Which computer case is better to choose? Choosing a good PC case. Computer cases: Budget

The case is designed to accommodate all computer components: motherboard, processor, memory, video card, hard drives, optical drive, power supply and various expansion cards. It has mounts for all these devices, buttons to turn on and restart the computer, indicators of its operation, additional connectors and a cooling system (fans and vents).

The most common are Midi-Tower cases, suitable for installing motherboards of ATX size and smaller (Mini-ATX, Micro-ATX). They fit perfectly on most computers.

For an office computer (documents, Internet), it is most profitable to purchase a case complete with a 400-500 W power supply. Among the quality cases with power supply that can be found on sale, I recommend AeroCool, Cooler Master, Zalman, Chieftec, Xigmatek and ASUS (Vento). IN in this case The most inexpensive type AeroCool CS-1101 with a 500 W power supply will do.
Computer case AeroCool CS-1101 500W Black

For gaming computer entry-level (Core-i3 or Ryzen-3 + GTX-1050/1060) you can also take a case complete with a 500-600 W power supply from the same brands. As a minimum option, you can consider AeroCool V3X with a 600 W power supply.
Computer case AeroCool V3X Advance Devil Red Edition 600W

For a mid-class work or gaming computer (Core-i5 or Ryzen 5 + GTX-1070), it is better to buy a separate case. The best cases in terms of price/quality ratio are AeroCool, Zalman and Cooler Master. One of the most successful inexpensive models Zalman Z1 (Black and Neo).
Computer case Zalman Z1 Black

For a powerful professional or gaming computer (Core-i7 or Ryzen-7 + GTX-1080), it is advisable to take a larger case. It will allow you to place a long video card, a powerful cooler or water system cooling and will provide better ventilation. Recommended brands AeroCool, Zalman, NZXT, Cooler Master, Thermaltake. Again, I recommend AeroCool Aero-800 as a minimum option.
Computer case AeroCool Aero-800

2. Case without power supply

3. Case with power supply

If you are assembling an office or home computer, you can save money and purchase a good case complete with a power supply.

3.1. Power supply power

Cases for office and home computers can be supplied with power supplies with a capacity of 300-600 Watts. In small cases for media centers, the power supply can be only 100-250 Watts, which is quite enough for watching video, but clearly not enough if you want to install a powerful video card to play on the TV screen.

For an office computer, a 400-watt power supply is sufficient. For a home multimedia computer, the power supply should be 450-500 watts. For a powerful gaming computer, at least 600 watts is desirable.

3.2. Power supply power calculation

The power of the power supply can be calculated manually. To do this, you need to find the energy consumption of all computer components on the manufacturers' websites and add them up. To this amount you need to add 15-30% for higher reliability and to eliminate voltage sags during peak loads, to which video cards react very painfully.

But there is more convenient way! The power supply power can be calculated using special program « Power Supply Calculator". It also allows you to calculate the required source power uninterruptible power supply(UPS or UPS).

The program works on all versions of Windows with Microsoft . NET Framework» version 3.5 or higher, which is usually already installed by most users. You can download the “Power Supply Calculator” program and if you need the “Microsoft .NET Framework” at the end of the article in the “” section.

3.3. Power supply configuration and location

Pay attention to the types and number of power supply connectors. As for its location, it can be upper or lower.

The lower location of the power supply is considered more progressive, but in general this does not matter. But if you purchase a large case without a power supply and it is intended to be located at the bottom of the case, then choose a power supply with longer wires, otherwise they may be a stretch to connect.

4. Case price

I don't recommend buying a case that costs $30-40. In this case, you will end up with a bad case with a very bad power supply. Cases with more or less normal power supplies cost from $50. The power supplies in these cases are inferior to analogues that are sold separately, but are still better than the cheapest models and are quite suitable for an office or not very powerful home computer.

5. Case manufacturers

Some manufacturers produce only cases without power supplies, some only with power supplies, and some both.

5.1. Manufacturers of cases without power supplies

If you plan to purchase a power supply separately, then a good addition to it would be a high-quality case from one of the most popular manufacturers: Chieftec, Cooler Master, Thermaltake.

Not long ago they entered the computer case market famous manufacturers components for enthusiasts: Corsair and Zalman, which I also recommend.

If you are looking for a more economical, but still quite high-quality case, pay attention to the brands: AeroCool and Antec.

