We have selected mid-size cases that are in the price-quality category, current, at the time of spring 2016. (buildings are in a chaotic order in relation to price)
Corsair Obsidian 450D
American company Corsair has long been entrenched in the Russian market, the products of this brand are very popular. And for good reason. The manufacturer's assortment includes a whole range of high-quality cases for various needs, and what is equally important - almost all of them are well optimized for the use of liquid cooling systems.
The Corsair Obsidian 450D is the best choice for building an oversized mid-tower gaming PC. This case is not only endowed with a strict design and excellent functionality, but is also optimized for the use of LSS.
And even more - it supports E-ATX motherboards, which is useful when assembling a multi-graphics system.
Price:
9,000 - 10,000 rubles(as of January 2016).
Specifications Corsair Obsidian 450D:
Corsair Carbide SPEC-01 - SPEC-03
The Carbide SPEC case line belongs to the budget niche. Meanwhile, the quality of workmanship and thoughtfulness of these decisions does not fit in any way with their price, in a positive sense. And if you're looking for a low-cost system unit for building a gaming PC, the Carbide SPEC series is a great choice.
All three versions are very similar, only slightly differing in functionality: from the slightly stripped-down SPEC-01 to the more advanced SPEC-03. The SPEC-02 model is the golden mean that will suit most users.
Let's note one important advantage of the Carbide SPEC line: the front fan in the case is located at a considerable distance from the front panel, there are no nearby obstacles next to it. Because of this, its airflow is very good and the noise level is noticeably lower.
Price:
from 3 000 before 4 500 rubles depending on the model
Specifications Carbide SPEC-01 - SPEC-03.
AeroCool Strike-X Xtreme
This case is the most functional of the Strike-X series.
Like the rest of the reviewers, the AeroCool Strike-X Xtreme is designed for building a gaming computer. The case has a fairly strong perforation from the front panel, top and left side.
As a plus, we note the presence of a 180 mm fan on the front side, as well as the installation of drives not from the left side, as is usually the case, but from the right. The latter is a smart decision, because in this case, to remove the hard drive, it is enough to remove only one side panel, and not both. Overall, a good and not too expensive case for building a gaming PC.
Price:
Approximately 5 500 rubles
Specifications AeroCool Strike-X Xtreme.
AeroCool Xpredator X3
The second model AeroCool can be proudly called one of the best creations of this Taiwanese company. The fact is that the chassis of the product is of very high quality, in design it almost completely corresponds to the "middle towers" of Nanoxia Deep Silence or Fractal Design Define. And at first glance it is difficult to distinguish between them.
Please do not compare the Xpredator X3 with the Xpredator X1 version, as they have little in common, except for the "shell".
Thick steel, sled mounts, a 200mm fan in front, the ability to adjust the casing flaps on the top panel, and good CO expandability - all this makes the Xpredator X3 a good choice for building a gaming PC.
Price:
A little more 8 000 rubles.
Specifications AeroCool Xpredator X3.
Zalman Z11 Neo
The Zalman Z11 Neo variant is by far one of the newest hulls among the most rational proposals of this South Korean company. Compared to its predecessor Zalman Z11, which stood out too fanciful design, the novelty has acquired a stylish and more pleasing to the eye look.
Another improvement is the optimization of the case cooling system. As standard, the Zalman Z11 Neo is equipped with five fans: one each in the front, rear, top, and sides.
As a result, the housing has a very good cooling capacity; for example, the temperature of a video card in it is only a couple of degrees higher than on an open stand.
Price:
Approximately 5 000 rubles.
Specifications Zalman Z11 Neo.
Zalman Z9
The Zalman Z9 / Z9 Plus case is a veteran in the labor market. Despite its age, it is still very popular as an inexpensive and functional option.
The Zalman Z9 has everything you need to build a gaming PC: support for ATX motherboards, a sufficient number of external devices and drives (with anti-vibration decoupling), as well as the most common CPU coolers with a height of 160 mm.
However, keep in mind that the maximum supported graphics adapter length is 290mm. While this should be sufficient for most non-reference graphics cards, some long models may not fit. When choosing this case, this should be taken into account.
In addition, the Zalman Z9 / Z9 Plus boasts good cooling efficiency and the ability to significantly expand the CO case. And the Z9 Plus version is additionally equipped with a standard reobass for two fans and a built-in thermostat, and the temperature readings are displayed on the front panel on a digital indicator.
Price:
About 4 000 rubles, this is a model of the budget segment.
Specifications Zalman Z9.
GMC T360
Before us is a product of the Korean company GMC (not to be confused with General Motors). A profitable purchase for those who do not want to part with large sums of money when buying a case for a gaming PC.
Meanwhile, this case deserves respect, having familiarized yourself with its functionality and you would not think that it is so affordable. What are the five full 120 mm turntables, which the model is already equipped with at the factory? This is really a national product.
Overall, the case is good. It offers good features, mounting drives with anti-vibration decoupling, equipped with a very efficient CO, which maintains an acceptable temperature of productive components even at the lowest (and almost silent) fan speeds. It is one of the best price / performance options on the market.
