX PS/2 \ EPS 12V
Expansion Card: Support 12” or 12.2” (with fan grille removed)
Limitation of CPU Cooler: 165mm
Limitation of Power Supply: Unlimited
Net Weight: 15 kg
Dimension: 212mm (W) x 497mm (H) x 616mm (D)
The front of the case has five drive bay covers and a logo. Nothing more to see here.
Left side panel has no windows, fans or ventilation.
The right side panel may or may not have a window depending on what you order, as seen above.
The back of the case has an easily removable ventilated area with a dust filter. This is for your power supply.
I/O panel, power button, reset button, HDD activity LED and power LED are on the top of the case.
The rest of the top panel is ventilation, which can easily be removed. But your hand in the insert, put your other hand next to it for support and lift upwards.
Doing that reveals what is normally on the back of a case. From top to bottom - a PSU mount, three fan control switches (one for each 180mm fan, 3 total), 120mm exhaust fan, 7 ventilated expansion slots.
The power cord and expansion area cables, as well as any cables going to your motherboard's I/O shield plate get routed through this hole.
Interior of the case is on the opposite side of typical ATX cases. You can see a CPU retention plate access hole, lots of cable management cut outs and secure points, tool free optical drive bay locks for four out of five optical drive bays, tool free hard drive cages, and you can't miss the three massive 180mm bottom intake fans. A 360mm radiator can be installed in place of the two 180mm intake fans that cool the mainboard area.
The optical drive bay locks are plastic but hold with massive force. They're easy to use, push the top to open it and push the bottom to close it. Unfortunately they're only on this side of the case.
Hard drive cages are like Cooler Master's but don't block as much air. Pull out the hard drive rack, install the drive and put the hard drive rack in. The one all the way on the left has a SATA hot swap connector.
Every 180mm intake fan has its own dust filter.
Left side panel has no windows, fans or ventilation.
The right side panel may or may not have a window depending on what you order, as seen above.
The back of the case has an easily removable ventilated area with a dust filter. This is for your power supply.
I/O panel, power button, reset button, HDD activity LED and power LED are on the top of the case.
The rest of the top panel is ventilation, which can easily be removed. But your hand in the insert, put your other hand next to it for support and lift upwards.
Doing that reveals what is normally on the back of a case. From top to bottom - a PSU mount, three fan control switches (one for each 180mm fan, 3 total), 120mm exhaust fan, 7 ventilated expansion slots.
The power cord and expansion area cables, as well as any cables going to your motherboard's I/O shield plate get routed through this hole.
Interior of the case is on the opposite side of typical ATX cases. You can see a CPU retention plate access hole, lots of cable management cut outs and secure points, tool free optical drive bay locks for four out of five optical drive bays, tool free hard drive cages, and you can't miss the three massive 180mm bottom intake fans. A 360mm radiator can be installed in place of the two 180mm intake fans that cool the mainboard area.
The optical drive bay locks are plastic but hold with massive force. They're easy to use, push the top to open it and push the bottom to close it. Unfortunately they're only on this side of the case.
Hard drive cages are like Cooler Master's but don't block as much air. Pull out the hard drive rack, install the drive and put the hard drive rack in. The one all the way on the left has a SATA hot swap connector.
Every 180mm intake fan has its own dust filter.
So that's the Silverstone FT02. I really like this case. The rotated motherboard tray enhances cooling, especially GPU cooling. They use a bottom to top airflow direction since heat naturally rises. Running multiple video cards is more effective in this case. So far this is actually my top consideration for a new case (I currently use the ATCS 840). Unless of course I have enough money for a Silverstone TJ11 which is unlikely. So overall the FT02 is highly recommended.
Silverstone FT02 Product Page
300+
300+ bucks can't get you anything drastically better than what we have already looked at. You can get the best water cooling full tower ATX case, the Silverstone TJ07, which is unfortunately outdated in many other categories. Airflow is lacking, no tool free designs, but they are now including a large CPU retention plate access hole.
I only recommend this case to water cooling enthusiasts who are willing or who already know how to mod cases. So I'll go through this case quickly.
The front of the case has 7 optical drive bay covers, a power button, reset button, HDD activity LED, power LED and the I/O panel is hidden here. The unibody design for this case is excellent - the front panel, top panel and bottom are made out of a single piece of very thick aluminum.
The top has ventilation for the two 240mm exhaust fans.
Two 120mm side intakes are seen through the ventilation on the left side panel. The right side panel has the same ventilation.
This case is very skinny. The back only has dual 92mm intake fans, 7 expansion slots and at the bottom you can install two ATX power supplies which draw in air through the side panels if they have an overhead fan.
The motherboard tray is removable but doesn't slide well since it's a steel tray on an aluminum surface. Metal and metal don't go very well together. This is why Cooler Master included a ball bearing tray for their ATCS 840 motherboard tray.
Interior of the case. Up to 6 hard drives can be installed on the bottom - 3 in each cage using screws. Optical drives use screws. Expansion slots use either screws or thumbscrews. No cable management holes but the large CPU retention plate access hole, which is not in this photo, can be used as one for your ATX connector. It has an open design anyway so cable management isn't too bad. But a 360mm or 480mm radiator can be installed in the bottom section, sometimes in tandem with a thin 240mm radiator.
CPU retention plate access hole is designed for dual socket boards.
The top has ventilation for the two 240mm exhaust fans.
Two 120mm side intakes are seen through the ventilation on the left side panel. The right side panel has the same ventilation.
This case is very skinny. The back only has dual 92mm intake fans, 7 expansion slots and at the bottom you can install two ATX power supplies which draw in air through the side panels if they have an overhead fan.
The motherboard tray is removable but doesn't slide well since it's a steel tray on an aluminum surface. Metal and metal don't go very well together. This is why Cooler Master included a ball bearing tray for their ATCS 840 motherboard tray.
Interior of the case. Up to 6 hard drives can be installed on the bottom - 3 in each cage using screws. Optical drives use screws. Expansion slots use either screws or thumbscrews. No cable management holes but the large CPU retention plate access hole, which is not in this photo, can be used as one for your ATX connector. It has an open design anyway so cable management isn't too bad. But a 360mm or 480mm radiator can be installed in the bottom section, sometimes in tandem with a thin 240mm radiator.
CPU retention plate access hole is designed for dual socket boards.
Overall what this case mostly has going for it is build quality and potential. Airflow is lacking, cable management can be better and the drive bay design is all outdated. For water cooling enthusiasts, this may be the case to get if you want a tower ATX case. So I recommend this case only to those people.
Silverstone TJ07 Product Page
Well, it looks like I'm just about done here. More money can get you Mountain Mods cases but those are for people who run at least one water cooling loop and have loads of cash to blow. They're not exactly practical nor are they tower cases. Let me make a final list to clear things up.
~$50
$70-$80
$100
$130-$150
$170-$180
$200
$210-$300
$300+
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