How to Choose a PC Case for a Custom-Built PC: Performance, Features, and Compatibility

The PC case is a component that houses other PC parts, and it greatly affects the appearance of a custom-built PC.

While BTO (Build To Order) or manufacturer PCs offer limited case options, custom PCs allow for complete freedom.

This means it is possible to find a preferred PC case and customize a unique custom PC.

The PC case itself does not have much impact on processing performance, but the size of the case affects expandability, and the structure of the case can change airflow and cooling.

Additionally, the size of the CPU cooler, graphics card, power supply unit, and the number of storage drives that can be installed are all determined by the case, so it is important to check compatibility to ensure all other PC parts fit properly.

If the wrong case is chosen, it may not be possible to install other parts, making assembly impossible, so caution is needed.

This article explains the knowledge, features, performance, and compatibility points necessary for choosing a PC case when building a custom PC.

Basic knowledge, roles, performance, and compatibility of other parts are also explained, so please refer to those as well.

≫ Related article: PC Parts List and Explanation of Each PC Part [A Must-Read for Custom PC Beginners]

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What is the Role of a PC Case?

The PC case is a component that houses other PC parts, and its main roles are protection, cooling, noise reduction, and appearance.

By housing all PC parts such as the CPU, GPU, motherboard, memory, and storage in the PC case, it protects them from dust, impact, and physical damage.

While parts that generate heat, such as the CPU, GPU, and power supply unit, have dedicated fans, installing case fans in the PC case helps cool the entire inside of the computer.

Also, by enclosing fans that cause noise, especially high-speed CPU coolers and GPU fans, the PC case helps reduce noise.

Finally, the design aspect is one of the best parts of building a custom PC.

Although it does not affect the processing performance, if building a custom PC with high flexibility, it is worth paying attention to the design of the PC case.

Some people coordinate all parts in white, use tempered glass to show the mechanical interior, or add LED lighting for a flashy look. Preferences vary from person to person.

With BTO or manufacturer PCs, the types are fixed and there are almost no choices, but with custom PCs, it is possible to choose from about 500 types of PC cases, so it is likely to find one that suits personal taste.

Basic Knowledge of PC Cases

Before choosing a graphics card, it is important to understand the basic knowledge about PC case design, interface, and size.

Let’s explain these points in detail.

PC Case Design

Tempered Glass

White Case

Aluminum Case

LED Lighting

Compared to BTO PCs, custom PCs offer much more freedom in choosing a PC case, with about 500 types available.

The appeal of custom PCs is not only customizing the specs but also being able to choose the appearance of the PC case.

With BTO PCs, spec customization is possible, but there are not many case options.

However, with custom PCs, the case can also be freely customized, making it fun to personalize.

Here are four popular PC case design patterns to help choose a case.

Sample images and explanations by manufacturer are also provided, so those interested in learning about different brands and their features may find it helpful.

≫ Related article: [37 Brands] PC Case Manufacturer Summary [Features/Sample Images]

Tempered Glass

ANTEC Constellation C8

NZXT H9 Elite Black

ANTEC CX200M RGB ELITE

DeepCool MORPHEUS

Tempered glass cases have side panels made of tempered glass, allowing the inside of the case to be seen.

The mechanical parts of the PC can be enjoyed visually, and LED lighting on each part can also be appreciated.

Usually, the left side panel, which gives the best view of the inside, is made of tempered glass.

There are also cases with two or three panels made of tempered glass, such as the front and left side.

Some cases use acrylic panels to show the inside, but tempered glass offers higher transparency, is more scratch-resistant, and often has a fully transparent side panel (acrylic is usually only partially transparent).

White Case

NZXT H9 Elite White

LIANLI O11D EVO RGB White

Geometric Future MODEL 4 KING ARTHUR

Thermaltake CTE C700 TG ARGB

Most PC cases are dark colors like black or gray, but there are also white cases.

