Buying Guide
The Best Workstation PC Cases
Five PC cases ranked on radiator size and fans included, where the Enthoo Pro 2 Server has the largest radiator size; the QUBE 540 is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Workstation cases take E-ATX boards and lots of storage. Every pick supports E-ATX, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh largest radiator, fans included and motherboards as the makers state them; if a maker skips largest radiator, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Cooler Master QUBE 540The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money.
Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 540 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
CORSAIR 3500XMounts for up to ten 120mm fans.
Best for: Buyers who want mounts for up to ten 120mm fans.
Check price for CORSAIR 3500X on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Corsair 3500X RS ARGB WhiteThree RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header.
Best for: Buyers who want three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header.
Check price for Corsair 3500X RS ARGB White on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Antec Flux ProA 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time.
Best for: Buyers who want 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time.
Check price for Antec Flux Pro on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Largest Radiator Size
Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server V2 Full TowerThe largest radiator size here (480mm).
Best for: Buyers who put largest radiator size first.
Check price for Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server V2 Full Tower on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money. | Check price for Cooler Master QUBE 540 on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Mounts for up to ten 120mm fans. | Buyers who want mounts for up to ten 120mm fans. | Check price for CORSAIR 3500X on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header. | Buyers who want three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header. | Check price for Corsair 3500X RS ARGB White on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time. | Buyers who want 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time. | Check price for Antec Flux Pro on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| The largest radiator size here (480mm). | Buyers who put largest radiator size first. | Check price for Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server V2 Full Tower on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Cooler Master QUBE 540
Cooler Master's QUBE 540 stands upright or lies flat, with a reversible I/O panel and movable handles.
Best for
- Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money.
Skip if
- Pass on it if only 1 fan in the box rules it out for your setup.
Why we like it
It takes E-ATX boards up to 11 inches wide and graphics cards up to 415mm without the front fan. No other pick in this guide offers a tempered glass side; compare the 3500X RS ARGB, which has wraparound glass. GPU limit in the QUBE 540: 415mm, before front fans.
You also get this: room for graphics cards up to 415mm long. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the 3500X was the next step up. Buyers who need a confirmed largest radiator size should compare it with the Enthoo Pro 2 Server, which comes in at 480mm.
Key specs
- Max GPU length
- 415mm
- Fans included
- 1
- Motherboards
- ITX, ATX, E-ATX up to 11 inches
- Glass
- Tempered glass side
Pros
- Room for graphics cards up to 415mm long
- Tempered glass side
- Horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel
- Full mesh front panel
Cons
- Only 1 fan in the box
- No published largest radiator size
Also Consider2 of 5
CORSAIR 3500X
The 3500X wraps its front and side in glass and supports reverse-connection motherboards that hide their cables.
Best for
- Buyers who want mounts for up to ten 120mm fans.
Skip if
- Skip it if largest radiator size matters most to you; the Enthoo Pro 2 Server offers 480mm.
Why we like it
Radiators up to 360mm fit in the roof and on the side, and it takes boards from Mini-ITX to E-ATX. It takes Mini-ITX to E-ATX boards, supports ASUS BTF and MSI Project Zero, and its glass panels lift off easily. On largest radiator size it trails the group at 360mm, while the Enthoo Pro 2 Server comes in at 480mm.
It shares mini-ITX to E-ATX motherboards with the 3500X RS ARGB; the Enthoo Pro 2 Server goes with up to SSI-EEB motherboards. You also get mounts for up to ten 120mm fans. Confirm GPU length for the 3500X with its maker.
The 3500X takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. Its price falls between the QUBE 540 and the 3500X RS ARGB, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Largest radiator
- 360mm
- Motherboards
- Mini-ITX to E-ATX
- Glass
- Wraparound front and side glass
Pros
- Fits a 360mm radiator
- Wraparound front and side glass
- Mounts for up to ten 120mm fans
- 360mm radiators in the roof and side
Cons
- Largest radiator size trails the Enthoo Pro 2 Server (480mm)
- Costs more than the QUBE 540 at the time of writing
The catch
If largest radiator size is your priority, the Enthoo Pro 2 Server (480mm) is the stronger choice.
