Great PC case. Computer case cooling system. Form factor and dimensions

A high-quality computer case is the key to stable operation of all PC components and their effective cooling. Equally important is the practicality and aesthetic component, when the box has a pleasant appearance and is functional for convenient arrangement of components.

We have selected the most worthy and high-quality models, in our subjective opinion, with everything necessary to create a productive computer.

Zalman Z9 Neo

Zalman company is considered one of best manufacturer various cooling systems for PCs, including cases. The Z9 NEO model is Mid-Tower and can accommodate maximum topo sizes motherboards and video cards. The air flows of 5 fans are optimized in such a way that they create effective cooling of the entire system, with a separate cooler in the power supply compartment.

The model has an inherent nice design made entirely of high-quality metal with one transparent acrylic cover to see all the beauty computer system. It will look very cool with lighting.

A special soundproofing gasket creates conditions for virtually silent operation. At the top of the case there is a double liquid heatsink for the central processor. There are four bays for HDD 3.5 and six bays for SSD 2.5, as well as two bays for 5.25 (DVD). It is especially convenient that you can install drives without additional tools, securing them with the appropriate latches.

There is enough space even for high-end graphics cards with a board size of 420 mm. For tight laying of wires there are Velcro and special membranes. In addition, the assembly comes with a rich set of all kinds of screws, holders and fasteners. You can buy a Z9 NEO for an average of $70 ( 4000 rub.).

Cooler Master MasterCase Maker 5T

Cooler Master is also a leader in creating the most different systems cooling, housings and other related accessories. This model We were interested in the FreeForm modular design, which allows you to very flexibly arrange the internal space.

The size of the case allows you to install the largest form factor motherboard (E-ATX), video card (240 mm). A separate compartment for the power supply in the lower part is very convenient, where you can attach an additional fan.

The cooling system itself can be customized according to your ideas thanks to its modular design. In this case, you can place up to two HDDs (3.5), four SSDs (2.5) and a pair of DVDs (5.25). The external front panel is equipped with four USB 3.0, audio and microphone 3.5 mm, as well as a fan rotation control and a backlight control.

The maximum active or passive cooling depth for the processor is 190 mm. One side is covered with completely transparent acrylic glass, which together with the backlight creates a beautiful illumination. As for the cost, the new product is available for $270 ( 16,000 rub.).

Aerocool P7-C1 Pro

Another well-known manufacturer of cases and various cooling for computer components. This model is primarily interesting for its front lighting, which can vary from 16 million color shades. There is a special controller for connecting to motherboards with similar backlights ASUS type Aura or GIGABYTE RGB Fusion. The three front 120mm fans are also illuminated.

Otherwise, buying the P7-C1 Pro PC case will be an excellent option to create a powerful gaming system. The quality of all components is at high level- metal version with plastic elements. The maximum possible length of a video card that will fit here is 400 mm, processor cooling is 165 mm.

As for the space for other components, you can install up to three HDD 3.5 and four SSD 2.5. All components will be effectively cooled by a powerful cooler system, with low level noise. The computer box weighs 8.8 kg. To buy it you need to pay $100 ( 6000 rub.). Very inexpensive for a quality heavy case for your computer.

Thermaltake View 28 RGB

Among manufacturers and users of cooling peripherals and PC cases, Thermaltake is also highly respected for the high quality and knowledge of fine nuances that it successfully implements into its products. The View 28 RGB model is interesting not only for its backlighting, efficient cooling, but also for its transparent “gullwing” lid with a transparent surface on top. This allows you to see your exceptional build in great detail, all backlit.

On the front panel there is a “funnel” type hole for the release of warm air. It is illuminated in one of four colors (red, blue, white or green). The case lighting is synchronized with the fan lighting via a corresponding controller and is adjustable on the top of the case. The power and reset buttons are also located there, as well as USB pair 3.0, one USB 2.0 and audio with 3.5mm headphones.

The maximum size of the video card is 410 mm, cooling for the central processor is 155 mm. There are a couple of bays for HDD 3.5 and four bays for SSD 2.5 mm. The case allows you to accommodate 360mm liquid cooling and create efficient airflow from 120mm coolers.

As for the cost of the device, it averages $70 ( 4000 rub.). A very decent computer case for the money high quality weighing 6.7 kg.