There are also white parts for CPU coolers, memory, motherboards, graphics cards, and power supply units, so many custom PC users coordinate everything in white.

White reflects light well, making the inside of the case look bright and highlighting the internal parts.

It is easy to coordinate colors, and especially stands out when combined with LED lighting or other colorful parts.

Using mainly white and adding standard black parts as accents can also look good.

In terms of design, just using white gives a stylish feel and creates a bright atmosphere in the room.

Aluminum Case

Abee AS Enclosure M19 Blue

Abee AS Enclosure M19 Silver

Fractal Design FD-C-TER1N-02 Green

Fractal Design FD-C-TER1N-02 White

Steel is most commonly used, but some cases use aluminum.

Compared to steel, aluminum gives a more solid and luxurious feel.

Aluminum cases often have high-quality anodized finishes and sophisticated designs.

This finish creates a hard protective layer on the aluminum surface, improving durability.

Aluminum can be dyed in various colors, so there is a wide variety of color options, and the gloss from the anodized layer gives a premium look.

The degree of gloss depends on the processing method, so there are also cases with a matte finish.

LED Lighting

MSI MAG VAMPIRIC 300R

Sharkoon SHA-TG7M RGB

Thermaltake H200 TG RGB

GAMDIAS ARGUS E4

LED lighting is very popular for customizing PCs, and is especially effective with tempered glass side panel cases.

Colorful LEDs beautifully illuminate the inside of the case, and the color, brightness, and lighting style can be adjusted to match the room’s theme.

Preferences for LED lighting vary, with two main styles: “making it as flashy as possible” or “adding just a subtle touch of light”.

Since a wide range of both illuminated and non-illuminated PC parts are available, it is best to adjust according to personal preference.

If the PC parts support it, the color, brightness, lighting style, and even turning off the LED lighting can be freely controlled via software.

When multiple LED-equipped PC parts are installed, lighting patterns and gradients can be synchronized.

This allows for unified lighting throughout the custom PC, rather than each part lighting up randomly.

PC Case Structure: Sealed Type & Mesh Type

Sealed Type

Mesh Type

Open Frame Type

There are three types of PC case structures: sealed, mesh, and open frame.

Sealed types have small front air intakes, so fan noise is less likely to leak, making them quiet.

Even though they are called sealed, they are not completely closed, so there is no problem with air intake.

On the other hand, mesh types have a mesh structure mainly at the front, allowing good airflow.

However, since there is nothing to block fan noise, they are not suitable for those who prioritize quietness.

Open frame types are characterized by a frame-only structure and an open design.

As the name suggests, they do not trap warm air inside, and airflow is excellent, so cooling performance is high.

However, they do not protect against dust, dirt, or physical impact, and the arrangement and wiring of PC parts are unique. Prices are often high, so they are not recommended for beginners.

Included Case Fans in PC Cases

Most PC cases come with 2 or 3 case fans included.

This means that even without buying extra case fans, it is possible to ensure a minimum level of airflow inside the PC case.

However, when building a high-performance PC or planning to overclock, additional case fans may be needed to improve cooling.

There are three main patterns for configuring case fans:

• Use only the included fans
• Use included fans plus additional purchased case fans
• Do not use included fans and use only additional purchased case fans

It is possible to go with only the included fans, or to purchase additional fans with preferred designs and features.

PC cases have specific locations, sizes, and numbers of case fans that can be installed, so consider the configuration including the included fans.

Also, when choosing a water-cooled CPU cooler, the radiator is installed in the case fan location, so the fan configuration needs to be considered accordingly.

Additional case fans are mainly purchased in the following situations:

• To increase airflow and improve cooling performance
• To use quiet fans for better noise reduction
• To use preferred fans such as LED fans
• To visually fill all possible case fan locations

When wanting to upgrade cooling or noise reduction, or to use fans with a preferred design, it is common to purchase additional case fans.

The freedom to do anything is the appeal of custom PCs, so even with fans, it is worth paying attention to design.

