Introduction
The Nvidia RTX 4080 has arrived and is no small beast. Packed with power, this GPU is ideal for playing the latest titles at 4K, high settings. We’ve covered the exact performance of this card in great detail in a number of reviews on our website.
Performance isn’t the only chart this card tops, though. It also tops the chart for size, with even the smallest Founders Edition cards coming in at the same size as the RTX 4090 (a triple slot width and 304mm length). We’ve also looked at Gigabyte’s AORUS RTX 4080 design, a GPU which adds on another 20% in length, through Gigabyte impressive ‘Master’ cooler design.
These larger GPU designs lead to a few key questions for those looking to spec up a solid RTX 4080 gaming PC build, one being the size of the case you need to buy. To simplify the process somewhat we’ve rounded up the best cases to buy, covering the best chassis’ that can fit Nvidia’s latest RTX 4000 GPU, the GeForce RTX 4080.
Suggested Article: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Review – Founders Edition Benchmarks
Our Top Choices At A Glance
Keep reading for a more in-depth coverage of each graphics card in this roundup!
An awesome modular case with airflow in mind.
Thermaltake's excellent test-bench style case.
NZXT's top-end case with an awesome minimalist design.
Corsair's brilliant sophisticated chassis with plenty of RGB.
An absolute beast of a case from Cooler Master.
Corsair's gigantic case equipped with loads of RGB.
How Much Room Does the RTX 4080 Need?
One of the things that I find most confusing about picking up a case is the actual amount of space you need. While the chassis will state the figure surrounding the maximum length of supported GPUs, this often doesn’t account for radiator mounting support or airflow. Parts such as radiators, while necessary, can reduce clearance and vastly reduce the amount of space available for GPUs – something which is important to keep in mind.
The new RTX GPUs are also pretty power hungry, and as such output a fair bit of heat. While the next-gen GPU coolers do a solid job of combatting this, the dissipated heat has to go somewhere – and that’s where case airflow comes in. It is the job of your case to bring cool air into the chassis, and remove the hot air through vents typically located at the top of rear. This means you want to purchase a case with plenty of ventilation, fan mounting spots and preferably a high number of included fans.
Buying a case good in this regard doesn’t have to mean buying a huge tower, contrary to common belief. NZXT’s H7 is a prime example of a case that suffers when it comes to airflow due to the lack of intakes, and the sheer mass of solid panels. Preventing high temperatures coincides with picking a case that has good airflow, so it is always worth looking into what kind of airflow and thermals you should expect in your case. A summary point, don’t stuff components in too closely to the limits of the chassis, and ensure plenty of fans, and you’ll be totally fine from a cooling point of view.
How Big is the RTX 4080?
Funnily enough, the Founders Edition RTX 4080 is the exact same size as the RTX 4090 Founders Edition. Presumably because of this, most of the AIB designs will also be very similar in terms of their physical dimensions when compared to equivalent 4090 designs. To give an indication about the size differences we’ve created a table that covers the dimensions of different AIBs and the Founders Edition RTX 4080 cards.
| GPU | Dimensions |
| Nvidia RTX 4080 Founders Edition | Length: 304mm Width: 137mm |
| Gigabyte AORUS RTX 4080 Master | Length: 357mm Width: 163mm |
| Zotac RTX 4080 Trinity | Length: 356mm Width: 150mm |
| ASUS TUF RTX 4080 | Length: 348mm Width: 150mm |
| MSI RTX 4080 Gaming X Trio | Length: 337 Width: 140mm |
Why You Can Trust Us
The GeekaWhat editorial team is a group of hardware enthusiasts who are passionate when it comes to recommending the best options in the tech space. With plenty of components coming into our offices each month, the writing team tests all of them to determine which products our audiences should consider. They act independently of any brands or third parties, and will only ever recommend products they would personally buy.
How We Picked the Best Cases to Pair with an RTX 4080
Much like our RTX 4090 article, choosing cases to pair up with the 4080 was relatively simple. NVIDIA‘s new RTX 4000 range of GPUs are pretty gigantic, so finding cases that can fit this GPU is somewhat easy. Case options are limited to some degree, especially if you’re considering clearance, but there are many modern cases that can easily fit the RTX 4080 without any problems.
