PC Cases

Match the case to your motherboard. A mid tower fits a standard ATX board and suits most builds. A micro-ATX (mATX) case is a little smaller for mATX boards, and a mini-ITX case is for compact small-form-factor builds. A full tower gives the most room for big coolers, long graphics cards and lots of drives. Pick the smallest size that comfortably fits your parts.

Check three clearances before you buy. Graphics card length, since high-end cards can be over 300mm. CPU air cooler height, so the side panel closes. And radiator support if you plan to use an AIO liquid cooler. Every case lists these maximums, so compare them against your graphics card and cooler.

Both matter, but cooling comes first. A mesh front panel pulls in far more air than a solid glass front, which keeps your CPU and graphics card cooler and quieter. Plenty of cases now combine a mesh intake with a tempered glass side panel, so you can have strong airflow and a clean look at the same time.

A mid tower suits the vast majority of builds and fits standard ATX boards, big air coolers and most graphics cards. Choose a full tower if you want extreme cooling, custom water-cooling, an E-ATX board or lots of storage, and you have the desk space. For a typical gaming PC, a quality mid tower with good airflow is the sweet spot.

Good airflow benefits every build, so look for mesh intakes and room for several fans. If you plan an AIO or custom loop, check the case supports the radiator size you want, such as a 240mm or 360mm AIO in the front or top. Cases built for water-cooling also tend to have better fan mounts and cable routing.

Cases from brands like Lian Li, Corsair, Fractal and NZXT are popular for their airflow, build quality and looks, with the Lian Li O11 family a long-time favourite that often tops lists of the best-looking PC cases. For a compact build, the best mini-ITX case is the one that fits your graphics card and cooler while keeping good airflow. The best case for you is the one that fits your parts, cools them well and matches your style, so use the clearance figures to narrow it down.