Tech
The Best PC Tower Cases We’ve Tested in 2025
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 26, 2025: With this update, we’ve changed in six new PC case picks: the Corsair Air 5400 and 9000D RGB Airflow, the Hyte X50, the SilverStone Alta D1 and Alta F2, and the Lian Li Lancool 217. We’ve vetted our remaining picks for currency and availability. We currently have new PC cases in the lab for testing from Corsair, Montech, and SilverStone for consideration in future updates of this and other case roundups.
- Third airflow “chamber” perfectly divorces CPU cooling from rest of case
- Shrouds boost GPU and motherboard cooling
- Handy hinged side panels
- Includes three top-quality intake fans
- Supports ATX and MicroATX reverse-connector motherboards
- Three top-panel USB-C ports
- A tad pricey
- Ideal functionality requires a 360mm-format cooler
The Air 5400 stands out as our current best ATX tower case we’ve tested because its cooling system isn’t just different—it’s demonstrably more effective. Employing an innovative three-chamber layout, it isolates the CPU’s liquid-cooler radiator from the main system interior, venting heat directly out of the side of the case rather than dumping it into the graphics-card and motherboard zones. Few cases make such a dramatic difference simply by making better use of airflow physics, and in our testing, the payoff was clear.
Beyond that, the Air 5400 features cutouts for both traditional and reverse-connector motherboards, nifty brush-style cable pass-throughs, hinged sides, and a flexible drive cage system. Add reasonable noise levels and versatile front-panel USB, and the Air 5400 is the complete package. Just know that you’ll want to budget for a 360mm cooler for the Air 5400. One is necessary to fully outfit one of the most capable, thermally optimized tower chassis available off the shelf.
Performance-focused PC builders: If you want to prioritize maximum CPU cooling without resorting to exotic mods or custom loop setups, start with the Air 5400. It enables off-the-shelf hardware to deliver great thermal results.
Clean-freak PC builders: Enthusiasts who like clean, organized builds will appreciate the support for reverse-connector motherboards, the clever cable routing with brush pass-throughs, and the wide-open internal access to make things tidy.
Builders planning to install a robust CPU: The Air 5400 is a smart choice for anyone planning to use a 360mm AIO cooler, especially those with high-end CPUs that require aggressive thermal headroom. Indeed, this case isn’t operating at its full potential, and may look odd, if used with anything less than a 360mm AIO cooler.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
1
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
2
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
10
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
430 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
200 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Side
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
18.6 by 13.4 by 18.6 inches
Weight
30.5 lbs
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- Perfect panel fitment
- Precision piercings are an aesthetic plus
- Sturdy construction
- Excellent cable concealment
- Tiny vents may be excellent at dust capture
- No other dust filters
NZXT’s latest H7 Flow pairs elite thermal performance with premium build quality and strong everyday usability at a price that still feels fair. Its perforated metal panels aren’t just cosmetic; they’re engineered with precise venting that feeds a triple-fan intake array, helping the case deliver great CPU and GPU temperatures in our tests. Add in the stout steel construction, and you get a chassis that looks and feels more premium than the price suggests, while remaining remarkably easy to build in thanks to smart passthroughs and meticulous cable-management features.
Meanwhile, the clean, minimalist styling remains a signature NZXT strength. (We tested the non-RGB version, but it also has a flashier sibling.) The result is a midtower that nails the fundamentals: cooling, build ease, material quality, and restrained good looks. It’s a great mainstream airflow case that can also accommodate liquid cooling nicely.
Performance-focused builders: Anyone prioritizing CPU and GPU temperatures will find this case among the best in its price class.
Builders who want a clean aesthetic: If you prefer a minimalist, non-RGB look paired with high-quality metalwork and thoughtful design, the H7 Flow checks every box.
Buyers who want an “easy mode” build: With abundant cable-routing space, smart panel design, and flexible radiator mounts, the Flow is designed for a smooth, frustration-free assembly.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
2
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
7
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
410 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
185 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
270 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
21.4 by 9.6 by 18.75 inches
Weight
24.3 lbs
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Best Glass Showcase Tower PC Case
Hyte X50
- Stunning pallete of quirky colors
- Wraparound glass for above-average component visibility
- Supports two (or more) 360mm-format radiators
- Aggressive pricing
- Also available in cheaper mesh (versus glass) “Air” version
- So-so noise control
- Only one dust filter
Puffy and bubbly looking, the Hyte X50 stands out for its wild design, playful colors, versatile cooling support, and affordability. Its unique, pillow-like curves and wraparound glass panels make it an instant conversation piece. Even so, it’s a serious chassis, supporting a range of cooling configurations, including front-mounted triple 140mm fans and up to 360mm radiators in multiple locations. It’s functional as well as fun.
