What Computer Case Should You Buy?

We've come a long way from the beige boxes of yesteryear! Learn how to select a computer case that will deliver a pleasant building experience, proper compatibility, and the features you need to get the most out of your components.
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[@xaiderg]

Even with high quality cases, I'll still get cuts, mostly from the components. I always make an accidental blood sacrifice when building a computer.

[@enderman6777]

ALL HAIL ELECTRONIC LORD

[@Xenoray1]

AND GABEN

[@CheffBryan]

Praise the Omnissiah! Serve this machine, as you would have fight it for you.

[@dukdo7790]

Same here. I once cut my finger on the chipset heatsink.

[@ask_]

It's fine. You get an FPS boost for your sacrifice.

[@theoverlord7156]

Always buy a case with LOTS OF RGB as it will make ur PC go faster

[@__joris]

Crunchy Frenchfry can rgb run crysis?!?!!

[@jamiestewart2051]

I have rgb minecrafts.

[@sizlax]

True on this. Seems to be the main thing advertised on so many cases and I'm like, ya, I want my case to look good but I don't give a fuck about RGB, just give me a removable motherboard tray.

[@dylanluong6950]

Red rgb: makes pc faster Green rgb: Stability Yellow rgb: Slient Blue rgb: extreme cooling No rgb: console peasantry

[@BertGrink]

Sizlax You, Sir, know what's important

[@mizuhonova]

Another pro-tip, get a case that has generous grabbing points so you can pick it up easily. I got this stupid full atx cooler master case that looks nice but it has absolutely nowhere to grab other than the middle bottom area which makes it impossible to pick up unless you wanna give your spine a nice bend in it.

[@Psychodegu]

I only buy cases with handles on them.

[@Infernape7890]

Made a similar mistake. Somewhat regret it, but I don't need to pick it up often. My next build will be more back friendly as far as the case goes.

[@ajddavid452]

than get the Cooler Master cosmos II it has that and it's still a Cooler Master case

[@Layarion]

i kinda regret teh build quality of the HAF-X, as the castersa ll broke, the PSU dust filter is not removable, the side panel dusk filter is the same, and the front 2.0 USB ports broke. The case itself is f heavy.

[@Wolverineeeeeeee]

I had the same problem with my Thermaltake case. I even dropped the case once because one of the plastic covers slid off while I was moving it. Luckily I didn't have anything in the case.

[@oluwatoyinbenson9016]

At the end of the day most current cases are just overpriced metal frames with walls of tempered glass on them.

[@TheFryPo]

Yeah it's insane how fucking overpriced they are. Feel like starting a company just to solve this idiotic issue.

[@Rishi.149]

@@TheFryPo il be ur first customer lol

[@ItsNicolau]

@@TheFryPo I would buy from you lol

[@sinuslebastian6366]

@@TheFryPo 1 year later, have you started the company??

[@far-red]

yep what we actually need is simple, function and cheap but good case, i dont too much about all these glass/ see through, we only see the monitor, and case is always hidden anyways, so its a waste of money to anything beyond essentials

[@johanreviews7587]

When did a giant ship become a small form factor pc easy to carry to lan parties?

[@tacocat709]

The ship isn't that large...

[@awrongusername]

Dragonheart No shit..

[@jamiestewart2051]

Soon as you held your tongue and said ship,you figured it out.

[@2CommaClub]

Gotta get on their level bro! :-p

[@muffinman4515]

Johan Reviews maybe there is a handle...

[@benshivd]

I have actually made a cardboard box case once. Used it for like 3 years LMAO

[@hayrikosem]

Make a DIY case video. I think that would be interesting and fun.

[@falk2009]

yee

[@brickman409]

check out DIY Perks

[@CheffBryan]

Hell yeah, DIY Perks does all sorts of awesome shit! Just keep in mind, you should measure everything out first, most people end up abandoning projects because they missed that crucial step. Also, old PC cases are great for mobo baseplates, so some of the work is alleviated.

[@Zervife]

You're asking _Linus Tech Tips_ for a _DIY_ project? Wow.

[@nnnkatze4329]

Collab with DIY Perks!

