Choosing the perfect PC case is an essential step when building or upgrading your computer. The PC case is not merely a shell for your components but a key factor in the system’s performance, cooling, and upgradeability.
Furthermore, it forms a significant part of your PC’s aesthetics. With a budget under $100, your choices are far from limited.
This guide aims to navigate you through the essential considerations and key features to look for when selecting a PC case, enabling you to make an informed decision that suits both your preferences and performance needs.
Whether you’re building a gaming rig, a creative workstation, or a home office PC, this guide has you covered.
Our Top Picks
- Best Pick: Phanteks P360A – This compact case offers plenty of space for an ATX or E-ATX build and features a tempered glass side panel with an RGB strip running along its base.
- Best Small Form: Thermaltake Core V21 – This small form case can fit an M-ATX or Mini-ATX motherboard and has ample room for a larger graphics card. It’s an ideal choice for media PCs and storage boxes.
- Best Mid-Tower: Phanteks P400A – This mid-tower case offers ample room for even the largest GPUs and supports up to a 360mm radiator. It comes with a trio of 120mm fans and a full mesh front panel for improved airflow.
- Best Looking: NZXT H510 – A mid-tower case with sharp lines, it comes in different colors and includes a pair of 120mm fans. It supports full water-cooling setups and features a three-quarter tempered glass panel and USB-C on the front I/O panel.
- Best Quiet: Cooler Master Silencio S400 – True to its name, this case features sound-dampening material on the front, sides, and top. It comes with a couple of 120mm silent fans.
π Best Pick: Phanteks P360A
The Phanteks P360A is an impressive offering in the sub-$100 PC case category. It shines with its compact size that remarkably contains ample space for an ATX or E-ATX build, a testament to Phanteks’ smart design.

The hidden drive cages located in the base and at the back of the motherboard tray are a boon for those looking to maintain a clean, clutter-free interior. This thoughtful design consideration allows users to hide less visually appealing components, making the P360A a solid choice for those seeking a neat and tidy build.
One of the standout features of the P360A is the tempered glass side panel, which is beautifully complemented by an RGB strip running along its base. This feature, combined with two additional RGB fans behind the mesh front panel, brings an element of customization and aesthetics that RGB enthusiasts will appreciate.
Airflow is one aspect where the Phanteks P360A truly excels. The case is designed to support dual 120mm or 140mm fans in the front or a 280mm radiator. This flexibility offers an array of cooling options that can cater to a variety of build requirements.
However, while the P360A offers many positives, it might not be the best fit for everyone. Users planning for extensive customization or requiring an excessive amount of space may find the P360A’s compact nature somewhat limiting.
π Pros | π Cons |
---|---|
Affordable and compact, yet provides plenty of space for an ATX or E-ATX build. | Compact size may limit customization and expansion options. |
Comes with a tempered glass side panel and RGB features for aesthetic appeal. | RGB lighting may not appeal to users who prefer a more minimalist design. |
Solid airflow with support for dual 120mm or 140mm fans in the front or a 280mm radiator. |
π₯ Best Small Form: Thermaltake Core V21
The Thermaltake Core V21 stands out in the PC case market with its unique small form factor design that doesn’t skimp on space or functionality. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a compact build without compromising on the ability to house powerful components.

The case can comfortably fit M-ATX or Mini-ATX motherboards, demonstrating its capacity to cater to varying build requirements despite its compact size. It also provides ample room for larger graphics cards, a feature not commonly found in small form factor cases. This makes it a versatile choice not only for media PCs and storage boxes, but also for gaming setups where GPU size can be a limiting factor.
One of the major selling points of the Core V21 is its affordability. Despite the thoughtful design and ample room for components, the case comes at a very reasonable price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious builders.
However, one potential drawback of the Core V21 could be its aesthetics. Unlike many other cases that feature tempered glass panels or RGB lighting, the Core V21 opts for a more straightforward design. This might not appeal to users who place a high value on the visual appeal of their build.
π Pros | π Cons |
---|---|
Small form factor, yet can fit M-ATX or Mini-ATX motherboards and larger graphics cards. | More simplistic design may not appeal to users seeking a visually appealing build. |
Affordable, offering great value for its functionality. | While it provides ample space for its size, it may still be more limited compared to larger cases. |
π₯ Best Mid-Tower: Phanteks P400A
The Phanteks P400A makes a compelling argument for being one of the best mid-tower cases on the market, especially for those focused on both aesthetics and performance.
One of the standout features of the P400A is its roominess. Despite being a mid-tower case, it offers ample room for even the largest GPUs, which is often a concern for enthusiasts looking to build a high-performance system.