Price:
About 4,000 rubles ($ 58)
Specifications GMC T360.
Hope your gaming PC case selection just got a little easier.
Wait for the continuation of the selection in a different price category.
Best Computer Case | Introduction
PC builders know that when choosing a computer case, you need to pay attention to more than just the appearance. For example, thin panels often rattle, while thicker panels are less conducive to heat dissipation, but reduce noise. Effective cooling requires good airflow, and acoustic performance is influenced by the number of fans and their shape. Over the years we have tested many cases and have compiled a list of the best models that have won our awards.
Best Computer Case | April 2019 updates
The middle class corpus is excluded from the tables Fractal Design Define R6 TG and added a high-end case Cooler Master Cosmos C700M.
Best Computer Case | Pivot table
| be quiet! Dark base 700 | Cougar Panzer EVO RGB | be quiet! Silent Base 601 | Cooler Master Cosmos C700M | |
| Category | XL / EATX | High-End ATX | Mid-range ATX | High-end |
| price, rub. | 12500 | 11800 | 10000 | 40000 |
| Type of shell | Mid tower | Full tower | Mid-tower | Full tower |
| Motherboard formats | E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX | ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX (E-ATX up to 30.5 x x 27.2 cm) | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX |
| Dimensions (HxWxL), mm | 519 x 241 x 544 | 612 x 266 x 556 | 532 x 240 x 514 | 651 x 306 x 650 |
| Space above the motherboard | 31.75mm (25mm above mount bay) | 40.5 mm | 39 mm | 78 mm |
| Max. card length ext. | 430 mm | 390 mm | 449 mm (without HDD cage) | 490 mm (without HDD cage) |
| BP format | PS / 2 up to 285 mm | Standard ATX PS / 2 | Standard ATX PS / 2 | Standard ATX PS / 2 |
| Weight, kg | 13,5 | 16,5 | 10,4 | 23,8 |
| External Access Bays | (0) 5,25" | (0) 5,25" | No | (1) 5,25" |
| Internal compartments | (0) 5,25", (7) 3,5, (9) 2,5" | (2) 3,5", (4) 2,5" | (3) 3,5", (6) 2,5" | (5) 3,5", (4) 2,5" |
| Expanded card slots | 7 + 2 | 8 | 7 + 2 vert. | 8 |
| Ports / connectors | USB 3.1 Type C, (2) USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio, fan speed, control. LED | (1) USB 3.0, (1) USB 2.0, (1) USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port, 3.5mm audio | (2) USB 3.0, 1x USB, 3.5mm audio, switchable speed vent. | (1) USB 3.1 Type-C, (4) USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio |
| Other | Switch. valve speed | Temper. glass on 4 sides, incl. valve speed, 4 valves RGB backlit | Fan controller | Control button ARGB, switch. valve speed |
| Vent. on the front | 1x 140 mm (2x 120/140 mm opt.) | 3x 120mm Vortex RGB LED | 1x 140 mm (up to 3x 120 mm or 2x 140 mm) | 3x 140 mm (up to 3x 120/140 mm) |
| Vent. on the back | 1x 140 mm | 1x 120mm Vortex RGB LED | 1x 140 mm (up to 1x 140 mm or 120 mm) | |
| Vent. on the top panel | (2x 120/140 mm opt.) | - | - (3 x 120 mm) | - (up to 3x 120/140 mm) |
| Vent. on the bottom panel | (1x 120/140 mm opt.) | - | - | - (up to 2x 120/140 mm) |
| Side vent. | - | - | - | |
| Soundproofing | - | - | 10 mm acoustics foam on 4 panels | - |
| Riotoro CR500 TG | NZXT H400i | NZXT H200i | Deepcool quadstellar | |
| Category | Budget ATX | MicroATX | Mini-ITX | Designer |
|
|
|||
| price, rub. | 5300 | 8500 | 8500 | 29000 |
| Type of shell | Mid tower | Mini tower | Mini tower | Full tower |
| Motherboard formats | ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX | Micro-ATX / Mini-ITX | Mini-ITX | Full tower |
| Dimensions (HxWxL), mm | 435 x 270 x 453 | 393 x 210 x 421 | 349 x 210 x 372 | 483 x 493 x 538 |
| Space above the motherboard | 39 mm | 38 mm | 25 mm | - |
| Max. card length ext. | 320 mm | 411 mm | 325 mm | 380 mm |
| BP format | PS / 2 up to 180 mm | PS / 2 | PS / 2 / SFX | Standard ATX PS / 2 up to 300mm |
| Weight, kg | 6,6 | 7,6 | 6 | 15.4 kg |
| External Access Bays | (0) 5,25" | (0) 5,25" | (0) 5,25" | (0) 5,25" |
| Internal compartments | (2) 3,5", (2) 2,5" | (1) 3,5", (4) 2,5" | (1) 3,5", (4) 2,5" | (8) 3.5 ", (2) 2.5" in storage module + (3) 2.5 "in chassis |
| Expanded card slots | 7 | 4 | 2 | 8 + 6 |
| Ports / connectors | (2) USB 2.0, (1) USB 3.0, (1) 3.5mm audio | (2) USB 3.0, (1) 3.5mm audio | (2) USB 3.0, (1) 3.5mm audio | |
| Other | Two LED 120mm vent. | - | - | LED backlight, control via software and controller. vent. |
| Vent. on the front | 3x 120 mm (2x 120 mm LED fan included) | 2x 120 mm (2x 140 mm) | (2x 120mm or 2x 140mm) | 6x 120 mm (4x 120 mm fan included) |
| Vent. on the back | 1x 120 mm (1x fan included) | 1x 120 mm | 1x 120 mm | 1x 120 mm (1x fan included), 2x 80 mm (opt.) |
| Vent. on the top panel | - | - (2x 120 mm or 2x 140 mm) | 1x 120 mm | - |
| Vent. on the bottom panel | - | - | - | - |
| Side vent. | - | - | - | 2x 120 mm |
| Soundproofing | - | - | - | - |
First of all, decide what exactly you need. Of course, appearance is very important, but before you pay attention to it, you need to decide on what kind of motherboard, video card and cooling system, as well as how many and what drives you will install in your new case. The dimensions and configuration of the models depend on this, among which you have to choose the right one.
