The HS02 is Montech's latest flagship case, offering plenty of glass, features, USPs and functionality while still sporting a surprisingly affordable price tag. This makes it an excellent choice for budget minded as well as high-end builds alike. Those who are really wanting to minimize cost also have the non-Pro or HS01 variants to pick from.
The Thermaltake TR100 is a perfect example of how to engineer a great sandwich chassis, managing to solve most of the cooling limitations of such enclosures. On top of that, the TR100 breaks down the barriers of entry around assembly and cable management, while looking pretty cool in the process.
The SilverStone Lucid 04 is the latest in the Lucid series with its focus on glass. While the 01 and 02 went for a unique motherboard layout, the 03 was an ITX variant - all with lots of unique aspects. The Lucid 04 follows a squarely classic microATX form factor, aiming to be an affordable fish tank style choice
The Montech XR Wood takes the same frame as the original XR but re-imagines it as a classic mid-tower. This basis gives it an extremely solid and competitive foundation. Montech has made sure to take advantage of that, designing the XR Wood to be even more intriguing.
The be quiet! Pure Base 501 LX is a refresh of the 500 series and replaces the FX series. The refresh uses the same frame, but with a slew of updates and improvements. These modernizations go a long way to keep the Pure Base 501 LX relevant, but even so, its age does become apparent in some aspects.
The XPG Starker Air BTF is the latest in the Starker series. As the name implies, this new model allows for the use of motherboards with backside connectors, but also goes into new directions in essentially all fronts when compared to its predecessor, including a very different price point.
The be quiet! Pure Base 501 DX is a refresh of the 500 series, which was released more than half a decade ago. The refresh uses the same frame, with a slew of updates and improvements. These modernizations go a long way to keep the body relevant, allowing the refreshed design of the Pure Base 501 DX to shine confidently.
The darkFlash DY470 manages to pack a no-frills, functional dual-chamber case layout into a cool looking, asymmetrical exterior shell which helps it stand out in the already crowded segment. As such, while it commands a higher price tag than classic variants, it certainly has plenty of justification to do so.
The Corsair Frame 4000D is an evolution of the popular 4000D, with a focus on additional modularity and flexibility as it is the first mainstream chassis to use the InfiniRail mounting system. The updates don't just end with functionality, as the Frame 4000D also offers fresh design details to set the stage for the new Frame series.
The Montech Heritage Pro takes an uncommon interior layout, adds BTF, while allowing for big radiators and powerful air cooling, then wraps it all in a beautiful leather exterior. If that is your thing, then the case offers a very good base to build a system that just exudes swagger.
The SilverStone SETA H2M is a smaller variant of the H2, but still checks off all the boxes we have come to expect from the SETA line. So you still get the all-metal exterior of the H2 combined with massive storage capabilities and big fans. SilverStone has also modernized the interior to allow for BTF support and other fun details.
The Cooler Master MasterFrame series is a groundbreaking concept. It brings interesting modularity and versatility. This approach reuses components, preserves the design's core functionality, and offers some interesting opportunities for customization.
The be quiet! Light Base 600 LX is a smaller and more affordable variant when compared to the 900 LX. This should make it appealing to a more mainstream audience. There are lots of features to love, but are they enough to justify the $185 price tag? Let's find out!
The sspud Xhuttle may not be the kind of chassis you would expect from the brand that brought you all mesh ITX cases in the past. But, the Xhuttle manages to really offer plenty of uniqueness at a pretty interesting price point, without really compromising on functionality, even allowing you the choice of two different stances.
The Geometric Future Model 5 isn't just looks, but also offers plenty of features paired with that unique layout. It manages to reinvent the dimensional balance, not only moving the PSU to the front top corner, but also allowing for thick radiators or push/pull, 420 mm sized cooling alongside just enough space for quality PSUs and any GPU of your choice. There is simply a lot to love.
The FSP M580 Plus is the beefed up version of the classic M580, with 30 mm thick fans that sport individual RPM displays and more. All while providing a cool curved glass exterior coupled with simple but functional tooling, a built-in ARGB/PWM hub and dedicated control of your LED lighting.
The Tower 600 is not just an even more evolved take on the unique case series from Thermaltake. It manages to impress with an almost perfect balance between looks and functionality. With plenty of variants to match and expand on this case as a base, The Tower 600 may do more than just surprise you.
The be quiet Light Base 900 DX provides three different layouts, with 172 beautifully embedded ARGB LEDs around three sides of the chassis. That alone should make it worthwhile to look into if illumination is your jam - especially if you want massive radiators and plenty of ARGB fans. Besides that, the Light Base 900 DX also provides plenty of interesting functionality for a unique build experience.
The Chieftec Visio is a super compact dual-chamber chassis which can still accept a full size ATX or BTF motherboard. With its full fan load-out of six units and large radiator support in the ceiling, it could be a cool option to stuff all that into such a small chassis. Especially at the attractive price point, clearly aiming the Visio at first-time and budget minded builders.
The APNX V1-W is a unique case with its 45° design which incorporates real wood. While this is not the first time we have seen such a material, the V1-W manages to impress with a lot of attention to details as well as solid build quality to set itself apart. Available in six different variants, you also get to pick from a wide range of MSRPs.
The VK02 Lite from Valkyrie is quite the understated case with a few interesting details that stand out. From excellent cable management, to BTF support, and the ability to hold three 420 mm AIOs, or up to 13 fans - eleven of them 140 mm in size, there is a lot to like.
XPG is expanding their Invader line with the Invader X Mini, a compact case that still offers ATX support, ships with five fans in total and features USB-C. It has a pretty interesting price point that could attract first-time and budget builders - especially those planning to air cool their CPU.
The Sharkoon AK5G RGB is a perfect representation of what to expect from a modern mid-tower chassis that is not meant to break the bank. It comes at just the right price, with a solid feature mix and a few nice details sprinkled on top to make it a good pick if you are looking for aesthetics. Even better, if airflow is your thing, there is the AK5M variant to pick instead.
The SilverStone SETA A2 is clearly the successor to the A1, once again sporting that unique look. But that is where the similarities end as the SETA A2 is not only more expensive, but also offers a completely different feature set, ultimately catering to a different user base.
The Ocypus Iota C70 ships with six ARGB fans right out of the box, so you can focus the rest of your budget on components but also enjoy a consistent final look and feel with a full fan load-out. Couple that with the fact that it is a a super compact dual-chamber chassis which can still accept a full size ATX or BTF motherboard and you have something worth taking a closer look at.
The Alta D1 may be part of the same high-end family of SilverStone cases, but it could not be any more different than the F1 or F2. Taking its DNA from servers, the SilverStone Alta D1 is built like a tank, offering modularity to cater to AI applications, rendering scenarios or anything you can think of.
The HS 420 VGPU is the first case of the newest brand on the block: HAVN. With a team of experienced members from the case industry behind it, the HS 420 series manages to be a creative love letter with a fresh take on this style of case, blending function with design and flow.
The Corsair 9000D RGB Airflow is a super-tower chassis that builds on the design of the 1000D. Corsair has made significant improvements to enhance cooling options and airflow. It features better iCUE integration and a front USB-C hub with a single connector, along with various smaller updates.
The Montech King 65 Pro takes the design of the King 95 Pro and strips away some extras like the large fan configuration and colorful choices. As a result, it’s priced at a friendly $100. This makes it an interesting choice for those who want a high-quality body with a practical dual-chamber design without breaking the bank.
The Lian Li O11 Vision Compact is - as the name implies - as smaller variant of the gorgeous O11 Vision. Sporting the same, unique 3 glass panel design, it also manage to continue the drive of innovation with BTF support and the flexibility to set it up with a vented top panel. This could be the case you buy once and use for multiple generations of hardware.
The SilverStone FARA 514X features a clean and functional front panel design combined with a sturdy frame and a full fan loadout right out of the box. Available in all black or white, the chassis takes clear aim at the mainstream segment, with updates to improve cooling and functionality over previous FARA enclosures while continuing to focus on airflow.
The Lian Li Lancool 207 may be a compact case, but it still manages to offer full ATX support. This is thanks to a unique layout underneath the shroud of the case, which allows it to be smaller than other modern cases that allow such boards to fit. This simple layout change opens the door to so much more.
The Alphacool Apex Skeleton is an open air frame chassis, which replaces the steel with real carbon fiber components, paired with CNC-milled aluminium parts. That basis already sets the stage for a unique case clearly geared towards the affluent custom liquid cooling enthusiast.
The all new version of the NZXT H7 Flow may be the the most creative case in their entire line-up. It manages to differentiate itself far more from the monotony of the market with a beautiful interior flow and very good functionality that oozes class both inside and out.
The Montech XR may be classified as an entry level chassis, but it manages to impress with small details that set it apart from its competition in the same space, while also having a lower price tag. The result is a case that punches well above its weight, making it interesting for a broad audience, not just the budget-minded ones.
The Corsair 3500X ARGB comes with three ARGB fans included for $110. Its emphasis on a simple yet spacious design makes this case an excellent choice for those looking for a clean and functional option, and it even has support for the BTF standard, which helps organize the cables.
The Gigabyte C102 Glass Ice has an enticing price tag that warrants a closer look. With attention to detail along with ensuring all aspects of the case are white, it manages to offer a great base for compact mATX builds while retaining all the usual room for large components or liquid cooling, but there are a few shortcomings compared to the competition.
Fractal Design's Era 2 stands out in the SFF case market with its stylish, flexible design and included fans. Priced at $200, it offers a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and active cooling. The well-designed interior allows easy management of cables and components, which makes the case a great choice for small form factor enthusiasts.
With the Y70, HYTE introduces its largest chassis, offering enhanced space and further refinements compared to the Y40 and Y60. It’s available in multiple colors, like red, and also comes in a few limited-edition designs. The Y70 skips the touchscreen of the Y70 Touch, making it a more affordable choice.
You may not have heard of Yeyian before, but the brand offers a full range of PC gaming products and is pushing to expand into new markets. The Mirage X case manages to offer design elements only found in competition that costs three times more, making this a unique choice at a refreshingly low price point.
The NZXT H5 Flow RGB (2024) is more than a simple refresh of the variant that launched just over a year ago. Employing a unified three fan design along with clean aesthetics, the H5 Flow RGB (2024) is the first of the H-series to add a new, unique design element to the company's range of enclosures.
The Corsair 2500D is the brand's most compact dual-chamber chassis, sporting the same solid exterior shell that we have seen on the larger 6500 variants. While shrunk down to fit mATX boards, the 2500D Airflow also manages to retain much of the DNA from its larger brethren to make for a simple but functional build experience.
The Cooler Master MasterBox 600 aims squarely at the magical $100 market, aiming to offer as much functionality as possible. This includes four fans with a built-in controller, a fine mesh front and full BTF support. The MasterBox 600 checks off all the boxes while also managing to include a few fairly unique aspects.
The Fractal Design Mood is a very stylish case and provides a small footprint enclosure using an upright form factor to accommodate good cooling and modern GPUs. With its unique cloth wrap and color options, the Mood is not simply another case from Fractal, but will fit seamlessly into your environment.
The Antec C8 represents the largest of the Constellation series dual-chamber enclosures. The C8 manages to impress with a down-to-earth design, focus on functionality, and plenty of details that make the build process and final result very positive.
The Invader X is one of the larger cases from XPG with a dual glass design, allowing you to view your hardware without obstructions while also featuring plenty of cooling and optional vertical GPU mounting. All this with the clean XPG design DNA the brand is known for.
The H6 Flow is NZXT's most compact dual-chamber chassis, complementing the larger H9 in their chassis line-up. Available as an RGB version, it also provides a unique 45° panel with the understated design DNA NZXT is known for.
The SilverStone Kublai 07E is an evolution of the original Kublai 07 - also known as the KL07. While some time has passed since then, Silverstone has tweaked the chassis, resulting in the Kublai 07E, aiming to contend with a sound dampened experience while utilizing modern hardware.
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL may not be for everyone, simply due to its sheer size. But, for those who want to use multiple 420 mm radiators, the O11 Dynamic EVO XL should make it to the top of your list. Once you consider all the additional features and intricate details, there really isn't much in this space that can compete.
The Apex Q (which stands for quiet) is meant to be an understated, sound dampened version of the Apex and Apex Air. With its ability to hold E-ATX boards alongside a 420 mm radiator, the Apex Q could present a pretty affordable entry for those wanting the interior space together with understated looks and sound dampening.
The Montech Sky Two GX is a variation on the original Sky Two with a more traditional look, by sticking to a singular glass side panel and mesh front. On top of that, Montech improved several aspects and made the case taller to accommodate bigger liquid cooling setups.
The Corsair 2000D series may be the only ITX offering from the brand, but it shines where most SFF cases struggle, thanks to an out-of-the-box approach to design. Despite its taller profile, it takes up less desk space while offering superior cooling potential and compatibility with high-performance components.
The Fractal Design Terra is not your usual SFF chassis. While it does have all the fixings of a sandwich-style ITX case with lots of engineering details, the clear focus is the amazing material mix of aluminium and wood, color choices and design above all else.
The be quiet Shadow Base 800 FX continues the brand's perfectly sized, roomy case line-up, but adds all the functionality one would be looking for in form of four ARGB fans, tons of room, excellent compatibility and well designed details.
The Fractal Design North XL is truly an upscaled version of the North. As such it offers more room for larger form factors, longer GPUs and bigger radiators. While that all may seem obvious, the North XL also manages to provide a few interesting tweaks and changes.
The FSP CUT953P may look like an ordinary ATX mid-tower chassis but features a unique cable management system for the ATX as well as CPU power leads, by embedding these into the backside of the chassis. With such a cool feature, we dive in to see if the case provides a solid build experience as well.
The Corsair 6500X is the first Dual-Chamber chassis from the brand in quite some time. Launching alongside the smaller 2500 series, it is extremely sturdy and manages to provide solid functionality with a clean exterior and interior. Even going as far as providing room for multiple thick radiator setups.
The darkFlash DLX4000 is a clean, solid and understated chassis with two clear glass panels, so you can feast your eyes on your hardware from multiple angles. Thanks to the well-built chassis and excellent material mix, if you are in the market for this style of case, add it to your shortlist.
The Montech Air 903 Base diminishes the barrier of entry even more compared to the already incredibly affordable Max variant. All the while, it delivers everything you anticipate from a contemporary, airflow-centric enclosure. To the extent that this case essentially competes only with its own ARGB counterparts.
The Aqirys XO-1 is a capable, clean and understated chassis for those who enjoy glass as a material but don't want to sacrifice on too much cooling potential. Peppered with nice features throughout the robust body, the Aqirys XO-1 may just end up surprising in the end.
The Montech King 95 Pro boasts the classic structure of a sandwich-layout chassis, but it goes beyond mere strength. It features a uniquely designed exterior, incorporating bent glass and intricate details that distinguish it. What's more, it comes equipped with an impressive six fans, all at a price that might just knock your socks off.
The SilverStone Alta F2 marks the evolution of the Alta series, which stands for SilverStone's unwavering commitment to a chassis without compromises. At $1000, it has some seriously big shoes to fill to also provide a unique kind of value, likely catering to those going for the highest end-components.
