Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Desktop Cases
Five ATX mid-towers for a gaming desktop, chosen for fans in the box, graphics-card clearance and radiator room.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A gaming desktop case needs room for a long graphics card, enough airflow to keep it cool and space for a radiator if you use an AIO. Fans in the box lower the total cost.
We compared those figures from each listing and maker's specifications; we did not test these cases.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Most Fans Included
Lian Li LANCOOL 217Five fans in the box.
Best for: Builds that skip buying extra fans.
Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 217 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Glass-Front Airflow Case
NZXT H6 FlowWraparound glass with three fans included.
Best for: Showing off the build.
Check price for NZXT H6 Flow on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Airflow-First Case
Cooler Master HAF II 500Three fans in an ATX mid-tower.
Best for: Hot graphics cards.
Check price for Cooler Master HAF II 500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget Four-Fan Case
GAMDIAS AURA GC1 ELITE ARGBFour fans and 360mm radiator support.
Best for: Budget gaming builds.
Check price for GAMDIAS AURA GC1 ELITE ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Quiet-Leaning Pick
be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow360mm radiator support in a be quiet! chassis.
Best for: Quieter gaming desktops.
Check price for be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five fans in the box. | Builds that skip buying extra fans. | Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 217 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Wraparound glass with three fans included. | Showing off the build. | Check price for NZXT H6 Flow on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Three fans in an ATX mid-tower. | Hot graphics cards. | Check price for Cooler Master HAF II 500 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Four fans and 360mm radiator support. | Budget gaming builds. | Check price for GAMDIAS AURA GC1 ELITE ARGB on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| 360mm radiator support in a be quiet! chassis. | Quieter gaming desktops. | Check price for be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Most Fans Included1 of 5
Lian Li LANCOOL 217
The Lancool 217 ships with five fans, more than any other mid-tower here, so it needs nothing extra before first boot.
Best for
- Builds that skip buying extra fans.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the AURA GC1 ELITE cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its two 170mm front fans can be raised to point at the CPU, and the PSU can mount in two orientations. It also offers two 120mm reversed-blade fans and a 140mm rear fan, two PSU mounting positions and walnut wood front accents. Confirm GPU length for the Lancool 217 with its maker.
220mm is the Lancool 217's PSU length cap. When we checked, only the Pure Base 501 and cheaper picks cost less, and the HAF II 500 cost more. If you want a confirmed largest radiator size, look to the AURA GC1 ELITE instead: it comes in at 360mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Max PSU length
- 220mm
- Fans included
- 5
- Motherboards
- ATX
Pros
- 5 fans included
- Two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU
- Two 120mm reversed-blade fans and a 140mm rear fan
- Two PSU mounting positions
Cons
- Costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing
Best Glass-Front Airflow Case2 of 5
NZXT H6 Flow
The H6 Flow is a compact dual-chamber case whose three included 120mm fans sit at an angle to push air at the GPU.
Best for
- Showing off the build.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the AURA GC1 ELITE, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its top and side panels are patterned for airflow alongside the glass. Moving the power supply into the rear chamber keeps the main compartment clear, which suits a tidy build on a smaller desk than the H9 Flow needs. Wraparound glass with seamless edges shows the build, and wide channels and straps make cabling simpler.
Three pre-installed 120mm fans sit at an angle for intake, and the perforated top and side panels filter dust. Confirm GPU length for the H6 Flow with its maker. It was priced above the AURA GC1 ELITE and below the Pure Base 501 at the time of writing. There is no published largest radiator size figure, whereas the AURA GC1 ELITE comes in at 360mm.
Key specs
- Fans included
- 3
- Glass
- Wraparound glass front and side
Pros
- 3 fans included
- Wraparound glass front and side
- Three angled 120mm intake fans
- Compact dual-chamber layout
Cons
- Costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing
Best Airflow-First Case3 of 5
Cooler Master HAF II 500
Cooler Master's HAF II 500 ships with two 220mm front fans and a 180mm rear fan, far larger than the usual 120mm set.
Best for
- Hot graphics cards.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AURA GC1 ELITE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its GPU holder can support two cards up to 3.6 slots thick. Two 220mm front fans and a 180mm rear fan move a lot of air at low speed. Split-level cable management leaves room for the large exhaust.
Large, slow-spinning fans move air with less noise than many small fans. Confirm GPU length for the HAF II 500 with its maker. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Lancool 217. Buyers who need a confirmed largest radiator size should compare it with the AURA GC1 ELITE, which comes in at 360mm.
Key specs
- Fans included
- 3
- Motherboards
- ATX
Pros
- 3 fans included
- Two 220mm front intake fans and a 180mm rear exhaust
- GPU holder that supports two cards up to 3.6 slots thick
- Split-level cable management
Cons
- Costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing
Best Budget Four-Fan Case4 of 5
GAMDIAS AURA GC1 ELITE ARGB
GAMDIAS's AURA GC1 ELITE puts four ARGB fans behind a mesh front for under $60 at the time of writing.