Chances are you don't need a full-size tower. Systems with multiple graphics cards have lost their relevance, drives are becoming more capacious and miniature, especially in the case of M.2 SSDs, and cooling systems are even more efficient. Therefore, you no longer need to buy a huge full-size tower, unless you plan to cram it with components to the eyeballs and use it as a workstation, or you just like its appearance and wide upgrade possibilities.
Cooling is key, especially in compact enclosures or configurations with a large number of components. Airflow management of components is extremely important, especially if they are powerful and concentrated in a small space. Before buying, be sure to decide on a cooling system and remember that cases with front and top panels made of tempered glass often restrict air flow and you may need to install additional fans.
Assembling a system in a compact package is challenging. Especially if you have little experience - although professionals also have difficulty placing components in miniature Mini-ITX cases. Of course, such systems with powerful fillings look impressive and save space, but assembling them takes patience and time. Double check the dimensions of the components before purchasing a compact case.
Choose a case that looks good to you. There are people who simply do not care about the appearance of the system unit or who push it deep under the table, but in all other cases it will be constantly present in the peripheral vision. So buy a case you really like - whether it's a glass tower with lots of RGB lighting, or a simple black box with straight lines and lots of USB ports on the top panel. There really is a choice, and there are really many offers.
Best Computer Case | Best XL / EATX case - be quiet! Dark base 700
ADVANTAGES
- Good temperature conditions
- Great appearance
- Built-in backlight
- Tempered glass side panel
- Low noise level
- Excellent filter system
LIMITATIONS
- High price
- Only two 140mm fans (for the price you want three)
VERDICT
Be quiet! Case Dark Base 700 plays in a league of its own. At first glance, this is just another model with a glass side wall, but upon closer examination it becomes clear how much time and effort went into its construction. A more versatile and high-quality case is not easy to find.
- Alternative: Thermaltake View 71 TG
Best Computer Case | Best High-End ATX Case - Cougar Panzer EVO RGB
ADVANTAGES
- Excellent temperature conditions
- Four fans included
- Integrated fan controller
- Impeccably quiet
- Spectacular RGB lighting
- Four tempered glass panels
- USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C port
- Good build quality
- Robust design
LIMITATIONS
- High price
- Panels collect fingerprints
- Not a full-fledged E-ATX format
VERDICT
The Panzer EVO RGB is a fantastic model with enough tempered glass and RGB lighting to please the most hardcore gamer. Excellent temperature conditions plus a full set of premium features guarantee this case a success with overclocking enthusiasts.
- Alternative: NZXT H700i
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Good day, dear readers, visitors, passing personalities and other creatures of this multidimensional universe! :) Let's talk about how to choose a case.
Well, here we got to the next article, which, as it were, will summarize, or rather, will wrap and pack all those components that we learned to choose earlier, relying on articles from the already proven cycle labeled “selection criteria”, where the maximum detailed stories about how to choose one or another component of your computer or peripherals around it. As many remember, there were optional articles, and much more.
As you may have guessed from the title, today we will talk about choosing a case for a computer filling. We will find out what to look for when buying it, whether it is worth overpaying at all, and so on.
Actually, please take your seats in the auditorium, we are starting ..
What we pay for - optional introductory
When you buy any product, what do you pay attention to in the first place? That's right, first on the packaging, then on the content, and only then on the price. In the computer world, the opposite is true, and practically no attention is paid to the packaging of components (i.e. the case).
Usually, when a person wants to buy a computer, the case in the list of components is in the very last positions, except perhaps in front of the mouse and keyboard. Here the following logic is most often followed: “first - the most powerful vidyuhu, then at least 4 kernel, memory 6 GB, well, for the rest of some unpretentious case. " Those. usually normal people are willing to pay for the content, not the wrapper. Partly - this position is correct, but here the wrapper is not just a beautiful candy wrapper, the body is a guarantor of safety, stability and comfortable operation of all computer filling.
