Buying Guide
The Best PC Cases Under $100
From the King 45 to the 2800X RS-R: five PC cases ranked on GPU clearance and radiator size, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $80 and $100 cases add mesh fronts, more fan mounts and radiator support. Every pick cost 80 to 100 when we checked and lists its motherboard support.
Our comparison rests on published figures for max GPU length, largest radiator and fans included; nothing here was tested in-house, 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
MONTECH King 45
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the XT View Matrix the next step up.
Our take Check price for MONTECH King 45 (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Phanteks XT View Matrix Mid-Tower
A 600-LED matrix display on the front.
Best for: Buyers who want 600-LED matrix display on the front.
Our take Check price for Phanteks XT View Matrix Mid-Tower (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
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)
Worth a Look
Cooler Master NR200P V2
A choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel.
Best for: Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
CORSAIR 2800X RS-R
The top of this price range, adding three reverse-rotor RS120-R intake fans in the side panel.
Best for: Spending more than the NR200P V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Our take Check price for CORSAIR 2800X RS-R (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Spending as little as possible, with the XT View Matrix the next step up. | Check price for MONTECH King 45 (opens in a new tab) |
| A 600-LED matrix display on the front. | Buyers who want 600-LED matrix display on the front. | Check price for Phanteks XT View Matrix Mid-Tower (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) |
| A choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel. | Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel. | Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 (opens in a new tab) |
| The top of this price range, adding three reverse-rotor RS120-R intake fans in the side panel. | Spending more than the NR200P V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group. | Check price for CORSAIR 2800X RS-R (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
MONTECH King 45 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The King 45 brings Montech's curved panoramic glass and dual-chamber layout to a lower price.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the XT View Matrix the next step up.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
Its roof takes a 360mm radiator up to 84mm thick; the maker doesn't state a fan count. Its chimney airflow pushes air bottom to top, and it fits 360mm radiators up to 84mm thick in the roof. A curved tempered glass panel shows the build, and the case lists ATX motherboard support.
ATX motherboards is unique to it among these picks, while the 2800X RS-R uses micro-ATX motherboards. It is the only pick here with curved panoramic glass; the 2800X RS-R has a glass side and front instead. Confirm GPU length for the King 45 with its maker.
The King 45 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. It undercut the XT View Matrix and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its GPU clearance; if that figure matters, the 2800X RS-R comes in at 410mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Motherboards: ATX
- Glass: Curved panoramic glass
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Curved panoramic glass
- Dual-chamber layout
- Top 360mm radiators up to 84mm thick
Also Consider2 of 5
Phanteks XT View Matrix Mid-Tower on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The XT View Matrix is built around a 600-LED matrix display on the front, with support for rear-connector motherboards on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 600-LED matrix display on the front.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the King 45 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
A 600-LED fabric matrix screen shows system stats and animations on the front. It supports rear-connector motherboards, and glass on the front and side shows off the build. It ships with three D-RGB fans and has room for nine 120mm fans.
The top takes a 360mm radiator without restrictions. Confirm GPU length for the XT View Matrix with its maker. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper King 45 and the pricier 4000D RS, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its GPU clearance; if that figure matters, the 2800X RS-R comes in at 410mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Motherboards: ATX, rear-connector ATX
- Glass: Tempered glass front and side
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- Tempered glass front and side
- A front USB-C port
- 600-LED matrix display on the front
- Support for rear-connector motherboards
Cons
- Costs more than the King 45 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 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
- If budget leads, the King 45 was cheaper at our last price check.
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. Its price falls between the XT View Matrix and the NR200P V2, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed GPU clearance should compare it with the 2800X RS-R, which comes in at 410mm.
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
- Costs more than the King 45 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
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
- Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: needs an SFX power supply.
Why we like it
You choose glass or a vented steel side panel, but it needs an SFX power supply. It lists support for GPUs up to 357mm and top radiators of 240 or 280mm, and it accepts SFX power supplies only. No other pick in this guide offers mini-ITX motherboards; compare the King 45, which has ATX motherboards.
It also offers 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.
Worth noting: A compact 18.25L footprint. Another plus: A front USB-C port. The nearest alternative on GPU clearance is the 2800X RS-R at 410mm, against 357mm here.
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 King 45 at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
CORSAIR 2800X RS-R on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The 2800X RS-R puts three reverse-rotor intake fans in its side panel so the lit side faces the glass.
Best for
- Spending more than the NR200P V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the King 45, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has 410mm of GPU room in a Micro-ATX footprint. Wraparound glass shows off the build, and three reverse-rotor fans in the side panel pull air in. It suits a showcase build.
You get micro-ATX motherboards here, which sets it apart from the NR200P V2 and its mini-ITX motherboards. No other pick in this guide offers a glass side and front; compare the King 45, which has curved panoramic glass. You also get PWM and ARGB fan headers.
