PC case test & comparison 2023

Comparison test of computer cases: the best variants at a glance

PC case: The PC case is the heart of the computer. It serves as protection for the internal components and ensures adequate cooling. Gamers and professional users in particular value a stable and powerful case. There are numerous models in different sizes and shapes. High-end cases often have additional cooling, water cooling and many other features. Good ventilation and sufficient space for components are particularly important.
Illustration
Best recommendation
PC case be quiet! Pure Base 600 Window case orange
Price-performance winner
PC case Sharkoon RGB LIT 200, PC case
PC case Fractal Design Define R5 Black Pearl, PC case
PC Case Corsair Crystal 570X RGB Compact Mid-Tower ATX
PC case TALIUS, TECH 4 U Talius Cronos gaming case ATX
PC Case Corsair Carbide Series 275R Gaming- ATX Mid-Tower
PC case Corsair Carbide Series 270R Gaming- ATX/Micro ATX
PC case Corsair 275R Airflow Mid Tower ATX
ModelPC case be quiet! Pure Base 600 Window case orangePC case Sharkoon RGB LIT 200, PC casePC case Fractal Design Define R5 Black Pearl, PC casePC Case Corsair Crystal 570X RGB Compact Mid-Tower ATXPC case TALIUS, TECH 4 U Talius Cronos gaming case ATXPC Case Corsair Carbide Series 275R Gaming- ATX Mid-TowerPC case Corsair Carbide Series 270R Gaming- ATX/Micro ATXPC case Corsair 275R Airflow Mid Tower ATX
Details
BrandBe Quiet!SharkoonFractal DesignCorsairTalius, Tech 4 UCorsairCorsairCorsair
Result
The Best productscoreprice.com1,5Very good!PC case
Price-value for moneyscoreprice.com1,7goodPC case
TOP Productsscoreprice.com1,6goodPC case
TOP Productsscoreprice.com1,8goodPC case
TOP Productsscoreprice.com1,9goodPC case
TOP Productsscoreprice.com2,0goodPC case
TOP Productsscoreprice.com2,1goodPC case
TOP Productsscoreprice.com2,2goodPC case
form factorATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITXATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX
Case TypeMidi, Mid, BigMidi-TowerMidi-TowerMidi-TowerMid-TowerMidi-TowerMid-TowerMid-TowerMid Twoer
suitable forGaming, Office, Home PCGaming, Office, Home PCGaming, Office, Home PCGaming, Home PCGaming, Home PCGaming, Home PCGaming, Home PCGaming, Home PC
Easy-to-service drives without tools Quick-release fasteners & slide rails Quick-release fasteners & slide rails Quick-release fasteners & slide rails
Number of installation bays 2 x 5,25" bays, 3 x 3,5" bays, 8 x 2,5" bays 2 x 3,5" bays6 x 2,5" bays 2 x 5,25" bays, 8 x 3,5" bays, 2 x 2,5" bays 2 x 3,5" bays2 x 2,5" bays 2 x 5,25" bays, 8 x 3,5" bays, 2 x 2,5" bays 2 x 3,5" bays2 x 2,5" bays 2 x 3,5" bays2 x 2,5" bays 2 x 3,5" bays2 x 2,5" bays
integrated cable management
suitable for water cooling
integrated soundproofing
dust filter
housing materialSteelSteel & GlassSteelSteel & GlassSteel & GlassSteelSteelSteel
case design very good design particularly good design particularly good design particularly good design particularly good design very good design very good design very good design
sidewindow
Color variationsSilverRGBtitanium, whiteRed LEDsBlacknonenonewhite titanium
further variants
Benefits
  • integrated soundproofing
  • two pre-installed fans
  • integrated and adjustable LED interior lighting
  • Glass side panel
  • particularly good sound insulation
  • particularly good cable management
  • two pre-installed fans
  • glass case
  • three pre-installed fans
  • three pre-installed fans
  • particularly good cable management
  • Glass side panel
  • Tempered glass viewing window
  • especially ideal for water cooling
  • two pre-installed fans.
  • Tempered glass window
  • three pre-installed fans
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The best PC cases in the test & comparison:
Choose your test winner from our top recommendations.

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To buy the best PC case in 2023, we recommend taking this guide into account.
A few criteria can help you choose the right PC case. You will find all the important information in our purchasing guide.

