In the high-octane world of computer hardware and gaming setups, the size and capabilities of your PC case matter just as much as the core components housed within. For those seeking to build a high-powered, future-proof rig, an Extended ATX (EATX) case is the way to go. Welcome to our deep dive into the world of the Best EATX PC Cases.
As the unsung heroes of any PC build, these cases not only provide the physical room necessary for top-tier hardware but also offer sophisticated cooling solutions, intricate cable management, and a sleek canvas to exhibit your rig’s interior aesthetics. Whether you are an avid gamer aiming for a smoother gaming experience, a creative professional harnessing immense computing power, or an enthusiast intent on pushing the boundaries of performance, an EATX case is a must-have foundation for your dream machine.
In this article, we will explore the cutting-edge realm of EATX cases. We’ll analyze and evaluate the best options on the market, taking into account not only their size but also their cooling capabilities, build quality, design aesthetics, and the ease of installation they offer.
From the visually stunning to the incredibly functional, we’ll guide you through the top contenders and arm you with the information you need to pick the perfect EATX PC case for your needs.
Our Top Picks
- Cooler Master HAF 700: This case is massive and has an impressive cooling performance due to its extensive AIO and fan options. It has great storage support and exceptional GPU clearance.
- Fractal Design Torrent: It is the best E ATX case for air-cooling your build. It offers virtually unlimited CPU cooler clearance and ample room for fans.
- Corsair 7000D Airflow: This case is designed for 140mm fans, offering cool and quiet operation. It features a spacious interior and ample storage capacity.
- Hyte Y60: This case is a showpiece, allowing users to proudly display their components. It is ideal for AIOs or custom water loops but also provides enough fan positions for air-based cooling.
- Lian Li Lancool III: This case combines cool and quiet operation with an affordable price. It has spring-loaded components that make building easier.
🏆 Cooler Master HAF 700
The Cooler Master HAF 700 is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to full tower PC cases. The case is massive, both in terms of physical dimensions and the potential it holds for building a high-performance gaming or work PC. Let’s explore what makes this case stand out.
Firstly, the Cooler Master HAF 700’s dimensions of 666 x 291 x 622mm allow it to support a wide range of motherboard sizes, from Mini-ITX to SSI-EEB, providing a plethora of options for different builds.
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of the HAF 700 is its cooling potential. The case comes with two 200mm fans at the front, two 120mm fans at the back, and a 120mm fan at the bottom, ensuring ample airflow throughout the system. Additionally, the extensive support for AIO cooling solutions and additional fans further bolsters its cooling performance.
Storage-wise, the Cooler Master HAF 700 is nothing short of impressive. It features nine internal bays that can fit 3.5” or 2.5″ drives, meaning it can handle all the storage you could need for a high-performance gaming or work PC. Moreover, the case also boasts exceptional GPU clearance, accommodating GPUs up to 490mm in length.
The case’s design is a standout, with its large glass panel on the left and vent-studded metal on the right. The front sees a considerable transformation with a large mesh filter replacing the EVO’s expensive embellishments. The mesh lacks a dust filter but provides an excellent view of the two large front fans.
However, the Cooler Master HAF 700 is not without its drawbacks. Its high price point may deter some budget-conscious builders. Furthermore, despite its massive size, the CPU cooler clearance is smaller than expected at 166mm, which may limit some options for larger aftermarket coolers.
The HAF 700 comes equipped with an array of ports including four USB-A ports, a USB-C port, audio jacks, and buttons for power and reset. The included fans also feature vivid RGB lighting that you can control via the proprietary software.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| World-class cooling potential | Still expensive |
| Exceptional GPU clearance | Smaller CPU cooler clearance than expected |
| Outstanding storage support: up to 9x 3.5”/2.5″ | |
| Large size accommodates diverse components | |
| Excellent I/O, including USB-C and USB-A | |
| Intuitive RGB control via proprietary software |
🥇 Fractal Design Torrent
The Fractal Design Torrent is a compelling return to form from Fractal Design, marking an impressive offering in the EATX case market. With its distinctive aesthetic and top-notch features, the Torrent stands as a testament to the brand’s consistent focus on quality and performance.
One of the most noticeable aspects of the Torrent is its unique design language. The case features rounded edges and an asymmetrical geometric pattern in Fractal Design’s signature style, giving it a modern, minimalist look that’s both functional and attractive. Behind the mesh front, you’ll find a dust filter that follows the contours of the case, ensuring optimal airflow and reducing dust build-up.
The Torrent also features glass side panels, available in clear or tinted options, to showcase your components. But the real innovation is the top-mounted PSU layout, an unusual feature that works incredibly well in this configuration. It allows for easy access to the power supply, and surprisingly doesn’t interfere with the airflow.