It is worth noting that there is no longer a clear division between brands in terms of price, when the cases of one brand were only expensive, while the other was only cheap. Therefore, when choosing a case, you can consider cases from all the manufacturers listed here.

5.2. Manufacturers of cases with power supplies

If you decide to purchase a case complete with a power supply, then a good choice would be a case made by Cooler Master or AeroCool.

A more economical, but quite acceptable option would be to purchase housing brands: Foxconn, FSP, InWin.

6. Types and sizes of housings

Computer cases are divided into horizontal (Desktop) and vertical (Tower). But both of them can have different sizes.

6.1. Horizontal enclosures

Horizontal cases were previously used mainly in offices to save space and monitors were installed directly on them.

Now such cases can be found in some supermarkets, but they are mainly used for assembling multimedia centers that can be located in a TV stand.

Horizontal enclosures have the following types:

• Slim-Desktop - thin body
• Full-Desktop - standard case

6.2. Vertical enclosures

To assemble modern computers, mostly vertical cases are used. Usually they are installed on a special stand or simply on the floor.

Vertical enclosures have the following types:

• Micro-Tower - miniature case
• Mini-Tower - low case of an outdated format
• Midi-Tower - the most common format
• Full-Tower - a large case for gaming computers
• Super-Tower - a very large case for powerful computers and servers

For office and home computers, it is better to use the most versatile Midi-Tower cases. For powerful gaming computers that install large video cards and coolers, it is advisable to use more spacious Midi-Tower or Full-Tower cases. The placement of components and ventilation are better organized in them.

7. Motherboard form factor

Depending on the size, the case can accommodate motherboards of different sizes. Typically, motherboards of ATX format and smaller (MicroATX, Mini-ITX) can be installed in Midi-Tower cases. You can install a motherboard no larger than MicroATX in Mini-Tower cases, and Mini-ITX in cases for multimedia centers. Full-Tower cases can accommodate large motherboards in E-ATX and XL-ATX formats.

All cases have mounts for supported motherboard formats. Which form factors of motherboards are supported by a particular case must be indicated on the website of the seller and the case manufacturer.

For office and home computers, I recommend purchasing a case that supports ATX motherboards, even if you purchase a smaller motherboard. This will provide greater choice of motherboard in case of replacement, as well as the installation of larger components and better ventilation in the case.

If you are assembling a gaming computer with a large, powerful video card, then you must take into account its length, otherwise it may not fit into the case. You can find out what maximum video card length the case supports on the seller’s or manufacturer’s website.

9. Cooling system

9.1. Fans and vents

Older cases had 80mm fans installed. This solution can still be found in some cheap models. It is desirable that the rear panel of the case provides for the installation of a 120 mm fan, as it is quieter and more efficient. One fan is usually included with the case and in most cases this is enough, but if necessary you can install additional ones.

Some more expensive cases may have additional fans in the front, side, top, or even lower parts housings. There may also be many ventilation holes. Such cases are intended mainly for powerful gaming computers and require a reasonable placement of quiet fans. For regular home computers, extra holes, especially in the top cover of the case, can lead to excess dust getting in and sometimes you can even spill something into them.

Cases can also have dust filters, which is generally good, but requires regular cleaning or replacement, since otherwise they will only interfere with cooling. In principle, they can be removed or replaced with homemade ones at any time.

The front panel of the case (front or side) may have various connectors for connecting external devices. It is desirable that the front panel of the case have 2 USB connectors and 2 audio connectors for connecting headphones and a microphone.

How convenient the location of the connectors will be for you depends on where and how the system unit will be installed.

11. External compartments

Almost all cases have from 1 to 4 external 5.25″ bays for installing an optical drive. If you plan to install several of these devices, such as a Blu-ray drive and a cheaper DVD-RW drive for everyday use, then pay attention to this. These compartments can also be used to install control panels for various additional devices. Usually one such compartment is enough, but it is still desirable to have several of them.

The case may have 1-2 external 3.5″ bays, which were previously used to install a drive. Now there is no need for them, but if such a compartment exists, then you can install a card reader for reading memory cards or an additional socket with some other connectors in it. But usually this is not necessary.

12. Internal compartments

Most cases have 4-6 internal 3.5″ bays for installing regular hard drives. Usually this is enough, but if you plan to install several disks, keep in mind that it is advisable to install them one after the other, i.e. leave an empty compartment between them. Moreover, if the case is small and the video card is long, then it may interfere with the installation of the second disk or they will have to be placed back to back one on top of the other.