Be Quiet! SIilent Base 800

A relatively young and quite interesting manufacturer of cooling systems. If you decide to buy a PC case, then take a closer look at this model, made of metal and partly plastic. The company has a reputation for absolutely quiet and very technologically advanced cooling systems.

Specifically in this device the design of the side, bottom and top panel, which helps stabilize airflow circulation, thereby creating more efficient cooling. They help with this quiet fans Pure Wings 2 (two 140mm front and one 120mm rear).

A special air intake allows cold air to freely penetrate inside, but does not release internal noise. It’s impossible to list all the features briefly, but the case is definitely worthy of the title of one of the best.

As for the other parameters, then large size The video card here is 400 mm (without the HDD cage), and the cooling of the main processor is 170 mm. In fact, you can install up to seven HDD 3.5, as well as 4 SDD 2.5 and DVD 5.25.

A very worthy option to purchase for $170 ( 10,000 rub.). The build quality and materials are of the highest quality, and it weighs all of 9.3 kg. Quite a massive and worthy case for your gaming computer.

Chieftec GP-01B-OP

A very good company from Taiwan, which has been producing high-quality cases and power supplies since 1990. The GP-01B-OP model is positioned as a case for a gaming PC and is equipped accordingly. The chassis is made of 0.6 mm thick steel and is designed to accommodate motherboards ATX form factor.

Among the features, we highlight the removable front and top panels, as well as a transparent acrylic side cover, emphasizing the elegance of the internal assembly. looks especially beautiful. if you turn on the backlight. Two parallel LED strips at the top of the case highlight the elegance of the case.

Otherwise, the case can accommodate video cards up to 430 mm in size, processor cooling up to 170 mm, as well as four HDD 3.5 and a pair of SDD 2.5. On the front panel there are two USB 3.0, two USB 2.0 and 3.5 mm audio jacks.

The layout allows you to place up to six 120 mm fans or, in combination, use an additional 180 mm, 240 mm and even 280 mm cooler. As for the price of the Chieftec GP-01B-OP, you can purchase the case for around $100 ( 6000 rub.).

You may have a powerful graphics card, a great water cooling system, and colorful braided cables, but your device's potential will be wasted if it's crammed into a case that doesn't complement the hardware.

There are several factors that determine the quality of a PC case and only those products that meet all of them while offering something extra make it onto this list. Combined with our own reviews, reviews from other top sites and opinions from owners, here best examples in each category:

The best case for enthusiasts

Dark Base Pro 900

Great Features

Incredibly customizable charger Qi, superior water cooling support, three motherboard height settings, tons of storage options, five-color LED backlight switch and front fan controller

Good | Most people have it

Lots of space inside, very quiet, looks nice

No power supply cover, expensive ($250), no bottom air intake

If you are a fan of DIY PC assembly and the question is how to choose a computer case, only the best case will satisfy you. Last year's winner was the wonderful Corsair Obsidian 900D, followed by Cooler Master Cosmos II and Phanteks Enthoo Primo. This year, however, we have a new champion: the incredibly quiet Dark Base Pro 900.

The first thing you'll notice about this case is that it looks amazing. Whether you choose an orange, black or silver finish, the Dark Base Pro 900 simply oozes quality. Weighing in at 14.39kg and 58cm tall, it's around 10cm shorter and 4kg lighter than the Obsidian, but is still a large and sturdy case. And its gorgeous, tinted tempered glass is the icing on the visual cake.

Probably the best aspect of this case is its fully customizable modular design. Not only can you move the fully removable motherboard tray (which supports E-ATX and XL-ATX) into three different vertical levels, but you can also place it upside down.

This flexibility extends to storage compartments hard drives- the Pro 900 can have as many as you want. Each of the seven bays can hold either a single 3.5" drive or a pair of 2.5" drives, as well as 2.5" motherboard panel connectors, meaning you can insert a total of fifteen 2 .5-inch disks. Moreover, it comes with two 5.25-inch bays, if you need them, you need to select them.

With this customizable approach, the question of how to choose a PC case is eliminated; the case is fantastic for water cooling systems, with space for up to 420mm radiators at the top and front, as well as a 280mm radiator at the base and a 140mm radiator at the rear.

It comes with three 140mm PWM SilentWing 3s fans, but there are plenty of options to add more. Pick it up and you can install three 140mm fans, four 120mm fans, one 180mm fan, or one 200mm fan in the top panel. If you remove the 5.25-inch drive bay, you can install an additional 140mm front fan and, depending on the length of the power supply, you can install 120mm or 140mm fans in the base.

