Buying Guide
The Best PC Cases
Six ATX mid-towers compared on GPU clearance, radiator support, included fans and layout, from airflow-first designs to a dual-chamber showcase.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read6 products evaluated
A PC case decides which graphics card and cooler you can use, how much air reaches them and how easy the build is. Most people need an ATX mid-tower, and the differences are in GPU room, radiator positions and how many fans come in the box.
We compared six mid-towers on listed clearances, radiator support, included fans and layout. It is a research-based comparison drawn from maker specifications; we have not built in these mid-towers.
Quick Picks
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Best Airflow Mid-Tower
Lian Li LANCOOL 216Two 160mm front fans and 392mm of GPU room.
Best for: Gaming builds with a large graphics card.
Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 216 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Fans Included
Lian Li LANCOOL 217Five fans in the box, including two 170mm front fans.
Best for: Builders who want a finished cooling layout on day one.
Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 217 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Looking Airflow Case
Fractal Design North (Mesh)A walnut front with mesh side panels.
Best for: A living-room PC that should look like furniture.
Check price for Fractal Design North (Mesh) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Dual-Chamber Pick
NZXT H9 Flow (2025)420mm radiator support with four fans included.
Best for: Showcase builds with a large AIO.
Check price for NZXT H9 Flow (2025) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Most Modular
CORSAIR 4000D RS FrameA FRAME design with swappable front I/O and InfiniRail fan mounts.
Best for: Builders who like to change their layout over time.
Check price for CORSAIR 4000D RS Frame on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best for Vertical GPUs
be quiet! Pure Base 501 AirflowPCIe slots that rotate 90 degrees.
Best for: Builds that show the graphics card face-on.
Check price for be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Airflow Mid-Tower1 of 6
Lian Li LANCOOL 216
The Lancool 216 is built around two large 160mm front fans and a clear path to the graphics card, with 392mm of GPU room.
Best for
- Gaming builds with a large graphics card.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the 4000D RS cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Radiators up to 360mm mount on top or at the bottom, which leaves the front free for intake. The motherboard tray switches between air-cooling and water-cooling layouts, and three Velcro straps behind the tray bundle cables. Fine mesh front and top panels feed airflow.
It matches the North and the Pure Base 501 on largest radiator size (360mm). It also offers a removable top radiator bracket and mounts for up to ten 120mm fans. The Lancool 216 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. It was priced above the 4000D RS and below the Pure Base 501 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 392mm
- Largest radiator
- 360mm
- Fans included
- 3
- Motherboards
- ATX
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- 3 fans included
- Two 160mm front fans
- 360mm radiator mounts on top and bottom
Cons
- Costs more than the 4000D RS at the time of writing
Most Fans Included2 of 6
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
- Builders who want a finished cooling layout on day one.
Skip if
- The maker gives no largest radiator size, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
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 comes with 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. You also get this: 5 fans included. Its price falls between the Pure Base 501 and the H9 Flow, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed GPU clearance should compare it with the Lancool 216, which comes in at 392mm.
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
- No published largest radiator size
- Costs more than the 4000D RS at the time of writing
Best Looking Airflow Case3 of 6
Fractal Design North (Mesh)
The North pairs a walnut front with mesh side panels, and it still takes a 355mm graphics card and a 360mm front radiator.
Best for
- A living-room PC that should look like furniture.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the 4000D RS, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Two 140mm Aspect fans come fitted, enough for a mid-range build. Seven expansion slots and support for ATX, Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX boards keep options open, but GPU room drops to 300mm with a 360mm front radiator. It includes two combined 3.5 and 2.5-inch drive mounts and two 2.5-inch mounts, and mesh side panels add airflow.
On largest radiator size it ties with the Lancool 216 and the Pure Base 501 at 360mm. GPU limit in the North: 355mm, before front fans. The North takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the H9 Flow.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 355mm
- Largest radiator
- 360mm
- Fans included
- 2
- Motherboards
- ATX, mATX, ITX
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Walnut wood front
- Mesh side panels
- Seven expansion slots
Cons
- Costs more than the 4000D RS at the time of writing
Best Dual-Chamber Pick4 of 6
NZXT H9 Flow (2025)
The H9 Flow moves the power supply and drives into a rear chamber, leaving the main compartment for the motherboard, GPU and radiators up to 420mm.
Best for
- Showcase builds with a large AIO.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the 4000D RS was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Four fans are included, three of them angled 140mm intakes. The dual-chamber layout separates the PSU and drives from the main components, and three F140Q fans come pre-installed. Angled front-right fans aim air at the GPU.
Its 420mm largest radiator size is the largest here; the Lancool 216 comes next at 360mm. It also offers perforated steel panels. Confirm GPU length for the H9 Flow with its maker.
The H9 Flow takes 420mm radiators; mind RAM height. If you want a confirmed GPU clearance, look to the Lancool 216 instead: it comes in at 392mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key specs
- Largest radiator
- 420mm
- Fans included
- 4
- Glass
- Wraparound tempered glass
Pros
- Fits a 420mm radiator
- 4 fans included
- Wraparound tempered glass
- Dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard
Cons
- Costs more than the 4000D RS at the time of writing
Most Modular5 of 6
CORSAIR 4000D RS Frame
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
- Builders who like to change their layout over time.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its largest radiator size 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. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Lancool 216 was closest. If you want a confirmed GPU clearance, look to the Lancool 216 instead: it comes in at 392mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key 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 largest radiator size
Best for Vertical GPUs6 of 6
be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow
The Pure Base 501 Airflow is a quieter-minded be quiet!
