In the gamin' universe's constant console wars, there are a few people who set themselves apart by saying, "You know what? I don't want Sony or Microsoft or Nintendo telling me how much power I need. I'm going to decide for myself."
Thus begins the budding life of a PC gamer.
It's the beginning of a long process of research, investment, and building. And with much of the focus falling video cards, motherboards, and the general minutia of creating a gaming machine from scratch, the ever-important PC case is often overlooked. Sometimes, by the time you've invested in everything else, you might have precious little cash to put toward the literal shell of your device, much less a good one.
So we at GameSkinny have put together some of our favorite PC cases for those of you on a budget. These cases all fall under $100, whether there's a sale on or not, and are highly reliable.
So, in no particular order, let's jump into the best PC cases under $100 for 2017.
Riotoro CR280 PC Gaming Case
Price: $50
Buy it on: Newegg
Compact and stylish, the Riotoro CR280 Mini ITX is an excellent PC case for gamers on a budget. With options for fan or water-based cooling, this case fits full-sized power supplies, despite its size. And mentioning that, this mini case will easily fit on or next to your desk, freeing up room for an over-sized mousepad, mechanical gaming keyboard, or gaming mouse.
Riotoro CR280 Specs:
- Weight: 7.3lbs
- Chassis format: Mini ITX
- Dimensions: 12.6 x 8 x 13in
- Chassis support: Mini ITX
- Max GPU length: 11.41in
- Max CPU cooler height: 5.31in
- Max PSU support: 7.08 x 5.90 x 3.34in
- Expansion slots: 2
Silverstone Technology Mini ITX Computer Case
Price: $85
Buy it on: Amazon
With its slim design, the Silverstone ML08 comes across looking like most popular consoles on the market today. With room for 13-inch graphics cards and compatibility with Mini-ITX motherboards and SFX PSU power supplies, your homegrown PC will proudly stand next to those consoles -- but will always be above them.
Silverstone ML08 Specs:
- Weight: 9.5lbs
- Chassis format: Mini ITX
- Dimensions: 14.6 x 15 x 3.4in
- Chassis support: Mini ITX
- Max GPU length: 13in
- Max CPU cooler height: 58mm
- Power Supply: SFX & SFX-L
- Expansion slots: 2
Enermax Ostrong Light Mid Tower Computer Case
Price: $50
Buy it on: Newegg
This mid-sized PC case covers a lot of ground with minimum of cost. Aside from its high quality aesthetics, the Enermax Ostrong Light has room for even the longest VGA cards, along with seven extension card slots and support for liquid cooling systems, all of which can be viewed through a tinted acrylic side window.
Enermax Ostrong Light Specs:
- Weight: 10.5lbs
- Chassis format: Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 8 x 18.5in
- Max GPU length: 390mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 155mm
- Max PSU support: 120mm
- Expansion slots: 7
Phanteks Eclipse P300 Mid Tower Computer Case
Price: $60
Buy it on: Newegg
A gorgeous design in black steel and tempered glass, the Phanteks Eclipse P300 is another high-quality tower for any level of computer builder. Despite its slim size, it can still fit a full sized ATX motherboard, with a lot of air flow to go around. It also boasts an all-in-one water cooling fit-in, along with two USB 3.0 slots.
Phanteks Eclipse P300 Specs:
- Weight: 13.2lbs
- Chassis format: Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 24.2 x 7.8 x 15.7in
- Max GPU length: 330mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 160mm
- Max PSU support: 150mm x 86mm x 140mm
- Expansion slots: 7
Fractal Design Meshify C ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Price: $90
Buy it on: Newegg
Not only does the angular design on the face of this PC case look incredible, it also offers superior air flow and outstanding cooling, along with a surprising amount of space for such a compact design. And with its edge to edge tinted glass window, you'll be able to show off your interior's handiwork with ease.
Fractal Design Meshify C Specs:
- Weight: 13.2lbs
- Chassis format: Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 217 x 453 x 413mm
- Max GPU length: 315mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 172mm
- Max PSU support: 150mm x 86mm x 140mm
- Expansion slots: 7
Cooler Master Masterbox 5 Mid Tower Computer Case
Price: $65
Buy it on: Newegg
Cooler Master's Masterbox 5 not only sports a sharp, clean look, it also boasts a level of flexibility in its design that will be invaluable for anyone building their first PC. The inside allows for HHD and SSD storage, along with enough space to fit upwards to an E-ATX motherboard, offering a level of performance that you won't always find in a smaller chassis.
