PC tower cases hold the most important components for your computer, including the motherboard, processor (CPU), graphics card (GPU), storage drives and memory. You can transform your setup with the right PC tower design and dimensions.
Read on to learn what makes for a quality PC tower case and choose the right one for your computing needs. Thermaltake Core P8 Full-Tower Chassis Computer Case is a great choice for its ability to accept multiple types of ports and larger cooling fans.
What to know before you buy a PC tower case
Size
Computer components come in all shapes and sizes, meaning the PC tower case that holds them must be available in a variety of sizes. When choosing the size of your PC tower case, base the dimensions off of the motherboard. Some PC tower cases are designed specifically to house certain sizes of motherboard. The best method is to buy your PC parts before you start to shop for the case.
PC tower cases are available in four different sizes: Mini-ITX, Mini cases, Mid cases, and Full cases. Mini-ITX and Mini cases are the smallest size, with Full being the largest available.
Airflow and cooling fans
High-powered PCs can’t function without proper cooling and a healthy airflow. PC tower cases have fans to cycle cool air in and hot air out. It’s a good idea to look into cases with a minimum of two fans, but the more the merrier. Manufacturers may also include additional fan mounts so you can expand the unit’s cooling abilities.
Drive bays
Storage space is precious for all PCs, with many users relying on storage drives, solid state drives (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD) to expand their space. Drive bays provide a place to house all kinds of external storage drives, with some tower cases providing additional SSD mounting points at the back.
Front panel connectivity
A PC tower’s front panel is where a user plugs in USB devices, headphones, phone chargers and external monitors. For most, the more ports a front panel houses, the better. Most tower cases include a few ports, but you might want to shell out for a busier front panel. Besides the basics, some front panels have ports for HDMI, SD card readers and more.
Cable management
Connecting everything into your PC tower case can create a messy web of cables. Basic PC tower cases have simple holds in the motherboard tray to conceal cables. More expensive cases have more elaborate cable management, including rubber grommets, clips and dedicated cutouts to organize cables and keep them out of sight.
PC tower case features
RGB lighting
Nothing makes your setup pop like RGB lighting. RGB lighting can be customized to add some flair and personalization to your case. It can always be turned off if it isn’t appropriate for your workspace.
Water-cooling compatibility
Compared to air cooling, water cooling can be significantly more efficient at maintaining a chilled PC tower. Look out for PC tower cases with liquid-cooling radiator mounts. However, smaller cases like mini-ITX cases may not have room for water-cooling systems.
Toolless designs
Making adjustments to your PC tower case won’t require you to break out the tool kit. Many PC tower cases are designed to be taken apart quickly and painlessly without tools by using easy-to-remove thumbscrews.
PC tower case cost
While the parts a PC tower case holds can add up quickly, small entry-level PC towers can be found for under $50. If you’re looking for a PC tower case with all the bells and whistles, expect to spend $200 or more, with additional cost for any add-ons.
PC tower case FAQ
How do I know what size tower case I need?
A. The size of the motherboard is the single biggest factor in dictating the size of the PC tower needed. Motherboards are available in four different sizes (mini-ITX, micro-ATX, ATX and e-ATX) and the tower’s product description notes what size motherboard it can accommodate. With PC towers, it’s OK to size up and have extra room around your motherboard. However, you can’t do the opposite, otherwise the parts won’t fit.
How should I clean my tower case?
A. Because PC tower cases bring in so much air to keep the components cool, the fans can also bring in dust, which can build up over time and cause your machine to run slower. A PC tower can be cleaned in a few easy steps:
Turn off your computer entirely, including unplugging it.
Open the computer case carefully and keep any removed screws in a safe place.
Dust internal components such as the motherboard, CPU and RAM with short bursts of compressed air from a safe distance. You can also dust off the power supply, heat sink and ports as needed.
Clean the fans by holding onto one blade and using compressed air. You can also remove your fans and clean with a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
What is an expansion slot?
A. Expansion slots are additions to PC tower cases that can be used to house new hardware for the machine without taking anything out. The most common expansion slots are AGP, PCI and PCI Express slots, which can be used for video, network and sound cards.
Which PC tower should I get?
Best of the best PC tower
Thermaltake Core P8 Full-Tower Chassis Computer Case: available at Amazon
Our take: This PC tower has quite the eye-catching design, with liquid cooling and flexibility to use it opened or closed.
What we like: A large and high-quality case that can fit up to an E-ATX motherboard. Supports water cooling and radiators as big as 48 x 360 millimeters. Has several USB 3.0 ports, USB 2.0 ports and USB-C ports. HD audio port. Ability to use as an open frame chassis.
What we dislike: This case is quite big and pricey. Some users find assembly difficult, even with instructions.
Best bang for your buck PC tower
Rosewill Nautilus Mid Tower Case: available at Amazon
Our take: This mid-sized case is a great middle ground between features and price, but it lacks in cable management.
What we like: Case is equipped with three fans for improved airflow, two of which are decked out with blue LEDs for a cool futuristic look. Can be upgraded to fit seven PCI-E slots. Also includes enough space for a CPU cooler and graphics card.
What we dislike: Not enough room for cable management. Some users say the tower lacks durability.
Honorable mention PC tower
Phanteks Eclipse P400 Steel ATX Mid Tower Case: available at Amazon
Our take: A surprisingly impactful, feature-rich tower case for the size and price.
What we like: This PC tower case comes with design customizations to fit your setup. Several upgradable features including removable HDD cage, RGB light strips, two fans and space for mounted radiators. Great cable management. Decent price.
What we dislike: Some buyers report that this case can arrive worse for wear after shipping. Make sure to check all pieces are included upon arrival.
Daisy Kelly is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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