We tested the X50 in Hyte’s purplish hue; the X50 comes in eye-catching colors like bright red, light green, light pink, and purplish blue with similarly savory names like Wild Cherry, Matcha, Strawberry Milk, and Taro Milk. (Pitch Black and Snow White are also options.) The case is also available in an X50 Air variant that replaces the glass with perforated metal for $30 less.
PC builders looking for “wow” factor: The X50 is ideal for builders who want a colorful, standout PC case. Its bubbly, colorful design and wraparound glass showcase internal components in a way that’s anything but ordinary.
Users who prioritize flexible cooling: With support for large radiators and multiple fan placements, the X50 allows builders to optimize airflow for midrange or enthusiast builds.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
1
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
2
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
10
Maximum GPU Length
430 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
162 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
220 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Top
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
20.3 by 10.0 by 20.3 inches
Weight
25.6 lbs
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- Supports up to four 480mm radiators
- Handy slide-out radiator mounts
- Excellent dust-filter access
- Includes vertical GPU adapter plate
- Supports entire second (Mini-ITX only) PC inside, with separate SFX power supply and power-on controls
- More than twice the size, weight, and price of a high-end mid-tower
We’ve crowned the Corsair 9000D RGB Airflow tops among Extended ATX (EATX) towers for its sheer scale and ambition. This $499 tower’s enormous dimensions—27.5 inches tall and capable of housing two full systems simultaneously—allow it to accommodate practically any hardware configuration, from massive EATX motherboards to dual graphics cards and multi-loop liquid cooling setups. With room for up to four 480mm radiators, as many as 21 (!) fans, and flexible drive-tray placement, the 9000D ensures that airflow, cooling, and component clearance are never a limiting factor.
Its modular “Infinirail” fan mounts (a kind of slide-in/slide-out tray for fans), support for dual power supplies, and Corsair iCUE-controlled RGB lighting make it an extreme dream platform for streaming or pro editing setups. The inclusion of dual-system support—allowing a main EATX rig alongside a Mini-ITX board, complete with independent power and reset buttons—is unparalleled in flexibility. While it’s clearly designed for a niche audience willing to invest in the parts to fill it, if you need a case for two rigs in one—and have the desk space—it’s hard to top this monster.
Streamers and content creators: The 9000D is especially well suited for these power users, who may need a secondary Mini-ITX system for capture, encoding, or rendering without slowing down their main rig. The dual-system capability is perfect for multitasking in one unified setup.
Component jockeys with bottomless budgets: The 9000D appeals to anyone who wants complete freedom in hardware configuration. If you value maximum airflow, limitless expansion, and the ability to mount massive radiators or multiple fans without compromise, this case is built for you—just make sure you have the desk (and budget) to match.
Liquid-cooling extremists: This mega-case is also great for custom-loop cooling enthusiasts who want maximum radiator and fan support, or anyone running extreme multi-GPU setups. (For casual users, it’s overkill in every dimension.)
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX, SSI-EEB, SSI-CEB
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
5
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
6
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (2), USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (4), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
10
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
21
Maximum GPU Length
580 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
225 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX, SFX, SFX-L
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
27.5 by 12.2 by 27.7 inches
Weight
66.2 lbs
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- 200mm intakes for high airflow at low noise
- Supports 420mm-format closed-loop cooling
- Superior cooling performance
- Great dust filtration, including dirty-filter detection
- Includes vertical graphics card bracket
- Very heavy
- Half of Type-A ports are USB 2.0
The Asus ProArt PA602 combines exceptional thermals, whisper-quiet operation, and truly workstation-class design sensibility that few cases—gaming-oriented or otherwise—can match. Its big 200mm intake fans up front, intelligently designed airflow, and thoughtful radiator accommodations deliver superior thermal and acoustic results under load. And the stern, minimalist aesthetic makes it look at home in a studio, a production suite, or an edit bay—places where understated professionalism matters more than RGB bravado. It’s engineered not just for power users, but for professionals who rely on their rigs daily.