GPU limit in the 2800X RS-R: 410mm, before front fans. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the NR200P V2. Buyers who need a confirmed largest radiator size should compare it with the King 45, which comes in at 360mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 410mm
- Fans included: 3
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX
- Glass: Glass side and front
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 410mm long
- 3 fans included
- Glass side and front
- Three reverse-rotor RS120-R intake fans in the side panel
Cons
- Costs more than the King 45 at the time of writing
How We Chose These PC Cases Under $100
Each pick was assessed across 3 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We compared five cases on GPU clearance, largest radiator size, fans included and motherboards, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 3 of 5 picks leave out GPU clearance.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The King 45, the XT View Matrix and the 4000D RS give no GPU clearance; the XT View Matrix, the 4000D RS and the 2800X RS-R give no largest radiator size.
- Price range
- From the King 45 to the 2800X RS-R, all sat in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a PC Case Under $100
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much GPU clearance you need
Across these 2 picks GPU clearance spans 357mm (the NR200P V2) to 410mm (the 2800X RS-R). If GPU clearance is your first filter, the 2800X RS-R sets the ceiling at 410mm. The King 45, the XT View Matrix and the 4000D RS give no GPU clearance figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
Largest radiator size across these picks
Here largest radiator size runs from 280mm on the NR200P V2 to 360mm on the King 45, a 29% spread. Start with the King 45 if largest radiator size decides it. The XT View Matrix, the 4000D RS and the 2800X RS-R give no largest radiator size figure, so 2 of 5 picks are compared here.
What to check at home
Confirm GPU length for the King 45 with its maker. Confirm GPU length for the XT View Matrix with its maker. Confirm GPU length for the 4000D RS with its maker.
Features beyond the spec table
The 4000D RS: a modular FRAME design with a swappable front I/O panel. The NR200P V2: bottom-to-top airflow from a 120mm bottom fan. The 2800X RS-R: PWM and ARGB fan headers.
Where your budget lands
Price does little to separate these 5: the King 45 through the 2800X RS-R all landed in the $50 to $100 tier, which leaves GPU clearance to decide it.
How to Choose a PC Case Under $100
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the XT View Matrix the next step up | King 45 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want 600-LED matrix display on the front | XT View Matrix | A 600-LED matrix display on the front |
| Buyers who want InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm | 4000D RS | An InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm |
| Buyers who want choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel | NR200P V2 | A choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel |
| Spending more than the NR200P V2 costs for the fullest feature set in this group | 2800X RS-R | The top of this price range, adding three reverse-rotor RS120-R intake fans in the side panel |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The 2800X RS-R leads on GPU clearance at 410mm, ahead of the NR200P V2 at 357mm. "Not listed" marks GPU clearance where the King 45, the XT View Matrix and the 4000D RS leave the figure out.
| Case | Max GPU length | Largest radiator | Fans included | Motherboards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King 45 | Not listed | 360mm | Not listed | ATX |
| XT View Matrix | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | ATX, rear-connector ATX |
| 4000D RS | Not listed | Not listed | 3 | Not listed |
| NR200P V2 | 357mm | 280mm | Not listed | Mini-ITX |
| 2800X RS-R | 410mm | Not listed | 3 | Micro-ATX |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2800X RS-R ahead of the NR200P V2 on GPU clearance?
The 2800X RS-R tops GPU clearance at 410mm; the NR200P V2 follows at 357mm, 15% apart. The King 45, the XT View Matrix and the 4000D RS are left out of this ranking because their GPU clearance isn't stated; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
Which has the largest radiator size: the King 45 or the NR200P V2?
Between the top two, it is 360mm on the King 45 against 280mm on the NR200P V2, a 29% difference. The XT View Matrix, the 4000D RS and the 2800X RS-R don't state a largest radiator size figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 2 of 5 picks are ranked.
What makes the King 45 the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for the lowest price of the group at our last check. It makes sense for spending as little as possible, with the XT View Matrix the next step up.
Which of these cases have front USB-C?
The XT View Matrix and the NR200P V2 have it. The makers of the King 45, the 4000D RS and the 2800X RS-R don't state front USB-C, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
What should I check before buying the XT View Matrix?
Confirm GPU length for the XT View Matrix with its maker. In this guide it ranks second of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the King 45 and the XT View Matrix apart?
The King 45: a dual-chamber layout. The XT View Matrix: a 600-LED matrix display on the front. The 4000D RS: an InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the King 45, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the XT View Matrix for a 600-LED matrix display on the front, the 4000D RS for an InfiniRail front mount for fans up to 200mm and the NR200P V2 for a choice of tempered glass or vented steel side panel if those matter more to you.
Confirm radiator support if you plan to fit an AIO cooler later.