Banal life example
Recently I witnessed how my acquaintance saved on the "iron felix" - the case. He took a more expensive vidyuhu, a faster processor, a memory wagon and decided to pack it all into a cheap (noname) case. What do you think happened? That's right, the trouble came from under the table: incomprehensible smells of burning began to appear, the conductors melted, overheating Cpu and other "saved" bonuses.
Therefore, in order not to throw money down the drain, you need to correctly plan your computer budget and wisely approach the purchase of a "packing box" for your components - the case. We will just talk about the latter further.
How to choose a case and what to focus on
So, first of all, it should be said that there are no norms, canons and ideals in case building. And therefore, one should not "be led" on bright phrases - the best, ultramodern, etc., all this is heresy. If you disassemble the technical side, then you need to keep in mind (keep in mind when buying) that there are the following parameters:
- Case type (form factor, size);
- Material;
- Cooling system ();
- Structural elements, fastening;
- Appearance, design, gadgets.
Let's go through and analyze each parameter separately, but first we will determine live on the main structural compartments / departments of almost any case. Actually, after removing the cover of your system unit, you can find inside a lot of dust the following niches for installing computer elements (see image).
So, the standard is this:
- Place under ( 1 ). In modern models, it is often located at the bottom;
- Floppy drive bays ( 2 ). A rarity for many cases;
- The cavity for installing the motherboard ( 3 );
- Niche for a processor with a cooling system ( 4 );
- Connector for installing a video card ( 5 );
- Peripheral connectors (mouse, keyboard, sound, hubs, etc.).
Now let's go directly to the parameters.
Type of shell
The modern market for computer cases is represented by many models, but there are certain standards according to which they are produced. These standards are laid down in the so-called form factors that ultimately determine the size of the computer case.
The following frame size standards exist:
- Mini-ITX;
- Micro-ATX;
- ATX;
- EATX;
- XL-ATX;
You can also find such a classification of hulls (tower, as they are called):
- SFF(Small Form Factor) - micro;
- Mini tower- mini;
- Middle Tower- average;
- Big tower- big;
The difference between the standards of the enclosures lies in the different size range intended for this enclosure. To estimate the dimensions, it is convenient to use the table (see image).
The visual size range clearly demonstrates the following image.
I think there is no need to say that the main criterion for choosing a case type completely depends on the tasks that you set for your computer counterpart. Those. mini and micro ATX- these are ideal options for unassuming office users, for whom their iron friend should just fit well into the interior (not taking up much space), and, if possible, do “hard” work in the form of “open-close-save” a document and other office fun :).
What to start from
If your goal is a moderately solid and productive unit, then ATX that's what the doctor ordered. Well, the smartest option for more jovial fans is the standard case XL-ATX(he is Full tower). As I already said, the main criterion for choosing a particular type of case depends on the "metric" of the motherboard that you want to place there to perform the corresponding tasks. Also, the size of the case directly affects the quality of cooling inside, which means the life and performance of all components.
Note:
- Mini-ITX- the smallest, usually supplied with a built-in low-power PSU (up to 350 W) and are designed for "inch" board size.
- Micro-ATX Is a typical desktop solution for home users. Has already a slightly more intelligible dimensions and also often comes with a built-in power supply 400-500 Tue In general, it allows you to build on your site a completely satisfactory performance "average".
- ATX- often sold without a built-in PSU and gives the user complete freedom to expand.
- EATX and XL-ATX- an excellent, high-performance (including server and powerful gaming) solution for linking several graphics subsystems and computing cores.
Let's move on to the "material" component of the body.
Body material
It would seem, what's the difference from what the body is made, not paper, and okay. But no, the material is important, because it must provide not only high-quality cooling, but also a certain degree of protection against mechanical damage and vibration. Most often, the case material of premium models (with a price of 8 tr) is a metal such as aluminum.
It is he (not counting copper) that has a good ability to dissipate a large amount of heat. Do not think that if the material is not aluminum, then the case will not cope well with its tasks, by no means. Most models of the mid-price (mass consumer) segment are made of special steel SECC- steel coated with galvanic zinc solution.
An important point when buying will also be the build quality and the thickness of the walls of the case themselves. Regarding the first, it should be said that you should not buy (seeming to you at first glance) completely metal cheap Chinese cases. Most often the so-called noname models are made from low-grade stamping, and the build quality is poor, i.e. there are various backlashes, vibrations and crevices due to the fact that the housing components are not tightly fitted to each other.
Note:
It is not entirely correct to think that the entire body is solid metal; you can often find plastic elements in the design of various panels, clamps, fasteners - this is normal.
Wall thickness is also a significant parameter. If it is less 0,5 mm, then more often than not you should not pay attention to such a case, because at the slightest vibrations the rumble will be such that no ear plugs will help. Therefore, try to choose the thickness of the walls of the case from 0,5 before 1 mm.
