Gaming Case Guide for 2014
A
good gaming case not only gives your PC an identity, it also houses
your expensive components. As someone who has used quite a few cases in
the past I thought I'd put together a list of a few of my favorites.
Below you'll find my guide to gaming cases, updated in 2014 with the best computer cases as voted on by PC builders. This includes all of the need to know information about the latest new release cases broken down into various categories.
Before you go, vote for the best overall gaming case of 2014 in our interactive reader poll below.
Below you'll find my guide to gaming cases, updated in 2014 with the best computer cases as voted on by PC builders. This includes all of the need to know information about the latest new release cases broken down into various categories.
Before you go, vote for the best overall gaming case of 2014 in our interactive reader poll below.
Enthoo Pro
5 New Release Gaming Cases to Consider for 2014
It's always a good idea to look at new cases that aren't part of the mainstream yet. As manufacturers get a better idea of what gamers want they not only improve upon past designs, they also give you better overall value.In 2014 I feel like there's a steep discount over one particular new manufacturers cases that makes it cases a solid alternative to other more popular options. Phanteks' Enthoo series simply gives more for what you spend.
In May they released the Pro Full Tower. This case strongly competes against cases like the Corsair 750D and Haf X. Rather than costing $150 like other mainstream cases in its categories it costs a mere $90 to $100. It also includes some substantial advantages like extensive water cooling support and a mod friendly design.
For enthusiasts the Enthoo Primo is also attractive at around $240 vs. cases like the Corsair 900D. Other new cases worth a look this year include the NZXT H440, Phantom 530, and Corsair 450D.
Best Mid Tower Gaming Case
Best Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case 2014
There's
a lot of really great mid-tower gaming cases out there in 2014. In 2013
it felt like I kept waiting around for every manufacturer to update
their cases to have USB 3.0 in the front I/O. For the most part this has
already happened in 2014.
If you asked me early last year which case I'd recommend for this particular category, then I'd have probably said something like the HAF 912 or the the slightly less expensive Cooler Master Elite 430. Now Cooler Master has updated that model with the Elite 431 Plus and I decided to test one of the more intriguing and popular models on the market in 2014, the CM Storm Enforcer.
Design:
The design of this case is everything I was hoping for with plenty of space in the interior, a great look to the case in general, a side window, and a good amount of I/O ports in the front. What continued to impress me was the inside of the case which is clearly made for the 2014 PC builder. Purchasing a separate 2.5" converter is unnecessary with this case as you can put a drive like your SSD in the 2.5" slot or use the provided converter - either one. In the picture above my SSD is actually in the 2.5" slot that's in the middle bottom area.
Want to see more of my new gaming rig? You can see more of it in my post on building a $1,000 Gaming PC.
One of the nice things about this particular model is you're not paying for any of the additional bling that so many cases come with these days. While Cooler Master does give you one red LED light, this particular case gives you a look that works in your home or office. First time PC builders as well as experienced users will appreciate great features like the tool-less drive bay installation features as well as the extra room behind the right side panel for cable management.
Overall:
Overall this is a good and durable gaming case with a lot of features for the price. The front I/O has 2 USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 ports making the CM Storm Enforcer work perfectly with all my peripherals. For a budget of around $100 it's the one I'd choose.
If you asked me early last year which case I'd recommend for this particular category, then I'd have probably said something like the HAF 912 or the the slightly less expensive Cooler Master Elite 430. Now Cooler Master has updated that model with the Elite 431 Plus and I decided to test one of the more intriguing and popular models on the market in 2014, the CM Storm Enforcer.
Design:
The design of this case is everything I was hoping for with plenty of space in the interior, a great look to the case in general, a side window, and a good amount of I/O ports in the front. What continued to impress me was the inside of the case which is clearly made for the 2014 PC builder. Purchasing a separate 2.5" converter is unnecessary with this case as you can put a drive like your SSD in the 2.5" slot or use the provided converter - either one. In the picture above my SSD is actually in the 2.5" slot that's in the middle bottom area.
Want to see more of my new gaming rig? You can see more of it in my post on building a $1,000 Gaming PC.
One of the nice things about this particular model is you're not paying for any of the additional bling that so many cases come with these days. While Cooler Master does give you one red LED light, this particular case gives you a look that works in your home or office. First time PC builders as well as experienced users will appreciate great features like the tool-less drive bay installation features as well as the extra room behind the right side panel for cable management.
Overall:
Overall this is a good and durable gaming case with a lot of features for the price. The front I/O has 2 USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 ports making the CM Storm Enforcer work perfectly with all my peripherals. For a budget of around $100 it's the one I'd choose.
Cooler Master Haf X
Best Full Tower PC Gaming Cases 2014
If
you've been looking for a full-size gaming tower, then most likely
you've taken a look at the Cooler-Master Haf X. I've used it several
times in the past and have had no regrets.
This case is designed specifically for performance enthusiasts in mind. For well under $200 you get all the slots you need to fit just about any extreme build or design you come up with. It's also super easy to upgrade or add-on with the spacious interior and SATA dock. The HafX is also built with quality materials that don't break down over time which is a plus if you plan to use it long-term.
Technical Details:
Specifications for this gaming case include 6 5.25 Inch drive bays, 5 Internal 3.5 Inch drive bays, and 9 expansion slots. Included fans; 1 x 140mm rear fan, 1 x 140mm rear fan, 1 x 140mm rear fan, and 1 x 140mm rear fan. Power Supply: Not included (It's mounted on the bottom).
