What is the smallest PC case size? What PC cases are there: which one should you choose for your computer? Housing materials and assembly
Most of us have encountered the problem of assembling a personal computer. Some entrusted this work to professionals, while others preferred to do it themselves. There should be no problems with choosing devices such as a video card, processor or motherboard. It is much more difficult to decide on a good PC case. Today there is a huge variety of such equipment on the market. Many people mistakenly believe that it is simply a means of protecting the internal components of the system from various mechanical influences. Actually this is not true. It has a much more important function. The functionality of the PC itself depends on the correctness of its choice in this case. Today we will talk about how to choose a PC case that will provide all the necessary functions.
Level
Before you make a purchase, you definitely need to decide on the level of the popular PC case. The simplest and most inexpensive option is to purchase a part with a built-in power supply. Such devices allow you to assemble only PCs with low quality indicators. Most often, the power supply that is installed on such a frame does not have high power and quality characteristics. It is worth noting the fact that a cool PC case without a power supply costs much more than the model we mentioned earlier. If you have already decided that you will purchase a model with a built-in power supply, then be sure to take into account the fact that it must have fairly high power ratings. It must ensure the functionality of the entire system. Of course, such a device will be quite expensive. When purchasing a separate power supply, be sure to pay attention to all its characteristics. It should fit perfectly into the body itself.
Type
Currently, you can purchase vertical and horizontal inexpensive PC cases. Horizontal options have been used by humanity for quite a long time. In recent years, they can rarely be found on store shelves. The fact is that such a design is quite difficult to cool. However, if you have a weak PC, then you can purchase just such a version. Vertical today are most popular among ordinary people. They differ in that they are much more convenient to install in modern computer desks. At the same time, such models almost never have problems with cooling.
Cooling
One of the main tasks of a personal computer case is the normal cooling of all those components that are installed in it. This task is accomplished with the help of special ventilation holes that are located on it, as well as with the help of fans. Be sure to pay attention to the fact that the model has a lot of holes through which air will circulate. Of course, everything depends directly on the filling that is installed in it. Weak personal computers do not require a powerful cooling system. For serious models, good ventilation is simply necessary.
Noise
The noise level that the housing will create directly depends on the thickness of its walls. It is imperative to choose models that have maximum wall thickness and additional sound insulation. Only they, without any problems, can drown out almost any noise created by the internal components of a personal computer.
Dimensions
Before you go to the store to purchase, be sure to take preliminary measurements of the place where you plan to install the housing. If possible, it is better to buy models that have large dimensions. This model can accommodate many components and create excellent conditions for forced and natural airflow.
Video card length
It is very important to know the length of the video card that will be installed in the case. A large gaming video card will not fit into every model, and therefore, to avoid mistakes, be sure to check with the seller about the maximum length of the video card.
Fans and vents
Without good cooling, the system unit will overheat, which leads to malfunctions and, ultimately, failure of expensive parts. Typically, one fan comes with the case for a home computer, and in most cases this is enough, although additional coolers can be installed if necessary. Two correctly installed coolers are enough to ensure effective heat removal from the system unit. Many good models may have additional fans and multiple vents. This is necessary for the normal operation of gaming computers that generate a lot of heat. For this purpose, quiet fans are installed in them.
Appearance
And of course, the appearance of the device is also very important. It must fully correspond to the location where it will be installed. Of course, you shouldn’t focus your purchase solely on design. Often appearances can be deceiving. It is better to give preference to not too bright, but practical models that are made in accordance with all the requirements of internal equipment. First, identify several models that suit your parameters, and then choose something specific from them.
Manufacturers
As for specific manufacturers that produce such equipment, there are quite a lot of them. Buying a PC case means buying a home for it. Don't pay attention to inexpensive PC options that are made in China. The quality of materials here is not always the best. It's better to buy some European model. Of course, it will cost more than the Chinese one, but it will have the highest quality. There are also domestic manufacturers who supply the market with fairly high-quality models.