Details like a power-button lockout switch and a “time to clean the dust!” filter sensor put this chassis on another level. It’s an imposing, premium tower that performs like a dream and feels built for a decade of upgrades. While its price puts it firmly in the “no-compromise” bracket, it delivers tangible value for creators who demand reliability, cooling headroom, and a design free of distractions.
Professional content creators: Video editors, animators, and 3D artists will thrill to the big PA602 for its superior thermals and room for heavy-duty workstation parts and long GPUs.
PC builders prioritizing quiet operation. The giant low-RPM fans deliver outstanding performance without the intrusive fan noise that can disturb creative focus or audio-sensitive work.
Workstation builders: The vast interior, smart modularity, expandable storage options, and support for custom loops make it a true “buy once and upgrade for years” platform.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
4
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
8
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), USB 2.0 (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
8
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
6
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
460 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
190 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
240 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
22.3 by 9.8 by 23.7 inches
Weight
34.6 lbs
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- Weighty, server-grade build quality
- Flexible design supports multiple drive and power-supply modules (including 5.25-inch optical drives)
- Triple 360mm-format radiator mounts
- Includes multiple oversize fans
- Expensive
- Radiator mounts blocked by default install of modules
- Extraordinarily heavy
We chose the SilverStone Alta D1 as our top extreme-workstation chassis for its rare blend of legacy versatility and forward-looking modularity. This $799.99 chassis embraces the spirit of classic tower workstations with support for massive storage arrays, multiple power supplies, and high-end cooling setups—all in a design that invites customization. Builders can configure the case to prioritize storage, cooling, or graphics performance, swapping in the modules that fit their specific setup.
With 11 expansion slot positions, support for swappable module bays, and hot-swap-ready drive cages, it’s a builder’s dream for specialized use cases, from media editing to scientific computing. While not quite a server tower, the Alta D1 channels that pedigree and flexibility, offering a killer foundation for power users who have demanding needs, niche hardware, or long-term upgrade plans (or all of the above).
Video editors, 3D artists, engineers, or archivists: Professionals who require all the internal storage, expansion cards, and advanced cooling possible will thrill to this Alta model. Extreme modularity and flexibility are the order of the day; with repositionable cages and support for multiple power supplies, it’s great for anyone pushing the limits of workstation hardware in a single, well-organized chassis.
Builders with a foot in the old and the new: This case serves enthusiasts well who want a mix of legacy and modern hardware, including optical drives or platter-based storage, in a highly configurable, long-lasting chassis.
Serious PC customizers: Advanced DIY-ers who enjoy fully customizing their build layout can go to town here. With careful planning, they can optimize airflow, component placement, and future upgrades without compromise.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
External 5.25-Inch Bays
4
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
4
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
8
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2)
Side Window(s)?
No
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
11
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
14
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
372 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
191 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
260 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Top
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
25.63 by 10.44 by 19.0 inches
Weight
47 lbs
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- Top-notch cooling performance, with five pre-installed fans
- Easy-to-clean front and bottom dust filters
- Durable steel construction
- Attractively finished wood accents
- Supports reverse-connector motherboards
- Somewhat noisy with stock fan operation
- No filter over lower fan intake vents
- No fan lighting
Looking to build a no-cables-visible PC with a reverse-connector motherboard (also known as an Asus Back to the Future, aka BTF, or MSI Project Zero board)? This distinctive Lian Li case blends craftsmanship, performance, and value in a way no other mainstream chassis quite matches. At just $119.99 MSRP, it offers striking real-wood accents—dark walnut or beech—paired with a modern mesh-and-metal design that evokes vintage audio gear as much as it does contemporary PC hardware. (You can use it with ordinary motherboards too, of course.)
But the Lancool 217 is far from a novelty piece: it packs five fans (including two big, striking 170mm intakes), a powered fan hub, extensive radiator support, modular drive bays, that reverse-connector motherboard compatibility, dual power-button locations, and flexible PSU mounting—all features that typically appear only in pricier cases. It’s a case that feels premium, looks premium, and builds like a premium chassis—but doesn’t demand the typical premium price.
Adherents to the reverse-connector motherboard trend: Looking to assemble the cleanest PC build possible? The Lancool has the required cutouts for both Asus BTF and MSI Project Zero boards.
Style-driven builders: Anyone who wants a PC tower that looks like furniture, not just hardware, will appreciate the wood trim and understated, non-RGB aesthetic.