Priced under $50, the XPG Valor Mesh comes equipped with four fans, a sturdy steel front, and an array of useful features. Surprisingly, it's even more budget-friendly than its predecessor, the Valor Air. This winning combination is sure to capture the interest of those looking for an affordable case, particularly if they aren't planning on using large components.
Positioned as the sleeker option in the Ceres series, the Ceres 300 TG ARGB retains the signature 90° expansion slot rotation and the possibility to attach a display on the chassis side. Thermaltake also carefully modified certain aspects to meet the lower price point.
The HYTE Y70 Touch represents the pinnacle of HYTE cases with its larger body and further refinements over the Y40 and Y60. Thanks to the high-resolution 14.1" IPS touch screen, HYTE manages to take its 45 degree slice to the next level.
The Montech Air 903 Max continues to offer the competitive price/performance Montech is known for, while providing everything you expect from a modern, airflow focused enclosure. So much, that we are hard pressed to find much to complain about.
The SilverStone SETA D1 utilizes the familiar chassis found in the H1 or Q1 models and supercharges it by accommodating both external and internal storage options. It retains the exceptional versatility of the entire SETA series, enabling users to create builds that fully focus on cooling or large GPUs.
Packed with ARGB on the fans, the controller as well as around the IO, the sturdy Aqirys Sargas looks glamorous when lit up, but it also makes the most out of the compact space. While some features don't feel as fleshed out as they could, those who enjoy a bit of color in their life with a complete out-of-the-box experience could be well served.
The SilverStone FARA 512Z is a compact chassis that allows four slot vertical GPU mounting with the appropriate riser cable. Shipping with three ARGB fans and a fully featured IO in combination with an ARGB controller & PWM hub, there is a lot to discover.
The Endorfy Arx 700 Air may not stand out in the crowds, but turns out it has a lot to offer for a well priced chassis. It presents the brand’s own spin on what a simple, yet functional mid-tower should provide to enthusiasts and gamers. With its five 140 mm fans, it sets itself up for success in combination with a solid build and excellent feature execution.
The Thermaltake CTE C750 TG ARGB aims to stick out from the competition with its own spin on a rotated motherboard layout and cooling setup. As a large case, you can expect tons of room for storage, fans or liquid cooling alongside big functional components.
The Streacom DA6 is a unique open air chassis that allows for flexible placement of all the major components thanks to a one-of-a-kind mounting bracket system. With tons of flexibility and none of the usual size restrictions of a classic ITX SFF case, the DA6 could be perfect for those who don't mind open air but want big cooling components for their build.
The Antec Performance 1 FT marks a refresh of their P line of cases and one of the brand's first new full-tower enclosures in quite some time. Packed with four 30 mm fans and tons of room for additional cooling or AIOs, the Performance 1 FT checks all the right boxes and adds a few visual and functional cherries on top.
Phanteks is launching a brand new case line with the NV series, starting with the massive NV7. The sleek, modern-looking case has everything that consumers love these days, but also includes tons of unique features that make it stand out as a great choice for a full-tower build.
With the launch of the AF120 Elite RGB fans, Corsair took the opportunity to relaunch the 5000D and 4000D cases as iCUE editions featuring the new cooling units. We take a walk down memory lane and see how the enclosure and its thermals compete, after two years, with the new fans in the mix.
The Asus TUF Gaming GT502 tries to mix the popular sandwich ATX case design with the details and design DNA of the TUF series. The result is an intricate looking case that may just be the coolest of its kind out there.
The Chieftec BX-10B-OP is an mATX chassis which offers glass panels on both sides and a sturdy metal body in combination with a non-standard layout to keep the size as compact as possible. Even so, it can still hold a 240 mm AIO as well as a full-size ATX PSU, which could make it a clean, understated option for your next mainstream build.
The Y40 is the first true mainstream Mid-Tower chassis from HYTE, constructed with the same design DNA as its bigger sibling the Y60, while offering the same unique features and functions in a more compact envelope and at a lower cost of entry. Can the Y40 further establish the young brand as a force to be reckoned with?
The MSI MEG Prospect 700R comes with a beautiful 4.3" built-in IPS touch screen that give you access to various functions, including fan speed and ARGB control. MSI's new case is not only a hefty, well built and cool looking chassis, it also supports vertical mounting for triple-slot GPUs and ships with four 140 mm fans and additional parts for an E-ATX or cooling focus.
The Antec P20C uses the same bones as the DP503, clocking in at a similar price but aiming to offer a cleaner look without the use of RGB and a focus on quieter fans. While it may not offer the same bang for your buck as the ARGB capable DP503, it gives you a good option if understated is what you are looking for.
The NZXT H9 Flow is the largest of the H-Series and manages to impress with a balanced attention to detail and unique tooling, allowing for modern, bulky high-end components and elaborate liquid cooling without any tangible compromises in functionality or looks.
The Thermaltake Ceres 500 TG ARGB is a beefy chassis that ships with four 140 mm ARGB equipped fans. It also allows for big air cooling or long AIO builds. As with most Thermaltake cases, it has a few unique selling points that may help justify its price tag and are worthy of a closer look.
The Corsair iCUE 5000D Airflow RGB takes the original 5000D Airflow through a few very subtle tweaks and adds the new AF120 Elite RGB fans into the mix. All at a cost lower than buying the individual pieces. Is pairing brand new fans with a two year old case trouble or a match made in heaven?
The Chieftec Stallion 3 wraps the ability to hold a full size E-ATX motherboard with plenty of ARGB components and a general feature list like fan speed control as well as a GPU support bracket into one. Visually, the chassis manages to add some spice with the ring-mounted ARGB aspects of the Tornado fans, but will that be enough to set it apart?
The Fractal Design North puts the focus on a beautiful design and material mix with clean curves, a silver power button and unique wood elements. On top of that, you get to pick from a TG or side-vented variant. But is there substance underneath the surface? Read on to find out!
The sub-$100 Montech Sky One case provides a functional and affordable dual-glass chassis design that is usually out of reach for the budget minded consumer. Even so, it stays true to Montech's mantra to provide an excellent set of features and functionality. This makes the Sky Two an excellent successor to the Sky One - despite the totally different looks.
The FSP CST350 Plus takes a lot of inspiration from some well-known ITX enclosures, but aims to differentiate itself by also enabling M-ATX compatibility in a similarly compact form-factor. Paired with an affordable price point, this could make the CST350 Plus a good choice for both ITX or M-ATX builds.
The Chieftec Pro Cube CI-02B-OP is an mATX cube with external drive bays, which is a rather unique feature these days. The case also offers a surprisingly easy build experience and has a useful design with lots of attention to detail, all at an excellent price point of just $55.
The Phanteks Eclipse G500A Performance really is true to its name with excellent thermal and noise results, wrapped beautifully in a functional body. This is thanks to the four retail M25-140 fans, while still allowing for massive liquid cooling builds or up to 19 hard drives to fit within.
The Fractal Design Ridge is essentially the successor to the Node 202, launched all the way back in 2012. The Ridge sports an all new interior and exterior design, but also manages to squeeze in two 140 mm fans while allowing a sizeable 2.5-slot GPU to fit at the same time. So, if a unique form-factor case is your jam, the Ridge should be on your short list!
The Lancool 216 RGB is the latest Lian Li mainstream enclosure, which comes with a long list of useful and functional features at only $99-$115, depending on the variant. This makes the case one of the best options no matter what kind of system you are building.
The MSI MPG Gungnir 120R offers a solid, mainstream feature set with four ARGB fans, a built-in controller and USB-C. With its prominent MSI branding, odds are pretty high that it will look nice when coupled with matching MSI components. Read on, to find out if it manages to appeal to a mass market audience!
The Azza Legionaire sports a unique metal mesh side panel all while offering an E-ATX capable interior and the usual features of an ARGB controller, four fans and plenty of radiator support. With such a side panel, thermals are certainly something we will look at to see if a mid-tower can benefit from the same access to cool exterior air as small form factor enclosures.
The NZXT H5 Flow is not your run-of-the-mill chassis. Sporting a simple but beautiful design, it manages to be very pleasing to the eye like its predecessor, while offering modern core features we've come to expect from mid-towers, thus giving you a solid choice if design is what you are going for.
The Raijintek Ophion Elite provides massive cooling potential without encroaching into the functional space on the interior, so that you are able to squeeze in a triple-slot GPU, 280 mm AIO and an ATX sized power supply. That combination of capabilities could make the Ophin Elite an excellent choice for compact, high-performance builds.
The InWin A5 may look like an ATX chassis based on its compact design, but manages to squeeze E-ATX compatibility into its interior. Sporting the same sturdy look and feel as the A1, it is also surprisingly affordable, which could make it a great choice for those with big boards, requiring a small footprint and understated look.
The Thermaltake Core series has always been quite innovative and the new Core P3 TG Pro is no different. It manages to improve several features of the original Core P3 TG to provide more versatility and better compatibility, at a relatively low cost of entry for those who desire an open frame chassis.
The Antec DP503, with its E-ATX compatibility and solid feature list may well be a great all-rounder case that could stick with you as your build evolves, thanks to excellent cooling support and a set of useful extras such as a universal ARGB hub & fan controller, or the metal GPU bracket.
The Cooler Master HAF 700 aims to dial back the extremes the HAF 700 EVO offers, in terms of material mix and features, making the chassis far more affordable and thus appealing to a much broader audience, while retaining the core of what makes the HAF 700 series so unique.
The Gamdias Athena M6 may not look like much out out of the box, but aims to sway you with its unique underbody lighting element. Add the four ARGB equipped fans and built-in ARGB controller for an attractive price point, and there are many reasons to take a closer look.
Don't be fooled by the fact that the Asus Prime AP201 is an M-ATX case. In fact, it may well be the reason you end up going for that type of motherboard instead of the classic ATX or ITX options out there. The AP201 manages to impress all around with its simple, yet functional, very balanced interior combined with a clean, beautiful exterior
The ssupd Meshroom S is a new and improved version of the Meshlicious case, but with enough differentiation to co-exist alongside the original. As such it does not only set itself apart with new color options, but some discussion worthy tweaks and build possibilities that go well beyond its ITX based origins.
The Montech Sky One Lite is not simply a cheaper version of the original Sky One. It diverges from what the original offered and improves on several elements, while balancing well focused, useful functionality to provide a budget chassis that manages to punch well above its weight.
The Fractal Design Focus 2 is the successor to the aging Focus G chassis. Being one of the most affordable cases from the brand, it focuses on air flow with two 140 mm intake fans, solid build quality while bringing along all those modern touches and design elements we have already seen for the first time with the Pop series.
The XPG Valor Air offers four fans, a steel front along with a nice list of functional features - all for less than $60. That on its own should grab the attention of plenty of people to take a closer look. As such the XPG Valor Air may just be the perfect budget case for those who won't push the boundaries with expensive, big and long components anyways.
The Fractal Design Define 7 Nano offers the same looks and build quality as its bigger brethren, while keeping the general layout wrapped around the ITX form factor. Even so, Fractal has gone ahead and included several updates not found in the original chassis in the hopes that the Define 7 Nano makes just as big of a splash.
be quiet! is celebrating 20 years and is adding a new twist to one of its most popular cases with the Pure Base 500 FX which is based on the original 500 DX. Equipped with four Light Wings fans and sporting an ARGB controller with PWM Fan hub, it hopes to give that chassis a second live at the same time.
The Lian Li Lancool 3 is one massive chassis with plenty of attention to detail, which results in an uncompromising range of compatibility no matter the type of system inside. With its four 140 mm PWM fans and up to 12 hard-drive bays or triple 360 mm radiator support, the Lancool 3 literally goes big and certainly conveys "born to excel."
The Cooler Master MasterBox TD300 Mesh takes the design of the TD500 Mesh and shrinks it down. Utilizing the same body as the MB311L and NR400, the TD300 Mesh will be an interesting alternative that draws on both of those cases to provide a fun and useful gaming chassis.
Priced at $90, the Fractal Design Pop is cost effective and available in cool color options for those who want an enclosure from the famous brand without spending too much. With the Mini on one end and XL on the other, we will take the Pop Air RGB with a green interior for a spin to find out if the line provides enough fun and value to stick around!
The Phanteks G360A is a new case of the Eclipse series—it features a fine mesh front, improved liquid-cooling support over the P360 variants while retaining the unique lighting elements, and same interior layout. We orbit around the Eclipse to find out if it has what it takes to "wow" the target audience looking for their next $100 case.
The Thermaltake Tower 500 sits right between the Tower 100 and Tower 900, providing the user with an ATX-capable variant that doesn't take up half the room. Although medium-sized, you get lots of flexibility in terms of cooling and storage, cementing it as the go-to mainstream choice if a fan of the Tower models.
The Fractal Design Meshify 2 Lite and Lite RGB are cost-conscious variants of the originals. These keep $30 in your pocket by adding minimal compromises to several areas of the case. You still get the same dimensions and quality that made the Meshify cases so popular.
The HAF 700 EVO is Cooler Master's take on a no-limits chassis. As such, it joins an illustrious circle of expensive and massive cases like the In Win Signature series or Corsair 1000D. And while it is the latest entry in that category, it manages to make a splash inside and out.
The Sharkoon MS-Y1000 is a different design spin on the MS-Z1000, which is an affordable chassis that looks cool, feels sturdy, and sports four PWM fans right out of the box. Designed to play in the same league as more expensive options, the MS-Y1000 could be a unique, but affordable Micro-ATX case that may be converted to hold your GPU vertically with an optional kit!
The Thermaltake Divider series always impressed with clean, glass-focused designs. Now, offered in four different sizes, forming a full model range, the Divider 550 TG Ultra aims the push the boundaries by adding features instead of size. With its unique 3.9" LCD screen, which may be controlled via the TT RGB Plus 2.0 software, it adds smarts and a bit of fun to the lineup.
The SilverStone SETA H1 aims to do for airflow fans what the SETA Q1 provides to silence enthusiasts. With two 160 mm intake fans in the front, it is poised to stay cool under pressure while leveraging the same spacious interior frame to fit any hardware regardless of size and keeping everything clean and tidy.
The Sharkoon MS-Z1000 is an affordable chassis that looks cool, feels sturdy, and sports four PWM fans right out of the box. Designed to play in the same league as more expensive options, the MS-Z1000 could be a unique, but affordable Micro-ATX case!
The Aqirys Procyon joins the illustrious inner circle of open-air cases. With its two glass panels, five fans, and angled motherboard, it certainly seems to have all the special DNA to set itself apart from the boring black boxes we usually contend with. Add its affordable price point and our interest is piqued!
The Cooler Master MasterBox 500 has all the fixings of a mainstream chassis, but also offers a removable top cover for easier assembly and built-in ARGB controller and fan hub. While it is squarely built on trusted and true engineering practices, the MasterBox 500 also offers a few visual highlights, like the embedded ARGB in the front cover.
The Sharkoon TG7M RGB aims to offer a functional set of features in a modern, timeless and understated design, which can make it the home of your hardware for multiple generations. With four retail ARGB fans and up to E-ATX support, the chassis has a lot going for it.