Some, mostly compact cases, may have 2.5″ bays into which you can install SSD drive or HDD for laptop. In standard cases, you will have to purchase a special mount for this.

The most modern and well-thought-out cases have one common 5.25″ rack with the ability to mount different drives in arbitrary places. For this purpose, additional mounting frames are used into which 3.5″ or 2.5″ discs are inserted. This frame can be installed anywhere on the rack, which is very convenient. But such cases are more expensive and are intended mainly for professional and gaming computers.

13. Slots for expansion cards

Cases for ATX format motherboards usually have 7 slots for expansion cards, MicroATX format – 4 slots, which corresponds to the number of corresponding connectors on these motherboards. Smaller or larger chassis may have a different number of slots. This usually doesn't cause problems, but keep in mind that the number of chassis slots must be at least equal to the number of motherboard slots.

14. Case design

The housing design can use various decorative elements. The case may have a front door that covers all or part of the front panel, under which there may be an optical drive, a power button, or additional connectors. It does appearance more aesthetically pleasing, but using elements behind the door is extremely inconvenient, since it will have to be opened constantly.

One of the side covers of the housing may have transparent window. These cases are mainly intended for enthusiasts. If the system unit is assembled from powerful, beautiful components, there are no wires sticking out anywhere, additional lighting is used inside the case, and it is placed in a visible place, then all this can look interesting.

As for backlit fans, although it seems beautiful at first glance, it can irritate those nearby. Think about where and how the system unit will stand and in which direction the light will go. It should not hit anyone in the eyes, especially in the dark.

15. Housing material

Most cases have a steel frame and a front panel made of plastic or a combination of plastic and metal mesh.

The thickness of the frame metal may vary. In cheap cases this is usually 0.4-0.5 mm; such metal bends easily and the case can rattle. It is better to choose cases with a metal thickness of 0.55-0.8 mm.

Some more expensive cases are made of aluminum. Aluminum cases have a more solid appearance, but this has little effect on its other indicators.

16. Case color

As for the color of the case, the most universal cases are black or black-silver, as they go well with other computer devices, modern household appliances and interior.

But the most important thing is that you like the body. Then looking at it and pressing the power button you will receive aesthetic pleasure.

17. Setting up filters in the online store

1. Go to the “Enclosures” section on the seller’s website.
2. Select recommended manufacturers.
3. Select the power of the power supply.
4. Set other parameters that are important to you.
5. Look through the items sequentially, starting with the cheapest ones.
6. If necessary, check the missing data on the manufacturer's website.
7. Buy a model that is suitable in terms of parameters and design.

Thus, you will receive the best price/quality ratio case that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

18. Links

Computer case Zalman Z9 U3 Black
Computer case Zalman Z11 Neo

Relevance: July 2019

From the right choice A computer case depends not only on its external design, but also, most importantly, on the convenient layout of the components inside, the noise level and high-quality cooling. When choosing a computer case for a specific motherboard, it is necessary to predict the further expansion of the device, the possible addition of additional large graphics processors with large cooling systems, additional storage devices, etc.

Computer hardware becomes obsolete quite quickly morally and technically. The service life of the housing is much longer than that of internal components. The choice of housing must be approached carefully, taking into account possible modernization in a few years.

We've compiled a list of the best PC cases based on expert assessments specialists and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make a choice that suits your needs and desires. There are many competitors in the global technology market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

Budget / Inexpensive

1. Zalman
2. Deepcool
3. Cooler Master
4. Aerocool
5. Thermaltake

1. Aerocool
2. Fractal Design
3. Thermaltake

Expensive/Premium class

1. Cooler Master

*Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Computer cases: With good cooling

Water cooling support/ Backlight / Case Size: Midi-Tower/ For gaming PCs / With good cooling/ Budget

Main advantages

• Management attributes are located on the right side of the top cover. Indication of drive activity and power is moved outside for visual monitoring
• All ports (USB and audio) are covered with special rubber plugs. They prevent dust from settling and the possibility of short circuits.
• The top panel is made of durable plastic and has unusual design. A protruding rim indicates a ventilation hatch that can be removed to improve ventilation
• The mounting location for the power supply is made in such a way that it can be mounted either with the bottom mounting of the fan or with the top
• The chassis ventilation system consists of five 120 mm fans. The rear one receives power through a three-pin connector. The remaining four are connected to the Molex power supply.