Cooling system or "carlsons" in the case
Of course, the case is not only a protector against damage, but also a ventilation casing for all components of your PC, providing the necessary "coolness" to its hot elements. However, the rule "the more" wind turbines "in the case, the better" does not work here. It all depends on the competent organization of the ventilation process (air circulation) by installing coolers in the right seats.
In other words, 4-5 factory fans are far from always a guarantee of high-quality cooling of computer internals, because ventilation is created not by the number of "turntables", but by air flows. And if the latter intertwine, collide and interfere with each other, then there is no need to talk about any effective process for removing hot air.
The conventionally widespread ventilation scheme of housings is as follows (see image).
In this scheme, one or more large "unhurried" fans are installed at the inlet, drawing in fresh room air. At the outlet (rear wall of the case) there is a slightly smaller fan, but more "nimble", working for blowing out.
This design allows a decent thrust to be created in an enclosed space and the body starts to work like a large cooling turbine, i.e. cold air, stretching through all hot components, cools them and is thrown outside.
About twists separately and how to choose a body based on them
This standard design is often supplemented with "twists" at the top and side walls of the body, which also work for injection. In general, to create a high-quality cooling environment inside the case, it is necessary to follow these simple rules:
- More "twists" does not mean better;
- The air flow should be solid and unidirectional, without breaking it down by various additional flows;
- Hot air always goes up, and cold air goes down, so you shouldn't put the vertical block on its side;
- Cables that are loose in the housing can disrupt the movement of air masses;
- Large fan blades are better than small ones. create more air flow with less revolutions.
It is also worthwhile to separately pay attention to the fans themselves, or rather, to the volume of air that they can "pump" into the case per unit of time (minute). This technical parameter is called CFM(cubic feet per minute). The volume of circulating air inside the enclosure must be constantly renewed. And in order to calculate by the dimensions of the case what kind of fan he needs, you need to resort to simple math:
- Multiply the parameters (length, height, width) of the case in mm and find out its area;
- Define CFM fan.
Let's say for a case with dimensions 253x502x563 mm, the volume is 2,52 cub. feet. To refresh the air every two seconds, the fan must be set to 70 CFM... Very often inside the case you can find large air vents in the form of pipes on the side surface for cooling the processor (see image).
So, the benefits of them are rather doubtful, but they bring their "interference" into the harmony of the air flow, because they block the natural circulation of air, and in exactly the same way as the wires that are not tucked into the casing do. It is also worth mentioning about the not particularly necessary component of the ventilation system of the case - dust nets.
Their efficiency is extremely low, because literally through 2-3 months of active use of the computer, they are corny clogged with room dust, and this again interferes with normal air circulation and contributes to overheating of computer components. In general, these pipes are rarely really effective.
By the way, how to properly deal with dust inside the system unit, we talked about in our article titled, so read and do not get dusty :)
Fastening: tongue and screw. Ergonomics of the case
It would seem, what have the screws got to do with it, but this is what it has to do with it. Very often, in cheap cases, everything is fixed in the old fashioned way with the help of motley screws, the replacement of which turns into dancing with a tambourine. He unscrewed 5 pieces while screwing 3, the fourth rolled away, and one was completely lost in the dark bowels of the case, climbed to look for it (took a flashlight) and along the way scratched itself against the steel edges of the panels, how do you like this perspective?
Top-notch chassis manufacturers have long since solved these problems with a system of plastic rivets and mounts, as well as installing a hard drive sled that slides out on wheels. Everything is flexible, mobile and comfortable (see image).
Such things (plugs, additional fasteners, clamps, shelves) have a positive effect on the ergonomics of the case, or, in other words, on its functional "convenience" for the user. Those. ergonomics, if you like, is the extensibility of your case, its ability to easily transform during modernization, including changing your external and internal world appearance.
Cable routing inside the case is also an important ergonomic feature, as the cooling inside the case also depends on how easy they can be hidden. On the other hand, wires should always be within walking distance if a new drive or disc needs to be connected, and not cause a “tug of war” syndrome in the user. This is when the wire does not reach the socket of the device, but we still pull it there, because there are no more options.
Appearance, design and "navaroty"
What user doesn't like to show off their body? Yes, one that does not have this case :). We are all human and we all want to surprise someone with something. For some computer users, this "surprise" is the design of the case. Here's an example (see image).
It should be understood that design is a purely individual thing, many are ready to sacrifice functionality for the sake of various flashing lights, illuminators and nozzles, and this is everyone's personal business. However, do not forget that the case in strict colors with a minimum amount of backlights, sensors and other tinsel will always look stylish and elegant.
Of the necessary design and engineering gadgets, it should be noted that there are various types of connectors on the front (or top) panel of the case. By default, always displayed: headphones / microphone and USB... Whoever lacks such a "gentleman's set" can easily take a case with a "margin" where there is a port eSATA for connecting a portable hard drive, a cooler rotation speed controller and a couple of modern ultra-fast USB 3.0 ports (see image).
Uff-f, it seems that we have finished with the practical-theoretical part, now let's summarize in order to master all the above material as well as possible and learn how to choose the right PC case the first time.
Frequently asked questions and frequently answered by choice
So, remember the following tips, and such an event as buying the right case will become a habitual activity for you :).