How to Choose a PC Case for Custom PCs [Performance]

This section explains how to choose a PC case focusing on performance and features.

Let’s explain these points in detail.

Custom PC Tool summarizes statistical data on what is popular, price ranges, and specifications based on user choices.

≫ Related article: PC Case Popularity Rankings and Selection Rates by Specification [Statistical Data]

PC Case Size

PC cases are roughly classified by size and shape, such as full tower and mid tower cases.

The size and shape affect the size of the CPU cooler, GPU, power supply unit, the supported motherboard standard, and the number of drive bays.

Generally, larger PC cases can accommodate larger parts and more drives, making future expansion easier.

The higher the performance, the larger the CPU cooler and GPU tend to be, so it is difficult to install them in small PC cases.

Considering these points, choose a PC case size that fits personal preference or the available space for the computer.

Ultimately, it is necessary to check the dimensions of the PC case, but first, check the general classifications.

PC Case Classification	Image	Size	Weight
Full Tower		Height/Depth: approx. 55~65cm Width: 25~30cm	Approx. 10~25kg *Case only
Mid Tower		Height/Depth: approx. 40~55cm Width: around 20cm	Approx. 10kg~12kg *Total (including other parts)
Mini Tower		Height/Depth: approx. 30~40cm Width: 15~20cm	Approx. 8kg *Total (including other parts)
Slim Type		Height/Depth: approx. 30~40cm Width: around 10cm	Approx. 7kg *Total (including other parts)
Cube Type		Approx. 25～50cm	–
Horizontal Type		Width/Depth: approx. 30~40cm Height: around 10cm	Approx. 3.5kg *Case only

Although these are rough classifications, there is no strict definition such as “mid tower means a case with dimensions between x and y cm”.

Depending on the manufacturer, the same size may be classified differently.

The most commonly used PC case sizes for custom PCs are mid tower and mini tower.

Custom PCs are often built for gaming or creative use with mid-range or high-end specs, so graphics cards are usually installed.

To install a graphics card, at least a mid tower or mini tower is usually required.

Next, cube types are popular among those who prefer small and compact PC cases for visual reasons.

On the other hand, slim and horizontal types are rarely used for custom PCs.

There are not many slim or horizontal PC cases, and slim types generally cannot accommodate graphics cards.

Also, due to the narrow width, large CPU coolers cannot be installed, making cooling and noise reduction difficult, so they are not popular among custom PC users who want high specs.

The impact of PC case size and the features of each size are explained in more detail.

≫ Related article: [Custom PC] Thorough Explanation of PC Case Sizes!

Front Interface

The front of the PC case has interfaces such as the power button, USB ports, and mic/headphone jacks.

There are two main points to check for the front interface:

• Location of the interface
• Type and number of USB ports
• Whether the motherboard has a USB connector

About Interface Location

Front Top

Top

Front Right Side

Front Bottom

The location of the front interface varies by PC case.

Therefore, depending on where the PC is placed, the usability of the front interface can be very different.

There are three main ways to place a PC: under the desk, beside the desk, or on top of the desk.

Under Desk

Beside Desk

On Desk

For example, if the front interface is on the top, it is convenient when the PC is placed under or beside the desk.

However, if placed on the desk, depending on the size of the PC case, the ports may not be visible and it may be necessary to stand up to check, or it may be awkward to plug in devices.

On the other hand, if the interface is on the bottom front, it is convenient when the PC is on the desk, but if placed under or beside the desk, it is necessary to reach down to plug in devices.

As shown, the usability of the interface changes greatly depending on where the PC is placed, so it is best to decide where to place the PC before choosing a case.

Other points and features about placement are also explained.

≫ Related article: [Custom PC] Explanation of PC Case Placement and How to Place [5 Patterns]

Type and Number of USB Ports

Most USB ports are USB 2.0 or 3.x Type-A, with two ports.