[@miriam1337]

While watching, I'm getting the notification from this video 😀 I feel satisfied, as if I woke up before my alarm. Feels so good.

[@edancase8818]

HazardGaming feels good man

[@der94alex]

how does waking up before th alarm feel good?! *IT FEELS LIKE WASTED SLEEP-TIME*

[@miriam1337]

therandomgermanguy you obviously a German guy, y'all are lazy, I'd be happy cos I got extra time to do...stuff... . . . . Hahahahaah no I'm joking my life's miserable

[@der94alex]

* triggered * :D

[@miriam1337]

therandomgermanguy omg! Ok! Ok! Hear me out! So I i went like downstairs y'know and I was like 'oh, let me bring my bike inside -so it isn' t like ice cold tomorrow- and then I came up with the brilliant idea of putting a cheese burger in the micro wave in the meanwhile. Guess what... I got back inside with my bike BEFORE the microwave started making the *BEEPING* sound and I was like super happy!

[@salyir8386]

I was expecting more of a "our favorite cases to use" video, while this video is helpful for newer or even some experienced builders, I would like to know what you think the best solutions are as well.

[@ki6eki]

I've been following this channel for over 3 years and have never built a computer. Hopefully one day I will put all these tips in use.

[@steelixion]

I have a desktop that supports btx case and its dell ootiplex 980 dt can i put its mother board into atx case

[@Perseus3248M]

Side panel with Windows in it? Just tape a Microsoft logo to your PC...

[@tfr]

Perseus3248M this comment should be pinned

[@DJRobSunset]

Luke is soooooo much more relaxed than Linus. We need more Luke!

[@jacktheteaman7629]

Linus's list while case shopping RGB RGB RGB RGB RGB Check and done

[@iwan-wr7gn]

thx i was waiting for this kind of video for a 1year now

[@SdoggaMan]

Anyone have any recommendations on some reversible cases? Whether it involves mounting the motherboard upside down or shunted down with an I/O on the front, or even a case that supports mounting external USB and audio plus power and indicators on the rear, I need to find a case that can show off the internals the other way around. :)

[@cheatingthesystem21]

0:50 Anyone know what case this is?

[@Valfaun]

maybe a follow-up video of your favorite cases for each size?

[@DerNunu]

I was actually hoping this would be a video about what material is the best for cases to keep the insides cool and such.

[@SergioLopez-bb4dc]

can somone tell me plz what those pipe things are called at the begning of the video and what do they do.

[@Layarion]

This was a great video, i want more like this one.

[@Salman.khan786]

I loved that they used the Phanteks Enthoo Pro for this vid. I just ordered it. And I can't wait!!

[@bragtime1052]

1. Click on video 2. Realize you only own a laptop 3. Click away

[@falk2009]

?! Just put your Laptop in a case. Ez

[@zawseh1553]

Falk200 that made me laugh so much lol

[@sadhlife]

Falk200 BEEP BEEP I'M A SHEEP

[@docferringer]

Click away Bragtime, click away.

[@kaspartiits908]

that is basicaly me

[@Orvis25]

@techquickie Question: should my 2x side panel fans blow in, or vent out for maximum airflow/cooling assuming the following setup?: 2 front in 2 top out 1 rear out Cheers!

[@djottorocket6556]

You should have equally pulling in and pushing out. If you have dust filters, then you should rather put 3 pulling air in and 2 blowing it out, because when all the air inside gets pushed out, it will start pulling the air in from any holes the case might have, also taking the dust with it.

[@JoshTechBytes]

PC Enthusiast in the 90s? Bro I was just being born.

[@IcZ2013]

I was always there

[@panko2848]

you spent the whole of the 90s being born? that musta been rough

[@JoshTechBytes]

I'd go into more details but it's quite graphic.

[@alexmay7250]

i was still living with the storks during the 90s

[@kamildouglas]

Shit I was living it out in the 90's everything was the best

[@Drasengan75]

Very interesting. Well said.

[@BroadcastTV.g]

great please also link some best cheap to high end cabinet of all types !

[@VampiresCrypt]

Fractal Design R5 is pretty much the best thing money can buy. For oldschool guys I also recommend the Antec P183, just a great case, cheers !

