The decisions for a PC case have by no means been extra various than they’re nowadays. If players make a decision in opposition to the cheap prebuilt PC, they are able to design a rig completely fitted to their wishes. Then again, a case is essentially the most visual a part of a PC and too can dictate what elements are compatible in its chassis. Because of this, machine developers should in finding the most efficient funds PC case to satisfy their necessities and adapt to evolving configurations.
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LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 PC Case
Highest Total Finances PC Case
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Even affordable cases come in a wide range of sizes and styles, complicating the selection process. Buyers should consider whether a potential purchase is a good fit for the type of system they are building. PCs and servers with demanding storage needs require larger mid-tower and full-tower cases. On the other hand, gamers may gravitate toward stylish enclosures showcasing fans that sync with RGB keyboards and mice. Cases also differ in cooling potential and build quality, which can impact the longevity of a gaming rig.
The following guide demonstrates that a strict budget does not have to eliminate the best PC cases, regardless of a buyer’s demands and preferences.
Updated on October 23rd, 2024, by Elvis Shida: The budget PC case landscape constantly adapts to meet increasingly powerful, yet affordable systems. We’ve replaced our large mid-tower and white picks with newer, better options to keep up with the latest trends, such as back-connect motherboards.
Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Budget PC Cases
To become the best budget PC case, the Lian Li Lancool 216 has to excel with both cooling performance and motherboard compatibility. Mid-tower PC cases are extremely popular because they balance size and their ability to hold both small and large components. The Lian Li Lancool 216 accomplishes that task easily, and its relatively small frame can still support the largest AMD and Intel motherboards. Most gamers will probably recognize the name Lian Li for their infamous O11 case, and while that is a great case, the 216 feels like the unsung hero for their lineup, especially for budget-conscious gamers.
The Lancool 216 ships with two front 160 mm RGB fans that cool more efficiently than smaller blowers. Plus, for those gamers running power-hungry GPUs, the rear PCIe 140 mm fan, in this case, aims to eliminate thermal throttling problems. Unlike most rear case fans, this fan sits right next to the PCIe slots to ensure that the GPU gets a constant flow of air across it. Front I/O wise, the 216 has an array of connections, including two USB 3.0 ports and a single USB-C port. Like Lian Li’s other cases, the front I/O can be moved to the bottom left corner of the front panel for easier access if the case sits on the desk.
With a wealth of features and a very reasonable price, the Lancool 216 is an excellent budget case for a new or experienced PC builder. Regardless of skill level, this case is easy to build in, and its cable management options make it possible to keep a setup looking clean.
The compact mid-tower sector has become increasingly competitive, so manufacturers always look to introduce unique features. One issue with smaller cases is that the PSU shroud often occupies most of the bottom panel, preventing cooling upwards toward GPUs. The NZXT H5 Flow solves this problem with a 120 mm fan that sits near the front panel but is angled enough to cool even the most powerful graphics cards. This case is ideal for buyers looking for a space-saving mid-tower option that provides excellent thermal performance and is easy to build in.
Shipping with only the angled GPU fan and an additional rear fan, the H5 Flow surprisingly cools power-hungry CPUs and GPUs well. System builders can add two additional fans on the front panel or the top of the chassis, with NZXT also selling an RGB version of the case with a pair of illuminated front fans. However, the smaller chassis of the H5 Flow will prevent buyers from installing 360 mm AIO liquid coolers like the MSI MAG CoreLiquid E360.
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Cooling in the NZXT H5 Flow is further enhanced by a large mesh front panel with generously sized perforations. The top of the case is also porous enough to exhaust some of the heat from components that the bottom fan blows upward. Thermal readings for the H5 Flow are outstanding for a compact chassis, even if the intelligent design of the case is responsible for these numbers more than the angled GPU fan.
With numerous cable management options, the NZXT H5 Flow also tries to remove some frustration from working in tight spaces. First-time system builders will appreciate many large pathways for routing cables and the included straps to keep a rig organized. Also, the tempered glass side panel and front panel detach effortlessly without screwdrivers.
Despite some limitations with adding additional radiators and storage, the NZXT H5 Flow case is perfect for compact gaming PCs with supercharged AMD and Intel graphics cards.
