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Forging a new computer doesn’t have to be too taxing, as the best PC cases can give you all the crucial building room you need to store all the latest components in safely. As well as the functional side of things, we would be lying if you said that looks didn’t also factor into the equation as well, as we’ve made considerations towards boxes big and small, cheap and pricy to give you an encompassing view of what’s available in 2022.
Aesthetics are hugely important when it comes to building your new machine as the box itself will be what you’ll be staring at every time you switch the system on. Form and function are balanced in equal degrees with the best PC cases, as you’re ideally going to want the latest ports in your front and rear I/O with enough space for your AIO water coolers and as many case fans as you need. What’s more, quality of life improvements, such as verticle GPU mounting, as well as more options to slot an AIO water cooler in at the top and sides depending on how much space you require for your graphics card.
Of course, building a gaming PC doesn’t begin and end with the chassis, so we’ve also been busy rounding up all the latest parts for your next machine. If you’re not sure where to start, then our guides on the CPU for gaming, the best RAM for gaming, and the best SSDs for gaming should provide you with all you need to get started.
Best PC cases in 2022
1. NZXT H710i
The best overall PC case
Specifications
Form factor: Mid towerMotherboard support: MicroATX, Mini-ATX, ATX, EATXDrive Bays : 2.5-inch: 7 3.5-inch: 2+1Radiator support: Front: 2 x 140 or 3 x 120mm with Push/Pull Top: 2 x 140 or 3 x 120mm Rear: 1 x 120I/O Ports: 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x Headset Audio JackWeight: 12.3kg / 27.1lbs
Reasons to buy
+Beautiful design +CAM diagnostics and lighting+Vertical GPU mount
Reasons to avoid
-May look plain to some people
Building a gaming PC in 2022 is a very different proposition from years prior, and NZXT seems to agree with its line of understated cases that still feature RGB lighting as well as modern innovations such as USB-C and vertical GPU mounting for an encompassing next-gen shell for your build.
Tempered glass is going to be hit and miss for some people, but personally, we found that the commitment to aesthetics here really works in the case’s favor without compromising the airflow, especially with a case as spacious as this. The included cable-routing kit allows for easy management so it will look just as good as it performs at a competitive price for its size.
2. MSI MAG Forge 100R
The best budget PC case
Specifications
Form factor: Mid towerMotherboard support: MicroATX, Mini-ATX, ATXDrive Bays: 2x 3.5-inchRadiator support: 120 / 240mm (Top); 120 / 240mm (Front); 120mm (Rear)I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A / 1 x HD Audio / 1 x MicWeight: 25kg/55.12lbs
Reasons to buy
+Solid cooling performance +ARGB front fans +Spacious for the price
Reasons to avoid
-No support for 360mm radiators-No front USB-C ports
There’s no reason why a high-quality gaming PC case should cost a crazy amount of money. MSI seems to agree with its line of MAG Series cases, with the 100R being great for any budget builder ensuring that your money can be better spent on core components without conceding on class.
The concessions made to keep the costs low aren’t likely to be a deal-breaker – the lack of support for 360mm radiators and only two drive bays comes to mind, but if these omissions don’t matter much to you, then this is still a great case for the money.
3. Corsair iCue 5000T
The best premium PC case
Specifications
Form factor: Mid towerMotherboard support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATXDrive bays: 4x 2.5-inch; 2x 3.5-inchRadiator support: up to 360mm (front); up to 360mm (top/roof)Front I/O: 3x USB 3.0; 1x USB-C; 3.5mm jackWeight: 14.52 kg / 32.03 lbs
Reasons to buy
+208 programmable LED lights+Support for multiple AIO water coolers+Excellent cable management
Reasons to avoid
-Potentially overpriced
The Corsair iCue 5000T is one of the best PC cases for those wanting to make the most of the brand’s extensive RGB lighting capabilities and thorough cooling options. Though this particular PC case carries a very premium price tag with its $400 / £350 MSRP, there’s no denying that if you’ve been in the market for a high-end box to build in, few can compare.
On the practical side, the Corsair iCue 5000T tool-free hinged side panels make it easy to access both sides of your PC case without tools or thumbscrews. What’s more, there’s support for both vertical GPU mounting and two 360mm radiators (one for your CPU and GPU), or support for up to 10x 120mm or 4x 140mm fans. You’ve got a lot of options here to keep your computer ice-cool, in other words, but it’s perhaps the aesthetics and steel frame that will push this case to the next level.
If you’re familiar with the iCue RGB technology, then the 208 (!) LEDs are sure to be the standout at first glance of the Corsair iCue 5000T. There are three front RGB case fans in the front, as standard, but this monster also includes light strips on the top, side, and bottom of the case to highlight your components.
3. Thermaltake View 71
The best Full Tower PC case
Specifications
Form factor: Full TowerMotherboard support: MicroATX, Mini-ATX, ATX, EATXDrive Bays: 8+2Radiator support: Front: 1 x 360mm / 1 x 420mm Top: 1 x 360mm / 1 x 420mm Rear: 1 x 120mm / 1 x 140mm Bottom: 1 x 240mmI/O Ports: USB 3.0 x 2 USB 2.0 x 2 HD Audio x 1Weight: 19.1kg/ 42.11lbs
Reasons to buy
+Modular drive cages+Support for custom cooling loops +Vertical GPU mount
Reasons to avoid
-Could be too big for some
Let’s be real, when you want to make a high-end gaming rig, you’re going to need some serious space. Fortunately, this particular Full Tower is comparatively massive with more than enough space – with its modular nature – to build as insane of a battle station as your money – or imagination – can come up with.
