Cheapest PC Case: Affordable Budget Picks for Your Build
Note: We have researched 12 PC cases for you.
Last updated on 29.06.24 um 11:17
In the world of custom PC building, being mindful of your expenses is as important as selecting the right components. This guide zeroes in on a crucial aspect of your build that doesn't have to break the bank. We've scoured the market to bring you options that are both affordable and reliable, ensuring that the foundation of your setup is solid while keeping costs at a minimum.
Whether you're a first-time builder or looking to assemble a cost-effective workstation or gaming rig, these PC cases demonstrate that you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability. They offer a balance of durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, carefully curated to help you make an informed decision while respecting your financial plan.
Whether you're a first-time builder or looking to assemble a cost-effective workstation or gaming rig, these PC cases demonstrate that you don't have to sacrifice quality for affordability. They offer a balance of durability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, carefully curated to help you make an informed decision while respecting your financial plan.
To simplify the price comparison, we determine the prices for the individual articles on Amazon, Ebay and other shops and link the offers via partner links where applicable. This means that we receive a commission if you buy something that we recommend - the price does not change for you.
Pictured: TGDGAMER TGD-1/matx case
What to Look for in Cheapest PC Cases
Important criteria
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Compatibility with motherboard size/form factor
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Sufficient space for components
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Adequate cooling options and airflow
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Build quality and material durability
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Ease of assembly and cable management
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Number of available expansion slots
1.) Build Quality and Material
When purchasing the cheapest PC case, it's essential to consider the build quality and materials used. Cheaper cases may be made from lower-quality materials that can be less durable and more prone to damage. Look for cases made with strong plastics, steel, or aluminum, as these materials can offer a good balance between cost and durability. Additionally, examine the case's structure for sturdiness and ensure that it doesn't flex or creak under pressure, which can be indicative of poor construction.
2.) Cooling and Ventilation
Adequate cooling is vital for the longevity and performance of your PC components. Even the cheapest case should have a solid cooling system with space for multiple fans or a few pre-installed ones. Check for ventilation grills and dust filters to maintain good airflow and reduce dust buildup inside the case. Inspect the layout and design to ensure there is enough room for air to circulate around components, especially if you plan to use more powerful hardware that generates more heat.
3.) Component Compatibility
Ensure that the case supports the size of your motherboard (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX) and has enough clearance for your CPU cooler and graphics card. Check the number of drive bays and expansion slots to confirm they meet your needs. Be aware that cheaper cases may have limitations on the length of graphic cards or height of CPU coolers they can accommodate, so always cross-reference the dimensions of your components with the specifications of the case.
4.) Cable Management and Usability
Good cable management contributes to both aesthetics and airflow within the PC case. Look for cases with cable routing holes or channels that can help hide and organize cables. Additionally, consider the placement of USB ports and other I/O connections for easy access. The cheapest cases may not offer tool-less designs, but having easily accessible screws and mounts can simplify the installation and maintenance of PC components.
The Cheapest PC Cases of our Choice
Our Pick
Corsair 3000D AIRFLOW Mid-Tower PC Case – 3
Type/Color: Black
Features
- Good cooling potential with spacious interior design
- Quiet performance with two included 3-pin fans
- AirGuide technology for increased static pressure
- Support for latest graphics cards with dedicated GPU cooling
- Quad-slot GPU support for high-end systems
- Optimized front panel for maximum cooling airflow
2
GIM Micro ATX PC Case
Model: GM4
Type/Color: Black
Size: 14.37 x 8.27 x 16.61 inches
Features
- 270° Panoramic Tempered Glass for multi-angle showcase.
- Distinctive floating front panel design enhances heat dissipation.
- Tool-Free Assembly and Disassembly for easy upgrades.
- Equipped with 2 PCS magnetic dust filters for reduced maintenance.
- Spacious interior with support for various components.