Show all products in the category “With good cooling”

Computer Cases: For Gaming PCs

Water cooling support/ Backlight / Case Size: Midi-Tower/ For gaming PCs / With good cooling/ Budget

Main advantages

• Large useful capacity and efficient cooling of Tesseract SW cases are equally suitable for assembling gaming systems and computers based on ATX motherboards
• The motherboard is installed on a panel with a hole that allows the installation of a cooling system without removing the motherboard
• Two compartments with plastic latches are designed for 5.25-inch devices. They are equipped with skids for easy assembly without the use of tools.
• The case design provides for the installation of six cooling fans
• There are seven expansion slots at the back, and two holes for mounting an external liquid cooling system.

Water cooling support / Case Size: Midi-Tower/ For gaming PCs / With good cooling

Main advantages

• Configurable front door allows mounting on both sides for easy use of work space
• A three-speed controller responsible for fan operation is located in the front panel and can serve three devices
• The quick access system ensures that the left panel fits securely while providing easy access to the interior
• The HDD basket allows for installation of up to eight 3.5”/2.5” drives and is easy to move. It can be removed to increase air flow or install a water cooling system
• The case comes with two Dynamic GP14 fans, which are specially designed to create maximum airflow and low level noise

Show all products in the category "For gaming PCs"

Computer cases: Budget

Case Size: Midi-Tower/ Budget

Main advantages

• The manufacturer has allocated three seats for the placement of external compartments. Two of them have a traditional size, and only 3.5-inch devices are inserted into the outer compartment
• All control components and interfaces are placed on a convenient front panel. There are three USB ports and jacks for connecting a microphone and headphones.
• The manufacturer has provided seven slots for installing expansion cards. Two holes for CBO hoses provide for installation of a cooling system
• An original special niche on the panel allows you to place devices plugged into the USB port there.
• Constant circulation of air flow inside this model is provided by two fans on both sides of the chassis. They are based on a plain bearing and are low-speed devices

Budget / For gaming PCs / Case Size: Midi-Tower

Main advantages

• The low-profile, slim form factor of the case significantly saves space in the work environment and allows it to be installed in both standard horizontal and vertical positions using the included stand
• Cyclic Flow lighting supports 13 RGB visualization modes and creates beautiful, bright lighting
• The basic console panel at the front of the chassis includes two USB port version 3.0, audio ports for microphone and headphones, motherboard start/reboot buttons, and LED backlight control
• The presence of seats for 80 mm coolers in the lower and upper parts of the product improves heat removal from its interior
• Optimized base space allows for installation of a Micro/Mini ATX motherboard, low-profile discrete graphics card, two standard HDD/SSDs and an external ODD

For gaming PCs / Water cooling support / Case Size: Midi-Tower/ Budget

Main advantages

• Four-millimeter thick tempered glass side panels allow for viewing inner part housing on both sides without loss of strength characteristics of the product
• Branded dust filters are securely fixed to internal surfaces using magnetic tape, easy to remove and clean
• A separate internal bracket allows you to mount the video card in a vertical position
• The modular structure of the internal units allows for their removal to expand the space for installing a liquid cooling system
• The universal design of the tray for the motherboard supports the installation of components with any standard form factor

Water cooling support / Case Size: Midi-Tower/ Budget

Main advantages

• Extended external panel I/O is located in the upper part of the case, which eliminates accidental damage to headphone plugs and USB drives.
• Three-level toggle switches for controlling standard fans are located on the front panel, which allows you to quickly change the cooling intensity and noise level
• Functional dust filters are easily removed thanks to the presence of a magnetic fastening strip and are quickly cleaned
• Standard 3.5" bays accommodate 2.5" media as needed and are screwless
• Casing steel withstands even extreme physical shock loads and promotes efficient passive heat dissipation
• The metal cover of the top panel supports the installation of a water cooler with a radiator of up to 240 millimeters

Show all products in the "Budget" category

Computer Cases: Case Size: Full-Tower/Super-Rower

For gaming PCs / Water cooling support/ Backlight / Case size: Full-Tower/Super-Rower / With good cooling