A 20mm gap behind the motherboard tray, along with numerous grommets and Velcro straps, means cable management won't be an issue on the Pro 900. And the sheer size of the case helps in this regard, too.

While it may seem a little strange, the optional Qi charger that sits on the roof of the Dark Base Pro 900 is a quick and easy way to charge one of the 1000+ compatible devices. This is a feature that simply adds something extra to the case.

Combine all of this with a five-color LED switch and fan controller on the front, excellent airflow and of course the fact that it's very quiet and this will make it best choice for the enthusiast. The only minor points are the price ($249), the lack of a cover for the power supply, and the lack of an air intake on the bottom.

Ultimately, the amount of customization options offered by the Dark Base 900 Pro means you can change its internal layout so often that you'll never want to buy another case.

There were a few notable entries in the enthusiast computer case category:

Corsair Obsidian 900D Case: Last year's winner continues to have an absolutely beautiful case and one of the best water cooling systems in the world. It's big enough to live in, supports two power supplies, and has five heatsink mounting points. But this sturdy, stylish case doesn't come cheap—it costs about $340 on Amazon.

Cooler Master Cosmos II: A luxury Ferrari for the Obsidian luxury SUV. The two cases have a lot in common, although the Cosmos is now cheaper and choosing between them is often a matter of taste. Its aluminum frame, solid steel panels and fully painted interior exude quality.

Phanteks Enthoo Primo: Another great case that fits a ton of hardware and provides excellent water cooling settings. Phanteks' Enthoo Primo is over $100 cheaper than the 900D and often sells for less than the Cosmos II. It may not be as grand as other cases, but its quality is just as great.

Best PC Case Under $200

Phanteks Enthoo Luxe

Great Features

Incredible value for money ($125) and great design, supports wide range Water and air cooling configurations, supplied with reservoir mounting bracket and pump bracket.

Plenty of 5.25/3.5/2.5 inch storage, excellent cable management, PWM fan

Average | Competitors can be better

While premium cases represent the pinnacle for PC developers, not everyone is willing or able to pay more than $200 to house their hardware. If you fall under this category, then take a look at the Pantheks Enthoo Luxe, which offers premium features and build quality at a very reasonable price.

While the Luxe's ​​frame and design are identical to the Enthoo Pro, this more expensive model comes with a few more features, including an optional 140mm fan, sandblasted aluminum panels, and an integrated LED lighting kit.

Obviously the case is designed with water cooling in mind; The Luxe can accommodate radiators up to 420mm and even comes with a tank mounting bracket and pump bracket.

If you like to fill your case with fans, then the Luxe has that department as well. It comes pre-installed with a 200mm front fan and two PH-F140SPs. The case can support a huge number of fans of varying sizes and has a PWM hub that can drive six of them.

Plenty of grommets and Velcro, combined with ample space located behind the rear panel, mean the Luxe is an excellent case to create a crisp, clean build. The interior looks neat with a power supply cover and a metal panel that hides the memory cells.

While it can't support the same monstrous number of drives as more expensive cases, three Luxe bays for 5.25-inch drives, six 3.5/2.5-inch drives, and an additional 2.5-inch bay should be more than enough enough to meet the needs of most people.

The only real downside to this case is that some might prefer to buy the similar Enthoo Pro for $50 less, but the Luxe gives you a few more features and adds more quality to what is already an excellent case. For this price you won't find anything better.

Best Mini-ITX Case

NZXT Manta ITX

Great Features

Fantastic appearance - Mini-ITX case that can support two 280mm radiators

Good | Most have it

Massive side window, power supply cover, convenient cable management, fan tray for eight fans

Average | Competitors can be better

SSDs turn upside down when installed, no 5.25" bays, no spacers

The huge selection of high quality Mini-ITX cases meant that there was no winner for this category. simple task. It was eventually narrowed down to two contenders and, after much deliberation about which body, the NZXT Manta came out on top.

The first thing you'll notice about the Manta is its appearance; It should come as no surprise that the designer took inspiration from the Ferrari 458. Those curved steel panels (which are easily removable), large window and controllable LED system make it the kind of body your gaming friend will look at with envy.

