Buying Guide
The Best ATX PC Cases
We weighed five PC cases on GPU clearance and CPU cooler clearance; the D33 has the longest GPU clearance, and the QUBE 540 costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
ATX cases fit full-size boards with room for large GPUs. Every pick takes ATX and cost $150 or less, ordered by GPU clearance.
Rankings weigh max GPU length, max CPU cooler height and largest radiator as the makers state them; we did not test these PC cases ourselves, and if a maker skips max CPU cooler height, the guide says so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Longest GPU Clearance
JONSBO D33
The longest GPU clearance here (435mm).
Best for: Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Lowest Price Here
Cooler Master QUBE 540
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 540 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood)
Front or side PSU mounting.
Best for: Buyers who want front or side PSU mounting.
Our take Check price for Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood) (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
be quiet! Light Base 600 DX
Dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support.
Best for: Buyers who want dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support.
Our take Check price for be quiet! Light Base 600 DX (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
JONSBO TK-1
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an aluminium alloy shell.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The longest GPU clearance here (435mm). | Buyers who put GPU clearance first. | Check price for JONSBO D33 (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money. | Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 540 (opens in a new tab) |
| Front or side PSU mounting. | Buyers who want front or side PSU mounting. | Check price for Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood) (opens in a new tab) |
| Dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support. | Buyers who want dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support. | Check price for be quiet! Light Base 600 DX (opens in a new tab) |
| The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an aluminium alloy shell. | Buyers who want the most complete package. | Check price for JONSBO TK-1 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Longest GPU Clearance1 of 5
JONSBO D33 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The D33 offers 435mm of GPU room and a 172mm cooler limit, the most generous figures in this Micro-ATX group.
Best for
- Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the QUBE 540 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also takes back-connect mATX BTF boards and has a front USB-C port. Nothing else here matches its 435mm GPU clearance; the QUBE 540 comes closest at 415mm. On CPU cooler clearance it leads this guide at 172mm, ahead of the Light Base 600 DX (170mm).
On largest radiator size it ties with the A3-mATX and the Light Base 600 DX at 360mm. It also offers nine fan positions, a magnetic front grille and two 3.5-inch and two 2.5-inch drive bays. GPU limit in the D33: 435mm, before front fans.
The D33 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. Boards: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, mATX BTF. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper A3-mATX and the pricier Light Base 600 DX, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 435mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 172mm
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, mATX BTF
- PSU type: ATX or SFX
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 435mm long
- Takes tower air coolers up to 172mm tall
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- A front USB-C port
Cons
- Costs more than the QUBE 540 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
Cooler Master QUBE 540 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Cooler Master's QUBE 540 stands upright or lies flat, with a reversible I/O panel and movable handles.
Best for
- Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: only 1 fan in the box.
Why we like it
It takes E-ATX boards up to 11 inches wide and graphics cards up to 415mm without the front fan. It matches the A3-mATX on GPU clearance (415mm). No other pick in this guide offers a tempered glass side; compare the Light Base 600 DX, which has a full glass front and side.
GPU limit in the QUBE 540: 415mm, before front fans. Another plus is horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the A3-mATX was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed CPU cooler clearance should compare it with the D33, which comes in at 172mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 415mm
- Fans included: 1
- Motherboards: ITX, ATX, E-ATX up to 11 inches
- Glass: Tempered glass side
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 415mm long
- Tempered glass side
- Horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel
- Full mesh front panel
Cons
- Only 1 fan in the box
- No published CPU cooler clearance
- No published largest radiator size
Also Consider3 of 5
Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The A3-mATX fits a 415mm graphics card and a 360mm radiator into 26.3 litres, and the power supply can sit at the front or the side.
Best for
- Buyers who want front or side PSU mounting.
Skip if
- The maker gives no CPU cooler clearance, so look elsewhere if that figure decides it for you.
Why we like it
ATX, SFX and SFX-L units are all listed. It matches the QUBE 540 on GPU clearance (415mm). On largest radiator size it ties with the D33 and the Light Base 600 DX at 360mm.
It also comes with mounts for up to ten 120mm fans, a wood front with steel mesh panels and four expansion slots. GPU limit in the A3-mATX: 415mm, before front fans. The A3-mATX takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height.
Boards: mATX, ITX. Its price falls between the QUBE 540 and the D33, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed CPU cooler clearance should compare it with the D33, which comes in at 172mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 415mm
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Volume: 26.3L
- Motherboards: mATX, ITX
- PSU type: ATX, SFX or SFX-L
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 415mm long
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Front or side PSU mounting
- Mounts for up to ten 120mm fans
Cons
- No published CPU cooler clearance
- Costs more than the QUBE 540 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
be quiet! Light Base 600 DX on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Light Base 600 DX pairs a full glass front and side with dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support.
Best for
- Buyers who want dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the QUBE 540, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It fits a 400mm graphics card and a 170mm tower cooler, with an anti-sag bracket included. The dual radiator support means a 360mm CPU cooler and a 240mm GPU loop can run side by side, though the maker doesn't state a fan count. On GPU clearance it sits mid-pack at 400mm: the D33 comes in at 435mm, and the TK-1 comes in at 280mm.
On CPU cooler clearance it sits mid-pack at 170mm: the D33 comes in at 172mm, and the TK-1 comes in at 165mm. It matches the D33 and the A3-mATX on largest radiator size (360mm). You get a full glass front and side here, which sets it apart from the TK-1 and its double-curved 4mm glass.