This spaciousness extends to its support for full-sized power supplies and up to a 360mm radiator, offering significant flexibility when it comes to building and upgrading.
The case comes equipped with a trio of 120mm fans, ensuring a good level of airflow straight out of the box. Additionally, the full mesh front panel not only improves airflow but also aids in keeping temperatures low, which is an essential feature for high-performance builds.
The aesthetics of the Phanteks P400A are also worth mentioning. The full-length tempered glass side panel allows builders to showcase their work, making it a perfect fit for those who take pride in their PC building skills. It’s an excellent choice for those who want their build to be seen and admired.
The only potential downside could be its price point, which is at the higher end of the sub-$100 category. However, given the features and quality offered, many might find this to be a worthwhile investment.
π Pros | π Cons |
---|---|
Spacious mid-tower case with room for large GPUs and full-sized power supplies. | Slightly pricier compared to other cases in the same category. |
Comes with three 120mm fans and a full mesh front panel for excellent airflow. | May be too large for users with limited space. |
Full-length tempered glass side panel for showcasing your build. |
π₯ Best Looking: NZXT H510
The NZXT H510 is a testament to NZXT’s commitment to delivering high-quality PC cases that combine aesthetics, functionality, and value. As a mid-tower case, it packs a punch with its ability to accommodate a high-class build while maintaining a sleek and modern design.

The H510’s sharp lines and choice of different colors create a visually appealing case that will surely turn heads. It’s an excellent choice for users who wish their PC to be a focal point in their setup. Additionally, the three-quarter tempered glass panel further enhances the case’s look, allowing a peek into the internals of the build.
Functionality-wise, the H510 is commendable. It comes with a pair of 120mm fans and supports full water-cooling setups, offering flexibility in cooling options. The case also features an elegant cable management system, which is a much-appreciated feature for those who aim for a clean and organized build.
An added bonus is the inclusion of a USB-C port on the front I/O panel, offering modern connectivity options right at your fingertips. The case also incorporates some RGB lighting, adding a touch of customization that many PC enthusiasts appreciate.
While the case supports water-cooling setups, those looking to install larger radiators might find space a bit tight.
π Pros | π Cons |
---|---|
Sleek and modern design with sharp lines and various color options. | May have limited space for larger radiator installations. |
Comes with two 120mm fans and supports full water-cooling setups. | |
Features a USB-C port on the front I/O panel for modern connectivity. |
π₯ Best Quiet: Cooler Master Silencio S400
The Cooler Master Silencio S400 is a uniquely designed case that emphasizes quiet operation without sacrificing functionality. It’s an excellent choice for those who prioritize a tranquil computing environment.
One of the notable features of the Silencio S400 is its sound-dampening material on the front, sides, and top. This thoughtful design choice is a boon for those looking to reduce noise from their PC, making it an ideal choice for environments where silence is golden.

Despite its focus on quiet operation, the Silencio S400 does not overlook the basics of a good PC case. It comes with a pair of 120mm silent fans that help maintain good airflow while keeping noise levels to a minimum.
The case also offers some degree of customization, with features such as a reversible front door and a removable top for added ventilation. This gives users the freedom to adjust the case to their specific needs and preferences.
However, those who prefer to show off their build might be disappointed, as the Silencio S400 does not feature a tempered glass side panel. This is a small trade-off for the silence that the case provides, but it might be a deal-breaker for some.
π Pros | π Cons |
---|---|
Designed for quiet operation with sound-dampening material on the front, sides, and top. | Does not feature a tempered glass side panel for showcasing your build. |
Comes with two 120mm silent fans for good airflow. | While quiet, the sound-dampening materials might restrict airflow compared to other cases with more open designs. |
Offers customization features such as a reversible front door and removable top for added ventilation. |
PC Case Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right PC case is a critical part of assembling your computer setup. The PC case, often referred to as the chassis, is more than just a box to put your components in – it’s the skeleton of your computer. It houses all the hardware components, provides cooling to prevent overheating, and allows easy access for upgrades and repairs.
Just as importantly, the PC case is a visual centerpiece. It’s the part of your PC that you, and others, will see the most. The aesthetics can be as simple or as complex as you desire, from a minimalist, understated look to an attention-grabbing design complete with LED lights and a transparent side panel.
Although it’s easy to think of the case as a mere shell, its design, size, and features play a significant role in the overall performance and functionality of your PC. From airflow patterns to noise levels, and from ease of assembly to future expansion options, the right PC case can make your PC building experience a breeze. Conversely, the wrong case can turn it into a real headache.