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Corsair 3500X RS ARGB White
The 3500X RS ARGB White adds three RS120-R ARGB fans to Corsair's wraparound-glass 3500X.
Best for
- Buyers who want three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header.
Skip if
- The maker gives no largest radiator size, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
The fans run from a standard +5V ARGB header, so no extra controller is needed. It shares mini-ITX to E-ATX motherboards with the 3500X; the Enthoo Pro 2 Server goes with up to SSI-EEB motherboards. No other pick in this guide offers wraparound glass; compare the QUBE 540, which has a tempered glass side.
It also comes with mounts for up to ten 120mm fans. Confirm GPU length for the 3500X RS ARGB with its maker. Another plus: 3 fans included. Buyers who need a confirmed largest radiator size should compare it with the Enthoo Pro 2 Server, which comes in at 480mm.
Key specs
- Fans included
- 3
- Motherboards
- Mini-ITX to E-ATX
- Glass
- Wraparound glass
Pros
- 3 fans included
- Wraparound glass
- Three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header
- Mounts for up to ten 120mm fans
Cons
- No published largest radiator size
- Costs more than the QUBE 540 at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Antec Flux Pro
The Flux Pro includes six fans, the most in this guide, and takes a 420mm and a 360mm radiator together.
Best for
- Buyers who want 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the QUBE 540, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Two reverse fans sit on the PSU shroud to feed the graphics card, and a display shows CPU and GPU temperatures. The power supply mounts rotated 90 degrees, and the case takes E-ATX boards. It mixes metal, glass and wood, and removable brackets on the top, front and shroud make radiators easier to fit.
Its 420mm largest radiator size ranks second of 3 here, behind the Enthoo Pro 2 Server (480mm) and ahead of the 3500X (360mm). No other pick in this guide offers E-ATX motherboards; compare the 3500X, which has mini-ITX to E-ATX motherboards. Confirm GPU length for the Flux Pro with its maker.
Boards: E-ATX. It was priced above the 3500X RS ARGB and below the Enthoo Pro 2 Server at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Largest radiator
- 420mm
- Fans included
- 6
- Motherboards
- E-ATX
Pros
- Fits a 420mm radiator
- 6 fans included
- 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time
- Two reverse fans on the PSU shroud
Cons
- Costs more than the QUBE 540 at the time of writing
Largest Radiator Size5 of 5
Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2 Server V2 Full Tower
What the Enthoo Pro 2 Server brings to the table is all-metal mesh panels, plus support for 480mm and 360mm radiators and 11 PCI slots.
Best for
- Buyers who put largest radiator size first.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the QUBE 540 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers a 480mm largest radiator size. It takes SSI-EEB boards, 480mm and 360mm radiators, 11 PCI slots and up to 10 hard drives. Up to 15 fans fit, three of them aimed straight at the CPU and PCI area.
It is built for workstation and server systems as well as gaming. On largest radiator size it leads this guide at 480mm, ahead of the Flux Pro (420mm). It is the only pick here with up to SSI-EEB motherboards; the 3500X has mini-ITX to E-ATX motherboards instead.
You also get room for up to 10 HDDs or 11 SSDs. Confirm GPU length for the Enthoo Pro 2 Server with its maker. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Flux Pro the nearest cheaper option.
Key specs
- Largest radiator
- 480mm
- Motherboards
- Up to SSI-EEB
Pros
- Fits a 480mm radiator
- All-metal mesh panels
- Support for 480mm and 360mm radiators and 11 PCI slots
- Room for up to 10 HDDs or 11 SSDs
Cons
- Costs more than the QUBE 540 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Workstation PC Cases
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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We lined up five cases on largest radiator size, fans included, motherboards and glass as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out largest radiator size.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the QUBE 540 to the Enthoo Pro 2 Server, state motherboards.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The QUBE 540 and the 3500X RS ARGB give no largest radiator size; the 3500X and the Enthoo Pro 2 Server give no fans included.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the QUBE 540 ($50 to $100) to the Enthoo Pro 2 Server ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Workstation PC Case
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much largest radiator size you need
The Enthoo Pro 2 Server tops largest radiator size at 480mm and the 3500X sits lowest at 360mm. The Flux Pro comes second at 420mm, in the $100 to $150 tier against $150 to $250 for the Enthoo Pro 2 Server. The QUBE 540 and the 3500X RS ARGB give no largest radiator size figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Fit and compatibility
GPU limit in the QUBE 540: 415mm, before front fans. Confirm GPU length for the 3500X with its maker. Confirm GPU length for the 3500X RS ARGB with its maker.