Main advantages

• The basic frame base and overlay elements of the body, made of high-strength hardened steel, determine the exceptional reliability of the entire structure and guaranteed protection from any physical influences, including shock and scratching loads
• Side wall made of tinted tempered glass allows you to visualize Current state of all installed components and opens up wide possibilities for comprehensive indoor LED tuning
• The main footprint is compatible with any existing motherboard form factors
• Support for installing air coolers with a diameter of up to 360 millimeters expands the possibilities for maximum overclocking of a system unit assembled on the basis of a case in the context of effective heat dissipation
• A convenient 18mm gap behind the base tray makes it easy to hide excess wires

For gaming PCs / Water cooling support/ Backlight / Case size: Full-Tower/Super-Rower / With good cooling

Main advantages

• The frame base made of weapons-grade steel guarantees the absolute reliability of the product design in the context of protection against impact and pressure.
• The front panel contains USB 3.0, Type-C ports and audio connectors
• Complete cooling fans are controlled by a separate logic block
• The design features of the case form factor allow you to install any modern liquid cooling systems in it.
• Easy-to-clean filters on the main housing panels increase the life of the air fans by effectively collecting dust
• Double curved glass side panel makes it easy to inspect internal components without removing cover bolts

For gaming PCs / Water cooling support/ Backlight / Case size: Full-Tower/Super-Rower / With good cooling

Main advantages

• The key advantage of this case can be considered the ability to further modernize and increase the technical parameters of the computer
• Gamers will certainly be pleased with the ability to install four video cards on their PC at once.
• All elements of the system, except the power supply and motherboard, can be attached without using a screwdriver
• As standard, the case is equipped with four fans of different power. It is possible to install another fan for cooling the case and a pair of devices for cooling video cards
• Special holes for ventilation in the bottom of the case make it possible for any power supply unit to take air outside the system itself. In this mounting option, small wheels are installed on the body to increase the distance from the bottom to the surface

Show all products in the category "Case size: Full-Tower/Super-Rower"

Computer Cases: Case Size: Micro/Mini

Case Size: Micro/Mini / With good cooling

Main advantages

• The model's case has capacity to accommodate six hard drives
• Unneeded trays can be removed to create expanded airflow, accommodate larger graphics cards, or provide internal cable routing areas
• In the factory configuration, the case is equipped with convenient air filters on all, without exception, air intake openings and three fans on hydrodynamic bearings of the R2 series
• The fan model has a maximum rotation speed of about 1300 rpm. It can start working at low (600 rpm) speeds already with a 6 V power supply. The device operates completely quietly
• The case design provides for the installation of tower coolers for the CPU and water cooling devices

• 1. 10th place - DeepCool Tesseract BF Black
• 2. AeroCool Aero-500
• 3. Thermaltake Versa
• 4.Cooler Master HAF X
• 5. Zalman Z11
• 6. Be Quiet! Silent Base 800
• 7.DeepCool Kendomen
• 8. NZXT S340
• 9. Fractal Design Define S
• 10. Corsaire Carbide Series Clear 400C

Many inexperienced buyers, when choosing a computer case, often pay attention only to its appearance and are guided solely by their sense of beauty, but such an approach is fraught big problems during operation. So that such troubles do not arise for our readers, we hasten to present a rating of the best cases of 2017-2018, which includes only those models that have already managed to positively prove themselves in the market and will not disappoint you so much important parameters, like properly organized air flow or noise level.

You should also not forget that the form factors of cases are quite different from each other, and you personally will have to choose the right one based on the hardware you plan to put in it, so don’t rush to buy the shell you like for your PC, but carefully weigh everything pros and cons. Well, now let's turn to our top cases!

10th place - DeepCool Tesseract BF Black

Price: 2200 rubles.

Massive body, made in a conservative style. The dimensions allow this model to integrate a motherboard of any form factor, and therefore you will not be limited in the choice of hardware for this case. The dimensions also helped the engineers create a high-quality and well-thought-out interior space with good air flow and more than enough slots for any components.

The top and front panels of the case are equipped with filters, and therefore you can choose the most convenient location for the motherboard inside. The power supply is located at the bottom, which has long been a good practice in the production of cases; this will also have a positive effect on the temperature. Solid a budget option no frills, but including everything you need.

1. AeroCool Aero-500

Price: about 2000 rubles.

Stylish, strict body with wide customization options. Built-in filters and the ability to install several additional fans will allow you to maintain a suitable operating temperature, even if the filling is very powerful. Another advantage is the low price relative to the market.