Mid-tower cases like the NZXT H5 Flow offer attractive cooling solutions, but may limit expansion options for some users. The Montech Air 903 Max addresses this by providing a bit more clearance, allowing gamers to fit larger E-ATX motherboards and powerful GPUs, like the RTX 4090. It also falls right in the budget category, at just $80. Users can also choose between black and white color options.
Despite its budget-friendly price, the Air 930 Max boasts features typically found in more expensive cases. It has a tempered glass side panel to showcase your build, washable dust filters, and plenty of cable routing cutouts. What’s more impressive is that you get three pre-installed 140mm ARGB fans, an extra 140mm exhaust fan, and a fan/RGB hub supporting up to six RGB/PWM fans.
The included fans provide excellent airflow on their own, but users can add up to nine fans, including a 360mm radiator on the front or top, for maximum cooling efficiency. Paired with the front mesh panel, airflow will be the least of your concerns. While the fans can be a bit loud at higher RPMs, they’re generally quiet at around 1000 RPM. The Air 930 Max also offers excellent front panel I/O, including a USB-C port, making it an overall fantastic value for those seeking a spacious mid-tower case.
Budget cases have a reputation for being overly compact and unwelcoming to large GPUs and expansion cards. With the Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2, that’s not a problem. This massive case is so big that it allows users to assemble two complete mini ITX systems inside one case. Running out of drive bays should never be a worry with 12 3.5-inch drive trays and 11 2.5-inch SSD trays. And for those gamers who can’t decide between a 360 mm or a 480 mm radiator, this case can fit both simultaneously. The only drawback is that buyers must supply case fans since none are included.
Of course, most builds will never take up this much space. But for those who want to buy one massive case and never worry about running out of room, the Enthoo Pro 2 might be the case to go with. Once cooling is added, it promotes a steady stream of airflow, largely due to its front mesh panel with large openings. Plus, despite the monstrous size of this case, the price is quite reasonable at around $150.
The Thermaltake Core V1 is one of the older mini ITX cases that is still in production, but its longevity is well-deserved. Sporting a cube-looking design that uses mesh panels extensively, the Core V1 is one of the easiest compact cases to customize. For buyers searching for a chassis for a small gaming or home theater PC, the Core V1 remains the best budget PC case on the market.
While the Core V1 is not a perfect cube, it’s symmetrical enough to allow its side panels to sit in several locations. Installers can place a transparent window on top of the enclosure or its sides, depending on where the case finds a home on a desk or stand. The Core V1 is not a flashy-looking case, but with the other panels so porous, it effectively balances cooling with showing off the rig.
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This Thermaltake mini ITX enclosure utilizes an unusually large 200 mm front fan to provide enough cooling for an entire system. More power efficient than using a series of small fans, buyers can also add a pair of high-speed 80 mm fans on the rear panel. Builders may opt to take off the 200 mm fan and replace it with up to a 140 mm radiator for liquid cooling. Unfortunately, radiator options are otherwise limited, with no space for these components on the chassis’ top or back.
Cable management is often the most difficult part of working in a mini ITX case. To combat these frustrations, the Core V1 benefits from a dual-chamber design where the PSU is separated from a motherboard and a budget gaming CPU above it. Still, the case becomes even easier to build if a user first removes its enormous front fan.
The Core V1’s lack of height results in its bottom panel taking up more desk space than a tower design. Regardless, newer mini ITX cases may have more flair and include the latest USB ports, but the modular nature of the Thermaltake Core V1 still rules at its price point.
For many system builders, mini-ITX cases are a way to save space and money without overly compromising on performance. The Cooler Master NR200 continues to be one of the most popular compact chassis because of its surprisingly spacious interior. Additionally, buyers can easily disassemble the case, which makes installing a generous number of fans and hard drives less stressful.
With a perforated steel side panel by default and no RGB components, the NR200 looks more appropriate in home theaters or offices than gaming rooms. Still, upgrading the left panel with a tempered glass alternative, which comes with the pricier NR200P, is imaginable. Consumers may not be disillusioned through how easy it’s to take aside the case, and conveniences like toolless fan set up on its best panel accelerate the development procedure. Construct high quality with the NR200 is usually superb for the cheap case, with plentiful quantities of steel moderately than plastic used all over.
