Buying Guide
The Best Vertical GPU PC Cases
We weighed three PC cases on radiator size; the Pure Base 501 has the largest radiator size, and it also costs the least.
By The PC Journal editorial team
11 min read3 products evaluated
Mounting the GPU vertically shows off the card but moves it close to the side panel, which can starve its fans. Every pick supports a vertical mount, ordered from the lowest price.
The order reflects largest radiator from maker specifications; we did not test these PC cases ourselves, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Our 3 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Largest Radiator Size
be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow
The largest radiator size here (360mm).
Best for: Buyers who put largest radiator size first.
Our take Check price for be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
HYTE Y40
A vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included.
Best for: Buyers who want vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included.
Premium Pick
Cooler Master NR200P V2 White
A white finish at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Our take Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 White (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The largest radiator size here (360mm). | Buyers who put largest radiator size first. | Check price for be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow (opens in a new tab) |
| A vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included. | Buyers who want vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included. | Check price for HYTE Y40 (opens in a new tab) |
| A white finish at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor. | Check price for Cooler Master NR200P V2 White (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Largest Radiator Size1 of 3
be quiet! Pure Base 501 Airflow on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Pure Base 501 Airflow is a quieter-minded be quiet!
Best for
- Buyers who put largest radiator size first.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
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. Its 360mm largest radiator size is the largest here; the Y40 comes next at 280mm. Confirm GPU length for the Pure Base 501 with its maker.
The Pure Base 501 takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. It undercut the Y40 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
Also Consider2 of 3
HYTE Y40 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Y40 turns the graphics card to face the glass using an included riser, and a side 280mm radiator can sit beside it.
Best for
- Buyers who want vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the Pure Base 501 cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Two fans come fitted, one under the PSU shroud and one at the rear. A PCIe 4.0 riser cable comes in the box, so the graphics card sits vertically behind the front glass. Two 120mm fans are included.
Its colour-matched canopy hides the riser cable for a clean finish. On largest radiator size it ties with the NR200P V2 White at 280mm. Confirm GPU length for the Y40 with its maker.
The Y40 takes 280mm radiators; mind RAM height. On price it sat second of 3, between the cheaper Pure Base 501 and the pricier NR200P V2 White, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Largest radiator: 280mm
- Fans included: 2
- Glass: Panoramic tempered glass
Pros
- Panoramic tempered glass
- Vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included
- Side 280mm radiator mount with up to 120mm combined thickness
Cons
- Costs more than the Pure Base 501 at the time of writing
Premium Pick3 of 3
Cooler Master NR200P V2 White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the NR200P V2 White brings to the table is a white finish, plus a vertical GPU mount with a PCIe 4.0 riser in the box.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: needs an SFX power supply.
Why we like it
It also offers a 357mm GPU clearance and offers a 280mm largest radiator size. It also offers tool-free quick-release panels. GPU limit in the NR200P V2 White: 357mm, before front fans.
The NR200P V2 White takes 280mm radiators; mind RAM height. Boards: Mini-ITX. Worth noting too: A compact 18.25L footprint.
It makes the most sense for buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since it offers a white finish at the highest price in the group. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Y40. If largest radiator size is your priority, the Pure Base 501 (360mm) is the stronger choice.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max GPU length: 357mm
- Largest radiator: 280mm
- Volume: 18.25L
- Motherboards: Mini-ITX
- PSU type: SFX only
Pros
- A compact 18.25L footprint
- White finish
- Vertical GPU mount with a PCIe 4.0 riser in the box
- Tool-free quick-release panels
Cons
- Needs an SFX power supply
- Largest radiator size trails the Pure Base 501 (360mm)
- Costs more than the Pure Base 501 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Vertical GPU PC Cases
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Build features
- We recorded front USB-C, glass panels and layout features such as dual chambers.
- Hardware fit
- We compared listed GPU length, CPU cooler height and power supply limits.
- Size
- We noted motherboard support and, where the maker states it, the case volume.
- Cooling layout
- We checked radiator sizes and positions, fan mounts and how many fans come in the box.
What to Look for in a Vertical GPU PC Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
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.
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.
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 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 Vertical GPU PC Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who put largest radiator size first | Pure Base 501 | The largest radiator size here (360mm) |
| Buyers who want vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included | Y40 | A vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor | NR200P V2 White | A white finish at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Case | Largest radiator |
|---|---|
| Pure Base 501 | 360mm |
| Y40 | 280mm |
| NR200P V2 White | 280mm |
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 | Pure Base 501 |
| About $100 to $150 | Y40 |
| About $150 to $250 | NR200P V2 White |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do these PC cases compare on radiator size?
The Pure Base 501, at 360mm. The Y40 follows at 280mm, while the NR200P V2 White has 280mm.
Which is the cheapest pick in this guide?
The Pure Base 501. It undercut the Y40 when we checked, while the NR200P V2 White cost the most of the group.
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.
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.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Pure Base 501, chosen for the largest radiator size here (360mm). Look at the Y40 for a vertical GPU layout with a riser cable included and the NR200P V2 White for a white finish at the highest price in the group if those matter more to you.
A vertical mount needs a PCIe riser cable; check whether it's included and which PCIe version it supports.