Best PC Airflow Cases of 2020 So Far: $60 Budget to $200 High-End
Best PC Airflow Cases of 2020 So Far: $60 Budget to $200 High-End
This round-up looks at the best PC cases in 2020 so far, specifically relating to airflow- and cooling-oriented cases. Includes best budget airflow cases, mid-range, and high-end cases right now.
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Article: [This will publish at 9AM EST, so about 5 hours after the video goes live] https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/3604-best-gaming-pc-cases-for-airflow-in-2020-right-now
PC Case Review playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G835LGHpeoI&list=PLsuVSmND84QtrMP_niRTD2zIa3uUhxIvn
Article & methodology: https://www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/3586-thermaltake-level-20-rs-case-review
Additional methodology (standardized / normalized tests): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVkAXSJeKKM
In this video, we’re talking about some of the best cases currently available, but with our focus entirely on the top thermal performers. The goal is to compare gaming PC cases for best CPU or GPU temperatures, best noise-normalized temperatures (or acoustic performance), and best build quality at each price class for 2020 so far. This includes cases that have come out in previous years, so our criteria was centered around cases available right now rather than only things that have launched recently, since it’s not like cases age on the shelves. We’ll run another piece on the best and worst cases toward end of year, and that’ll be a wider-scope look at computer cases for different categories. In this one, we’re talking about budget cases, mid-range cases, and high-end cases, which we’ve split into ~$60 to ~$80 cases, sub-$100 enclosures, and cases north of that. We’re comparing the Lian Li Lancool II Mesh, the P500A, NR600, Phanteks P300A, be quiet! Pure Base 500DX, Cooler Master TD500, and more.
CASES LISTED (in order of appearance)
Note: Due to constant inventory and availability fluctuations hitting the market particularly hard right now, some of the current case prices may be from third parties or just generally overpriced. Please listen to the content where we list off MSRP or intended prices, and try to avoid over-spending on these.
Budget Airflow Cases
Cooler Master NR600 on Amazon: https://geni.us/yb7zW
Silverstone Fara R1 on Amazon: https://geni.us/Atbt
Phanteks P300A on Amazon: https://geni.us/E5mWsN
Mid-Range Airflow Cases
Lian Li Lancool II Mesh on Amazon: https://geni.us/FAfiS3f
Phanteks P400A Digital RGB on Amazon: https://geni.us/TcqAX
be quiet! Pure Base 500DX on Amazon: https://geni.us/fIdH46k
(Honorable Mention) Cooler Master TD500 Mesh on Amazon: https://geni.us/IV0lB
(Honorable Mention) Fractal Meshify C on Amazon: https://geni.us/pMbCMQw
High-End Airflow Cases
Phanteks P500A Digital RGB on Amazon: https://geni.us/AkdY0g
Cooler Master H500 ‘Blank’ on Amazon: https://geni.us/eNNV
Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL on Amazon: https://geni.us/Hi3Z7X
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Recapping the Best PC Cases in 2020 (So Far)
03:17 – Cooler Master NR600 (~$70)
06:03 – Silverstone Fara R1 (~$61)
08:40 – Phanteks P300A (~$60)
10:45 – Lian Li Lancool II Mesh (~$90-$95)
13:01 – Phanteks P400A Digital RGB (~$90)
13:58 – be quiet! Pure Base 500DX (~$100)
15:45 – Cooler Master TD500 Mesh & Fractal Meshify C
17:05 – Phanteks P500A Digital RGB (~$130)
18:49 – Cooler Master H500 (~$120)
21:11 – Lian Li O11 Dynamic XL (~$200)
23:19 – Best Cases Conclusion & Airflow Trends in 2020
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Sorry to sound callous, but any case manufacturer that doesn’t provide the option for an optical drive is idiotic.
That is the deal breaker for many. Not hard to allow space for one 5.25 drive.
4:43 I gotta confess, MSI’s Twin Frozor design for 10-Series were pretty killer looking
how about the antec nx800. https://antec.com/product/case/nx800.php
Whats your overall opinion on the h500m?
Great review, very informative. So tired of seeing RGB everywhere though. I wish there was a review of the solid performance cases without RGB.
CAT
Just get a cooler master h500 end of story
Bought Phanteks P500 few weeks ago and i am so damn happy with it! It comes with 3x140mm dead silent fans with an amazing airflow and good space! I run a Ryzen 9 3900x oc 4.5ghz lane 1 and 4.4ghz lane 2 with a MSI B550 Tomahawk and Vrm cooling stay at 30-35c under load. Absolutely amazing, my GPU is at 55-60c OC too! If you wanna get a case, get the Phanteks p500a!
really like the detailed and in depth version of the case, going over pros and cons. Keep up the good work
Please could you make a video of the smaller MIDTOWER case to fit an atx mainboard, atx source, 2x140mm water cooler and 31cm graphics cards.
no mechify?
I sure miss the optical drives 🙁
I’m looking for a horizontal haf case, I like a lot of what the Coolermaster HAF XB has, but I’m curious if you have benched it with your current setup?
It having kinda outdated I/O is a bit of a bummer, I’d love an update of that concept.
I still rock a lian li from 2006-2007, ATX no bullshit stuff there. thick aluminium, 480 rad mod, lots of space for hiden wm. and lots of optical drives (with conversions for 2.5 and 3.5 from factory) good space for long video cards…
you are an inspiration!
