Top 10 PC Case Brands and Series in 2023 – MSI, NZXT, Corsair and more

By | April 1, 2023

Picking the right PC case is often a difficult task to do.

It's the biggest part of your build and catches the most attention.

PC cases can be the cheapest or one of the most expensive parts of your build. The good thing is that there are a ton of different PC cases out there from different manufacturers and brands.

PC Cases are often available from a wide variety of brands including a lot of lesser known cheap ones. Simply because pc cases are not a sophisticated hi-tech product and its something that can be manufactured easily.

However, newer pc cases pack in a lot of features besides providing a enclosure for all the pc hardware. They have various ports on front panel including USB, audio ports and other features like dust filters, RGB lighting, cable organising mechanism, tempered glass windows for improved aesthetics etc.

With all these different options, getting one that fits your personal taste shouldn't be a problem. To help you out even further, we've listed some of the top pc case brands and series available in the market.

  1. MSI
  2. Cooler Master
  3. NZXT
  4. Phanteks
  5. Fractal Design
  6. Corsair
  7. be quiet!
  8. Thermaltake
  9. Silverstone
  10. Lian Li

1. MSI

MSI is a widely known brand within the PC industry. It can be recognized through its dragon logo and is a very reliable and trusted brand.

It manufactures and sells almost every PC component out there, including motherboards, graphics cards, power supplies, AIOs, peripherals, and of course cases. They are a good brand with some really great looking cases in a variety of designs.

1.1 MSI MAG Series

Following their motherboard lineups, MSI has a MAG and MPG series for their cases. Their MAG series is a budget premium lineup of cases. These cases look good, have a few touches of RGB, and are affordable.

The MSI MAG Forge 100R is one of their most popular cases. The case has some really great airflow optimization, support for up to a 240mm radiator, some included ARGB fans and support from a mini-ITX to an ATX sized motherboard.

MSI – MAG Forge 100R

MSI – MAG Forge 100R

1.2 MSI MPG Series

The MPG series have a more premium price tag and are great fits for bigger budgets. The "P" in MPG stands for "professional" which already gives you a great idea of the concept behind these cases.

The MSI MPG Gungnir is 110M and a great case from the MPG series that features great airflow optimization and aesthetics thanks to its mesh front panel.

MSI MPG Gungnir 100

MSI MPG Gungnir 100

2. Cooler Master

Cooler Master, from the name itself, is a great brand for cooling products. They manufacture CPU coolers for AMD, GPU coolers for NVIDIA and even heatsinks for EVGA.

They also produce their own PSUs, CPU coolers, liquid coolers, and computer cases. They have a variety of cases focusing mainly on getting great airflow which is essential to keep your components cool.

2.1 Cooler Master Masterbox Series

The Masterbox series is their budget line of cases which are priced at around $50-$100. They have a wide variety of form factors from ITX to mini-towers and mid towers.

One of their best cases from the Masterbox series is hands down the Masterbox Q500L. It’s a very flexible case supporting ATX all the way down to Mini ITX. It supports various fan configurations and hovers at only around the $50 price range.

Cooler Master MasterBox Q500L

Cooler Master MasterBox Q500L

2.2 Cooler Master Mastercase Series

For the builders with a bigger budget, the Cooler Master Mastercase series has a variety of options. These cases are a bit more expensive than their Masterbox brothers, with the cheapest one priced at around $100. They are great in build though since they have pretty much everything you’d want in a case.

The Mastercase H500 is a great choice thanks to it simply being a joy to build in. Its interchangeable front panels along with covers to hide your wires, water cooling support, and adjustable GPU support arm are incredible and attractive features. It receives very positive reviews and is one of the best cases that Cooler Master offers.

Cooler Master MasterCase H500

Cooler Master MasterCase H500

3. NZXT

NZXT got their name from a corruption of the word “next.” NZXT is known for manufacturing cases, components, and various computer accessories. The first-ever product they released is the NZXT Guardian which was a computer case that resembled the looks of a Transformer.

3.1 NZXT H-Series

NZXT’s H-series are arguably one of the most recognizable and famous lines of cases in the world. They have a great balance between looks and pricing which really makes their cases stand out from the rest.

The H-series follows a very standard NZXT design that’s simple but elegant. The H510 is one of the best cases from their lineup and offers a great mix between design and affordability. It has a great cable management system, a removable fan/radiator mount, drive trays, and an easy to remove tempered glass side panel, making it a joy to build in.

NZXT H510 Elite

NZXT H510 Elite

4. Phanteks

Phanteks is a Dutch company, well known for its award-winning PC cases. They have a really amazing collection beloved in the community. Though Phanteks is most known for their PC cases, they also sell CPU coolers, liquid cooling accessories, fans, and other PC accessories such as extension cables and vertical GPU mounts.

