[Top 5] Best Budget PC Cases You Can Get In 2021 – Reviewed

If you are looking for the best budget PC case, but you’re not actually sure on what to buy, then you have come to the right place!

A PC case is not a component you should take lightly and go with the cheapest option without thinking. It’s the biggest part of your build and catches the most attention. A PC case doesn’t only promise aesthetics but is used for protection and shelter for the internals. Before buying a PC case, you bring a lot of things into consideration. From the size of your graphics card and motherboard to asking yourself which size you need, the job comes with a lot of questions.

At the same time, many models cost an arm and a leg while offering no advantages other than outlandish designs or excessive use of RGB. PC Cases are often available from a wide variety of brands including a lot of lesser-known cheap ones because pc cases are not a sophisticated hi-tech product and it is something that can be manufactured easily.

The good news is that there are affordable cases out there that don’t compromise on interior space, cooling, thermals, or cable management. You must have a few choices in your mind already, but this guide will help you narrow down the choices and choose the best one as per your need.

Our Top Picks For Best PC Cases:

One of the hardest things to pick when building a new and affordable PC is the case. There are just too many options to go for getting the right one can be an impossible task for the low-budget user.

To help you find that perfect PC case, that is not astronomically pricey, we have made a list of the best PC cases in this year 2021.

1. Be quiet! Dark Base Pro 700:

Be quiet Dark Base Pro 700

Be quiet! is one of the world’s leading companies for high-quality power supplies and PC cooling, and it meets that high bar with its cases, too. It has a number of fantastic options for various shapes, sizes, and demands, but its best all-around case is the Dark Base 700, a mid-tower case that supports just about every motherboard you can buy.

The 700 has the same level of quality and features that made us like the Dark Base Pro 900 (and then some), but it has an MSRP $70 lower. CPU temperatures are warm, but that could be solved with the addition of a fan–but even stock, no throttling should happen if the case fans are allowed to spin up when necessary.

Features:

  • It supports standard ATX and M-ATX motherboards, as well as Extended ATX boards for those building servers or HEDT systems.
  • It comes pre-fitted with a pair of be quiet! Silent Wings 3 140mm fans, though there are options for up to an additional six fans.
  • It has space for up to twin 360mm water-cooling radiators.
  • It has RGB LEDs controllable by motherboard or 6-color-switch.
  • It has Motherboard tray and HDD slots with enhanced possibilities for individual requirements.
  • It has a fully windowed side panel from tinted and tempered glass.

Specs:

  • Brand: Be Quite.
  • Weight: 29.2 pounds.
  • Size: 23.7 x 12.3 x 22.9 inches.
  • Material: Tempered Glass.
  • Motherboard Compatibility: ATX.
  • Total USB ports: 3.
  • Cooling Method: Air.
Pros
  • Impressively Quite.
  • Sleek Styling.
  • Fan controllers can handle six PWM fans in two groups with a choice of four settings.
  • The top cannot accommodate 140mm or 280mm radiators.
  • Two Silent Wings 3 fans are included.
Cons
  • Cable routing above and below the motherboard is tight.
  • You only get nine motherboard stand-offs.

 

2. Cooler Master MasterBox Pro 5 RGB ATX Mid-Tower:

Cooler Master MasterBox Pro 5 RGB ATX Mid-Tower

The MasterBox Pro 5 gaming case from CoolerMaster will take your breath away as soon as you see it! This is a bestseller at the moment of this writing and comes jam-packed with useful features such as the 3 front-mounted RGB fans which display a wonderful light show each time.

This case features patterned magnetic dust filters, it has a modular I/O panel, and the airflow and cooling are great with this case. It comes with two RGB fans and space for water cooling. Like many others, this case also has a good-looking tempered glass slide panel.

It all starts with an RGB fan front, offering three 120mm fans so you can enjoy superb ventilation without leaving looks behind. The LED fans come with several colors and functions to enjoy, so you can make your PC utterly stylish.