Hyperbole aside, the tool-free drive bay cages are a genuine game-changer, meaning that you can hot-swap storage drives to suit your usage without having to mess around with unscrewing things, so you won’t have to fret about buying another SSD or HDD again.
4. Razer Tomahawk ATX
The best Razer PC case
Specifications
Form factor: Mid TowerMotherboard support: MicroATX, Mini-ATX, ATX, EATXDrive Bays: 3x 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch HDD or SSD 2x 2.5-inch SSDRadiator support: Up to 360mmI/O Ports: 2x USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A Ports 1x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C Port 1x Dedicated Microphone Port 1x Headphone 1x Power Button 1x Reset ButtonWeight: 13.5kg/ 29.85lbs
Reasons to buy
+Built-in cable management+Tempered glass swivel doors +Razer Chroma enabled lighting
Reasons to avoid
-Love it or hate it design
Razer has been making sleek gaming laptops and peripherals for a long time, and the company has channelled its knowledge – and lighting – into this Mid Tower gaming PC case which features some neat inclusions, most notably the built-in cable management and forwards opening doors for easy building.
That’s not to mention the Chroma lightning – which some people may find excessive – though it’s only underneath as opposed to be being hooked up to any included fans and what have you. Even better is the support for a a 360mm radiator size, so you can keep high-end CPUs ice-cold with ease.
5. Cooler Master MasterCase H500
The best PC case for upgrading
Specifications
Form factor: Mid TowerMotherboard support: MicroATX, Mini-ATX, ATX, EATXDrive Bays: 2x 2.5-inch/3.5-inch (Combo) or 4x 2.5-inch Radiator support: Up to 360mm I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (formerly USB 3.0), 2x USB 2.0, 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack, 1x 3.5mm Mic Jack, 1x ARGB Controller, 1x ARGB 2-to-3 splitterWeight: 9.2kg / 20.33lbs
Reasons to buy
+Stunning RGB lighting +Great airflow +Handle for easy transportation
Reasons to avoid
-Design isn’t for everyone
If there’s one thing to know about Cooler Master, it’s that the company always tends to live up to its name, and that’s due to its spacious design which makes it prime real estate for building into as you go.
Those dual 200mm ARGB fans aren’t going to be everyone’s proverbial cup of tea, but they are bound to keep your rig chilled – and with easy fan controls – you can be sure that you can tailor the speeds easily to keep those temps down at all times. Personally, we’re fans of the angular, thick tank-like shell, too.
6. NZXT H510 Elite
The most stylish PC case
Specifications
Form factor: Mid TowerMotherboard support: Mini-ITX, MicroATX, and ATXDrive Bays: 2.5-inch: 7 3.5-inch: 2+1Raditor support: Front: 2 x 140 or 3 x 120mm with Push/Pull Top: 2 x 140 or 3 x 120mm Rear: 1 x 120I/O Ports: 1 x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A 1 x Headset Audio JackWeight: 9kg / 19.95lbs
Reasons to buy
+Absolutely stunning+Vertical GPU mount +USB-C ports
Reasons to avoid
-Top ports are limited
There’s no accounting for taste – of course – but this has to be one of the cleanest looking gaming PC cases we’ve seen in a long time. As with other NZXT cases in our list, this model is built with convenience in mind – especially the included cable routing kit complete with pre-installed straps and channels – so you can get things up and running without breaking out so many damn cable ties.
Bringing its looks back into the equation, this is a truly next-generation looking case with modern sensibilities in mind with regards to the front ports that, while a little sparse, include USB-C for an elegant solution for controllers, external SSDs/HDDs, and more.
8. Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L
The best small form factor PC case
Specifications
Form factor: Mini TowerMotherboard support: Micro-ATX and Mini-ITXDrive bays: 2x 2.5-inch; 1x 3.5-inchRadiator support: Front: 120mm, 240mm; Rear: 120mm I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0; Audio In & Out (3.5mm) Weight: 3.70kg / 8.16lbs
Reasons to buy
+Good airflow +Solid construction +Space for bespoke cable management
Reasons to avoid
-Design isn’t the most exciting
If you’ve wanted to build something a little smaller than usual, but never knew of any high-quality, but affordable, Micro-ATX cases for gaming PCs, then the MasterBox Q300L could have the missing piece of the puzzle to complete your setup in style.
One of the most exciting elements about this particular PC case is how the I/O can be orientated either horizontally or vertically and in six different places on the box, meaning you can set it up to your preference. What’s more, the 28mm of extra routing space is sure to allow for tidy cable management between the SATA III bay and the side panel.
Best PC cases – Frequently asked questions
What’s more, kit your setup out fashionably with the best gaming chairs, best gaming desks, and best gaming monitors to enjoy the latest titles in comfort and luxury.