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Rating of cases for computer system units
Dear readers, today you learned about how to choose a PC case. This component of your personal computer will definitely delight you for many years if you make a purchase in accordance with the instructions given above. There is enough information for today. And now we offer a small rating of quality options in the mid-price category.
PC case with bottom-mounted, horizontal power supply - be quiet! Silent Base 800 Orange in the standard size - Midi-Tower is made of 0.7 mm steel. The side panels are covered with a soundproofing layer. The model has 3 coolers, 2 of them are 140 mm, and one is 120 mm. Installation of up to 4 additional 140 mm coolers is provided. The maximum height of the processor cooler is 170 mm, and the maximum height of the video card is 400 mm. It can install motherboards of form factors - ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX. There are 4 USB connectors on the front panel, 2 of which are USB 3.0. In addition, there are jacks for headphones and a microphone. The model has 3 -5.25-inch, 7 - 3.5-inch and 4 - 2.5-inch drive bays. The Silent Base 80 has a front door, 2 removable panels and screwless mounting in the compartments. The high-quality case is well made and is sold at an affordable price.
A computer case with a lower, horizontal power supply - Zalman Z9 U3 has a modular structure. Beautiful, ergonomic, made of thick metal, with a window on the side panel and 2 removable walls. The model is very stable, has rubberized legs, so the massive structure is difficult to accidentally move. The maximum height of the processor cooler is 180 mm, the length of the video card is up to 354 mm. Structurally, the model has 9 - 3.5 inch, 4 - 5.25 inch and combined 2.5 inch slots. And there are 7 expansion slots. The Zalman Z9 U3 has 2 fans - 120 by 120, and 140 by 140 mm, as well as the ability to install a liquid cooling system.
ACCORD P-25B w/o PSU
A computer case with a lower, horizontal location of the power supply - ACCORD P-25B w/o PSU has a steel shell of a standard size - Midi-Tower. The model has form factors - ATX and mATX. Structurally, the model has 6 - 3.5 inch, 4 - 5.25 inch and combined 2.5 inch slots. And there are 7 expansion slots. ACCORD P-25B w/o PSU has 2 fans - 120 by 120, and 2 - 140 by 140 mm. The front panel contains two USB 3.0 and a FireWire port. In addition, it has headphone and microphone jacks. Convenient screwless mounting in 3.5- and 5.25-inch bays, as well as six universal mounting slots for 120 mm or 140 mm fans, complement the already fairly wide capabilities of a high-quality case.
Cooler Master COSMOS II (RC-1200) w/o PSU
A powerful and heavy computer case with a horizontal power supply - Cooler Master COSMOS II (RC-1200) w/o PSU is made of steel, with a window on the side panel. Model size - Full-Tower. and form factors - ATX and mATX - very stable; it has rubberized legs, and a lower location of the power supply. The maximum height of the processor cooler is 180 mm, the length of the video card is up to 330 mm, and it also has 11 expansion slots. The Cooler Master COSMOS II (RC-1200) w/o PSU has 2 fans - 200 by 200 mm, and 1 fan - 140 by 140 mm, as well as the ability to install a liquid cooling system. There is also a docking station for hard drives, a fan control unit; and 3 fans - 120 by 120 mm, 140 by 140 mm and 1st - 200 by 200 mm.
A computer case with a lower, horizontal location of the power supply - NZXT Phantom 530 Black has an interesting, strict design, and a backlit back panel. Made of steel, with front door, side window and 2 removable walls. The model has a standard size - Full-Tower, is manufactured in form factors - ATX, mATX, EATX and Mini-ITX. It is stable, so the massive structure is difficult to accidentally move. The maximum height of the processor cooler is 183 mm, the length of the video card is up to 444 mm. Structurally, the model has 6 - 3.5 inch, 3 - 5.25 inch, combined 2.5 inch slots, and 8 expansion slots. The NZXT Phantom 530 has 2 fans: 200 by 200 mm, and 140 by 140 mm, as well as the ability to install a liquid cooling system. There are 2 USB 3.0 connectors on the front panel. In addition, it has headphone and microphone jacks. It has space for 2 120 mm coolers on the bottom, 2 140 (200) mm or 3 120 mm coolers on the top and one 120 (140) mm on the HDD cage; on the left panel you can also install either 6 - 120 mm coolers, or 4 - 140 mm coolers.