There are a number of nuances that you should know about when purchasing this model. If you are a fan of water cooling, then you may have problems with its integration - the rear surface does not have enough working space. Additional fans can make the system unit noisier than desired. If you are ready to put up with similar shortcomings– an excellent choice for its modest price.

1. Thermaltake Versa

Price: 2200 rubles.

Made in an elegant design, this case is designed to use the most modern technical components. The prohibitive number of cooling elements will help cope with the most resource-intensive assemblies, and the quality of the material will protect you from the noise produced.

The ergonomics of the case are simple and intuitive, and even a beginner can handle installing elements into it. If you want to assemble a solution that is less space-demanding, then, perhaps, this case will be redundant. But if you are taking the case for the future, the choice is excellent.

1. Cooler Master HAF X

Price: 12,000 rubles.

And here is a case from the premium segment. What we are looking at is no longer budget plastic, but excellent steel performance, but this immediately affects the weight - such a model will no longer be able to be lifted by a fragile girl. An excellent cooling system and aggressive red backlight make this model one of the best when choosing a case for a gaming computer.

There are a number of ergonomic inconveniences that lead to rather tedious disassembly of the unit when connecting new devices, but if you plan to assemble it once and forget it, the option is almost ideal. You can buy it on Player.ru.

1. Zalman Z11

Price: 4000 rubles.

Case from a legendary manufacturer. The model is made of plastic and steel, which makes the appearance more expensive than that of purely plastic competitors, and the technical side is not satisfactory - everything that is required on site.

An advanced wire management system will help prevent the interior space from turning into a lump of tangled cords, which will also have a beneficial effect on air circulation. If you want to take a time-tested option, it is in front of you.

1. Be Quiet! Silent Base 800

Price: 8200 rubles.

Practicality and efficiency in elegant design - that's short description of this device. The manufacturing company is the market leader in noise reduction, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary sounds. Existing coolers with the ability to add additional ones will take care of the temperature inside.

The design allows for almost any manipulation with the removal and integration of components without a screwdriver or other equipment. The material from which the model is made looks durable. If we don't see dramatic changes in the component market in the near future, this model may last you for many years.

1. DeepCool Kendomen

Price: 3000 rubles.

Perhaps the favorite in the price/quality ratio category. You won't find any unique features here, but you'll definitely get an easily assembled case with a well-thought-out cooling and wiring system, fantastic expansion options, and a very quiet work. The case is easy to clean, there is no need to unscrew it for every problem, and in general it is ideal for those who are not a fan of constantly digging through hardware.

The calm but pleasant design is another bonus to the already excellent combination of functionality and modest price.

1. NZXT S340

Price: 4250 rubles.

An option similar to its predecessor with an excellent ratio of capabilities to the money they ask for. It is worth noting the excellent packaging of the case - in the box you will find cable ties, additional fasteners and screws. The wires in this model can be hidden behind back wall and don’t worry about air circulation inside.

The case has no pronounced shortcomings and falls into the top three of our rating, which, against the backdrop of such powerful competitors, is a sign of quality.

1. Fractal Design Define S

Price: 4400 rubles.

Innovative approach to organization internal space in this case it completely justifies itself. Quiet, does not heat up and does not look like a warehouse for unattended wires, the case will fit perfectly into any interior.

The possibilities for adding components are almost limitless; the case will accommodate absolutely any modern solution. Some may consider the design a little rustic and boring, but its inconspicuousness becomes a plus with prolonged use. And you can use this case for a very long time.

1. Corsaire Carbide Series Clear 400C

Price: 6500 rubles.

The leader of the rating and rightfully so. Side panel Opens with one touch, so you don't need tools to get inside. Dust filters perform their functions with a bang, their cleaning, in turn, is simple and not labor-intensive.

The design of the case is fascinating both from the outside and from the inside. The ability to hide the wires allows you to enjoy the view of the internal components. The backlight makes the case look stylish spaceship. If you wanted to choose a good case, then here is perhaps the best option for an adequate price.

To accept correct solution and to understand which computer case is better to choose, you need to answer yourself a few questions. This determines which criteria are important to consider first, which are of secondary importance, and which can be neglected.

Are the dimensions of the system unit important?

Which computer case is better to choose?in size, directly depends on the location of the system unit. If it stands somewhere under the table or in the corner of the room on a separate bedside table, then the dimensions can be ignored. A spacious “box” is the key to good ventilation, effective cooling and easy maintenance.