In order to find cases with plenty of clearance, we’ve ruled out any options that don’t offer at least 50mm of clearance. This ensures that consumers can build a PC with plenty of airflow, and room for other large components, such as radiators and fans. You can read full reviews of some of the cases that we’ve featured below in more depth.
| Brand | Review Article |
| Lian Li | Lian Li Lancool III Case Review – The Best Mesh PC Case |
| NZXT | NZXT H7 Elite Review – Features, Connectivity & Airflow |
The Best Cases for an RTX 4080 PC Build
Without any further delay, here are the best cases to pair with Nvidia’s latest GPU, the RTX 4080. We’ve covered a range of options from cheaper and modular designs up to expensive and full-tower chassis types. (Note: Cases have been arranged in price ascending order based on recorded costs at the time of writing).
1. Lian Li Lancool III
👑The best overall case.
Introduction
For our first case we’ve picked out Lian Li’s Lancool III. This case has two different models, one with RGB fans and one without, and both designs feature an incredibly versatile and modular chassis. Both of the tempered glass panels are hinged making it easier to get access to your parts. You can also disassemble a big portion of the case opening up room to get your hands in tight spaces.
The back panel features a number of cable hides to both aid in cable management and to hide any clutter while your case is on display. Despite being a mid-tower design, the Lancool III is crammed with features and has plenty of room to support the RTX 4080 out of the box!
Key Specs
| Spec | Lian Li O11D Mini |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Mid-Tower |
| Max GPU Length | 435mm |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (280mm) |
| CPU Cooler Height Clearance | 187mm |
| PSU Support | ATX |
Things We Like
Excellent airflow design: The Lancool III is designed with airflow in mind. The front mesh panel and radiator/fan configurations allows consumers to optimise thermals and airflow around the case.
Dual tempered glass side panels: This particular case offers two tempered glass side panels which provides a full view into your PC build. The back panel also has a variety of covers to help with cable management and organisation.
Custom cooling support: Much like other Lian Li products, the Lancool III supports custom solutions for cooling, allowing consumers to install pump/reservoir combos using the radiator bracket located at the top of the case.
Things We Don’t Like
Forces users to cable manage: One of the biggest downsides of the Lancool III is the fact that you’re forced to cable manage. If you’re not particularly keen, or you’re a first-time builder, this can especially be a hassle.
Quite expensive: Although the Lancool III is an excellent case, consumers will need to spend a little bit more for this case. This isn’t the most expensive option we’ve seen, but if you’re trying to be a bit more price conscious, this isn’t an ideal option.
Summary
Lian Li’s Lancool III is an excellent case this has to be said. It’s innovative design allows consumers to easily build an awesome looking PC. It is a little bit pricier than some other options, but the versatility options make it a worthwhile consideration for an RTX 4080 PC build.
Pros
- Dual tempered glass design.
- Plenty of versatile features.
- Support for custom loops.
Cons
- Forces users to cable manage.
- Quite expensive.
Where to Buy
Buy the Lian Li Lancool III on:
2. Thermaltake Core P3 TG Pro
👑The best modular case.
Introduction
Thermaltake‘s Core P3 TG Pro is one of my all time favourite case designs due to its modular nature, whilst also giving consumers the opportunity to build an alternative looking PC. This case is perfect to show off all of your components in all their glory whether underneath a desk, or mounted on a wall. The open-style design gives you plenty of room for a number of large components including a reservoir for a fully custom water cooling loop.
If custom cooling doesn’t take your fancy you can install a number of radiators or fans to keep your build nice and cool and add some flair to your system! Thermaltake’s Core P3 TG Pro is one of the more interesting cases we’ve had in the office, and definitely provides an interesting talking point with the unique open-style test bench aesthetic.
Key Specs
| Spec | Thermaltake Core P3 TG Pro |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Mid-Tower |
| Max GPU Length | 450mm |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX |
| CPU Cooler Height Clearance | 180mm |
| PSU Support | ATX |
Things We Like
Unique aesthetic: The Core P3 TG Pro offers a very unique design approach, with an open-style design. Consumers can use this PC as a normally tower, or orient the chassis in a number of ways dependent on your setup.
Dismantlable Modular Design: One of the major benefits of the Core P3 TG Pro is that the case is entirely dismantlable. This makes installing components extremely easy, as the case can be reassembled piece by piece when you need to.