4.1 Phanteks Eclipse Series

The Eclipse series of cases are Phanteks’ more budget offerings. Even though these cases are usually cheaper than their Enthoo brothers, the Eclipse line has produced some of the best and highly sought-after PC cases in the market.

The Phanteks Eclipse P400A is a variation to their famous Eclipse P400 but with better airflow optimization, thanks to its mesh front panel with the same user-friendly design.

Phanteks Eclipse P400A

Phanteks Eclipse P400A

4.2 Phanteks Enthoo Series

As stated earlier, the Enthoo series are Phanteks’ premium cases. They offer more support for water cooling, better cable management systems, and even dual-system cases.

One of their best designs yet is the Enthoo Evolv X which is the successor to their highly-rated Evolv ATX case. The Evolv X improves greatly on the interior, providing a more builder-friendly design while still keeping the original design of the Evolv ATX.

Phanteks Enthoo Evolv X

Phanteks Enthoo Evolv X

5. Fractal Design

Fractal Design manufactures PC cases, liquid coolers, fans, and power supplies that are all designed and engineered in Sweden. The company has won multiple awards for its amazing PC cases and is a premier brand when it comes to manufacturing and designing cases. Their cases are great, whether you’re a starter or an enthusiast, thanks to their builder-friendly layout.

5.1 Fractal Design Meshify Series

From the series name itself, the cases in this line have a full mesh front panel making it an excellent choice if you want to get the most airflow into your case. They all have a simple design helping them easily fit into any sort of theme.

The Fractal Design Meshify C is a compact ATX case that provides great value for your money. It’s easily one of the best budget cases that Fractal Design offers and has everything that you’d want in a budget case.

Fractal Design Meshify C

Fractal Design Meshify C

5.2 Fractal Design Define Series

The Define series of cases are known for their silence-focused design while still providing great airflow to your components. Sound-damped steel can be found on a lot of their cases which definitely helps lower the noise.

The Define 7 XL is a really huge case that supports up to an E-ATX motherboard, plus it also has tons of storage room with the capacity of mounting up to 18 HDD/SSDs.

Fractal Design Define 7 XL

Fractal Design Define 7 XL

6. Corsair

Corsair was originally known for its RAM modules that appealed to computer enthusiasts thanks to their great overclocking potential. They eventually expanded to other gaming peripherals and accessories and became the massive brand they are today.

They are also known for their peripherals, great performing power supplies, and after acquiring Elgato, streaming gear.

6.1 Corsair Carbide Series

Corsair’s Carbide series is for those people looking for a relatively cheap case with a premium feel. A lot of Corsair’s cases offer a minimalist design, usually only coming with a small corsair logo as the main branding for their cases.

The Corsair Carbide 275R is probably one of the most minimal cases of them all. It provides a sleek and clean design that only has a small corsair logo on the front. Their 275R Airflow case is also a beauty with a unique front panel design unlike any other.

Corsair CARBIDE 275R

Corsair CARBIDE 275R

6.2 Corsair Obsidian Series

The Obsidian Series is mainly targeted at enthusiasts and premium builders with insane builds that require extreme cases. Their Obsidian cases cost hundreds of dollars, with some even costing more than $500.

Probably the craziest case from Corsair is their Obsidian 1000D which is a behemoth of a case at a massive 27.3”. It can support up to 18 fans and 4 radiators which is simply just absurd.

Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D

Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D

7. be quiet!

be quiet! is a manufacturer of PSUs, CPU coolers, cases, and fans. They have a variety of products that are primarily targeted towards PC builders and enthusiasts.

They are known for having great performing products that are silent and produce less noise than their competition. They truly live up to their “be quiet!” brand name.

7.1 be quiet! Silent Base Series

The Silent Base series is a selection of premium cases that offer great silence, good airflow, and great usability. The Silent Base 802 Windows is a case that’s definitely better suited for premium builds thanks to its hefty price tag.

be quiet! BGW40 Silent Base 802 White Window

be quiet! BGW40 Silent Base 802 White Window

It provides a ton of flexibility with its interchangeable top panel and front panel, and also comes with a versatile motherboard tray. It also has great noise-dampening mats that provide insulation for stability and silence.

7.2 be quiet! Dark Base Series

The Dark Base series are higher-end cases that are targeted mostly towards enthusiasts who spend thousands on their PC builds. These cases have unrivalled flexibility, amazing cooling, and outstanding modularity.

The Dark Base Pro 900 rev.2 is the premiere case in the series. It has a relocatable motherboard tray, modular HDD slots, detachable cover plates, amazing airflow, fan controllers, and more. It will exceed your expectations and is simply just an amazing case if you are willing to pay the price.

be quiet! Dark Base PRO 900 Black Rev. 2

be quiet! Dark Base PRO 900 Black Rev. 2

8. Thermaltake

Thermaltake is a Taiwanese manufacturer that sells cases, power supplies, fans, CPU coolers, and peripherals. They are quite known for their cheap but reliable power supplies that are perfect for builders on a budget.