Masterbox 5 Specs:
- Weight: 15.43lbs
- Chassis format: Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 18.7 x 8.66 x 19.69in
- Max GPU length: 410mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 167mm
- Max PSU support: 150mm x 86mm x 140mm
- Expansion slots: 7
NZXT S340 Elite Mid Tower Computer Case
Price: $100
Buy it on: Newegg
Not only does the NZXT S340 Elite come in a variety of colored shell designs (including the red and black pictured above: a personal favorite), you'll find a massive tempered glass viewing window, full compatibility with Kraken series liquid cooling system, and a level of VR readiness that is hard to find on a budget.
This case comes in right at $100, but it's worht looking at if you're building your first PC or going for a budget build.
NZXT S340 Elite Specs:
- Weight: 17.92lbs
- Chassis format: Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 18.66 x 7.99 x 17.01in
- Max GPU length: 344mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 161mm
- Max PSU support: 150mm x 86mm x 140mm
- Expansion slots: 7
Masterbox Lite 3.1 mATX Computer Case
Price: $40
Buy it on: Amazon
Another terrific budget PC case from Cooler Master, the Masterbox Lite 3.1 is easily the most affordable entry on this list at its $40 price point. There's no question that the Lite 3.1 is a smaller case, but with room for a micro ATX and any GPU you can throw at it, it's still got a lot of opportunities for some heavy firepower.
Masterbox Lite 3.1 Specs:
- Weight: 8.71lbs
- Chassis format: Micro ATX
- Dimensions: 15 x 8.19 x 17.95in
- Max GPU length: 380mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 158mm
- Max PSU support: 150mm x 86mm x 140mm
- Expansion slots: 4
BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Tower
Price: $85
Buy it on: Amazon
Not only is the BitFenix is great mini setup for your PC, it's one of the most stylish on this list. While it's true that it's among the smallest budget cases you can get, it boasts a lot of flexibility, and some serious first time builder-friendly features. Its size and easy carry design also makes it a prime choice for gamers who want to take their PC on the road with them.
Oh, and did I mention that you can get it in six different colors?
BitFenix Prodigy Specs:
- Weight: 16.7 lbs
- Chassis format: Mini ITX
- Dimensions: 15.91 x 9.84 x 14.13in
- Max GPU length: 300mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 180mm
- Max PSU support: 150mm x 86mm x 140mm
- Expansion slots: 2
Azza Titan CSAZ-240 Mid Tower Computer Case
Price: $70
Buy it on: Amazon
A mid-level PC case going for $70 has no business being this gorgeous, but there it is, right in front of you. Not only is it slick and stylish to look at, but the Azza Titan CSAZ-240 sports some serious flexibility, with lots of space for you to fit in the rig of your dreams. With a massive tempered glass viewing window and a study steel exterior, this is a great budget case.
AZZA Titan CSAZ-240 Specs:
- Weight: 15 lbs
- Chassis format: Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 20.5 x 7.75 x 18in
- Max GPU length: 380mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 170mm
- Max PSU support: 190mm length
- Expansion slots: 7
Corsair Carbide SPEC-04 Mid Tower Gaming Case
Price: $50
Buy it on: Newegg
With a ton of room on the inside and some incredible stylish good looks on the outside, the Corsair Carbide SPEC-04's low-end price tag belies the fact that this gaming case has a lot to offer beginners and veterans of PC building alike. Throw in a sleek viewing window of tempered glass and a number of color options, and you've got our attention.
Corsair Carbide SPEC-04 Specs:
- Weight: 9.26 lbs
- Chassis format: Mid Tower
- Dimensions: 17.05 x 7.91 x 19.37in
- Max GPU length: 370mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 150mm
- Max PSU support: 225mm length
- Expansion slots: 7
2017 has been a phenomenal year for games: PC gaming in particular. So going into 2018, there's no reason to find yourself unprepared for everything that's sure to be coming our way. And, as this list proves, there's no reason to go completely broke doing it!
Have any under $100 PC case favorites of your own? Let us know! And keep an eye on GameSkinny for upcoming articles on how to get the most out of your PC gaming setup without breaking the bank.
Published: Nov 11, 2017 03:31 pm