A computer case with a lower, horizontal location of the power supply - AeroCool XPredator X1 has an interesting, strict design, and a backlit back panel. This option is also made of steel, with a front door, a window on the side panel and 2 removable walls. The model has a standard size - Full-Tower, is manufactured in form factors - ATX, mATX, EATX and Mini-ITX. It has a built-in card reader and is quite stable, so the design is difficult to accidentally move. The maximum height of the processor cooler is 183 mm, the length of the video card is up to 400 mm. Structurally, the model has 6 - 3.5 inch, 4 - 5.25 inch, combined 2.5 inch slots, and 7 expansion slots. AeroCool XPredator X1 has 2 fans - 120 by 120 mm, and 2 - 140 by 140 mm, as well as the ability to install a liquid cooling system.
To make the right decision and understand which computer case is best to choose, you need to answer yourself a few questions. This determines which criteria are important to consider first, which are of secondary importance, and which can be neglected.
Are the dimensions of the system unit important?
Which computer case is better to choose?in size, directly depends on the location of the system unit. If it stands somewhere under the table or in the corner of the room on a separate bedside table, then the dimensions can be ignored. A spacious “box” is the key to good ventilation, effective cooling and easy maintenance.
If the PC will stand on a table, and a very large size is clearly undesirable, then you should look towards mATX, Mini-Tower or Mini-ITX cases. In such system units there is enough space to accommodate a corresponding (Mini, Micro, Flex-ATX or ITX) motherboard with other components. But it will not be possible to install a full-fledged ATX motherboard in them.
Does design matter?
If you plan to push the computer deeper under the table and forget it, leaving it as a “freelance dust collector,” then few people care about its appearance. In this case, beforehow to choose a PC case,You don’t have to think about the exterior at all. It works - OK, doesn't overheat - great, doesn't make noise - absolutely lovely. The main thing is that it does not suck up dust, since it is located deep under the table. Otherwise, within a year or two, the radiator will get filled with such “felt boots” that you can even make rifle wads out of it, and “hello, overheating.” But more about dust below.
If the computer is in a visible place, and it is not just an office “box” with basic filling, but a powerful gaming machine, you want the appearance to indicate this. Then spending a hundred thousand rubles won’t be such a pity. In this case, you want to buy an unusual case with transparent windows, multi-colored LEDs on the fans, a front lid and other amenities. Here the choice is a matter of taste; the main thing is that you don’t have to sacrifice functionality for the sake of beauty.
Is high-quality cooling required?
Which computer case to choose– depends on the heat dissipation of components. Modern budget processors from the Intel Pentium and Celeron families are characterized by low power consumption and, as a result, heating. Any compact case is enough for them; the hardware in it will not “suffocate”. And if PCI and PCI-Express devices (video card, sound card, TV tuner, video capture card, etc.) are not needed, you don’t have to worry about cooling. 
In the case of a gaming PC, consisting of a powerful processor, a powerful video card, and a couple of tens of gigabytes of RAM, more attention should be paid to cooling. Compact ITX and MicroATX cases are not suitable for them: the parts inside will be too cramped. In addition, not a single powerful gaming video card will fit into a narrow-profile system unit. If there are two graphic cards, you have to forget about compactness altogether.
There is a myth that for a powerful gaming PC, a bottom-mounted power supply is preferable. In fact, there is no practical difference in cooling efficiency. The only component that will benefit from this is the power supply itself, which will have to pull less hot air out. All examples of how a case with a bottom-mounted power supply shows lower temperatures are not due to the advantages of the layout, but to the dimensions. After all, as a rule, such cases are characterized by increased dimensions. And low-block cases are more expensive, which means engineers are more concerned about optimizing the air flow inside. 
