Buying Guide
The Best PC Cases for the RTX 4080 and 4080 Super
Six cases with 355mm to 392mm of GPU room, compared for RTX 4080 and 4080 Super builds.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
The RTX 4080 Founders Edition is 310mm long, and partner cards are often a little longer. That fits most mid-towers, and even some small cases.
We compared the GPU length, cooler height and radiator limits the case makers list; we did not build in these cases ourselves.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best Fit for an RTX 4080
Fractal Design North (Mesh)
355mm of GPU room with a wood front and mesh sides.
Best for: Living-room-friendly builds.
Our take Check price for Fractal Design North (Mesh) (opens in a new tab)
Best Airflow Pick
Lian Li LANCOOL 216
392mm of GPU room with two 160mm front fans.
Best for: Hot-running cards.
Our take Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 216 (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget mATX
Cooler Master Q300L V3
366mm of GPU room with a 178mm cooler limit.
Best for: Budget Micro-ATX builds.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master Q300L V3 (opens in a new tab)
Best Portable Case
JONSBO Z20
363mm of GPU room with a carry handle.
Best for: LAN parties.
Best Mini-ITX Pick
Cooler Master NR200P V2
357mm of GPU room in 18.25 litres.
Best for: Small form factor builds.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 (opens in a new tab)
Best Flexible PSU Layout
Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood)
415mm of GPU room with ATX, SFX or SFX-L support.
Best for: Compact builds with any PSU.
Our take Check price for Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best Fit for an RTX 40801 of 6
Fractal Design North (Mesh) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Living-room-friendly builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if GPU clearance matters most to you; the A3-mATX offers 415mm.
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.
Its 355mm GPU clearance is the shortest in this group; the A3-mATX leads at 415mm. On largest radiator size it ties with the Lancool 216 and the A3-mATX at 360mm. GPU limit in the North: 355mm, before front fans.
The North takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Z20 and the rest.
Key dimensions & 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
- GPU clearance trails the A3-mATX (415mm)
- No published volume
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Best Airflow Pick2 of 6
Lian Li LANCOOL 216 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Hot-running cards.
Skip if
- Skip it if you need to know its volume before buying; the maker doesn't publish one.
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.
On GPU clearance it sits mid-pack at 392mm: the A3-mATX comes in at 415mm, and the North comes in at 355mm. It matches the North and the A3-mATX on largest radiator size (360mm). It is the only pick here with ATX motherboards; the NR200P V2 has mini-ITX motherboards instead.
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. When we checked, only the A3-mATX and cheaper picks cost less, and the Z20 cost more. If you want a confirmed CPU cooler clearance, look to the Q300L V3 instead: it comes in at 178mm, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & 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
- No published volume
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Best Budget mATX3 of 6
Cooler Master Q300L V3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Q300L V3 is a Micro-ATX case that still fits a 366mm graphics card and a 178mm tower cooler.
Best for
- Budget Micro-ATX builds.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: radiators top out at 240mm.
Why we like it
Its radiator support stops at 240mm, the trade for its size and price. Its 366mm GPU clearance ranks third of 6 here, behind the A3-mATX (415mm) and ahead of the North (355mm). On largest radiator size it ties with the Z20 at 240mm.
It shares micro-ATX motherboards with the Z20; the NR200P V2 goes with mini-ITX motherboards. It also comes with mounts for six 120mm or 140mm fans and a movable front I/O panel. GPU limit in the Q300L V3: 366mm, before front fans.
The Q300L V3 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. 200mm is the Q300L V3's PSU length cap. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the NR200P V2 was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed volume should compare it with the NR200P V2, which comes in at 18.25L.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 366mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 178mm
- Largest radiator: 240mm
- Max PSU length: 200mm
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- Glass: Tempered glass side
Pros
- Takes tower air coolers up to 178mm tall
- Tempered glass side
- Mounts for six 120mm or 140mm fans
- Movable front I/O panel
Cons
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- No published volume
Best Portable Case4 of 6
JONSBO Z20 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Z20 is a 20-litre Micro-ATX box with a detachable handle and 2mm steel panels.
Best for
- LAN parties.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: radiators top out at 240mm.
Why we like it
It takes a 363mm graphics card, a 163mm cooler and ATX, SFX or SFX-L power supplies. On GPU clearance it sits mid-pack at 363mm: the A3-mATX comes in at 415mm, and the North comes in at 355mm. It matches the Q300L V3 on largest radiator size (240mm).
On volume it sits mid-pack at 20L: the NR200P V2 comes in at 18.25L, and the A3-mATX comes in at 26.3L. Like the Q300L V3, it has micro-ATX motherboards, while the Lancool 216 uses ATX motherboards. It also offers a 240mm top AIO up to 60mm thick.
GPU limit in the Z20: 363mm, before front fans. The Z20 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height. When we checked, only the Lancool 216 and cheaper picks cost less, and the North cost more. Largest radiator size is its weakest area, and the North covers it better at 360mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 363mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 163mm
- Largest radiator: 240mm
- Volume: 20L
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- PSU type: ATX, SFX or SFX-L
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- A compact 20L footprint
- A front USB-C port
- Detachable carrying handle
- 2mm bent steel panels
Cons
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- Largest radiator size trails the North (360mm)
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Best Mini-ITX Pick5 of 6
Cooler Master NR200P V2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The NR200P V2 is the easiest way into small form factor: 18.25 litres, a 357mm GPU limit and a top 280mm radiator position.
