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Best PC Gaming Cases 2012 - Desktop Tower Reviews

Ranked #13 in Computers & Electronics, #187 overall

Gaming Case Guide for 2012

A guide to gaming cases, updated in 2012 with the best computer cases as voted on by PC builders. Includes all of the need to know information about the latest new release cases broken down into ten unique categories for what interests you the most. Also, vote for the best gaming case of 2012 in our interactive reader poll below.

Best Full Tower PC Gaming Cases 2012

Top Rated - Cooler Master Haf X w/ SuperSpeed USB 3.0



If you've been looking for a full-size gaming tower, then most likely you've taken a look at the Cooler-Master Haf X.

This case is designed specifically for performance enthusiasts in mind.  There are all the slots you need to fit most extreme builds and the design is built with quality materials that don't break down over time.  If you like to try out different builds, then you'll also like the space that this case gives you to easily change out your favorite hardware.

Specifications for this gaming case include 6 5.25 Inch drive bays, 5 Internal 3.5 Inch drive bays, and 9 expansion slots.  Included fans: 1 x 140mm rear fan, 1 x 140mm rear fan, 1 x 140mm rear fan, and 1 x 140mm rear fan. Power Supply: Not included (It's mounted on the bottom). 

Latest Full Tower Cases

Cooler Master HAF X Full Tower w/ SuperSpeed USB 3.0 w/ Window w/ Black Interior ATX Case (RC-942-KKN1)
Featured Above.
Amazon Price: Too Low to Display Buy Now


Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced Full Tower Case with SuperSpeed USB 3.0 - (RC-932-KKN5-GP)
Amazon Price: Too Low to Display Buy Now



SILVERSTONE RV02B-W 0.8 mm Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case (Matte Black)
Amazon Price: $159.99 Buy Now
Used Price: $143.99

Best Mid-Tower PC Gaming Cases 2012

Cooler Master HAF 912 - RC-912-KKN1

Best Mid Tower Gaming CaseIt's clear from the data I've collected that Cooler Master makes the most popular gaming cases around. For the mid tower size the battle of the budget gaming cases is clearly between the HAF 912, model RC-912-KKN1, and the slightly less expensive Cooler Master Elite 430.

One of the nice things about this particular model is you're not paying for any of the bling that so many cases come with these days. While Cooler Master does have a slightly more expensive version of this case with LED lights included, this particular case gives you pure functionality at a budget price. First time PC builders as well as experienced users will appreciate great features like the tool-less drive bay installation features as well as the extra room behind the right side panel for cable management.

Overall:

Overall this is a good gaming case with a lot of features that is a steal if you can get it on rebate. The front I/O still uses USB 2.0, so if that's important to you, then consider the new Cooler Master Storm Enforcer below which has 2 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 ports on the front I/O.

New Mid Tower PC Cases

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Corsair CC800DW Obsidian 800D Black Aluminum Full Tower ATX Enthusiast Case
Amazon Price: $273.99 (as of 08/30/2011) Buy Now
Used Price: $195.00


NZXT Crafted Series ATX Full Tower Steel Chassis - Phantom Black
Amazon Price: $124.99 (as of 08/30/2011) Buy Now
Used Price: $139.00

Best Mini/Micro HTPC ATX Computer Cases

SilverStone Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX Media Center/HTPC Case (ML03B)

Below is a list of the best mini or Micro HTPC (Home Theatre PC) cases. At the top of the list is the sleek SilverStone Aluminum/Steel Micro ATX Media Center/HTPC Case (ML03B).  One of the greatest things about this case is its ability to hold 4 80mm fans despite its size.

If you transfer a lot of files, photos, or especially movies, then you'll appreciate that SilverStone included 2 USB 3.0 ports on the front panel.  It also comes with 4 low profile +1 utility slot for expansion so it can hold up to 5 2.5 Inch or 3 3.5 Inch Hard disk drives or Solid State Drives.

Latest Mini HTPC Cases

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Best New Gaming Cases for 2012

Corsair Aluminum 650 D Mid Tower Case

Looking for something a little bit different than you've seen before? Here are some new release gaming cases for 2011 (see below).  If you like aluminum cases, then we recommend you go with the all new Corsair Aluminum 650 D Mid Tower Enthusiast Case (CC650DW-1).

Although there are few consumer ratings and reviews for this product, thus far, every one that we've read has been positive.  This new case recently won both a performance and a gold award at HardwareHeaven.com.

