GamingPCElectronics

What are the best full-tower computer cases for gaming?

6

Options
Considered

4

User
Recs.

May 28, 2017

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

6 Options Considered

Best full-tower computer cases for gaming	Price	Last Updated
-- Fractal Design Define R5	$85	May 28, 2017
-- BitFenix Shinobi XL	$177	May 28, 2017
-- Corsair Graphite 760T	$179	May 28, 2017
-- NZXT Source 530	$97.92	May 28, 2017
-- Cooler Master Trooper	$158.37	May 28, 2017

Fractal Design Define R5

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Top Pro

9 total fan slots

There are 2 included fans - Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 fans rated at 1000RPM. There is 1 located in the front, and 1 in the rear. In total, there 2 are fan slots in the front, 1 in the rear, 3 on top, 2 in the bottom, and 1 on the side. These provide plenty of options for fan placement. See More

Top Con

Top panels are almost required

It's best to keep the 3 top panels right where they are - removing them will greatly increase the noise output of the machine, as well as break its dust-seal. See More

Top Pro

Plenty of room for water cooling

There is enough room for a 420mm radiator in the top, as well as room for a 360mm radiator in the front. See More

Top Con

Heavy

At 11.2kg, this is a very heavy case. See More

Top Pro

Sleek design

The R5 goes for the minimal look, and it nails it. There isn't even any branding on the exterior. Both sides are completely flat slates, and the minimalist design is only broken on the top with I/O up front and 3 removable panels (for cooling solutions). See More

Top Pro

Repels dust

Along the entire bottom is a slide-out dust filter. It can be pulled out from the front and cleaned helping to keep dust outside of your build. See More

Top Pro

Very quiet

The R5 is lined with a sound-resistant material, which helps keep sound low. See More

Top Pro

Extremely customizable layout

All of the internal shelving is removable, meaning you aren't limited to putting certain components in pre-determined spots. See More

BitFenix Shinobi XL

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Top Pro

Decent cooling and noise pollution

While not exceptional, the stock cooling properties of the case as well as the noise output beat average scores slightly when a similar setup is used in a different case. The GPU was a bit warm, while the CPU was considerably cooler. If you overclock, then it gets very noisy and warm - much more than other cases. See More

Top Con

Uninspiring design

It's very hard to get excited about the very basic case design. It seems to go for the minimalist design, however misses it by a mark. See More

Top Pro

Ready for liquid cooling

There is a total 1080x120mm of space for radiators, which provides plenty of room for liquid cooling. See More

Top Con

Poor cable management

There isn't enough space along the routing lines to fit all the cables needed. There is space in crevices, however those are nearly impossible to access. See More

Top Pro

3 fans included

The case comes with 3 fans - one on the front (230mm), one on the rear (120mm), and one on top (230mm). See More

Top Pro

Large case

There's plenty of room for all the components you could want. Just about any GPU will fit - even some extra long cards - and there's even room for most liquid cooling systems. See More

Top Pro

Sturdy chassis

The chassis is made out of a soft touch plastic that is reinforced with steel. See More

Top Pro

Easy assembly even for beginners

You won't need any tools to assemble the Shinobi XL other than a screwdriver. The drive bays have pegs that bend, holding the drive in. The PSU (power supply unit) is also a breeze to install with rubber feet that the PSU rests on helping to align it properly. See More

Top Pro

Tons of drive bays

There are 8 3.5/2.5" drive bays, as well as 5 5.25" bays for all the slots you could want. See More

Corsair Graphite 760T

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Top Pro

Easy to build in

The case is large, which means there is lots of room to build and route cables. You also won't be restricted much by size, meaning you won't have to prioritize size over cost or performance. There are virtually no sharp edges that could cut corners (or fingers). See More

Top Con

Some parts are hard to access

There's a stand on the bottom of the case (perfect for a liquid cooling radiator) that can't be unscrewed while inside the case (the front panel of the case blocks the screws). If you intend on connecting some of the cages, be warned that the paint will flake off easily. This making adjusting the internals of the case more difficult. See More

Top Pro

Tons of cooling available

3 AF140L fans are included, with room for 4 additional fans. The included fans have 'silent' and 'performance' modes to best suit your needs. See More

Top Pro

Very solid construction

The interior of the case is extremely ridged, which is needed because the windowed side doesn't offer any structural support. It doesn't flex, and feels sturdy. See More

Top Pro

Shows off the internals

The full-side window lets you see into your PC, and also allows quick access (the window has hinges that open to grant access to the internals). See More

Top Pro

Ready for liquid-cooling

On top of the case there is room for a liquid cooling radiator (up to 360x140mm), and near the top of the rear of the case there are holes for cooling hoses. See More

Top Pro

Plenty of cable management options

The case is large, and leaves plenty of space for cable management. There are plenty of cable tie points on the inside which is a welcome addition. See More

Corsair Graphite Series 780T

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