The grilles that people like to equip cases with on all sides are also not a definite plus. Cooling efficiency does not depend on the number of holes, but on the air flow inside the case. Excessive perforation can even be harmful, since it collects dust inside much faster.
Do I need a built-in power supply?
Many computer cases come with a power supply. This practice is especially common in the budget segment, where buyers of devices seek to save money. After all, buying a case with a power supply for 3 thousand rubles is very attractive, especially considering the fact that the power supply itself of such power costs from 2 thousand. But in practice, “no-name” power supplies, supplied with cases and labeled as 400 or 500 W, barely live up to the characteristics on the label. At best, when operating at such power, it causes voltage drops along the most loaded lines. At worst, reaching peak consumption leads to PC shutdowns or even failure of the power supply (and with it a couple of other pieces of hardware) to fail.
You should only buy a case with a power supply if the computer is a low-power budget and/or office one. If the total consumption of components along the +12 V line is no more than 200-250 W, then the built-in power supply will be enough. But if your PC is gaming and consumes more than 300 W at 12 volts, you shouldn’t buy a case with a unit. After all, you will still have to buy a separate power supply, and the complete one will remain “dead weight”. 
The only exceptions are cases equipped with units Chieftek, FSP, Zalman, Cooler Master, Thermaltake, etc. These brands are of fairly high quality and the inscriptions on the labels are usually true.
Is the room dusty?
Dust is an insidious thing: to avoid it altogether, you need to thoroughly clean it every day, and also not keep objects that could potentially accumulate it. Upholstered furniture with fabric upholstery, blankets and pillows, carpets - all this collects small particles. Therefore, a computer installed in the bedroom will attract dust anyway. Even cleaning every few days will not completely get rid of it. And then powerful fans will collect dust inside the system unit, pulling it out from surrounding objects and air. 
In such a situation, abundant perforation (discussed above) is evil. The only way to combat dust is to create excess pressure inside the case by installing blow-out coolers from all possible sides. But this method is not a panacea: you also need to get fresh air from somewhere, without it the PC will “suffocate”, that is, it will always heat up.
You can, of course, buy the most insulated case (without extra holes), but it is only suitable for a low-power PC. A productive gaming machine in a tightly closed case requires a cooling system for heat removal. At a minimum, powerful fans are needed to create directed air flow inside. But then such a computer will roar like a fighter jet on takeoff.
If the floor in the room is linoleum, tile, parquet, laminate or other uncoated hard material, there is no upholstered furniture or it is leather, and cleaning is done frequently, then you can take any building. In such conditions, the threat of dust clogging is much lower.
How many disks will be installed in the PC?
Which case to choose for your PC, directly depends on how many drives you plan to install in it. If this is the “HDD+SSD” tandem that has already become common practice, then any case will do. Even the smallest models are equipped with at least two drive bays. But for a home media center equipped with several capacious hard drives, not every small case is suitable. If there are more than 4 HDDs, you need to carefully look for a compatible case. 
Where should the buttons and USB ports be so that they are easy to reach?
The issue of the location of buttons and interface connectors on the front panel only seems insignificant. In fact, it depends on how convenient the use of these elements will be. If you plan to place the PC under the table, then buttons and USB sockets located too low will force you to reach for them, bending over every time. If the system unit stands on the table, on the contrary, the elements at the top become inconvenient. The worst thing is when they are on the “roof”. 
For a PC located at the bottom, it is best if both buttons and USB ports are located at the top of the panel (where the CD drive was located in the era of “hoary antiquity” and the reign of Pentiums). It's not bad when they are on a corner or on the top cover (but only if there is enough space between it and the table). If you plan to frequently use buttons, USB ports and audio jacks on the front panel, then a cover on them is undesirable. 
For those who place the PC on a desk, a case with a bottom arrangement of all these elements is suitable. Then you won’t have to reach up and forward every time you need to insert a flash drive or connect headphones.
Which body material is preferable?
Before, how to choose a computer case, it is worth deciding on the material of the case. The most common options are steel and aluminum. There are also models with plexiglass elements, but they still have a metal base.
