Overview : This is the container where you put all hardware parts. Usually, most people view computer case as fashion rather than functionality
While the decision is entirely up to you (choose whatever design you like), I just want to share what make a case good or not :
Point of Interest :
PSU Location : Where power supply located inside the case. If it outside, then don't buy it.
There are 2 common location of psu placement; top and bottom, most of older and cheap case place the PSU on top of the case,
while newer, modern and usually more expensive case place it on the bottom.
Q : Why would this affect the quality of a computer case ?
A : This is related with airflow. Bottom PSU means there are reserved space on the top of the case as ventilation or fan mounting.
The ideal case are case with front, rear, bottom, top and side fan mounting. This means, PSU in the top restrict this.
Space behind motherboard : A reserved space between the plate that holds the motherboard and "case door" (big plate that close the case)
In older cases. this area reserved as ventilation and space for mounting HSF (heat sink fan, placed on top of motherboard as cooling)
While in newer and modern case, we route the cabling through there. There are special hole for cabling, look at below picture :
That was Corsair Carbide 400R, one of my recommended case. Look at the points a circled in red, thats where cabling goes in and out
from the back side of this space behind motherboard. Make sure it have at least 2 centimeters. Well.. that's not specified on most
case details / manual, so good luck googling it.
Q : Why should I care about cabling :
A : Look at the picture carefully, looks tidy right ? No cable hovering and tangling around. It's your call if this is not important
to you. For me, case is like a home. I have to make sure its clean and tidy.
Features : What offered by a case for your else than the basic functionality as hardware container
I list the most common features offered :
1. Design = If you like the design then call it a "feature". Most people like flashy case with glowing and colorful fan leds, unusual shape,
and of course, cheap is a must. Hardware enthusiast prefer boxy, plain, low profile case, and those usually expensive.
2. Cabling support = What I mentioned earlier in "space behind motherboard"
3. USB3 = USB2 ports are no longer a feature, they're must. Caution, please take a look the USB3 connector, is it 20pin or male USB3 ?
Newer motherboards support 20pin connector. So it is recommended to pick a case with 20pin connector USB3 ports for you.
Or, for compatibility reason, most USB3 port connectors are ended in male jack, which you have to connect with the USB3 female
port on the back of your motherboard. If your motherboard does not support USB3 then forget it.
4. Tool-less toolkit = This is also a neat feature where there are absolutely no need to use screws and screwdriver. Look at the previous
picture. To insert a hard drive, they provide you a caddy/tray to hold it. The caddy/tray is also screwlees, insert the HDD
then slide the caddy back to its cage. Easy right ? As for the 5.25 inch bay, there are special "lock" that replace
screw functionality. You only have to switch it, then its lock your drive in place.
5. Dust Filter = Dust is hardware nemesis. It blocks the airflow, make it easier to overheat. Dust comes from any hole which suck air from
outside, mostly, fan. Dust filter prevent dust enter the interior while let the air comes in. Dust filter usually placed
in fan mounting. Once a month, you need to clean it (depends on the level of dust in your room)
6. Sata Hot-swap Dock = A capability to plug hard drive quickly, just like the same when you put your hard drive inside and connect the cables
Look at this picture :
That was Cooler Master CM690II Advanced. One of the most preferred case for hardware enthusiast, one of the best.
It has this sata hot-swap I mentioned. Check the top right picture and you'll understand what I meant.
7. Water cooling outlets = Usually in form of holes to let water cooling cables and tubes goes in and out. Custom water cooling devices usually placed
outside because they're big and took much space. If you use it, make sure the case has this feature.
8. Sound supressor layer = A special feature to suppress noise from case interior. This is not common, few cases has it and these are the most popular :
http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/classic_series/h2 http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=99 http://www.corsair.com/obsidian-series-550d-mid-tower-quiet-case.html/ 9. GPU retention bracket = Did you know, big, 2-slot GPU, usually those with $150++ cost has tendency to slant at the other end over time. Because the nature of its heavy heat sink againts the gravity will pull the other end which does not have enough support over time. My 6850 was slanted (though not extreme, only 10-15 degree) after 2 years of usage. This GPU retention bracket as seen on previous picture support the other end of your GPU so it will keep straight.
Simple steps to get case suits you 1. Go to
www.newegg.com -> compouter hardware -> computer cases -> computer cases
2. Filter the case by your motherboard size (ATX/MicroATX/Mini-ITX) in "Type"
3. Filter by the budget you have; the actual budget you have including the tolerance budget
4. Sort by number of reviews.
5. Pick those which design catches your eye. If you don't like the design even though it has good features, most of time, you will regret it (for most people)
6. Eliminate cases from step 5 by feature you want it to have, create the top 3 cases you'd want
7. Google and read review for each case, pick the most case you consider the best
7b. (optional) ask my advice, tell me your budget for this case, then I'll give you recommendation
8. You have your case, don't doubt now, as you have read the reviews. If you still have doubt, repeat the steps.
9. Buy and enjoy. If you're going to assembly it yourself, do that on top of carpet/rug to avoid static electricity
My Case recommendation General - Preferred case by many people Below $50 :
Cooler Master Elite 372
Between $50-$100 :
BitFenix Prodigy (mini-ITX only)
NZXT SOURCE 220
Cooler Master HAF 912 ADVANCE
Corsair Carbide 300R & 400R
Between $100 - $150 :
FRACTAL DESIGN DEFINE R4
NZXT PHANTOM 410 SE
NZXT H2
Cooler Master CM690 II Advanced
Corsair Obsidian 550D
SILVERSTONE TEMJIN SST-TJ08-E
More than $150 :
(maybe next update)
Fit, no-wasted space - Like me, who want it as small as possible for its motherboard form factor. No wasted space
Micro-ATX : SILVERSTONE TEMJIN SST-TJ08-E
Mini-ITX : Silverstone SUGO series
NAS Case - For those who think Pre-built NAS case company such as QNAP charge too much and want to create custom one -
Fractal Design ARRAY R2
LAN Party Case - Lan with your friends ? Case too heavy carry over ? These cases designed for mobility :
NZXT VULCAN (Micro-ATX), SILVERSTONE TEMJIN SST-TJ08-E (Micro-ATX), LIAN LI PC-TU200 (Mini-ITX), BitFenix Prodigy (mini-ITX)
Bench Case - This is the most peculiar case, everything exposed. Bench case is for display and special purpose :
LIAN LI PC-T7, LIAN LI T1 series, AEROCOOL STRIKE-X AIR
*overclockers usually create their own bench case
Then again, case is something you will always see next to your computer table. If you dont like the design, don't buy it. You'll regret it.