In terms of cooling, the Torrent is a beast. The bottom houses fan mounts, allowing for three 140mm fans or a sizable 420mm AIO. Combine that with the two 180mm front fans, and you’ve got a formidable cooling solution. Despite the solid top, the Torrent still manages to provide exceptional airflow.
The case also offers ample room for storage drives, with space for two 3.5” HDDs or smaller SSDs behind the motherboard tray, and four 2.5” bays stacked vertically behind the front. All storage drives are neatly hidden out of sight, contributing to the clean, uncluttered interior.
There’s plenty of clearance for large CPU coolers and long GPUs, ensuring that the Torrent can accommodate a wide range of components. The only area where the Torrent seems to falter is its RGB lighting. While Fractal Design did fix an initial issue with the controller, the lighting remains somewhat lackluster, which might disappoint users who prioritize aesthetics.
| 👍Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional airflow | Lackluster RGB |
| Room for the largest coolers and AIOs | |
| Cool design with top-mounted PSU | |
| Solid build quality and aesthetic appeal | |
| Ample storage with a clean, uncluttered interior | |
| CPU cooler clearance and room for long GPUs | |
| Innovative and functional design features |
🏆 Corsair 7000D Airflow
The Corsair 7000D Airflow is a PC case designed for users who value both aesthetics and performance. This E-ATX case is a wonderful balance of form and function, boasting a sizeable build space and a focus on optimizing airflow.
The 7000D Airflow stands out visually with its emphasis on hexagonal meshes that dominate the front and top, a feature that not only adds to its sleek appearance but also aids in cooling. The left side features a heavily tinted glass panel that’s perfect for showcasing your components and RGB lighting without being too glaring.
The interior of this case is spacious, catering to a broad range of configurations. The PSU shroud extends almost the entire length of the bottom, hiding away six 3.5″/2.5″ drive bays. Four additional SSDs can be mounted behind the motherboard tray. Corsair has also included an internal panel next to the motherboard tray to manage and hide cables, contributing to a cleaner build.
The 7000D Airflow is built to support up to 140mm fans, meaning it can efficiently move large volumes of air while remaining relatively quiet. It also has numerous options for radiator placements, giving you the flexibility to create a comprehensive cooling setup tailored to your needs.
The I/O panel is generous, with USB-C and four USB-A ports in a contrasting yellow color that pops nicely against the black top of the case. However, some users might find the lack of separate audio jacks disappointing.
| 👍Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on 140mm fans makes it cool and quiet. | No separate mic and audio jacks, which would have added more convenience. |
| Attractive design with good airflow and easy interior access. | |
| Spacious enough to hold plenty of legacy and SSD drives along with long GPUs. | |
| Thoughtful cable management and storage solutions. | |
| Comprehensive I/O options with USB-C and USB-A ports. |
🥇 Hyte Y60
Hyte Y60 is a unique and innovative PC case that showcases an aesthetic blend of form and function. It is a mid-tower case but doesn’t shy away from demonstrating its capacity for customization and adaptability to different cooling options. The unconventional design is reflected in the form of its distinctive slanted side, which offers a stunning presentation of your components through a tinted glass panel.
One of the main highlights of this case is its diverse cooling options. The case comes with three pre-installed fans, one 120mm fan at the rear, and two 120mm fans at the bottom for intake. There’s also room for three more fans or a 360mm AIO on the removable top and a 280mm AIO on the right side.
The case focuses heavily on neat and tidy cable management, with custom open grommets on the right side to organize and conceal cables. The storage options include two 3.5″ drive bays and four 2.5″ SSD bays, situated above the side-facing PSU. The inclusion of a riser cable for vertical GPU mounting further enhances the aesthetic appeal of the build.
However, while the Y60 excels in style and cable management, it falls short in terms of thermal performance. The solid glass panels may restrict the airflow to a certain extent, causing vertically mounted GPUs to heat up due to inadequate space between the glass and the component.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Unique design and aesthetic appeal | 1. Potential thermal issues with vertically-mounted GPUs |
| 2. Plenty of cooling options for fans and AIOs | |
| 3. Emphasizes tidy cable management with custom open grommets | |
| 4. Includes a riser cable for vertical GPU mounting | |
| 5. Easy access to components and emphasis on clean building |
🥇 Lian Li Lancool III
The Lian Li Lancool III is a third iteration of the highly-regarded Lancool series that marries functionality, innovative design, and affordability. It stands out with its focus on 140mm fans, allowing for a system that runs both cool and quiet. Though not as rich in massive radiator mounting options as some other cases, the Lancool III offers excellent value for money, particularly if that’s not a priority for your build.