But it's not just an elegantly designed case, it's also very functional. The Manta is quite large for a Mini-ITX, almost Micro-ATX in size, but that means you won't have any problems fitting a large graphics card (up to 363mm long) inside it. The roomy interior also supports one 120mm and two 280mm radiators. And while it will be a little stiff, that gives it great potential for cooling user cycles.

The case comes with two 120mm fans at the front - both supports also support 140mm sizes - and another 120mm fan at the rear. You can also attach a pair of 120mm/140mm fans on top if you wish. And to top it all off there is a hub for eight fans.

The Manta doesn't have 5.25 drive bays, but they are becoming increasingly rare, especially in smaller form factors. Two 2.5" drives can be installed on the plate to the right of the motherboard, and a 3.5" hard drive and install another 2.5/3.5 drive on the bottom panel. One problem is that SSDs appear upside down when installed, which makes them difficult to view on glass.

Its curved back panel provides exceptional space for cable management, as well as plenty of openings and covers, but surprisingly no grommets. However, Manta allows for a very clean build.

They cap it all off with dust filters on all main inlets, a durable power supply, and excellent airflow.

Apart from the small negatives mentioned above, such as its large size, the Manta is a premium mini case that comes at a reasonable price of around $130. But if you want features like great looks, excellent water cooling support, and brilliant cable management, it's worth the money.

Another Mini-ITX case competing for the number one position was the Fractal Design Define Nano S. It was a tough choice between these two large and somewhat similar cases: both are large for Mini-ITX, have plenty of water and air cooling options, space for four drives, good airflow and excellent construction.

What brings the Manta forward are slightly better cable management, a more durable and stylish build, the ability to accommodate a slightly larger GPU, and a power supply cover. Moreover, the fact that the Nano S puts the GPU and PSU so close to each other might put people off. But a few areas where the Nano S beats the Manta are in sound levels (it's lined with noise-deadening material) and price—you can find it for $70 on Amazon.

Best HTPC Case

Silverstone Milo ML04

Great Features

Great design, great price, easy to assemble.

Good | Most have it

Average | Competitors can be better

Only low profile expansion cards can cause cable management problems.

In the housing sector personal computers for home theaters in lately Not many new devices have appeared. With some Mini-ITX cases getting even smaller and designed for the living room, HTPC is one of the slower growing form factors. This means that if you want your computer to sit under your TV and look like an expensive piece of A/V equipment, you still won't find a better all-rounder than the Silverstone Milo ML04 Horizontal Computer Case.

Available for around $70, the low-profile body design and aluminum lid make it look like a much more expensive kit. The power button extends from the lockable front door, giving you an extra layer of physical security, behind which are two USB 3.0 ports, an audio input and a microphone jack.

Just imagine computer cases The ML04 measures just 350mm deep and 105mm high and can accommodate both Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX boards, allowing for many more options when it comes to the build. There's also plenty of storage space in such a small case, with a 5.25-inch bay that can also hold one 3.5-inch drive or two 2.5-inch hard drives, two more bays that hold 3.5 or 2.5 inches, and a fourth bay for one 2.5-inch drive. This means that the Milo ML04 can support a total of five 2.5" drives or three 3.5" drives.

Four 80mm fan slots, plus larger fan slots above the processor and on the case side, help keep temperatures cool. And while assembly inside the ML04 is much easier than with most HTPCs of its size, cable management can be an issue, especially if you're packing it with drives. Size also limits expansion cards to the low-profile variety, but that's unlikely to be an issue - it doesn't look like something you'll be playing Crysis 3 on. You could always use a riser and install a full-size single-slot card over motherboard, but this will limit the height of the CPU cooler.

If you'd prefer a larger case but want the look of an HTPC, an alternative is the Grandia GD08. It still looks like it belongs in a living room, but it fits motherboards up to E-ATX, can accommodate GPUs up to 13.6 inches, has twelve drive bays, and accommodates four 120mm fans.

Best micro-ATX

BitFenix ​​Phenom mATX

Great Features

Easily handles two GPU settings, beautiful and durable design, five expansion slots for motherboards, space for ten hard drives.

Good | Most have it

Comes with two 120mm fans, suitable for full size ATX power supply.

Average | Competitors can be better

Cable management can be problematic. All expansion slots are held in place with a single screw.

Another category that hasn't received many new products. More people are choosing to choose either full ATX or Mini-ITX, and so our pick for 2016 remains the same as last year: the BitFenix ​​Phenom mATX gaming PC case.

