If you want to buy a new PC case, you are spoiled for choice: There are models from a wide variety of manufacturers, in different sizes and sometimes with very varied designs – especially for cases for gaming PCs. Here you can get tips on how to find the right housing.

By Sebastian Weber

What would you like: big tower, midi tower or mini tower?

The most important question you should ask yourself before purchasing a PC case is: How big should and can it be? On the one hand, the hardware must find enough space that you want to install in the case. On the other hand, where you want to set up your computer, there must be enough space for the PC case.

There are three types of computer cases:

• Midi towers are the most common. They usually have enough space inside for the typical PC hardware and don't take up too much space under your desk.
• Big towers are significantly larger. They are particularly suitable if you want to install many components because they offer plenty of space for hard drives and other components. The larger interior also has advantages when it comes to cooling your PC: the airflow from the fans is less affected.
• Mini towers have the advantage that they can also be placed on the desk due to their compact size – or in a TV shelf if your PC is to serve as a media center in the living room.

The size of the mainboard also plays a role when you buy a new PC case. If you only want to upgrade your PC, you have to make sure that the selected housing fits the existing mainboard. If you put together a new computer, you are more flexible: You can first select the case and then the mainboard.

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Recommended midi towers

In the midi tower field, we recommend the Fractal Design Define 7 PC case. It may appear simple, but it shines with its equipment. It has nine drive slots (expandable up to 18) and enough space for long graphics cards and tall processor coolers. In addition, insulating mats are integrated, which reduces the noise level caused by the well-functioning fans.

Important data at a glance:

• Dimensions: 240 x 475 x 547 mm (W x H x D)
• Suitable mainboard sizes : E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX
• Number of drive bays: 7 x 3.5"/2.5" universal mount (expandable to 14), 2 x 2.5" (expandable to 4)
• Fan slots front: 3 x 120/140 mm
• Rear fan slots: 1 x 120/140 mm
• Max length graphics card: 491 mm
• Weight: 13.49 kg

Fractal Design Define 7 Buy it now at

If the Fractal case is too unspectacular for you, you can bring a little color under your desk with the Corsair iCUE 465X RGB case. This model has three large front fans, which are a real eye-catcher thanks to the RGB lighting on the housing. The disadvantage: This means there is no space for drives, there are only six drive slots here.

Important data at a glance:

• Dimensions: 216 x 455 x 467 mm (W x H x D)
• Suitable mainboard sizes : ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
• Number of bays: 4 x 2.5", 2 x 3.5"
• Fan slots Front: 3 x 120mm, 2 x 140mm (3 x LL120 RGB fans included), Top: 2 x 120mm, 1 x 140mm
• Rear fan slots: 1 x 120/140 mm
• Max. length graphics card: 370 mm
• Weight: 8kg

Corsair iCUE 465X RGB Buy it now at

Both housings support all common mainboard variants.

Recommended big tower

In the large PC case category, our first recommendation is a midi/big tower hybrid of sorts. The BeQuiet! Dark Base PRO 900 Rev. 2 is not much larger than a midi tower, but offers the space and optimal ventilation of the larger models. A real equipment highlight: a Qi charger on the top, with which you can charge your smartphone – provided it supports wireless charging.

Important data at a glance:

• Dimensions: 243 x 586 x 577 mm (W x H x D)
• Suitable mainboard sizes : E-ATX, XL-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, Mini-ATX
• Number of bays: up to 5 x HDD, 10 x SSD, 2 x ODD
• Fan slots Front: 2 x 140 mm, optionally 1 x 120 mm, Top: 180 mm fan mount, Mount for 4 x 120 mm or 3 x 140 mm fans, Bottom: 2 x 120/140 mm bracket
• Rear fan slots: 1 x 140 mm
• Max. length graphics card: 323 mm (with HDD cage), 472 mm (without HDD cage)
• Weight: 14.39 kg

be quiet Dark Base Pro 900 Rev. 2 Buy now at

As an alternative, we provide you with the Be Quiet! Silent Base 802 to the heart. This model also offers a lot of space, has a good cooling capacity and at the same time good noise insulation. Although there are no gimmicks like the smartphone charger, this PC case is a little cheaper.

Important data at a glance:

• Dimensions: 281 x 553 x 539 mm (W x H x D)
• Suitable mainboard sizes : E-ATX, ATX, M-ATX, Mini-ITX
• Number of bays: up to 7 x 3.5" or 15 x 2.5"
• Integrated fans: 3 x 140 mm (2 x front, 1 x rear)
• Fan slots: up to 8 x 120 or 140 mm
• Max. length graphics card: 287 mm (with HDD cage), 432 mm (without HDD cage)
• Weight: 12.6 kg

be quiet Silent Base 802 Buy now from

These two housings also support all mainboard designs.

Recommended mini towers

If you want to get a mini tower as a PC case, remember: They are only compatible with mainboards with the Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX form factor.

In this category, our first recommendation is the Fractal Design Meshify C Mini case. For its size, it offers enough space for the typical hardware. It also convinces with good cooling performance – otherwise often a problem with mini-tower cases.

Important data at a glance:

• Dimensions: 217 x 409 x 412 mm (W x H x D)
• Suitable mainboard sizes : mATX, ITX
• Number of bays: 2 x 3.5"/2.5", 3 x 2.5"
• Fan slots front: 3 x 120 or 2 x 140 mm (1 x Dynamic X2 GP-12 included)
• Rear fan slots: 1 x 120 mm (1 x Dynamic X2 GP-12 included)
• Max. graphics card length: 315 mm (with built-in front fans)
• Weight: 6.28kg

Fractal Design Meshify C Mini Buy now from

If you are looking for a more stylish alternative, because you want to set up your mini PC in the living room, for example, we recommend the Corsair Crystal Series 280X case . This model scores with a two-chamber design: You can stow drives, power supply and all cables in a non-visible area. This will make the inside of your computer look tidier. However, this PC case offers significantly less space for the processor cooler than the Fractal model, since the interior is less deep.

Important data at a glance:

• Dimensions: 276 x 351 x 398 mm (W x H x D)
• Suitable mainboard sizes : Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
• Number of bays: 2 x 3.5", 3 x 2.5"
• Fan slots front: 1 x 120 mm or 2 x 140 mm (optional)
• Fan slots on top: 1 x 120 mm or 2 x 140 mm (optional)
• Fan slots below: 2 x 140 mm (optional)
• Max length graphics card: 300mm
• Weight: 7.24kg

Corsair Crystal Series 280X Buy now at

summary

• When buying a new PC case, you should know exactly how big it can be (space requirements at the installation site) and how big it has to be (space requirements for the hardware inside).
• Big towers offer the most space for hardware and have advantages when it comes to cooling.
• The existing or planned mainboard must match the case, otherwise it cannot be installed.