Thinking about getting just the right case for yourself? That can get a bit tricky because of a lot of issues. Of course, one of the biggest limitations can be your budget. Then again, there’s the ever-trending question of “Do I really need an expensive PC case?”
I’ll be very honest here; the answer to that question depends a lot on preferences. However, we’re here to talk about the best PC cases under $100. This write-up will help you go through the very best options. Plus, I’ll guide you through the essentials you should look for within this price range.
Getting the maximum utility within 100 bucks can be challenging. But, if you know what you need, it really becomes clear. Protect your components and your bank balance at the same time. I’m here to help you all the way.
Contents
PC Case Under $100 Comparison Chart
| Name & Brand | Cooling Method | Motherboard Support | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZXT H510 | Water, Air | Mini Itx | Check Price |
| Corsair 4000D | Air | Extended Atx | Check Price |
| Corsair 275R | Air | Atx | Check Price |
| Phanteks P360A | Air | Atx, micro-Atx, mini-Itx, E-Atx | Check Price |
| MUSETEX Phantom | Water | Extended Atx | Check Price |
| Cooler Master NR600 | Air | Atx | Check Price |
| LIAN LI Mid-Tower | Water, Air | Atx | Check Price |
Things You Don’t Want to Miss out within $100
There’s no denying it; you definitely won’t get a premium case within this price. BUT you sure can make the best out of it. A mid-range case often cuts the cost in some aspects to cover up for some features that the brand doesn’t want to sacrifice on. Be an opportunist. “Know your needs.”
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A Proper Build
First things first. No matter how loaded a PC case is with features, if it’s flimsy, it’s not worth buying. A sturdy build quality can really go a long way. Yes, you can prioritize material, However, I’ve seen even non-metal cases to be well constructed.
How do you tell if it’s strong enough? Well, you can get a general idea when you move it around while assembling the PC components. The motherboard tray, the front panel, or even the design can speak for itself. You can go for brand value. But then again, we’ve seen exceptions.
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Ample Mounting Options
Trust me with this; there are a lot of cases that fall short of expectations when it comes to proper mounting features. I mean, a tool-less experience is a huge plus. But what do you do when you don’t have enough HDD trays? Or what if there isn’t a proper radiator mounting option?
I’d suggest you to be a bit cautious on this part. Be it air coolers, liquid AIOs, SSDs or any other hardware, make sure your case has the option to house them properly. Regretting after purchase is something I personally try to avoid.
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Good Airflow is Vital
You might prefer a silent PC Case above all else. But keep in mind, even if that’s the case, you can’t compromise proper airflow. Almost every PC case nowadays comes with an exhaust fan. So, no worries about that.
The next thing you wanna do is, see if there are additional fans included. If they are, do they perform well? Are they placed in the proper place? A PC case with good airflow can actually increase the longevity of your internal components by a long shot.
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Convenience Matters
I personally think, every PC case manufacturer should put some extra importance into “Making it easy.” I believe usability is a big part of the functionality. What’s the point if the user has to struggle a few minutes while trying to close the side panel?
Proper cable management, toolless installation, and things like proper power button placement really do matter. The friendlier a case can be in terms of using, the better. I’d even consider stuff like USB type C ports and a reset button that requires little effort to press as a convenience.
A carrying handle might seem a bit overboard in this time and age. But if cases like the Lian Li Tu 150 can do it, I say why not?
The Best 7 PC Cases Within $100
“Best” itself can be a very subjective term. However, I’ve researched deep to get the best possible options for you. If you go through all seven of these cases, you’ll find out they’re all unique with their own prime qualities. Why wait? Put your reading glasses on! We’re in for a long ride.
NZXT H510
This case might seem like it’s a step backward from the NZXT H510i, but if you think of proper value, it’s really hard to beat this one. The 510 is one of the most popular and highly praised cases ever on the marketplace. And that’s for a good reason.
Curious? Let’s find out!
If you’re considering a small footprint ATX case, then this one should be perfect. The mounting options in this thing are superb and very well thought of. Life really becomes easy with the addition of the removable radiator mounting bracket.
