Key Features to Consider in a "Cool" PC Case
When it comes to picking out a PC case these days, you have options that go far beyond the basic metal box. PC cases have evolved to offer unique and customized designs that up the coolness factor of your entire build. But what exactly makes a PC case look cool? Here are some of the key features and aesthetics to look for:
- Unique and customized exterior designs – shaped like pyramids, cubes, tanks, and more
- Interior and exterior LED lighting with RGB or single color options
- Curved, rounded, or irregular shaped angled panels rather than flat sides
- Tempered glass side panels to showcase internal components
- High-end materials like aluminum and steel rather than plastic
- Angular, asymmetric exterior styling
- Ability to sync external lighting with other RGB components
- Interesting port, button, and expansion bay placement
Of course, looks aren‘t everything – you still need to make sure your cool new case can fit all your components and keep them running optimally. But the good news is there are plenty of great options out there that offer both sleek exteriors and smart interiors.
Let‘s check out some of the best looking PC cases you can get in 2023!
1. Best Overall: Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO tops our list for the best looking case overall. This mid-tower case features a distinct aesthetic with beautiful rounded glass panels accented by an aluminum frame. The front I/O panel houses plenty of ports and buttons and adds asymmetry.
But this case doesn‘t just have the looks – it also boasts excellent airflow potential to keep your high end components chugging along. Features include:
- Support for up to a whopping 15 fans
- Radiator support up to 480mm
- Included RGB fan hub
- Tempered glass side panels
- Aluminum construction
Gamers looking for a case that will turn heads should look no further. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO is a work of art both inside and out.
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2. Best High-End: ASUS ROG Strix Helios
Gamers wanting uncompromising looks and performance need look no further than the ASUS ROG Strix Helios gaming case. This high-end EATX full tower case pulls out all the stops when it comes to aesthetics and functionality.
The rugged angular design, customizable lighting, expansive steel frame, and huge curved tempered glass side panel scream high-end gaming. You‘ll have no problem fitting beefy components with support for EEB/EEATX motherboards and graphics cards up to 423mm long.
And you won‘t have to worry about your pricey components overheating thanks to extensive cooling support and stellar cable management features. If money is no object and you want a top tier PC case that looks just as good as it performs, the ROG Strix Helios delivers in spades.
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3. Most Unique Design: Montech Air X ARGB
When it comes to outside-the-box case designs, few can compete with Montech‘s Air X ARGB mid-tower chassis. Inspired by fighter jets, the angular styling, winged top panel, and jet turbine front fans give this case an aggressive, unique aesthetic.
But there‘s function behind the eccentric form here too. Three 120mm ARGB intake fans are pre-installed behind the mesh front panel while the top mount, back mount, and bottom mounts allow for up to 7 total fans. There‘s plenty of cooling potential with support for either 360mm or 240mm radiators up top.
Despite its aggressive looks, clever drive cages and cutouts enable effective cable management to keep your build clean. For those wanting a PC case that‘s as unique as what‘s powering it, the Air X ARGB more than fits the bill.
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4. Best Lighting Effects: Cooler Master H500P Mesh White
The gorgeous Cooler Master H500P Mesh White case combines crisp, angular aesthetics with brilliant customizable lighting. The rugged white steel frame and mesh front panel look exceptional with almost any build.
But where this case really stands out is with its two gorgeous 200mm ARGB fans pre-installed upfront. These massive, vibrant fans are visible behind the mesh front panel and bottom intake. With ARBG and LED control built into the I/O panel and an included ARGB splitter, it‘s easy to get these fans and any other lighting glowing any way you like.
Support for an array of additional fan and radiator configurations plus great cable management and dust filters round out this stunner. For those wanting a case to show off their component‘s best light show, the H500P Mesh delivers.
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5. Best Airflow: Corsair 5000D Airflow
The Corsair 5000D Airflow lives up to its name by prioritizing airflow and cooling for high performance hardware. The angular steel case comes equipped with three 120mm AirGuide fans specially shaped to enhance airflow.