Value seekers: The Lancool 217 hits the sweet spot—giving users top-end features and finish for far less than comparable “designer” towers. It’s a dream case for ambitious midrange or high-end builds.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
4
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
7
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
7
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
5
Maximum GPU Length
412 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
210 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
19.9 by 9.5 by 19.5 inches
Weight
22.3 lbs
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- Includes ML360 Max AIO CPU cooler, GX III Gold 850 power supply
- Powered ARGB/fan hub comes pre-installed
- Sockets for power-supply cables built into motherboard tray
- Second PCIe 6+2 power cable is missing
- Uses face panel mesh as front dust filter
- Noisy
Cooler Master’s TD500 Max takes a unique all-in-one approach by combining a full mid-tower case with a high-quality pre-installed Cooler Master 850-watt Gold-rated power supply and a 360mm MasterLiquid AIO cooler. This kind of package is rare in the PC world: cases with one pre-installed component are uncommon, and having these two is almost unheard of. The TD500 Max effectively reduces the cost and hassle of sourcing two high-end parts independently.
Plus, the chassis design is spacious, well-ventilated, and intelligently engineered to integrate the bundled components seamlessly. And we saw excellent thermals in our tests, even under demanding workloads. The TD500 Max stands out as a turnkey solution that simplifies building and component shopping without sacrificing quality or cooling performance.
Convenience seekers: If you want a quick way to secure a case, a powerful power supply, and a 360mm AIO cooler in a single purchase, this Cooler Master bundle saves both time and effort.
High-performance CPU users: Gamers or creators using Intel Core i7, i9, Ultra 7, or Ultra 9 chips or AMD Ryzen 9 CPUs will benefit from the included MasterLiquid 360 Atmos Max cooler, which delivers strong thermals out of the box.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
3
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
7
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
4
Maximum GPU Length
380 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
165 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
200 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
19.7 by 8.25 by 19.7 inches
Weight
25 lbs
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- Modular case design lets you add, remove, and reposition sections
- Supports 420mm radiators on front and top
- Divider supports another 280mm/240mm radiator
- Includes four beautiful 140mm ARGB fans
- Includes powered hub for eight devices (ARGB/fan)
- Mount for just one 3.5-inch drive
- Slide-in dust filter gets stuck in the middle
- Complicated and pricey
InWin’s ModFree delivers a level of physical reconfigurability unmatched by any other chassis we’ve tested. Its multi-module construction—centered on a two-chamber core with attachable top, front, and side modules—lets builders reshape the case to suit radically different cooling layouts, aesthetic priorities, or hardware footprints. Whether you want stacked radiator chambers, a flipped motherboard orientation, expanded airflow zones, or simply more physical space, the ModFree concept can adapt in ways traditional towers can’t.
Plus, the engineering is solid: heavy-gauge steel, sturdy snap-on panels, and generous radiator clearances all underscore that this is a true high-end foundation for ambitious builds. Its modularity is not just for show—it’s designed for tinkerers who genuinely rethink their layouts. The included ARGB fans, powered hub, movable mounts, and swappable panels provide enthusiasts with both the structure and freedom to pursue nonstandard airflow paths or liquid-cooling plumbing that other cases can’t accommodate.
DIY free thinkers: For builders who want a case that evolves with their ideas—not just their components—the ModFree is the most flexible and forward-thinking platform we’ve evaluated.
Serial tinkerers and rebuilders: If you redesign your loop every few months or frequently swap gear, the ModFree’s reconfigurable chambers and removable modules are tailor-made for your restless habits.
For showpiece builders looking to stand out: Whether flipping the motherboard, spotlighting the GPU’s fan side, or experimenting with vertical stacks, this case enables visual layouts that no conventional tower can match.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
1
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
4
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
9
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
6
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
4
Maximum GPU Length
390 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
200 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
390 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
24.9 by 10.4 by 20.1 inches
Weight
31.6 lbs
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- Extra-low price
- Includes three powerful 140mm fans
- Slide-out power-supply dust filter
- Five 2.5-inch bays for storage pack rats
- Uses face panel as dust filter
- Noisy at full fan speed
Montech’s Air 903 Base delivers an almost unheard-of level of cooling flexibility, component support, and overall build friendliness at a rock-bottom price. In a price class where most cases make painful trade-offs, the Air 903 Base instead feels like a stripped-down version of a midrange tower, not a true budget chassis. Don’t expect RGB frills, but count on an airflow-centric mesh design, two big front fans, full EATX motherboard support, dual radiator mounting options, ample drive support, and some thoughtful builder conveniences. And its cooling (if not acoustic) performance is very good for the price.