"Dissing our top case choices"
I just bought all the components of my PC, and the only impulse-buy I did was the Phanteks P400A. It just looked like it had good airflow, compared to a lot of the cases, and seemed like the perfect price for a case, if all you care about is performance and non-shitty build-quality. Well, I did a Google search on it, so I could see Amazon and other reviews and sentiments from the first page, seemed good enough! as I was exhausted after making so many decisions ^^
Well, now I think I’ll be quite happy with it!
te juro, por tus titulos, y por cómo manejas tecnicamente todos los detalles debes ser EL MEJOR canal de youtube acerca de hardware para usuarios.
UNA PENA QUE NO ENTIENDO CÓMO HABLAS! XD
Uhhhh $1499 for the Gigabyte extreme. Who do you think we are Dr. Disrespect?
Just like to say this an awesome channel and you saved me from the NZXT H511, got the coolmaster H500M instead.
What if they made a perforated tempered glass front panel? Will that provide gud airflow? 🤔🤔🤔🤔 D:
Have you done any video for best airflow mATX Cases?
Anyone here using the P400A with new hardware? I’m getting absolutely horrible CPU temperatures and could use some help. I’m using the stock fan layout with Scythe Fuma 2 CPU fan (NH-D15 doesn’t fit due to CPU clearance), RTX 3080 TUF GPU and 5900x CPU. Already tried re-mounting CPU cooler with kryonaut paste (same temps as stock Fuma 2 paste). I play at 1440p. Ambient temp is ~25-26°C. OS idles at ~48°C. Testing in games like Cyberpunk or Horizon my temps spike to the 80s range in seconds, averaging ~85-88°C after minutes and even hitting 90°C at which point AMD throttles. GPU temps don’t exceed 65°C. I looked into Reddit posts and people who added top and read exhaust fans barely get 1-2°C difference so that’s not the issue. With these stats the case doesn’t sound much like a winner.
does SilentiumPC Signum SG1X TG RGB have good airflow
So I ordered a pc case with 2x front fan, 1x side and 1x back. My theory is that the one on the side will cool the graphics better than one without fan. Is it true?
I am kinda disappointed in this video because it makes no mention of your historical airflow winner the silverstone rl06 which now has a nee numbered version that includes a full tempered glass side panel…
Is bigger is better like 23 inch high?
You forgot something…
RGB has a tendency to allow for a cooler case…
Ok, I’m out…
You look like the lead singer from bodyjar (back in 2004)
Please review Alpenfohn Gletscherwasser 360mm i really want to see how it performs, especially since it was developed with der8auer
Like for CaT 🙂
I have the meshify and like it, but, the max gpu length is only 315mm with a front fan. Meaning my 323mm gpu doesn’t fit with a fan in the middle. Might switch to the lancool 2
Still no legit review for cooler master cm694…
don’t even understand why pc cases come with fans, most peoples first step is to replace these ok fans.
Doesn’t the tempered glass add to the heat?
Put the model number in the video itself as labels. Small editing effort.
Can’t lie, ended up going with the fractal even with it’s flaws just because it comes with a no glass option. I know that makes me a dinosaur in this day and age but my PC sits under my desk, no one is looking inside it and I hate all the RGB stuff anyway (further proof of being a dinosaur).
3:55
IO Shield: Aight imma head out
I always play the videos at 1.25x speed because he talks so slowly 🙁
PC Case Review playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G835LGHpeoI&list=PLsuVSmND84QtrMP_niRTD2zIa3uUhxIvn
Article & methodology: https://www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/3586-thermaltake-level-20-rs-case-review
Additional methodology (standardized / normalized tests): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVkAXSJeKKM
Article: [This will publish at 9AM EST, so about 5 hours after the video goes live] https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/3604-best-gaming-pc-cases-for-airflow-in-2020-right-now
If you’re building a new computer, buy our Wireframe Mousemat (36" x 12", or 91 x 30cm) for a high-quality PC component mouse pad design at a competitive price: https://store.gamersnexus.net/products/gn-wireframe-mouse-mat
Consider buying our Modmat for a large, anti-static surface to protect your table and the electronics you work on: https://store.gamersnexus.net/products/modmat
Me: has a 30$ case that has barely any good airflow and no front vent
Also Me: has a drill and drill bits
Heh
Love my 3 year old meshify C
I wish case manufacturers stop shipping fans with the case and let people pick and choose the fans they want instead. Usually the fans that come with cases are noisy cheap garbage fans that will be screeching and stuttering within just a year of usage.
I just watched this entire thing in PIP, and damn, the roast of Linus was right, your videos are fucking boring. I don’t even think I remembered a single thing from this other than that be Quiet! sucks.
Hi
update time?
You just earned yourself a sub my friend.
Spanish subs will be nice.
"Dissing our top case choices"
I wish to see pc case for everything, for everywhere and everyone. Something like Onkyo amp- stylish.
If you are middle age man who keeps PC in living room then you don’t wonna shinny PC case from 23 century with RGB. I have seen some modifications with wood panel but there’s gap on market for living room pc case with good airflow for every so often playing and quiet everyday use.
Silverstone have good looking models but I’m not sure about airflow. Do you know any manufacturers and models for us?