The case is one of the roomier Micro-ATX you'll find. With five expansion slots, you can easily install a pair graphic cards up to 320 mm long inside Phenom. It also offers a variety of cooling setups that include space for a 240mm radiator or a CPU cooler up to 160mm in height. There's room for five fans at the top (120mm), bottom (120mm/200mm/230mm) and rear (120mm/140mm), and two 120mm fans are included in the box.

Aesthetically, the Phenom is a beautiful case with a sleek and minimalist design. The smooth edges and durable construction certainly make it look more expensive than its $200 price tag. Plus, it comes in black or white so you can match it with your decor.

A huge number of storage options is one of the best features Phenom. This Micro-ATX can accommodate an amazing ten drives - five 3.5-inch and five 2.5-inch. Although filling all the slots will undoubtedly exacerbate one of this case's several shortcomings: messy cable management.

Ultimately, this small negative point and the way the expansion slots are held in place with a single screw are not enough to detract from the overall quality of the BitFenix ​​Phenom, which makes it a worthy winner.

Another great case in this category is the Fractal Design Node 804 ($100). Its clean, minimalist design looks great, and it can support multiple heatsinks, ten drives, and ten fans.

An alternative is the Carbide Air 240 ($75) from the always excellent Corsair. This competitively priced, rugged and compact case can accommodate up to 240mm radiators, accommodates up to six drives and, as the name suggests, is designed for optimal airflow. It also has fantastic cable management features for a small body and a huge side window to show off your skills.

Best case under $100

Fractal Design Define R5

Great Features

Robust design for a relatively low price, offers many customization options, great for water cooling, can choose between additional fans or more sound insulation

Good | Most have it

Quiet, holds huge GPUs, three-speed fan controller for three fans, dust cover on all inputs

Average | Competitors can be better

No PSU case, windowed version costs over $100

Some avid PC builders will say that you can't get high-quality cases for under $100, but that's not true. No other case disproves this statement better than the Fractal Design Define R5. The size, weight, and apparent quality of construction of this case suggest that its $200 price tag may be a mistake. Bitumen-based sound-absorbing material makes up a significant portion of the 11kg R5.

This case is all about flexibility, where sections of the system can be removed to suit your preferred setup. In addition to two 2.5-inch SSD mounts on the back of the motherboard, the case can accommodate up to eight 2.5/3.5-inch drives and two 5.25-inch drives.

Depending on your cage and fan configuration, the R5 can accommodate a GPU measuring up to 440mm in length, a PSU up to 300mm, and radiators up to 420mm at the top and 360mm at the front - an amazing feat for a mid-sized case. The R5 comes with two 140mm Fractal Design Dynamic GP14s, and a total of 9 fan slots, so adding more won't be a problem. There's even a three-speed controller on the front that supports up to three fans.

Other features of this excellent product include Velcro straps and grommets for easy cable management, ModuVent fan slot covers that allow you to choose between additional fans or soundproofing, and dust covers on all inputs. The only real downside to the R5 is the lack of a PSU case and the fact that you'll likely pay over $100 for the windowed version.

Despite the fact that recently there has been a trend towards miniaturization of PCs, caused by the emergence of increasingly cold components, preferred option for gaming computers there have been and remain tower structures, usually of the standard (“middle tower”). In such a case you can assemble an SLI or CrossFireX configuration, place an ATX form factor motherboard (and in some even E-ATX), not be constrained by the size of a video card or power supply, and also install a couple of drives and a large processor cooler . What else does a powerful gaming PC need?

Yes, such a case must be thought out in terms of cooling so that the components do not “suffocate” in it (in particular the video card, as the hottest component of the system). Overheating is fraught with the appearance of various kinds of problems - from crashes to the desktop to freezing of the computer. And usually this happens at a time when the player is focused on the gameplay, or for a long time was not saved in the game. Do we need it?

Considering that almost all “mid-towers” ​​on the market today, which are positioned for assembling a gaming PC, provide support for large components, in most cases there will be no compatibility problems. Another thing is cooling efficiency, and this is almost the main characteristic of an advanced PC. Moreover (strange but true!) in most cases the noise level plays a less important role.

But the store shelves are still full of various models gaming buildings. And among all the variety that is offered to us, choosing a truly noteworthy case becomes problematic, especially for a beginner. In this article we will try to weed out a significant number of different kinds of crafts and focus on some worthy models. The main emphasis will be on the cooling capacity of the case, as well as the price/performance ratio.

