PC cases
Cases for desktop PCs — mid tower, full tower and compact mini-ITX. Choose by the motherboard format and by how long a graphics card and how tall a cooler you want to fit. Check the clearances before you buy.
PC cases
Cases for desktop builds — from compact mini-ITX and micro-ATX through mid tower to full tower with room for liquid cooling. They differ in material and in the side panel, from solid steel to tempered glass.
The board format sets the minimum — a case states which boards it takes, for example ATX, micro-ATX and mini-ITX. A larger case will also hold a smaller board; the other way round it will not. Choose PC cases around the board you already have or plan to buy.
Three measurements decide whether the build works — the maximum graphics card length, the maximum CPU cooler height and the radiator sizes supported for liquid cooling. Manufacturers give these in millimetres and it pays to check them against your actual parts before buying.
Cooling depends on the number and placement of fan mounts and on how much air the front panel lets through — a mesh front draws in more air, a solid front is quieter. Go through the 3.5" and 2.5" drive bays, the power supply position and the front panel connectors, USB-C included.
Take the dust filters out and clean them regularly, otherwise airflow drops. Handle glass panels carefully and, while building, unplug the computer from the mains and discharge static electricity. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, which also cover supported formats and maximum component sizes.