A case interior with a tower cooler and a graphics card installed Extras that separate them
The 3500X RS ARGB: mounts for up to ten 120mm fans. The Flux Pro: two reverse fans on the PSU shroud. The Enthoo Pro 2 Server: support for 480mm and 360mm radiators and 11 PCI slots.
How much to spend
$50 to $100 buys the QUBE 540, the 3500X and the 3500X RS ARGB; $100 to $150 buys the Flux Pro; $150 to $250 buys the Enthoo Pro 2 Server at our last check.
An open case with the motherboard installed and the side panel off Start from what matters most
Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money: the QUBE 540. Buyers who put largest radiator size first: the Enthoo Pro 2 Server.
How to Choose a Workstation PC Case
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money | QUBE 540 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want mounts for up to ten 120mm fans | 3500X | Mounts for up to ten 120mm fans |
| Buyers who want three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header | 3500X RS ARGB | Three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header |
| Buyers who want 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time | Flux Pro | A 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time |
| Buyers who put largest radiator size first | Enthoo Pro 2 Server | The largest radiator size here (480mm) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Enthoo Pro 2 Server leads on largest radiator size at 480mm, ahead of the Flux Pro at 420mm. "Not listed" marks largest radiator size where the QUBE 540 and the 3500X RS ARGB leave the figure out.
| Case | Largest radiator | Fans included | Motherboards | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QUBE 540 | Not listed | 1 | ITX, ATX, E-ATX up to 11 inches | Tempered glass side |
| 3500X | 360mm | Not listed | Mini-ITX to E-ATX | Wraparound front and side glass |
| 3500X RS ARGB | Not listed | 3 | Mini-ITX to E-ATX | Wraparound glass |
| Flux Pro | 420mm | 6 | E-ATX | Not listed |
| Enthoo Pro 2 Server | 480mm | Not listed | Up to SSI-EEB | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The QUBE 540 was the lowest-priced pick ($50 to $100) and the Enthoo Pro 2 Server the highest ($150 to $250) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Cases |
|---|---|
| About $50 to $100 | QUBE 540, 3500X, 3500X RS ARGB |
| About $100 to $150 | Flux Pro |
| About $150 to $250 | Enthoo Pro 2 Server |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the largest radiator size: the Enthoo Pro 2 Server or the Flux Pro?
The Enthoo Pro 2 Server tops largest radiator size at 480mm; the Flux Pro follows at 420mm, 14% apart. The 3500X closes the ranking at 360mm. The QUBE 540 and the 3500X RS ARGB don't state a largest radiator size figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
Why is the Enthoo Pro 2 Server our Largest Radiator Size pick?
It earns the label for the largest radiator size here (480mm). On largest radiator size it leads the Flux Pro, 480mm against 420mm, a 14% margin. The QUBE 540, the cheapest pick, sat in the $50 to $100 tier against $150 to $250 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It is aimed at anyone who puts largest radiator size first.
Will the 3500X work with my setup?
Confirm GPU length for the 3500X with its maker. The 3500X takes 360mm radiators; mind RAM height. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and third of 3 on largest radiator size (360mm).
What extras do the QUBE 540 and the 3500X include?
The QUBE 540: horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel. The 3500X: mounts for up to ten 120mm fans. The 3500X RS ARGB: three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header.
Should I pick the QUBE 540 or the Enthoo Pro 2 Server?
The QUBE 540 suits getting horizontal or vertical orientation with a reversible I/O panel for the least money; the Enthoo Pro 2 Server suits buyers who put largest radiator size first.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the QUBE 540, chosen for the lowest price of the group at our last check. Look at the 3500X for mounts for up to ten 120mm fans, the 3500X RS ARGB for three RS120-R ARGB fans on a +5V ARGB header and the Flux Pro for a 420mm and a 360mm radiator at the same time if those matter more to you.
Count drive bays before buying.
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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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