In other categories
$ 50.99 *
View
on Amazon
Price Pick
Zalman T3 Compact Micro ATX Gaming PC Case
Model: T3-PLUS
Type/Color: black
Size: 13.97-inch, 8.11-inch, 16.61-inch
Features
- Compact mini-tower case with 2x 120mm fans for cooling
- Ideal for small, powerful gaming or office PC
- Transparent side panel with stylish mesh air vent
- Easy to build with tool-less installation
- Includes necessary hardware and instructions
4
GAMDIAS ATX Mid Tower Gaming Computer
Type/Color: BLACK
Features
- RGB connection for system-wide lighting synchronization
- Full-sized tempered glass cover with tool-free installation
- 4 built-in 120mm ARGB fans with mesh front panel
- AIRFLOW-focused mesh front panel for aesthetics and intake
- Expandability with multiple HDD and SSD options
- Support for different motherboard sizes
- 7 PCIE slots for maximum motherboard utilization
5
GOPIE ITX PC case, T03 white mini tower gaming
Model: T03
Type/Color: white
Features
- 270° Panoramic Dual-Chamber Design with tempered glass.
- Dual-chamber design for clean view and good airflow.
- Mini Tower Case with organized layout for strong compatibility.
- Compact size, large capacity for various DIY options.
- Support Micro ATX, mini ITX mainboard, up to 330mm GPU.
- CPU cooling height up to 160mm, max 240mm liquid cooler.
- High-Performance Airflow for good dissipation and extreme cooling.
- Fits up to 7* 120mm cooling fans, magnetic dust filter.
- If problems, contact us for support by GOPIE.
$ 59.95 *
View
on Amazon
6
Bgears b-Optillusion Gaming PC ATX case
Model: BG01961
Type/Color: Black
Features
- Mesmerizing Optical Illusion effect Front ARGB Panel
- Tinted Tempered Glass Side window
- Massive Airflow design with support for up to 8 fans
- Supports E-ATX/ATX/Micro-ATX/ITX motherboards
- Supports various WaterCooling configurations
- Top Magnetic washable Dust Filter
- For Front Panel LED Connection Guide, please check website
7
Okinos Aqua 3, Micro ATX Case
Type/Color: Black
Features
- 270° panoramic design for wide-angle view
- Vertical airflow with 3 ARGB fans
- User-computer interaction zone for easy management
- Exquisite 1.2mm steel mesh for heat dissipation
- Tool-free quick-release panels for easy disassembly
- Spacious interior supporting up to 330mm GPUs
- Built-in 4-port ARGB fan controller for customization
- Magnetic dust filters for easy cleaning
In other categories
- Rank 8 of 8 in Cheapest ATX Case
8
TGDGAMER TGD-1/matx case
Model: TGD-1
Type/Color: Black
Features
- Budget design with pre-mounted holes for easy installation
- Max CPU cooler height: 135mm
- Incompatible with 1X80CM chassis fans
- GPU length limit: ≤250MM
- Supports normal size ATX, SFX power supply
In other categories
- Rank 1 of 8 in Cheapest ATX Case
$ 27.99 *
View
on Amazon
9
KEDIERS PC Case 4 PWM ARGB Cases Fans
Model: G900
Type/Color: black
Size: G900
Features
- Cost-effective PC Case from KEDIERS G900:
- Pre-installed 4 PWM ARGB Expensive Cases fans.
- Expensive Tempered glass side panel door design!
- Popular 2023 Unique panoramic open designs.
- Thick, reasonable body Designs.
- Large space E-ATX tower Desktop Computer:
- Meets installation needs of over 98% customers.
- Enough room to easily install multiple 360mm drains.
- Provides enough room for cable management, HDD slots.
- 4 PWM ARGB Fans to brighten system:
- PWM ARGB Fans Preinstalled, outstanding quantity and quality.
- Fashion-forward and cool with luminous design.
- Adjustable speed for cooling needs, change light colours.
- 2 Tempered glass:
- Equipped with 2 * 4mm thick tempered glass.
- Provides good gaming atmosphere, easy opening side panels.
- Intelligent I/O panel design:
- Equipped with multifunctional I/O panels with sufficient ports.
- Great flexibility for various mobile audio accessories.
- Excellent Scalability:
- Supports E-ATX/ATX/Micro-ATX/Mini-ITX motherboards.
- Package: 1* G900 computer case / 4* PWM ARGB Cases Fans / 1 Manual / 1 Screw accessory.