This guide will lead you through the process of choosing the best PC case for your needs, especially for those on a budget. After all, with a budget under $100, you may think your options are limited. However, you’ll soon see that this isn’t the case. In the world of PC cases, even an affordable budget can present you with a wide array of choices. The trick is knowing what to look for, and that’s where this guide comes in.
In the following sections, we’ll explore key factors you should consider when buying a PC case, help you understand how different features can impact your PC’s performance and usability, and ultimately, guide you to make an informed decision that suits both your aesthetic preferences and performance requirements. So, whether you’re building a high-powered gaming rig, a workstation for creative projects, or a simple home office PC, this guide has got you covered.
Understanding Your Needs
Before you delve into the market of PC cases, it’s crucial to understand your individual needs. Identifying what you want out of your PC case will help guide your purchase decision and ensure that you choose a case that fits your requirements. Here are some key considerations to factor in:
- Purpose of the PC: What will you primarily use your PC for? If it’s gaming, you may want a case that can support high-performance components and has excellent cooling capabilities. For content creation or professional work, you might prioritize noise reduction and space for multiple storage drives. For general home use, a simple, compact case might be enough.
- Future Upgrades: Are you planning to upgrade your PC in the future? If so, you need a case that offers easy accessibility and space for additional components. This includes more storage drives, a bigger power supply unit, or perhaps even a more powerful graphics card.
- Aesthetics: Your PC case is the most visible part of your setup, and for many people, it’s important that it looks good. Do you have a specific style or color in mind? Would you like a case with a window to show off your components, or do you prefer a more minimalist design?
- Space Constraints: Where will you put your PC? Consider the amount of desk or floor space you have. Remember to check the case dimensions before buying to ensure it will fit in your desired location.
- Noise Sensitivity: If you’re sensitive to noise, you might want to consider a case designed to minimize sound. Some cases come with sound-damping materials to help reduce noise produced by your PC’s fans and other components.
- Budget: Finally, how much are you willing to spend? While this guide is focused on cases under $100, there is still a considerable range within that price point. Identifying how much you are willing to invest will help narrow down your options.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to PC cases. The best case for you depends on your unique requirements and preferences. By understanding these, you can make a more informed decision and choose a case that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Key Features to Look for in a PC Case
When shopping for a PC case, there are several important features to consider. These will significantly influence not only the performance and upgradeability of your PC but also its aesthetics and your overall satisfaction with the build. Here’s what to look for:
- Size and Form Factor: PC cases come in several sizes, typically classified as Full-Tower, Mid-Tower, and Mini-ITX, which correspond to the motherboard size they can house. Larger cases tend to offer more expansion options and airflow, but they also take up more space.
- Design and Aesthetics: This aspect is highly subjective, but it’s worth considering. Do you prefer a clean, minimalist look, or do you want a case with RGB lighting and a tempered glass side panel to showcase your components?
- Quality and Durability: Check the build quality and the materials used. Steel and aluminum cases are generally durable and sturdy, while plastic cases are lightweight but less durable.
- Cooling and Airflow: Look for a case that supports your desired cooling setup (air or liquid cooling) and offers good airflow to keep temperatures down. This often involves multiple fan slots and vents in strategic locations.
- Expansion and Drive Bays: Depending on your storage needs, you might need multiple 2.5″ or 3.5″ drive bays. Similarly, if you plan to add more components like extra GPUs or a sound card, check that the case has enough expansion slots.
- Cable Management: A good case should offer options for cable management to keep your build clean and organized. This can also improve airflow within the case.
- Front Panel Connectors: These include USB ports, audio jacks, and sometimes even USB-C or HDMI ports. Make sure the case has the connections you need for your peripherals and devices.
- Ease of Installation: Look for features that make the building process easier, such as a removable motherboard tray, tool-less design, or pre-installed standoffs for the motherboard.
- Noise Reduction: Some cases come with sound-damping materials or design elements to reduce the noise generated by the system.
Keep in mind that within a budget of $100, it might not be possible to find a case that excels in every single aspect. Therefore, prioritize the features that matter most to you based on your personal needs and preferences.

Detailed Analysis of Key Features
Let’s delve deeper into the key features we’ve outlined and explain why they are essential when choosing a PC case.
- Size and Compatibility: PC cases come in different sizes to accommodate various motherboard form factors, including ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Bigger cases like Full-Tower and Mid-Tower offer more space for components and better cooling potential, but they take up more room and may be overkill for a modest build. Smaller cases like Mini-ITX are compact and portable but may limit expansion opportunities.
- Cooling and Airflow: Good airflow is crucial for keeping your PC’s components cool and ensuring they perform optimally. Cases designed with better ventilation, more fan slots, and support for liquid cooling solutions can help maintain lower temperatures. However, more fans can also result in more noise, so there’s a balance to be struck.
- Expansion and Drive Bays: The number of drive bays and expansion slots in your case will dictate how many storage drives (SSDs or HDDs) you can install and how many add-on cards (like graphics cards or sound cards) you can accommodate. If you plan to upgrade your system in the future, having more slots and bays can be very beneficial.
- Cable Management: A good case will offer options to route cables neatly, such as cable routing holes and tie points. This not only improves the aesthetics of your build by reducing clutter but also enhances airflow by keeping cables out of the way.
- Front Panel Connectors: The case’s front panel should have a suitable array of ports for your needs. These may include USB Type-A and Type-C ports, audio jacks, and sometimes even an HDMI port for VR setups. Make sure your case has the ports you need for your peripherals and devices.
- Noise Level: Some cases are designed with sound-damping materials and quieter fans to minimize noise. If you’re sensitive to noise or require a quiet PC for recording or similar tasks, this can be an important factor to consider.
- Ease of Installation: Cases with user-friendly features can make the PC building process much simpler. Look for features such as tool-less design (which allows you to install drives and add-on cards without screws), removable motherboard trays, or pre-installed standoffs (which raise the motherboard off the case’s surface to prevent short-circuits).
Remember, every PC build is unique, and the best case for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. By understanding these key features, you can make a more informed decision and find a case that offers the best combination of performance, aesthetics, and value for your budget.