Features:

  • It has flexible mounting and rearranges SSDs across the motherboard tray and on the back with the SSD bracket.
  • Rib fans are pre-installed behind the front panel to create an amazing lighting effect.
  • With the included bracket, the case supports up to 3 120 millimeter front fans, 1 120 millimeter rear fan, and up to 360 millimeter front radiator for liquid cooling.
  • There is a fixed PSU cover so you have to put the PSU in from the Back of the case.
  • Top air filter is attached with flexible magnets.

Specs:

  • Brand: Cooler Master.
  • Weight: 19.1 pounds.
  • Size: 19.7 x 8.7 x 18.7 inches.
  • Material: Steel.
  • Motherboard Compatibility: ATX and ITX.
  • Case Type: Mid Tower.
  • Cooling Method: Air.
Pros
  • Absolutely gorgeous design.
  • 4 RGB LED fans preinstalled with independent light control.
  • Supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards.
  • Room for a 360mm radiator for liquid cooling.
Cons
  • Heavy at 19 lbs, so transport with care.
  • Some customers didn’t receive the RGB controller box in the package.

 

3. CORSAIR Carbide SPEC-04 Mid-Tower Gaming:

CORSAIR Carbide SPEC-04 Mid-Tower Gaming

If you want a good all-rounder and affordable PC case, you cannot go wrong with the Carbide Mid-Tower Gaming Case from Corsair. Of all the Mid Tower PC Cases, it is a best seller at the moment of this writing and comes from a reputable manufacturer.

Borrowing tooling from its predecessors, the SPEC-04 is able to ship with a lower price-point, aided further by a stripped-down set of interior accoutrements. The SPEC-04 is a small case, but capable of supporting ATX form factor components. This makes the unit deployable for ultra-budget machines, theoretically perfectly fitting for G4560 users.

Like most PC cases here, it comes with a full-length PSU cover to hide the cables. There is enough room in it to hold up to 6 x 120mm or 4 x 140mm cooling fans. Finally, there are removable dust filters in the floor, roof and front panels to stop dust being sucked in and a front I/O panel with two USB 3.1 Type A ports, a power button, and a combo jack.

Features:

  • The SPEC-04 is an incredibly light case, easily carried in one hand. 4.2kg is much less than the other mid-towers
  • The USB ports are connected via a single cable which plugs into a 3.0 socket on the motherboard.
  • The I/O is mounted to the chassis on the non-windowed side of the case, keeping the outward-facing side clean and presentable.
  • Tons of room for excellent cooling potential with one 120mm front fan preinstalled.
  • Easy-to-use mounts for up to three HDDs and two SSDs. Compatible corsair liquid coolers are h55, h60, h75 and h80i.
  • It has an angular exterior design with a large, tinted side panel window.

Specs:

  • Brand: Corsair.
  • Manufacturer: Corsair – IMPORT FOB HKG.
  • Weight: 9.26 pounds.
  • Size: 17.05 x 7.91 x 19.37 inches.
  • Motherboard Compatibility: Micro ATX, ATX, Mini ITX.
  • Total USB ports: 1.
  • Cooling Method: Air.
Pros
  • Superb RGB support.
  • Has a side window, so you can actually see your computer running.
  • Accessible I/O panel.
  • Comes with a clever cable management system.
Cons
  • Few users report that the power button becomes stuck.
  • Some cases arrived with the glass side panel broken.

 

4. Phanteks Eclipse P300A:

Phanteks Eclipse P300A

Phanteks Eclipse P300A is another budget case hunter’s favorite with a more subdued conventional look. The P300A features the same Ultra-Fine Performance mesh as the multiple award-winning Eclipse P400A, delivering the best performance while keeping dust from entering the system. With support for standard-sized hardware in a compact size, installation is intuitive and convenient.

It comes with a single fan on the rear so think about getting a couple for the front panel if overclocking. The base houses the PSU and 3.5-inch drives and can get a bit cramped. The hole that lets you feed the power through to the main chamber is also a bit tight.

Overall, a brilliant case with a tempered glass side panel top I/O panel for the price. The small vents on the front panel can limit airflow, so be prepared to add more fans and consider using the top air vent and fan. Dust filters work great to keep dust out.