Best for
- Small form factor builds.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when needs an SFX power suppl is a problem.
Why we like it
You choose glass or a vented steel side panel, but it needs an SFX power supply. Its 357mm GPU clearance ranks fifth of 6 here, behind the A3-mATX (415mm) and ahead of the North (355mm). On largest radiator size it sits mid-pack at 280mm: the North comes in at 360mm, and the Z20 comes in at 240mm.
On volume it leads this guide at 18.25L, ahead of the Z20 (20L). You get mini-ITX motherboards here, which sets it apart from the Z20 and its micro-ATX motherboards. You also get bottom-to-top airflow from a 120mm bottom fan.
The NR200P V2 takes 280mm radiators; mind RAM height. SFX power only in the NR200P V2. Its price falls between the Q300L V3 and the A3-mATX, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed CPU cooler clearance should compare it with the Q300L V3, which comes in at 178mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 357mm
- Largest radiator: 280mm
- Volume: 18.25L
- Motherboards: Mini-ITX
- PSU type: SFX only
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- A compact 18.25L footprint
- A front USB-C port
- Choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel
- Bottom-to-top airflow from a 120mm bottom fan
Cons
- Needs an SFX power supply
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
Best Flexible PSU Layout6 of 6
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
- Compact builds with any PSU.
Skip if
- Skip it if volume matters most to you; the NR200P V2 offers 18.25L.
Why we like it
ATX, SFX and SFX-L units are all listed. On GPU clearance it leads this guide at 415mm, ahead of the Lancool 216 (392mm). On largest radiator size it ties with the North and the Lancool 216 at 360mm.
Its 26.3L volume is the largest in this group; the NR200P V2 leads at 18.25L. It also offers 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 NR200P V2 and the Lancool 216, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed CPU cooler clearance should compare it with the Q300L V3, which comes in at 178mm.
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
- Volume trails the NR200P V2 (18.25L)
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Cases for RTX 4080
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Cooling layout
- We checked radiator sizes and positions, fan mounts and how many fans come in the box.
- Build features
- We recorded front USB-C, glass panels and layout features such as dual chambers.
- Size
- We noted motherboard support and, where the maker states it, the case volume.
- Hardware fit
- We compared listed GPU length, CPU cooler height and power supply limits.
What to Look for in a Case for RTX 4080
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Check GPU length and thickness
Large graphics cards run past 330mm and take three or four slots. Compare your card with the case's GPU length figure, and note that front fans or a front radiator often cut it.
Vertical mounts need a riser cable and more width.
Match cooler height to the case
Every case offers a maximum CPU air cooler height. Tall dual-tower coolers need about 160mm to 170mm; small cases may take only a low-profile cooler or an AIO.
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.
Confirm the power supply format
Most mid-towers take ATX power supplies, often with a length limit. Small cases may need SFX or SFX-L units, which cost more at the same wattage.
Check motherboard size and connector layout
Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX and ATX boards need matching cases. Back-connect boards, which put their connectors on the rear, need a case with cutouts for them.
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 a Case for RTX 4080
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living-room-friendly builds | North | 355mm of GPU room with a wood front and mesh sides |
| Hot-running cards | Lancool 216 | 392mm of GPU room with two 160mm front fans |
| Budget Micro-ATX builds | Q300L V3 | 366mm of GPU room with a 178mm cooler limit |
| LAN parties | Z20 | 363mm of GPU room with a carry handle |
| Small form factor builds | NR200P V2 | 357mm of GPU room in 18.25 litres |
| Compact builds with any PSU | A3-mATX | 415mm of GPU room with ATX, SFX or SFX-L support |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Case | Max GPU length | Max CPU cooler height | Largest radiator | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North | 355mm | Not listed | 360mm | Not listed |
| Lancool 216 | 392mm | Not listed | 360mm | Not listed |
| Q300L V3 | 366mm | 178mm | 240mm | Not listed |
| Z20 | 363mm | 163mm | 240mm | 20L |
| NR200P V2 | 357mm | Not listed | 280mm | 18.25L |
| A3-mATX | 415mm | Not listed | 360mm | 26.3L |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
Prices change often; these tiers reflect Amazon prices when this guide was updated.
| Price tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | Q300L V3, NR200P V2, A3-mATX, Lancool 216, Z20 |
| About $150 to $250 | North |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a glass front make a PC run hotter?
It can, when air has to enter through narrow gaps. Glass-front cases that take air from the side or bottom avoid most of that penalty.
What is a back-connect case?
One with cutouts for motherboards that put their power and data connectors on the rear. It hides cables but needs a compatible board.
Is a Mini-ITX build harder?
It takes more planning: check GPU length, cooler height and power supply format first, and expect tighter cable routing.
Do I need a full tower?
Only for very large radiators, E-ATX boards, custom loops or many drives. A good mid-tower fits most gaming builds, including large graphics cards.
How many case fans do I need?
Two intakes and one exhaust suit most builds. Add more for a hot graphics card or when a radiator sits in an intake position.
Will the front USB-C port work with any motherboard?
It needs a USB-C front-panel header on the motherboard. Most current mid-range boards have one; older or budget boards may not.
Bottom Line
Fractal's North is the best-looking fit for an RTX 4080, and the Lancool 216 has more airflow. The Q300L V3 is the budget choice, and the NR200P V2 suits Mini-ITX builds.