Buying Guide
The Best PC Cases for Video Editing
Five PC cases compared, from the Q300L V3 to the A3-mATX, with the trade-offs of each named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
A video editing build needs a full ATX board for storage and a long GPU. Every pick takes ATX boards and GPUs of 350mm or more.
We sorted these picks by max GPU length, max CPU cooler height and largest radiator, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips max CPU cooler height, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Cooler Master Q300L V3The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the QUBE 340.
Check price for Cooler Master Q300L V3 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Cooler Master QUBE 340Room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Best for: Buyers who want room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 340 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Lian Li O11 Vision-MA pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber.
Best for: Buyers who want pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber.
Check price for Lian Li O11 Vision-M on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh)Two slim 120mm fans.
Best for: Buyers who want two slim 120mm fans.
Check price for Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest GPU Clearance
Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood)The longest GPU clearance here (415mm).
Best for: Buyers who put GPU clearance first.
Check price for Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Cooler Master Q300L V3
The Q300L V3 is a Micro-ATX case that still fits a 366mm graphics card and a 178mm tower cooler.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the QUBE 340.
Skip if
- Choose another pick if you can't accept this: radiators top out at 240mm.
Why we like it
Its radiator support stops at 240mm, the trade for its size and price. On GPU clearance it ties with the QUBE 340 at 366mm. On CPU cooler clearance it ties with the QUBE 340 at 178mm.
It matches the QUBE 340 on largest radiator size (240mm). It matches the QUBE 340 on PSU length limit (200mm). Like the QUBE 340, it has micro-ATX motherboards, while the B4-mATX uses mATX motherboards.
You also get 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 cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the QUBE 340 the next step up.
Key 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
- GPU clearance of 366mm, behind the A3-mATX (415mm)
The catch
There is no published volume figure, whereas the B4-mATX comes in at 21.3L.
Also Consider2 of 5
Cooler Master QUBE 340
The QUBE 340 is a Micro-ATX version of the same idea: a mesh front, magnetic filters, carry handles and room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Best for
- Buyers who want room for six 120mm or 140mm fans.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when radiators top out at 240mm is a problem.
Why we like it
It fits 366mm cards and 178mm tower coolers. It matches the Q300L V3 on GPU clearance (366mm). It matches the Q300L V3 on CPU cooler clearance (178mm).
On largest radiator size it ties with the Q300L V3 at 240mm. On PSU length limit it ties with the Q300L V3 at 200mm. It shares micro-ATX motherboards with the Q300L V3; the B4-mATX goes with mATX motherboards.
You also get a movable I/O panel. GPU limit in the QUBE 340: 366mm, before front fans. The QUBE 340 takes 240mm radiators; mind RAM height.
200mm is the QUBE 340's PSU length cap. Its price falls between the Q300L V3 and the O11 Vision-M, based on our last check.
Key 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
- Room for six 120mm or 140mm fans
- Magnetic dust filters and carry handles
Cons
- Radiators top out at 240mm
- Largest radiator size trails the O11 Vision-M (360mm)
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
The catch
If largest radiator size is your priority, the O11 Vision-M (360mm) is the stronger choice.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Lian Li O11 Vision-M
The O11 Vision-M brings Lian Li's dual-chamber layout to Micro-ATX, with 410mm of GPU room and a 360mm top radiator.
Best for
- Buyers who want pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: only 1 fan in the box.
Why we like it
It does not take ATX or back-connect boards, and only one fan comes fitted. On GPU clearance it sits mid-pack at 410mm: the A3-mATX comes in at 415mm, and the B4-mATX comes in at 358mm. On CPU cooler clearance it trails the group at 162mm, while the Q300L V3 comes in at 178mm.
It matches the B4-mATX and the A3-mATX on largest radiator size (360mm). Its 182mm PSU length limit ranks third of 4 here, behind the Q300L V3 (200mm) and ahead of the B4-mATX (140mm). It also offers a pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber.
GPU limit in the O11 Vision-M: 410mm, before front fans. The O11 Vision-M takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. 182mm is the O11 Vision-M's PSU length cap. When we checked, only the QUBE 340 and cheaper picks cost less, and the B4-mATX cost more.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 410mm
- Max CPU cooler height
- 162mm
- Largest radiator
- 360mm
- Max PSU length
- 182mm
- Fans included
- 1
- Motherboards
- mATX, Mini-ITX (no ATX or back-connect)
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 410mm long
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber
- Dual-chamber layout
Cons
- Only 1 fan in the box
- CPU cooler clearance trails the Q300L V3 (178mm)
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
The catch
CPU cooler clearance is its weakest area, and the Q300L V3 covers it better at 178mm.
Worth a Look4 of 5
Lian Li B4-mATX (Mesh)
The B4-mATX is the smallest case here at 21.3 litres and still takes a 358mm graphics card.
Best for
- Buyers who want two slim 120mm fans.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: power supplies are limited to 140mm long.
Why we like it
Choosing an SFX power supply frees room for a 360mm AIO; an ATX unit must be 140mm or shorter. Its 358mm GPU clearance is the shortest in this group; the A3-mATX leads at 415mm. On largest radiator size it ties with the O11 Vision-M and the A3-mATX at 360mm.
On PSU length limit it trails the group at 140mm, while the Q300L V3 comes in at 200mm. You get mATX motherboards here, which sets it apart from the QUBE 340 and its micro-ATX motherboards. It also offers two slim 120mm fans and a 360mm AIO when paired with an SFX PSU.
GPU limit in the B4-mATX: 358mm, before front fans. The B4-mATX takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. 140mm is the B4-mATX's PSU length cap.
