Top 6 Best Custom Computer Cases 2023 - Buyer's Guide Best Picks

If you use a number of external peripherals, you'll be fumbling around with your computer's front-facing port frequently. It's where you'll be pluggin' in USB drives, headsets, cell phones, and even external displays, so the more connections the better. Most basic tower cases come with just two USB slots, one 3.5mm audio input/output slot, and nothing else, so you may want to budget for a more robust front-end. Beyond those basics, you can expect to find HDMI, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, FireWire, and Thunderbolt connectors, along with various other types of interfaces.

In the past, any work that was "under the hood of" a computer required a Phillips screwdriver. These days are gone, as toolless designs are almost universal in all PC tower cases above the entry level. These cases are easy to use and reduce headaches. They also have tabs that allow for quick assembly or disassembly.

Tower cases are available in many sizes. This is because motherboards, CPUs, GPUs and motherboards all have different sizes. Start with your motherboard to determine the size that you require. Specific motherboards require specific cases. Product descriptions will usually specify which ones are compatible. It is important to first gather all your parts and then find the right case. The motherboard's size is important, but you should also consider the size of your GPU, and your CPU cooler. They can be quite large.

Cases can be purchased in four sizes.

The smallest of all cases, the mini-ITX or small form-factor case, is very popular today. This case is limited to the mini-ITX motherboard, so you may have size restrictions with other components. However, Mini-ITX cases are highly praised for their portability and minimalism.

These mini cases can support both micro-ATX and mini-ITX motherboards. Although this opens up your options significantly, you might still face space issues when building larger builds.

Mid cases are the best choice for a variety of reasons. They're flexible, affordable and can fit mini-ITX or micro-ATX motherboards. Although the footprint is second, mid towers can still blend in. The majority of users will be satisfied with the internal volumes.

Full cases are usually the most powerful and suitable for e-ATX motherboards measuring 13 inches in length. Full towers offer incredible headroom, although smaller motherboards can be used inside.

There isn't anything wrong with adding a touch of personalisation to your PC set up, and RGB lighting is an excellent way to inject some personality into your living room. RGB technology is ubiquitous these days - in fact, it's likely quite hard to find a PC tower without RGB in today's marketplace. Choose the style that suits your tastes, and remember, you're able to switch it off if you want.

Cable organization is an important part of keeping a tidy desktop. Most motherboards come with pre-punished cable holes for hiding cables, but there are lots of ways to organize them better. Some have rubber gaskets and clips, while some include special cutout sections for organizing cables.

Another important concern is the drive bays. You need space...for your space. The 2.5-inch and the 3.5-inch drive bays are where you will find your storage drives, SSDs, and hard drives (HDD). Some tower cases also have additional SSD mounting points at the rear of their motherboard tray.

When buying a computer tower case, you want to ensure that there is good air flow and proper ventilation. Some manufacturers include diagrams showing their design philosophy, but customer reviews are great sources of information.

While airflow is important, PC towers need good ventilation. You want a case with two or three good sized vents for proper cooling. More is better, but more isn't always necessary. Manufacturers usually offer multiple fan mounting options.

Water-cooled systems are much more efficient than air-cooled ones, but they require a lot of work to get them running properly. A good water-cooled system requires a proper chassis, and that means a case with liquid-cooler mounting points. You can’t just put an aftermarket cooler into any old case. And if you go with a mid-sized case, you may not be able to fit a big radiator either. If you’re willing to spend money on a high quality case, though, you might find yourself getting a better return on your investment.