6 Best Computer Cases For Airflow

While computer cases’ greatest attraction is usually their aesthetics, cases play an essential role in your computer’s cooling process.

• Cooling components are obviously an important aspect of maintaining and building a computer.
• The cooler your components are, the longer they will last, and the fewer issues there will be.
• The best PC cases for airflow add (or hinder) the cooling process because of the airflow they offer (or cannot offer).
• Your computer case also determines what type of processor cooler you can opt for.

Airflow is a vital component in the cooling equation for a custom gaming computer. Without adequate airflow, critical internal components are prone to overheating complications. The basics of airflow can be summarized as fans, which create air movements in the case. The first starting point is the direction in which the fans move the air.

The fan blades on the PC cases are stowed away. The concave side of the fan points in the direction the air is moving.

• This means that fans with blades facing the inside of the case are inlet fans, and fans with blades facing out are outlet fans.
• Knowing the direction the air is moving in will help you create the correct air pressure in the case. Ideally, the case pressure should be positive but as close to idle as possible.
• It’s ideal for the air to circulate freely on the computer. Placing the fans along the case should help with this.

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In addition to the fan’s direction and location, the CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) rating is essential.

• This calculation describes the number of cubic feet of air the fan can move in one minute.
• Knowing the numbers of the fans used in the case can help you perform calculations to determine precisely how many inlet and outlet fans a particular build will require. There are plenty of resources online to help you calculate this.

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When it comes to airflow for your PC, 2-inches from any surface is an ideal minimum to take into account.

• The most important consideration is to keep the exhaust out of the inlet.
• If you want it as close to the wall as possible, install a 2-inch standoff somewhere inside the computer case frame to keep the case from getting more than two inches closer.
• Additionally, we recommend buying cases with at least three fans (or at least slots to add them yourself) for gaming systems.

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In most cases, it won’t make much difference as long as the air is circulating and fresh air is coming in. However, variations in individual settings can cause exceptions.

The NZXT case is not a bad PC case, but you’ll definitely want to update the default fan settings a little. It is equipped with just one inlet (top) and one outlet (rear), so we recommend adding 2 x 120mm or 140mm fans at the front for a front-to-back airflow setup. The front has side vents through which cold air can enter, so there should be no cooling problems.

Typically, it is recommended that the airflow in a PC case go upward, with the outlet at the top and the inlet at the bottom. The primary reasoning behind this is because hot air typically rises. So channeling the air in the upwards direction allows you to work with the natural airflow and not against it.

The PC case of a build makes a big difference in the temperature, not only in terms of noise but also in terms of performance.

• A case with good airflow can make a 15 degrees difference in processor and graphics card temperatures compared to a restricted airflow case.
• CPU and GPU temperatures aren’t the only components affected. The hard drive, motherboard, RAM, and even the power supply all suffer in terms of lifespan, stability, and performance.
• However, having suitable temperatures also requires an efficient thermal design. A PC case full of fans doesn’t matter if the design isn’t efficient.
• It can have eight fans, but if the air close to the main components does not use all the airflow, it will be unusable.
• You can buy a small, highly efficient, well-ventilated case with a small form factor and perfect temperatures.

When it comes to your PC case’s internal airflow, your case fans are the number one driving force.

• Case fans create a flow of air, forcing air over your components and through your case, and lowering the overall temperature to a more efficient level. In this sense, not all cases are structured in the same way.
• Some offer great fan configurations that adapt to the airflow, while others only offer a fan slot. There’s a big difference.
• If you are looking to purchase an airflow-friendly case, you should find one that offers multiple mounting areas for the case fan.
• Typically, 3 by 120mm at the front, 3 by 120 mm at the roof, and 1 by 120 mm at the rear.
• This gives the user the freedom to operate a fan configuration that best suits their build’s airflow needs.

Another critical factor to consider when shopping for the best computer cases for airflow is the form factor.

• When we look at the form factor of a case, we usually think about what components it contains and whether the PC case can accommodate them.
• A similar philosophy is also employed here. If your computer case only fits your components, you’re not leaving a lot of room for airflow.
• If your PC build has lots of cables, a large graphics card, and extra hard drive bays, airflow in your case can be stunted.
• If you choose a case that has a lot of space, your case can create good air circulation.

It does not matter if your next computer build is for workflows, gaming, or just general surfing; ultimately, cable management has an enormous impact on your case’s performance, not only from a thermal point.

• While cable management is essential for dust and aesthetic reasons, we mainly focus on the effects airflow can have if not done correctly.
• Fortunately, all the computer cases in this guide provide reasonable cable management options so that the builder can re-route cables to not interfere with the airflow of the case.

The MX660 Mesh RGB is a mid-tower case that maintains the iconic COUGAR styling. The solid mesh front with fold angles ensures better airflow performance.