Best for
- Budget gaming builds.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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.
You also get 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. Another plus: 4 fans included. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the H6 Flow the next step up.
Key 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
Best Quiet-Leaning Pick5 of 5
be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow
The Pure Base 501 Airflow is a quieter-minded be quiet!
Best for
- Quieter gaming desktops.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the AURA GC1 ELITE was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
design whose expansion slots rotate for a vertical graphics card. It takes a 360mm radiator at the front and a 240mm on top. A Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM fan comes installed, and the design balances airflow with noise reduction. It suits a quiet mid-tower build.
Its minimal front and top keep the look clean in a work or studio setup. Confirm GPU length for the Pure Base 501 with its maker. The Pure Base 501 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height.
You also get this: fits a 360mm radiator. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing. It was priced above the H6 Flow and below the Lancool 217 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Largest radiator
- 360mm
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Pure Wings 3 140mm PWM fan
- PCIe slots that rotate 90 degrees for a vertical GPU
- Room for a 240mm radiator on top as well as 360mm at the front
Cons
- Costs more than the AURA GC1 ELITE at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Desktop Cases
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- What we compared
- We lined up five cases on largest radiator size, fans included, motherboards and glass from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and largest radiator size and fans included are missing for at least one pick.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Lancool 217, the H6 Flow and the HAF II 500 give no largest radiator size; the Pure Base 501 gives no fans included.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the AURA GC1 ELITE ($50 to $100) to the HAF II 500 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Gaming Desktop Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
What to check at home
Confirm GPU length for the Lancool 217 with its maker. Confirm GPU length for the H6 Flow with its maker. Confirm GPU length for the HAF II 500 with its maker.
Features beyond the spec table
The HAF II 500: a GPU holder that supports two cards up to 3.6 slots thick. The AURA GC1 ELITE: a tool-free glass side panel. The Pure Base 501: PCIe slots that rotate 90 degrees for a vertical GPU.
An open case with the motherboard installed and the side panel off Where your budget lands
$50 to $100 buys the AURA GC1 ELITE, the H6 Flow and the Pure Base 501; $100 to $150 buys the Lancool 217; $150 to $250 buys the HAF II 500 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Builds that skip buying extra fans: the Lancool 217. Showing off the build: the H6 Flow. Hot graphics cards: the HAF II 500.
A glass-panel PC case with lit fans on a desk Mesh fronts and included fans
Mesh or perforated front panels breathe more easily than solid or glass fronts. Included fans save money; a case with none needs at least two or three before it is ready to use.
How to Choose a Gaming Desktop Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Builds that skip buying extra fans | Lancool 217 | Five fans in the box |
| Showing off the build | H6 Flow | Wraparound glass with three fans included |
| Hot graphics cards | HAF II 500 | Three fans in an ATX mid-tower |
| Budget gaming builds | AURA GC1 ELITE | Four fans and 360mm radiator support |
| Quieter gaming desktops | Pure Base 501 | 360mm radiator support in a be quiet! chassis |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Lancool 217, the H6 Flow and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Case | Largest radiator | Fans included | Motherboards | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancool 217 | Not listed | 5 | ATX | Not listed |
| H6 Flow | Not listed | 3 | Not listed | Wraparound glass front and side |
| HAF II 500 | Not listed | 3 | ATX | Not listed |
| AURA GC1 ELITE | 360mm | 4 | Not listed | Tempered glass side |
| Pure Base 501 | 360mm | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the AURA GC1 ELITE, sat in the $50 to $100 tier, 3 tiers in all up to the HAF II 500 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | AURA GC1 ELITE, H6 Flow, Pure Base 501 |
| About $100 to $150 | Lancool 217 |
| About $150 to $250 | HAF II 500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the H6 Flow the Best Glass-Front Airflow Case?
It carries the badge for wraparound glass with three fans included. It is aimed at showing off the build.
What should I check before buying the H6 Flow?
Confirm GPU length for the H6 Flow with its maker. In this guide it ranks second of 5, as our Best Glass-Front Airflow Case pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Lancool 217 and the H6 Flow apart?
The Lancool 217: two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU. The H6 Flow: three angled 120mm intake fans. The HAF II 500: two 220mm front intake fans and a 180mm rear exhaust.
Who should choose the Lancool 217?
The Lancool 217 carries our Most Fans Included label for five fans in the box. It ranks first of 5 here and sat in the $100 to $150 tier at our last price check; it suits builds that skip buying extra fans.
Should I pick the Lancool 217 or the Pure Base 501?
The Lancool 217 suits builds that skip buying extra fans; the Pure Base 501 suits quieter gaming desktops.
Bottom Line
The Lian Li Lancool 217 includes five fans, the NZXT H6 Flow suits glass-front builds, and the HAF II 500 puts airflow first. The AURA GC1 ELITE is the budget four-fan pick, and the Pure Base 501 suits quieter builds.
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About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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