The case of a personal computer is not only aesthetics and ergonomics for the user, but also an indicator of the efficiency of cooling internal systems along with the noise level. Finding a really high-quality option in many respects is quite difficult, especially considering all the variety that the computer market offers us.
Experienced specialists and service masters are at least somehow guided in the presented assortment, but newcomers, alas, shrug their hands and trust the consultants in the store. Well, if the latter are literate and without unnecessary financial gain will offer you the best option. But according to the rich and deplorable experience, many will say that there are such units, especially when it comes to network sales centers, such as Eldorado or Mvideo.
We will try to understand this issue and determine which case for the computer will be better in one case or another and what to look for first of all during the purchase. First, consider the form factor of products, and then give a list of the most successful specific models.
Types of computer cases
All products of this plan can be divided into four main form factors: EATX (Extended), ATX, MicroATX and MiniATX / ITX. This list goes from large to small. That is, the first option is designed for the largest motherboards measuring 12 inches in height and 13 in width.
The dimensions of the case for a computer of the EATX format calmly allow the ATX board to fit and in a good half of cases accept eight-slot XL-ATX monsters. Two intermediate formats (ATX and micro-ATX) can be called the best option for most users. Here we have both game cases for the computer, and usual office.
Mini ATX / ITX units use only four mounting screws and are designed for the most modest motherboards, as well as for mediocre cooling systems. So before buying a computer case, be sure to check the format of the future board.
Dimensions
In addition to the form factor of the block, it is also not out of place to pay attention to its physical dimensions. There are also four types on the market: Mini, Midi, Middle and Big-Tower - from small to large, respectively. The first one is exclusively for modest assemblies and is able to accept the smallest motherboard, a couple of hard drives and as many drives.
Middle- and Midi-Tower are designed for a more serious stuffing and already work with a more expensive set of chipsets and can accommodate significantly more hard drives and drives. The largest enclosures (Big) are used, as a rule, for arranging server rooms or as gamer system units with the maximum possible configuration.
Next, we consider the best cases for the computer, which distinguished themselves by their quality component and the mass of positive reviews from users. Frankly, there will be no budget options, because the quality of metal and plastic is not that bad, but in general none: everything bends, wrinkles and breaks down at once. And under the definition of "best" they obviously do not fall.
Rosewill Nighthawk 117 (EATX)
This model is for those who are not used to restricting themselves to anything. This computer case is perfect for systems where bulky water cooling will be used along with an abundance of other components.
The unit has excellent natural ventilation, a viewing window, as well as sensible LED lighting. In places of air intake there are all the necessary filters and screens. It is also worth noting that regular coolers do not make noise and can work in reverse. The size of this case for the Big-Tower computer, so eight hard drives and a pair of dual-slot video cards fit quietly into it.
Advantages of the model:
- Six USB interfaces
- three front drive bays;
- eight regular places for hard drives;
- ten expansion slots;
- excellent regular cooler and filter system;
- competent LED backlight;
- stylish design.
Disadvantages:
- easily soiled front panel.
Estimated cost - about 5500 rubles.
NZXT Phantom 410 (ATX)
This computer case has been holding a leading position in its segment for many years now. Users leave completely positive reviews about him, and thematic magazines, along with reviewers, sing praises to him.
The unit received excellent regular coolers, high-quality filters, an attractive LED backlight, as well as an intelligent viewing window. In addition, the manufacturer equipped the model with an innovative noise reduction system, so you can work or play in complete silence.
Housing advantages:
- six slots for drives;
- three drive bays;
- excellent regular coolers and filters;
- the presence of a noise reduction system;
- good build quality;
- pleasant to the touch non-marking materials;
- original and attractive appearance.
Minuses:
- cable distribution is too complicated and confusing;
- the cost is slightly overpriced.
Estimated price - about 6000 rubles.
Fractal Design Define R4 (ATX)
This mid-sized case (Midi) has an original and at the same time practical design. The front panel is completely faceless, but opens to gain access to the drives. The main control is located on the upper part of the block and merges with the common exterior.
The model boasts an excellent cooling system and filter elements. There are no viewing windows here, but they will only interfere with the overall brutal style of the case. Perhaps the only design flaw that can be noted is the severity of the block. So if you plan to often move, transfer or use the system unit on finicky surfaces, you should definitely take this moment into account.
Advantages of the model:
- thick and high-quality metal alloy;
- eight slots for hard drives;
- plenty of USB ports;
- excellent filtration and cooling system;
- good sound insulation;
- Attractive and versatile design.
Disadvantages:
- heavy construction for finicky surfaces.
Estimated cost - about 7000 rubles.
Cooler Master MasterCase PRO 3 (MicroATX)
This is a Midi-Tower type case for those who do not want to overpay extra money for slots and who care about only the most necessary structural elements. The model turned out to be quite compact and low, but it is quite suitable for accommodating long and non-standard video cards, as well as powerful cooling systems.
The manufacturer saved on slots for external drives and other drives. Yes, it’s a bit crowded, but if you should hide the wiring from the power supply, then access to the main elements of the case is quite comfortable. The unit received a very good standard ventilation and filtration system, as well as an observation window made of high-quality and overheated plastic.
Pluses of model:
- excellent standard cooling system;
- support for radiators with multiple coolers;
- the ability to install long dual-slot graphics cards;
- convenient handle for carrying the block;
- high-quality materials;
- nice looking appearance.
Minuses:
- as such, sound insulation is not here.
Estimated price - about 6000 rubles.
Fractal Design Define Nano S (MiniATX)
This unit will be a great option for those who decide to stay on inexpensive ITX form factor motherboards. The price itself may seem a little overpriced, but the exceptional build quality, competent filtering and excellent ventilation more than pay for the money invested in the case.
The model received a classic appearance without any claims to originality - a kind of black box with a viewing window. Above are the main controls and outputs for the interfaces. In addition, the case boasts excellent sound insulation, so when you work you will hear only the clicks of the keyboard and mouse, and not the howling of coolers.
Housing Features
It is also worth noting the thoughtful cabling, where each cable has its own place. The confusion in the wires is characteristic of equipment of such a plan, but here it is completely excluded.
Advantages of the model:
- water cooling support;
- excellent full-time ventilation and filtration system;
- excellent soundproof characteristics of the case;
- very convenient and competent placement of cables;
- good build quality and materials.
Disadvantages:
- not the most modest size for this form factor;
- in some revisions, defective coolers come across (it is better to immediately check on the spot).
Estimated cost - about 4,500 rubles.