Picking a new case for a new gaming PC build or a system overhaul is an exciting time. Although features and specifications are no doubt important, it’s the one component in your system that you can focus more on aesthetics than anything else. It’s got to look the part!
That said, you need to make sure it can handle all your hardware. If you have a powerful graphics card or a high-end watercooling system, an average mid-tower case may not be able to fit it. The best mid-towers are spacious and offer impressive premium design features, which can take a great-looking case and make it a truly iconic staple of your PC setup.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Mid-Tower PC Cases:
These mid-tower cases support almost any motherboard design and still leave plenty of space for extra cooling fans, big radiators, or even touchscreen tablets. Whatever your sense of style or particular needs, there’s a mid-tower case out there for you.
Best Mid-Tower PC Case
Best Budget Mid-Tower PC Case
Best Mid-Tower PC Case for Airflow
Best Looking Mid-Tower PC Case
Best Premium Mid-Tower PC Case
Best Silent Mid-Tower PC Case
Fortunately, picking a case is much more about personal preferences than other system components. Where graphics cards have a raw capability you can’t ignore, with cases you can opt for something a bit more niche if it also suits your needs.
That said, you have your pick of the litter with mid-tower cases as they support most motherboards, graphics cards, and coolers, so no matter what hardware you’re putting inside it, any of our picks for mid-tower chassis should be able to handle it.
Make sure that is the case regardless of the case you go with. Some really long graphics cards may have clearance issues in the more compact mid-tower designs. Check it has the front-panel connectors you need. Think about placement too. If you’re putting the system on the floor, you probably want the I/O on the top, not the bottom.
Consider cooling, too. While your GPU and CPU coolers will have the most impact on system temperatures, strong system cooling fans that retain quiet noise levels can make a real difference when your system is working hard.
Mostly, though, just make sure you’re happy with how it looks. You’re the one who’s going to be looking at it day in, day out for years to come. Get a case that’s uniquely built to your tastes and you’ll almost certainly be happy with the outcome.
What makes mid-tower PC cases good?
Mid-tower options are the perfect middle ground when building a PC. These cases are more compact than a full-size tower, making them ideal for those tight on desk space. Even with those smaller dimensions, there’s still plenty of room for high-clearance graphics cards, full-sized ATX motherboards, multiple drive bays for storage, and other high-end components. It’s even possible to squeeze in some beefy power supply units. Most of these cases also have easy-to-remove panels, making upgrades and expansion simple.
With all that hardware, cooling is essential, and mid-tower cases get it right. You’ll find multiple mounts for top PC fans at the front and back – and sometimes top and bottom – with some even including a few fans with purchase. Those fans, along with ample cable management solutions, a spacious interior, and ventilated panels, ensure plenty of airflow in the case. There are also usually opportunities for more advanced cooling solutions, like radiators. These are features that are harder to find in the best mini-ITX cases.
What’s the difference between a mid-tower and a full-tower case?
Full-tower PC cases tend to be larger in size compared to a mid-tower case. However, mid-tower cases are generally more popular, as they are more affordable while still allowing most components to fit comfortably without requiring extra space or hindering airflow. In fact, mid-tower options make great PC cases for gaming.
If you need additional room, a full tower PC case can offer support for all motherboards and extra PCIe expansion slots, drive bays, etc., for more storage, extra-long GPUs, and capture cards. But be prepared for higher costs and a larger footprint, so we wouldn’t recommend them to anyone tight on space.
Still, it’s really up to you to decide what type of case works best for your needs. But ultimately, as long as your components fit into the case you choose, this is the main priority. Most gamers and streamers will get by fine with a mid-tower case. Some may even get away with a mini-ITX case. But if you're an overclocker or modder, full-tower may be the way to go, allowing space for multiple GPUs, custom watercooling loops, and massive motherboards.
How many fans do I need in my mid-tower case?
The number of fans needed in your case really depends on what you’re doing with your PC and the components inside. The good news is that most mid-tower PC cases come with pre-installed fans, along with additional mounts to add even more fans for better airflow.
The bare minimum should be one intake fan and one exhaust. The ideal placement for intake fans is at the bottom and front panel of your case, where it’s easier to pull cool air into the case. At the back or top of the case should be exhaust fans to expel the hot air. The pressure created by these fans should also be considered, with most builders opting for slightly positive pressure to help reduce dust and improve longevity.
For hotter gaming or editing setups with lots of powerful components, it’s a good idea to have more fans. Most will get by fine with about five, but be careful with adding too many fans. At some point, the actual cooling returns diminsh and the fans will basically only be adding additional noise.
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