Best for
- Builds that show the graphics card face-on.
Skip if
- Skip it if largest radiator size matters most to you; the H9 Flow offers 420mm.
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. On largest radiator size it ties with the Lancool 216 and the North at 360mm. Confirm GPU length for the Pure Base 501 with its maker.
The Pure Base 501 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. On price it sat third of 6, between the cheaper Lancool 216 and the pricier 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
- Largest radiator size trails the H9 Flow (420mm)
- Costs more than the 4000D RS at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its GPU clearance; if that figure matters, the Lancool 216 comes in at 392mm.
How We Chose These PC 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up six cases on GPU clearance, largest radiator size, fans included and motherboards, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and GPU clearance and largest radiator size are missing for at least one pick.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Lancool 217, the H9 Flow, the 4000D RS and the Pure Base 501 give no GPU clearance; the Lancool 217 and the 4000D RS give no largest radiator size.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the 4000D RS ($50 to $100) to the North ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a PC Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Largest radiator size across these picks
Across these 4 picks largest radiator size spans 360mm (the Pure Base 501) to 420mm (the H9 Flow). If largest radiator size is your first filter, the H9 Flow sets the ceiling at 420mm. The Lancool 217 and the 4000D RS give no largest radiator size figure, so 4 of 6 picks are compared here.
How much GPU clearance you need
The Lancool 216 tops GPU clearance at 392mm and the North sits lowest at 355mm. The Lancool 216 is the pick for GPU clearance. The Lancool 217, the H9 Flow, the 4000D RS and the Pure Base 501 give no GPU clearance figure, so 2 of 6 picks are compared here.
A case interior with a tower cooler and a graphics card installed Fit and compatibility
GPU limit in the Lancool 216: 392mm, before front fans. Confirm GPU length for the Lancool 217 with its maker. GPU limit in the North: 355mm, before front fans.
Extras that separate them
The H9 Flow: three angled F140Q fans on the front-right. The 4000D RS: a modular FRAME design with a swappable front I/O 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 4000D RS, the Lancool 216 and the Pure Base 501; $100 to $150 buys the Lancool 217 and the H9 Flow; $150 to $250 buys the North at our last check.
How to Choose a PC Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming builds with a large graphics card | Lancool 216 | Two 160mm front fans and 392mm of GPU room |
| Builders who want a finished cooling layout on day one | Lancool 217 | Five fans in the box, including two 170mm front fans |
| A living-room PC that should look like furniture | North | A walnut front with mesh side panels |
| Showcase builds with a large AIO | H9 Flow | 420mm radiator support with four fans included |
| Builders who like to change their layout over time | 4000D RS | A FRAME design with swappable front I/O and InfiniRail fan mounts |
| Builds that show the graphics card face-on | Pure Base 501 | PCIe slots that rotate 90 degrees |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The H9 Flow leads on largest radiator size at 420mm, ahead of the Lancool 216 at 360mm. "Not listed" marks GPU clearance where the Lancool 217, the H9 Flow, the 4000D RS and the Pure Base 501 leave the figure out.
| Case | Max GPU length | Largest radiator | Fans included | Motherboards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancool 216 | 392mm | 360mm | 3 | ATX |
| Lancool 217 | Not listed | Not listed | 5 | ATX |
| North | 355mm | 360mm | 2 | ATX, mATX, ITX |
| H9 Flow | Not listed | 420mm | 4 | Not listed |
| 4000D RS | Not listed | Not listed | 3 | Not listed |
| Pure Base 501 | Not listed | 360mm | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The 4000D RS was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the North the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | 4000D RS, Lancool 216, Pure Base 501 |
| About $100 to $150 | Lancool 217, H9 Flow |
| About $150 to $250 | North |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Lancool 216 compare with the H9 Flow on largest radiator size?
The H9 Flow leads at 420mm, with the Lancool 216 at 360mm. The Lancool 217 and the 4000D RS are left out of this ranking because their largest radiator size isn't stated; 4 of 6 picks are ranked.
Which has the longest GPU clearance: the Lancool 216 or the North?
Between the top two, it is 392mm on the Lancool 216 against 355mm on the North, a 10% difference. No GPU clearance figure is published for the Lancool 217, the H9 Flow, the 4000D RS and the Pure Base 501, which leaves 2 of 6 picks ranked here.
Why is the H9 Flow our Best Dual-Chamber Pick?
It carries the badge for 420mm radiator support with four fans included. The 4000D RS, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $100 to $150 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for showcase builds with a large AIO.
Will the Lancool 216 work with my setup?
GPU limit in the Lancool 216: 392mm, before front fans. The Lancool 216 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. In this guide it ranks first of 6, as our Best Airflow Mid-Tower pick, and second of 4 on largest radiator size (360mm).
What extras do the Lancool 216 and the Lancool 217 include?
The Lancool 216: two 160mm front fans. The Lancool 217: two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU. The North: a walnut wood front.
Bottom Line
The Lian Li Lancool 216 is the airflow pick, the Lancool 217 comes most complete with five fans, and the Fractal North is the one to choose for looks.
The NZXT H9 Flow suits dual-chamber showcase builds, the Corsair 4000D RS suits tinkerers, and the be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow handles vertical GPU layouts.
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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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