Before we begin reviewing the participants in the review, we will give some tips on what you should first look for when choosing a case for a gaming PC. All of them relate to cooling to one degree or another, so they will be especially useful for beginners.

The hottest component in gaming system- a video card, and it’s its cooling that you’ll have to worry about. Models with an air cooling system exist in two types: a reference version, with the so-called “turbine” CO, and a version of the original design. Both the first and the second have their advantages. The cooling systems installed on reference solutions function in such a way that most of the air heated by the card is blown outside the system unit, and does not accumulate inside, as happens when using non-reference options. But the latter have a more efficient and quiet cooling system.

Most video cards sold in stores are non-reference versions. A graphics accelerators Reference designs are usually purchased either to replace the standard CO with a liquid one (such models are cheaper, and it’s easier to find a suitable water block), or to assemble an SLI or CrossFireX configuration. Let's look at this in more detail.

When installing several non-reference models into the system, the upper video card will heat up more than the lower one, since the first one will begin to take almost all the heated air from the lower one for cooling. And the difference in temperature can reach 15-25 degrees Celsius. Of course, when using a microATX motherboard, it will be higher. Therefore, when planning a multi-GPU configuration, it is advisable to choose reference versions with a “turbine” CO. And for a compact case this solution is preferable. In all other cases, the best choice would be an original design video card with efficient and quiet CO.

In addition, when choosing a system unit for a gaming PC, you should pay attention to its leakiness. Simply put, it is better to choose a case that has a perforated front part and a ventilation grille on the left side panel. Moreover, it is advisable to place the fan on the door to blow out, in order to speed up the release of heated air that has accumulated in the area of ​​​​the video cards.

U famous brand The range includes cases with the most competent, in my opinion, cooling system for a gaming PC. This line is called Raven and is probably well known to many readers. The engineers provided for blowing the internal space with a strong air flow, and the direction of the air flow is ideal - from bottom to top.

Now let's move on to looking at some worthy models of cases designed for assembling a gaming PC.

Cooler Master Cosmos SE

The first participant, Cooler Master Cosmos SE, has already been reviewed in our laboratory, and if you wish, you can familiarize yourself with it in more detail by following the link. This model is a younger and cheaper version of Cosmos II, which inherited a similar design, but differs in internal structure.

Cosmos SE received a single-volume internal structure, lost side panels in the form of car doors and some features, including the main features of Cosmos II. At the same time, he significantly reduced the price, although it still remains high - about 13,000 rubles.

Skate Cosmos SE – stylish design. It is because of this that it is worth paying attention to this model. True, in terms of functionality it is unremarkable; so to speak, it is a standard, albeit an advanced one.

As a plus, we note support for a processor cooling system with a height of up to 175 mm. As a result, you can assemble a gaming PC in this case without any problems, ensuring the cooling of components at the proper level, and its design can decorate the interior.

Technical characteristics of Cooler Master Cosmos SE.

Cooler Master CM 690 III (693)

Next in line is the Cooler Master CM 690 III - one of the clearest examples of how to do it gaming cases. Nvidia itself took note of it, releasing a proprietary “black and green” edition.

Cooler Master has this case that is almost the only product in its range in the mid-price niche, which is one of the best in terms of price/performance ratio. It has excellent functionality and is not exorbitantly priced. But the main advantage of the CM 690 III is the excellent ability to customize the CO.

We can confidently say that this is one of the best gaming cases of all time for its niche; it is perfect for assembling a productive gaming PC that is not too large in size. Still in doubt? Check out its review in our lab.

Technical characteristics of Cooler Master CM 690 III.

• Drain GTX 1060 6Gb in Citylink. Complete drain.
• Computer for 650 thousand - they are waiting for you in the comments 8-]

We chose medium-sized cases that are in the price-quality category, current as of spring 2016. (the buildings are located in a chaotic order in relation to price)

Corsair Obsidian 450D

American company Corsair has long been established on Russian market, the products of this brand are very popular. And for good reason. The manufacturer's range includes a whole range of high-quality cases for various needs, and what is equally important is that almost all of them are well optimized for the use of liquid cooling systems.

The Corsair Obsidian 450D can be called the best choice for building a not too large gaming PC in a “mid-tower”. This case is not only endowed with a strict design and excellent functionality, but is also optimized for the use of life-supporting liquids.