If you’re familiar with the old generation H series, you’ll find similar awesome features along with some upgrades. It’s like the embodiment of every PC builder’s dream while putting in an extra aesthetic value.
Speaking of aesthetics, the case is really appealing for those who love sleek aesthetic designs. It might not be something fancy, but far from plain. The classic signature of NZXT lives on and flourishes with the refined finish of the 510. Clean and modern all the way.
This case makes cable management seem easy. There’s ample space for cable routing, and to add to it all, the additional cable routing kit with pre-installed channels and straps make things so much more interesting. You can go full high-end with your PC build and still have a classy, clean appearance.
I really want to talk about the tempered glass side panel as well. It’s super easy to open and close. The thumbscrew is there to offer a toolless operation, and that’s something I truly love. Struggling with a screwdriver just to open and close the side panel really should be a thing of the past. Dead and buried.
For a budget-friendly case, this one sure does offer a lot. I mean, the multiple fan filters are just great to see. Also, the Front I/O USB Type-C Port can prove to be handy. The case comes with 2 Aer F120mm fans ensuring optimal internal airflow for your PC.
The removable filters in the front panel and PSU intake catch dust just fine, taking the load off your monthly cleaning sessions.
With the dimensions of 210mm x 460mm x 428mm, the H510 consumes little space. Just place it on the side of your desk, take a glimpse of your build through the flush tempered glass and game on.
Pros
- Aesthetically very pleasing.
- Retains the optimal NZXT H series features.
- The tempered glass side panel is very easy to handle.
- The front I/O has a USB Type C connector.
- Ready for high-end builds.
Cons
- The screw fittings can seem a bit too tight.
- The elite version is too expensive.
Corsair 4000D
Corsair has produced a lot of industrial-grade mid-tower gaming cases. To be frank, all of them have endured the test of quality time and time again. The 4000D is no exception. The efficient airflow and the great build quality of this case creates a bold signature of style. And it stands out.
You can look into the CORSAIR RapidRoute cable management system yourself. The Corsair team really did take the art of cable management to a whole new level. Fast, simple, and snappy. Just the way I like it. It’s very much possible to route the cables through a single channel.
With a large 25mm of space behind the motherboard, any kind of approach can be taken with the cables. But the question is, with this much space for routing, does the case look bulky?
Short answer: not much.
Not all mid-tower cases are meant to be compact. Corsair clearly prioritized efficiency over gimmicks here. As a matter of fact, the visual design they went with on the 4000D isn’t going to please everyone. As it’s anything but funky.
However, if quality matters to you over bells and whistles, then you won’t be disappointed.
Many of us don’t want to get a full tower top-notch case. Yet, we want the components like CPU, Motherboard, and GPUS to be absolute beasts. So, if you’re cutting costs on the chassis, the Corsair 4000D makes sure you can go all the way and even further.
If you look at the interior of the case, there’s really nothing much you’ll be falling short of. You can literally mount six 120mm or four 140mm cooling fans. As for the radiator, you can mount a big 280mm on the top. Keep in mind the height of your RAM though.
Also, if you want to go for the big AIOs, there’s always the 360mm radiator support in the front. You’re all good with even something like a Cooler Master MasterLiquid ML360 Mirror ARGB.
As for the front I/O, you’ll get a USB 3.1 Type-C port and a USB 3.0 port. Along with a combo of an audio/microphone jack.
As for internal fans, Corsair threw in two seperate CORSAIR 120mm AirGuide fans. These fans are designed to use anti-vortex vanes in order to achieve better air concentration and superior cooling.
Let’s take a look at the storage department. It fits up to 2x 2.5in SSDs and 2x 3.5in HDDs, including relocatable SSD trays, which can be reallocated to the front PSU cover. Never run out of storage!
All these factors combined make the Corsair 4000D one of the strongest contenders in my list of Best PC cases under $100.
Pros
- The airflow is rather impressive.
- Promising build quality.
- Provisions for a vertical GPU mount.
- The dust filters are well placed.
- Ample space inside the case.
Cons
- PWM fans would have been great instead of 3 pins.
- Noise suppression isn’t impressive.