The SilverStone SUGO 16 is a compact, almost cube-shaped chassis with a volume of a mere 13 liters. With its steel construction, it strives to be an SFF chassis that offers a mix of hardware compatibility for those not looking to push the performance envelope while fitting into compact desktop spaces.
The InWin N515 hopes to draw your attention with its fancy Infinity Mirror and provides a unique mix of proper E-ATX and liquid-cooling support in a somewhat unique case layout. Let's dive right in to see if we end up mesmerized or jaded.
The HYTE Y60 is the company's second chassis. Just like their first, the Revolt 3, the Y60 seems to be a refreshing new statement in both design and functionality with its three glass panels and 45° angles. With a focus on liquid cooling and showing off your GPU, the Y60 can easily become the centerpiece of your gaming desktop.
The Aqirys Aquilla aims to woo the potential buyer with an impressive list of features while keeping an affordable price point. With its four 140 mm fans, solid material mix, and remote-controlled fan/ARGB controller, there is a lot to like about the case on paper, which had us excited to take a closer look!
The Cooler Master HAF 500 is the latest edition of the long-running "High Air Flow" family of enclosures. With plenty of modernization on paper, it will be interesting to see if Cooler Master has managed to bring the case into the modern area while retaining all the DNA that differentiates these cases from the competition.
The DeepCool CK560 may look like a simple design variant of the CG560, but improves on most of the shortcomings of its sibling while retaining the unique design elements, functional build, and cable management approach, and it even adds tangible extras, like USB-C I/O and the metal GPU support bracket.
Phanteks always had a unique approach to ITX enclosures with their Shift series. The Shift XT takes that engineering prowess and repackages it into an all-in-one chassis for compact, air or liquid-cooled scenarios alike.
The iCUE 5000T RGB is Corsair's latest attempt at including their cases in the iCUE software ecosystem. The goal here is to deliver a cohesive integration similar to using a Corsair mouse or keyboard with iCUE support. This aspect and that it is based on the same frame as the 5000D make for an interesting premise.
With the Torrent Compact, Fractal shrinks the design and layout of the original, but massive Torrent down to a classic mid-tower size. You still get the same dual 180 mm intake fans, RGB strip in the PSU bay, cool looks, and clean glass panels, all while advertising full ATX motherboard and massive air-cooling support.
With the massive Torrent, Fractal Design opened the door to a new line of cases. The Torrent Nano represents the smallest end of the spectrum within that family, sporting the same cool looks and unique layout while squeezing one 180 mm fan into the front and offering ITX support.
The Lian Li x DAN A4-H20 marks the official collaboration between the two case brands: an ultra-compact, 240 mm AIO capable, simple but functional chassis. If you stick to what the case advertises as compatible, you can rest assured that it will fit and function well, all with a tiny, understated footprint on your desk.
The BC1 Open Benchtable has been around for a while, being the brainchild of a collaboration between Streacom and Overclocking-TV back in the day. Now, one minor and one major revision later, the BC1 V2 is quite the engineering marvel, making it one of the highest-quality bench tables out there.
The Evolv X takes some of the advances of the Eclipse line and mixes them with the Evolv looks. To make it stand out further, Phanteks has improved several elements in the process, which makes for a fun, clean, and refreshingly beautiful final result in the Evolv X.
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic Evo is an evolution of the wildly successful O11 Dynamic. While it may look similar and sports a comparable size, there are plenty of tweaks and updates within the Evo that improve over the original on nearly all functional areas.
The SilverStone Alta F1 with its all-aluminium exterior looks sleek and has a layout that goes beyond the 90° rotated body of the frame. Including three Air Penetrator fans in the floor and the ability install a 360 radiator in the ceiling, the Alta F1 makes for a potent chassis that looks extremely stylish to boot.
The XPG Starker Air is a compact ATX chassis with a magnetic metal front cover and a bit of added height for ceiling-based liquid cooling. Available in black or white, the XPG Starker Air takes the original and improves on it with better airflow while retaining all other attributes, including the MSRP.
The XPG Defender uses the same body as the Pro variant, but ships with a metal mesh front and non-ARGB fans. More affordable thus, pricing aligns with what you get in regards to the I/O and 2.5" hard-drive mounting methods. You actually end up with a lot of case for the money, especially as an E-ATX user.
The teenage engineering computer-1 is not meant to be a detached chassis. Instead, with its unique flat-packed design and the need to bend and build it yourself, the result is a fused, single unit that provides the functionality you need, and after going through the whole experience of unpacking and building it, the result is mesmerizing.
The Cruiser is a more affordable "Super Mid-Tower" chassis from XPG. Even so, it still offers that super-sized space and bulk, three retail-grade ARGB fans, and a refreshing focus on solid engineering on the outside and down-to-earth and useful functionality on the inside to ensure your build will cruise along without a hiccup.
The InWin Airforce is the flat-packed vision of an ATX chassis from InWin. While available in a more subtle "Phantom Black," the colorful "Justice White" variant really brings home that modular aspect and results in a functional and spacious, albeit slightly simple chassis that could just be worth the whole assembly experience in the end.
The InWin Explorer comes flat-packed, requiring assembly, which makes for a unique unboxing and fun "hands-on" experience. Available in two equally unique color options, it is clearly not aimed at the traditional gamer, but may just be a memorable build for young teens gifted their first gaming PC.
The SilverStone SETA Q1 features a uniquely shaped front panel that acts as a "sound maze" to reduce noise, while employing sound damping materials all around. With its big dimensions, it can hold large motherboards and all major air coolers, PSUs, or graphics cards without breaking a sweat, or should we say while staying cool and calm?
The Cooler Master NR200P has already managed to make its mark, spawning the Max variant due to its success. With that, Cooler Master has released four consumer-voted color options of the NR200P to add that splash of extravagance to what turns out to be an already excellent ITX chassis.
The Thermaltake Divider 300 TG Air takes the first launched case of the Divider line and replaces the front with a vented steel panel and simpler fan configuration. Also featuring the signature split side panel design, it uses exactly the same body as the original and is available in white, too.
The Sharkoon Elite Shark CA700 is the biggest and most elaborate of the entire Elite Shark series. Considered Sharkoon's take on a premium case where uniqueness is front and center, the Elite Shark CA700 hopes to impress with a high part count, elaborate design, and functionality worthy of the highest-end components.
The Thermaltake Divider 200 TG Air is the airflow version of the Divider 200 TG. It replaces the glass front with a uniquely designed, vented steel panel. While an mATX chassis for the Divider family, it looks vastly different from the 300 or 500 series due to its uniquely stacked internal layout and cube shape.
The Deepcool CG560 is a clean, wide, and spacious chassis. With its vented front and four-fan loadout, it aims to provide ample airflow out of the box, and its cool green USB 3.0 ports and few unique tooling elements make it stand out, but does it deliver where it counts?
The Montech Air 1000 Lite is a really interesting chassis since the brand is known for pushing the price-performance barrier while including new engineering and keeping functionality in mind. Let's see if the Air 1000 Lite manages to impress or is nothing but hot air.
The Thermaltake Divider 200 TG fills the mATX gap in the Divider family of enclosures, but looks vastly different from the 300 or 500 series. With its stacked internal layout and cube shape in combination with the Divider's design elements, the Divider 200 TG is rather unique right out of the gate.
The Antec Draco 10 is an mATX chassis aiming to deliver cool looks and a clean design with a bit of ARGB bling for those on a tight budget. While affordably priced, it still provides dual USB 3.0 as well as very good liquid-cooling capabilities, so it does seem to have a few aces up its sleeve.
The Thermaltake Core series is a fairly unique enclosure family. Belonging to it, the Core P6 aims to provide users with everything possible. Having room for up to nine storage drives, four radiators, and the biggest hardware components, as well as the flair of being wall-mountable or an open-air frame, it has it all.
The SilverStone Alta G1M allows for an mATX board while offering enough room for a 360 mm radiator or potent air-cooling setup alongside a long graphics card. With its unique layout and compact shape, you should have no issues placing the chassis on your desk the same as you would much smaller cases out there.
Do you like the functional and spacious layout of the Divider 500 with its split window design, but also care about airflow? The Divider 500 TG Air will fit that bill perfectly. Alongside the unique core design, the metal panel's vent shape is not only different, but also surprisingly good-looking.
The NZXT H510 Flow is based on the original H510, but offers a re-engineered front panel to solve the issue of airflow and thermal performance that was the Achilles heel of the original variant. Besides that, the case stays true to the same design and tooling, giving us a little blast from the past with hopes of remaining relevant today—two years later.
The Lian Li Q58 is the company's take on a modern ITX enclosure. Aiming to walk the line between ventilation and providing windows to view your hardware, the Q58 features split panels that swing open. On top of that, you may opt for large AIO cooling or an ATX PSU as well, making the Q58 a beautiful and versatile option.
The ITX-sized Cooler Master NR200P MAX is a slightly larger version of the NR200P. The additional room is used to house a 280 mm AIO, while also including an 850W SFX power supply. This makes the NR200P MAX one of few ITX enclosures that takes the guesswork of getting the best-possible cooling setup out of the equation.
The Lian Li O11 Air Mini is not simply a vented version of the original O11 Dynamic Mini. Instead, Lian Li has taken the opportunity to tweak the case to offer better PSU support, more storage options, and a wider body for greater radiator support. All this makes the new Lian Li O11 Air Mini somewhat of a successor in many ways.
The Hyte Revolt 3 is a compact ITX chassis with a handle, and a holder for your headphone. Even though small, the internal layout centers around the ability to hold a 280 mm AIO as well as a long, beefy GPU, making this both a unique and interesting choice for those looking to build a compact high-performance gaming rig.
The Fractal Design Torrent is an all-new chassis with a unique internal layout and the ability to easily hold even the largest air coolers out there. Add plenty of space for custom loops and five intake fans, two of which are 180 mm, and the Torrent could be the breeze of fresh air Fractal Design needs.
The Montech X3 Mesh comes with a whopping six LED-illuminated fans pre-installed. With its compact dimensions, all black or white color choices, and interesting price point, the X3 Mesh could be the go-to case for those looking for an affordable high airflow chassis.
G.Skill's entry into the ITX chassis market looks rather unique with the tapered front. While not the first to offer bent glass, the Z5i sports quite the tight bending radius with its panels being the core design element. Read on to find out how the G.Skill Z5i enclosure fares against all the established brands out there.
The Fara V1M Pro is a Micro-ATX enclosure that looks vastly different from most others in the line. With its clean exterior and embedded ARGB elements in the front, one could say it is among the better-looking ones of the bunch, so let's find out what's behind this cool design.
The Montech Air 100 Lite is the entry-level version of the Air 100 line, with its black variant starting at $60. For a few dollars more, you get the chassis in all-white, which doesn't only look beautiful, but also makes it one of the few all-white cases out there at that price point.
The R1 series of the SilverStone FARA line is the airflow option with two color choices, each with basic as well as ARGB fan-equipped PRO options. With the glass side panel and compact frame, it checks off all the boxes for a mainstream case on paper. Let's see how it fares under the review lights.
Montech continues to expand the Air line-up with the Air 100 ARGB, a Micro-ATX enclosure with plenty of ARGB, a metal mesh front panel, and clean glass side. It will be interesting to see how well the Air design manages to deliver when shrunk down to this size.
The Divider 500 TG ARGB is the largest of the new case family Thermaltake initially announced at the beginning of 2021. With its unique tooling and design elements, Thermaltake hopes to push beyond the OEM case redesigns that have become way too commonplace in the market these days.
The Corsair 7000D Airflow is the largest of the new line-up. It takes the already spacious 5000D and makes it even bigger, with more storage, bigger fans, and even bigger liquid-cooling support—all while staying true to the design and details that make enclosures of this series so beautiful.
The SilverStone RM42-502 is a 4U server rack chassis for building a potent dual-socket system for heavy workloads or rendering jobs. As such, it is sturdy as well as functional at its core. Even so, you are able to transform the chassis into a full SSI-EEB and SSI-CEB compatible tower case.
The SilverStone Fara line of cases includes a wide choice of designs, price points, and sizes. With the Fara B1 series, you are presented with a compact ATX chassis in two variants: a base model without ARGB or the reviewed Pro variant with four ARGB fans and a fan controller.
The Meshlicious aims to eliminate the biggest headache when it comes to compact ITX cases: the issue of heat. With its mesh sides, the chassis also offers an excellent amount of flexibility in terms of hardware while being sturdy and rather affordable for a case of this form factor.
The Zalman X3 is a cool-looking case with several unique design elements for your eyes and emotions to feast upon. With its nifty side panels, clean window, and sweet, embedded ARGB in the top of the case, the X3 is quite the visual beauty. But its inner values count just as much, so read on to see how the X3 fares.
The AZZA Cast 808 is an extraordinary chassis with an outer shell that has hinges at the top and bottom and a gap in the middle—it even lacks a rear panel. This makes the AZZA Cast 808 a unique open-frame case.
The Zalman Z3 Iceberg combines a functional frame with an edgy looking, solid front panel. With its clear and clean glass side panel, you should be able to show off your hardware nicely as well. Available in black or white, we got the latter for review—let's see if it stays cool when we set our sights on it.
The Raijintek Pan Slim is a unique-looking, desktop-style case, which allows you to place your monitor on top of it and slide your keyboard underneath. While one may assume this format isn't meant for potent hardware, the Pan Slim can tackle both your beefy GPU and 240 mm AIO cooling with ease.
The Phanteks Eclipse P200A ITX is both the smallest and most affordable product of the Eclipse line. It still features the fine metal mesh and continues to focus on steel as opposed to plastic as a material, but also has a few nifty surprises within, which one would not expect from an enclosure that costs $50 in today's tariff-burdened market.
The DLH 21 is the first ITX chassis from DarkFlash. It offers the modern possibilities of a 240 mm AIO, long GPU support, and ample storage in a compact, upright chassis and incorporates USB-C and ARGB elements.
The Antec Dark Cube represents a modern revival of the Razer Cube, which was also built by Antec around five years ago. With its four glass panels and choice of aluminum, the case feels hefty and visually appealing, all demanding of its price tag.
The MSI MPG Gugnir cases give fans of the brand an option to house all their MSI components inside a nice-looking, solid chassis with a few bells and whistles and appropriate branding. The 110M is the most basic variant of the three options currently on the market, but only has a few subtle functional differences to the 111M or 110R.
The XPG Starker is a compact ATX chassis with a magnetic metal front cover and a bit of added height for ceiling-based liquid cooling without compromise. Available in black or white, the XPG Starker seeks to strike that fine balance between ARGB lighting and a clean design.
The XPG Defender Pro is a modern E-ATX chassis with a no-frills approach to a functional interior and a clear focus on design. With its ARGB fans, embedded lighting, and magnetic front cover, it aims to offer enough bling without going overboard and throws in a few unique elements to boot.
The Antec DF700 Flux is their latest chassis offering a unique fan setup out of the box. With a price tag of just $75, getting five fans and a clean, solid design is pretty rare, and Antec is upping the ante by including an upgraded, fully fledged ARGB and fan controller with the DF700 Flux.
