Buying Guide
The Best Gaming PC Cases Under $100
We weighed five PC cases on GPU clearance and radiator size; the Pop 2 Vision RGB has the longest GPU clearance, and the AURA GC1 ELITE costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $100, the useful differences are how many fans come in the box and how much radiator room you get. Every pick cost $100 or less when we checked, ordered by the number of fans included.
We ranked these PC cases on max GPU length, largest radiator and fans included using manufacturer specifications; we did not test these PC cases ourselves, and where a maker leaves out max GPU length, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
GAMDIAS AURA GC1 ELITE ARGB
The lowest price among these PC cases at the time of writing.
Best for: Getting four 120mm ARGB fans behind a mesh front for the least money.
Our take Check price for GAMDIAS AURA GC1 ELITE ARGB (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Lian Li LANCOOL 207 White
A white finish.
Best for: Buyers who want white finish.
Our take Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 207 White (opens in a new tab)
Longest GPU Clearance
Fractal Design Pop 2 Vision White RGB
The longest GPU clearance here (412mm).
Best for: Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Our take Check price for Fractal Design Pop 2 Vision White RGB (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
CORSAIR 3200D RS
A built-in GPU anti-sag arm.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in GPU anti-sag arm.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR 3200D RS (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
CORSAIR 4000D RS Frame
An InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm.
Best for: Buyers who want InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR 4000D RS Frame (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these PC cases at the time of writing. | Getting four 120mm ARGB fans behind a mesh front for the least money. | Check price for GAMDIAS AURA GC1 ELITE ARGB (opens in a new tab) |
| A white finish. | Buyers who want white finish. | Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 207 White (opens in a new tab) |
| The longest GPU clearance here (412mm). | Buyers who put GPU clearance first. | Check price for Fractal Design Pop 2 Vision White RGB (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in GPU anti-sag arm. | Buyers who want built-in GPU anti-sag arm. | Check price for CORSAIR 3200D RS (opens in a new tab) |
| An InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm. | Buyers who want InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm. | Check price for CORSAIR 4000D RS Frame (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
GAMDIAS AURA GC1 ELITE ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
GAMDIAS's AURA GC1 ELITE puts four ARGB fans behind a mesh front for under $60 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Getting four 120mm ARGB fans behind a mesh front for the least money.
Skip if
- Skip it if GPU clearance matters most to you; the Pop 2 Vision RGB offers 412mm.
Why we like it
It fits 340mm cards and a 360mm radiator. Its mesh front holds four ARGB fans out of the box, and a full tempered glass side shows the build. It is a budget airflow case.
Its 340mm GPU clearance is the shortest in this group; the Pop 2 Vision RGB leads at 412mm. It also offers a tool-free glass side panel. GPU limit in the AURA GC1 ELITE: 340mm, before front fans.
Coolers: 160mm maximum. The AURA GC1 ELITE takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. It undercut the 3200D RS and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 340mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 160mm
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 4
- Glass: Tempered glass side
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- 4 fans included
- Tempered glass side
- Four 120mm ARGB fans behind a mesh front
Cons
- GPU clearance trails the Pop 2 Vision RGB (412mm)
Also Consider2 of 5
Lian Li LANCOOL 207 White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Lancool 207 White fits an ATX board in a compact frame by recessing the motherboard tray.
Best for
- Buyers who want white finish.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the AURA GC1 ELITE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It includes four fans, two of them 140mm ARGB fans with infinity mirrors, and takes 410mm cards. The PSU sits at the front with its ports facing out, and a pre-installed anti-sag bracket supports heavy GPUs. Two bottom fans feed the graphics card directly.
It is Micro-ATX sized but takes ATX boards and a 360mm radiator on top. Its 410mm GPU clearance ranks second of 3 here, behind the Pop 2 Vision RGB (412mm) and ahead of the AURA GC1 ELITE (340mm). GPU limit in the Lancool 207 White: 410mm, before front fans.
The Lancool 207 White takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper 4000D RS and the pricier Pop 2 Vision RGB, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 410mm
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 4
- Motherboards: ATX
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 410mm long
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- 4 fans included
- White finish
Cons
- Costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing
Longest GPU Clearance3 of 5
Fractal Design Pop 2 Vision White RGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Fractal's Pop 2 Vision White RGB is a dual-chamber case with four RGB reverse-blade fans and panoramic glass.
Best for
- Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AURA GC1 ELITE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It supports back-connect motherboards and 412mm graphics cards. Four reverse-blade fans come pre-installed in a dual-chamber layout, and it fits 360mm radiators on top. Tool-free panels, including the glass side and front, lift off easily.
On GPU clearance it leads this guide at 412mm, ahead of the Lancool 207 White (410mm). GPU limit in the Pop 2 Vision RGB: 412mm, before front fans. The Pop 2 Vision RGB takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. 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 Lancool 207 White and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 412mm
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 4
- Glass: Panoramic glass side and front
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 412mm long
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- 4 fans included
- Panoramic glass side and front
Cons
- Costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing
Strong Alternative4 of 5
CORSAIR 3200D RS on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 3200D RS is Corsair's lowest-cost mid-tower here, yet it has a front USB-C port, three ARGB fans and a GPU support arm.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in GPU anti-sag arm.
Skip if
- Its GPU clearance is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
Radiators up to 360mm fit in the roof. It has room for nine 120mm fans with three RS120 ARGB fans included, plus a shroud and plenty of tie-down points. It suits a first build.