In addition, cases with many USB ports may have a total of four USB Type-A ports or one USB Type-C port.

Devices that are always connected, such as a mouse or keyboard, usually use the rear USB ports.

On the other hand, the front USB ports are often used for temporary needs, such as transferring data with a USB memory stick.

For example, when transferring large data with an external SSD, a case with a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-A port is convenient, and sometimes two USB ports are not enough, so four ports are preferable.

It is inconvenient if data transfer is slow or there are not enough USB ports, so choose a PC case with the right type and number of USB ports for personal needs.

Whether the Motherboard Has a USB Connector

The USB ports on the front interface require connecting the internal cable to the USB connector on the motherboard.

Also, the connector type differs for USB 2.0, 3.x, and Type-C, so check the motherboard specifications.

Type and Number of Drive Bays

To install storage (SATA SSD / HDD) in a PC case, a PC case drive bay (space to secure storage) is needed.

There are three types of drive bays:

• 2.5-inch bay: SATA SSD
• 3.5-inch bay: HDD
• 5.25-inch bay: Optical drive, fan controller

Recently, 5.25-inch bays are not in demand, so many PC cases do not include them.

For custom PCs, it is convenient to have extra bays for future expansion.

2.5/3.5-inch Shared Bay

Some PC cases have shared 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive bays.

For example, if the case specification says 2.5/3.5-inch bay ×2, it means up to two SATA SSDs or HDDs can be installed in total.

Generally, HDDs are secured with screws from both sides, while SATA SSDs are secured from the back.

Shared drive bays are 3.5-inch in size but have screw holes in the right places to allow SATA SSDs to be installed.

For uses such as video editing with large data, it is convenient to have extra drive bays for future storage expansion.

The types, uses, and how to read drive bay specifications are explained in detail.

≫ Related article: Types and Uses of PC Case Drive Bays [Custom PC]

Number of Expansion Slots

The number of expansion slots refers to the number of slots at the back of the case for installing expansion cards.

These slots are used to install expansion cards such as graphics cards, wireless LAN/Bluetooth cards, sound cards, network cards, and additional USB ports to the motherboard.

There is usually no problem with only a graphics card, but if many expansion cards are to be installed, pay attention not only to the number of PCI Express slots on the motherboard but also to the number of expansion slots in the PC case.

How to Choose a PC Case for Custom PCs [Compatibility / Important]

This section explains how to choose a PC case focusing on compatibility.

If a PC case with poor compatibility is chosen, the motherboard, CPU cooler, or graphics card may not fit, so be sure to check.

Let’s explain these points in detail.

PC Case Motherboard Standards

Extended ATX (W330×305mm)

ATX (W224×H305mm)

MicroATX (W244×H244mm)

Mini-ITX (W170×H170mm)

PC cases have supported motherboard standards, and most support multiple standards.

The physical size of the motherboard changes depending on the standard, so the PC case must be large enough to fit that size.

Larger cases can fit smaller motherboards, but not vice versa.

The main standards are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX, with others such as Extended ATX (larger than ATX) and server standards like SSI-CEB and SSI-EEB.

ATX is commonly used for desktop PCs, is larger, and offers high expandability.

If a case supports ATX, it usually also supports MicroATX and Mini ITX.

For small PC cases, ATX cannot be installed, so Micro ATX or Mini ITX motherboards must be used.

Smaller physical size means fewer memory, M.2, and PCI Express slots, so expandability is often lower.

PC Case Power Supply Unit Standards

ATX Standard

SFX Standard

SFX-L Standard

 

Like motherboards, PC cases have supported power supply unit standards.

Most power supply units support only one standard, but some support multiple standards.

The main standards are ATX, SFX, and SFX-L.

For example, general mid tower and full tower cases usually support ATX power supplies, while small Mini-ITX cases often support the smaller SFX power supplies.

Air-Cooled CPU Cooler Size (Height)

PC cases have a height limit for compatible CPU coolers.