Boards: mATX. Its price falls between the O11 Vision-M and the A3-mATX, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 358mm
- Largest radiator
- 360mm
- Max PSU length
- 140mm
- Volume
- 21.3L
- Fans included
- 2
- Motherboards
- mATX
- PSU type
- SFX, or ATX up to 140mm
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- A compact 21.3L footprint
- Two slim 120mm fans
- 360mm AIO when paired with an SFX PSU
Cons
- Power supplies are limited to 140mm long
- GPU clearance trails the A3-mATX (415mm)
- No published CPU cooler clearance
The catch
If GPU clearance is your priority, the A3-mATX (415mm) is the stronger choice.
Longest GPU Clearance5 of 5
Lian Li A3-mATX (Wood)
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 put GPU clearance first.
Skip if
- Pass if a published CPU cooler clearance matters; this one has none.
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 O11 Vision-M (410mm). It matches the O11 Vision-M and the B4-mATX on largest radiator size (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. Only the B4-mATX came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks. There is no published CPU cooler clearance figure, whereas the Q300L V3 comes in at 178mm.
Key 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
- No published PSU length limit
- Costs more than the Q300L V3 at the time of writing
How We Chose These PC Cases for Video Editing
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.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five cases on GPU clearance, CPU cooler clearance, largest radiator size and PSU length limit, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out CPU cooler clearance.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Q300L V3 to the A3-mATX, state GPU clearance, largest radiator size and motherboards.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The B4-mATX and the A3-mATX give no CPU cooler clearance; the A3-mATX gives no PSU length limit.
- Price range
- From the Q300L V3 to the A3-mATX, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a PC Case for Video Editing
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much GPU clearance you need
The A3-mATX tops GPU clearance at 415mm and the B4-mATX sits lowest at 358mm. For less, the O11 Vision-M is the runner-up at 410mm.
Largest radiator size across these picks
Across these 5 picks largest radiator size spans 240mm (the QUBE 340) to 360mm (the O11 Vision-M). The O11 Vision-M is the pick for largest radiator size.
A PC case with red-lit glass panels next to a monitor PSU length limit across these picks
Here PSU length limit runs from 140mm on the B4-mATX to 200mm on the Q300L V3, a 43% spread. The Q300L V3 is the pick for PSU length limit. The A3-mATX gives no PSU length limit figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
What to check at home
GPU limit in the Q300L V3: 366mm, before front fans. GPU limit in the QUBE 340: 366mm, before front fans. GPU limit in the O11 Vision-M: 410mm, before front fans.
A compact black PC case beside a speaker on a desk Features beyond the spec table
The O11 Vision-M: a dual-chamber layout. The B4-mATX: a 360mm AIO when paired with an SFX PSU. The A3-mATX: mounts for up to ten 120mm fans.
How to Choose a PC Case for Video Editing
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the QUBE 340 | Q300L V3 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want room for six 120mm or 140mm fans | QUBE 340 | Room for six 120mm or 140mm fans |
| Buyers who want pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber | O11 Vision-M | A pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber |
| Buyers who want two slim 120mm fans | B4-mATX | Two slim 120mm fans |
| Buyers who put GPU clearance first | A3-mATX | The longest GPU clearance here (415mm) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The A3-mATX leads on GPU clearance at 415mm, ahead of the O11 Vision-M at 410mm. "Not listed" marks CPU cooler clearance where the B4-mATX and the A3-mATX leave the figure out.
| Case | Max GPU length | Max CPU cooler height | Largest radiator | Max PSU length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q300L V3 | 366mm | 178mm | 240mm | 200mm |
| QUBE 340 | 366mm | 178mm | 240mm | 200mm |
| O11 Vision-M | 410mm | 162mm | 360mm | 182mm |
| B4-mATX | 358mm | Not listed | 360mm | 140mm |
| A3-mATX | 415mm | Not listed | 360mm | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the O11 Vision-M compare with the A3-mATX on GPU clearance?
The A3-mATX leads at 415mm, with the O11 Vision-M at 410mm. The B4-mATX closes the ranking at 358mm.
Is the B4-mATX ahead of the A3-mATX on volume?
The B4-mATX is lowest on volume at 21.3L; the A3-mATX follows at 26.3L, 19% apart. No volume figure is published for the Q300L V3, the QUBE 340 and the O11 Vision-M, which leaves 2 of 5 picks ranked here.
Is the A3-mATX worth paying more than the Q300L V3?
What it brings is GPU clearance (415mm against 366mm) and largest radiator size (360mm against 240mm). Both sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, so the gains in GPU clearance and largest radiator size cost little extra by tier.
What makes the A3-mATX the Longest GPU Clearance?
It earns the label for the longest GPU clearance here (415mm). The O11 Vision-M is next on GPU clearance at 410mm, so this pick's 415mm is 1% further out. It makes sense for anyone who puts GPU clearance first.
What should I check before buying the O11 Vision-M?
GPU limit in the O11 Vision-M: 410mm, before front fans. The O11 Vision-M takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. In this guide it ranks third of 5, and second of 5 on GPU clearance (410mm).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Q300L V3 and the QUBE 340 apart?
The Q300L V3: mounts for six 120mm or 140mm fans. The QUBE 340: room for six 120mm or 140mm fans. The O11 Vision-M: a pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Q300L V3, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the QUBE 340 for room for six 120mm or 140mm fans, the O11 Vision-M for a pre-installed 140mm PWM fan in the second chamber and the B4-mATX for two slim 120mm fans if those matter more to you.
Plan drive mounting: 3.5-inch bays are disappearing from new cases.
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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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