Buying Guide
The Best PC Cases Under $120
Five PC cases compared, from the Pure Base 600 to the H9 Flow, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Up to $120 cases add better build quality, USB-C front ports and generous cable routing. Every pick cost 100 to 120 when we checked and lists its motherboard support.
We sorted these picks by largest radiator, fans included and motherboards, working from the makers' own data; if a maker skips largest radiator, the guide says so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Lian Li LANCOOL 217
Two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU.
Best for: Buyers who want two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU.
Our take Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 217 (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
NZXT H9 Flow (2025)
A dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard.
Best for: Buyers who want dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard.
Our take Check price for NZXT H9 Flow (2025) (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
NZXT H9 Flow White
A white dual-chamber layout.
Best for: Buyers who want white dual-chamber layout.
Our take Check price for NZXT H9 Flow White (opens in a new tab)
Solid Runner-Up
JONSBO D33
Nine fan positions.
Best for: Buyers who want nine fan positions.
Lowest Price Here
be quiet! Pure Base 600
The cheapest way into this group, below the D33.
Best for: Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the D33.
Our take Check price for be quiet! Pure Base 600 (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU. | Buyers who want two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU. | Check price for Lian Li LANCOOL 217 (opens in a new tab) |
| A dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard. | Buyers who want dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard. | Check price for NZXT H9 Flow (2025) (opens in a new tab) |
| A white dual-chamber layout. | Buyers who want white dual-chamber layout. | Check price for NZXT H9 Flow White (opens in a new tab) |
| Nine fan positions. | Buyers who want nine fan positions. | Check price for JONSBO D33 (opens in a new tab) |
| The cheapest way into this group, below the D33. | Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the D33. | Check price for be quiet! Pure Base 600 (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Lian Li LANCOOL 217 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Lancool 217 ships with five fans, more than any other mid-tower here, so it needs nothing extra before first boot.
Best for
- Buyers who want two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU.
Skip if
- Pass if a published largest radiator size matters; this one has none.
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. You also get this: 5 fans included. It was priced above the H9 Flow White and below the H9 Flow at the time of writing. There is no published largest radiator size figure, whereas the H9 Flow comes in at 420mm.
Key dimensions & 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 Pure Base 600 at the time of writing
Strong Alternative2 of 5
NZXT H9 Flow (2025) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Buyers who want dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Pure Base 600 cost less when we checked.
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.
On largest radiator size it ties with the H9 Flow White at 420mm. You also get perforated steel panels. Confirm GPU length for the H9 Flow with its maker.
The H9 Flow takes 420mm radiators; mind RAM height. You also get this: wraparound tempered glass. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Pure Base 600 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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 Pure Base 600 at the time of writing
Worth a Look3 of 5
NZXT H9 Flow White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The H9 Flow White is NZXT's larger dual-chamber case, with four fans included and room for up to ten.
Best for
- Buyers who want white dual-chamber layout.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Pure Base 600, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It fits a 420mm radiator behind wraparound glass. Its dual-chamber layout hides the PSU and drives, and three F140Q fans come pre-installed. Perforated steel panels feed air to high-power builds.
The dual-chamber design separates the PSU and drives from the main components. Three F140Q fans come in the front-right and one F120Q at the rear, behind perforated steel panels. On largest radiator size it ties with the H9 Flow at 420mm.
Confirm GPU length for the H9 Flow White with its maker. The H9 Flow White takes 420mm radiators; mind RAM height. Its price falls between the D33 and the Lancool 217, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 420mm
- Fans included: 4
- Glass: Wraparound tempered glass
Pros
- Fits a 420mm radiator
- 4 fans included
- Wraparound tempered glass
- White dual-chamber layout
Cons
- Costs more than the Pure Base 600 at the time of writing
Solid Runner-Up4 of 5
JONSBO D33 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The D33 offers 435mm of GPU room and a 172mm cooler limit, the most generous figures in this Micro-ATX group.
Best for
- Buyers who want nine fan positions.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Pure Base 600, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It also takes back-connect mATX BTF boards and has a front USB-C port. It matches the Pure Base 600 on largest radiator size (360mm). It also comes with nine fan positions, a magnetic front grille and two 3.5-inch and two 2.5-inch drive bays.
GPU limit in the D33: 435mm, before front fans. The D33 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. Boards: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, mATX BTF.