If the PC will stand on the table, and very big size clearly undesirable - then you should look towards mATX, Mini-Tower or Mini-ITX cases. Such system units There is enough space to accommodate the appropriate (Mini, Micro, Flex-ATX or ITX) motherboard with other components. But it will not be possible to install a full-fledged ATX motherboard in them.

Does design matter?

If you plan to push the computer deeper under the table and forget it, leaving it as a “freelance dust collector,” then few people care about its appearance. In this case, beforehow to choose a PC case,You don’t have to think about the exterior at all. It works - OK, doesn't overheat - great, doesn't make noise - absolutely lovely. The main thing is that it does not suck up dust, since it is located deep under the table. Otherwise, within a year or two, the radiator will get filled with such “felt boots” that you can even make rifle wads out of it, and “hello, overheating.” But more about dust below.

If the computer is in a visible place, and it is not just an office “box” with basic filling, but a powerful gaming machine, you want the appearance to indicate this. Then spending a hundred thousand rubles won’t be such a pity. In this case, you want to buy an unusual case with transparent windows, multi-colored LEDs on the fans, a front lid and other amenities. Here the choice is a matter of taste; the main thing is that you don’t have to sacrifice functionality for the sake of beauty.

Is high-quality cooling required?

Which computer case to choose– depends on the heat dissipation of components. Modern budget processors from the Intel Pentium and Celeron families are characterized by low power consumption and, as a result, heating. Any compact case is enough for them; the hardware in it will not “suffocate”. And if PCI and PCI-Express devices (video card, sound card, TV tuner, video capture card, etc.) are not needed - you don’t have to worry about cooling.

In the case of a gaming PC, consisting of a powerful processor, a powerful video card, and a couple of tens of gigabytes of RAM, more attention should be paid to cooling. Compact ITX and MicroATX cases are not suitable for them: the parts inside will be too cramped. In addition, not a single powerful gaming video card will fit into a narrow-profile system unit. If there are two graphic cards, you have to forget about compactness altogether.

There is a myth that for a powerful gaming PC, a bottom-mounted power supply is preferable. In fact, there is no practical difference in cooling efficiency. The only component that will benefit from this is the power supply itself, which will have to pull less hot air out. All examples of how a case with a bottom-mounted power supply shows lower temperatures are not due to the advantages of the layout, but to the dimensions. After all, as a rule, such cases are characterized by increased dimensions. And low-block cases are more expensive, which means engineers are more concerned about optimizing the air flow inside.

The grilles that people like to equip cases with on all sides are also not a definite plus. Cooling efficiency does not depend on the number of holes, but on the air flow inside the case. Excessive perforation can even cause harm, since it collects dust inside much faster.

Do I need a built-in power supply?

Many computer cases come with a power supply. This practice is especially common in the budget segment, where buyers of devices seek to save money. After all, buying a case with a power supply for 3 thousand rubles is very attractive, especially considering the fact that the power supply itself of such power costs from 2 thousand. But in practice, “no-name” power supplies, supplied with cases and labeled as 400 or 500 W, barely live up to the characteristics on the label. At best, when operating at such power, it causes voltage drops along the most loaded lines. At worst, reaching peak consumption leads to PC shutdowns or even failure of the power supply (and with it, a couple of other pieces of hardware).

You should only buy a case with a power supply if the computer is a low-power budget and/or office one. If the total consumption of components along the +12 V line is no more than 200-250 W, then the built-in power supply will be enough. But if your PC is gaming and consumes more than 300 W at 12 volts, you shouldn’t buy a case with a unit. After all, you will still have to buy a separate power supply, and the complete one will remain “dead weight”.

The only exceptions are cases equipped with units Chieftek, FSP, Zalman, Cooler Master, Thermaltake, etc. These brands are quite different high quality and the inscriptions on the labels are usually true.

Is the room dusty?

Dust is an insidious thing: to avoid it altogether, you need to thoroughly clean it every day, and also not keep objects that could potentially accumulate it. Upholstered furniture with fabric upholstery, blankets and pillows, carpets - all this collects small particles. Therefore, a computer installed in the bedroom will attract dust anyway. Even cleaning every few days will not completely get rid of it. And then powerful fans will collect dust inside the system unit, pulling it out from surrounding objects and air.