If your priority is function over flash—and especially if you’d rather put your money into a better GPU, CPU, or cooling hardware—the 903 Base delivers budget value in its purest form.
Budget-first PC builders: Simply put, this case saves you money on the enclosure so you can put more into the parts that truly matter. it’s unfussy, flexible, easy to work in, and built to host hardware low-end to high.
Airflow enthusiasts on a tight budget: A roomy mesh front and two big front fans may be all the cooling you need for a modest build.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
5
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
7
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
400 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
270 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
19.4 by 9.0 by 18.8 inches
Weight
16.8 lbs
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- Unique color scheme
- Supports big and medium-size radiators on top and side
- Inlet dust filters on top, side, and bottom
- Tested version includes three ARGB fans
- Thin sheet-metal outer panels
- PCI Express slot covers are the disposable knock-out kind
- GPU size limitations when a side radiator is installed
This green chassis could save you some green, too: The View 270 RG ARGB gets you a bunch of typically higher-end features at a budget price. Given the View 270 RG’s USB Type-C support, wraparound glass, three spiffy included fans, and dust filters at all fan locations, you can’t ask for much more from a PC case under $100. The thoughtful design, including full cable-stowage space behind the motherboard tray and easy access to drive mounts, makes installation straightforward and tidy, despite the lower-cost steel construction.
We gave the View 270 our Editors’ Choice award for its exceptional value proposition. Not to mention the striking hue of our test model—try finding a better green case from another maker. We’ll wait here. (In fairness, white and an equally striking Hydrangea Blue are options too.)
People who like pistachio: Call it a green giant. The View 270 TG is a winner of an ATX case for gaming-system builders seeking a superior value that’ll free up cash for other components. It’s a unique-looking case that looks and acts like it costs a bunch more than it does.
First-time PC builders on a budget: The View 270 is also a good fit for first-timers seeking a straightforward assembly experience. The spacious cable-management areas and flexible component clearance simplify the building process.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
2
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.0 Gen 1 Type-A (2), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
6
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
428 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
280 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
Addressable RGB
Dimensions (HWD)
18.02 by 9.07 by 17.9 inches
Weight
14 lbs
- Supports up to two 480mm-format radiators
- Unique angled vertical graphics card mount
- Includes PCIe 4.0 x16 riser cable
- Triple 180mm intake fans for superior flow
- Easy access dust filters
- Wildly expensive
- Using a top radiator limits graphics card placement, mandating using the included riser cable
Is there any mix of killer PC components that SilverStone’s Alta F2 can’t fit, in any reasonable combination? We can’t think of one. The bigger question is, can you afford it, and can you find a place for it? Its massive dimensions, nearly two feet high and deep, create an unparalleled playground for the most ambitious, high-end builds imaginable. Oversized EATX or XL-ATX motherboards, multiple large radiators, dual or triple graphics cards, abundant storage? No problem.
Expect obsessive attention to detail in both its construction and usability. The Alta F2’s thoughtfully engineered drive trays, packed accessory kits, nifty angled graphics-card mount, and multiple mounting options simplify what would otherwise be a complex, intimidating build. It’s a supercar among PC cases, and this colossal chassis performs in line with its luxury price. Just make sure you have the mother of all hardware loadouts to justify what it costs. (The list price is $999.99.)
The “If you have to ask what it costs…” crowd: Yes, this empty PC box costs more than some whole PCs. But given that the Alta F2 can host the ultimate liquid-cooled, storage-stacked PC build with space to spare, this case should last any dedicated, performance-minded enthusiast the rest of their DIY days.
Luxury and design aficionados: For those who value a striking, high-end aesthetic as much as raw performance, the Alta F2’s brushed aluminum, tinted tempered glass, and overall imposing presence elevate a build into a statement piece.
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
8
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
7
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (4), HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
9
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
10
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
3
Maximum GPU Length
354 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
219 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
252 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Top
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
22.7 by 10.3 by 25.9 inches
Weight
46.5 lbs
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- Supports dual 420mm radiators
- Easy-access front and bottom dust filters
- Superb materials and build quality
- Competitively priced
- Thermal results suggest careful component choice is key
Few cases we’ve reviewed can simultaneously hold a triple-140mm-fan radiator on both the front and top. Even rarer? A case big enough inside to do that but still small enough on the outside to carry the label “mid-tower.” Be Quiet pulled that off while making the Shadow Base 800 DX an exceptionally well-constructed under-$200 box capable of hosting EATX motherboards and running hush-hush with its stock parts. This is not a garish bling box for the RGB hounds in the crowd, but a great performer and value.