- Decide on the tasks that your PC will solve (office, gaming, etc.);
- Based on the tasks, select the required dimensions of the motherboard and case for it;
- The material of the walls of the case must be from 0.5 before 1 mm;
- Do not buy noname models, take a closer look at the professionals in their field: Cooler Master, Zalman, Inwin;
- Cooling systems from 3-4 there are enough fans for efficient heat dissipation;
- Do not skimp on the block, it must have significant power, otherwise your filling will sooner or later be covered with a copper basin;
- The best location of the PSU in the case is at the bottom;
- Make sure that there are plastic elements for the installation of hard drives and drives;
- Try to buy a case free of various screws and tongues;
- Pay attention to the presence of additional connectors on the front panel of the case;
- Remember, a high-quality building starts its "pricing" from an amount of 6,000 rubles or more.
These tips will help you make the right choice!
In a nutshell, something like this.
really allows for 14 days to change the product without any questions, and in case of warranty problems, the store will take your side and help you solve any problems. The author of the site has been using it for years 10 minimum (since the days when they were part Ultra Electoronics), which advises you too;The choice is traditionally yours. Of course, everyone's out there Yandex Market"Nobody canceled, but from good stores I would recommend these very ones, and not some MVideo and other large chains (which are often not just expensive, but flawed in terms of quality of service, guarantee work, etc.).
Afterword
- The size of the case is large and allows you to install any board and other components without any problems and interference (video cards are extremely long, and the number of wires with a large number of components can be significant, which interferes with air circulation in a small case)
- Hard drives are placed in a separate unit and have their own mounts (slide without bolts for a screwdriver), as well as, more importantly, fans for a perpendicular and almost independent cooling system, which means sensible air circulation
- Almost everything is thought out in the body, from the number of additional bolts on the crossbeam to the possibility of installation inside corps UPS.
But - to each his own. This is so, as a personal opinion.
Well, our next iron article has come to an end, in which we have learned to choose the right case. Now the only thing left to do is to go to the store and, with a clear conscience, that you know everything, purchase the coveted piece of iron.
Happy purchases, ladies and gentlemen!
P.S. Thanks to team member 25 FRAME for the existence of this article
P.P.S. If you still have questions, misunderstandings and other miscellaneous, as well as additions, thanks, thoughts, etc., then leave them in the comments - we will be happy.
Over the years, PC designers, manufacturers and customizers looking to showcase their business work have opted for a side window PC case and suddenly turned the independent market into an even more prosperous one. At the moment, every major PC chassis manufacturer offers cases with a window on one side, with some models geared towards gamers and dressed in details like sci-fi curves and LED lighting, others with a more understated, classy look. We tried to collect best computer cases 2017.
We'll cover a large number of cases of great design style here, but it's impossible for any design to stay on top for everyone. Attend a trade show such as Computex Taipei and you will see hundreds and hundreds of new cases each year, assembled by dozens of manufacturers. A large tower-sized desktop PC may no longer be the center of the computing universe, but there is still a lot of demand among the DIY kit. Now we are going to talk about the best computer cases of 2017.
The best computer cases of 2017
Phenomena by cable. In a few cases, there are built-in cable ties or clips; Most commonly, you'll see cutouts in the motherboard's main tray, which is lined with rubber, allowing cables to be routed from the power supply, drives, or cases to the motherboard at strategic points without creating cable slots. When choosing a case, it is important that the model has dedicated compartments for components. This will help ensure that the structure is protected from overheating some of them, such as video cards.
If you are planning to start building your computer, finding the best PC case is probably the last thing you think about. But this is as important a detail as the others. Moreover, it is important for those who want the system to work quietly and quickly. Indeed, due to good ventilation, the components do not overheat and operate at maximum performance. Which is a huge plus. By the way, we have already talked about.
This is why, before you even start thinking about the best graphics card for your new setup, you should start with one of the best chassis for your new system, which we will now cover. And luckily, we're here to go ahead and find the very best PC cases for you. Whether you plan to use your new computer for games, do art, watch movies or just write your own version.
We know it just sounds too good to be true, but we've put together the most interesting options for everyone. In this top, we've rounded up 8 unique PC cases for you - each in separate categories, which have many reasons why they should have a place to house your favorite PC components. Better yet, these cases won't hurt your wallet as they pursue value as much as function. Well, let's talk about the best computer cases of 2017.
Cooler Master Cosmos II 25th Anniversary Edition
Peculiarities:
- Thirteen 3.5-inch hard drive bays
- Individually curved tempered glass side panels
- Very loud, even at the lowest fan settings.
Some of you may think that this list may already be out of date, by including this model, we do not accuse you of suspicion. Cooler Master Cosmos II 25th Anniversary Edition was designed to mimic the case of its 2012 thesis - of course - to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The 2017 edition optimizes hard drive settings with its X-Dock branding, and its tempered glass side panel looks beautiful, illuminated by blue LEDs.
Fractal Design Meshify-C
Best PC case with a center tower
Advantages:
- Fresh design in several variations.
- Reasonable price.