Summary:
Overall it may seem somewhat expensive to purchase a case like this up front, but because of its durability and ease-of-use you'll be glad you did in the long-run.
This case is designed specifically for performance enthusiasts in mind. For well under $200 you get all the slots you need to fit just about any extreme build or design you come up with. It's also super easy to upgrade or add-on with the spacious interior and SATA dock. The HafX is also built with quality materials that don't break down over time which is a plus if you plan to use it long-term.
Technical Details:
Specifications for this gaming case include 6 5.25 Inch drive bays, 5 Internal 3.5 Inch drive bays, and 9 expansion slots. Included fans; 1 x 140mm rear fan, 1 x 140mm rear fan, 1 x 140mm rear fan, and 1 x 140mm rear fan. Power Supply: Not included (It's mounted on the bottom).
Summary:
Overall it may seem somewhat expensive to purchase a case like this up front, but because of its durability and ease-of-use you'll be glad you did in the long-run.
Cooler Master Elite 130
Best Mini/Micro HTPC ATX Computer Cases
SilverStone Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX Media Center/HTPC Case (ML03B)
Below is a list of the best mini or Micro HTPC (Home Theatre PC) cases. At the top of the list is the sleek SilverStone Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX Media Center/HTPC Case (ML03B).  One of the greatest things about this case is its ability to hold 4 80mm fans despite its size.If you transfer a lot of files, photos, or especially movies, then you'll appreciate that SilverStone included 2 USB 3.0 ports on the front panel.  It also comes with 4 low profile +1 utility slot for expansion so it can hold up to 5 2.5 Inch or 3 3.5 Inch Hard disk drives or Solid State Drives.
Best Cheap/Budget PC Cases
GAMMA Classic Series ATX Mid Tower
It's not always easy to plop down a couple hundred dollars on a PC case - especially if you'd rather upgrade your hardware. Below we've listed some of our favorite budget PC cases which will give you the bang for your buck performance you want, without the heavy load on your wallet.One of the top rated budget cases in the last year has been the Gamma Classic Series ATX Mid Tower. Â It comes with plenty of expansion slots for all of your hardware (7) and even comes with pre-drilled water cooling holes in the back. Â This particular case doesn't come with everything; however, despite the low price it still comes with a 120mm fan and plenty of room to add 5 more fans if necessary.
Corsair Obsidian 650 D
Top Rated Aluminum PC Case
In
order to perform properly and at maximum performance for many years
computer hardware must be kept at a cool temperature. While adding fans
and various cooling methods can help to decrease the temperature in your
PC case, the cases material is also important.
In theory Aluminum is better for for keeping your case cool because it does in fact transfer heat better than steal. In practice many PC builders have noticed little to no difference of internal temperatures. While this may be true aluminum offers a cool feel, look, doesn't corrode as quickly, and is overall lighter than steel. In addition your HDD will run slightly cooler with an aluminum case.
Cons:
Some builders have reported that aluminum cases are not as durable as steel ones.
Tip:If you are worried about cooling your rig, then consider improving air flow through various cooling techniques rather than assuming that an aluminum case will make a difference.
In theory Aluminum is better for for keeping your case cool because it does in fact transfer heat better than steal. In practice many PC builders have noticed little to no difference of internal temperatures. While this may be true aluminum offers a cool feel, look, doesn't corrode as quickly, and is overall lighter than steel. In addition your HDD will run slightly cooler with an aluminum case.
Cons:
Some builders have reported that aluminum cases are not as durable as steel ones.
Tip:If you are worried about cooling your rig, then consider improving air flow through various cooling techniques rather than assuming that an aluminum case will make a difference.
Fractal Design R4 Windowed Version
Best Quiet PC Cases 2014
If
you are in an environment where a loud buzzing sound from your PC is
annoying, then sometimes it's important to look for a case that is
designed in a manner that will squelch or avoid these types of sounds.
One case that's earned my attention for not only being aesthetically pleasing, but also quiet is the Fractal Design R4. Foam padding eliminates much of the noise generated from noisy fans within your case and the case looks stellar as well.
There's a windowed and plain version so if you don't really care about seeing your components, then go with the cheaper version.
One case that's earned my attention for not only being aesthetically pleasing, but also quiet is the Fractal Design R4. Foam padding eliminates much of the noise generated from noisy fans within your case and the case looks stellar as well.
There's a windowed and plain version so if you don't really care about seeing your components, then go with the cheaper version.
Antec High-Flexibility LanBoy Air Blue
Best Liquid and Air Cooling PC Cases
Antec High-Flexibility Gaming Case
Cool components not only perform better, they also last longer.Below is a couple of my favorite air and liquid cooling PC cases for 2014. The top rated air cooling pc case is the Antec LanBoy Air Modular computer case.  One of the reasons that this case has created such buzz is because every part of this case is removable and customizable which gives performance enthusiasts exactly the type of customization necessary to create high-end builds while maintaining proper airflow throughout the entire case.
Specifications include 11 drive bays, 6 x 3.5 HDD, 3 x 5.25" ext, 2 x internal bottom mounted 2.5" SSD bays, and room for growth with 8 expansions slots and room for Large profile Graphics Cards.
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