GPU limit in the Light Base 600 DX: 400mm, before front fans. The Light Base 600 DX takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. When we checked, only the D33 and cheaper picks cost less, and the TK-1 cost more.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 400mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 170mm
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Motherboards: ATX
- Glass: Full glass front and side
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 400mm long
- Takes tower air coolers up to 170mm tall
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Full glass front and side
Cons
- Costs more than the QUBE 540 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
JONSBO TK-1 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The TK-1 is the most sculpted case here, with double-curved glass over an aluminium shell.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: a 280mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards.
Why we like it
Its 280mm GPU limit suits shorter cards, but it takes a 165mm tower cooler and a 220mm ATX power supply. Its 280mm GPU clearance is the shortest in this group; the D33 leads at 435mm. Its 165mm CPU cooler clearance is the shortest in this group; the D33 leads at 172mm.
On largest radiator size it trails the group at 240mm, while the D33 comes in at 360mm. It is the only pick here with double-curved 4mm glass; the QUBE 540 has a tempered glass side instead. You also get a separated-chamber layout and outer dimensions of 299 x 310 x 345mm.
GPU limit in the TK-1: 280mm, before front fans. The TK-1 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. 220mm is the TK-1's PSU length cap. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Light Base 600 DX and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 280mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 165mm
- Largest radiator: 240mm
- Max PSU length: 220mm
- Motherboards: mATX, Mini-ITX
- Glass: Double-curved 4mm glass
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- Takes tower air coolers up to 165mm tall
- Double-curved 4mm glass
- A front USB-C port
- Aluminium alloy shell
Cons
- A 280mm GPU limit rules out many triple-fan cards
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- GPU clearance trails the D33 (435mm)
How We Chose These ATX PC Cases
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five cases on GPU clearance, CPU cooler clearance, largest radiator size and motherboards from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the D33 to the TK-1, state GPU clearance and motherboards.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The QUBE 540 and the A3-mATX give no CPU cooler clearance; the QUBE 540 gives no largest radiator size.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the QUBE 540 ($50 to $100) to the TK-1 ($100 to $150).
What to Look for in an ATX PC Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
GPU clearance across these picks
Here GPU clearance runs from 280mm on the TK-1 to 435mm on the D33. The QUBE 540 comes second for less money.
How much largest radiator size you need
Here largest radiator size runs from 240mm on the TK-1 to 360mm on the D33. For less, the A3-mATX is the runner-up at 360mm. No figure for the QUBE 540.
How much CPU cooler clearance you need
Here CPU cooler clearance runs from 165mm on the TK-1 to 172mm on the D33. Start with the D33 if CPU cooler clearance decides it. No figure for the QUBE 540 and the A3-mATX.
Front USB-C
The D33 and the TK-1 have it. Settle this first, then compare prices.
Setup checks
GPU limit in the D33: 435mm, before front fans. GPU limit in the QUBE 540: 415mm, before front fans. GPU limit in the A3-mATX: 415mm, before front fans.
Plan radiator positions early
A case may list a 360mm radiator only at the front or only on top. Top mounts must clear the motherboard heatsinks and tall RAM, and front mounts can shorten the GPU limit.
How to Choose an ATX PC Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put GPU clearance first | D33 | The longest GPU clearance here (435mm) |
| Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money | QUBE 540 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want front or side PSU mounting | A3-mATX | Front or side PSU mounting |
| Buyers who want dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support | Light Base 600 DX | Dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | TK-1 | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with an aluminium alloy shell |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The D33 leads on GPU clearance at 435mm, ahead of the QUBE 540 at 415mm. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Case | Max GPU length | Max CPU cooler height | Largest radiator | Motherboards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D33 | 435mm | 172mm | 360mm | Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, mATX BTF |
| QUBE 540 | 415mm | Not listed | Not listed | ITX, ATX, E-ATX up to 11 inches |
| A3-mATX | 415mm | Not listed | 360mm | mATX, ITX |
| Light Base 600 DX | 400mm | 170mm | 360mm | ATX |
| TK-1 | 280mm | 165mm | 240mm | mATX, Mini-ITX |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The QUBE 540 was the lowest-priced pick and the TK-1 the highest when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | QUBE 540, A3-mATX |
| About $100 to $150 | D33, Light Base 600 DX, TK-1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the longest GPU clearance: the D33 or the QUBE 540?
The D33 leads at 435mm, with the QUBE 540 at 415mm. The TK-1 is at the other end of this group with 280mm.
Is the D33 ahead of the Light Base 600 DX on CPU cooler clearance?
The D33 leads at 172mm, with the Light Base 600 DX at 170mm. The TK-1 is at the other end of this group with 165mm. The QUBE 540 and the A3-mATX don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the TK-1 add over the QUBE 540?
On the figures both makers state, it adds little. It does not win everywhere: the QUBE 540 still leads on GPU clearance (415mm). The QUBE 540 was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if a feature outside the spec sheet matters to you.
Why is the D33 our Longest GPU Clearance pick?
It earns the label for the longest GPU clearance here (435mm). It suits anyone who put GPU clearance first.
Do the QUBE 540 and the Light Base 600 DX differ on glass?
The QUBE 540 uses Tempered glass side; the Light Base 600 DX uses Full glass front and side; the TK-1 uses Double-curved 4mm glass. The makers of the D33 and the A3-mATX don't say.
Will the A3-mATX work with my setup?
GPU limit in the A3-mATX: 415mm, before front fans. The A3-mATX takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. In this guide it ranks third of 5.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the D33, chosen for the longest GPU clearance here (435mm). Look at the QUBE 540 for the lowest price of the group at our last check, the A3-mATX for front or side PSU mounting and the Light Base 600 DX for dual 360mm plus 240mm radiator support if those matter more to you.
Check front I/O includes USB-C.