At a glance
  • The PC case is an important part of any computer. It protects the components and ensures optimal cooling. When choosing the case, it is important to pay attention to the size, number of drive bays, fan slots and the maximum graphics card length.
  • There are different types of PC cases, such as desktop, mid-tower or full-tower cases. The design also plays an important role, as it reflects the taste of the user and can make the case an eye-catcher in the room. Many cases also offer features such as cable management, dust filters and quick assembly of the components.
  • When choosing a PC case, you should also pay attention to its compatibility with other components, such as the motherboard and CPU cooler. Good quality of the case also has an impact on the longevity of the computer and can help ensure stable and quiet operation. Keywords for search engine queries: buy PC case, PC case test, compatible PC case
PC case

Everything you should know about PC cases

Who would have thought that that inconspicuous box sitting so inconspicuously under your desk needed so much attention? Yes, oh yes, he does! The PC case is not only a container for your expensive computer components, but also a crucial factor for performance, cooling and longevity. So before you plunge into the jungle of PC case tests and comparisons, take a look at the following questions.

Why is choosing the right PC case so important?

The PC case plays a key role when it comes to cooling and thus the overall performance of your system. A well-ventilated case ensures that hot air is efficiently exhausted, preventing your components from overheating. It also protects the components from dust and other environmental influences and offers enough space for expansions and upgrades.

How does the size of the case affect performance?

The size of the case influences how many and which components you can install. A smaller case can hold less hardware but offers the advantage of portability. A larger case, on the other hand, allows for better ventilation, more expansion options and can even accommodate special cooling systems such as water cooling.

What should you pay particular attention to when testing a PC case?

A good PC case test will not only look at the design and build quality but also the functionality and adaptability of the case. It should be examined how easy it is to install components, how efficiently the cooling works and what expansion options are available. A comprehensive comparison can help you find the best value for money.

How do the cases differ in a PC case comparison?

In the PC case comparison, different models are compared in terms of their specifications, functions and prices. Differences can be seen in the size, the supported motherboard formats, the number and type of expansion slots, the cooling options and of course the design.

Which additional features can be useful for PC cases?

Some PC cases come with useful extras, such as pre-installed fans, RGB lighting or a window to show off the internal hardware. Others offer tool-free mounting systems or special cable management options to keep the interior clean and organized. Think about which features are relevant to you personally and which you may not need.

There is space in the smallest room Sure, a mega-sized PC case might look impressive, but what's the point if you only actually use a fraction of the space? Think carefully about which components you want to install and how much space they really need. Sometimes less is more.

Our PC case recommendation on Amazon:

be quiet! Pure Base 600 Window Orange PC case, 2X Pure Wings 2 fans, radiators up to 360mm, 3-stage fan control,...
  • Pure Base 600 bietet zahlreiche Optionen für die Auswahl der Systemkomponenten. Die 3 HDD-Slots sind verstellbar und...
  • Pure Base 600 ist das Gehäuse für den Einsatz von Radiatoren. Hierfür gibt es 3 speziell dafür vorgesehene...
  • Das Pure Base 600 Top-Cover ist verstellbar und erlaubt die Auswahl verschiedener Einstellungen: geschlossen für absolut...

The different types of PC cases and their features:

case typecharacteristics
Midi TowerMedium size, most commonly used, suitable for most users
Full TowerLarge, plenty of space for expansion, often used for high-end PCs
Mini TowerCompact, less space, ideal for simple applications or small spaces
desktopFlat, often placed under monitors, less expansion options
Slim LineEven flatter than a desktop, particularly space-saving

Don't forget ventilation! You could have the best PC in the world - if the case isn't properly ventilated, the thing will eventually become a sauna. And believe me, your hardware doesn't want a sauna. Make sure the case has enough ventilation slots or spaces for fans.

Our favorite PC case on Amazon:

Discount
Sharkoon RGB LIT 200, PC case
  • REFLECTIVE FRONT PANEL MADE OF TEMPERED GLASS: The front panel of the RGB LIT 200 is equipped with a large window made of ...
  • HOT LOOK, COOL COMPONENTS: A 120 mm fan is installed behind the conspicuous front panel, which is cooled by lateral ...
  • EFFECTIVE HARDWARE ILLUMINATION: In order for the illumination of the components to be able to keep up with the front, there is a...

Advantages and disadvantages of PC cases

Benefits

  • Protecting hardware from physical damage
  • Offers space for expansion
  • Can contribute to better cooling

Disadvantages

  • Can be expensive, especially for high-end models
  • Case that is too large can waste space
  • Case that is too small can restrict ventilation

Design isn't everything Yes, it looks stylish, a case with RGB lighting and glass edges. But remember: it should always remain functional. When it comes down to it, it's more important that the inside fits than that it flashes from the outside.