Vast component support: Due to the size and open-style design, consumers can install a vast set of components up to 420mm radiators on the front, top, or right of the case. This case is ideal for those that plan on building a bigger PC.
Things We Don’t Like
Dust magnet: Although the open-style design provides a unique aesthetic, this case is a bit of a dust magnet due to there being effectively no side panels. Consumers may have to clean this case out a little bit more dependent on how many fans you’ve installed.
Rather expensive: The Core P3 TG Pro is definitely an awesome case, but consumers can expect to spend a fair amount to secure this unique chassis.
Summary
Thermaltake’s Core P3 TG Pro is one of the coolest cases we’ve had in the office, providing a very unique aesthetic to your build. It is one of the more pricy options that we’ve seen in recent times, but the refreshing design makes it a worthwhile purchase for those planning to build a particularly large system.
Pros
- Unique aesthetic.
- Perfect for large components.
- Versatile and easy to build in.
Cons
- Quite expensive.
- Open-style design will attract a lot of dust.
Where to Buy
Buy the Thermaltake Core P3 TG Pro on:
3. NZXT H7 Elite
👑The best aesthetic case.
Introduction
We’ve taken a look at NZXT’s H7 Elite before in a full review, and spoiler alert – this case is awesome. NZXT‘s H7 cases were a massive step in the right direction with the new designs opening up airflow but remaining sleek, minimalist and sophisticated like many of NZXT’s designs.
The H7 Elite sports tempered glass on the front and side allowing you to show off your build in all of its glory. This case is perfect for those that want a minimalist but clean looking build whilst giving you plenty of options for fans and radiators to keep your system cool.
Key Specs
| Spec | NZXT H7 Elite |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Mid-Tower |
| Max GPU Length | 400mm |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (272mm) |
| CPU Cooler Height Clearance | 185mm |
| PSU Support | ATX |
Things We Like
Sophisticated design: NZXT are well known for creating minimalist and sophisticated case designs, and the H7 Elite is no exception. This case has an awesome matte white (or black) chassis that blends in well with a variety of components.
Preinstalled fans: The H7 Elite comes with four preinstalled fans, with three RGB 140mm options located at the front, and a non-RGB 140mm fan installed at the rear. This saves consumers some money in the long run, as four fans should be more than enough for the majority of users.
Modern front IO: NZXT have fit the front IO with modern options, providing ease of access to ports for accessories and peripherals. Consumers have access to two USB 3.2 Type-A ports, alongside a USB 3.23 Type-C option too.
Things We Don’t Like
Only supports certain E-ATX boards: The H7 Elite comes with an array of support for many components, but consumers with large motherboards such as MSI‘s Z790 GODLIKE, you’ll need to pick another case, because your board simply won’t fit.
Doesn’t come with a vertical GPU mount: We’ve started to see many cases over the recent months include a vertical GPU mount, providing an extra aesthetic option for consumers. However, those purchasing the H7 Elite will need to purchase NZXT’s vertical mount separately, which is a bit of a kick in the teeth considering the price.
Summary
NZXT’s H7 Elite is an awesome minimalist case providing plenty of space for large components, including the RTX 4080. Consumers get access to four preinstalled fans, a set of modern front IO, a built-in RGB and fan controller, for a somewhat reasonable price point.
Pros
- Similar price point to other options.
- Comes with four preinstalled fans.
- Strong modern aesthetic.
Cons
- Only supports smaller E-ATX boards.
- Airflow is weaker compared to the Flow model.
Where to Buy
Buy the NZXT H7 Elite on:
4. Corsair iCUE 5000X RGB
👑The best value case.
Introduction
Corsair‘s iCUE 5000X RGB is an excellent mid-tower design sporting plenty of RGB adding extra flair to your build, whilst opening upgrade paths when it comes to fans, motherboards and even storage. Despite the compact nature of the 5000X you’ve got huge amounts of room for fans with this case supporting a total of ten 120mm fans. Alternatively if you’re looking to keep your build quiet and cool with some liquid AIOs, this case supports three 360mm radiators perfect for a thermally efficient system.
Although Corsair’s iCUE 5000X isn’t one of the most modern options, it still holds up very well by today’s standards. The iCUE 5000X is one of Corsair’s most popular cases on the market, and this is definitely warranted.