The NR200 ships with a unmarried 120 mm SickleFlow fan on its best and some other 92 mm blower towards the rear. Those proprietary Cooler Grasp enthusiasts successfully stability airflow and noise ranges, so builds stay quiet even underneath upper lots. Then again, the case additionally lets in for seven enthusiasts and AIO liquid cooling radiators on many sections of the case as much as 280 mm. In spite of a stable entrance panel, airflow is slightly unrestricted within the NR200, because of openings on each left and proper panels and a mesh-like subject matter at the case’s roof.
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Because the NR200 can area many three-slot GPUs, the case could be a discreet enclosure for an effective however tough gaming rig. Developers should acquire a PCI riser cable, however vertically mounting a graphics card can depart extra open house on the backside of the case to push cool air towards CPUs.
The CoolerMaster NR200 presentations its age fairly, with a entrance I/O panel missing a USB-C port. Regardless, it is a simple case to customise, and the producer even supplies templates to print exchange portions like case ft. Mixed with beneficiant garage and cooling attainable, the well-built NR200 is an improbable price amongst mini-ITX circumstances.
With such a lot of PC circumstances that glance slightly alike, the MSI MAG Forge 112R is a mid-tower case that refuses to mix in with the group. A heavy dose of lighting fixtures results and an integrated controller separate this situation from different funds RGB possible choices. Consumers will actually have a head get started on successfully cooling elements in its chassis because it ships with 3 ARGB enthusiasts close to its entrance panel and one rear illuminated fan. Players can upload as much as 3 further enthusiasts, and the lighting fixtures controller affixed within the MAG Forge 112R’s proper panel incorporates further ARGB elements. Even supposing it does not keep an eye on fan pace, developers can permit a button at the I/O panel to toggle thru lighting fixtures patterns or join the controller to a motherboard header.
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The MAG Forge 112R is within the extra compact class of mid-tower circumstances, making its cooling features extra spectacular. Consumers can position a 240 mm AIO liquid cooler at the entrance or best of the chassis, and a mesh entrance panel promotes airflow into or out of a case, relying on fan configuration. Sadly, because of its relative compactness, the 3rd preinstalled fan at the entrance panel is partly obscured through the cast black backside edge. Even so, maximum players will in finding that the MAG Forge 112R is a wonderful addition to a trendy gaming rig, particularly with its tempered glass left panel.
Developers will have to uncover that the MAG Forge 112R is refreshingly easy to paintings with because of a tool-less left panel. There may be plentiful respiring room for graphics playing cards and CPUs because the case can are compatible a GPU of as much as 330 mm in duration and an air cooler that is 160 mm excessive. The MAG Forge 112R isn’t your best option for a report server, however it might area 3 2.5-inch SSDs or two 3.5-inch onerous drives. The entrance I/O panel is a minor sadness since there are handiest two USB 3.0 ports, and it comes with no USB-C port, which is changing into common in more recent circumstances.
Sport Rant present in its evaluation of the MAG Forge 112R that this situation leads the pack of smaller mid-range contenders as a result of its 4 controllable illuminated enthusiasts and simplicity of use.
Consumers looking for reasonably priced PC circumstances ceaselessly have smaller setups with little room to house out elements. Because of this, within reach loud enthusiasts could make paintings and gaming hours unsightly. The be quiet! Natural Base 500 is a slightly compact mid-tower case that specializes in soaking up extra noise whilst offering the expandability that evolving builds call for.
The Natural Base 500 has a number of diversifications, with exteriors in numerous colours and tempered glass or a stable left panel. The entrance of the case sports activities a brushed steel end, which supplies the chassis an commercial glance. Even at a cheap worth, be quiet! features a most commonly stable best panel with cutouts against its rear and a mesh selection if airflow is the concern. Irrespective of the most popular choice, the Natural Base 500 produces efficient and quiet cooling, however the tempered glass aspect panel will make elements paintings a little more difficult.