- The USB 3.0 cable is too short.
- The FrontPSU dust filter is difficult to remove.
There are very few PC cases that look like Fractal Design's Meshify-C. This is even a rare sight for a case in principle, which even vaguely resembles a component box. Considering that the entire front of the case is made of a mesh material, separated from many of the polygonal shapes, Meshify-C has a unique aesthetic, and it does so without sacrificing function. With dual fans pre-installed, internal cooling (sorry) is a breeze, even if Meshify-C is near a desk. Let's talk about the other best computer cases in 2017.
Nanoxia Deep Silence 4
Best Micro ATX PC Case
- Low noise
- two inch fan controller
- Few additional features
Nanoxia Deep Silence 4, as the name suggests, was created with the sole purpose of being as calm as a mouse. This case of silence is a well-balanced Micro ATX case, affordable and even housing some of the largest and most powerful graphics cards with a spacious interior. The fact that you rarely hear it goes above 30 decibels is just a huge advantage to pick.
NZXT Manta
Best Mini-ITX PC Case
Micro ATX may have been here longer, but Mini-ITX technology is getting to the point where it is finally competitive for PC users and gamers. However, the challenge that Mini ITX shells need to overcome is the limitations they inevitably place on cooling and power solutions. Luckily, the NZXT Manta was specially designed for your finest components as well as tiny motherboards. The near-full-size design may take some people off, but we find it is more than acceptable for this bubbly titanium for the occasion.
Phanteks Evolv Shift X
- Best home theater enclosure
- Plenty of room for large components
- Unique aesthetic mass for Mini-ITX
When you first look at it, Phanteks Evolv Shift X looks more like soundbar than a PC case, but it helps it disappear into any living room or studio. It's a flexible approach to making it look natural, positioned under the TV just as it would on a table, next to an equally high level monitor. It may only be compatible with Mini-ITX mobile devices, which seem crazy given its size, but the Phanteks Evolv Shift X offers tons of liquid-cooled component and cycle space. If this case is too big for your preference, there is an even more manageable and smaller Phanteks Evolv Shift.
Fractal Design Define R5
Best Quiet PC Case
Fractal Design scored the second entry on this list and they deserve it. The Define R5 is another mid-turret body that showcases beautiful styling. The metal and blue LED enclosure lid is simple yet elegant and is accompanied by noise-deadening materials throughout the interior. While ModuVent's removable panels and disc trays are not available without tools, the Fractal Design Define R5 is otherwise painless for assembling the computer inside. Not only that, but it's not nearly as expensive as you'd expect from a PC with such a pretentious name.
If we talk about the best computer cases of 2017, then this option is excellent.
Corsair Carbide Spec-04
Best Budget PC Case
- Excellent appearance
- Forced price.
- Only one USB 3.0 port.
- Right side entrances
Even if you're trying not to spend a fortune on your build, it's probably not a good idea not to settle for the cheapest computer case you can find. For the most part, cheap cases don't really include proper ventilation and airflow, let alone end up buying your own fans and cable management supplies. The Corsair Carbide Spec-04, on the other hand, features even some of the more expensive cases. It does so with rubberized feet, an included LED fan, and plenty of room for spare parts for additional fans and components.
Antec cube
Best PC case
Ample space for power and cooling. Built-in fan controller.
This case is for Razer fans. While the green snake company does not make its own PCs, it has partnered with several OEMs in the past to add its green infusion flashing light to multiple desktop PC cases. This includes the Antec Cube, a small form factor chassis that supports Mini-ITX motherboards and is in italic (but reversed) form. Complete with plenty of space, whether for initial build or future expansion, the Antec Cube is compact enough to travel around as well.
Also note the built-in power management functions.
Ready to see our top picks? We already talked about it in 2017.
conclusions
In fact, the list " The best computer cases of 2017»Can be stretched to thousands of models. But, we tried to tell as clearly as possible about the coolest options. And note their pluses.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
A high-quality computer case is a guarantee of stable operation of all PC components and their effective cooling. Practicality and aesthetic component are also important, when the box has a pleasant appearance and is functional for a convenient arrangement of components.
We have selected the most decent and high-quality models in our subjective opinion with everything necessary to create a productive computer.
Zalman z9 neo
Zalman company is considered one of the best manufacturers of various cooling systems for PCs, including cases. The Z9 NEO model belongs to the Mid-Tower and can accommodate the maximum topo-dimensions of motherboards and video cards. Airflows of 5 fans are optimized in such a way that they create effective cooling of the entire system, a separate cooler is in the compartment for the power supply.
The model has an inherent nice design entirely of quality metal with one transparent acrylic cover to see the beauty of the computer system. It will look very cool with backlighting.
A special soundproofing pad creates conditions for virtually silent operation. At the top of the case is a dual liquid heatsink for the CPU. There are four bays for HDD 3.5 and six bays for SSD 2.5, as well as two bays for 5.25 (DVD). It is especially convenient that you can install drives without additional tools, securing them with appropriate latches.
