When building a new gaming computertoo many people will focus on the best graphics card or the latest cpucompletely missing the importance of choosing one of the best pc cases for air flow.
TL;DR: These are the best PC cases for Airflow:
Another problem is that too many people focus on aesthetics over functionality. It's nice to have an RGB-ridden case that looks like something you'd find at a '90s rave, but it needs a lot of airflow or performance will suffer.
Poor airflow not only affects performance, but can also affect the overall lifespan of your PC components, making it an important part of your rig that needs a lot of research before spending your hard-earned money. It was hard to win.
Best PC Cases for Airflow:
1. Corsair 5000D Airflow
Best PC case for airflow
Advantages:
- Easy to build
- Great cable management
Cons:
Corsair is known for creating high-quality PC cases that work amazingly well. The Corsair 5000D Airflow is easy to work with and offers incredible airflow and easy-to-use cable management.
The Corsair 5000D Airflow has space for up to 10 120mm fans and 4 140mm fans and can accommodate multiple radiators up to 360mm. Thanks to its spacious design, it also has room for larger and more powerful GPUs, such as the NVIDIA RTX 4090.
The only real downside to the Corsair 5000D Airflow is its tinted display window, which frustratingly makes its RGB masterpiece look, well, less RGBey, that's a word, right?
2. Fractal Design Torrent
The most attractive PC case for airflow
Advantages:
- Incredible thermal performance
- Includes 5 RGB fans
Cons:
- Questionable cable management
If you're looking for the best possible airflow, it doesn't get much better than the Fractal Design Torrent, and with its unique and eye-catching design, this case is great in more ways than one.
The Fractal Design Torrent comes pre-installed with 2 180mm fans on the front and 3 140mm fans on the bottom and offers plenty of room to add more.
The thermal performance is so good that if it hadn't been for the clunky cable management which lets it down, Fractal Design Torrent would have been at the top of the list of best PC cases for airflow.
3. Core P8 thermal socket
Best PC Case for Hybrid Cooling
Advantages:
- Fully modular design
- Great cable management
Cons:
Some PC cases are like the Tardis from Doctor Who: they look small on the outside, but inside they can contain important hardware. And then there's the Thermaltake Core P8, a giant among cases that weighs 49.8 pounds.
With up to 18 120mm fans and a modular design that allows you to remove parts of the chassis and redesign the case to your liking, the Thermaltake Core P8 is one of the most customizable E-ATX cases on the market today.
The Thermaltake Core P8 can be used with an open or closed design and can even be mounted on the wall. Although considering its size and weight before even putting any parts in, let alone liquid cooling, you might want to make sure your wall is structurally sound enough to support this monstrosity.
4. Phanteks Eclipse G360A
Best White PC Case for Airflow
Advantages:
- Great value
- Includes 3 aRGB fans
Cons:
- Frustratingly bad cable routing
If you're looking to create an all-white build, the Phanteks Eclipse G360A is ideal for you. While most white components cost more, the Phanteks Eclipse G360A offers style and performance at a very competitive price.
The Phanteks Eclipse G360A has incredible airflow considering its low price, but it is unfortunately held back by a few flaws. It doesn't have the best cable routing, lacks a proper front air intake filter, and can be tricky to install even a standard power supply.
If you're willing to overlook a few flaws and spend a little more time working on cable management, the Phanteks Eclipse G360A is one of the best white PC cases for airflow out there and it's reasonably priced too .
5. Master HAF 700 EVO Chiller
Best E-ATX PC Case for Airflow
Advantages:
- Extremely elegant design
- Impeccable thermal performance
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other high airflow cases
Bolster your desk and get ready to lift the Cooler Master HAF 700 EVO, because this bad boy is big and heavy. He weighs an impressive 64.9 pounds, and that's before you've even started building him.
The Cooler Master HAF 700 EVO's motto is Air to the Throne, and they're not kidding: with support for multiple radiators up to 480mm, seamless cable routing, and rotating radiator supports, this high-airflow case combines style and functionality in all the senses.
The Cooler Master HAF 700 EVO also comes with a built-in LCD wizard that looks great and gives you real-time updates on component temperatures.
Upcoming PC cases with high airflow
While there are no high-airflow PC cases of note, we may see new releases as the latest round of graphics cards hit shelves later in the year. Now that many new GPUs exceed 270 mm in length (some even more than 300 mm like the NVIDIA RTX 4090), new cases are needed that can support the size.
How to Choose the Best PC Cases for Airflow
When choosing a new PC case for airflow, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the case has excellent cable routing. Poor cable management can block airflow and any restrictions to case airflow will impact temperatures, as well as possibly impact overall performance.
Poor cable management not only restricts airflow, it also looks horrible, meaning you end up with terrible airflow and a PC that you start to wish didn't have a viewing window.
The number and position of fans are also an important part of a case. When building a PC, it's important to maintain the right balance between positive and negative pressure; To do this, it is important to ensure that the case supports well-placed fans that allow for an almost equal number of inputs and outputs.
Many gamers tend to choose their PC cases based on aesthetics, choosing a PC case based on design and often its RGB lighting. While it's important that you like the look of your custom PC, ensuring the best possible thermal performance should always be a top priority.
Frequently asked questions
Is your PC case important for airflow?
Yes, there are many aspects of a case that affect airflow, such as cable routing and the number and location of fans. Some designs feature an air filtration mesh, while others will have a tighter structure and some might even have a more open design, each of which has its own impact on airflow.
Does a larger case have better airflow?
Most of the time, a larger case will offer better airflow. This is because they have more space to work with, which facilitates better cable management, as well as being able to house more fans and, in many cases, giving ample space for liquid cooling. However, there are some smaller cases that are exceptionally well constructed that break this rule.
Do open PC cases cool better?
Closed is generally better, as this will not only help reduce dust buildup and offer protection for your expensive components, but will also help maintain the balance between positive and negative pressure.