The steel body is more practical and reliable, but heavier. The exception is the cheapest Chinese “nonames”, the material of which is not far from a tin can. Steel with a thickness of less than 0.5 mm is easily deformed. If the cover screws are unscrewed several times to disassemble or clean the PC, the threads will quickly stop holding them. Tightening it too tightly also breaks it, forcing you to select bolts with a larger diameter. 
Thick (about 1 mm or more) metal in cases is not common, but can be found on sale. Thick-walled models are recommended for those who can sometimes take their anger out on their PC. If at the most crucial moment the game freezes or crashes, the Internet is lost, the PC randomly reboots and you can’t resist the temptation to kick it - it’s better to take a durable case so that you don’t have to repair your computer later from the consequences of such aggression.
Aluminum is a lightweight and elegant metal, but not very practical. All the shortcomings of thin “Chinese foil” are inherent in it, to one degree or another. For scratches and deformations, sometimes you don’t even need to kick the system unit: it’s enough to carelessly hit it with your foot or the leg of a chair. Therefore, it makes little sense to put an aluminum case underneath: it won’t look beautiful anyway, but it will fall into an unpresentable state faster. And aluminum costs significantly more than steel.
How often do you have to tinker with your computer?
To understand which computer case is better to choose, you also need to take into account how often it will be opened and moved. Upgrade connoisseurs who, out of sporting interest, often upgrade their PCs, install new parts and replace old ones, it is advisable to look at models with special fasteners. Then you won’t have to aim a screwdriver at small screws every time you need to remove or install a video card, hard drive, DVD/BD drive, fan, etc. 
Classic screws are cheaper and simpler, but you will have to tinker with them longer when assembling a PC. Screw-mounted cases are recommended for office and home PCs that are assembled once and for all.
Conclusion
To understand which case to choose for a PC and not make a mistake, you need to take into account the main and secondary criteria. Dimensions, design, materials, cooling efficiency, a good power supply, dust protection, the number of drive bays, types of mounts, and the location of elements on the front panel are important when selecting. Considering all these parameters, you can buy the best case for a specific situation.
A big fan of high-quality Chinese technology, a lover of clear screens. Supporter of healthy competition between producers. He closely follows news in the world of smartphones, processors, video cards and other hardware.
Inexpensive and quite chic: Enthoo Evolv's understated style is characterized by simple shapes and clear accents. Transparent plastic inserts cover the back half of the walls on each side of the case and provide a glimpse of its contents. The colored LEDs located inside look very good.
Cost: about 12,000 rubles.
2. EVGA Hadron Air
As a matter of fact, EVGA is known more as a manufacturer of graphics cards, so there are relatively few cases from this company on sale. Hadron Air is quite an interesting proposition. The price includes not only an elegant case with a transparent side insert, but also a 500 W power supply. Ideal for entry level.
Cost: about 11,000 rubles.
3. Lian Li PC-D600WA Big-Tower
A spacious case with a “two-chamber” design that ensures orderly placement and structured cooling of components. The available 22 slots are the right solution for systems that combine a large number of hard drives and optical drives.
Cost: about 21,000 rubles.
4. Aerocool Xpredator Avenger
Tony Stark says hi: The Xpredator Avenger was designed for those who want eight fans, thirteen drives and ten different cards in their PC, and are also diehard fans of the Iron Man movie.
Cost: about 10,000 rubles.
5. Cooler Master Storm Enforcer
The combination of red and black colors, as well as the removable front panels, seem to say: now everything will be like an adult! In addition to its menacing appearance, the Cooler Master Storm Enforcer case offers plenty of space for placing computer components.
Cost: about 6500 rub.
6. Corsair Obsidian 550D
Aluminum everywhere you look: the Corsair Obsidian 550D is a very stylish, but visually very simplified case, the main thing in which is its quality.
Cost: about 9000 rub.
7. Corsair Obsidian 650D
The combination of a brushed aluminum front fascia, a durable steel frame and expertly framed side windows presents a premium design in all black.
Cost: about 5000 rub.