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Like maximum quiet circumstances, the Natural Base 500 avoids distractions through combining noise-dampening subject matter and thick panels. Developers will in finding foam mats on more than one aspects of the chassis that scale back the vibrations from the integrated entrance and rear 140 mm case enthusiasts. A thick entrance panel represents the admirable construct high quality all over the case, trapping sound in its inner. Including as much as six general enthusiasts and a 360 mm liquid cooling radiator on its entrance can nonetheless stay audible ranges cheap, particularly when opting for environment friendly elements.
The one slight drawbacks with the Natural Base 500 come with a extra cramped inner than anticipated. Putting in an ATX motherboard can take some endurance to steer clear of the preinstalled enthusiasts. The thickness of the fabrics and foam used within the case fairly affects the chassis’s spaciousness, however it is nonetheless imaginable so as to add two 3.5-inch onerous drives or a most of 5 SSDs. Additionally, the entrance I/O panel is minimalist, with only some USB 3.0 ports, audio jacks, and a unmarried massive energy button.
Flexible and constructed to closing for years, the Natural Base 500 is a quiet funds case that may not reason complications on cramped desks. Its low-noise efficiency and rugged development are greater than sufficient to counter any small disappointments.
Players who construct PCs with high-end elements just like the Intel 13700K cross to nice lengths to stay their investments from overheating. Even with the emerging approval for liquid cooling programs, there stays no change for a PC case that facilitates airflow out and in of its chassis. The Corsair 4000D Airflow has distinctive design components that supplement AIO water coolers and conventional enthusiasts.
The obvious bodily characteristic of the Corsair 4000D Airflow that repeats itself all over the case is the metal triangular grate on its entrance. Whilst some players might favor a stable piece of tempered glass, Corsair is having a bet that this distinctive development is chic sufficient to attraction to maximum patrons. Then again, Corsair balances serve as and fashionable styling through together with a pitcher aspect panel. The triangular cutouts also are discovered at the case’s inner, together with above the facility provide and with the slot covers at the rear.
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It is fairly sudden that during a case that is all about most cooling, Corsair handiest ships two 120 mm AirGuide enthusiasts with the 4000D Airflow. Then again, those are not run-of-the-mill cooling enthusiasts, as they depend on anti-vortex vanes to push a extra concentrated airflow deeper right into a chassis. There may be room for 6 120 mm or 4 140 mm enthusiasts at the entrance best or again of the case. The triangle-heavy entrance of the 4000D Airflow comes alive with the addition of a few RGB enthusiasts. Liquid cooling is some other completely viable technique to stay temperatures in test, with a number of spaces preferrred for radiators.
The Corsair 4000D Airflow is a slightly compact and minimalist enclosure at the same time as a mid-tower case. Sadly, this simplicity additionally impacts its entrance I/O ports, with handiest two USB 3.0 and three.1 ports to be had. Regardless, the 4000D Airflow’s talent to turn out to be an oblong slice of Antarctica makes it a significantly tempting selection. The Corsair 4000D Airflow is the most efficient funds PC case for any gamer who desires to overclock CPUs and GPUs with out taking pointless dangers.
For a pre-built PC that takes good thing about this situation’s in depth cooling attainable, take a look at GameRant’s evaluation of the Foundation PC Neuron Corsair 4000D Airflow.
Whilst many circumstances are actually to be had in white, Antec’s newest Constellation Sequence case stands proud with further options that make it a best choice for a blank, white-themed construct. In spite of its $120 price ticket, which would possibly appear a little excessive for the cheap case, it greater than compensates with a whopping seven pre-installed 120mm ARGB enthusiasts, together with a integrated fan and RGB controller. It helps 10 enthusiasts and as much as 360mm radiators, so cooling may not be a subject matter for this compact mid-tower case.
Like many fresh circumstances, the Antec C5 ARGB includes a surprising panoramic design with entrance and aspect glass panels that let players to show off their construct and lovely RGB lighting fixtures results. It helps NVIDIA’s 40 Sequence GPUs and motherboards as much as ATX dimension, together with the newest forums with back-side connectors. Then again, if you are development an excessive water-cooled rig with beefier GPUs, you’ll briefly run out of house. Corsair’s 3500X ARGB is a superb selection for $110, however handiest comes with 3 integrated enthusiasts.
