A good gaming case not only gives your PC an identity, it also houses your expensive components. As someone who has used quite a few cases in the past I thought I'd put together a list of a few of my favorites.
Below you'll find my guide to gaming cases, updated in 2014 with the best computer cases as voted on by PC builders. This includes all of the need to know information about the latest new release cases broken down into various categories.
Before you go, vote for the best overall gaming case of 2014 in our interactive reader poll below.
Best Mid-Tower PC Gaming Case
Cooler Master HAF 912 - RC-912-KKN1
There’s a lot of really great mid-tower gaming cases out there in 2014. In 2013 it felt like I kept waiting around for every manufacturer to update their cases to have USB 3.0 in the front I/O. For the most part this has already happened in 2014.
If you asked me early last year which case I’d recommend for this particular category, then I’d have probably said something like the HAF 912 or the the slightly less expensive Cooler Master Elite 430. Now Cooler Master has updated that model with the Elite 431 Plus and I decided to test one of the more intriguing and popular models on the market in 2014, the CM Storm Enforcer.
Design:
The design of this case is everything I was hoping for with plenty of space in the interior, a great look to the case in general, a side window, and a good amount of I/O ports in the front. What continued to impress me was the inside of the case which is clearly made for the 2014 PC builder. Purchasing a separate 2.5″ converter is unnecessary with this case as you can put a drive like your SSD in the 2.5″ slot or use the provided converter – either one. In the picture above my SSD is actually in the 2.5″ slot that’s in the middle bottom area.
If you asked me early last year which case I’d recommend for this particular category, then I’d have probably said something like the HAF 912 or the the slightly less expensive Cooler Master Elite 430. Now Cooler Master has updated that model with the Elite 431 Plus and I decided to test one of the more intriguing and popular models on the market in 2014, the CM Storm Enforcer.
Design:
The design of this case is everything I was hoping for with plenty of space in the interior, a great look to the case in general, a side window, and a good amount of I/O ports in the front. What continued to impress me was the inside of the case which is clearly made for the 2014 PC builder. Purchasing a separate 2.5″ converter is unnecessary with this case as you can put a drive like your SSD in the 2.5″ slot or use the provided converter – either one. In the picture above my SSD is actually in the 2.5″ slot that’s in the middle bottom area.
Best Full Tower PC Gaming Cases
If you’ve been looking for a full-size gaming tower, then most likely you’ve taken a look at the Cooler-Master Haf X. I’ve used it several times in the past and have had no regrets.
This case is designed specifically for performance enthusiasts in mind. For well under $200 you get all the slots you need to fit just about any extreme build or design you come up with. It’s also super easy to upgrade or add-on with the spacious interior and SATA dock. The HafX is also built with quality materials that don’t break down over time which is a plus if you plan to use it long-term.
This case is designed specifically for performance enthusiasts in mind. For well under $200 you get all the slots you need to fit just about any extreme build or design you come up with. It’s also super easy to upgrade or add-on with the spacious interior and SATA dock. The HafX is also built with quality materials that don’t break down over time which is a plus if you plan to use it long-term.
Best Mini/Micro HTPC ATX Computer Cases
SilverStone Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX Media Center/HTPC Case (ML03B)
Below is a list of the best mini or Micro HTPC (Home Theatre PC) cases. At the top of the list is the sleek SilverStone Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX Media Center/HTPC Case (ML03B). One of the greatest things about this case is its ability to hold 4 80mm fans despite its size.
If you transfer a lot of files, photos, or especially movies, then you’ll appreciate that SilverStone included 2 USB 3.0 ports on the front panel. It also comes with 4 low profile +1 utility slot for expansion so it can hold up to 5 2.5 Inch or 3 3.5 Inch Hard disk drives or Solid State Drives.
If you transfer a lot of files, photos, or especially movies, then you’ll appreciate that SilverStone included 2 USB 3.0 ports on the front panel. It also comes with 4 low profile +1 utility slot for expansion so it can hold up to 5 2.5 Inch or 3 3.5 Inch Hard disk drives or Solid State Drives.
Best New Gaming Cases for 2014
Corsair Aluminum 650 D Mid Tower Case
Looking for something a little bit different than you’ve seen before? Here are some new release gaming cases for this year (see below). If you like aluminum cases, then we recommend you go with the all new Corsair Aluminum 650 D Mid Tower Enthusiast Case (CC650DW-1).
Although there are few consumer ratings and reviews for this product, thus far, every one that we’ve read has been positive. This new case recently won both a performance and a gold award at HardwareHeaven.com.
The brushed aluminum faceplate of this case is eye catching as well as efficient but this case also comes with a lot of quality features as well. Included are 2 large 200mm fan along with a 120mm fan. Performance enthusiasts will enjoy the Eight expansion slots which give you plenty of room for SLI/Crossfire Options with your GPU.
Although there are few consumer ratings and reviews for this product, thus far, every one that we’ve read has been positive. This new case recently won both a performance and a gold award at HardwareHeaven.com.
The brushed aluminum faceplate of this case is eye catching as well as efficient but this case also comes with a lot of quality features as well. Included are 2 large 200mm fan along with a 120mm fan. Performance enthusiasts will enjoy the Eight expansion slots which give you plenty of room for SLI/Crossfire Options with your GPU.
Final Thoughts:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of the best gaming cases of 2014. If you’d like to make a contribution to this lens, then please use the reader feedback section below.
I try to update my lenses regularly. If I’ve missed a PC case that you have recently come across, please inform me by leaving a comment. Your feedback helps me to keep this lens fresh.
I try to update my lenses regularly. If I’ve missed a PC case that you have recently come across, please inform me by leaving a comment. Your feedback helps me to keep this lens fresh.
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