The case doesn’t disappoint in aesthetics, featuring an airflow-focused design with a large, chamfered front mesh that houses three pre-installed 140mm fans. The I/O panel, usually located at the top, can be switched to the bottom, catering to different setup preferences, especially if your PC resides on your desk. Both side panels are clear glass, accentuating the internals while maintaining the bottom mesh segments for optimal air circulation.
The unique selling point of Lian Li Lancool III lies in its spring-powered components, making toolless, seamless PC building a breeze. From suicide-style side doors to hinged interior panels, every aspect of building and maintenance has been thoughtfully designed for convenience. It can house up to eight 2.5″ drives and four 3.5″ drives, offering ample storage options. However, the 3.5″ HDD installation may be slightly trickier as it requires grommets and screws for secure mounting.
In terms of performance, the Lancool III takes full advantage of its generous CPU cooling limits and pre-installed 140mm fans. It delivers impressive thermals, among the best on the list, making it ideal for heavy-duty use. The sizable fans and mostly solid side panels ensure that the noise level is well under control, making it suitable for both home and office environments.
| 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|
| Runs cool and quiet | Tricky 3.5” HDD installation |
| Spring-loaded components make building easy | |
| Good value for money | |
| Multiple panels ensure clean and tidy interiors | |
| Excellent thermal performance | |
| Ample space for multiple drives | |
| Innovative design with easy-to-use functionalities |
EATX PC Case Buyer’s Guide
EATX PC cases are specifically designed to house bigger motherboards, such as the Extended ATX and SSI-EEB form factors. These motherboards have more components, such as additional RAM slots and expansion card slots, which require more physical space. Additionally, EATX cases offer more room for larger power supplies, multiple hard drives, and advanced cooling systems.
When it comes to building a high-performance PC, choosing the right case is just as important as selecting the right components. EATX cases are ideal for enthusiasts who want to build a powerful system with multiple graphics cards, high-end processors, and plenty of storage space.
What is an EATX PC Case?
An EATX PC case is a computer enclosure that is compatible with Extended ATX motherboards. These motherboards usually have dimensions of 12 x 13 inches and require a larger case to accommodate them. EATX cases are typically larger than standard ATX cases, with more room for expansion and customization.
One of the benefits of using an EATX case is that it allows for better cable management. With more space to work with, you can easily route cables and keep them organized, which can improve airflow and reduce the risk of overheating.
EATX vs. ATX vs. MicroATX: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between EATX, ATX, and MicroATX cases is the size and compatibility with different motherboard form factors. ATX cases are designed for standard ATX motherboards, while MicroATX cases are smaller, designed to house MicroATX and Mini-ITX motherboards. EATX cases, on the other hand, offer enough space to house EATX and other larger motherboards.
Another advantage of using an EATX case is the potential for better cooling. With more room for fans and radiators, you can achieve better airflow and lower temperatures, which can improve system stability and longevity.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an EATX PC Case
Building your own PC can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it requires careful consideration of various components. One of the most important components is the EATX PC case. The case is not only responsible for housing all your components but also plays a vital role in the overall performance and aesthetics of your build. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the essential factors to consider before purchasing an EATX PC case.
Size and Dimensions
The size of your EATX PC case is an important factor to consider. While most EATX cases have similar dimensions, some models may be larger or have unique shapes that affect compatibility with other components. Make sure to check the dimensions of your chosen EATX case before purchasing to ensure it will fit in your workspace, as well as accommodate all necessary components.
Additionally, consider the weight of the case if you plan on moving it around frequently. A heavier case may be sturdier, but it may also be more challenging to move around. On the other hand, a lighter case may be more portable, but it may not offer the same level of durability as a heavier case.
Material and Build Quality
EATX PC cases are typically constructed from materials such as steel, aluminum, or tempered glass. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Steel is cheaper but is less aesthetically pleasing compared to aluminum and tempered glass. Aluminum is lightweight, but more expensive than steel. Tempered glass is the most expensive material used in EATX cases, but it is the most visually appealing. It’s important to choose a case made from high-quality materials that match your design preferences and budget. Additionally, ensure that the case is built with quality and precision to avoid any compatibility issues or structural problems.
It’s also essential to consider the build quality of the case. Look for cases that have a sturdy frame and well-designed internal components. A well-built case will not only offer better protection for your components but also provide better airflow and cooling capabilities.
Cooling and Airflow
Adequate cooling and airflow are essential elements to consider in an EATX PC case. Without proper cooling, your components can overheat, leading to poor performance and even system failures. Look for cases that offer multiple fan mounts, space for water-cooling radiators, and efficient airflow design. Consider purchasing additional fans as well, or even liquid cooling solutions to improve the cooling system’s performance.
It’s also important to consider the noise level of the cooling system. Some cases come equipped with quieter fans or fan controllers, which can help reduce the overall noise level of your build. Additionally, consider the location of the case and the ambient temperature of the room where it will be located. A case that is located in a room with a high ambient temperature may require additional cooling solutions to prevent overheating.