[@ult7511]

Vampires Crypt That's what I'm buying when i go build my first PC but I'm worried R5 not supported usb 3.1

[@ThanosOnHisFarm]

Thanks a lot for making this video, a day after i just ordered my case

[@phaenius]

With cheap cases, some holes don't even fit. For instance, when inserting extension cards, the brackets don't reach the end of the case so that can be screwed to the case. In this case, you either leave the card just hanging on the motherboard slot, or make a compromise and last pins of the card be well raised from the motherboard slot and risk not making contact.

[@SSteelification]

I still prefer those beige boxes. Planning on putting my retro-build in a gateway 2000 pizza box ish.

[@adampreston8673]

what case was the example of the completely modular one. was it the dark base 900?

[@joesterling4299]

Thanks for the generally informative video. However, going by the title, I was expecting specific case suggestions and reasons why you prefer them.

[@joraalexandru]

last week I bought a Corsair Carbide 400c and put inside the motherboard and gpu.Can't wait to buy the rest of the computer

[@Tobias611]

Which pc case under 200€ would you guys recommend for custom watercooling? Got the Define S at the moment,but with my 360x60 rad it is quite cramped in there with a custom loop,wouldn't mind going for a full tower...

[@carl6380]

I have a NZXT s340 Elite white and I'm thinking of changing it cuz it look to boxy should i do it?

[@Bendrvry]

I need someones help, Im getting a RMD Ryzen 5 and gigabyte aorus gtx 1060 but need a cheapish case. Any around the £40-£70 area on amazon all have good reviews except say poor airflow. Do I just have to go for a more expensive case or for what I have does it not matter too much? Thanks and also please give me a few cases you recommend I have.

[@mrbrown30238]

what does 2+1 mean when the case descriptions is talking about internal 2.5 and internal 3.5 for both?

[@Alkize06]

So the case size depends on Mobo, and graphics card?

[@Brankelo752]

does the backplate on motherboards have any other effect other than just holding the cooling system?

[@trvlydre]

can anyone tell me any cases that i could put in the parts of an HP 8300 elite small?

[@Gamer31795]

right when i was buying a new cabinet! thank you so much

[@felfazeebo]

What are your guys' thoughts on open cases such as the Thermaltake core P5 or P3? I feel like it would be most convenient for me for showing off and easy upgrading.

[@Sandy-le7ly]

What case was the Corsair mini itx in the size comparison?

[@mattalones93]

@techquickie - Great advice about M/ATX-sized cases. Have anything more specificity for m-ITX ?

[@hidennseek1483]

Can someone gives an example for a case with magnetic filters? ATX or E-ATX size preferable

[@benschneider3413]

For me its the pure base by be quiet. Its that simple cuz it has all the stuff he mentioned in the video.

[@TheLateral18]

I knew most of this good video !!!!! thanks

[@MSTechie]

I'm going with the inwin 303 for my next build. Its different but looks great. Not may problems with thermals as well. I'm trying to get out of the "cube" field.

[@joemomma7161]

Great build! Looking to purchase case for my 1080ti/8700k build today! only thing i have to decide on is full tower case and air (thinking about corsair h115i). How is the case on airflow? does it have dust filters for front, top, bottom? Are the ports updated? I can't find any recent full tower cases. I just want to make sure this one isn't outdated. Sorry, first build so I'm new to PCs.

[@negativenancyn9871]

Will my microatx mid tower case fit my atx motherboard?

[@ThePerro]

I've got the phanteks enthoo pro m. pretty happy with it.

[@dogboy0912]

I can make it even quickie-er: Mid tower: Phanteks p400 or NZXT S340 Mini itx: Silverstone ML08 or Node 202 (unless you specifically want a cube case...) Full tower: lol, as if this is your first build.

[@Djuntas]

How does the nzxt H440 compare to S340? and good list thx

[@DumbSloth87]

Fractal Define C and Corsair 460X / 400C / 400Q are also great options

[@khalidarkan7917]

dogboy0912 I went with the Cooler Master MasterBox 5, great case!