How does it live up to the “Quiet” in the name? Be Quiet’s signature sound-dampening materials, including a cloth-faced bitumen sheet on the right-side panel and carefully engineered cable tunnels, minimize vibration and noise transmission from high-performance components. Factory-installed fans, combined with the case’s thoughtful airflow paths and dust-filtered panels, allow the system to stay cool without requiring high RPMs, delivering near-silent operation even under load.
PC builders who prioritize silence: The Shadow Base is a superb chassis for DIY PC builders, casual and serious alike, who are looking for a silent runner at an excellent price. The combination of robust cooling support, premium build quality, and intelligent sound management makes the Shadow Base an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want a high-performance, whisper-quiet PC without resorting to extreme or bulky “mega-tower” solutions.
Liquid-cooling hounds: Users with big plans for custom liquid cooling requiring two big radiators, but looking to not drop major bucks on a case, will be pleased with the Shadow Base. (Plus, that frees up more money for costly fittings and pumps!)
Motherboard Form Factors Supported
E-ATX, ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX
Internal 3.5-Inch Bays
2
Internal 2.5-Inch Bays
4
Front Panel Ports
USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, HD Audio
Side Window(s)?
Yes (Tempered Glass)
PCI Expansion Slot Positions
7
120mm or 140mm Fan Positions
8
120mm to 200mm Fans Included
2
Maximum GPU Length
470 mm
Maximum CPU Cooler Height
180 mm
Power Supply Maximum Length
480 mm
Power Supply Form Factor Supported
ATX
Power Supply Mounting Location
Bottom
Internal Chassis Lighting Color
None
Included Fan Lighting Color
None
Dimensions (HWD)
20.5 by 9.8 by 22.2 inches
Weight
24.7 lbs
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The Best PC Tower Cases in 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best PC Tower Cases in 2025
If you’ve built your own PC in the past, you know that pinpointing the right PC case is not just a question of fitting the parts inside. It’s easy enough to match up the motherboard size, count the bays, and make sure the chassis has the front-panel ports you want. It’s the small stuff that separates a fine PC case from one that makes your build easy—or even makes it sing. That can be intangibles like cable-routing features, or the position of the power supply or the drive bays relative to the other parts. It can be the look; the case defines the identity of your PC.
Also, a PC case may be rated to accept a given motherboard—ATX, MicroATX, and so on—but that’s no indication that you’ll have enough room inside to build a system with ease. Clearances around the edges of the board may be tight, cable cutaways for routing wires behind the board may be scarce or ill-placed, and you may need to sacrifice drive bays to accommodate long video cards. Here’s what to know when assessing PC cases.
Why Should I Buy a Tower Case?
In our experience, tower cases tend to alleviate many of the space-related ails when building a PC. It’s not rocket science why: They’re simply bigger.
Most offer adequate room for cable routing and long video cards, and they should have room for enough drives, given today’s per-drive capacities, to satisfy most needs short of a server’s. If you have the room for one, a tower is an ideal platform for a new PC build or as a case upgrade for an existing system that’s running out of room inside for drives or card expansion.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
In the last few years, we’ve seen some clear trends among tower cases, too. Aggressive sci-fi and mecha themes were big for a while, but that has given way to subtler aesthetics: clean designs with neutral themes and an emphasis on the quality of external materials. (That said, you still can find those out-there PC-case designs in places, if you want them.) For a while, it looked like the DIY PC-case market was shifting over entirely to a blinged-up, geeky gamer aesthetic, but the design winds have shifted. Over the last few years, we’ve seen a major move to glass and acrylic side panels (sometimes curved), as well as the integration of mood lighting, whether one-color or programmable RGB.
What’s also shifted: the definition of a tower case. “True” towers—with huge banks of drive bays and bodies more than 20 inches tall—are still around, but the lines have blurred between these and larger mid-tower chassis, which tend to lie in the 18-to-20-inch height range. However, even these are seeing their own splintering and hazy categorization: Just about all mainstream big cases, for example, have eliminated front-facing 5.25-inch drive bays, assuming that buyers will no longer opt for internal optical drives. These really minimal cases were a subclass of their own a few years ago, but are now the norm. As 5.25-inch bays have become obsolete, the really large towers have fallen out of favor with many buyers who aren’t engaging in elaborate modding or liquid cooling.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
With Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 50 series graphics cards, the toast of the video-card world, almost everyone is building PCs with just one GPU these days. (Really, this started two GPU generations ago.) With today’s decided shift to using just one video card, more moderate-size towers have been in the offing for most folks, but with a late-breaking twist: The very top-end GeForce RTX 40 and 50 series cards, especially the titanic, thick RTX 4090 and 5090, are making the case for big towers again at the absolute high end.