How to Decide on a Budget
Determining your budget for a PC case can be a challenge, especially with the multitude of options available in the market. Here are some factors to consider when setting your budget:
- Understand Your Overall PC Budget: The cost of the PC case is just one part of your overall PC build budget. As a rule of thumb, the case generally accounts for around 10% of the total cost. So, if you’re planning to build a PC for $1000, a $100 budget for the case is reasonable. However, this isn’t a hard rule, and the exact percentage can vary based on your preferences and needs.
- Prioritize Your Needs: What are the most critical features for you in a PC case? If high performance and upgradeability are important, you might need to allocate a larger budget to get a case with good airflow, plenty of expansion slots, and support for large graphics cards. If aesthetics are a priority, you might be looking at cases with tempered glass panels, RGB lighting, or a specific design style, which can also drive up the price.
- Balancing Cost and Quality: While it’s tempting to save money on the case, remember that a cheaply made case can lead to frustrations down the line. It might have sharp edges that can cut you or your cables, poor fitment that makes assembly difficult, or flimsy construction that doesn’t hold up over time. It’s worth investing in a case of decent quality to avoid these issues.
- Consider Future Upgrades: If you’re planning to upgrade your system in the future, make sure the case can accommodate your plans. For example, if you’re thinking of adding more storage drives or a larger graphics card down the line, you’ll need a case with enough space for these. While these cases might be a bit more expensive, they can save you money in the long run by avoiding the need to buy a new case when you upgrade.
- Don’t Forget the Extras: Some cases come with extra features like pre-installed fans, removable dust filters, or even RGB lighting controls. These extras can add value and save you money, as you won’t need to buy these separately.
By considering these factors, you can set a realistic budget for your PC case that allows you to get a case you’ll be happy with, without overspending. Remember, the goal is to find the best PC case for your needs within your budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PC case is a crucial step in the journey of building or upgrading your PC. It plays a pivotal role not only in housing your valuable components, but also in providing the necessary cooling, facilitating easy installation and upgrades, reducing noise, and enhancing the aesthetics of your setup.
The wide array of choices available in the PC case market can make the selection process seem overwhelming. However, with the knowledge you’ve gained from this guide, you’re well-equipped to make an informed decision.
When selecting a PC case, especially with a budget under $100, remember that there’s no absolute best choice – it’s all about finding a case that matches your personal needs and preferences. Do you value aesthetics or functionality? Are you planning future upgrades or do you need a compact size for small spaces? Answering these questions will guide you to a PC case that’s perfect for you.
We’ve explored the key features to look for, analyzed them in detail, and discussed how to set your budget. By keeping these factors in mind, you can navigate the PC case market with confidence, and choose a case that not only fits within your budget, but also brings you satisfaction and enhances your PC building experience.
Here’s Our Top Picks again …
- Best Pick: Phanteks P360A – This compact case offers plenty of space for an ATX or E-ATX build and features a tempered glass side panel with an RGB strip running along its base.
- Best Small Form: Thermaltake Core V21 – This small form case can fit an M-ATX or Mini-ATX motherboard and has ample room for a larger graphics card. It’s an ideal choice for media PCs and storage boxes.
- Best Mid-Tower: Phanteks P400A – This mid-tower case offers ample room for even the largest GPUs and supports up to a 360mm radiator. It comes with a trio of 120mm fans and a full mesh front panel for improved airflow.
- Best Looking: NZXT H510 – A mid-tower case with sharp lines, it comes in different colors and includes a pair of 120mm fans. It supports full water-cooling setups and features a three-quarter tempered glass panel and USB-C on the front I/O panel.
- Best Quiet: Cooler Master Silencio S400 – True to its name, this case features sound-dampening material on the front, sides, and top. It comes with a couple of 120mm silent fans.