The Deepcool Macube 110 is a smaller and cheaper version of the Macube 310. Geared towards mATX users and clocking in at that magical $50 price point with an all-steel exterior construction, it still manages to offer most of the unique design elements of its bigger, more expensive counterpart.
With the Meshify 2 Compact, Fractal Design is combining the insides of the Define 7 Compact with the exterior of the airflow-focused Meshify design. The result is, as the name implies, a smaller version of the well-performing Meshify 2 with all the benefits of the Define family.
The Phanteks Evolv Shift 2 is an updated version of the now over 3-year-old Evolv Shift. With a lot of subtle but functional, evolved elements, it will be interesting to see how a case from that era holds up in the well-established niche market of SFF enclosures today.
The Tower 100 from Thermaltake is a tiny SFF version of the huge The Tower 900. It keeps the same shape and general idea of allowing you to show off your parts in a rectangular shape with glass on three sides, but utilizes an ITX motherboard to keep things nice and compact.
The Corsair 5000D Airflow is the first full-tower chassis from the brand with their new signature look, and the yellow color accents we first saw in the 4000D. As the name and form factor imply, the 5000D Airflow is both taller and deeper, but still follows the same clean and beautiful design language while offering more space and cooling possibilities.
With the Divider series, Thermaltake is introducing a new line of cases featuring clean glass panels, plenty of cooling, and an internal layout that goes beyond what the mass market provides, while utilizing solid glass and sturdy steel. The Divider 300 is the first of the series, with more sizes being introduced in the near future.
The Irid 353 ARGB sports three 120 mm fans and a fully fledged ARGB controller right out of the box, along with a useful fan hub. It even incorporates a glass front and side panel, which has the Irid 353 ARGB stand out from among a plethora of affordable mATX choices.
The Antec P10 Flux brings Antec's signature five-fan setup to the P-Series: You get the clean, minimalistic look with the sound dampening and fan control while staying clear of ARGB lighting. This makes the Antec P10 Flux a unique and surprisingly useful option for workstations and professional users.
The Genesis Irid 503 is a fully equipped mATX enclosure with four ARGB fans and a sizeable controller included out of the box. On top of that, it features a sturdy glass side panel, all while pushing the envelope when it comes to pricing, it's sold for just $75.
Things have been quiet around the Nanoxia brand for a while, but with their latest chassis, the Deep Silence 8 Pro, they are back, looking to offer a modern case with an emphasis on silence and functionality while sticking to an attractive price point.
The Enermax MarbleShell MS30 is a compact chassis sporting a unique front, four fans, a universal ARGB controller, and a well-rounded set of I/O. Because of good pricing, the case is an interesting choice for budget builds that stand out a little by showing off the hardware.
The Thermaltake S100 TG is the mATX version of the S300, with both being part of an all-steel family of enclosures. The S100 TG sports a magnetic swing-open glass side panel and the same solid metal cover design as its bigger sibling, while clocking in at a lower sub-$65 price point.
Over the past couple of years, the Lian Li O11 Dynamic has become their hero product, and while smaller, the Mini seeks to keep everything that impressed us about the original without compromising on functionality. With clean looks and two large glass panels, the Lian Li O11 Dynamic Mini seems to pull it off nicely at first glance!
The be quiet! Silent Base 802 is the successor to the 801 that will be phased out soon. As such, it features a similar core, but updated external design and functionality, as well as I/O. On top of that, you may choose between variants with a solid or windowed side panel.
Seasonic has been pretty bold by offering their Seasonic Connect 750W PSU with its unique distribution system in the recent past. With the Q7 series case, they go a step further and offer a case that allows for the seamless integration of their Seasonic Connect, all while focusing on quality at the same time.
With the Meshify 2, Fractal Design is refreshing the series with all the elements we have seen and loved in the Define 7. That said, they naturally kept the mesh front design to maximize airflow for great temperatures. At $139 with three fans included, pricing is very reasonable, too.
The Montech Sky One ARGB sports a fine metal mesh cover with 1 mm holes, which is something we have not seen from many other brands out there. On top of that, with its ARGB elements and built-in controller, the Sky One ARGB could make for an interesting alternative to the more established brands out there.
The AH T200 from Thermaltake is essentially a smaller T600 wrapped around an mATX chassis. Smaller in size, the AH T200 is a lot more manageable while offering all the cool Apache attack helicopter details of its bigger brother.
The SilverStone Sugo 14 is not just another rehashed SFF cube. It has been designed to offer the best of all worlds when it comes to an ITX chassis. The Sugo 14 has amazing hardware support. You may install a long triple-slot graphics card, a large tower cooler, an ATX PSU, and 240 mm radiator.
The Dan A4-SFX V4.1 is the smallest ITX chassis with full GPU support that we've ever reviewed. It also manages to walk that incredibly difficult line between the smallest dimensions and uncompromising SFF component support alongside full-length GPU capability. On top of that, it also performs extremely well with even big-boy hardware.
The Silverstone LD03-AF improves upon the original LD03 with better airflow for potent GPUs and updated I/O while retaining the same excellent use of space for large air coolers and the ability to utilize liquid AIOs.
The Thermaltake Level 20 RS takes some design cues from the Level series but is an ARGB-equipped, liquid-cooling-capable enthusiast offering at its core. With two glass side panels, you are meant to show off your hardware–ideally with lots of colorful lighting sources and clean cable management.
The Corsair 4000D Airflow aims to combine excellent ventilation capabilities with a detailed, yet understated design and solid material mix. Available with or without RGB lighting elements, it caters to the vast majority of customers in the $80-$100 range.
The Thermaltake S300 TG is slightly smaller and simpler than the S500 TG, but just as solid, and is noticeably more affordable. This could make it an interesting option for those on a tighter budget, or users who simply don't need all the bells and whistles in the larger S500 TG.
The Antec DF600 Flux clocks in at just $70, but comes with all the bells and whistles we are used to at the $100 price point. Five fans, a clean window, Velcro strips, plenty of space for cooling and storage, RGB controller, and fan hub—the DF600 Flux looks to be breaking new ground in terms of value for your money.
Sharkoon aims to eliminate plastic altogether with the Sharkoon Pure Steel chassis, a solid enclosure with a unique layout at a price that essentially makes it a no brainer in both its basic and ARGB variant.
The Sharkoon TG6 RGB costs less than many ATX cases with four LED fans. It leaves a good impression thanks to its solid material mix and sensible implementation. While the brown-tinted front glass panel may be a bold move, the uniquely designed LED elements of the fans really make it stand out nicely.
The Montech Air X comes with two 200 mm intake fans in the front, up from the three 120 mm units in the Air 900 model. With its cool looks and clean window coupled with the solid frame, the Air X is surprisingly affordable to boot.
The Phanteks Enthoo Pro II takes the frame of the Enthoo 719 but has a simpler shell for a much more affordable price point. However, the Pro II still has an ace up its sleeve even so: a fabric mesh at the front allows for high airflow, which could be quite enticing to the dual-system fans out there.
The MonsterLabo The First is a sleek, compact chassis that is designed for passive operation, while still letting you use decent hardware. With broad compatibility for motherboards and graphics cards, this may well be the first time you can utilize a high-end GPU for absolutely silent gaming.
The Lancool II was a huge success, but lacking for those who sought to really push thermal performance. To address this, Lian Li is now offering an ARGB and a Performance version. In our Lancool II Mesh Performance review we'll test the latter to see if we walk away just as impressed as with the original.
The Phanteks Eclipse P500A draws from the P600S and Evolv X, but offers high airflow and fits squarely into the P-Series. With three 140 mm fans in the front, pulling air through the ultra-fine metal mesh, it aims to keep all your components cool, especially if you pack two separate systems into it at the same time.
The Montech Fighter 600 is taking on the extremely contested $60 segment where you will find OEM cases as well as some brands trying to push the envelope of bang for your buck, and that is where the Fighter 600 feels right at home with its well-rounded features, surprisingly solid material mix, and fan configuration right out of the box.
The Thermaltake V250 TG ARGB chassis offers a clean and solid option for the mainstream gamer and enthusiast. It has plenty of pre-installed fans and support for both air and liquid cooling, as well as a little bit of bling with ARGB intake fans and the glass side panel.
The Cooler Master Masterbox TD500 Mesh checks off all the right boxes for an appealing mass-market choice. With its sub-$100 price tag, three fans, RGB, and clean looks, it goes down the path of "trusted and true", and it actually ends up being quite the confident stride for good reason.
The InWin C200 is aimed squarely at creators and professionals who require storage capabilities coupled with modern hardware support. Taking cues from times long past, InWin combines the layout of classic 5.25" equipped enclosures from back in the day with modern accents, like a bottom-mounted PSU bay and metal shroud.
From a design perspective, the Thermaltake AH T600 is a bold chassis. Thermaltake utilizes an almost insane material mix with heavy inspiration drawn from modern military helicopters to create a large full-tower chassis with all the capabilities one looks for in a liquid cooling case.
The Antec P82 Flow may be a compact chassis, but it packs quite the punch at an attractive price. With four 140 mm fans out of the box and a well-engineered exterior, it manages to turn heads, and ends up working well while looking clean despite its simple interior—all without breaking the bank.
The Fractal Design Define 7 Compact takes all the great things about the Define 7 and aims to shrink it down to align more with what a user would expect from a classic mid-tower enclosure in terms of size. By doing so the Define 7 Compact enters the mass-market segment, which is further underlined by its interesting price point.
The Cooler Master Masterbox MB311L ARGB is a compact mATX chassis for the enthusiast crowd that retains all the compatibility and material features required of modern enclosures. Priced at just $60, the MB311L ARGB jumps right into the fray, and offers good quality.
The Montech Fighter 400 pushes the envelope in price by being a glass-equipped ATX chassis for less than $50 retail. That in itself already sounds interesting if looking for a solid budget choice, but we take a closer look to see if the details of the chassis are up to the challenge as well.
The CUK Stratos Mini ITX ships with a 650W PSU and 240 mm AIO liquid cooling unit, alongside a whole bunch of extras, like an ARGB/fan controller, remote, and four ARGB fans. Where compact ITX cases usually demand a higher price, the Stratos Mini ITX is absolutely affordable, making it an excellent entry option into the SFF segment.
The NZXT H1 aims to offer excellent performance, ease of assembly, and great compatibility with a clean and compact look. Having been in the works for quite some time, take a look at what can be achieved if you are able to combine a case, PSU, and AIO into a single ITX platform.
The Streacom DA2 is a clean and understated ITX chassis featuring a level of flexibility usually reserved for larger cases. With its unique mounting bars, you can realize most scenarios, from a multi-terabyte storage solution to an air or liquid-cooled gaming rig.
The Pure Base 500DX takes all that has made the original Pure Base 500 so great and sets its sights at conquering the hearts of gamers and enthusiasts who want a bit more bling and cooling performance instead of understated looks and utter silence out of the box.
With the T-WINGS CMT710, FSP is throwing in their entry into the unique, rule-bending and irresponsibly responsible open-air case market. Underneath its wings, the T-WINGS CMT710 can hold two full systems as it is also one of the few dual-system enclosures out there.
The Thermaltake View 51 TG Snow ARGB is a good-looking, functional chassis that not only offers elaborate looks and uses plenty of glass, but also ships with a nice fan setup and the ability to hold massive amounts of liquid cooling.
The Silverstone SETA A1 features a clean, gentle, aluminum front with a functional design and some embedded RGBs. With its clear window and choice of three different colors, the SETA A1 focuses on providing a stylish chassis to house your modern PC hardware components.
The Aerocool Aero One Eclipse is a compact ATX chassis with a cool-looking front and solid build construction. On top of that, it offers four fans and a controller that allows for lighting expansion and motherboard control right out of the box.
The Fractal Era ITX is a refreshing new chassis from the brand that brought you years of plenty of Define case variants. With its cool looks and material mix of aluminum in combination with wood or glass, it will surely look pretty spiffy next to your monitor.
The XPG Battlecruiser is the larger of the two initial case offerings from ADATA XPG, with the smaller Invader making an excellent first impression. This means the Battlecruiser has some big shoes to fill, especially as the $150–$200 segment tends to attract a demanding crowd.
The Fractal Define 7 is the seventh generation of the Define R series of cases. It sports a new, clean branding, loads of new features and plenty of enhancements over the previous version without compromising on the core functionality and design that has defined the series this last decade.
The NightHawk Duo ARGB is the solid version of the AirHawk Duo ARGB utilizing an acrylic front instead of a metal mesh design.With essentially the same styling, it offers a quieter operation at the cost of thermal performance to cater to those who want as much visibility and cool RGB fans but prefer silence above all else.
iBUYPOWER is getting into the case market, and the Snowblind is in the middle of a trio of enclosures featuring a see-through LCD screen. You are free to display all kinds of nifty information or cool animations and have the benefit of building your own system instead of buying a full system straight from iBUYPOWER.
The Aerocool AirHawk Duo ARGB boasts two 200 mm ARGB fans in the front and a third, smaller unit in the rear. Aerocool even ensures you can control the lighting through the chassis and the motherboard of your choice. Add the cool metal mesh front and glass side panel and you have a classic chassis mainstream gamers could totally go for.
The Gamer Storm Macube 310P combines the passion Deepcool has for understated yet unique design elements with the drive to offer a price tag that makes it appealing to the masses. With its all-steel exterior and surprisingly functional features at US$80, the Macube 310P is in a great position to do so.
The Montech Air 900 ARGB is a good all-rounder for those looking for a chassis with a clean design but also some spiffy lighting elements, along with plenty of room for storage, as well as the ability to install the usual liquid cooling setups available these days.
The Montech Air 900 Mesh is a good all-rounder for those looking for a chassis with good airflow—thanks to its mesh front panel—and plenty of room for storage, as well as the ability to install the usual liquid cooling setups available these days.
The Antec P120 Crystal aims to be a viable option for those who want to show off their rig, pick their own cooling, and have plenty of room to build in - all in a beautifully wrapped, yet functional design. It is apparent where some of the inspiration comes from, but Antec managed to carve out its own approach, while keeping the value proposition.
XPG, an ADATA brand, is well known for its flashy performance SSDs and memory. Now, they are entering the highly contested case market with the XPG Invader. The Invader turns out to be an excellent and functional first entry that deserves to pop up on your radar if you are in the market for a new enclosure.
The Lian Li Lancool II is, as the name implies, the second case under the Lancool family. Although a bit on the noisy side, it is a completely different enclosure than the first model, and manages to impress with its intricate design elements while remaining affordably priced and beautifully functional.
The Thermaltake Level 20 HT is a massive chassis meant for those who want to install uncompromising custom liquid cooling that can be shown off from all major angles. At above 20 kg, when empty, Thermaltake certainly continues their extreme approach with this chassis.
The NZXT H710i chassis represents an incremental update to the original H700i with an improved Smart Device, different 2.5" HDD cages along with a few subtle internal modifications, and an updated I/O. Even though the frame may have been around for a few years now, it still looks as sleek as ever.
You may not have heard of Sharkhan before, but the brand is currently establishing itself in the US market, and we get to put the X500, their first case, through our review process to see how it holds up against the fairly crowded mainstream market.
