Introduction
If you’re looking to find the best PC case that suits your budget for your next gaming PC build, we’ve got you covered! Below we’ve compiled a list of our Top 10 Gaming PC Cases of 2022. The list comprises of a range of varying budgets, design aesthetics, colour options, and of course RGB implementations. We’ll be covering what makes these particular cases so good, and also the kind of features you should look out for (and avoid!) when picking out a case.
Suggested Article: Cheap PC Cases VS Expensive PC Cases – What are the Differences?
What is a Case?
Before we look at the best features, and our recommendations, we should first start looking at why you need a case, and what its purpose is.
To put it simply, a case is the component that will house all of your PC components. Your case allows you to seat all of your parts into a closed environment that can provide optimal airflow, cooling and other visual elements.
The case is going to be the main visual driver in your build, and is the easiest way to make a build look great.
Features to Look Out For
While all cases will include basic features, such as motherboard mounting and the screws needed to assemble your build, new chassis offer much more by way of features. From varying amounts of included fans (which may be silent-optimised or RGB), to GPU support brackets and different IO configs. Some of the most important ones to look out for are below:
1. Motherboard Support
Consumer motherboards come in 4 sizes, and they differ greatly in how big or small they are. Mini ITX is the smallest, followed by Micro ATX, ATX and E-ATX. Plenty of cases are very versatile in that they sometimes offer support for multiple types of motherboards. This is perhaps the most important thing to check, as an incompatible motherboard means your case simply won’t work with your build.
2. Cooling Capacity
Ensuring you have sufficient room for radiators and extra fans is an important thing to check when choosing your case. Some chassis will even include fan and radiator mounts that are removable (pictured). These cool gizmos allow you to configure your cooling outside of the case, and install later for ease of use!
3. Front Panel Connections
Although many motherboards come with a range of Rear IO for you to choose from, it can be a lot easier to just plug a USB into the front of your case and call it a day. Most cases will offer some form of Front IO, but this might be a slower form of USB, like USB 3.1 or possibly even USB 2. If you want Thunderbolt, and the latest USB 3.2 connections, check this out beforehand.
4. RGB Software Controller
Manufacturers often have their own software for peripherals and RGB lighting. The above picture shows off Corsair’s iCUE controller which allows you to connect all of your fans up and create a customisable lightshow within your PC build. You may have to spend a little bit more for an RGB controller, but if you want to control the lighting in your build properly, then this is worth looking for.
5. Included RGB
For those that want a cheaper case to fit within a budget, you may not be so lucky with RGB support. Some cases boast included RGB fans which minimises the amount of extra components you have to buy. The case you buy might also have extra RGB LED strips to add another lighting dimension to your build.
6. Cable Management Options
Cable management is another instrumental feature of cases. With modern cases boasting built in channels, cable-tier fasteners and even cable shroud, we’d urge you to keep an eye out! In budget builds, where there are naturally less cables, you’ll have fewer issues.
7. Included Fans
The quality (and number) of included fans is an important point. We touched on this earlier, but just how many you get is a crucial point. A single fan is not going to be great for airflow, and high-end PC builds will need at least 4 or 5 fans for sufficient cooling.
8. CPU Cooler Support
Support for your CPU cooler is a crucial compatibility point. Whether it’s the radiator size of an AIO liquid cooler, or the height of a CPU air cooler – both need to fit! Tall coolers might collide with case side panels, something that will really create an anticlimax when finishing off your build.
9. GPU Support
With most Gaming PC Builds revolving around the GPU itself, you need to make sure your latest Nvidia or AMD GPU actually has enough room! Your case will state maximum included length, which won’t include any radiators you choose to install up front. If you’re GPU looks like it might only just fit, maybe look at bigger chassis. For small, ITX builds, also ensure that if you are using a triple slot card, it has enough rear PCI-E lanes.
Our Recommendations
All of the cases below are our personal recommendations here at GeekaWhat. They all come in varying prices, offer plenty of features and are all-around excellent cases. They have all also featured in either a video that we’ve uploaded to the GeekaWhat YouTube channel, or on our PC Builds page on the website!
1. Tecware Nexus M2
Starting off with the Tecware Nexus M2, this case is geared towards more budget builds, sacrificing features like RGB and great airflow. The Nexus M2 features a hinged tempered glass panel, with support for up to 5 x 120mm fans and multiple storage drives. Although the case is more of a ‘metal box’ style, it offers function over form, and will be suitable for any Micro-ATX, and ITX motherboards.
Buy the Tecware Nexus M2 on:
Fan Support: 5 x 120mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 165mm
GPU Support: 300mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
2. Tecware Forge M
Similar to it’s cousin the Nexus M2, the Forge M offers more function and versatility, but adds some finesse to it. This case features a polygonal mesh with two included ARGB 120mm fans. The Forge M also comes with an included fan and RGB controller. A brilliant case with a low price point.
Buy the Tecware Forge M on:
Fan Support: 6 x 120mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 160mm
GPU Support: 340mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX
PSU Support: 180 Max PSU Length
3. CoolerMaster MasterBox TD300 Mesh
Cooler Master’s TD300 Mesh is one of my personal favourites that utilises the polygon contour mesh design ideal for airflow. The difference between this case and the Tecware Forge M, is this uses Cooler Master‘s renowned Sickleflow fans. With support for multiple radiator and fan configurations, this budget case is absolutely perfect for cooling and perhaps even some overclocking of your components.