Reversible panels and a built-in shroud keep cables out of sight. It takes a 360mm radiator at the top. Confirm GPU length for the 3200D RS with its maker.
The 3200D RS takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper AURA GC1 ELITE and the pricier 4000D RS, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its GPU clearance; if that figure matters, the Pop 2 Vision RGB comes in at 412mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 3
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- 3 fans included
- A front USB-C port
- Built-in GPU anti-sag arm
Cons
- No published GPU clearance
- Costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing
Worth a Look5 of 5
CORSAIR 4000D RS Frame on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 4000D RS is Corsair's modular FRAME take on its best-known mid-tower: the front I/O panel can be swapped and the InfiniRail mount lets you slide fans to where you need them.
Best for
- Buyers who want InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its GPU clearance before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
Why we like it
Three RS fans are pre-installed. Removing the rail opens side fan mounting, and roof fans up to 140mm fit. Corsair does not list a GPU length or radiator figure in this listing, so check its spec sheet before buying.
Three RS PWM fans daisy-chain and support Zero RPM mode, and FRAME panels can be swapped or upgraded. Confirm GPU length for the 4000D RS with its maker. When we checked, only the 3200D RS and cheaper picks cost less, and the Lancool 207 White cost more. If you want a confirmed GPU clearance, look to the Pop 2 Vision RGB instead: it comes in at 412mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Fans included: 3
Pros
- 3 fans included
- InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm
- Modular FRAME design with a swappable front I/O panel
- Side fan mounting when the rail is removed
Cons
- No published GPU clearance
- No published largest radiator size
- Costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming PC Cases Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We lined up five cases on GPU clearance, largest radiator size, fans included and glass, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the AURA GC1 ELITE to the 4000D RS, state fans included.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The 3200D RS and the 4000D RS give no GPU clearance; the 4000D RS gives no largest radiator size.
- Price range
- From the AURA GC1 ELITE to the Pop 2 Vision RGB, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Gaming PC Case Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
GPU clearance
Here GPU clearance runs from 340mm on the AURA GC1 ELITE to 412mm on the Pop 2 Vision RGB. The Lancool 207 White comes second for less money. No figure for the 3200D RS and the 4000D RS.
What to check at home
GPU limit in the AURA GC1 ELITE: 340mm, before front fans. GPU limit in the Lancool 207 White: 410mm, before front fans. GPU limit in the Pop 2 Vision RGB: 412mm, before front fans.
Extras that separate them
The Pop 2 Vision RGB: a white dual-chamber layout. The 3200D RS: room for nine 120mm fans. The 4000D RS: a modular FRAME design with a swappable front I/O panel.
Where your budget lands
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the AURA GC1 ELITE at the low end to the Pop 2 Vision RGB at the top, so decide on features first.
Start from what matters most
Getting four 120mm ARGB fans behind a mesh front for the least money: the AURA GC1 ELITE. Buyers who put GPU clearance first: the Pop 2 Vision RGB.
How to Choose a Gaming PC Case Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting four 120mm ARGB fans behind a mesh front for the least money | AURA GC1 ELITE | The lowest price among these PC cases at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want white finish | Lancool 207 White | A white finish |
| Buyers who put GPU clearance first | Pop 2 Vision RGB | The longest GPU clearance here (412mm) |
| Buyers who want built-in GPU anti-sag arm | 3200D RS | A built-in GPU anti-sag arm |
| Buyers who want InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm | 4000D RS | An InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Pop 2 Vision RGB leads on GPU clearance at 412mm, ahead of the Lancool 207 White at 410mm. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Case | Max GPU length | Largest radiator | Fans included | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AURA GC1 ELITE | 340mm | 360mm | 4 | Tempered glass side |
| Lancool 207 White | 410mm | 360mm | 4 | Not listed |
| Pop 2 Vision RGB | 412mm | 360mm | 4 | Panoramic glass side and front |
| 3200D RS | Not listed | 360mm | 3 | Not listed |
| 4000D RS | Not listed | Not listed | 3 | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the longest GPU clearance: the Pop 2 Vision RGB or the Lancool 207 White?
The Pop 2 Vision RGB leads at 412mm, with the Lancool 207 White at 410mm. The AURA GC1 ELITE is at the other end of this group with 340mm. The 3200D RS and the 4000D RS don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What does the Pop 2 Vision RGB add over the AURA GC1 ELITE?
On paper it adds GPU clearance (412mm against 340mm). The AURA GC1 ELITE was the lowest-priced pick when we checked, so pay the difference only if those gains matter to you.
Why is the Pop 2 Vision RGB our Longest GPU Clearance pick?
It earns the label for the longest GPU clearance here (412mm). It suits anyone who put GPU clearance first.
Will the 4000D RS work with my setup?
Confirm GPU length for the 4000D RS with its maker. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5.
What extras do the AURA GC1 ELITE and the Lancool 207 White include?
The AURA GC1 ELITE: four 120mm ARGB fans behind a mesh front. The Lancool 207 White: a white finish. The Pop 2 Vision RGB: four RGB reverse-blade fans.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the AURA GC1 ELITE, chosen for the lowest price among these PC cases at the time of writing. Look at the Lancool 207 White for a white finish, the Pop 2 Vision RGB for the longest GPU clearance here (412mm) and the 3200D RS for a built-in GPU anti-sag arm if those matter more to you.
Count the fans in the box; a case that ships with three or more saves buying them separately.