Most of their cases have a tempered glass side panel and come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate almost any build.

8.1 Thermaltake Core Series

Most of their open case designs and high-end designs can be found within the Core series. The Core P5 TG is an amazing open frame chassis that just excels at demonstrating how beautiful your components are.

Thermaltake Core P5 TG

Thermaltake Core P5 TG

It has a premium build quality, can be wall-mounted, placed vertically, and horizontally, and provides a stunning view of your masterpiece.

8.2 Thermaltake View Series

From the series name itself, the View series of cases have tempered glass panels all over in order to fully showcase your build. The Thermaltake View 71 RGB takes this concept to a whole new level.

It features a 4-sided tempered glass panel that allows you to show off your components while also showcasing your cable management skills.

Thermaltake View 71 RGB

Thermaltake View 71 RGB

9. Silverstone

Silverstone is a known case manufacturer that competes against the likes of Cooler Master, Thermaltake, and Lian Li within the enthusiast market. They make various cases from the simple and budget-based cases up to enthusiast and high-end level cases. They also make other devices such as power supplies, fans, and other cooling devices.

9.1 Silverstone Fara (FA) Series

Most people associate Silverstone with cases. The brand provides good value for your money and stands out with their more minimalist designs.

The Fara series takes their minimalist take and sprinkles a bit of RGB for a more modern look. The Fara R1 Pro is a great case within the Fara series that has bright lighting and impressive airflow thanks to its mesh front panel.

SilverStone Technology FARA R1 PRO

SilverStone Technology FARA R1 PRO

9.2 Silverstone Precision (PS) Series

The Precision series are cases that are focused on a more budget-friendly price tag without giving up great build quality. The PS15 Pro is an m-ATX case that has great cooling, a touch of RGB, and magnetic dust filters. It’s a great case for people in the market for a small and compact chassis.

SilverStone Technology PS15 PRO

SilverStone Technology PS15 PRO

10. Lian Li

Lian Li is one of the largest manufacturers of PC cases in Taiwan and is known for its premium cases. They offer a variety of unique cases that appeal to a huge amount of people.

The PC building community often praises Lian Li’s cases and is definitely one of the best PC case manufacturers in the world, both design-wise and quality-wise.

10.1 Lian LI Lancool Series

The Lancool series of cases have a more traditional look and feel to them compared to Lian Li’s other PC cases. They have a variety of unique cases with tons of user-friendly components to them.

The Lancool II Mesh is a great example of this. It has a ton of modularity, amazing cable management systems, great cooling, and hinged panels on both sides. It’s one of the best mid-tower cases Lian Li offers and has an affordable price tag.

Lian Li Lancool II Mesh

Lian Li Lancool II Mesh

10.2 Lian LI PC series

Most of the other Lian Li cases that cannot be found under the Lancool series can be found under the PC series. These are a wide range of PC cases that are fit for different types of builds.

The Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic is hands down one of the best mid-range cases in the market today. It has a great build quality, a ton of room for your components, a double layer cable management design, and has support for multiple radiators, and multiple HDD/SSDs.

Lian Li PC-O11DX 011 Dynamic

Lian Li PC-O11DX 011 Dynamic

Conclusion

Out of the hundreds of different PC cases offered by dozens of brands, it's hard to pick the "best case" since most of them are actually really good. No matter what your preferences are, there are bound to be cases out there that fit your taste.

There are a lot of crucial factors that can affect the selection of a pc case. For instance if you plan to install a aio radiator on the top side, you need to make sure that there is plenty of space and that the radiator does not hit the motherboard.

If you plan to install a tower form cpu air cooler like the ones from Noctua then make sure that the pc case can accommodate the height of the cooler. Otherwise the side panel of the pc case would not close.

PC cases also have restrictions on how big of a graphics card they can fit inside.

And finally the size of the motherboard also matters. Full Tower ATX PC cases would be able to fit motherboards of all sizes, whereas some smaller cases can fit only Mini Itx or smaller micro-atx motherboards.

Compact sized pc cases would also have lesser space for other peripherals like hard drives and ssds, so you can install fewer of them.

So make sure to carefully examine each and every aspect of the PC case and decide if it can accommodate your pc build comfortably.

If you have any questions of feedback, let us know in the comments below.

About Silver Moon

A Tech Enthusiast, Blogger, Linux Fan and a Software Developer. Writes about Computer hardware, Linux and Open Source software and coding in Python, Php and Javascript. He can be reached at [email protected].

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