Cable Management Options
Cable management is another crucial factor in keeping your EATX build clean and clutter-free. A good EATX PC case should have ample space to route cables, multiple cable routing holes, and cable tie-down points. This not only makes your internal build look neater and more organized but also improves airflow efficiency by reducing cluttered cables that block airflow.
Consider using cable ties or Velcro straps to keep cables organized and out of the way. Some cases also come with cable management systems built-in, which can make cable management even easier.
Expansion Slots and Drive Bays
Expansion slots and drive bays are additional components that you need to consider when looking for an EATX case that meets your specific requirements. Consider how many expansion slots and drive bays you need for your graphics card, storage drives, and other peripherals. Look for cases that offer a reasonable number of slots to ensure future proofing. Additionally, some cases have removable drive cages that can be swapped depending on your needs.
It’s also important to consider the size and length of your graphics card. Some cases may not be able to accommodate larger graphics cards, which can limit your options when it comes to choosing a case.
Front Panel Connectivity
Front panel connectivity is another factor to consider while shopping for an EATX case. Most cases come equipped with USB 3.0 or USB 3.1 Type-C ports and audio jacks, among other features. Ensure that the case you choose has the connectivity you require to support all your peripherals.
Additionally, consider the location of the front panel ports. Some cases have front panel ports located on the top of the case, while others have them located on the front. Depending on your setup, one location may be more convenient than the other.
Aesthetics and Design
The aesthetics and design of an EATX PC case can be a personal preference. Look for cases that match your style and design preferences and are available in a color that suits your build. Other design elements like RGB lighting and tempered glass can add more visual appeal to your build but come at a higher price point, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
Ultimately, the EATX PC case you choose should not only meet your functional requirements but also match your design preferences. With careful consideration of the factors discussed above, you can find an EATX case that will provide the necessary protection, cooling, and aesthetics for your build.
Conclusion
As we conclude this expansive journey through the realm of Extended ATX (EATX) cases, it’s clear that the choice of an EATX case is no less significant than choosing your motherboard or GPU. The features, quality, and aesthetics of your PC case play pivotal roles in your PC’s performance, ease of use, and visual appeal.
We have explored an array of top-tier EATX PC cases, each of which stands as an excellent choice for those looking to build a high-performance, aesthetically pleasing rig. From excellent cooling capabilities, superb cable management options, sturdy construction, and roomy interiors to distinctive design features, each case offers its unique blend of attributes.
Here’s our top picks again …
- Cooler Master HAF 700: This case is massive and has an impressive cooling performance due to its extensive AIO and fan options. It has great storage support and exceptional GPU clearance.
- Fractal Design Torrent: It is the best E ATX case for air-cooling your build. It offers virtually unlimited CPU cooler clearance and ample room for fans.
- Corsair 7000D Airflow: This case is designed for 140mm fans, offering cool and quiet operation. It features a spacious interior and ample storage capacity.
- Hyte Y60: This case is a showpiece, allowing users to proudly display their components. It is ideal for AIOs or custom water loops but also provides enough fan positions for air-based cooling.
- Lian Li Lancool III: This case combines cool and quiet operation with an affordable price. It has spring-loaded components that make building easier.
EATX PC Case FAQs
What cases support EATX?
Several PC cases on the market support EATX motherboards. Some popular options include the Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D, Thermaltake Core P8, Phanteks Enthoo Pro, and Cooler Master Cosmos C700P. These cases are designed with spacious interiors to accommodate larger EATX motherboards and their accompanying high-performance components.
Is EATX better than ATX?
Whether EATX is better than ATX largely depends on your specific needs. EATX (Extended ATX) is larger than standard ATX, offering more room for additional components such as extra RAM, multiple GPUs, and advanced cooling solutions. If you are building a high-performance PC, a server, or a workstation that requires more space and superior cooling, EATX could be better for you. On the other hand, ATX is the more common standard and suits most gamers and general users, as it provides ample room for standard PC components while fitting into more conventional case sizes.
Does EATX fit in an ATX case?
Typically, EATX motherboards do not fit into standard ATX cases due to their larger dimensions. However, some ATX cases are designed with extra room and might be able to accommodate an EATX motherboard, but it’s not a standard feature. Always check the specifications of the case to ensure compatibility with your chosen motherboard size.
What is an EATX case?
An EATX case is a PC case designed to house an Extended ATX (EATX) motherboard, which is larger than the standard ATX motherboard. EATX cases are typically larger and provide more room for high-performance components, making them ideal for high-end gaming systems, workstations, or servers. These cases often offer advanced features such as superior cooling options, better cable management, and more space for storage drives or additional components like extra GPUs.