Therefore, when installing an air-cooled CPU cooler, it must be shorter than the specified height.

If the height is just at the limit, it may interfere with the side panel, so it is better to have at least 1 or 2cm of clearance.

These heights can be found in the specifications of the PC case or CPU cooler.

Graphics Card Size (Length)

PC cases have a length limit for compatible graphics cards.

Therefore, when installing a graphics card, it must be shorter than the specified length.

Generally, higher performance graphics cards are larger in size, including length.

With mid tower cases or larger for ATX, there is usually no problem, but with small Mini-ITX cases, high-performance graphics cards are often difficult to install.

Some PC cases have removable drive cages, and the available length may change depending on whether they are installed, so check the case specifications.

Power Supply Unit Size (Depth)

PC cases have a depth limit for compatible power supply units, so the power supply must be shorter than the specified depth.

For example, ATX power supplies have fixed height and width, but the depth is usually around 160–180mm, but not fixed.

Therefore, choose a power supply that fits the depth of the PC case.

For non-modular power supplies, space is needed in front of the power supply to store cables, so some clearance is necessary.

If the depth is tight, a modular power supply with detachable cables is recommended.

PC Case Drive Bay Size and Number for SATA SSD, HDD

The basics of drive bays were explained in the performance section, but when choosing a PC case, check that there are enough drive bays for the types and number of storage devices to be installed.

For a single NVMe SSD, which is common now, the drive bay is not needed as it is installed on the motherboard.

However, if multiple SATA SSDs or HDDs are to be installed, this must be checked.

Large cases usually have enough 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch bays, so it is not a concern, but small cases often have fewer drive bays, so be sure to check.

Water-Cooled CPU Cooler Size (Radiator Size)

PC cases have supported radiator sizes.

Therefore, when installing a water-cooled CPU cooler, the radiator size must be supported.

The radiator for a water-cooled CPU cooler is installed in the case fan location.

The supported locations vary by case, such as top, front, rear, bottom, and side, and often multiple locations and sizes are supported.

Radiator sizes include 120mm, 240mm, 360mm for 120mm fans, and 140mm, 280mm, 420mm for 140mm fans, so check the radiator size of the CPU cooler and the supported size of the PC case.

Possible Locations, Sizes, and Number of Case Fans

PC cases have specific locations, sizes, and numbers of case fans that can be installed.

Therefore, when adding case fans, they must be installed in locations and sizes supported by the case, considering airflow.

Possible locations include top, front, rear, side, and bottom.

Top, front, and rear fan mounts are standard in most PC cases, but side and bottom mounts vary by case.

Common fan sizes are 120mm and 140mm, but some cases support 180mm or 200mm fans.

Larger fans can move more air at lower speeds, making them quieter.

However, cases that support large fans tend to be larger overall, so consider the available space.

PC cases also come with included case fans.

Based on this, decide on the size and number of fans, or choose to use only personally selected fans.

When installing a water-cooled CPU cooler, the radiator is installed in the case fan location.

This reduces the number of case fans that can be installed, so the fan layout should be considered.

Summary: The Range of PC Case Designs for Custom PCs is Wide, So Be Thorough in Choosing!

The PC case is a component that houses other PC parts and greatly affects the appearance of a custom PC.

In addition to appearance, since all other PC parts are housed in the case, be sure to check compatibility with various parts.

If a mistake is made, it may not be possible to install other parts and assembly will not be possible.

Here is a summary of how to choose a PC case.

The high degree of design freedom is one of the best parts of building a custom PC, so search for a PC case that satisfies personal preferences!

Basic knowledge, roles, performance, and compatibility of other parts are also explained, so please refer to those as well.

≫ Related article: PC Parts List and Explanation of Each PC Part [A Must-Read for Custom PC Beginners]

あわせて読みたい

PC Parts Estimation & Compatibility Check Tool

Automatically checks each component you need when selecting parts for a custom-built PC—perfect for beginners.