Corsair 275R Airflow
Speaking of a worthy contender, let’s continue with yet another one from the Corsair lineup. This time, we’re gonna discuss the key factors of the 275R.
Well, this one has a rather edgy design and gives off a different feel than the 4000D.
The slatted front panel of the case makes it easy for air to get in. That equipped with three pre-installed 120mm cooling fans offer a powerful cooling solution straight out of the box. Trust me, Corsair doesn’t mess around with efficiency. The angled ventilation pattern really does work.
For a case as compact as this one, there’s a lot of space inside to install anything and everything you need. The 275R can house up to 6 120mm cooling fans. As for radiators, you can choose one up to 360mm for water cooling.
With the dimensions of 17.99 x 8.5 x 17.91 inches, it really doesn’t consume much space. Even if you choose to change the position of the case, it shouldn’t be all that hard. Unless you think 15.21 pounds are too much for you.
Get Corsair 275R Airflow at Amazon
Just like all the good ones, this one too offers multiple storage options. It has drive trays that can accommodate up to two 3.5 inches HDDs and two 2.5 inches SSDs. You also get 2.5-inch additional mounts.
Plus, there’s always an option to get a CORSAIR iCUE Commander PRO. If you want to get the best out of your system’s performance and RGB lighting, then there’s hardly any other alternative. From real-time system monitoring to RGB fan synchronization, you get it all.
The tempered glass used in the case lets you showcase your rig with pride. Not to worry, the glassed side panel is mounted using thumbscrews. So, no additional tools will be needed just in case you want to do some light cleaning.
The case in general is spacious and doesn’t feel flimsy at all. You can easily fit large-sized GPUs and forget that it’s there. Most consumers are pleased with the overall thermal performance. Just make sure you add in some extra cooling accessories and you won’t have to worry about heat ever again.
Note: There are additional screws hidden in the cardboard box inside the hard drive bay. Don’t think we’d keep you hanging on the extra info (wink).
Pros
- ICUE Commander pro supported.
- The aggressive design seems appealing.
- Has a small form factor.
- Same noise suppression as the SPEC-04.
- The airflow system is rather good.
Cons
- The internal spacing could have been improved.
Phanteks Eclipse P360A
Any list of best PC cases would remain incomplete without a product from Phanteks. The brand has indeed left a mark on the marketplace with a lineup of amazing cases. The Phanteks Eclipse P360A is one of them.
A unique design combined with a set of outstanding features that it had to offer caught my eye. I mean, just look at it. It has a modern appearance that’s just right for both PC enthusiasts and creators alike. Even gamers can consider this to be a prized possession for their desktop.
The full metal front panel adds to the solidity of the build. That combined with the Ultra-fine Performance Mesh promises high airflow performance in any situation. With 1mm ultra-fine perforations, it can easily trap dust and keep your components clean for a long long time.
Just so you know, the ultra-fine 1mm mesh is a creation of Phanteks engineering through innovative sheet metal production techniques. Pretty cool, eh?
The considerably interesting part about this case is the D-RGB lighting. It’s totally software-free and super easy to control. Just in case you get a D-RGB motherboard or similar hardware, you can expand and customize your system just the way you want.
Get Phanteks Eclipse P360A at Amazon
The controller is designed for primarily Phanteks RGB fans or a single 5v RGB fan connector. Just in case you have extra RGB fans, you can daisy chain, it can handle that with ease. That’s because the controller is SATA powered.
If you’re concerned about the size, it’s perfect even for high-end gaming. This beast here can house E-ATX (280mm max) motherboards. Now that’s what I call enthusiast certified. You’re good to go even if you’re opting for a 240mm radiator or a full-length GPU like the ASUS ROG STRIX NVIDIA RTX 3090.
Let me answer the question before you ask. Yes, it’s vertical GPU ready with an optional vertical graphics card bracket.
Some overlook the front I/O. Well, I’d suggest you don’t. Because you’ll be using that part of the case almost each time you use your PC. Over here, we have two USB 3.0 ports, a microphone and headphone port, a power button, and lastly, the D-RGB color mode buttons.