When Thermaltake first launched their open-frame chassis, which was also VESA mountable, it was quite the bold move, but a few revisions later the P5 V2 TG has cemented itself as a pretty cool option if you want to show off all your hardware with the ability to do so in a really unique fashion.
Antec launches their new Dark Avenger line of cases with the DA601 clearly geared towards gamers and enthusiasts who like flashy designs with RGB elements built right into the body, all without breaking the bank.
The Montech Flyer mATX chassis clocks in at around an affordable $50, but offers two fans, RGB with built-in control, AIO liquid cooling capabilities, and a shiny and clean paint job. Could this be the perfect starter chassis or does the low price mean corners were cut?
The NZXT H510i may look like the H500i at first sight, but this is just the natural result of an extremely good, solid design mentality as the case still looks as great as ever. However, with the update, you will find various subtle but mostly justified changes that certainly warrant a new model number.
The InWin 309 clocks in at a hefty $250 dollars and does not really offer too much out of the ordinary when it comes to the internal feature set. However, the four InWin aRGB-equipped EGO fans are the main focus, and the impressive 144 LED 8x18 matrix front panel is not only cool to look at, but also well implemented and highly functional.
The Thermaltake A700 TG is an uncompromising full-tower chassis that offers extremes in many areas, from material mix to liquid-cooling capabilities or even just sheer size and weight. While that comes at a price, it is refreshing to see its over-the-top approach in-line with pricing - you definitely get what you pay for.
Silverstone's Lucid series has always focused on a unique material mix and elaborate design. The same holds true for the LD03, which aims to combine tinted tempered glass panels with support for large graphics cards and CPU coolers, in a compact ITX case.
NZXT managed to put itself on the map with the H-Series of enclosures and is now aiming to use that momentum by offering a refresh of its iconic cases. The H210i is the most compact member of the family intended for ITX motherboards.
The Thermaltake S500 TG aims to bring the essential feature-set and look and feel of the A500 to the masses at a fraction of the price. With its bold material mix of plenty of steel and a glass panel, the S500 TG is one of the heavier cases out there, but its mass market price tag makes it worth taking a detailed look.
The Cougar Panzer EVO RGB is an evolution of the original Panzer G, which was followed up by the Panzer EVO and now an RGB-equipped variant, the Panzer EVO RGB. It keeps the bulky, elaborate design, its signature handles and plenty of glass to boot.
Fractal Design is making several bold changes with the new Vector RS mid-tower case. Unlike previous products, Fractal is diverging from their symmetric, understated look by including RGB elements in the core design of the Vector RS.
The Corsair iCUE 465X RGB is a mid-tower enclosure that includes the Lightning Node smart device, thus giving users the ability to control the lighting elements in iCUE right out of the box. With its solid build quality, the 465X RGB should be an interesting choice for those wanting to dive right into the Corsair ecosystem.
The Pure Base family of be quiet! products offers German quality and engineering for the masses at attractive price points. The company focuses on functionality instead of frills, and the be quiet! Pure Base 500 is their take on what a mass-market enclosure should provide.
The Phanteks Eclipse P360X is an updated variant of the P300 with a cool new front and more RGB elements, which can be controlled directly through the built-in controller. On top of that, the frame of the P360X comes with numerous improvements as well.
The Xigmatek Zest is one hefty chassis that throws RGBs at us in every possible way: by embedding them into two 200 mm fans, the company logo, and a third fan in the rear, just for good measure. It looks like a sleek and large case that promises to handle any hardware.
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL is the next chassis in collaboration with Der8auer and represents a larger variant of the original O11 Dynamic not only allowing for more storage and cooling but also the change to sprinkle in a slew of functional and cosmetic additions.
The be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2 represents an update and tweak to the already impressive original with its insane modularity and massive feature set. While it looks nearly identical on the outside, there are numerous changes and additions that make this a worthwhile update.
The Lian Li TU150 is a fresh take on the TU100 and TU200 portable cases. Gone is the flight-case inspired design and purely functional yet ugly handle up top. Instead, the TU150 offers a sleek outer shell, beautiful glass side panel and an extremely well-built, recessed handle.
The In Win A1 is a beautiful-looking, compact chassis, that is surprisingly easy to work with, offering an excellent balance when it comes to hardware compatibility while including some nice additional features for a potent, high-performance rig without the frustrations that usually come with an enclosure of this size.
The Metallic Gear Neo-G Mini is a fancy version of the Neo Mini with a glass front in addition to the glass side panel. From the minds behind Phanteks, the brand aims to offer their very own mainstream approach to enclosures, and the Neo-G Mini turns out to be quite the fun enclosure to work with, clearly and unapologetically showing off its roots.
The Cooler Master Mastercase H500 represents the base mass-market model at the center of the H-series. With a price tag of around $100 versus $200 or more for the fancier variants, the classic H500 comes with a well-rounded set of features and retains the main design elements of the series very well. As such, you would never have to feel bad for having gone for the less elaborate option.
The SilentiumPC Armis AR7 TG RGB is the souped-up version of the traditional AR7, with tempered glass, an RGB fan, and RGB LED strips built right into the chassis. With a jam-packed feature set and an interesting price tag, the chassis is an interesting foray into SilentiumPC's design choices.
The iCUE 220T RGB is Corsair's first product marketed as a smart case. It comes with three retail SP120 RGB PRO fans and a Lighting Node Core controller right out of the box, while sporting cool looks and giving the buyer the option to pick between an all-black or a white and gray color option.
The NZXT H700i is not just a bigger version of the H500i. NZXT has gone ahead and included plenty of additional features within this sleek metal chassis to justify the larger size on the insides as well.
The Aerocool Klaw offers both cool and menacing looks through an edgy design, which is geared perfectly at the budget minded gamer having a price tag of just around US$70. With its glass panels, you can easily show off all your hardware, while the nicely embedded, addressable RGBs are sure to make everything pop.
Cooler Master is taking the H-Series with its 200 mm front fan design and shrinks it down to the ITX form factor for the H100. On top of that, this small case includes a built-in carrying handle for easy transportation, all at an interesting price tag to boot.
The original Bitfenix Enso managed to impress with solid quality and cool looks. The Enso Mesh is built around the same base, but with much-improved airflow and accessibility to the front fans, which gives you more freedom to customize your cooling setup.
The Antec P101 Silent turns back the wheel of time a little bit by offering an old-school interior layout coupled with a modern feature set and compatibility. You will get loads of storage space, can install up to an E-ATX board with large GPUs, and liquid or air cooling, all while keeping things quiet overall because of the front door, sound dampening, and built-in fan controller.
The Aerocool Tor Pro is a larger, more advanced version of the Tor with the ability to hold more cooling components and a larger PSU. It has extra room for going all out in regards to functional components as well, all while featuring the same interesting material mix and unique square aRGB-framed fans.
The Silverstone Precision PS15 aims to offer a small form-factor option for those who want to build an mATX system with the potential for liquid cooling—all while keeping overall volume to an absolute minimum, which Silverstone is known for pushing.
The DIYPC Trio-GT-RGB comes equipped with four LED fans, of which three are in the front (thus the name). On top of that, with three glass panels and extensive I/O, it looks to be a really solid choice with everything you could hope for at such an interesting price point.
The Masterbox Q500L is a compact chassis that still allows for a full-size ATX board. However, that is not what makes it unique. That falls to how this case may be used as both a tower or desktop with the freedom to install fans or liquid cooling nearly anywhere and the ability to move the I/O panels around.
The Aerocool Tor aims to deliver a pretty cool feature set for the gaming enthusiast. With plenty of glass, as well as three RGB fans and a remote to control it all out of the box, we load the Tor up, turn it on, and light it up to figure out if it holds up or if Aerocool had to cut too many corners to offer it at such an attractive price.
The FSP CMT340 is not just a smaller version of the CMT510. While it offers the same essential configuration with four RGB fans, storage options, and build quality, the CMT340 scores with better liquid-cooling capabilities, slightly better cable routing, and excellent balance in regards to cooling, GPU, and power supply capabilities.
Fractal Design has finally joined the RGB craze with the Define S2 Vision. It sports as many tempered glass panels as possible, but still gives you the ability to walk the line between lighting accents and liquid-cooling possibilities. Naturally, all the fans within the case are RGB, and Fractal also includes a controller to adjust the color choices.
The Cooler Master Masterbox NR400 is the smaller of the two enclosures from the recently launched family. It aims to offer an efficient, cost-effective mass-market appeal while retaining a useful feature set at the same time.
The Cooler Master NR series aims to combine form and function in a streamlined look with a good material mix. It actually achieves this balance quite well considering its affordable price tag, sturdy build quality, and simple but useful feature set.
The Corsair Crystal 680X is the grown-up version of their 280X chassis. This bigger variant can not only hold a full-size system, but also offers better liquid-cooling support, comes with four fans, and plenty of additional storage. It looks like Corsair has taken their trusted and true approach and applied it to the Crystal series to give those who want a flashy cube chassis an extremely viable option.
The Corsair Carbide 678C is meant to refresh the silent line of cases of the brand with a new, modern take using updated internals. With plenty of liquid-cooling capabilities, a fan controller, and wide body, it checks off a lot of points for enthusiasts, which may end up taking away from its intended target audience: the silent type.
The Cougar Panzer G is an upgraded version of the original Panzer which combines the benefits of the Panzer-S having additional fans with even more glass panels all around. All that without a crazy big price difference make the Panzer G quite the intriguing choice for those who are fans of understated looks and maybe a more professional work environment.
The Fractal Design Meshify S2 may look like the original Meshify at first sight, but is essentially a Define S2 with a new, cooler front and mesh top cover, which is actually great as that case is an excellent, award-winning base to build the Meshify S2 on!
The Antec Torque is the company's take on open air cases. It doubles down on a compact but elaborate look with the usual material mix focusing on aluminium and tempered glass.
The Lian Li Lancool One Digital aims to revive the Lancool brand under a new vision from within Lian Li. Aimed at the gamer, but with clear design cues of the parent company and what they are known for, the Lancool One Digital fuses affordability with the design language while adding all the usual features one would look for in a gaming chassis.
The Lucid LD01 from Silverstone tries to ditch the plastic and move to a mix relying heavily on steel and tempered glass for an understated high quality look and feel. It clearly caters to those who'd like to transcend the classic use of steel and plastic panels and want simple but effective, functional designs and features.
The Cooler Master MasterCase SL600M is a sleek, quiet chassis with an interesting and unusual layout within. On top of trying to cover both the low-noise and great cooling corners of the rink, it aims to be easy on the eyes. Throw in some cool features, like lit up USB ports and plenty of storage space, and the SL600M may just be on to something.
The Antec Dark Fleet DF-500 revives the Dark Fleet family of cases, which saw its last chassis introduced around a decade ago. With a new, modern look, the DF-500 offers three fans, a tempered glass side and more to bring the Dark Fleet series into 2018.
The Silverstone Primera PM02 goes all out on Steel. There are no tangible plastic elements to be found on the frame of the case, which really pushes the build quality. While other all-steel cases tend to go for an understated look, the PM02 offers a bit more detail, and a few surprises.
Fractal Design continues its tradition of updating their case families by increasing a number in the name. The Define S2 builds on the success of the liquid-cooling-focused Define S, but adds a slew of new features and improvements to the mix.
The Cooler Master Cosmos C700M may look very similar to the C700P, but Cooler Master has used the time since the release of the P variant to refine various elements, and also expanded on the features of the case, including new ways to show off your hardware, as well as RGB lighting.
The Lian Li PC-O11 Air is a more affordable variant of the Dynamic, which has been co-developed between Lian Li and Der8auer. It swaps some of the more elaborate building materials, adds fans, and sports a lower price tag - all to appease to a broader, mainstream market.
The Corsair Crystal 280X RGB takes the idea behind the Air 240, and the classy looks and material mix of the Crystal family, and marries them in an even more compact, powerful, and beautiful enclosure that includes not only better liquid-cooling compatibility but also features Corsair's retail-grade LL120 RGB fans and the Lightning Pro Node.
The Redline RL07 is the most expensive chassis in the Redline line-up and offers an all-steel construction with a cool look in either black or white. It utilizes the same body as the PM02 or KL07, but has a much lower price tag.
The Azza Storm 6000 comes in two color choices and offers a whopping five fans (four of which are RGB), E-ATX support, the ability to install large radiators and potent hardware; all while keeping the price pretty low. Will the case hold out the storm or will its four Hurricane RGB fans rattle the cage?
The Fractal Design Focus G Mini is the smaller of two cases within the Focus family. They are both geared towards system integrators and DIY builders who want an affordable case with the quality and feature set that Fractal Design is known for.
The Corsair Carbide 275R is not meant to turn heads, that is the job of the Obsidian series. Instead, it offers an extremely solid, functional, and inclusive feature set to cater to a broad audience with the understated looks to match. Couple that with a fair price tag and you have yourself an easy choice when going for a solid, functional, and useful system.
The Deepcool Gamer Storm Quadstellar is one massive chassis, looking like alien tech that has crashed on earth, ready to take over the planet. But the interior is surprisingly versatile and functional as well, making this not just one of the sexiest cases out there, but also quite a useful one.
The FSP CMT520 should not be mistaken for an evolutionary step up from the CMT510. It does not only come with a completely different internal feel, but also a different external look. The changes result in great dual radiator support, better RGB fan compatibility with motherboards, and better storage capabilities.
The Cooler Master Mastercase H500M is not simply an updated version of the H500P with addressable RGB fans. Cooler Master has taken the opportunity to tweak the case in almost every area. While this makes it a bit more expensive, the result is like night and day.
The NZXT H500 and H500i present a smaller version of the H700 chassis, but employ the same steel construction. On top of that, the "i" variant features a built-in NZXT CAM module. With their retail-grade fans and well-executed features, the H500 cases are surprisingly affordable and have the potential to be favorites for both end users and system integrators.
The Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic is not simply an updated version of the existing PC-O11. It is a unique beast of its own that essentially only shares its timeless looks with the current variants. Thanks to the input of German pro-overclocker der8auer, the PC-O11 Dynamic aims to offer loads of radiator support while allowing for an uncompromising choice of high-end hardware.
The Fractal Design Focus G is the company's current entry-level ATX chassis. It comes in multiple colors and sports a sub-US$50 price tag, which makes it an extremely interesting choice for budget-minded first-time builders. With some of the DNA of the Core 2300, it will be interesting to see how things have evolved over time.
The Phanteks Enthoo Evolv mATX Tempered Glass takes the aging Enthoo Evolv as inspiration and gives it a fresh modern take. With its RGB elements, much better liquid-cooling support and a long list of refinements, you may not even recognize it anymore were it not for the same timeless design and excellent use of materials.
The BitFenix Enso is the classic wolf in sheep's clothing. It may look like an ordinary 70-80 USD chassis out there when turned off, but as soon as the addressable RGB lights turn on, it becomes apparent how much more the Enso offers while keeping the price enticingly low.
The Antec P110 Luce is a clean chassis that combines some nifty lighting elements with a unique cable-management system and plenty of storage. Add the use of high-quality materials to the mix and you have yourself an extremely interesting chassis.