Worth noting: room for graphics cards up to 435mm long. It was priced above the Pure Base 600 and below the H9 Flow White at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 435mm
- Max CPU cooler height: 172mm
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Motherboards: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, mATX BTF
- PSU type: ATX or SFX
- Front USB-C: Yes
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 435mm long
- Takes tower air coolers up to 172mm tall
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- A front USB-C port
Cons
- Costs more than the Pure Base 600 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
be quiet! Pure Base 600 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Pure Base 600 is a quiet-leaning mid-tower with two Pure Wings 2 fans and an adjustable top vent.
Best for
- Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the D33.
Skip if
- Skip it if largest radiator size matters most to you; the H9 Flow offers 420mm.
Why we like it
It fits 360mm radiators and carries a three-year warranty. It matches the D33 on largest radiator size (360mm). Confirm GPU length for the Pure Base 600 with its maker.
The Pure Base 600 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. It makes the most sense for buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the D33, since it offers the cheapest way into this group, below the D33. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the D33 was closest. Largest radiator size is its weakest area, and the H9 Flow covers it better at 420mm.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 360mm
- Fans included: 2
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Two Pure Wings 2 fans
- Adjustable top cover vent
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Largest radiator size trails the H9 Flow (420mm)
How We Chose These PC Cases Under $120
Each pick was assessed across 3 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five cases on largest radiator size, fans included, motherboards and glass, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out largest radiator size.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Lancool 217 gives no largest radiator size; the D33 gives no fans included.
- Price range
- From the Pure Base 600 to the H9 Flow, all sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a PC Case Under $120
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Largest radiator size across these picks
The H9 Flow tops largest radiator size at 420mm and the Pure Base 600 sits lowest at 360mm; 2 picks share the top figure. For less, the H9 Flow White is the runner-up at 420mm. The Lancool 217 gives no largest radiator size figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Setup checks
Confirm GPU length for the Lancool 217 with its maker. Confirm GPU length for the H9 Flow with its maker. Confirm GPU length for the H9 Flow White with its maker.
Features beyond the spec table
The H9 Flow White: room for up to ten fans. The D33: a magnetic front grille. The Pure Base 600: an adjustable top cover vent.
Budget
Price does little to separate these 5: the Pure Base 600 through the H9 Flow all landed in the $100 to $150 tier, which leaves largest radiator size to decide it.
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.
How to Choose a PC Case Under $120
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU | Lancool 217 | Two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU |
| Buyers who want dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard | H9 Flow | A dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard |
| Buyers who want white dual-chamber layout | H9 Flow White | A white dual-chamber layout |
| Buyers who want nine fan positions | D33 | Nine fan positions |
| Buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the D33 | Pure Base 600 | The cheapest way into this group, below the D33 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The H9 Flow leads on largest radiator size at 420mm, ahead of the H9 Flow White at 420mm. "Not listed" marks largest radiator size where the Lancool 217 leaves the figure out.
| Case | Largest radiator | Fans included | Motherboards | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancool 217 | Not listed | 5 | ATX | Not listed |
| H9 Flow | 420mm | 4 | Not listed | Wraparound tempered glass |
| H9 Flow White | 420mm | 4 | Not listed | Wraparound tempered glass |
| D33 | 360mm | Not listed | Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, mATX BTF | Not listed |
| Pure Base 600 | 360mm | 2 | Not listed | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the H9 Flow worth paying more than the Pure Base 600?
The spec sheets show largest radiator size (420mm against 360mm) in its favour. Both sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, so the gains in largest radiator size cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Pure Base 600 the Lowest Price Here?
It carries the badge for the cheapest way into this group, below the D33. It makes sense for anyone who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the D33.
What should I check before buying the H9 Flow White?
Confirm GPU length for the H9 Flow White with its maker. The H9 Flow White takes 420mm radiators; mind RAM height. In this guide it ranks third of 5, and second of 4 on largest radiator size (420mm).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Lancool 217 and the H9 Flow apart?
The Lancool 217: two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU. The H9 Flow: a dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard. The H9 Flow White: a white dual-chamber layout.
Should I pick the Lancool 217 or the Pure Base 600?
The Lancool 217 suits buyers who want two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU; the Pure Base 600 suits buyers who would rather put the savings elsewhere than into the D33.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Lancool 217, chosen for two 170mm front fans that can be raised to aim at the CPU. Look at the H9 Flow for a dual-chamber layout that moves the PSU and drives behind the motherboard, the H9 Flow White for a white dual-chamber layout and the D33 for nine fan positions if those matter more to you.
Check the PSU length limit and the motherboard sizes the case supports.