So Many Circumstances and So Little Cash
Although they have got turn out to be extra elaborate through the years with RGB enthusiasts and glass panels, PC circumstances are slightly reasonably priced elements. When on a restricted funds, plentiful possible choices make selecting an acceptable case for a construct problematic. To search out the most efficient case for a brand new machine, those qualities can briefly type in the course of the chances:
Shape Issue
A case’s shape issue is an important a part of the decision-making procedure, as it is going to resolve which elements, like motherboards and graphics playing cards, can sign up for different portions in a possible construct. The Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 is an instance of the cheap full-sized case that may dangle as many as 12 onerous drives or 11 SSDs. Then again, whether or not a gamer settles on a extra compact case just like the Thermaltake Core V1 or a full-tower candidate, many can accommodate anything else from mini ITX to full-sized ATX motherboards. There may be no scarcity of shapes that enclosures can are available in, with the Thermaltake The Tower 100 saving more room through including top to its dimensions moderately than width or intensity.
Cooling and Airflow
As tough graphics playing cards have turn out to be the center piece and most costly element of maximum gaming rigs, they ceaselessly pose issues so far as becoming in circumstances and blockading airflow. Thankfully, enclosures just like the Cooler Grasp NR200 have discovered inventive tactics to include those increasingly more mammoth graphics playing cards even in essentially the most miniature chassis. Cooling continues to be a priority, particularly with much less open house for enthusiasts to flow into air. The most efficient funds PC circumstances stay the trail from the entrance of the case to the again as transparent as imaginable whilst together with mounting issues for liquid cooling programs. Cable control additionally performs a job in holding temperatures down, however circumstances in most cases have spaces designated to path air-blocking cords.
Mesh panels are the preferred strategy to stay air transferring out and in of circumstances, with the Montech Sky TwoGX a testomony to this subject matter’s effectiveness. This mid-tower case depends upon a mesh entrance with a grate-like look and a partly uncovered left panel that permits super airflow into its chassis.
Construct High quality
Purchasing an reasonably priced case does not essentially imply it is going to handiest closing months. The be quiet! Natural Base 500 is not essentially the most stylish-looking case, nevertheless it makes use of most commonly metal portions, making it probably the most sturdy funds circumstances available on the market nowadays. Its rock-solid development and considerable noise-absorbing fabrics additionally assist to drown out extra noise.
NZXT circumstances also are well known for his or her construct high quality since they use stable panels and thicker tempered glass. The emblem even makes reasonably priced circumstances just like the NZXT H5 Drift, that are much more likely to resist consistent tinkering with elements.
Aesthetics
In spite of everything, for players, taste is a extra necessary issue than ever when looking for a case that best possible displays a character or fits the theme of a gaming room. Boring-looking circumstances are a factor of the previous, and lots of possible choices characteristic identical components, like tempered glass panels noticed with the Fractal Design Meshify C White. As of late, it is common for circumstances to be offered in many alternative colours and configurations. The MSI MAG Forge 112R takes issues additional with 4 integrated ARGB enthusiasts and a controller that permits converting lighting fixtures results with a button.
As this information has proven, a finite funds does no longer save you a gamer from discovering a case that’s the proper dimension, adequately cools key elements, and enhances different state of the art peripherals. The Lian Li Lancool 216 is Sport Rant’s best select for the cheap PC case as a result of its unbeatable mixture of affordability, cooling efficiency, and expandability.
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FAQ
Q: What dimension PC case will have to I purchase?
Whether or not patrons will have to acquire a mini-ITX, mid-tower, or full-tower case will depend on which motherboard/CPU combo they make a selection for a PC construct. Then again, maximum medium-sized and massive circumstances accommodate quite a lot of motherboard sizes, so the selection additionally will depend on to be had table house, garage necessities, and funds.
Q: How do I do know if my elements will are compatible in a PC case?
Even smaller PC circumstances are designed to deal with the most typical elements in a condensed house. Nonetheless, it is best to test the specifications of a case to make certain that lengthy graphics playing cards will are compatible and that garage bays will dangle an acceptable selection of onerous drives.
Q: How can patrons lower your expenses when buying a PC case?
Search for circumstances that come with a minimum of two to 3 pre-installed cooling enthusiasts or RGB controllers to steer clear of further bills. Even supposing it has turn out to be extra unusual, some circumstances might nonetheless be bundled with energy provides.