Features:

  • It has ultra-fine Performance Mesh front panel for the best optimal cooling performance; Tempered glass side panel to showcase your build.
  • It provides easy accessibility to I/O featuring 2x USB 3.0, Microphone, Headphone, Power button, Reset button.
  • It has Front-loading HDD trays for easy installation, up to 4x SSD mounting locations, and a separate PSU compartment.
  • The Eclipse P300A fits standard-sized hardware for an easy installation process in a compact size.
  • Storage can be installed and expanded easily in the dedicated 2.5 inch SSD and two 3.5 inch HDD trays. The HDD trays can also be used for 2.5-inch SSDs for more fast storage.

Specs:

  • Brand: Phanteks.
  • Weight: 15.07 pounds.
  • Size:15.9 x 311023.79 x 18 inches.
  • Material: Tempered glass.
  • Motherboard Compatibility: ATX.
  • Case Type: Mid Tower.
  • Cooling Method: Air.
Pros
  • Excellent value for money.
  • Great Airflow, especially if you add more fans.
  • Components are easy to install.
  • Has tempered glass panels.
Cons
  • Comes with only one fan.
  • Low quality screws.

 

5. AeroCool Cylon RGB Mid Tower with Acrylic Side Window:

AeroCool Cylon RGB Mid Tower with Acrylic Side Window

Aerocool has come a long way over the years, and nowhere is it more apparent to us then when we get hands-on with one of their new cases. The Aerocool Cylon while being a very budget-oriented chassis it still has some of the features many are looking for.

Cylon is a mid-tower case with an acrylic side window panel and liquid cooling support. Its elegantly designed RGB LED front panel displays over 13 lighting modes. Select from one of six unique RGB flows or choose from seven color modes so you can showcase your favorite color along with your own unique style.

With additional support for VGA fan coolers and dual chamber design, this case allows for superior airflow and cooling for your system. Tower from AeroCool features a unique design thanks to the RGB LED band which stretches across the unit.

Features:

  • Unique LED front panel with 13 lighting modes.
  • Full acrylic side window panel to showcase your rig.
  • Supports CPU cooler up to 155mm.
  • Supports VGA fan bracket design for VGA cooling.
  • Dual chamber design for improved ventilation.
  • Removable PSU dust filter for easy cleaning.

Specs:

  • Brand: AeroCool.
  • Weight: 10.08 pounds.
  • Size: 20 x 18.5 x 9.5 inches.
  • Material: Alloy Steel, Acrylic.
  • Motherboard Compatibility: ATX.
  • Total USB ports: 2.
  • Cooling Method: Water, Air.
Pros
  • Rubber washers on side panel screws to stop cracking/damage.
  • Up to 7 120mm fans, including two below GPU to help with ventilation.
  • Bright LED light on case front, works well with any interior hardware colours.
  • Spacious inner case capable of full gaming rig.
Cons
  • Can’t turn off LED light on case front.
  • Acrylic side panel easily attracts dust and scuffs.

 

To Sum Up:

All the PC cases mentioned are the best and affordable PC cases. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a cool and beautiful case that will work great for you. There is something for everyone on this list, elegant and stylish cases with interesting RGB lighting, small cases, big cases, cases that will keep the temperature of your PC cool and cases that you will forget that even exist because they are so quiet.

This article will surely help you out to decide the best PC case that will suit your needs.

FAQs

Do I need water cooling as well?
This depends on various factors. For example, if you have installed multiple fans on your unit and they are still not sufficient for cooling down your gaming rig, you might want to consider investing in water cooling.
How many USB ports are available?
The I/O control panel has different ports for connecting peripherals such as headphones, USB memory sticks, etc. It really depends from case to case, but usually, you’ll have at least 1-2 USB 2.0 ports and 1-2 USB 3.0 ports.
Do cases come with 2 side glass panels or just one?
Some PC cases come with a side glass panel which can be made from normal glass or tempered 4mm glass. However, there is always just one side featuring the glass panel, not both.

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