[@D3ViiANT]

DumbSloth87 Agreed. I prefer the Define/Mini C and 400C to any other cases, tbh. I used to love the S340 Elite the most but changed my mind. :p I'm still an H440 fan as well. And since no one named a full tower, the Phanteks Enthoo Luxe takes the cake in my opinion.

[@Aereto]

I use full tower with Carbide 600C since I am using a fair amount of PCIe slots, though the motherboard has a PCI slot that I have yet to find use of. Planned to have 2 GPUs (gaming + workstation), 1 wireless NIC, and 1 USB type-c expansion. The x4 slots are M.2 slots instead. And it has space to not impact non-blower coolers.

[@ctrlaltdelooms]

I made that tower cooler mistake on my IN WIN case which has a tempered glass side-panel. This meant there was no room for flexing/forcing, so I had to purchase a water cooler as I really didn't like the beige/brown colour of the cooling towers that lie flat rather than stand up.

[@jjju3]

"if you were a PC enthuesiest back in the 1990s your choice in cases was pretty much the following: white, beige, or whiteish-beige." "But nowadays with the amount of case choices out there you legitimately argue that your choice in cases is a bonified form of self expression" What sucks is I'm a retro aesthetic webcore junkie and I would really very much like a shitty beige brick to house my very good computer shit but It would be so much goddamn work that I'm too dumb to understand to try and update an old case to work with new hardware and no one produces ugly beige bricks anymore.

[@ifell3]

I was expecting you to show the case that i brought, a corsair carbide air 540, thing is massive i can't recommend enough!!

[@lostproto4520]

What is your guys opinion on fractal design mini c? Should i buy it?

[@RoachForLife]

What case is that at 3:33 ? Thx

[@tjarsun]

I love my LianLi A71F! It's the most beautiful minimalist Full-tower case I've seen (only second to its newer version A76) And it fits many server boards, 10HDDs, dual PSUs, a small sedan and 2 hippos inside!

[@soundxcrash]

does anyone know a good cute pink pastel or chrome like pink pc case that is actually good i can even do a white?? it will be my first time building and i want to be sure to get a good case that looks good but also will go fast and be smooth and silent . any help would be appreciated!!

[@nadiposzata17]

Funny, i was just researching pc cases today for my first build! What a coinsidence!

[@bikutoso]

I'm planning to move all my computers into rackmount cases. It gives me a good solution to the problem of where I will place my computers.

[@Haanicz]

what do you guys think about the zalman z11 neo

[@rich1051414]

Ah, I remember browsing Xoxide back in the day, as they were the go to place to get fancy, non-beige cases.

[@rabnabombshell]

So If I have a Cyberpower gamer xtreme pc, I can use the razer pc case on it? Someone help I am confusion

[@phillipeulee4441]

Does anyone know what case is at 03:31 ?

[@Minecraft7635]

How is the DeepCool TX Mid Tower TESSERACT SW? Is it decent?

[@VishaalDutt]

I've been a subrcriber for too long, I already knew all that!!

[@user-mh9uw3sy2v]

i want to buy a pc that is a "sleeper" it has good specs but looks bad and i want to change the case. on the page it says that the MotherBoard size is uATX 24x24 cm what size case will i need?

[@tim_schols7984]

גור סיניi think a atx case so the biggest size

[@scottwatschke4192]

Good information.

[@SiimKuusik]

"Hopefully this guide has helped you narrow down your search for your next computer case" When did TechQuickie become a "Buyers Guide" ?

[@abdielortiz5685]

Im using an Phanteks Enthoo Evolv ITX, and it just perfect!

[@vivek-revi]

gtx 670 with arctic twin turbo ii wont fit into nzxt manta mini itx case .. my mistake for ignoring the case gpu clearance manuals .. so do mind the customised gpu cards when you go for a mini itx case .. sigh !!

[@troyBORG]

Cooler Master 932 = My favorite so far. (And buy Dust Filters). The front/side gets dusty quickly.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

easy. the one that fits your needs. Personally I love the Corsair Air cube case I have. it rocks.

[@thomasschmitz3765]

Nice vid. However, I'd appreciated a word or two over cases pre-equipped with silencing material, integrated tools and gadgets such as fan controllers or multi-purpose bays, and some more details about water cooling devices.

