The Best Computer Cases : Silence and Performance

The case you put your PC parts in is just as important as the parts themselves. The best computer cases allow plenty of air through, keeping your components cool, while keeping things as quiet as possible. RGB illumination, tempered glass, and crazy designs? Just the cherry on top.

Contents

The best computer cases at a glance
Cooler Master Cosmos C700P
Fractal Design Meshify 2
Cooler Master Masterbox Q300L
Corsair Carbide Series 275R
be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2
Phanteks Evolv X
Cooler Master Silencio S400

We picked five cases that excel in terms of design and performance, ensuring your rig stays cool and quiet while looking the best that it can. Although we didn’t set any strict limits, we have options at various prices, so you should be able to find a case regardless of your budget.

If you want the short answer, the Cooler Master Cosmos C700P is the best PC case on the market. It’s quite a large unit, though, so look at our other picks if you want a few more options.

Cooler Master Cosmos C700P

The combination of durable brackets, mesh panels, and a thorough cable cover system gives this Cooler Master case the edge over almost all the alternatives. The design can be conventional, inverse, or personalized, depending on exactly what hardware you want to include. Even the cable system has three different covers to choose from based on your goals and what type of storage you use.

While RGB lighting and controls are included, you can always augment it with a colorful memory kit, if you wish. The built-in, slightly tinted, tempered glass side window allows everyone to see your fancy lighting setup illuminating from within. The two flat radiator brackets, meanwhile, allow for liquid cooling systems on the top, front, or bottom (or more than one location), with room for up to a 420mm radiator per bracket.

The I/O panel includes USB-C and USB-A ports as well as controls for fans and lighting. If you’re measuring your space, this all comes in at around 12.05 by 25.16 by 25.63 inches. Overall, if you want the best combination of style and performance in a case, the Cooler Master Cosmos C700P is an excellent place to start.

Fractal Design Meshify 2

For years, Fractal Design’s Define series has been the go-to for cool and quiet performance in an attractive, though vastly understated, chassis. The most recent Define 7 still achieves that, but we’re giving this slot to another Fractal case: The Meshify 2.

Fractal’s design influences still show through in the Meshify 2. It’s just a black (or gray or white) box, for the most part. The only exception is the front panel, featuring an angular design that allows full airflow through the front of the case. As expected, the Meshify 2 comes with three Dynamic X2 GP-14 fans pre-installed for silent and cool operation, and it comes with support for up to a 420mm radiator, depending on your mounting location. Additionally, the case supports up to an E-ATX motherboard, despite only measuring 21.3 inches long, 9.4 inches wide, and 18.7 inches high, and it comes with two USB-A and one USB-C port on the front panel.

With that list of features, we’d expect to pay even more than the $140 Fractal charges for the Meshify 2. However, the Meshify 2 is a case that excels not only because it comes with a lot of features at a reasonable price, but also because it comes with a manufacturer as reputable as Fractal. Quality-of-life features like a completely removable top panel for radiator mounting, along with built-in cable routing points, make the Meshify 2 a joy to build in.

The design isn’t too crazy, either. Although the Define 7 is clearly more about work than play, the Meshify 2’s design still remains professional, even with its added front panel flare.

Cooler Master Masterbox Q300L

If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to sacrifice features for savings, then Cooler Master’s Masterbox Q300L is one of our firm favorites. Frequently showcased in our budget PC build guides, the Q300L is a mATX case with a gorgeous, compact aesthetic.

The Q300L doesn’t support full-size motherboards, but there’s enough space for full-size graphics cards, water-cooling radiators, full-size ATX power supplies, and plenty of fans to keep things cool. It also comes with magnetic dust filters and an I/O front panel you can place in six different configurations.

Overall, the Cooler Master Q300L is an astoundingly effective case at a bargain price making it fiercely competitive with similar cases. The sub-$50 price seems almost impossible considering it uses steel, not low-cost plastic and aluminum.

Corsair Carbide Series 275R

There is something to say for affordable computer cases. You will have plenty of room left in your budget to get all the components you want for your build.

This Corsair case is the right choice for you if you’re looking for a combination of aesthetics and affordability. The tempered glass panel case lets you show off the various aspects of your build, and the modern design and smooth lines give your computer a unique look.

This model includes built-in cable routing, steel drive trays that can hold both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch components. The case features seven expansion slots you can use to customize it. The dimensions of the case are 18.1 by 8.3 by 17.9 inches.

This case includes two fans, though there is room for as many as six. You can also choose a 360mm front radiator, a 240mm top radiator, and a 120mm rear radiator to give your setup lots of cooling options. The Corsair Carbide 275R is an entry-level product that delivers a unique look. We think you will have plenty of space for your build, thanks to its roomy design.

be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2

Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2 may cost you a bit more, but it comes with all the bells and whistles you could want at a $250 price point. This 22.7 X 9.5 X 23.1 full tower case can support ITX and E-ATX motherboards and everything in between. On top of that, the bag supports several forms of USB ports, including two USB 3.0 Type-A ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C port, and one USB 3.1 Type-A port. The bonus features don’t end there: The case also has a Qi charging pad on top. This product was made with convenience in mind.

The newer Dark Base Pro 900 is unique, sleek, and modular. It comes with a removable drive cage, which has the capacity to support up to five different hard drives, 10 SSDs, and two 5.25-inch devices. You have the chance to modify the case by merely rearranging and removing features as you see fit. For example, flip your motherboard to use the opposite tempered glass-side panel. There are tons of ways to play around with your new device.

One of the device’s most prominent features is that it’s practically silent, as you may have guessed already. The Dark Base Pro 900 has three Silent Wings 3 fans, which specifically reinforce radiators up to 420 mm. Some people may indeed find fault with the PC case’s PSU shroud. However, we believe that the Pro 900 is genuinely not to be trifled with.

Phanteks Evolv X

The Phanteks Evolv X makes the most of limited space. It’s still a mid-tower chassis, but Phanteks manages to pack a lot of options inside. Around the back of the case, for example, you can fit nine SSDs and four 3.5-inch hard drives at the same time, and with optional drive bays, you can expand the HDD storage to 10 drives. There’s also a dual-system upgrade, allowing you to add an ITX motherboard and run two systems out of the case.

Despite the options and relatively small size, the Evolv X doesn’t sacrifice airflow. The generously sized front panel offers mesh intake filters, and the case supports multiple radiator mounting options for water-cooled rigs. If you have a custom loop, you can connect it directly to the case with the built-in fill and drain ports, simplifying maintenance.

To show off your hard work, the Evolv X includes tempered glass side panels on both sides of the case. The built-in cable panels hide your cable mess, too, so you can show off both sides of your build unashamed.

Cooler Master Silencio S400

The Cooler Master Silencio S400 is a minimalist micro ATX PC case that’s focused on silence. Inside, you’ll found sound dampening material on the side and front panels, limiting the noise that your machine gives off. Combined with the two bundled Silencio 120mm PWM fans, the Silencio S400 can help keep your rig quiet.

You have to trade noise for heat, though, and that’s true with the Silencio S400. Still, Cooler Master includes a few options for increased airflow through the case. You can open the front panel to offer unrestricted airflow to the front airflow filter, and you can replace the top panel with an included dust filter.