• With 3 ARGB VK120 fans and a left frame made of clear tempered glass, you can freely see your computer’s internal components.
• This computer case combines COUGAR’s powerful airflow and industrial style. So, it not only ensures your critical hardware receives the maximum amount of cooling, but it also helps to create a fantastic build.
• The built-in light button and ARGB VK120 fans with a built-in LED driver allow this computer case to display impressive lighting effects.
• To deliver top-notch performance, the MX660 Mesh RGB can fit into a robust build. Its support for E-ATX motherboards and graphics cards up to 410mm in length gives you unmatched hardware freedom.
• Thanks to the USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen-2 Type-C ports, the MX660 Mesh RGB can connect to the latest devices.
• Also, it offers high-speed connections to meet the massive data transfer needs of PC enthusiasts.

The CORSAIR 5000D Airflow is a mid-tower ATX PC case that shows off your build, not its cables.

• An airflow-optimized front panel and hidden cable management make it easy to set up a clean and cool PC.
• The 5000D makes it easy to build an impressive PC. With the flexibility to mount several 360mm radiators and the space it takes up, it’s even easier to keep it cool.
• Beyond that, an optimized steel faceplate ensures massive airflow to your build for efficient cooling.
• The RapidRoute cable management system in this best mid tower case for airflow makes it quick and easy to route main cables via a single concealed channel.
• The easy-access hinged door and spacious 25mm clearance behind the motherboard provide room for all your cables.
• The CORSAIR AirGuide fans use vortex blades to concentrate airflow and improve cooling.

Fractal offers a versatile and well-thought-out design geared towards ease of use. Meshify C offers a very enjoyable and pleasant building experience.

• Whether you’re using this PC case as part of a build where you just want to provide lots of airflows, a server, a workstation with lots of hard drives, or premium custom liquid cooling, the Meshify C will find a way to suit your build.
• The Meshify C does not try to reinvent the wheel in terms of case design but rather carefully chisels it to optimize the experience.
• This lovely PC case is an ITX, Mini-ATX, and ATX form factor compatible case. It offers a highly optimized open-air interior design making room for the most popular component setups.
• The Meshify C has a compact footprint with high-end component support for a larger tower.
• With 7 fan mounts and multi-radiator liquid cooling capability, it has the cooling capacity to match your build.
• Overall, it’s a very cool-looking PC case with a nice design and delivers an outstanding performance.

The Corsair iCUE 220T RGB Airflow not only has a fantastic look but also delivers impressive cooling features.

• It differs from the regular 220T in that the tempered glass faceplate is replaced by a ventilated steel plate with a filter.
• The faceplate also features an unusual pattern that highlights the unique RGB lighting. There are 3 RGB fans with 8 LEDs each behind the front panel.
• The LEDs can be controlled via the iCUE application and synchronized with your mouse, headphones, or other devices.
• The 220T RGB Airflow has a large tempered glass window on the side and a hidden panel to conceal the power supply.
• There is space for 4x 140 mm fans, 6x 120 mm fans, or one 360 ​​mm radiator.
• This PC case isn’t very spacious, so it’s a good idea to measure the graphics card, power supply, and other larger components before buying.

The Musetex RGB is an inexpensive mid-tower PC case that comes with high-quality airflow.

• This computer case comes with 6 pre-installed fans and vents on the bottom, back, and top.
• There are 3 120mm fans in the front, 2 on top, and one in the rear. The fans all come with RGB lighting. You can easily control the different color modes via a button or the supplied radio remote control.
• Furthermore, you can adjust the lighting to match the sounds of your music or game.
• This PC case is enormous and has room for all components with two 3.5-inch drive bays, three 2.5-inch drive bays, and 7 expansion slots.
• The faceplate has 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.0 ports, and audio ports.
• Also, it has RGB, reset, and power buttons, but it doesn’t support USB-C. The Musetex RGB Mid-Tower PC Case is ideal if you want a unit with multiple pre-installed fans.

The Corsair Carbide Series Air 540 High Airflow Computer Case has a dual-chamber design that allows you to cool temperature-sensitive components on one side and store the rest of your components on the second side.

• This design improves airflow to cool the processor and graphics cards when moving cables to another chamber.
• Additionally, this unit supports a liquid cooling solution and comes with 3 140mm case fans.
• The Carbide Air 540 series offers enough space for an E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, or Mini-ITX motherboard.
• You can install up to 2 optical drives and up to six 2.5-inch storage drives in the external and internal drive bays.
• Additionally, the 2 internal 2.5-inch bays can accommodate 3.5-inch drives instead. This case has 8 expansion slots and supports graphics cards up to 12.6 inches long.
• Corsair offers tool-less installation of PCIe cards and storage drives so you can build easily and quickly.
• Also, you can see all of your components in this case through the large tinted recessed side window.