The brushed aluminum faceplate of this case is eye catching as well as efficient but this case also comes with a lot of quality features as well.  Included are 2 large 200mm fan along with a 120mm fan.  Performance enthusiasts will enjoy the Eight expansion slots which give you plenty of room for SLI/Crossfire Options with your GPU.

Latest PC Gaming Cases 2012

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Best Cheap/Budget PC Cases

GAMMA Classic Series ATX Mid Tower


It's not always easy to plop down a couple hundred dollars on a PC case - especially if you'd rather upgrade your hardware. Below we've listed some of our favorite budget PC cases which will give you the bang for your buck performance you want, without the heavy load on your wallet.

One of the top rated budget cases in the last year has been the Gamma Classic Series ATX Mid Tower.  It comes with plenty of expansion slots for all of your hardware (7) and even comes with pre-drilled water cooling holes in the back.  This particular case doesn't come with everything; however, despite the low price it still comes with a 120mm fan and plenty of room to add 5 more fans if necessary.

Average Customer Review:Read Customer Reviews on this Product.

Budget Computer Towers/Cases

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Top Custom, Unique, and Expensive PC Cases

High-End Cases

Here are a few high-end cases for gamers with expensive tastes that go above and beyond what you normally see online including limited edition custom painted PC cases including the custom painted "green dragon" and "shag wagon" PC cases (more unique designs are available for sale on Amazon).

Unique PC Cases

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Aluminum Computer Cases

In order to perform properly and at maximum performance for many years computer hardware must be kept at a cool temperature. While adding fans and various cooling methods can help to decrease the temperature in your PC case, the cases material is also important.

In theory Aluminum is better for for keeping your case cool because it does in fact transfer heat better than steal. In practice many PC builders have noticed little to no difference of internal temperatures. While this may be true aluminum offers a cool feel, look, doesn't corrode as quickly, and is overall lighter than steel. In addition your HDD will run slightly cooler with an aluminum case.

Cons:
Some builders have reported that aluminum cases are not as durable as steel ones.

Tip:If you are worried about cooling your rig, then consider improving air flow through various cooling techniques rather than assuming that an aluminum case will make a difference.

Top Rated Aluminum PC Cases

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Quiet PC Cases

If you are in an environment where a loud buzzing sound from your PC is annoying, then sometimes it's important to look for a case that is designed in a manner that will squelch or avoid these types of sounds. Below is a list of some of the best available "quiet" PC cases in the market for 2012.

Quiet Computer Towers

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Best Liquid and Air Cooling PC Cases

Antec LanBoy Air Modular


Below is a list of the top rated air and liquid cooling PC cases for 2011. The top rated air cooling pc case is the Antec LanBoy Air Modular computer case.  One of the reasons that this case has created such buzz is because every part of this case is removable and customizable which gives performance enthusiasts exactly the type of customization necessary to create high-end builds while maintaining proper airflow throughout the entire case.

Specifications include 11 drive bays, 2 internal bottom mounted 2.5 inch solid state drive bays, 10 optional fans, and installed water cooling radiators.
Average Customer Review:Read Customer Reviews on this Product.



 

See the Video Below for Additional Details

Antec Lanboy Air Modular PC Case

powered by Youtube

Gaming Cases with High Air Flow or Cooling Options

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Top 50 PC Computer Cases/Towers for 2012

Vote for your Favorite!

Here's a list of the top 50 PC cases for 2012 listed in random order. Let us know which one is your favorite.

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About

I hope you've enjoyed this list of the top 50 PC Computer cases for 2012. If you'd like to make a contribution to this lens, then please use the reader feedback section below.

I try to update my lenses regularly. If I've missed a PC case that you have recently come across, please inform me by leaving a comment. Your feedback helps me to keep this lens fresh.

Reader Feedback

  • Edutopia Jan 2, 2012 @ 1:31 am | delete
    Lian Li cases are where it is at. Their Lancool series is amazing. Can't recommend them enough.
  • BookNow Sep 29, 2011 @ 3:39 am | delete
    Nice lens. I' ve got a cooler master which is a great case. Lots of fans and room to store your multiple harddrives.
  • sayeen Sep 1, 2011 @ 3:39 am | delete
    i would go for thermaltake level 10 anytime
  • Teddy_Steele Jul 27, 2011 @ 2:52 am | delete
    SO many cases...I will have to buy 3 different computers now just because I cant decide.
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hsb250

I love gaming and PC building. I write about them extensively for many different sites. As a gamer I'm most into FPS-type (BF3) games as I simply don't... more »

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