This lightweight case has the measurements of 21.13 x 20.25 x 11.5 inches. However, do be cautious of the tempered glass while you’re moving it around. One crack and it won’t be able to hold up to the promise of aesthetic beauty.
Pros
- The Appearance is worth noticing.
- The airflow is excellent.
- Top and bottom are fully filtered.
- The construction is solid.
- The included RGB fans have PWM control.
Cons
- No noise dampening material.
- No cable management grommets
MUSETEX Phantom Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
This case doesn’t really fall in the “Generic” category. However, it does prove itself to be one of the best PC cases under $100 from my perspective. Even though it won’t be able to house an E-ATX motherboard like the previous one, it does have its own set of perks.
The music light show that the case brings onto the table is something astounding (If not unheard of). There’s a separate remote-control system for the case. With it you can select the corresponding voice mode. Of course, the light effects will vary with the size of the audio/ music input.
To be more specific, the voice-activated fan that works with remote control offers a total of three music modes. Horse racing, Symphony, and Static. Each responds in a distinct way. Just take your pick.
The tempered glass in this one seems to be a bit special. Musetex is calling it the Galaxy Dark 2*4mm thickness translucent Tempered Glass. Even though it’s a mouthful, it offers a clear view of the inner components in the RGB case.
Get MUSETEX Phantom Black at Amazon
With the addition of one USB3.0 Port, two USB2.0 Ports, one HD Audio, one RGB Button, and a Power/Reset button, I really have no complaints about this department.
This mid-tower case packs a powerful cooling system as well. Believe it or not, this case has 6 fans pre-installed. These are the 6 MVP 120-millimeter RGB Dual light loop LED versions. Not only do they look cool, they keep the heat away from your system. Plus, the colors can be changed with the push of a button.
Apart from that, the case itself has three front, two Top, one rear fan mounting options. This in turn means 360mm long liquid coolers are an option.
As for motherboards, you can easily mount ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX boards inside the case. With ample scope of storage expansion, you can get yourself a nice set of SSDs and HDDs. The internal bays include 2 x 3.5 HDD’s and 3 x 2.5 SSD’s.
The case itself is dustproof and requires little maintenance. Two dedicated dust filters are located on the top and the bottom of the case. A decent cable management (Velcro cable straps included) and a promising build makes is a fine choice for those within a moderate budget.
I think you’ve noticed by now that this case from Musetex focuses on different features entirely. If they click with your innate style, this one is definitely a worthy case.
Pros
- The inclusion of multiple fans is a huge plus.
- The lighting options are attractive for many.
- The two additional USB 3.0 ports are nice to have.
- Cable management is decent
- The tempered glass is a nice addition.
Cons
- E-ATX motherboards are not supported.
Cooler Master MasterBox NR600
Will this list end without a case from Cooler Master? I think not!
The MasterBox NR600, represents the more elegant side of Cooler Master. This case offers a very simplistic and clean design with a classy finish that might appeal to most standard users and gamers. The minimalistic mesh design is there to offer maximum airflow.
I really appreciate the flush tempered side glass panel that blends with the overall design of the case. The panel is fastened by thumb screws that are located on the back panel. This makes it easy to remove and readjust. Not only that, it keeps the surface flush and unobstructed.
With a 410-millimeter graphics card housing support. You can go with just about anything in the market. The clearance in the case is well thought of. The same applies if you have plans on mounting bulky air coolers.
Whether you prefer ODD or not is up to you. However, the guys at Cooler Master didn’t leave an option for disappointment. A separate ODD version of the chassis is available just in case. But still, if you prefer a cleaner look, not to mention extra options for cooling, you can have your go at it.
Get Cooler Master NR600 at Amazon
At first glance, it might not seem like it, but the case has amazing thermal performance as a whole. The inclusion of the full mesh front panel and the well-ventilated top panel provide ample airflow options. Place the fans right and that’s pretty much all you have to do to keep your rig nice and cool.
Extra care has been put into the cable management system of the case. You get high-quality, long length rubber grommets and a very good clearance behind the motherboard. All these things sum up to provide a clean cable management without any serious hassle.
