Choosing PC parts in the Internet review era is easy — for the most part. With light Google research it’s easy to find out the current hierarchy of CPUs and GPUs. In my recent build, the biggest difficulty I had was in choosing a case. Amazingly, every case that looked good had serious airflow or technical limitations. Luckily, some trial and error brought case clarity. To help out others who struggle with this part, here are some of the best mid-range PC cases for a home workstation build.
Buying the wrong case was the biggest mistake I made with my recent PC build. Originally, I had chosen a Cooler Master Master Box Pro 5 ARGB. I bought it because it looked good, came from a reputable brand, and included ARGB fans. It was the wrong choice.
Out of the box, my new Cooler Master rig was running around higher than optimal. Upon further research, I discovered that this case has serious air-flow issues. The plastic front panel seriously blocks air intake, while there’s only a single exhaust outtake at the rear.
After splashing out so much on a new build, the case left me feeling underwhelmed with my final product.
Best-looking mid-range workstation PC cases
If you leave the case for last when planning a rig, you might make a rushed mistake as I did. Looking back, the following collection is the batch I wish I had chosen from. If you’re looking for a spacious full or mid-tower case with great aesthetics and generous airflow, any of the following will delight.
Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic XL
Amazon price:
After suffering disappointment with my Master Box Pro 5 case, I decided to go all out on an upgrade. Switching to this case has been a delight. It’s spacious inside and easy to work with. There’s plenty of air-flow, filter screens in four spots, and absolutely gorgeous.
Specs
- Case type: full tower
- Motherboard compatibility: E-ATX/ATX/M-ATX/ITX
- Materials: 1.0 mm aluminum exterior; 4.0 mm tempered glass side and front panels.
- Fan support: 3 X 120 mm (side); 1 X 120 mm (rear); 3 X 120 mm/2 x 140 mm (base); 3 X 120 mm/2 x 140 mm (top).
- Drive space: 10 X 2.5″ SSD or 6 X 2.5″ SSD + 4 X 3.5″ HDD.
- Dust filters: 1 top; 1 bottom; 2 on the side.
- I/O ports: 4 X USB 3.0 (2 on the front, 2 at the front case feet). Also has 1 X USB 3.1 TYPE-C; 1 X HD audio port.
Thermaltake Core P8
Amazon price:
The new Core P8 Tempered Glass Full Tower Chassis made its debut at the June 2020 Thermaltake EXPO.
This model defaults as a sweet full tower chassis with 3 tempered glass panels. You also have the option of removing the front and front panels.
That delivers a clever alternative that you can also wall-mount for a spectacular floating effect.
Specs
- Release date: Sept. 2020
- Case type: full tower
- Motherboard compatibility: E-ATX/ATX/M-ITX/M-ATX
- Materials: 1.0 mm aluminum exterior; 4.0 mm tempered glass panels (front, side, top).
- Fan support: front: 4 x 120mm; top: 4 x 120mm; rear: 1 x 120mm or 2 x 120mm; right: 4 x 120mm; bottom: 4 x 120mm..
- Drive space: 3 x 3.5″ or 6 x 2.5″ (With HDD bracket) internal 3.5″ Drive Bays.
- Dust filters: 1 top; 1 bottom; 1 right.
- I/O ports: 1 x Type-C, 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x HD audio front ports.
Choosing between this model and the Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic XL is a toss-up. Both cost about the same, with a similar flashy design. However, the Core P8 adds a wall-mounting function and room for a staggering twenty-two fans.
Note that bundling this unit with Corsair fans can be pricey. For instance, a 3-pack of Corsair QL Series RGB fans costs on Amazon. That means that blinging out with a full 22-pack of fans will cost over $800.
Corsair Obsidian 1000D
Amazon price:
For build enthusiasts, this case comes packed with impressive features. Those include telescopic radiator trays and space to include and operate both E-ATX and Mini-ITX systems at the same time. FOr the true hard-core gamers, that lets you stream and game from within a single case.
The Obsidian also has space for 18 fans and 4 x 480 mm radiators. If obsessed about cooling or RGB fans, this case should delight.
Specs
- Case type: super tower
- Motherboard compatibility: space for both E-ATX and Mini-ITX systems. This lets you run a stream plus game from one enclosure.
- Extra: integrated CORSAIR Commander PRO fan and lighting controller; rotatable GPU bracket for standard or vertical mounting.
- Materials: steel and aluminum exterior; 4 x smoked tempered glass panels. 4.0 mm tempered glass side and front panels.
- Fan support: space for 18 fan mounts plus room for 4 x 480 mm radiators.
- Drive space: 6 X 2.5″ SSD; 5 x 3.5″ HDD.
- Dust filters: 1 top; 1 front.
- I/O ports: RGB LED lit front panel with 2 x USB 3.1 Gen-2 Type-C; 4 x USB 3.0.
Cooler Master Cosmos 700CM
Amazon price:
This model deviates from the ‘aquarium-style’ clear panels of the other cases. Instead, it has a curved tempered glass panel, aluminum curved top handles, and a sporty, aggressive design. What stands out is its excellent thermal performance, integrated ARGB lighting, and a modular design suitable for various configurations.
On the downside, this model is pricey, and less immediately flashy than others. Even so, this is like the Hummer of PC cases. It’s a massive case with subtle RGB accents that makes a very bold statement.
- Case type: full tower
- Motherboard compatibility: E-ATX/ATX/M-ATX/ITX
- Materials: curved tempered glass plus steel.
- Included fans: 3 x 140 mm, 1200 RPM, 4-pin connector).
- Fan support: 3 x 120 mm (top and front); 1 X 120 mm (rear); 2 X 120 or 140 mm bottom (bracket needed).
- Drive space: 4 x 2.5″ or 3.5″.
- Dust filters: 4 (top, bottom, front, side panel.
- I/O ports: 4 X USB 3.0 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C; headset jack; mic input.
Thermaltake Tower 900
Amazon price:
This model has a unique vertical design plus front and side tempered glass panels. Although possible to use an AIO cooler in this unit, it’s aesthetics demand a custom loop water cooler.
Note that most AIO coolers cost under $250, while a custom loop can cost as much as $1000. If you have the budget, the payoff is superior cooling performance plus mind-blowing visuals.
Specs
- Case type: full tower
- Motherboard compatibility: E-ATX/ATX/M-ATX/ITX
- Materials: aluminum exterior; 5.0 mm tempered glass side and front panels.
- Fan support: 4 left, 4 right, 2 top, 1 rear, 1 on HDD cage.
- Drive space: 6 X 2.5″ or 3.5″ (using HDD cage); 2 x 2.5″ (using HDD tray).
- Dust filters: 1 top; 1 bottom; 2 on the side.
- I/O ports: 4 X USB 3.0; 1 X HD audio port.
Conclusion
If I were to go back in time and re-select the case of my current rig, I wouldn’t change a thing. The Lian Li PC-011 Dynamic XL has not disappointed but continues to delight. It provides a luxurious platform for first-time builders and looks incredible from all angles. The airflow is on-point and the RGB lighting is stunning.
If the Lian Li happened to be sold out, my second option would be the Thermaltake Core P8. It costs around the same as the PC-011 Dynamic XL, and also has a similar look.
Bottom line: if building your first PC, it’s worth paying extra for a high-end case. For optimal impact, choose a case with optimal airflow and plenty of RBG fan options. That way, when you power up, you’ll enjoy blissful delight, instead of feeling underwhelmed.