Buy the MasterBox TD300 Mesh on:
Fan Support: 6 x 120mm, 4x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 166mm
GPU Support: 344mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
4. MSI Forge 100M
MSI’s Forge 100M is a very cool looking case. With the contours and accents at the front, combined with the mesh, makes for an awesome design. This case sports a slightly better tempered glass panel that allows you to fully see the majesty of your chosen build. With plenty of clearance for components and support for ATX motherboards, this mid-tower case is a great choice.
Buy the MSI Forge 100M on:
Fan Support: 6 x 120mm, 4 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 160mm
GPU Support: 330mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
5. CoolerMaster MasterBox 500
The MasterBox 500 is another mid-tower great that offers that little bit extra for aesthetic, but also has plenty of features. Towards the front of the case there are some futuristic RGB cutouts that bring something extra to the design. The front IO is awesome, bringing 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and a mic/audio combo 3.5mm jack. This case is great for those that want a little bit less on the RGB, but a cool looking design for their build.
Buy the MasterBox 500 on:
Fan Support: 7 x 120mm, 4 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 165mm
GPU Support: 410mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
6. NZXT H210
NZXT‘s cases are the ‘tried and true’ of consumer desktop choices, and the H210 is one of those choices. This smaller but impressive case sports the familiar white front panel and iconic cable management bar that we can see with the extremely popular H510. The kicker with this case, is that it only supports Mini-ITX, but it is perfect for the smaller motherboard option. It comes in 3 different colours (the black and red is my favourite), and it an all-around case that is well-suited to small builds.
Buy the NZXT H210 on:
Fan Support: 4 x 120mm, 2 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 165mm
GPU Support: 325mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
7. LianLi LANCOOL 215
The LANCOOL 215 is a mid-tower case providing ‘unobstructed’ airflow, via LianLi’s honeycomb mesh design. Although you’re spending slightly more for this case, it is worth the extra for all of the bonus features. The inclusion of versatile support for different RGB software is great, and the 22mm of space for cables is another nice addition for those that want to jam in their cables, or take the time to hide them nicely.
Buy the LANCOOL 215 on:
Fan Support: 7 x 120mm, 4 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 166mm
GPU Support: 370mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
8. NZXT H510 Flow
NZXT’s H510 Flow is a compact mid-tower case that will suit numerous types of builds. Despite it’s smaller size, there is plenty of case clearance for some of the bigger GPUs and CPU coolers out there. On the front IO you have access to two USB 3.2 ports, with one of them being a Gen 2 Type-C port. This case also has plenty of support for storage options, radiators and fan mounting, so you won’t be out of options if you want loads of extra components. This case is definitely a ‘jack of all trades’.
Buy the H510 Flow on:
Fan Support: 4 x 120mm, 3 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 165mm
GPU Support: 360mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
9. LianLi O11D Mini
The LianLi O11D Mini is a breathtaking case with support for all current consumer motherboards. Even though this case from a glance looks rather small, its features on the other hand, are far from it. LianLi were kind enough to include a modular pump stand for those of you that want to go all the way with water cooling (possibly even with a hard-line loop). This case also has support for up to 6 drives, a ridiculous amount of radiators and fans, and comes with magnetic dust filters on the top, bottom, and right side. An incredible choice for a very affordable price!
Buy the O11D Mini on:
Fan Support: 9 x 120mm, 6 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 170mm
GPU Support: 395mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX
PSU Support: SFX
10. Corsair 4000D QL RGB
The award-winning Corsair 4000D QL is a case that provides a great deal of features, but puts design at the forefront. Out of the box you have 4 included iCUE QL120 RGB fans, which is more than you will get in most cases. These fans are of course compatible with Corsair’s industry leading iCUE software, which will let you customise styles and colours to your heart’s content. The 4000D QL also comes equipped with Corsair’s ‘rapidroute’ cable management system, to making putting away your cables fast and easy.
Buy the 4000D QL RGB on:
Fan Support: 6 x 120mm, 4 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 170mm
GPU Support: 360mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
11. Corsair iCUE 5000T
Corsair’s iCUE 5000T is a case we’ve looked at before, and we’ll say it again, but this case is stunning. Immediately you can see innovative design with the contoured curves and edges on the top and side of the case, allowing you to see all of the included RGB. Speaking of which, this case has RGB LED strips on the top, bottom, front and side. The included 4 RGB fans also add even more lighting if that takes your fancy. With support for multiple fan and radiator configurations – including two 360mm radiators – you really won’t run out of options here.
Buy the iCUE 5000T on:
Fan Support: 10 x 120mm, 4 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 170mm
GPU Support: 400mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
12. CoolerMaster HAF 700 EVO
The CoolerMaster HAF 700 EVO is the ‘cream of the crop’ when it comes to cases. At the front of the case is a breath-taking set of glass sheets where an LCD assistant sits. Yes you read correctly – those are not acrylic, they are indeed glass. The LCD assistant provides temperatures, logos or a myriad of other data you might want to see on the front of your case. The amount of support for radiators, fans, and IO is staggering. The HAF 700 EVO can fit up to two 420mm radiators, for extreme water cooling solutions. It is one of the most expensive cases on the market, but for the price you definitely get what you pay for!
Buy the HAF 700 EVO on:
Fan Support: 18 x 120mm, 12 x 140mm
CPU Air Cooler Support: 166mm
GPU Support: 490mm
Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, Micro ATX, ATX, E-ATX
PSU Support: Full Size ATX
