NVIDIA’s latest and greatest gaming graphics card is here, and with it comes the new king of 4K gaming for those with deep pockets and a desire for high frame rates. There is no disputing how powerful the RTX 5090 is, and I am sure that much like the previous 90-tier cards that came before it, the 5090 will be installed in plenty of builds in the coming months.
But that begs the question: What is the best CPU, case, or power supply to pair with the RTX 5090? We’ll answer this question in our series of RTX 5090 buyer’s guide articles, starting with this article covering PC cases. Over the last few years, we’ve tested and used hundreds of PC cases and reviewed many right here on the website, which you can read.
That makes us well-equipped to recommend some fantastic chassis for the RTX 5090. These options cover a broad range of use cases, aesthetic preferences, and compatibility, providing terrific options for your next build.
Our Top Pick: HAVN HS420 VGPU
The best PC case to buy for the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 is the HAVN HS420. The RTX 5090 is definitely a showpiece of a graphics card based on its robust performance in intense games, so it makes sense to pair it up with a showpiece case, which is why the HAVN HS420 stands out. This gorgeous chassis shows off the components inside in all their glory, has ample space for coolers and fans, it’s incredibly easy to build with, and its unique airflow design ensures excellent airflow and thermals.
The Best PC Cases for the RTX 5090
1. HAVN HS420 VGPU
A new brand in the PC landscape, HAVN launched their first PC case to high praise across the industry. The HS420 is a large mid-tower case with a unique curved tempered glass side and front panel, forming one impressive piece.
The HS420 is virtually unrivalled when showcasing your build in all its glory. It is compatible with 420mm radiators on the top and sides, as well as three 140mm fans at the bottom of the chassis. It moves the PSU to the rear chamber, providing ample space for cable management and plenty of cable routing channels. HAVN also offers its SimpliCable routing system, designed to streamline the cable management process, making it easier for novice builders.
| Key Specs | HAVN HS420 VGPU |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Mid-Tower |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX |
| Case Dimensions (L x W x H) | 541mm x 259mm x 547mm |
| Front IO | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A 1 x 3.5mm Combo Jack |
| PCI-E Slots | 4 (Vertical) |
| Max Clearance | 185mm Cooler Height 470mm GPU Length 220mm PSU Length |
| Drive Support | Up to 10 x 2.5 inch Up to 5 x 3.5 inch |
| Fan Support | Top: 3 x 140mm Side: 3 x 140mm Bottom: 3 x 140mm Rear: 2 x 140mm |
| Radiator Support | Top: Up to 420mm Side: Up to 420mm |
| Pre-installed Fans | 0 |
Despite the dual-chamber design, the chassis minimises width compared to competitor options, and adds height to create one of the tallest PC cases we’ve built with in some time. Despite its height, the HAVN HS420 doesn’t feel too empty at the bottom, balancing this with the vertical GPU mount and an angular fan mount for improved airflow. It generally does a good job of feeling balanced and proportional in many respects.
The more expensive VGPU variant of this case is the big winner in our books, providing not only a vertical GPU mount with PCI-E Generation 5 riser cable (you’ll need this for the RTX 5090!) but also fan mounting and a glass airflow shield in a bid to keep GPU temperatures low. All of this makes the HAVN HS420 VGPU a fantastic bet for those looking at a PC case for the RTX 5090.
Pros
- Gorgeous showpiece
- Unique airflow design
- Streamlined cable management
Cons
- Pricey
- Very heavy
2. Lian Li O11 Vision Compact
If the HAVN HS420 isn’t quite your thing, or its mammoth size is putting you off, consider Lian Li’s O11 Vision Compact, a new, better-optimised, and slightly smaller version of the hugely popular O11 Vision PC case.
