While computer cases might not have as many technical specifications as a motherboard or video card, there are quite a few important factors to consider. The form factor you choose depends on the motherboard you plan on using, and consider whether you want one that includes a power supply. Proper cooling is very important, so look at included fans plus mounts for more and filters, while you consider physical options like what the case is made from as well as the ports, drive bays, and expansion slots available.
Form Factor and Size
Also referred to as the type of case, the size or form factor is based around the type of motherboard that can fit into it, as well as how much additional room you have within the case. The most common type is ATX with sizes that include Full, Mid, and Mini, as well as MicroATX and Mini-ITX.
No case size is particularly better than another, it all depends on the type of computer you are building and the associated motherboard. Just be sure to pick a case with proper mounting for the motherboard and is large enough to accommodate your other components, especially if you’re looking to include a very large video card.
Power Supply Options
This is a pretty simple consideration but still one you should keep in mind before making a choice. If you need a power supply, then look at computer cases that include a PSU to save yourself some money and time in picking a separate power supply and installing it. If you already have a power supply, or want a very specific one, choose a computer case without one, but look at whether the case has top or bottom mounts for the PSU. Keep in mind, any included power supply can easily be removed and swapped out with a different PSU, but there’s no reason to pay for a power supply included with a case you don’t intend to use.
Fans, Mountings, and Removable Filters
Cooling within a case is very important so look at the fans that are included and the potential to add more of your own. What you want to look at is fan locations on the front, side, and rear panel. Some cases include fan mounts or fans on the bottom and top of the case, though this is not strictly necessary. Included fans are great, but since fans are fairly inexpensive it’s more important to look at the mounts for fans on the case; this way you can add or replace any fans in the future.
You want mounts for at least 140mm fans, but 160mm or up to 200mm are really ideal. At least one fan mount at each location is important, but you should look for a case with two mounts on the front and back for optimal ventilation. While you can choose fans that include filters, it’s worth considering a case which includes fan filters you can easily slide out for easy cleaning to ensure proper air flow.
Front Ports
While the usability of front ports depends a lot on your motherboard and the connections that it has, it is still worth considering what ports are available to you on the case itself. You probably want at least a pair of USB ports, preferably 2.0 or 3.0, though audio ports on the front of a case can be very convenient. If you have a motherboard already or one in mind you plan on purchasing, look at how many USB ports and similar connections it has mid-board and choose a computer case which takes advantage of these connectors.
Size and Number of Drive Bays
Looking inside a computer case, you want to be sure to consider how many drive bays are available as well as the sizes of each one. At the very least, you should choose a case with three or four 5.25 inch bays, a pair of 3.5 inch bays, and at least one 2.5 inch bay. This gives you a lot of freedom for how you want to set up your system as well as options for future expansion as you may want to add more drives.
Much of this will depend on the size of the case you choose, however, which is why it is important to look at every aspect of a case altogether. Plan out your system ahead of time and decide on how many drives you want and of what sizes, so you can then choose a case that gives you the options you need. However, pick a model with a few more drive bays then you plan on using so you always leave room for additions and future expansion.
Expansion Slots
You also need to pick a computer case with the right number of rear expansion slots to work with your motherboard and configured to match where your cards will be. Figure out what motherboard you want to use and your expansion cards (especially video cards) so you know how many expansion slots you need on the rear of the case. Your motherboard’s rear panel should work fine with any computer case, as long as you choose a tower that’s the right form factor for your motherboard.
Case Material
Computer cases are prone to taking quite a bit of abuse, so be sure to pick a model that can hold up to anything you throw at it. Look for cases which include as much metal in their construction as possible in order to resist most damage and protect the vital components within. While some plastic components are acceptable, the bulk of the case should be metal.
If you’re building a smaller case you intend to be portable, such as taking to conventions or LAN parties, then plastic materials might be ideal to keep the overall unit weight low. Just keep in mind that a plastic case will be more prone to breaks and cracks, so you will need to be more careful with it during transportation.
Manufacturer and Warranty
Although you are less likely to have manufacturing issues with a computer case compared to complex components like processors and graphics cards, it is still important to choose a good company with a reputation for reliability and durability. Look at manufacturers like Antec, Raidmax, NZXT, and Enermax for solid cases that are built well. Companies that are known for other peripherals like CoolMaster, Corsair, and ThermalTake also construct excellent computer cases. While a one-year warranty is the bare minimum you should except, there are quite a few manufacturers that cover their cases for two or three years, so keep that in mind as you consider your options.