PC Cases: What You Need to Know Before Buying
The term “case” (also known as chassis or tower) refers to the container in which all the components of a PC are assembled. There are thousands of different models, and often people choose a case based only on style or design—without considering more important details.
Here are some key aspects to check before purchasing a case:
DIMENSIONS
The size of the case is essential when building a computer, as it determines what hardware components can be installed (motherboard, power supply, graphics card, fans, etc.). Cases are generally divided into several categories based on size, hardware compatibility, and cooling support.
– FULL TOWER
Full Tower cases are the largest available, offering ample space for components and airflow. They often include multiple fan slots and support for custom cooling systems or workstation setups.
Typical dimensions: Height: 55–75 cm, Width: 22–26 cm, Depth: 55–60 cm (may vary by model).
Motherboard support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, and sometimes Mini-ITX.
– MID TOWER
Mid Towers are the most common case type, offering a good balance between size, internal space, and compatibility—ideal for gaming, office, or general-purpose PCs.
Typical dimensions: Height: 45–55 cm, Width: 20–22 cm, Depth: 45–50 cm.
Motherboard support: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX.
– MINI TOWER
Mini Tower cases are smaller and designed for more compact builds with limited expansion.
Space is tight, usually allowing for a single mid-sized GPU and 1 to 3 fan slots. Cooling can be a challenge, especially with heat-intensive hardware.
Perfect for office PCs or users who need a small build without complex cooling or expansion needs.
Typical dimensions: Height: 35–45 cm, Width: 17–20 cm, Depth: 40–45 cm.
Motherboard support: Mainly Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX.
– MINI-ITX
Mini-ITX cases (also known as SFF – Small Form Factor) are the most compact available, built for minimalist setups. Ideal for ultra-portable PCs, media centers, or compact gaming builds—but they are harder to assemble due to limited space.
Usually supports only one small-sized GPU (sometimes requiring a vertical riser cable) and air coolers only (depending on model).
Cooling is tricky due to tight space—often only 1 or 2 fans are supported.
SFX power supplies are typically required to save space.
Typical dimensions: Height: 25–35 cm, Width: 15–20 cm, Depth: 30–40 cm.
Motherboard support: Only Mini-ITX.
COMPONENT SIZE COMPATIBILITY
Motherboards:
Motherboards come in various sizes (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX), and each requires a compatible case.
Make sure the case supports your motherboard size. For example, an ATX board needs at least an ATX-compatible case. Using a larger case than necessary is not a problem, but it may result in an unnecessarily bulky system.
Some cases offer support brackets to fit larger boards.
Coolers (AIO):
Pay attention to the size of your liquid cooler’s radiator and the available mounting space in the case. Radiators come in sizes like 120 mm, 240 mm, 280 mm, 360 mm, and 420 mm.
Make sure the case supports the radiator size you intend to use and check whether it can be mounted at the top, front, or rear.
Clearance for Fans and Components:
In addition to radiator size, ensure your case has enough clearance for fans and components without blocking the motherboard, RAM, or GPU.
Also verify that your case has the correct mounts and openings for the fans in your cooling setup.
Power Supplies:
Power supplies come in various form factors, such as ATX, SFX, and SFX-L.
Make sure the PSU fits your case. Standard ATX cases need ATX power supplies, while compact or Mini-ITX builds often require SFX or SFX-L units.
Some SFX/SFX-L PSUs include adapter brackets to fit in larger cases.
MATERIALS
When building a powerful gaming PC, cooling becomes a top priority. Mesh panels, which are increasingly common in modern gaming cases, play a key role in airflow optimization.
Mesh panels feature perforated designs that allow excellent airflow, enabling cool air to enter and hot air to exit efficiently—helping maintain optimal temperatures.
Tempered glass has also become a popular material for side panels. It offers a sleek, modern look and allows users to showcase their PC's internal components. Tempered glass is more impact- and scratch-resistant than standard glass, providing added durability.
FANS AND AIRFLOW
Cooling is essential for both performance and component longevity. Fans are critical in keeping temperatures within safe limits.
Most PC cases come with one or more pre-installed fans, usually positioned to create good airflow. Fans can be mounted at the front, top, rear, or bottom, depending on the case design. Standard sizes are typically 120 mm or 140 mm.
While pre-installed fans are fine for basic setups, high-performance systems may benefit from adding extra fans.
This helps improve airflow, lower internal temperatures, and extend component lifespan.
Before adding fans, check if the case has space and mounts for them, and confirm what sizes it supports.
Airflow depends on the case design, fan placement, and cable management. Well-designed airflow cases often feature mesh panels, vents, and grilles to allow efficient intake and exhaust.
Fans positioned strategically help draw in cool air and expel hot air effectively.
For more info, check out the AIRFLOW article.
USB PORTS & CONTROLLERS/HUBS
Cases come with various USB ports, which may include USB 2.0, USB 3.0, and USB-C.
USB 3.0 and USB-C offer faster data transfer compared to USB 2.0.
The number and type of ports vary by model. Most cases also include 3.5 mm audio jacks for headphones and microphones.
Modern cases may include built-in fan/RGB controllers or hubs to manage lighting and cooling.
If you plan to expand or upgrade your RGB setup, you can use separate RGB controllers compatible with a wide range of devices.
RECOMMENDED CASES
Some highlighted cases are available in multiple colors.
To ensure all your components are compatible with your case, you can use THIS website.
For further details, don’t forget to read the article on AIRFLOW.