- No Risk of Purchase - Contact us for help.
$ 88.99 *
View
on Amazon
10
TGDGAMER matx case,itx case
Type/Color: BLACK
Features
- High Performance Airflow: Perforated front filters air to enhance cooling.
- Budget Design: Supports mini ITX and m ATX motherboards.
- Compact Interior: Fits up to 2x 120mm and 1x 80mm cooling fans.
- GPU Length Limit: Graphics card supported up to 260MM without front fan, 235MM with front fan.
- USB2.0x2 I/O Port.
$ 32.99 *
View
on Amazon
11
Zalman T7 Compact Gaming PC Case
Model: T7
Type/Color: Black
Features
- Stylish patterned mesh front design for maximum airflow
- Smokey acrylic side panel with tuning effect
- Optimized cooling system with up to eight 120mm fans
- Compatible with ATX, MATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards
- Excellent expandability with ample space and tool-free installation
In other categories
12
Bgears b-Voguish Gaming PC Case with Tempered
Model: BG01893
Type/Color: Black
Size: large
Features
- Package weight: 15.3 lbs
- 5mm tempered glass side window panel
- Country of origin: China
- Supports water-cooling front-240mm top-240mm rear-120mm
In other categories
* All prices incl. VAT, plus shipping if applicable. Prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. The selection of products was made independently of the manufacturer and without any claim to completeness. All links to products are external partner links through which we may receive compensation. All information without guarantee.
Top Affordable PC Cases for Every Type of User
Budget-Conscious Builders
If you're assembling a PC and need to keep expenses low, sourcing an affordable case can be a smart move. These options balance cost with functionality, providing a practical solution for your build.
First-Time PC Assemblers
Starting your first PC build can be daunting, especially with a tight budget. Look for cases that offer ease of use, and don't break the bank. They can provide a good starting point for new hobbyists.
Gamers Needing a Quick Fix
Gamers looking for a quick and affordable solution to house their hardware can find budget-friendly cases here. Prioritize options that support good airflow and can accommodate your gaming components.
Small Space Owners
For those with limited desk or room space, compact PC cases can be a great option. Explore affordable choices that fit your spatial needs without compromising on your workstation aesthetics.
Questions You Might Ask
When buying a PC case, consider the size of the motherboard (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX), the number of drive bays and expansion slots you need, the clearance for CPU coolers and graphics cards, the airflow and cooling options, front panel connectivity, cable management features, and the aesthetics that match your preference.
Yes, the size of the PC case can affect cooling performance. Larger cases generally have more room for air circulation and can accommodate more fans and larger heat-dissipating components like CPU coolers and liquid cooling radiators. However, a well-designed smaller case can also have good cooling efficiency with the right cooling components and airflow management.
ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX cases refer to the size and form factor of the motherboards they are designed to accommodate. ATX cases are the largest and are compatible with ATX motherboards, offering the most expansion slots and room for hardware. Micro-ATX cases are smaller, still offering good expansion but with a more compact footprint. Mini-ITX cases are the smallest and are designed for Mini-ITX motherboards, focusing on space-saving and often used for portable or space-restricted builds.
Cable management is very important in a PC case as it contributes to both aesthetics and airflow. Good cable management allows for better air circulation by removing obstruction caused by cables, leading to lower system temperatures. It also makes the internals of your PC look neater and can simplify upgrades or maintenance by keeping cables organized.
PC cases with tempered glass panels can be just as durable as metal cases, but they do require more care to prevent damage since glass can shatter upon impact. Tempered glass offers an aesthetic advantage, allowing you to showcase your PC's internal components. If durability is a major concern, especially in environments where the case may be moved often or subjected to potential impacts, a metal case or a case with a sturdy frame design may be preferable.
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How to Choose the Cheapest PC Case: A Guide
Picking the right PC case might seem like a trivial part of your computer build, but it's more important than you think. Even when on a tight budget, it's essential to balance cost with quality, features, and the peace of mind that your components are well-protected. This guide will navigate you through the process of selecting the cheapest PC case while ensuring you don’t compromise on the essentials.