The front panel drops down airflow obstructing drive bays entirely and uses high airflow mesh instead. Combined with the top, floor, and 7 total fan mounts you‘ll have no issue keeping even the hottest hardware nice and cool.
And despite catering heavily towards cooling performance, the 5000D Airflow retains a clean, minimalist look thanks to hidden cable routing channels and removable dust filters. For those seeking a case focused on airflow that doesn‘t look like an ugly industrial server rack, Corsair delivers.
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6. Best Budget: Montech X3 Mesh
You don‘t need to spend a fortune to get features like RGB lighting and premium aesthetics. Cases like the Montech X3 Mesh prove you can get great looks and functionality all while being easy on your wallet.
This RGB mid-tower case focuses its budget on all the right things – ample cooling, intuitive cable management, powder coated steel, curved tempered glass, and of course, vibrant ARGB lighting.
The mesh front panel enables great airflow through 3 pre-installed 120mm RGB fans. There‘s room to add more fans as well as radiator options up top and in the rear to take cooling to the next level.
For budget minded builders wanting RGB bling and great features without ugly compromises, the Montech X3 Mesh over delivers.
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7. Honorable Mention A: be quiet! Dark Base 700
The be quiet! Dark Base 700 mid-tower case focuses on silent computing and noise reduction without compromising killer looks. Despite insulating foam dampening and solid steel construction, there‘s still great airflow potential thanks to the mesh front panel.
And clean exterior lines, RGB lighting options, curved glass side panel, aluminum accents, and integrated fan hub give this case loads of premium style. Cable management is excellent thanks to rubber-lined cutouts, velcro straps, and a PSU shroud compartment.
If you want whisper quiet computing without resorting to ugly industrial looking cases, the Dark Base 700 is a mighty fine option.
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8. Honorable Mention B: Thermaltake Core P3 Tempered Glass
Open air cases like the Thermaltake Core P3 let you highlight your craziest custom liquid cooling setups for all to see. The fully visible interior frame suspends components in the center while the 4mm thick tempered glass side panels keep things safely enclosed.
Despite the openness, smart engineering preserves cooling performance and heat dissipation needed for even the most beastly hardware. And you can outfit the P3 with gorgeous RGB lighting strips to make those custom loops really standout when on display.
If you‘ve poured days of effort into jaw dropping custom water cooling tubing runs, the Core P3 ensures your efforts don‘t go unnoticed!
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What To Consider When Buying a Cool Looking PC Case
While the cases above give you a taste of some of the coolest designs out there, you‘ll want to evaluate your own build requirements before deciding on "the one". Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
- Budget – How much are you willing to spend to get that coveted style you‘re after? Cost can range from $50 to $500+
- Size Compatibility – Consider what motherboard size you need supported as well as maximum GPU clearance
- Cooling – Key factors like fan mounts, radiator support, and airflow path matter, especially for power hungry builds
- Drive Capacity – The number of 3.5", 2.5", and 5.25" bays present determines storage flexibility
- Cable Management – Poor cable management can ruin the most beautiful builds so look for great routing options
- RGB Lighting – Some cases have integrated lighting while others leave it up to you and your components
Prioritizing these factors will help you zero in on "cool" cases that offer the functionality your build truly needs. And that combo of slick aesthetics and practical engineering is what defines the very best cases out there.
The Bottom Line
PC case designs have come incredibly far from the days of bland beige towers. These days you have no shortage of awesome styles – from sleek and modern to totally off the wall. And the great news is there are "cool looking" cases out there no matter your budget or build requirements.
Just don‘t forget that aesthetics are only part of the equation – you still need proper clearance, cooling, cable management, and other functionally focused features as well. Marry the two together, and you‘ll have an envy inducing PC case that keeps your gear running just as good as it looks!