Of course, you can still build out a PC with two or more older graphics cards in an AMD CrossFireX or Nvidia SLI arrangement, but giant tower cases with slot positions to take several double-wide video cards are now a niche within a niche. That said, users of GeForce RTX 4080, 4090, 5080, and 5090 cards may need three slots or even four for just one card, depending on the card design!
Picking the right tower PC case for your build or upgrade is a complex interplay of the parts you have, the parts you may install someday, and the space you have available to stash the chassis itself. Here’s a brief rundown of the things to look for before we get deep into our favorites.
Motherboard Compatibility: ATX and More
Most towers, by definition, will support ATX-form-factor mainboards. If you’re looking to install a smaller MicroATX or Mini-ITX motherboard, a tower may not be the right choice. (That is, unless you know you need a tower’s wealth of drive bays, and you have the means to connect a heap of drives via that smaller board’s Serial ATA ports or a controller card.)
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Larger tower cases may support additional form factors that are bigger than ATX, such as XL-ATX or Extended ATX (EATX). These are mostly seen in server-grade boards and occasional high-end consumer enthusiast/flagship models. Motherboards, especially, for AMD’s and Intel’s high-end desktop (HEDT) classes of processors, like the Ryzen Threadripper, tend to come in these oversize form factors due to extra RAM slots and the bigger actual CPU dies they host.
Support for these beyond-ATX form factors can indicate that the case will be big; if you don’t need that kind of size, steer for an ATX-max case.
Note: One trend spreading these days among motherboards (and thus PC cases) is the emergence of “reverse connector” motherboards from Asus (dubbed Back to the Future, aka BTF) and MSI (Project Zero). These niche, aesthetics-minded boards have their cable connectors on the back side of the PCB, allowing you to hide cables behind the board and run them out of sight. The idea is to allow for a clean-looking build inside your case, which presumably has at least one transparent panel to show off your work.
These motherboards require a PC case with cutouts in the motherboard tray to accommodate their underside connectors. When looking at motherboard compatibility for a case, you might see support for one or both of these board designs. Opt for the right kind if you’re getting one of these niche motherboards. You can also install ordinary motherboards in BTF or Project Zero cases, of course.
CPU Cooler, Graphics Card, and PSU Clearance
First, think about CPU coolers: If you’re using liquid cooling in your PC, this won’t be an issue, but if you’re using an elaborate air-cooler that has a tall heat sink and fan assembly on top (performance coolers from companies like Noctua are what we’re talking about), you’ll want to measure the height of the cooler involved. PC case makers typically list the maximum cooler clearance on the case’s spec sheet—check it if you’re air-cooling. (More on liquid-cooling in a moment.) Most towers won’t present any problem for mainstream CPU air coolers, but always check your specs.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
As for video cards, this is a simple length measurement. Depending on the case design, the longest video cards—typically high-end ones measuring more than 12 inches front to back—may bump up against drive bays, fans, or other case structures in front. If you’re using a monster video card, keep an eye on this spec.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
The power supply unit (PSU) is the last element to consider. Almost all tower cases will make use of an ATX form-factor power supply, as opposed to the compact SFX and SFX-L form factor used in some compact cases. The primary specification to consider is the physical length of the power supply. Some cases have a maximum length that can be accommodated without interference; this is less common in towers than in more compact cases, but it is still worth considering before you buy. An extra-big power supply may require removing a drive cage to fit, or other compromises.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Also worth considering, but difficult to determine from simple spec sheets, is the reach of the eight-pin or four-pin CPU power cable or cables. In a few particularly large tower cases, it’s difficult or impossible to stretch this cable to its maximum length to reach a far-flung CPU power port on the motherboard. An extender cable may be required. This is where reviews of cases, detailing their nuances and quirks, come in.
Drive Bays and Front-Panel Ports
The drive-bay equation is pretty straightforward: You need as many 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch, or 5.25-inch bays for SSDs, hard drives, or optical drives as you have drives, plus an allowance for future ones you might install. Many tower cases these days have dedicated bays for 2.5-inch drives (primarily for solid-state drives) and 3.5-inch drives; in most, the 3.5-inch bays also support smaller 2.5-inch drives via differently positioned screw mounts.