[@frostsmaker8966]

What is the software did you use to made that animation sir? 4:45. I really need it, Please.

[@seanweaver8625]

frosts maker they didn't make it. their sponsor probably did

[@ijirving]

I intentionally bought a mid-tower with a micro atx setup built inside just so I had enough room to put little action figures inside that you can see through the glass siding.

[@abdulfatahmohammed7774]

so what is the best pc for water pumper???

[@lennardgalander5729]

So is the Nzxt s340 / elite good cases to built for the first team

[@amelliamendel2227]

What was the case they used as an example of a good case?

[@ayporos]

DAMN YOU, I just bought a Lian Li PC-A79A two weeks ago! If only this video had come a little bit earlier!! Oh well, good thing I wanted this case anyway (pro-tip: it's neigh impossible to find a case that will fit a 5-in-3 hotswap hdd bay without having to 'modify' your 5.25" bays). Gotta say, am very happy with the case except for the fact that the side mounted fans aren't dust-filtered (but thankfully that's easily fixed with some DEMCIflex)

[@repertoar]

You could make a video "Which case to buy" too, hm? :)

[@BlazeOGlory]

I remember the white/beige computers. I had a stack of floppy disks for years

[@seahawk124]

My Enermax CS-718 entry level server case. I've had it 12 years, and it still does the job with my new Ryzen build. Also, did I mention, that my case has a freaking wind tunnel built into it?!

[@ujiltromm7358]

I'm on the path of *"small, powerful"*, but I don't plan on going with SLI. So mini-ITX is just right for me. I'm contemplating the idea of modding a Fractal Design Define Nano S to accommodate up to 2*240 + 1*280 rads. I've seen a Nano S with 240 on top + 280 on front, since the case offers just the right amount of space to fit them. I'm thinking about the layout of the NCase M1 and applying the rad position to add a third rad to the Nano S. No RGB LEDs, no side window and all that jazz, just a small, discrete, powerful computer. All of that is just a dream for now...

[@georgeorwell7776]

Does anybody has a hint for an case for an first selfbuild, til they offer no example fir an easy case to work with.

[@adsta5463]

are mini itxs good for budget gaming?

[@Synthcave]

love that boat case

[@halalnews]

0:38 hay that's my case!

[@tsamuel6224]

You didn't say the most important thing. The MB sets case size, and an ATX MB won't go in any desktop smaller than a mid tower. And a mid tower case is large enough to ship using aircraft carriers for packing peanuts.

[@halsti99]

im using a cooler master mastercase 5 and im super happy with it. if you want something with that size, go for it :)

[@Mr_Higgs]

I want to build a PC but afraid of ruining all the Expensive components do you think it would be a good idea to just get the Motherboard, Case & Power Supply in and when im done with that buy the other components needed?

[@Kai-dr8my]

If you use common sense when building your pc, you won't need to worry about hurting components. If you are questioning something, do research before going forward. That is how I did my first build. Also, if you put your motherboard in the case before putting in your CPU, you will need to redo everything

[@MrBlahgBlagh]

is wood a good case material?

[@RockyGrenade]

Wood is insulating. It would be bad, also thicker wood be really heavy.

[@RockyGrenade]

Also it would very well sustain a Pc fire breakout.

[@_BangDroid_]

itz aw3s0m3 at bl0king EMF

[@Askar1]

If you use one, have lots of fans and probably no tempered glass. Also it might get heavy so watch out

[@tavpreetsingh5026]

please make a video on how to choose a power supply.and please include how much watts you need more for a overclocked cpu and GPU comparing it with stock clocks.

[@rockeyphil1992]

can i get the name of those cases they showed

[@traum640]

You should have mentioned all of the modders and custom cases by individual enthusiasts that sparked the interest in and corporate focus on making these new nice cases.

[@CattoRayTube]

Video request: What makes for a quiet case. (Maybe that one exists already, iunno, bed time.)

[@FoxMamba]

I can't wait for my new build, definitely want the temper glass.

[@NickG40]

3:32 What case is that? It's ginormous!