There is enough room even for high-performance video cards with a board size of 420 mm. There are Velcro and special membranes for tight wiring. In addition, the assembly includes a rich set of all kinds of screws, holders and fasteners. You can buy the Z9 NEO for an average of $ 70 ( 4000 RUB).
Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5T
Cooler Master is also a leader in a wide variety of cooling systems, cases and related accessories. This model interested us in the modular design of FreeForm, which allows very flexible layout of the internal space.
The size of the case allows you to install the largest form factor motherboard (E-ATX), video cards (240 mm). Very convenient in the lower part is a separate compartment for the power supply, where you can hook up an additional fan.
The cooling system itself can be customized according to your idea thanks to the modular layout. In this case, you can place up to two HDDs (3.5), four SSDs (2.5) and a pair of DVDs (5.25). The external front panel is equipped with four USB 3.0, 3.5 mm audio and microphone, as well as a fan rotation control and a backlight control.
The maximum depth of active or passive cooling for a processor is 190mm. One side is covered with fully transparent acrylic glass, which together with the illumination creates a beautiful illumination. As for the cost, the new product is available for $ 270 ( RUB 16,000).
Aerocool P7-C1 Pro
Another well-known manufacturer of cases and various cooling for computer components. This model is primarily interesting for the front illumination, which can change from 16 million color shades. There is a special controller for connecting to motherboards with similar backlights such as ASUS Aura or GIGABYTE RGB Fusion. The three front 120mm fans are also illuminated.
Otherwise, buying a P7-C1 Pro PC case would be a great option to create a powerful gaming system. The quality of all components is at a high level - metal construction with plastic elements. The maximum possible length of the video card, which will be here - 400 mm, processor cooling - 165 mm.
As for the space for the rest of the components, you can put up to three HDD 3.5 and four SSD 2.5. All components will be efficiently cooled by a powerful cooling system with low noise level. The computer box weighs 8.8 kg. To buy it you need to pay $ 100 ( RUB 6,000). Very inexpensive for a quality heavy case for your computer.
Thermaltake View 28 RGB
Among manufacturers and users of cooling peripherals and PC cases, Thermaltake is also highly respected for the high quality and knowledge of the subtle nuances that it successfully embodies in its products. The View 28 RGB model is interesting not only for its backlighting, effective cooling, but also for its transparent gullwing-shaped lid with a transparent surface on top. This allows you to see your exceptional build in full detail with all the backlighting.
The front panel has a funnel-type opening for warm air to escape. It is backlit with one of four colors (red, blue, white or green). The case illumination is synchronized with the fan illumination through the corresponding controller and is adjustable on the top of the case. There is also a power and reset button, as well as a pair of USB 3.0, one USB 2.0 and audio with 3.5 mm headphones.
The maximum size of a video card is 410 mm, cooling for a central processor is 155 mm. There are a pair of 3.5mm HDD bays and four 2.5mm SSD bays. The case can accommodate 360mm liquid cooling and create effective airflow from 120mm coolers.
As for the cost of the device, it averages $ 70 ( 4000 RUB). For your money, a very decent high quality computer case weighing 6.7 kg.
Be Quiet! SIilent Base 800
A relatively young and rather interesting manufacturer of cooling systems. If you decide to buy a PC case, then take a closer look at this model, made of metal and partially plastic. The company enjoys a reputation for being absolutely quiet and very technologically advanced and advanced cooling systems.
Specifically, this device implements the design of the side, bottom and top panels, which helps to stabilize the circulation of air flow, thereby creating more efficient cooling. This is helped by the quiet Pure Wings 2 fans (two 140mm in front and one 120mm in the back).
A special air intake allows cold air to freely penetrate inside, but at the same time does not release internal noise. All the features cannot be briefly listed, the case is definitely worthy of the title of one of the best.
As for the rest of the parameters, the large size of the video card here is 400 mm (without the HDD cage), and the cooling of the main processor is 170 mm. In fact, you can install up to seven HDD 3.5, as well as 4 SDD 2.5 and DVD 5.25.
A very worthy purchase for $ 170 ( RUB 10,000). Build quality and materials of the highest quality, weighs all 9.3 kg. Quite a massive and decent case for your gaming computer.
Chieftec GP-01B-OP
A very good company from Taiwan that has been producing quality cases and power supplies since 1990. The GP-01B-OP is positioned as a gaming PC case and is equipped accordingly. The chassis is made of 0.6mm steel and is designed to accommodate ATX motherboards.
Features include removable front and top panels, as well as a transparent acrylic side cover, emphasizing the elegance of the internal assembly. especially beautiful to look at. if you turn on the backlight. Two parallel LED strips at the top of the case emphasize the slimness of the case.
Otherwise, the case can accommodate video cards up to 430 mm in size, CPU cooling up to 170 mm, and also put four HDD 3.5 and a pair of SDD 2.5. The front panel has two USB 3.0, two USB 2.0 and 3.5mm audio jacks.
The layout allows you to place up to six 120 mm fans or by combining the use of an additional 180 mm, 240 mm and even 280 mm coolers. As for the price of the Chieftec GP-01B-OP, the case can be purchased within $ 100 ( RUB 6,000).