8. Aerocool Syclone II
The two-tone Aerocool Syclone II, made in blue and black, is reminiscent of a sports car from the famous Italian brand with its streamlined shape and air holes. For PC users who are true car fans, it is perfect.
Cost: about 6,000 rubles.
9.Anidees AI-6BW
The front panel of the Anidees AI-6BW case is made of polished aluminum and is absolutely free of any connectors. USB ports and other interfaces are located on the top side. The viewing window on the side complements the image of the elegant case and allows you to look at the contents of the system unit.
Cost: about 8,000 rubles.
10. BitFenix Colossus
The Colossus case from BitFenix could easily be installed in the Enterprise spacecraft. The design is futuristic and combined with very elegant lighting.
Cost: about 10,000 rubles.
11. BitFenix Shinobi Core
Affordable and sleek, the Shinobi Core has a classic look from the front and allows you to see inside through the side viewing window. Computer components are illuminated with LEDs.
Cost: about 3500 rub.
12. Cooler Master Storm Trooper
Huge, yet truly sleek, the Cooler Master Storm Trooper offers plenty of room to mount all sorts of hardware components, is very well built and will look great in any gaming room.
Cost: about 12,000 rubles.
13. Cooler Master Cosmos II
A true luxury item for PC fans, the Cooler Master Cosmos II offers premium materials, a sports car-like appearance and thoughtful interior design. True, its price is quite high. But the system unit is very convenient to carry, thanks to the built-in handles.
Cost: about 26,000 rubles.
14. Cooler Master HAF X
A classic from Cooler Master, the HAF-X has a high-tech look and offers plenty of space for your motherboard, drives, and graphics cards, as well as numerous slots for modern components.
Cost: about 14,000 rubles.
15. Corsair Carbide 500R
Simple beauty can be persuasive too: the Corsair Carbide 500R, in black and black and white, will look good both on and under a desk. A large fan on the side wall provides good air draft.
Cost: about 5500 rub.
16. Corsair Graphite 600T
Quite simple, but superbly equipped: the Corsair Graphite 600T is a durable case with a well-thought-out ventilation system.
Cost: about 10,000 rubles.
17. In Win Griffin 450W Black/yellow
Extremely cheap, somewhat shortened and painted in yellow and black: the Griffin from In Win may not be a super-high-end model, but the price of this case is very attractive.
Cost: about 3000 rub.
18. NZXT Phantom
NZXT's Phantom is a sleek BigTower with a variety of interfaces and plenty of space inside. If you want, for example, to install several video cards in your PC, there is enough space for them here.
Cost: about 9000 rub.
19. NZXT Phantom 410
Another Phantom: The 410 series uses cheaper materials, but is visually reminiscent of the original NZXT Phantoms. The elegant shape is combined with a side viewing window and excellent possibilities for creating a good ventilation system.
Cost: about 7,000 rubles.
20. Silverstone SST-TJ04B-E
The Silverstone SST-TJ04B-E is the perfect home for your gaming PC components: the design is simple but totally practical. Some versions of this case are equipped with a transparent side wall, through which you can periodically look at your hardware.
Cost: about 11,000 rubles.
21. Thermaltake Overseer
The Thermaltake Overseer is a classic BigTower with lots of bells and whistles. It has everything from a transparent side panel and illuminated fan to hot-swappable hard drives.
- 1. 10th place - DeepCool Tesseract BF Black
- 2. AeroCool Aero-500
- 3. Thermaltake Versa
- 4.Cooler Master HAF X
- 5. Zalman Z11
- 6. Be Quiet! Silent Base 800
- 7.DeepCool Kendomen
- 8. NZXT S340
- 9. Fractal Design Define S
- 10. Corsaire Carbide Series Clear 400C
Many inexperienced buyers, when choosing a computer case, often pay attention only to its appearance and are guided solely by their sense of beauty, but such an approach is fraught with big problems during operation. So that such troubles do not arise for our readers, we hasten to present a rating of the best cases of 2017-2018, which includes only those models that have already proven themselves positively on the market and will not disappoint you in such important parameters as properly organized air flow or noise level.