It embraces the dual-chamber case form factor more traditionally and trades height for width as a boxy, short chassis. The rear chamber houses your PSU of choice, and there is plenty of room for cable management, RGB controllers, and storage drives. A small hinged door on the inside provides space for 2.5-inch SATA storage. Flipping this over reveals ample Velcro cable ties to ensure the wiring remains neat.
| Key Specs | Lian Li O11 Vision Compact |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Mid-Tower |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX |
| Case Dimensions (L x W x H) | 447mm x 287mm x 446mm |
| Front IO | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A 1 x 3.5mm Combo Jack |
| PCI-E Slots | 7 |
| Max Clearance | 164mm Cooler Height 408mm GPU Length 220mm PSU Length |
| Drive Support | Up to 4 x 2.5 inch Up to 2 x 3.5 inch |
| Fan Support | Top: 3 x 120mm Side: 3 x 120mm Bottom: 3 x 120mm Rear: 2 x 120mm |
| Radiator Support | Top: Up to 360mm Side: Up to 360mm Bottom: Up to 360mm |
| Pre-installed Fans | 0 |
The standout feature of the O11 Vision Compact is the three glass panels that adorn the top, front and side of the case for a truly panoramic look that joins with a clever mechanism at the top to keep the panels strong and aligned. This all-glass design compromises airflow and you won’t be surprised to hear that this case performs worse than the HAVN HS420 from an airflow and GPU temperature point of view. But if you’re willing to sacrifice temperatures to a degree, the O11 Vision Compact is a case we’d recommend for a smaller form factor statement piece.
Pros
- Compact form factor
- Large rear chamber
- Triple tempered glass panels
Cons
- Weak airflow
- Doesn't support E-ATX
3. Phanteks NV5 V2
If you want a more affordable midpoint between the HAVN HS420 VGPU and Lian Li O11 Vision Compact, why not consider Phanteks’ refreshed NV5 V2? This case is affordable, at around the $100 price point, and takes design cues from the fish tank style PC cases with glass up front and on the side. The case’s top panel is a more traditional mesh panel that allows for mounting fans and radiators, while you get both side and bottom intake for those looking to keep a lid on temperatures.
The NV5 is drastically smaller than the HS420, but despite its much more affordable price point, it still offers superb build quality and is easy to assemble a PC within. Furthermore, the spacious rear chamber of this case simplifies cable management, allowing you to clean up all of your wires without causing any cable bulges on the rear panel. James has built inside the Phanteks NV5 several times and is a big fan of the design compared to other options at the price point.
| Key Specs | Phanteks NV5 V2 |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Mid-Tower |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX |
| Case Dimensions (L x W x H) | 582mm x 239mm x 477mm |
| Front IO | 1 x USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A 1 x 3.5mm Combo Jack |
| PCI-E Slots | 7 |
| Max Clearance | 180mm Cooler Height 440mm GPU Length 230mm PSU Length |
| Drive Support | Up to 4 x 2.5 inch Up to 3 x 3.5 inch |
| Fan Support | Top: 3 x 120mm Side: 3 x 120mm Bottom: 1 x 120mm Rear: 1 x 120mm |
| Radiator Support | Top: Up to 360mm Side: Up to 360mm Rear: Up to 120mm |
| Pre-installed Fans | 0 |
If you’re looking to pick up an RTX 5090, or any large form factor, or a high-end GPU, for that fact, we hope this roundup has provided some ideas for cases you should consider for your next gaming PC build! You can find our full range of RTX 5090 PC builds here and our other RTX 5090 content on the website too.
Pros
- Solid efficiency
- Ample wattage for the 5090
- Low noise levels
Cons
- Pricier than alternatives
- Not easy to find
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the RTX 5090 Cause Clearance Issues?
The RTX 5090 has decreased in size compared to the previous generation. The FE model now uses two slots instead of three, which shouldn’t cause any clearance issues in modern cases.
Do I Need a Full Tower Case?
Most mid-tower cases are ample for enthusiasts. The HS420, for example, is a rather sizeable case that offers ample room for a massive range of components.
Should I Be Worried About Thermals?
All cases in this buyer’s guide have been thoroughly tested to ensure they will not cause thermal issues.
