When building a PC, scouting for the best CPUs and GPUs and all other components is a time taking task already. But where are you going to put it all if you don’t get a suitable cabinet? So to complement your inner components and top them up with better cooling and extra features, you’ve got to get a high-quality chassis.
Based on a round-up of market trends and our experts’ reviews, we have composed this list of the best computer cases for 2020.
Best for Enthusiasts
Phanteks Enthoo Evolv X
Phanteks has cleverly named this case as Enthoo Evolv X to suggest that this is aimed at enthusiasts. It has an optimized internal design for extra components and quality cable management. It can hold up to 19 drives with dual system support.
The integrated lighting on this $200 cabinet looks a little underwhelming for the price tag. In fact, the thermals on this thing aren’t too great either. But it looks stunning and versatile. This mid-tower cabinet supports not only E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards, but also dual-system support which is a novelty even in this category.
Other alternatives here will be BeQuiet Dark Base Pro 900 rev. 2. This case has one of the unique features on the market. An inbuilt Qi wireless charging dock. The insides have a modular touch that allows you to easily rearrange the motherboard at different heights. It supports up to 8 PWM fans for next level cooling solutions. The price point of $300 is a little too much of an asking price since there are other cheaper alternatives out there. But if you are looking to max out, Dark Base Pro 900 is a worthy competitor.
Best Enthusiast Case Under $150
Fractal Design Define R6
Being an enthusiast has nothing to with budget. If you have a knack to getting an amazing build but are on a budget, fear not. It is not necessary to shell $250 for just a computer case. Fractal is no new name among high-grade cabinet manufacturers. And it makes an unsurprising reappearance in our collection of the best computer cases for 2020.
Even at an asking price of $130 extends an overall robust setup. There is an option for open ventilation for better airflow and cooling. On the interior, you get up to 8 HDD/SSD mounts, an integrated PWM fan hub, and even a bracket for an optical drive. For an extra $20, you can get the R6 TG with a tempered glass panel and an overall cleaner, more minimalistic look.
Best Mini-ITX Case
NZXT H200i
Mini-ITX cases have been gaining massive popularity, given you can pack so much power in such a small form factor. NZXT has been a constant here. Last year it had the NZXT Manta, and in this collection of the best computer cases of 2020, it is back with the newer NZXT H200i.
The H200i features a small and angular design with a bunch of color options (Red, Blue & White) that goes really well with its black base coat. Standing with a price tag of $120, this NZXT case lies towards the higher end of the price spectrum for Mini-ITX Cases. But all that is not for nothing. H200i features an all-steel construction that makes it very sturdy. It comes with tempered glass, CAM controlling unit for fans and light, and integrated led strip with space for more. Plenty of velcro strips placed smartly make cable management fairly easy. On top of all
that, even in such a small form-factor, the thermals have been really great.
Best HTPC Case
Silverstone Milo ML04
Home Theater PC or HTPC is a line of low profile cases that are well suited for home environments. When looking at an ideal HTPC, we expect it to resemble an expensive entertainment system. Another property it must have is sufficient media storage space to support high media sizes.
This is why our pick for the best HTPC case for 2020 will still go to Silverstone Milo ML04. It is a low profile case with a brushed aluminum finish that gives it a premium feel. The sleek form factor is capable of housing both Mini_ITX and Micro-ITX boards. It is available for $100, which is pretty good considering the expensive-looking chassis.
A worthy alternative to mention here is Fractal Design’s Node 202. Just under $100, it is equally sleek and homely looking as the Milo ML04.
Best Micro-ATX Case
Phanteks EVOLV mATX TG
The reason that Phanteks EVOLV mATX TG remains in our pick for the best Micro-ATX computer case of 2020 is simple. It is just stunning. This is an evolution of the Enthoo micro- ATX case with new design and performance inclusions.
Two tempered glass swivel styled windows with 3mm sandblasted aluminum casing surrounding them compliment each other perfectly. It can fit multiple GPUs and even custom cooling solutions, which are quite rare in this form factor. Support for up to four storage drives is decent. Strategically placed straps and ties make cable management a breeze. With good ventilation options, this $120 Micro-ATX case also has one of the best thermal performance in
this segment.
Other notable alternatives to consider include Bitfenix Phenom mATX ($73), Carbide Air 240 ($84), and Fractal Design’s Node 804 ($150).
Best Case Under $100
NZXT H500i
As always, we conclude our list of the best computer cases in 2020 with the budget pick. This is always among the most difficult pick owing to the high number of options available on the market. But this year, NZXT has outperformed almost everything else with its H500i.
At $100, the H500i comes fully packed with cable management channels, RGB LED strips, fan hub, and even a tempered glass panel. It even supports vertically mounted GPUs. Because there are no vents, we were led to believe that thermals would be an issue on this one, but the presence of clever airflow combined with full fan and radiator support takes that away too. With all this, it becomes really difficult to believe that this is a $100 case after all.
Other options include Enthoo Pro and the InWin 303 (both at $100). Even lower in the price spectrum, we have Phanteks Eclipse P300 at just $60, which still has tempered glass and programmable lighting on a high-quality chassis.