You should also not forget that the form factors of cases are quite different from each other, and you personally will have to choose the right one based on the hardware you plan to put in it, so don’t rush to buy the shell you like for your PC, but carefully weigh everything pros and cons. Well, now let's turn to our top cases!
10th place - DeepCool Tesseract BF Black
Price: 2200 rubles.
Massive body, made in a conservative style. The dimensions allow this model to integrate a motherboard of any form factor, and therefore you will not be limited in the choice of hardware for this case. The dimensions also helped the engineers create a high-quality and well-thought-out interior space with good air flow and more than enough slots for any components.
The top and front panels of the case are equipped with filters, and therefore you can choose the most convenient location for the motherboard inside. The power supply is located at the bottom, which has long been a good practice in the production of cases; this will also have a positive effect on the temperature. A solid budget option without frills, but including everything you need.
AeroCool Aero-500
Price: about 2000 rubles.
Stylish, strict body with wide customization options. Built-in filters and the ability to install several additional fans will allow you to maintain a suitable operating temperature, even if the filling is very powerful. Another advantage is the low price relative to the market.
There are a number of nuances that you should know about when purchasing this model. If you are a fan of water cooling, then you may have problems with its integration - the rear surface does not have enough working space. Additional fans can make the system unit noisier than desired. If you are willing to put up with such shortcomings, this is an excellent choice for its modest price.
Thermaltake Versa
Price: 2200 rubles.
Made in an elegant design, this case is designed to use the most modern technical components. The prohibitive number of cooling elements will help cope with the most resource-intensive assemblies, and the quality of the material will protect you from the noise produced.
The ergonomics of the case are simple and intuitive, and even a beginner can handle installing elements into it. If you want to assemble a solution that is less space-demanding, then, perhaps, this case will be redundant. But if you are taking the case for the future, the choice is excellent.
Cooler Master HAF X
Price: 12,000 rubles.
And here is a case from the premium segment. What we are looking at is no longer budget plastic, but excellent steel performance, but this immediately affects the weight - such a model will no longer be able to be lifted by a fragile girl. An excellent cooling system and aggressive red backlight make this model one of the best when choosing a case for a gaming computer.
There are a number of ergonomic inconveniences that lead to rather tedious disassembly of the unit when connecting new devices, but if you plan to assemble it once and forget it, the option is almost ideal. You can buy it on Player.ru.
Zalman Z11
Price: 4000 rubles.
Case from a legendary manufacturer. The model is made of plastic and steel, which makes the appearance more expensive than that of purely plastic competitors, and the technical side is not satisfactory - everything that is required on site.
An advanced wire management system will help prevent the interior space from turning into a lump of tangled cords, which will also have a beneficial effect on air circulation. If you want to take a time-tested option, it is in front of you.
Be Quiet! Silent Base 800
Price: 8200 rubles.
Practicality and efficiency in an elegant design - this is a brief description of this device. The manufacturing company is the market leader in noise reduction, so you don’t have to worry about unnecessary sounds. Existing coolers with the ability to add additional ones will take care of the temperature inside.
The design allows for almost any manipulation with the removal and integration of components without a screwdriver or other equipment. The material from which the model is made looks durable. If we don’t see dramatic changes in the component market in the near future, this model may last you for many years.
DeepCool Kendomen
Price: 3000 rubles.
Perhaps the favorite in the price/quality ratio category. You won't find any unique features here, but you'll definitely get an easy-to-assemble case with clever cooling and wiring, fantastic expansion options, and very quiet operation. The case is easy to clean, there is no need to unscrew it for every problem, and overall it is ideal for those who are not a fan of constantly digging through hardware.
The calm but pleasant design is another bonus to the already excellent combination of functionality and modest price.
NZXT S340
Price: 4250 rubles.
An option similar to its predecessor with an excellent ratio of capabilities to the money they ask for. It is worth noting the excellent packaging of the case - in the box you will find cable ties, additional fasteners and screws. The wires in this model can be hidden behind the back wall and not worry about air circulation inside.