The CORSAIR Obsidian 500D offers sleek looks with a thick slab of aluminum up top and heavy swing-open glass side panels. But it does not stop there. You will also get USB 3.1 Type-C connectivity, two retail-grade 120 mm fans, and a few little surprises inside the chassis to make your life a lot easier when assembling your dream system.
The FSP CMT510 utilizes nothing but steel and glass and comes jam-packed with four RGB fans - all at quite the intriguing price point. With its ability to switch up the color hue and a simple but functional interior with plenty of room, the CMT510 turns out to be quite a worthy chassis in the crowded mid-range market.
The GamerStorm Baronkase Liquid once again marries a Captain AIO liquid cooler with a chassis. What makes this case so interesting is the fact that it is geared towards the mainstream, utilizing a Captain 120EX coupled with a compact chassis design. With the all-metal and glass exterior, handle, and RGB elements, GamerStorm checks a lot of boxes, which makes the Baronkase Liquid an interesting contender for those who want to get into AIOs the easy way.
The Corsair Carbide SPEC-OMEGA takes the stylish "beginner friendly" ALPHA as an inspiration and is a larger variant of that modern and edgy case. It also comes with a higher quality material mix and bit more elaborate design. Available in three colors, it aims to cater to gamers who like the bolder look and more spacious interior.
Fractal Design is launching their updated flagship chassis, the Define R6, today. With the sixth generation of the case, things have changed considerably, and Fractal Design has once again managed to come up with some nice features to set itself apart from the competition with the R6.
The Antec P8 is a compact chassis at a decent price that comes equipped with three white LED fans, four individual SSD trays, and a 4-mm-thick glass side panel. With its nice and clean looks, the P8 could be a serious crowd pleaser, so join us as we take a closer look!
The Cougar Conquer is not your everyday chassis. It does not aim for a sensible high-end price tag due to unique features and functions. But delivers on looks first and foremost, with an excellent quality mix and a simple, yet well-rounded and functional feature set second.
The be quiet! Dark Base 700 is the brand's first RGB-equipped chassis. It keeps the design elements of the previous be quiet! cases and, as it is part of the Dark Base family, is intended for the high-end enthusiast who may love the larger Dark Base 900, but is looking for a more compact choice.
The Rosewill Cullinan MX represents the evolutionary next step in the series of the original Cullinan. With its RGB controls and an updated feature set, all while pushing the envelope in terms of compatibility and storage, it is one of the best cases we ever reviewed.
The Bitfenix Aurora packs dual 280 mm liquid-cooling support, a bracket for reservoirs, an Aura-compatible RGB controller, and glass side panels . We take it for a spin to make it glow in all its colors and take a closer look to see if it manages to shine even in deep space.
The Rosewill Meteor XR is a good-looking chassis with an HDMI port at the front, making it an interesting choice for those with a VR headset that has be plugged in easily. We take the case for a spin into orbit to see if it has any tangible impact beyond that.
The Cooler Master Mastercase H500P offers massive cooling elements right out of the box - reminiscent of the HAF series. It combines the signature dual 200 mm intake fans with RGB elements and an updated look with a glass side panel and all-new interior that offers one of the cleanest finished looks we have ever seen.
The Cooler Master COSMOS C700P is, as the name implies, the new vision for the Cosmos line. It is the first all-new high-end chassis from Cooler Master in quite a while and also represents a huge step towards bringing the features and engineering behind the MasterConcept to the consumer.
The Phanteks Eclipse P300 aims to push the envelope of what is entry level by providing a high-quality build with the looks and an interesting feature set for those on a budget. With its mix of materials and RGB elements, it seems to bring everything important to the table, but only a closer look will tell!
The Silverstone Kublai KL07 aims to excel at sound dampening while offering both the space and features sought after by professionals and enthusiasts alike. Utilizing signature features of the brand, including a positive air pressure interior, USB Type C port, and thick sound dampening materials, the KL07 achieves a great score in our review.
The Rosewill Orbit-Z1 is jam-packed with buzz words: RGB, LED fans, fan controller, LED strips, lighting modes, AIO support, etc. These are terms that you usually only see with more expensive offerings, but the Orbit-Z1 comes at a mere $65, yet offers complete functionality in a mid-tower case.
The Raijintek Thetis is a larger version of the Metis, allowing you to use a full-size ATX board, PSU, a fairly long GPU, and even a 240 mm radiator. While all that may not sound interesting on paper, considering the compact size of the Thetis, we are eager to take a look.
The Bitfenix Nova TG is aiming to be an interesting choice for the entry level. While the original Nova, launched nearly two years ago, managed to sport a US$30 price tag, this also meant sacrificing functionality and layout when it came to the interior. The Nova TG does not only come with a tempered glass side panel, but upgraded internals and a splash of color. Is it worth the higher price tag of US$50?
The Meshify C utilizes the same frame as the Define C, but targets a more gamer- and enthusiast-based crowd. It replaces understated looks with an edgy design and adds full glass panels - all while offering nearly the same feature set as its Define C counterpart.
The Phanteks Evolv Shift is one of the coolest cases we have seen so far this year. Offering a nice mix of materials, it allows you to build a potent liquid-cooled system while maintaining an extremely small footprint. GPUs of up to 350 mm in length are supported, too!
The Raijintek Paean is an open-air chassis that may also act as a bench table. It allows you to install not only a wide range of potent components, but also larger liquid-cooling radiators. With its interesting mix of materials consisting of a 4 mm thick midsection and glass side panels, the Paean will surely turn more than a few heads.
The be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 represents the company's largest and most advanced chassis. It aims to deliver utmost flexibility, space, and functionality without breaking the bank. This is a lofty goal set forth by many case manufacturers, so it will be interesting to see if the Dark Base Pro 900 manages to deliver.
With the Panzer chassis, Cougar takes the Panzer Max genes and packs them into a more compact enclosure. You will still find the intricate and well-designed exterior coupled with glass side panels and a solid construction - all with a smaller footprint and a sub-$100 price point.
The Cooler Master Cosmos II was launched in 2012 and became one of the brand's most recognizable enclosures. Now, half a decade later, Cooler Master presents the Cosmos II 25th Anniversary edition to celebrate a quarter century in business and to bring the iconic chassis back to a new generation of enthusiasts and gamers.
The Bitfenix Shogun may not look the part when it comes to its naming, but it does offer a nice and mostly functional feature set coupled with great overall build quality. It also sets itself apart by allowing the user to expand the motherboard tray for an E-ATX board.
Built with thick steel, solid aluminium, and glass, the Raijintek Asterion Classic manages to combine the trifecta of interesting materials, resulting in excellent build quality. On top of clean, understated and, yes, classic looks, it also manages to walk the line between offering a simple yet functional interior with excellent compatibility and easy assembly.
The be quiet! Pure Base 600 is aimed at the purists out there. There are no colored elements or a front door, just a clean and understated design. However, do not let that fool you as the chassis offers excellent liquid-cooling capability and a great amount of storage flexibility, all while being quiet, especially thanks to the built-in fan controller.
The X2 i5 is a compact chassis with a nice white paint job, while advertising liquid-cooling compatibility for up to 280 mm radiators alongside a metal shroud to hide your PSU. We will take a closer look to see how a case with such an affordable price point delivers on all these promises.
The Cougar Panzer Max is a full-tower representation of the Panzer chassis. It is larger, bulkier, has more space, and looks a lot more menacing to boot. It really does resemble a tank, which is what "Panzer'' means in German. So in this review, we take the Panzer Max for a joy ride, fill it with some ammunition, and see if it is a straight shooter.
The Bitfenix Portal is a refreshing, cool-looking case with that elusive mass-market appeal. It aims to marry design, quality, compatibility and ease of assembly into a compact chassis. With its round looks, use of aluminum pieces, near-immaculate engineering and a design that separates the shell from the case frame, Bitfenix manages to check all the boxes required for a great case.
The Aerocool Aero-1000 takes the same sturdy frame we have seen in the flashy and colorful DS 200, but wraps it in a clean and understated design with a solid use of materials as well as a set of good functional features. We take a closer look at the black variant to see if the clean-up makes sense.
The Aerocool "Project 7" P7-C1 offers a futuristic take on what a gaming professional should use as their chassis. It offers large, clean design elements, a long list of functionality, an interesting material mix, and RGB lighting.
Streacom is known for its high-quality enclosures that utilize the case exterior as big heat pipes to achieve a completely passive experience. The Streacom DB4 takes it to the next level with a unique, compact, yet functional and potent design, that supports up to seven HDDs and 20 cm long GPUs.
As a revised version of the UMX2, the UMX4 combines a steel chassis for maximum stability with an extravagant exterior designed in brushed aluminum. We take a closer look to see if the improvements are more than a simple number.
The Rosewill Himars is quite the unique beast. It tries to appeal to both the gamer and the professional user. It features support for thick radiators, a window, and a blue LED-equipped fan, The hot-swap bays in front may also make it interesting for the professional user.
The Raijintek Styx is a larger variant of the Metis. It offers the ability to hold an mATX board and comes with 240 mm radiator support. Thanks to the slightly larger size, you may also go for bigger components, like GPUs and air coolers, and up to five hard-drive bays and a slimline ODD bay. Just like the Metis, the Styx is available in a large number of colors - so take your pick!
The Silverstone Redline RL05 aims to offer a modern I/O and interior design at a budget price. With two 140 mm fans right out of the box, it'll be interesting to see whether it can hold its own when redlining in the crowded sub-70 dollar price segment.
The Rosewill Gram aims to be a well-rounded mid tower with the ability to take a 240 mm long radiator, 360 mm long graphics card, and five cooling fans. With strong competition in the segment, it will be interesting to see whether the Gram will be able to strike them down to be the victor in winning the buyer's heart.
After the huge success of their other cases, Corsair has now released the Crystal series concentrating on a clean, modern design while still being functional to both air- and liquid-cooling enthusiasts.The first of the Crystal Series is the 460X which comes with RGB fans and tempered glass.
The Fractal Design Define C is an optimized version of the open-air design we have seen in the Define S. Lacking the usual internal and external drive bays and with a more compact size and somewhat simplified but modernized interior, it will be interesting to see whether it can hold its own.
The Fractal Define Nano S takes the same engineering and quality standard we have become accustomed to from the larger Define enclosures, but shrinks things down to a small form factor chassis.With the ability to hold four drives, a long PSU and graphics card this case might be ideal to build a powerful SFF system.
The Raijintek Aeneas is an mATX chassis that allows for multi-GPU and liquid cooling within a compact frame. It also aims to provide a lot of extras at an attractive price point by including unique lighting elements and plenty of fans right out of the box.
The Rosewill Cullinan utilizes glass panels on three sides of the chassis. It looks sleek and clean and comes with four LED-equipped fans, but also offers a long set of functional and design-specific features. We light it up and take a closer look behind its tinted glass panels.
Silverstone has taken the RAVEN Z RVZ02 and toned it down a bit for the more traditional PC user. The result is a clean and slim chassis with mass-market appeal and that same great feature set gamers want. Add the handle and you are presented with the ability to build a compact, ultra portable, briefcase-like system that can deliver all the computing power - even for high-end scenarios.
The Deepcool Gamer Storm Genome is a gaming chassis with an embedded Captain 360 cooling solution and cool double-helix reservoir. Many have tried offering a case and liquid-cooling combo in the past, but this seems to be one of the first cases out there that does not only seem to look good but also ends up being functional - but only a closer examination of its genes will tell.
The Antec P380 is a full-tower chassis that aims to offer an understated and clean look by employing solid and thick aluminum panels and excellent steel construction. The no-frills interior goes for a useful feature set - all at a price that seems to make sense.
The Pandora ATX is, judging by its look, a larger version of the original Pandora, coming with an LCD screen just like the original while featuring different materials and much broader compatibility.
The Zalman Z9 NEO aims to offer a diverse and useful feature set and good looks and liquid-cooling compatibility, all at an affordable price. Add the fact that it comes equipped with a whooping 5 (!!) fans and it just got even more interesting, while the choice between a black or white version does not help curb the expectations we have diving into this review.
The be quiet! Silent Base 600 is the company's second chassis after the Silent Base 800 from 2014. With the more compact 600 series, be quiet! is aiming to offer the contested mid-tower market a choice of their own, while ensuring that the larger variant's overall look, feel, and engineering are still there.
The Corsair Carbide 400 series is a smaller version of the 600 series. On paper, the case still reads like quite the potent enclosure without any real drawbacks in comparison to the Carbide 600 series, which is already extremely promising as it costs a full 50 US dollars less.
The Corsair Carbide 600C comes with an inverted motherboard layout and aims to offer a perfect mix for those looking to take advantage of such an interior with a wide body, plenty of liquid-cooling compatibility, a 3-stage fan controller, and great cable management.
"No one ever said a gaming PC cannot be small and pretty." - big words from SilentiumPC when it comes to the tiny Gladius Q50 chassis. We take a really close look to see if it can deliver on this promise.
The anidees AI7 is exactly the same size as the AI7m, but allows for a full ATX board instead of maxing out at an mATX variant. This is achieved by offering a completely different interior layout. Let's see what this same-looking but different chassis has under the hood!
The Fractal Design Core 500 is the company's first mainstream SFF chassis. Clocking in at around 60 USD, it aims to offer the perfect balance between size, price, and quality. We take the unit for a spin to see whether it holds up in these areas.
The Cooltek Skall aims to deliver a long list of functional features at an affordable price while offering a clean and timeless design and potent liquid-cooling compatibility. Available with LED fans in three different colors, you will also have an element of choice.
We have the pleasure of reviewing the anidees AI4 today, which pretty much looks like a shrunken AI6 chassis. Unlike some other cases from the brand, the AI4 is only available in black, yet anidees has, on the other hand, done a great job in keeping the exterior look and feel while also making sure to include a good set of features.
The Nanoxia Deep Silence 1 Rev. B is a much-needed update of the popular original silent chassis, with a great price-to-performance ratio and excellent build quality. We take a close look at the updated version to see if its new features are actually worth the refresh.
In Win has been known to apply interesting materials to its high-end enclosures. The company was one of the first to utilize glass and has now brought the feature to the main stream with the 503. We received the black and red variant for review.
The anidees AI6v2 is not simply an update to the original as the name suggests. It is actually a more feature-packed variant, with its predecessor still available for purchase. We take a really close look to figure out whether the additions warrant the price premium.
Nanoxia's Deep Silence 5 is the second-biggest chassis in the "DS" line of enclosures. It comes with affordable pricing, a long list of functional features and has the ability to swallow a huge XL-ATX board as well.
The introduction of the F12C sees the advent of Streamcom's first full ATX enclosure. Besides the ability to hold a fully sized ATX motherboard, it also brings with it a unique mounting mechanism for hard drives and fans. Available in either black or silver, we got the silver variant of the Streacom F12C here for review.
The Cougar QBX costs a mere 50 euro, but offers everything you could be looking for in a compact Mini-ITX gaming rig. It sounds nearly unreal, but we take a closer look to see what you get for such little money and do not find the chassis lacking - on the contrary.