In such a situation, abundant perforation (discussed above) is evil. The only way to combat dust is to create overpressure inside the case, by installing blow-out coolers from all possible sides. But this method is not a panacea: getting Fresh air it also needs to come from somewhere, without it the PC will “suffocate”, that is, it will always heat up.

You can, of course, buy the most insulated case (without extra holes), but it is only suitable for a low-power PC. A productive gaming machine in a tightly closed case requires a cooling system for heat removal. At a minimum, powerful fans are needed to create directed air flow inside. But then such a computer will roar like a fighter jet on takeoff.

If the floor in the room is linoleum, tile, parquet, laminate or other hard material without cover, upholstered furniture no, or it is leather, and cleaning is done frequently, then you can take any case. In such conditions, the threat of dust clogging is much lower.

How many disks will be installed in the PC?

Which case to choose for your PC, directly depends on how many drives you plan to install in it. If this is the “HDD+SSD” tandem that has already become common practice, then any case will do. Even the smallest models are equipped with at least two drive bays. But for a home media center equipped with several capacious hard drives, not every small case is suitable. If there are more than 4 HDDs, you need to carefully look for a compatible case.

Where should the buttons and USB ports be so that they are easy to reach?

The issue of the location of buttons and interface connectors on the front panel only seems insignificant. In fact, it depends on how convenient the use of these elements will be. If you plan to place the PC under the table, then buttons and USB sockets located too low will force you to reach for them, bending over every time. If the system unit stands on the table, on the contrary, the elements at the top become inconvenient. The worst thing is when they are on the “roof”.

For a PC located at the bottom, it is best if both buttons and USB ports are located at the top of the panel (where the CD drive was located in the era of “hoary antiquity” and the reign of Pentiums). It's not bad when they are on a corner or on the top cover (but only if there is enough space between it and the table). If you plan to frequently use buttons, USB ports and audio jacks on the front panel, then a cover on them is undesirable.

For those who place the PC on a desk, a case with a bottom arrangement of all these elements is suitable. Then you won’t have to reach up and forward every time you need to insert a flash drive or connect headphones.

Which body material is preferable?

Before, how to choose a computer case, it is worth deciding on the material of the case. The most common options are steel and aluminum. There are also models with plexiglass elements, but they still have a metal base.

The steel body is more practical and reliable, but heavier. The exception is the cheapest Chinese “nonames”, the material of which is not far from tin can. Steel with a thickness of less than 0.5 mm is easily deformed. If the cover screws are unscrewed several times to disassemble or clean the PC, the threads will quickly stop holding them. Tightening it too tightly also breaks it, forcing you to select bolts with a larger diameter.

Thick (about 1 mm or more) metal in cases is not common, but can be found on sale. Thick-walled models are recommended for those who can sometimes take their anger out on their PC. If at the most crucial moment the game freezes or crashes, the Internet is lost, the PC randomly reboots and you can’t resist the temptation to kick it - it’s better to take a durable case so that you don’t have to repair your computer later from the consequences of such aggression.

Aluminum – light metal and elegant, but not very practical. All the shortcomings of thin “Chinese foil” are inherent in it, to one degree or another. For scratches and deformations, sometimes you don’t even need to kick the system unit: it’s enough to carelessly hit it with your foot or the leg of a chair. Therefore, it makes little sense to put an aluminum case underneath: it won’t look beautiful anyway, but it will fall into an unpresentable state faster. And aluminum costs significantly more than steel.

How often do you have to tinker with your computer?

To understand which computer case is better to choose, you also need to take into account how often it will be opened and moved. Upgrade connoisseurs who, out of sporting interest, often upgrade their PCs, install new parts and replace old ones, it is advisable to look at models with special fasteners. Then you won’t have to aim a screwdriver at small screws every time you need to remove or install a video card, hard drive, DVD/BD drive, fan, etc.

Classic screws are cheaper and simpler, but you will have to tinker with them longer when assembling a PC. Screw-mounted cases are recommended for office and home PCs that are assembled once and for all.

Conclusion

To understand which case to choose for a PC and not make a mistake, you need to take into account the main and secondary criteria. Sizes, design, materials, cooling efficiency, good block power supply, dust protection, number of drive bays, types of mounts, as well as the location of elements on the front panel. Considering all these parameters, you can buy the best case for a specific situation.

A big fan of high-quality Chinese technology, a lover of clear screens. Supporter of healthy competition between producers. He closely follows news in the world of smartphones, processors, video cards and other hardware.