The case has no pronounced shortcomings and falls into the top three of our rating, which, against the backdrop of such powerful competitors, is a sign of quality.
Fractal Design Define S
Price: 4400 rubles.
The innovative approach to organizing the internal space in this building fully justifies itself. Quiet, does not heat up and does not look like a warehouse for unattended wires, the case will fit perfectly into any interior.
The possibilities for adding components are almost limitless; the case will accommodate absolutely any modern solution. Some may consider the design a little rustic and boring, but its inconspicuousness becomes a plus with prolonged use. And you can use this case for a very long time.
Corsaire Carbide Series Clear 400C
Price: 6500 rubles.
The leader of the rating and rightfully so. The side panel opens with one touch, so you don't need tools to get inside. Dust filters perform their functions with a bang, their cleaning, in turn, is simple and not labor-intensive.
The design of the case is fascinating both from the outside and from the inside. The ability to hide the wires allows you to enjoy the view of the internal components. The backlight makes the case look like a stylish spaceship. If you wanted to choose a good case, then here is perhaps the best option for an adequate price.
When the question arises of which case to choose for your computer, you need to decide on its size. Before purchasing, you need to have at least an approximate idea of what kind of hardware you want to install in this case. What's the use of a top-end motherboard if it simply won't fit?Cases are divided into six types depending on the maximum size of the motherboard that can be installed in it. From largest to smallest: XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX, Mini-DTX
The case specifications always indicate the maximum supported standard.
The video card may also not be the right size. Video card manufacturers always write its dimensions, and case manufacturers always write the maximum length of the video card. Be sure to compare these options when choosing a computer case.
Choose a case that will accommodate your hardware.
Obvious, but often forgotten.
Which case to choose for a PC so as not to change it every build
The large format case supports any smaller motherboard. For example, motherboards of ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX and Mini-DTX formats can be installed in an ATX case.If compactness is not very important to you, then it is better to choose a larger computer case. Now you are building a PC based on mATX, and in the future you will want to install ATX. If you initially buy a model for ATX, you won’t have to change it.
The larger the body, the more versatile it is.
Cold or quiet - there is no other option
When choosing a case, you will have to decide what is more important to you: effective cooling or quiet operation of the computer. Unfortunately, you won't be able to keep up with two birds with one stone.Thick walls with a minimum of holes “keep” noise inside, but ventilation then leaves much to be desired. And vice versa: the case with many holes is well ventilated, but there is no sound insulation.
For a gaming computer with powerful hardware, it is better to buy a model with poor noise insulation but effective cooling. This way you will protect expensive components from overheating.
For an office PC, cooling is not so important, so you can focus on quietness.
Don't forget about quality fans. You need at least two of them: for blowing in from the front and for blowing out from the back. It is better to place the cooler for blowing closer to the bottom of the case, for blowing - higher.
Cold air enters in front from below, warm air comes out from behind from above.
Components of an ideal case
Now let's talk about additional parameters when choosing a computer case. There is no vital need for them, but with them the body will be even better.Rubber feet
If there are rubber feet on the bottom of the case, it will be more stable. Also, the space below promotes better ventilation.Place for wires
With a bunch of intertwined wires, it is difficult to quickly replace any part of the computer. They also interfere with the flow of air inside the case and visually spoil the assembly. Therefore, some cases are equipped with a special space where you can hide the wires.Dust filter
It is used to prevent dust from getting inside the case and settling on the components of your PC. It is important to clean the filter regularly, otherwise the air will not flow well into the housing.Door
Most often, cases receive a removable cover, which is held on by bolts and inserted into grooves. Constantly opening and closing such a lid is tiring. If you often change something in your PC, then pay attention to cases with a door instead of such a lid - they are much more convenient.- Select the case according to the size of the iron.
- Large cases are the most versatile.
- There are no cold and quiet buildings at the same time.
- Rubber feet, space for wires, dust filters and a door instead of a lid are not necessary, but useful and convenient.