Our PC case highlight on Amazon:

Fractal Design FD-CA-DEF-R5-BK
  • FD-CA-DEF-R5-BK
  • Housing dimensions (WxHxD): 232 x 451 x 521mm
  • Case dimensions - with feet / screws / bosses: 232 x 462 x 531mm
PC case

What alternatives to PC cases are there?

Open-air setting:

Sometimes you may see PC builds that don't require a traditional case at all. Instead, they are built on so-called open-air frames or benchtables. This is particularly popular with overclockers and enthusiasts as it allows for easy access and excellent cooling. However, there is of course no protection against dust and other environmental influences.

Rackmount enclosure:

If you operate your PCs in a professional environment such as a server room, you may choose rackmount cases. These are specifically designed to be mounted in server racks and usually have a very simple design. They offer little space for expansion, but are unbeatable in their specific application.

Mini PCs or integrated systems:

Some users forego traditional PC cases entirely and use mini PCs. These little ones Desktop All components are already integrated and do not require any additional space. Ideal for people with limited space or who are looking for an inconspicuous PC. But often at the expense of upgradeability.

PC case tests: How do specialist magazines proceed with the evaluation?

When it comes to testing PC cases, trade magazines take the matter pretty seriously. Typically the build quality is below the Lupe taken, the cable management was checked and the efficiency of the pre-installed cooling was tested. Also important are the expansion options, the overall impression and of course the price-performance ratio. The PC case test winners score points in all of these categories.

Stiftung Warentest and PC housing

To date, Stiftung Warentest has not yet carried out a special test just for PC cases. However, it is worth checking the website or the latest issues regularly, as they often test hardware and technology products.

Most well-known manufacturers of PC cases

The best-known manufacturers of PC cases definitely include:

Best seller among PC cases

Currently the bestsellers among the PC cases are the “Corsair 4000D Airflow”, the “NZXT H510” and the “be quiet! Pure Base 500DX.

Where can I buy PC cases?

Would you like to buy a new PC case? You have a huge selection online on platforms like Amazon, Mindfactory or Alternate. For personal advice and the feeling of holding the product in your hand before purchasing, local specialist retailers such as MediaMarkt, Saturn or smaller, specialized computer shops are recommended. Wherever you buy, be sure to check out a PC case buying guide to find the best product for your needs.

Why is it worth buying a PC case?

A solid PC case not only protects your valuable hardware from external influences, it also ensures optimal air circulation so that your components stay cool. It also gives you the freedom to design and expand your PC according to your own ideas and needs. Let's be honest, a stylish case can change your entire appearance Gaming– or enhance your study enormously.

What should you definitely know about PC cases?

The market for PC cases is huge and offers something for every taste and every budget. It is essential to pay attention to the dimensions so that all components fit inside. The question of cooling is just as important: Does the case offer enough space for additional fans or even water cooling? And don't forget the question of cable management: proper cable management not only ensures a tidy look, but also better air circulation.

Our PC case bestsellers on Amazon:

DiscountBestseller no. 1
Corsair 4000D Airflow Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX Case (High Airflow Front Panel, Tempered Glass Side Panel, Spacious...
13.358 rating
Corsair 4000D Airflow Tempered Glass Mid-Tower ATX Case (High Airflow Front Panel, Tempered Glass Side Panel, Spacious...
  • Ideal choice: With innovative cable routing, targeted airflow and proven CORSAIR build quality...
  • Front fairing for high air flow: An optimized steel front fairing contributes to an ideal air flow in the...
  • CORSAIR RapidRoute Cable Management System: Gives you a quick and easy way to route your most important cables through...
DiscountBestseller no. 2
Sharkoon VS4-V PC case (2x USB 3.0, ATX) black
  • Cable management system
  • Front I/O: 2x USB 3.0, 2x audio
  • Quick fasteners for two optical drives and three 3,5 "hard drives
DiscountBestseller no. 3
EMPIRE GAMING – Diamond PC case gamer ARGB medium-sized case tower ATX – facade made of diamond plexiglass and side door made of...
  • Size and shape: Medium tower, compatible with ATX, Micro-ATX and ITX
  • 4 ARGB fans included: 4 x 120mm
  • RGB ADDRESSABLE: Integrated controller hub compatible (3 pins 5 volts) Asus Aura Sync, GIGABYTE RGB Fusion, MSI Mystic Light...