The Fractal Design NODE 202 can be purchased bare or with a 450W SFX PSU. Its aim is to deliver all the space you need for a compact but potent gaming rig, while also sporting the looks to go right next to your TV or even gaming console. We fill the chassis and fire it up to see if it can hold its ground in both usage scenarios.
Cooler Master spent considerable time and effort on presenting the Mastercase series to journalists and the media at Computex 2015. As the product is at the core of their brand refresh and new alignment, it aims to be the driving factor to regaining some lost ground in this competitive market by offering a fresh new approach to differentiate it from the competition.
The Jonsbo RM1 powered by Cooltek turns some serious heads by being extremely compact and lightweight, but with the ability to swallow a fully sized ATX board. On top of that, it comes with a 5.25" drive bay and small fan controller. All this while using an all-aluminum construction.
The anidees AI7m offers full mATX compatibility in a cube chassis, while retaining the ability to equip your system with a large CPU cooler. Having reviewed anidees cases in the past, it'll be interesting to see what the new line of enclosures brings to the table. Those interested in the AI7m can go for a solid or windowed version, and it comes in black or white.
Things may have been a bit quiet on the case front with Zalman, but they still offer a wide range of products, including the Z11 NEO, which surprises. The Z11 NEO looks bulky and comes with a great feature set on paper and a small price tag. Having reviewed Zalman cases quite some time ago, it is now time to figure out what the Z11 NEO brings to the table.
The NOX Xtreme Coolbay CX joins the fray of sub 70 euro mATX cube cases - a hard fought-over case segment. It aims to catch your eye with its ability to hold a 280 mm radiator and its built-in card reader. But will that be enough to take away from more specialized or more colorful mATX cases?
The In Win 707 is the In Win 703's bigger brother, offering the full-tower experience with the same clean and asymmetrical design, but the ability to install potent water cooling and a very modular HDD cage. While the chassis is of high quality and offers the look, we cannot shake the feeling of having seen this all before.
In 100 years, we will look back at our meager existence and when someone quietly asks the question, "How did Skynet get started?", the answer could very well be, "Once, there was this chassis, the Tristellar...". Deepcool created a crazy looking chassis that weighs more empty than most ITX systems do as a whole - all to be a simultaneous showcase of design and function.
The NCASE M1 is one of the best cases we ever reviewed. It aims to utilize every cubic inch of space within its belly, which makes it of extremely compact size. Able to swallow a 240 mm radiator and long GPU even so, the M1 is a near damn perfect implementation of a shoebox-sized gaming rig.
Extremely compact, able to use 240 mm radiators and a 5.25" drive at the same time, all while holding five hard drives, a mATX board, and that high-end GPU: does it sound too good to be true? Well, the Raidmax Hyperion offers all that and can be had in four different colors and at an attractive price to boot.
The Nox Xtreme lanbx aims to combine portability with the ability to pack potent hardware. The result is a small system you can easily take with you. The lanbx looks bulky and quite menacing, like those nuclear launch-suite cases in modern action movies, and we give it a go to see whether it is more than just a movie prop.
The Fractal Design Define S sports the same build quality and look as the Define family of enclosures, which we have come to love, but bears one very big difference: It is geared toward those building a custom liquid-cooling loop. With dedicated mounting possibilities for radiators, pump, and reservoir, the Define S shines where most other mid-tower cases fail by offering more than just a mounting possibility for pre-assembled liquid-cooling solutions.
While making a splash with unique enclosures such as the D-Frame, H-Frame or S-Frame, In Win hasn't contributed anything to the mainstream chassis market in a while. The 70X series is here to change all that, and the 703, a chassis for an affordable 70 US dollars, nails more than just looks - price and performance are spot on as well.
The prodigy M combines the mATX interior of the Phenom M with the portability of the original Prodigy. Doing so is no easy task as gamers would want to take advantage of all the interior features for multi-GPU setups, liquid cooling, or an external drive bay. We take a look at the green variant, but you may pick from among many different colors if this one is not to your liking.
The NZXT Source 340 aims to draw the masses away from picking elaborate-looking counterparts for 70 USD by showing them how sleek and beautiful a case can look without breaking the bank. Available in black or white, the Source 340 utilizes metal panels all around - a first for a case in this price bracket.
The Antec Nineteen Hundred takes the frame of the Eleven Hundred and pimps it with a bottom compartment, more I/O, extra fans, a splash of color, and an updated exterior. But is this hard-drive swallowing behemoth worth the extra cash you have to throw at it to call it your own?
The Fractal Design Core 2300 sits right in-between the Core 1300 and Core 3300 in the family of enclosures. It essentially offers the same layout and feature set as the Core 3300 for 10 Euro less. But will that result in a better price / performance ratio? We take a close look to find out.
Antec aimed to take the ISK 600 and enlarge it with the ISK 600M - for a mATX board, more hard drives, and better cooling, and it does so while re-defining some design elements in the front. Will this bigger version of the ISK 600 manage to leave a mark and is bigger better in this particular case?
The Lian Li DK-02X should not be considered a computer chassis. It should be considered a designer table with the ability to hold two full systems. But is the biggest of the DK line of desks still a functional piece of furniture, especially once its costs vs. design vs. functionality triangle has been considered?
ID-Cooling may be a new brand, but they made a splash with their introduction of the ultra-compact T60-SFX chassis. As one of the most compact Mini-ITX cases out there and consisting of nothing but aluminum while featuring a unique shape, we were eager to get our hands on it.
The In Win D-Frame Mini is a smaller, updated version of the original D-Frame. It actually improves on the compatibility, comes fully assembled, and looks sleeker than the original. Forget looking at the price - the D-Frame Mini is not a sensible buy. Look at it from a design perspective as that is where it really shines.
The SilverStone RV05 is the latest Raven mid-tower chassis with a 90°-turned internal layout. Sporting the same elaborate looks as all other cases in the family, it aims to please the mainstream with its compact size and interesting price tag. Will the RV05 capture our heart or instill fear?
The Phanteks Evolv aims to transform what a mATX chassis should be capable of. Catering to the liquid-cooling crowd without compromising on air-cooling capability, the Evolv comes with the great feature set we have come to expect from Phanteks - all while combining quality with an enticing price.
The Cooltek C3 aims to be an affordable, 100% aluminum chassis, attractive to both HTPC users and those looking for a compact chassis for fairly potent hardware. It also comes in two colors, and you can have your pick of a solid or windowed side panel.
The Fractal Design Define R5 is the fifth generation of this series, once again with updated features, looks, and functionality to meet the needs of those who want a quiet system and those looking to install a lot of liquid-cooling. It manages to impress in nearly every way with its unique and functional approach and great material mix.
The Lian Li PC-O5SX is for those who want to show off their hardware in an elegant way, while using their system for more than just media playback. With an intricate interior that can house powerful enthusiast-grade hardware, a great mixture of materials, and an industrial look, the PC-O5SX aims to combine the best of both worlds - design and function.
Silverstone aims to dominate the Steam-powered HTPC/Gaming arena with the Raven RVZ01 as it may hold a large GPU of up to 330 mm in size - all while aiming for the golden middle between performance, cooling, and expandability. With a sub-100 USD price tag, the chassis may just be what you need if you are out to build a cool-looking but small gaming power house.
The Aerocool DS 200 is the DS Cube's mid-tower counterpart. With a choice from among seven different colors and a ton of features, it should be an intriguing option for those looking to buy a jam-packed chassis for around 100 bucks. Yet such does beg the question of whether it manages to impress with the way in which its features are implemented.
The Fractal Design NODE 804 is aiming to be an uncompromising gaming system with the ability to hold up to twelve hard drives, while still offering plenty of water-cooling possibilities - all in a cube form factor.
The Cooltek W2 is a bigger version of the W1, able to hold an XL-ATX motherboard and fully sized components. It comes equipped with three 140 mm fans, the same high-quality aluminum shell, and an excellent mix of drive bays - including an external 5.25" drive in the rear. Clocking in at a good 20% less than the Carbide Air 540, the Cooltek W2 is an excellent alternative for those looking for a clean full-sized cube chassis.
We have reviewed most Obsidian cases in the past - with a few exceptions. One being the tiny but capable 250D, the smallest chassis in this family of enclosures. This review of the Corsair Obsidian 250D will show whether Corsair managed to shrink its size to the smallest possible denominator without compromising on any of the aspects that make Obsidian enclosures so very appealing.
The Silent Base 800 is be quiet!'s long awaited entry into the case market. Rumors were confirmed at Computex 2014 with the case making its first official appearance, and after more than 12 months in development, it is finally available. The resulting Silent Base 800 may just be the start of a great new product line by be quiet!.
The Antec P100 is the compact mid-tower version of the P280, following the same interpretation of a high quality enthusiast chassis. We take the chassis for a spin to see whether it revs up just as nicely as its big brother or ends up being short on horse power.
The Core X3 series, Fractal Design's entry level line of cases, now includes the Core 3300 looking to deliver what the enthusiast on a budget is gunning for. Throwing itself into the hardest-fought-over case segment, it'll be interesting to see whether it manages to deliver on the core elements it needs to capture the hearts of its buyers.
The Antec ISK 600 aims to deliver a well-rounded feature set in a compact mini-ITX chassis to those looking for an understated, but functional chassis. Clocking in at a price point where the usual competition is present, it will be interesting to see what arguments the ISK 600 makes for you to pick it over others.
The Cooltek UMX2 is a compact full ATX case with a designer body. Constructed of solid aluminum and utilizing an interesting approach to the interior layout, it does not only look good, but sounds intriguing as well. But is it all superficial beauty or does it also have what counts on the inside?
The NZXT Phantom 240 is the Phantom series' entry level gaming chassis. With the looks of the chassis mimicking that of its larger brothers, will this compact case be the menacing Phantom or just a little blimp on our radar?
The Xigmatek Aquila aims to become the compact cube chassis for a mATX board while delivering good quality and timeless looks. Will it manage to float the price / performance boat, or does it end up capsizing by leaning out to far into one direction?
BitFenix is looking to step things up in terms of the material mix with the Pandora. While plastic and steel have dominated their cases until now, the Pandora utilizes aluminium side panels and a bolder design. Will the Pandora bridge the gap between function and design or will it remain as elusive as a planet on which tall, blue creatures live?
A chassis with the ability to hold some serious liquid cooling within its belly, six USB ports, and with enough to still satisfy air cooling fans - at less than 100 USD? It seems as though such is possible with the Aquarius X90 Pure Black - but will this case be a beacon of light and hit its crowded market with guns blazing, or does it shoot with nothing but blanks?
The Nanoxia Deep Silence 3 is the company's third generation of low-noise cases. Available with an all-black or graphite-colored front, the chassis may not look very different on the outside, but it does offer some surprises within.
The Corsair Graphite 780T is the successor to the 760T, a chassis that has been on the market for quite some time. It features the same new bold design we have seen on the 380T, but allows you to install a fully sized ATX board and features a lot more expandability.
The DeepCool Steam Castle aims to take steampunk to the main stream. Available in four different colors with elaborate looks, will it manage to deliver hip looks right out of the box while remaining functional at a competitive price point, or is it a hip shell with a boring interior?
Aerocool's Dead Silence series of cases aims to be quiet, but flashy, thanks to its various bright color choices. With the DS Cube, the company is offering a compact mATX chassis having the ability to hold potent components, which allows you to build a hip gaming rig.
Corsair is aiming to take the Graphite series on the road with the Graphite 380T. A compact Mini-ITX chassis with a solid grip and sweet looks, it certainly has the specs to be an awesome LAN-gaming rig. But all this comes at a fairly high price - will the Graphite 380T manage to make each cent count?
The In Win 901 is a smaller version of the 904, intended for use with a Mini-ITX board instead. Even so, it still offers enough space for an optical drive and a long GPU. Will the smaller brother impress us as much as the 904?
Corsair has steered clear of the tiny cube chassis, while other companies like BitFenix, Xigmatek, or Aerocool have been duking it out, trying to get the attention of gamers who want a compact chassis with the ability to hold potent hardware. Well, the Carbide Air 240 is about to step into the ring and manages to impress.
The Enthoo Pro is the most affordable chassis of the Enthoo family by Phanteks. Featuring the same frame as the Luxe, but a slightly simpler approach, we will dive in deep to see if the chassis, while not as luxurious, is still professional enough.
There are plenty of cube cases out there, but many lack real innovation. Cooltek aims to take cube gaming enclosures to the next level with the W1. Featuring a smart combination of aluminum and steel and a choice between a windowed or solid side panel.
The Streacom NC1 is one of the more intricate NUC enclosures available since it offers a modular approach, allowing for easy installation and upgradability. The NC1 is also an excellent compact alternative to Intel's retail NUC chassis.
The Enthoo Primo was Phantek's first entry into the case market, and the company is now throwing the line's smaller brother into the frey: the Luxe. It features the same look, an interesting feature set, and comes in either black or white, along with some nifty lighting element.
The In Win S-Frame is what you get when a case designer has fun and faces nearly no limitations. Constructed of a single 4 mm thick aluminum sheet that was hand-folded 15 times, the chassis weighs in at nearly 18 kg and 800 US dollars. With all these attributes, the question of whether the S-Frame can pull off looking like a star when equipped with hardware has to be put to the test.
The Antec GX500 aims to mix things up in the entry level market, offering three fans and fan controllers right out of the box, it jumps into the fight with its fists flying. Do those inclusions come at a sacrifice in quality, or will the GX500 be able to come out on top as the featherweight champion?
The Cougar MX500 is a mainstream chassis for mainstream gamers. Without any crazy bells and whistles, it offers everything you need for a clean, functional system. We dig right in to figure out whether it also has everything we would expect a chassis of its price-point to feature.
Xigmatek's Nebula is a compact Mini-ITX chassis that utilizes an interesting mixture of materials and comes with the ability to hold a fully sized ATX PSU and dual-slot graphics card. But will it look as elaborate on the inside as it does on the outside, or is this Nebula not hiding any secrets of the universe?
The NZXT H440 aims to make the new and revamped H series part of the mid-tower market. Offering no external drive bay is either gutsy or naïve, but let us take a closer look to figure out whether NZXT managed to gun for the glory among silent mid-tower cases this time around.
Cooler Master is joining the fray of extra large cases, but is making things modular in the process. With that in mind, the HAF Stacker was born. Will it show others how it is done, although late to the game? We take the HAF Stacker and shuffle its parts around a few times to see what it has to offer over offerings by other brands.
The Obsidian 760T is essentially a 750D with a lot more "oh" and "ah". Flashier on the outside, it sports a more elaborate look, a choice of two colors, a huge window, and a bit more lighting. It even comes with a fan controller right out of the box.
The Corsair 450D is the smallest of the Obsidian family, but it offers the same cool and clean look and a potent feature set at a price tag of 120 USD - which is 20 dollars less than the 550D, but 20 dollars more than the 350D. Is there enough room for the 450D to fill such a gap?
NZXT has taken the body of the Phantom 530 and fused it with the more affordable Source line. With the same model number, the Source 530 aims to give the user all the functionality of the Phantom at a cheaper price point.
The In Win 904 is aiming to accomplish one thing: to make computers beautiful. And it does, strutting its mixture of thick aluminium and tempered glass around perfectly. Consider it the McLaren of cases: too tight for that family of four, senselessly expensive to most, but put it into a row with all the cases out there and people will look at it in awe.