Note that, as we mentioned above, most cases, even big ones, have done away with 5.25-inch bays altogether, under the assumption that optical drives are now passé. If you need an internal DVD or Blu-ray drive in your build, be aware of that as you shop. Additionally, most large cases now feature mounting spots for large liquid-cooling radiators, rather than the large banks of 3.5-inch hard drive bays that were often found in cases of the past. Expect two to four 3.5-inch bays for hard drives in most modern towers.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Front-facing ports, on the other hand, don’t vary too much among recent tower cases. The usual mix is at least one or two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, one USB Type-C (usually USB 3.2 Gen 2), and possibly a pair of USB 2.0 Type-A ports, plus headphone and mic jacks. Make sure your motherboard has the proper mixture of headers for the ports on the chassis.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
That’s usually not a problem, though some motherboards more than a few years old may not have the connector (“Type-E”) for a Type-C front-panel port. A few cases may have four USB 3.0 ports and thus require two USB 3.0 headers to connect them all; many boards have just one such header. You may need an adapter to hook up the second set to a USB 2.0 header—be warned. (It will run at slower USB 2.0 speeds.)
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Cable Routing
This is a tough area to assess outside the context of a review and actually building a PC into the case in question. It comprises two key areas: cutaways in the motherboard tray for running cables behind the case’s tray, and clearance behind the (usually) right-side panel. The latter is often ignored, but it’s important. Running thick cables, such as the 24-pin main power-supply cable, behind the right panel can be tricky if you don’t have enough room, especially if they need to crisscross other cables.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
As a result, you’ll want to pay close attention to our test build experiences to see how cable jockeying shakes out with a given case. Some cases will come with nicely pre-routed case cables or Velcro restraints to control cable excess, or have well-placed niches in which to stash extra-length or unused cables. As mentioned earlier, one trend is the reverse-connector motherboard, which has all or most of the header and cable connections on the back of the board, peeking out through special cutouts in cases that support them. Dubbed Back to the Future (by Asus) or Project Zero (by MSI) these are efforts by two of the big board makers to hide cables completely.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Liquid Cooling and Air Cooling
If you intend to install liquid cooling for your processor or graphics, you’ll want to examine the specifications for the size of radiator (or radiators) you can install. There are two aspects here: the radiator’s thickness and the overall radiator length, measured in millimeters.
The thickness specification ensures that the radiator, its fans, and other hardware do not interfere with components on the mainboard due to overhang. The length, meanwhile, is usually expressed as a multiple of the standard-size fans you install (which are, in most cases, 120mm or 140mm). Typically, you’ll see specifications for mounting a 120mm-, 240mm-, or 360mm-long radiator unit. Match up what the case can accept with what you plan to install. Huge 360mm radiators are one of the primary reasons old-school, large towers still exist.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
As for air cooling, the number of fans included in the case and the number you can install are two entirely different things. In most tower chassis, you will get at least a couple of pre-installed fans; additional ones are cheap, so we wouldn’t make the fan count a deal breaker. (If you’re doing liquid cooling, you may need to remove some of the installed fans, anyway, to make room for the radiator hardware you need to mount.) That said, be mindful of the sizes of fans that are included and supported. Replacements for non-standard sizes, such as the 200mm whoppers used in some of the largest or widest towers, are harder to come by than common 120mm and 140mm fans.
And then you have fan filters. Anyone who has dismantled a tower PC that’s been in service for some years knows about the dust, the dust, the eternal dust: caked on the case’s fan filters, rolling around inside the case in dust bunnies, and clotted on the fan blades. Better that it be caught in a cleanable filter: Look for removable filters over the intake fans (usually, the fans on the front) and over the power-supply intake (not the exhaust), which will be on the case bottom or top.
(Credit: Thomas Soderstrom)
Ready to Buy the Right PC Tower Case for You?
Once you choose your case, check out our roundups of the top graphics cards overal and our top-rated M.2 solid state drives. These are the most likely parts you’ll need to shop for next.
We’ve outlined our latest favorite PC cases here, with an emphasis on ease of build and aesthetics. (Or, if you prefer to skip the build process altogether, take a look at our top-performing prebuilt desktop PCs or gaming PCs.) We also have a roundup of much smaller Mini-ITX cases to check out if you decide a tower is too big a space commitment.
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