Also, the single four-pole headset jack combines both audio and microphone outputs simultaneously. No need to plug in two separate jacks for this one.
As for storage expansion, the MasterBox NR600 comes with a whopping number four 3.5″ HDDs and five 2.5″ SSDs. I don’t think anyone would need more than that any time soon. Unless you’re doing some server-level storage planning.
The front of the case can support 360mm radiators. So, you can go for the big boys without worries. For a 14.6 pond case, it’s fairly small in size. But that doesn’t mean it’s inefficient in any way.
Pros
- Clean and simple finish.
- The airflow is worth praising.
- ODD version is available.
- Promising cable management.
- The case is very lightweight.
Cons
- The 3.5″ drive cage isn’t removable.
- Not everyone may like the metal mesh front.
LIAN LI LANCOOL 205
We’ve reached the end of our list of best PC cases under $100 and it’s about time I revealed the final card up my sleeves. Allow me to introduce the Lancool 205. Competitors have a real hard time beating this case in terms of performance and features. Especially within this price range.
This case represents proper minimalism with style. It’s classy and sleek design can easily wow the onlooker. The first impression that it draws is anything but stale. However, it does have some similarities with the NZXT H510 that we discussed in the beginning of the list.
This case is basically the already excellent Lancool II. This one however is a bit more compact. But it doesn’t fall short in any of the prominent features.
The case can support ATX Motherboards and MATX ones as well. This also has ample room for all the hardware you possibly can rack up to build your system. This makes it an ideal choice for PC modders. You can go with four fans tops with this case.
Get LIAN LI LANCOOL 205 at Amazon
In addition, to support for multiple fans, the case has air inlets nicely integrated in the front panel. There’re also multiple on the back, top and bottom. These combine with the inline magnetic dust filters. Optimum cooling and hassle-free maintenance at the same time.
As for radiator support, you’re good to go with radiators up to 280mm. Don’t go beyond that to avoid compatibility issues. If you’re opting for an air cooler, keep the height within 160mm.
Up to a total of four 2.5″ SSDs or 3.5″ HDDs can be housed inside the case. This might not seem like too much, but it should fill the needs of casual users any day.
The front I/O has to offer two separate 3.0 USB ports, a dedicated power button, audio and microphone jack. Not to mention, an LED controller button too. Sweet!
The chassis is steel crafted. So, there’s really no question in the general build. A nice-looking and well-designed case doesn’t get any better than this. Think about it, all this within 100 bucks? It’s a total steal!
Pros
- Offers excellent value.
- Great cable management options.
- The cooling support is more than sufficient.
- Ample possibilities of storage expansion.
- The case looks amazing.
Cons
- There’s room for improvement in stock airflow.
- The Radiator bracket could have been better designed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is $100 enough to buy a good pc case?
A: Yes, it definitely is. I’d say you can get a case that’s more than decent. But still, if you want something top notch like a premium full-tower, you’ll have to add to your budget.
Q: Is $100 enough to buy a gaming pc case?
A: The term “Gaming” can be seen in various perspectives. But, if you want to play those sweet Triple A titles, you’ll need proper cooling and ample expansion options. Also, make sure the case can house bigger graphics cards. Check those marks and any case under 100 USD should be fine.
Q: What things can I overlook while buying a $100 PC case?
A: Well, the best way to get a bang for buck is to get the features you yourself need. It’s a matter of perspective. Make sure the case you buy has the features you need. You can give lesser priority to the other aspects.
Close Your Wallets, We’re Done
I’m sure we’ve got a clear picture by now. Whichever best PC case under $100 you pick, won’t be something as premium as the full tower 750D. But don’t let that turn you down. If you ensure the best bang for the buck you have, it really won’t matter.
The 7 cases that I introduced to you should be promising for you. However, if you want to do some digging on your own, keep in mind the aspects you don’t want to miss. Remember? We discussed them all in the early section.
Now that you’re all set and ready, let’s part ways with one final piece of advice. Be content with your purchase. There’ll always be something coming in the market sooner or later. But that doesn’t have to be necessarily something you want to bother about. Just keep that in mind, and you’re golden!
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