Define Your PC Case Requirements
Before digging into your wallet, consider what you really need from a PC case. Not all builds are alike, and your requirements will shape your choice. Think about the size of your motherboard and if you plan on expanding with more components like extra hard drives, or high-end graphics cards, which might require more space.
Ventilation is another key aspect. A good case, even a budget one, should support decent airflow to keep everything cool. Also, look at the number of USB and other I/O ports you need on the case's front panel. These considerations will help narrow down your options to cases that are affordable but still fit your needs.
Finally, don't forget about compatibility with cooling systems. If you're planning on using large air coolers or water-cooling systems, make sure the cheap case you choose can accommodate these without a hitch.
Balancing Price and Quality
Finding the cheapest option doesn't mean you should ignore build quality. A case made of flimsy materials can damage easily and might not hold up to the regular wear and tear of transportation or even routine use. Look for cases that offer sturdiness and durability within your budget range.
Aesthetics are also a part of the quality equation. Even on a budget, you don't have to settle for a design that doesn't appeal to you. There are many cost-effective cases with a variety of finishes and looks. However, don't let looks override functionality and build quality.
Lastly, consider the manufacturer's reputation. Sometimes, it's worth paying a little extra for a case from a reputable brand known for their customer service and warranty coverage. This could save you money in the long run if anything goes wrong.
Features to Look For
Despite targeting the lower end of the price spectrum, there are certain features you shouldn't compromise on. Cable management is essential for both aesthetics and airflow. Look for cases that offer some form of cable organization.
Tool-less design can be another benefit, even in cheaper cases. It makes the installation of components much easier and generally signifies a thoughtful design process. Also, check for the availability of dust filters to keep your components clean and running smoothly.
Read the Reviews
Don’t just take a manufacturer's word for it; community wisdom can be invaluable. Look for user reviews and forum discussions about the cases you're considering. You'll often find honest insights about the ease of building in the case, any quirks it may have, and how it holds up over time.
Video reviews and build logs are also a great resource. They can give you a better sense of the case's dimensions and build quality than pictures alone. After all, seeing the case in action is the next best thing to getting your hands on it.
Hands-on Reviews and Recommendations from Discussion-Boards
In the following section, we provide a carefully curated list of resources for those in search of the most affordable PC cases. After extensive research, we have identified and organized the top links into four distinct categories for your convenience: expert reviews, forum discussions, Reddit threads, and informative videos. Each category is intended to offer valuable insights and aid in making an informed decision when selecting the cheapest PC case that doesn't compromise on quality.
Nov 24, 2023 — 1. Fractal Design North. Best-Looking PC Case · Mid Tower · Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX · 356mm (14 inches) ; 2. Phanteks Eclipse G360A. Best Budget ...
Grab the NZXT H7 Flow for Your new PC Build now Only $79 Deal One of our reviewed PC cases and an Editor's Choice award winner, the excellent NZXT H7 Flow PC...
Jan 18, 2023 — For cheap budget case, Gamer's Nexus gave this their best budget case award. ... Best PC Cases of 2022: $60 to $300 Airflow, Silence, & Budget...
Jul 3, 2023 — There's no denying they're pretty much the best budget case maker though and if you were looking at them I'd suggest the Montech AIR 903 MAX.
forums.tomshardware.com
So, there are no end of sub £50 cases available that are good with tempered glass designs. That's nice, as RGB and clean cabled managed builds are the thing...
Best budget /mid pc cases... Fractal design focus 2 is about $60 on Newegg. Or the pop air is about $80 on Newegg. Or if you're looking for white, ...
It's not the best looking case but the Thermaltake Core V21 is pretty cheap lately (~$80) and it has a huge 200mm intake fan in the front of it.
I know a few things about cases but not enough to decide which ones are the best. I am looking for either a ATX or mATX case under $100 ( ...
The Corsair Carbide is a fairly popular case series, and this one is $76 on newegg at the moment. A little over 70, unfortunately, but not by...
The Best Budget PC Cases Ranked! - Tier List - YouTube
V SFX Platinum 1100: http://linkto.cm/idjtq Hyper 212 halo: http://linkto.cm/ScatterVoltHyper21 Here is my ranking of the best and worst...