PC case conclusion

All in all, it can be said that choosing the right PC case is often underestimated. It is so much more than just a case for your hardware. A good case ensures the longevity of your components, allows for hassle-free upgrades, and can even improve your gaming or work experience. So, take your time, compare the offers and get the PC case bestseller that suits you.

  1. Which material do you prefer for a PC case?
  2. How important is the design of a PC case to you?
  3. Which factor do you find most important: cooling, size or cable management?
  4. What is the maximum amount you would spend on a high-quality PC case?
  5. Do you prefer a housing with or without a viewing window?
  6. How often do you replace your PC case?
  7. Which brand do you think is the leader in PC cases?
  8. Do you prefer a small, compact case or a large, expansive case?
  9. How important is noise insulation to you in a PC case?
  10. Would you take advantage of a PC case deal even if it wasn't from your preferred brand?

Youtube video recommendation for the PC case test & comparison:

PC Cases Buyer's Guide [2021] Top 12 Gaming PC Cases [All Budgets]

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Who are the manufacturers that stood out in the ranking of the PC case comparison?

The number of manufacturers offering PC case products is very large. So that you can concentrate on the best products, we have well-known products from these manufacturers in our PC case comparison Be Quiet!, Sharkoon, Fractal Design, Corsair, Talius, Tech 4 U, Corsair, Corsair and Corsair selected for you.

How expensive or inexpensive are the products from the PC case comparison?

For costly PC case Products, all of which are of high quality, must be priced up to about 179,90 € calculate. There are cheaper products about 59,90 €.

Who is the item that offers the best price-performance ratio in the PC case comparison?

According to the objective assessment of our editors, the PC case Sharkoon RGB LIT 200, PC case from the PC case comparison, the evaluation as an item with the best price-performance ratio.

How did the editors assess the ranking in the PC case comparison?

After thorough research on function, own test results or publications such as a Stiftung Warentest test report or other independent specialist testers, the editorial team crowned the article PC case be quiet! Pure Base 600 Window case orange to rank 1, followed by PC case Sharkoon RGB LIT 200, PC case, PC case Fractal Design Define R5 Black Pearl, PC case, PC Case Corsair Crystal 570X RGB Compact Mid-Tower ATX and PC case TALIUS, TECH 4 U Talius Cronos gaming case ATX.

In addition to the comparison and price-performance winner, which top products were included in the shortlist in the PC case comparison?

In our PC case comparison there are 5 top-selling products, one of which received the top rating of 1st place and one of which received the “best price-performance product” seal. The other three, PC case be quiet! Pure Base 600 Window case orange, PC case Sharkoon RGB LIT 200, PC case and PC case Fractal Design Define R5 Black Pearl, PC case, but are at least equal and are therefore also among the favourites.

Further links and sources too PC case

  • Wikipedia: More information about the PC case can be found on Wikipedia, a well-known free encyclopedia on the Internet.
  • Youtube: Look on Youtube to learn more about PC case to experience.
  • Amazon: Discover the variety PC case products on Amazon.
  • ebay: has a large selection of other products for PC case Products.

How did you like our PC case comparison?

4.2/5 - (60 reviews)

  1. Jonah Richter says:

    Does every mainboard fit in this PC case?

    1. Customer Support - Advisor says:

      Hello Jonas Richter,

      Your comment is a great asset for us and we want to thank you for showing our interest in our PC case comparison.

      Yes, this PC case is designed to be compatible with most major motherboard sizes. It offers enough space for standard ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX mainboards. However, you must ensure that the dimensions of the case match the dimensions of the motherboard for proper installation and proper ventilation. This case also offers enough space for expansion cards, hard drives and fans. You can upgrade your system according to your needs and easily install additional components.

      From the support department to Birkholz - Greetings!

  2. Riccardo says:

    Can I install water cooling in this PC case?

    1. Customer Support - Advisor says:

      Hello Riccardo,

      Your interest in our PC case test & comparison is a source of joy for us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us!

      Yes, you can easily install water cooling in this PC case. It has enough space and mounting points for radiators and pumps. You can cool your system efficiently with the powerful water cooling system and thus achieve higher performance.

      Support greetings to Coesfeld - we are there for you.

  3. Florian Schulte says:

    Is the case dustproof?

    1. Customer Support - Advisor says:

      Hello Florian,

      We really appreciate your comment and your interest in our PC case test & comparison. Thank you!

      Yes, our PC case is equipped with a dustproof filter that keeps dirt and dust out of the case, improving PC cooling and performance.

      Best regards to Hennickendorf.

      support specialist

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