Key Specs
| Spec | Corsair iCUE 5000X |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Mid-Tower |
| Max GPU Length | 400mm |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX |
| CPU Cooler Height Clearance | 170mm |
| PSU Support | ATX |
Things We Like
Preinstalled fans: Its always great to see manufacturers include fans in the case, as this saves consumers money, and installation time. The iCUE 5000X comes with three preinstalled RGB fans which can be controlled and customised using the iCUE lighting NODE Core and iCUE software.
Strong airflow: Although the iCUE 5000X has a glass front panel, Corsair have equipped the front of the case with vanes and ventilation to concentrate airflow and optimise cooling, providing better thermals all around.
Simple cable management: Corsair’s Rapidroute cable management system makes building a streamlined and simple process. Consumers can use the deep channels and included Velcro straps to easily manage cables around the chassis.
Things We Don’t Like
Weaker front IO: Due to the iCUE 5000X being a slightly older design, the front IO hasn’t received an update in recent years. Consumers still get access to three USB ports in total, but these use the older USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 standard.
No support for E-ATX boards: The 5000X has plenty of support for a myriad of component configurations, but for those with a larger motherboard, this case unfortunately has no support for E-ATX designs.
Summary
Corsair’s iCUE 5000X is one of the most popular cases on the market, and a favourite of ours at GeekaWhat HQ. It does lack some modern flair that we’ve seen with newer designs, but the competitive price point makes it a winner for those needing plenty of space for their RTX 4080.
Pros
- Support for custom liquid cooling.
- Strong airflow.
- Offers three preinstalled RGB fans.
Cons
- Doesn’t support E-ATX boards at all.
- Weak front IO.
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair iCUE 5000X RGB on:
5. Cooler Master HAF700 ‘The Beserker’
👑The best enthusiast case.
Introduction
Cooler Master‘s HAF700 is an equally impressive but smaller design compared to the HAF700 EVO which you’ve likely seen featured on this website a significant amount. The HAF700 is an awesome full tower design giving you a myriad of options for cooling, and even motherboards where this case supports gigantic server motherboard form factors.
Due to its size, the HAF700 can also support the latest graphics cards including the massive Gigabyte AIBs in a vertical or horizontal configuration giving you plenty of options to display your build, exactly how you want. This case definitely won’t be the go-to for the majority of consumers based on it’s gargantuan dimensions and clearly overkill design. But for enthusiasts who need the space – the Cooler Master HAF700 is definitely geared towards you!
Key Specs
| Spec | Cooler Master HAF700 ‘The Beserker’ |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Full Tower |
| Max GPU Length | 490mm |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX, SSI CEB, SSI EEB |
| CPU Cooler Height Clearance | 166mm |
| PSU Support | ATX |
Things We Like
Supports a myriad of components: This case is observably massive, but because of it’s rather large stature, it can also fit plenty of components. Consumers have the option to build two PCs within this case, with support for server motherboards, a variety of fans and radiators, and custom cooling loops.
Dual preinstalled fans: The HAF700 comes with two 200mm SickleFlow ARGB fans, providing maximum airflow, at much lower noise levels. These fans can be controlled and the RGB can be fully customised using the integrated PWM and ARGB hub included in the case.
Awesome aesthetic: Much like the original HAF700 EVO, the HAF700 has retained the unique futuristic aesthetic. Although this model doesn’t have the LCD display or the front panel glass, it still offers a twist that makes it stand out against other case models.
Things We Don’t Like
Way too expensive: As you can probably imagine, based on the ridiculous feature set, design, and the fact that this is a full tower case, the HAF700 is quite expensive. And you’d be correct, this is definitely one of the pricier cases we’ve seen in recent years, and is definitely geared towards the high-end side of the market.
Not designed for first-time builders: Although the HAF700 offers plenty of versatility, the larger design and support for bigger components can be quite daunting for non-enthusiasts. We definitely recommend avoiding this case if you haven’t built a few PCs in the past.
Summary
Cooler Master’s HAF700 is a cool redesign on the original EVO model, providing a similar set of features with vast support for large and expensive builds. This case won’t be the go-to for the average consumer, but if you’re willing to shell out the money for this pricey chassis, you won’t be disappointed with the build result.
Pros
- Awesome set of features.