Take the Prodigy and the original Colossus chassis by BitFenix, combine them, and out comes the Colossus Mini-ITX chassis. The love child of these two product lines sports the compatibility of the highly successful Prodigy and the coolness of the very first BitFenix chassis, the Colossus.
BitFenix has taken the original genes of the Prodigy and fused them with the exterior of the newer Phenom line. The outcome is a small and compact chassis with all the major functional benefits of the highly successful Prodigy in a cleaner, sleeker package - perfect for that HTPC or Steam Box.
Fractal Design's latest mATX chassis brings the Arc Mini series up to par with the Midi line by offering an R2 variant. It includes a few nice updates, but does come with a price tag to match. Is the Arc Mini R2 fly enough to get away with it?
Intel managed to turn some heads with the NUC, but with its active cooling solution, it leaves things to be desired in terms of noise. A few manufacturers have stepped up to offer passive cooling platforms, one of which is the Akasa Newton. Competitively priced and with a good feature set, it has all the right ingredients to make for an excellent silent solution.
BitFenix has taken the frame of the Prodigy M and now offers its genes in the Phenom Micro-ATX chassis aiming to offer a clean, understated, but compact option to those who need storage drives and the ability to include potent hardware.
The Deep Silence 4 is Nanoxia's mATX offering for silent fans out there. Offering the ability to control up to six fans within the chassis while encapsulating the sound from within, this should be an interesting option for those wanting a compact system with as little noise as possible.
The EVGA Hadron Air comes with a high quality 80Plus Gold 500W PSU and provides enough room for a potent graphics card. This compact case offers everything you need to build a tiny, powerful gaming system. But did EVGA achieve what others are only dreaming of, without sacrificing anything?
The Obsidian 750D aims to fill the compact full-tower chassis spot in the updated Obsidian family. With the 900D taking the top and the 350D firmly situated in the mid-tower segment, the 750D has a price tag to match its size, but will it be able to deliver everything to warrant the Obsidian name?
The BitFenix Shadow looks pretty sweet with its dual LED lighting element in the front, which can be toggled off, red, or blue. Is the chassis able to shine or will it have to stay in the shadows due to shortcomings?
The Silverstone Fortress FT04 continues to push the boundaries when it comes to unique interior layouts and excellent cooling attributes. Silverstone even added a side of thick aluminum panels for good measure. But how does all of this come together as a package?
Aerocool's new XL-ATX capable case is simply called GT-S, and it is available in two color choices: The "Black Edition" with red highlights and the "White Edition" with blue ones. We take the dark one for a spin around our test track to see whether it can keep up.
Though Intel sells their NUC motherboards separately, few manufacturers offer passive NUC cases. One of the first was Tranquil PC. We take a look at their compact, passive chassis for the Gigabit i3-based NUC board to see if it manages to offer better thermal performance without a fan.
Cooler Master Cosmos cases: Large and capable, these come with a hefty price tag to match. The Cosmos SE looks like a smaller version of its bigger brother, but has Cooler Master sacrificed cool features, or has the company created a new universe in the sky?
The NZXT H230 is going head on with other players in the sought-after 70 US dollar market. The slogan "All you love about the H" makes us eager enough to figure out if it holds true. But can the NZXT H230 also take on the competition at this price point?
The BitFenix Ronin is the company's new mainstream chassis, offering a solid build quality with good looks and a few interesting features. We gear this warrior up with our weapons of choice to see if it can fight off the competition.
The In Win GRone is a menacing-looking chassis at a disarming price, filled to the rim with features. Available in two cool color choices, the stylish chassis leaves little to be desired.
The Aerocool Mechatron chassis clearly puts all its chips into the design, offering an intricate look while giving the user all the necessities within. But will this approach be enough to make the target audience buy Aerocool's Mechatron?
Zalman may have lost some steam in recent times, but the MS800 Plus ends up being one of the best insider tips for a well-equipped chassis at a great price point. We took the MS800 Plus for a spin and found the chassis to include a lot of useful extras without being difficult on our wallet.
The Corsair Graphite 230T aims to be a cool-looking chassis with functional features--all at a price segement that is simply the most sought after. Clocking in at 70 euros, has Corsair managed to deliver more than just cool looks in three different colors or is the Graphite 230T nothing but an empty shell?
The Cooltek brand of aluminum cases is produced by Jonsbo, which may not be known to most, but they showed off a full range of cases at Computex - most of them constructed of aluminum. We are taking a look at the Cooltek U3, which is an incredibly compact mATX chassis made purely of aluminum.
The newest addition to the Phantom Series is a mid-tower with updated looks and quite the number of features from its bigger brethren. Available in red, black, or white, we wonder how much better the new model will be when compared to the likes of the Phantom 410, which costs just as much.
The Lian Li PC-D8000 is easily the biggest Lian Li chassis we have ever had on our test bench. With the ability to swallow HPTX motherboards, up to twenty 3.5" hard drives and loads of cooling fans, along with the biggest components money can buy, we ask it to open its mouth wide and say "ahh".
Phanteks is entering the case market with the Enthoo Primo. The case, clearly aimed at high-end users with a fetish for liquid cooling, is not here to take prisoners. Instead, it aims to throw a grenade into the party to establish the Phanteks brand as a serious choice when it comes to cases.
NZXT is moving the H series to the next level with the H630, using high quality materials and a spacious interior. Will its radical new looks, compared to NZXT's previous silent cases, be able to convince users to jump on the silent bandwagon?
CaseLabs is known for their modular cases because they allow for the most intricate water-cooling setup without compromising on quality. While their cases have been quite large in the past, the Merlin series offers smaller, more traditionally sized enclosures. We take the SM8 for a spin to see how it fares.
X2 is the newly established brand from Spire, geared specifically at the gamer. One of the brand's first chassis, the 6019B, may not look like anything out of the ordinary at first, but it does bear a few very pleasant surprises, making it a really viable choice to the market's big players.
The CM Storm Scout 2 Advanced comes with no visible changes when compared to the basic variant, but has a total of three pre-installed fans instead of one. Will this be enough for the Advanced version to stand out?
The Antec GX700 is the first of the new series aiming to offer a stylish chassis with a few very cool visual- and functional details at an affordable price point. Clearly going for a military theme, we will see if this chassis can defend itself in the $50 case category or if it shoots nothing but blanks at the competition.
The Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 is the second generation of the water-cooling friendly Arc series, and it brings many more or less obvious improvements along for the ride. Will these be enough to make an even better impression than the original?
The Corsair Carbide Air 540 is the company's first cube chassis; it aims to offer the perfect base for a compact water-cooling system. Don't be fooled by the name as it can swallow up to two 280 mm radiators without issue. While everything looks great on paper, we check to see how it stacks up against the competition.
The Rosewill Line-M may not look like much, but it comes with a long list of features that make it not only interesting to office users but also budget-minded gamers. Will its inner values be enough to stand out from among the plethora of mATX chassis on the market? Only a closer look will tell!
The Nanoxia Deep Silence 2 is a simpler version of the Deep Silence 1, with a noticably lower price tag and the aim to offer the same core functionality. We take the heavy case for a spin to see what had to change for the case to be offered at a very interesting 30 Euros less than the number 1 of the DS series.
The combination of brand and name goes well with a compact gaming chassis. A fairly compact predator with the ability to strike at its opponents. Clocking in at a budget friendly $39.99, the Spike stands out in the crowd of other mATX cases.
Cooltek has expanded the Coolcube line with two new cases. On one hand, the ultra-compact Coolcube Mini and, on the other, the mATX Coolcube Maxi. We had the chance to look at the larger of the two, which cannot only hold a larger motherboard, but also more hard drives and bigger components.
Lian Li has taken a traditional mini-tower case and moved the PSU to the side of the chassis. The result is the PC-V650: a case that can still take full-sized components for a powerful rig. This unique capability, the four pre-installed fans, and a card reader, make it an interesting foundation for a functional high-end system.
After the Centurion 5 in 2004, Cooler Master is rebooting the Centurion series with the 6th edition of the chassis. The series has always been known for offering excellent quality and good features for a small price. Will the Centurion 6 make its predecessors proud, or will it just in cash on the name?
In Win once more aims to create a unique chassis with an even more extraordinary approach than the H-Frame, as the D-Frame uses welded aluminum pipes and a die-cast metal core for an unbelievably cool and unique chassis of which only 1000 will ever be sold.
The Cooltek is an extremely light, full aluminum Mini-ITX case. It features a simple but effective design, the ability to hold a full ATX power supply, and keeps overall dimensions as compact as possible.
The NOX Xtreme Coolbay VX Goblin Green Edition offers a whole lot of bang for your buck with a long list of features and some unique aspects for a surprisingly low price tag. Is it a goblin's magic trick, or is there some real substance behind this unbelievable mix of price and performance?
The Xigmatek Asgard Pro is one of the most affordable cases out of the company's current line-up, but it may fool some into believing it is more expensive through the way it looks and is constructed. We dig in to see if this brethren of the Asgard deserves the Pro naming or if it is nothing but a good-looking shell.
The Precision PS08 is the newest addition to the Precision family of cases from Silverstone. Its key selling point is the ability to hold large graphics cards within its compact and nearly weightless belly, but is it enough to sway people away from mid-tower cases for the same price?
The Xigmatek Asgard 381 is aimed at first-time DIY builders on a budget. It comes in three different colors with the basic feature set we have come to expect from modern enclosures. This includes USB 3.0 and plenty of space for large components - all at a low price tag of below 40 USD.
NZXT has taken the 820 and shrunk it, removing some non-vital features in the process: the case clocks in at 50 US Dollars less while still being quite massive, with the same futuristic look and extremely well-engineered interior. We take the 200 US Dollar case for a spin to see if we end up eyeing its bigger brother at all.
With the HAF XB, Cooler Master has taken a HAF case and some tech bench genes to create a unique chassis that turns out to be quite the useful enclosure - for both (LAN Party) Gamers and avid tinkerers.
The Node 605 may be considered the larger brother of the Node 304, but it is aimed at the HTPC user looking for an excellent case of similar dimensions for their home theater equipment - with the looks and the functionality of an HT system and a justifiable price tag to go with it.
Silverstone is taking it to the next level of compactness with the SG09. The case is tiny with just 23 litre volume, but can hold a mATX board, large CPU cooler, long GPUs, and potent PSU. We stuff the chassis full with such gear to see if it can hold it all in.
Antec has updated their ISK100 mini-PC to fit a modern mini-ITX board with desktop CPU and standard cooling. As the name implies, the new unit also offers the ability to be mounted on the back of a monitor VESA 100 mount with the included tray.
Corsair continues to move down the price range ladder to offer cases for every budget. The Carbide 200R is the most affordable case from Corsair yet, but still manages to impress with a simple but very effective feature set.
The Sugo SG08 is the flagship version of this type of chassis for ITX boards from Silverstone. With a thick aluminum front panel and solid 600W PSU, it demands quite the hefty price tag. We make the SUGO eat an ITX board and large graphics card to see if it can keep its figure or whether such a set-up would tear at its seams.
Fractal Design expands their line of cases with the NODE family aiming to provide unique enclosures to storage and HTPC enthusiasts. We take the little one - the NODE 304 - for a spin to see what scenario it is best suited for.
NZXT has evolved the Phantom into the next generation chassis. Bigger, more elaborate, plenty of new features and a higher price tag are some of what sets the Phantom 820 apart from its older brethren. Is this big case a true evolution into something great or a mere mutation with no place to be?
Nanoxia is known for its cooling products. Their first chassis takes aim at the established Fractal Design Define family and fires a few salvos in the direction of the R4. Does the Deep Silence 1 have what it takes to stand up to the established players? You will be just as suprised as we are.
Cooler Master is entering the fray of the Mini-ITX sector for those wanting to combine a small motherboard with desktop components. It comes with solid build quality and the ability to hold a large high-performance graphics card while keeping the price of the chassis refreshingly affordable.
The latest case from BitFenix aims to deliver a silent computing experience in combination with extensive cooling and a functional feature set. The unique paint job along with the sleek understated look do not give away much of what the chassis is capable of.
Cooler Master presents the new generation of the Scout line of CM Storm cases, simply called the Scout 2. It comes with a long list of new features and brand new looks. We cautiously scout ahead to see what hides behind the exterior.
In Win is known for their uniquely designed cases. The H-Frame takes this aspect to the next level, combining unrivaled looks with a high quality construction - all at a premium price. With the "out of this world" looks, we will see if the chassis manages to sway us or end up dropping to the surface like a meteor.
Fractal Design has once again refreshed the Define series, now called R4. It brings a few small changes to the table, further improving on the already excellent design.
Silverstone has taken the already compact FT03 and successfully shrunk it to fit a Mini-ITX board, while still allowing for long graphics cards to be used. Has Silverstone managed to find the perfect balance between compact dimensions and compatibility, or does the shrink go too far?
Cubitek has entered the market last year with their Tank series of cases, which were quite an affordable alternative to Lian Li cases. The latest unit from the Magic Cube family, simply called AIO or All In One, carries a similar price tag as Lian Li alternatives. Will an interesting interior layout and the fact that it is apparently the smallest EATX chassis out there be enough to sway users to the new player in the market?
Xilence has taken the Interceptor chassis and slapped another compartment on the already big HPTX case to add a separate ITX section. Called the Interceptor Pro, this gargantuan unit offers a surprising amount of functionality for a very good price.
The Aerocool Strike-X Advance chassis aims to offer cool looks, a spiffy red interior and elaborate design for everyone on a budget. Will the case manage to hold everything we throw at it, or crack under the pressure?
Corsair has successfully entered the gaming arena with their Vengeance brand, be it memory or gaming gear. Their first case offering geared towards this market goes by the name Vengeance C70 and is available in three colors right out of the gate: black, white or military green. Did Corsair manage to throw a grenade into the fray or will it turn out to be nothing but a dud?
BitFenix's latest case offering, by the name "Prodigy", has already turned many heads at Computex. It combines the best of many worlds, with its included handles, ability to hold full size components to be used on an ITX board and the choice between potent air or liquid cooling. Is it really the wonder child we have been waiting for, or just a cheap imposter?
Cooler Master has had quite the success with the CM Storm Trooper chassis. The new Stryker utilizes the same shape, design and chassis, but offers different side panels and that important white and black look.
Silverstone is known for pushing the envelope with unique internal layouts. The Kublai KL04 series does just that within the bounds of a mid-tower. We take a closer look at the case to see, if Silverstone has done it again, or if they have not managed to reinvent the wheel this time around.
Lian Li is well known for their Mini-ITX cases. Today we are looking at one of their high-end models, which looks much like a small suitcase, is more compact than the PC-Q08, but still offers nearly the same space within. We stuff the belly of the little PC-TU200 full of hardware and step back to see if it will burst or manage to swallow everything whole.
Cooler Master is breaking the 100 Euro barrier with their latest silent chassis. Going by the name Silencio 650, it aims to please the high-end gamer and quiet computing enthusiast. But is it worth the price premium over the 550D? Read on to find out!