- Perfect for crazy big builds.
- Ideal for custom liquid cooling loops.
Cons
- Insanely expensive.
- Geared towards enthusiasts.
Where to Buy
Buy the Cooler Master HAF700 on:
6. Corsair iCUE 7000X RGB
👑The best high-end case.
Introduction
Corsair’s iCUE 7000X is the big brother to the iCUE 5000X, and boy is this case big. This full tower design has a wide range of support for a variety of cooling types, including dual 480mm radiators, how’s that for keeping your build cool! The 7000X comes with four included RGB fans which can be fully synced up with other Corsair products using their industry leading iCUE software.
Not to mention, the included Commander Core XT allows you to monitor temperature and noise levels to ensure your build performs exactly as you desire! Corsair’s iCUE 7000X RGB is a sophisticated chassis perfect for those looking to build a high-end PC with the best components that money can buy.
Key Specs
| Spec | Corsair iCUE 7000X RGB |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | Full Tower |
| Max GPU Length | 450mm |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX |
| CPU Cooler Height Clearance | 190mm |
| PSU Support | ATX |
Things We Like
Vast motherboard support: The iCUE 7000X is one of the biggest cases on the market right now, and for this reason it can support some rather large components. Consumers can install the largest E-ATX designs, providing plenty of options when it comes to build designs and styles.
Ridiculous front IO: Corsair’s iCUE 7000X is one of the few cases to support so many USB ports. Although the bandwidth is slightly older, consumers have access to five USB 3.0 ports, alongside a USB 3.1 Type-C port, providing easy access for peripherals and accessories.
Strong radiator compatibility: This case offers plenty of support for large components, and when it comes to cooling, the 7000X is no joke. Consumers can install a 480mm radiator in this chassis making it ideal for those prioritising thermals.
Things We Don’t Like
Too big and too heavy: The iCUE 7000X RGB is a full tower case, however, it is one of the biggest cases we’ve ever had in the office. If you plan on moving around a lot, or you need a more portable setup, this case is not the option to choose due to the sheer size and weight.
Very expensive: Much like the aforementioned HAF700, the iCUE 7000X is a case that comes loaded with features, and awesome design choices. But for this reason, it is one of the more expensive options on the market, geared towards high-end builds.
Summary
Corsair’s iCUE 7000X RGB is an awesome case, offering a plethora of features, support for a myriad of fans and radiators, with a sophisticated and modern design. This chassis is rather expensive, and quite massive, but if you’re willing to shell out the cash for it, you definitely get what you pay for.
Pros
- Modern and sleek aesthetic.
- Perfect for RGB lovers.
- Vast set of fan and radiator configurations.
Cons
- Very expensive.
- Doesn’t support workstation motherboards.
Where to Buy
Buy the Corsair iCUE 7000X RGB on:
Conclusion
Best Overall Case for the RTX 4080: Lian Li Lancool III
Lian Li’s Lancool III is one of our favourite cases at the GeekaWhat office. Consumers gain access to a sophisticated and modern design with plenty of modularity. Although you’re forced to cable manage with this case, the beauty shrouds and panels make this an easy process.
Read our full Lian Li Lancool III Review or Buy the Lian Li Lancool III on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Motherboard Support A Concern?
Whenever you’re building a PC, clearance and support is always a concern. As a general rule, most modern cases support Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, and ATX motherboards, with E-ATX being the outlier. You’ll want to check the manufacturer’s website if you’ve purchased an E-ATX motherboard, as support varies between cases.
Recommended Clearance?
In order to choose the cases in this roundup, we’ve picked options that offer around 50-100mm of clearance over the biggest RTX 4080 GPU. This should be more than enough room for airflow, and to fit other large components.
What Wattage Power Supply Do I Need for the RTX 4080?
On NVIDIA’s website, they recommend 750W as a minimum. This is a very baseline number, but your total wattage will depend on the other components you’re using. We recommend picking a power supply that offers around 100W more than the minimum just to ensure you have upgrading room, and enough overhead when boosting.
Can I Install the RTX 4080 in a Mini-ITX Case?
In short – yes. But this entirely depends on the case you’ve chosen, and how much clearance you have. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend a Mini-iTX chassis for the 4080, as the more compact cases can restrict airflow if you don’t have enough breathing room.