And even more - it supports motherboards E-ATX form factor, which will be useful when assembling a multi-graphics system.

Price:

9,000 – 10,000 rubles(as of January 2016).

Technical characteristics of Corsair Obsidian 450D:

Corsair Carbide SPEC-01 – SPEC-03

The Carbide SPEC line of cases belongs to the budget niche. Meanwhile, the quality of workmanship and thoughtfulness of these solutions does not fit in with their price, in a positive sense. And if you are looking for an inexpensive system unit to build a gaming PC, the Carbide SPEC series is an excellent choice.

All three versions are very similar, with only slightly different functionality: from the slightly stripped-down SPEC-01 to the more advanced SPEC-03. The SPEC-02 model is the golden mean, which is suitable for most users.

Let us note one important advantage of the Carbide SPEC line: the front fan in the case is located at a considerable distance from the front panel, there are no nearby obstacles next to it. Because of this, its airflow is very good and its noise level is noticeably lower.

Price:

from 3 000 to 4 500 rubles depending on the model

Technical characteristics of Carbide SPEC-01 – SPEC-03.

AeroCool Strike-X Xtreme

This building is the most functional model from the Strike-X series.

Like the rest of the review participants, AeroCool Strike-X Xtreme is designed for building a gaming computer. The case has quite strong perforations on the front panel, top and left side.

As a plus, we note the presence of a 180 mm fan on the front side, as well as the installation of drives not on the left side, as is usually the case, but on the right. The latter is a smart decision, because in this case, to extract hard drive It is enough to remove only one side panel, not both. Overall, a good and not too expensive case for building a gaming PC.

Price:

Approximately 5 500 rubles

Technical characteristics of AeroCool Strike-X Xtreme.

AeroCool Xpredator X3

The second AeroCool model can be proudly called one of the best creations of this Taiwanese company. The fact is that the product’s chassis is of very high quality; its design almost completely corresponds to the “medium towers” ​​of Nanoxia Deep Silence or Fractal Design Define. And at first glance it is difficult to distinguish them.

Please do not compare the Xpredator X3 with the Xpredator X1 version, since they have little in common, except for the “shell”.

Thick steel, fastening drives via slides, the presence of a 200 mm fan at the front, the ability to adjust the “shell” flaps on the top panel and good CO expandability - all this makes the Xpredator X3 a good choice for building a gaming PC.

Price:

A little more 8 000 rubles

Technical characteristics of AeroCool Xpredator X3.

Zalman Z11 Neo

The Zalman Z11 Neo option is currently one of the newest cases that is among the most rational offerings of this South Korean company. Compared to its predecessor Zalman Z11, which stood out for its too pretentious design, the new product has acquired a stylish and more pleasing appearance.

Another improvement is the optimization of the case cooling system. As standard, the Zalman Z11 Neo is equipped with five fans: one each in the front, rear, top, and sides.

Thanks to this, the housing has very good cooling capacity; for example, the temperature of the video card in it is only a couple of degrees higher than on an open bench.

Price:

Approximately 5 000 rubles

Technical characteristics of Zalman Z11 Neo.

Zalman Z9

The Zalman Z9 / Z9 Plus case is a veteran in the labor market. Despite its age, it is still very popular as an inexpensive and functional option.

Zalman Z9 has everything you need to build a gaming PC: support for ATX motherboards, a sufficient number external devices and drives (with anti-vibration decoupling), as well as the most common CPU coolers with a height of 160 mm.

However, it is worth considering that the maximum supported graphics adapter length is 290 mm. And while this will be enough for most non-reference video cards, some longer models may not fit. When choosing of this building this is worth considering.

In addition, Zalman Z9 / Z9 Plus boasts good cooling efficiency for components and the ability to significantly expand the cooling capacity of the case. And the Z9 Plus version is additionally equipped with a standard rheobass for two fans and a built-in thermostat, and temperature readings are displayed on the front panel on a digital indicator.

Price:

Approximately 4 000 rubles, this is a budget segment model.

Technical characteristics of Zalman Z9.

GMC T360

This is a product of the Korean company GMC (not to be confused with General Motors). A profitable purchase for those who do not want to part with large sums of money when purchasing a case for a gaming PC.

Meanwhile, this case deserves respect; once you get acquainted with its functionality, you won’t think that it is so affordable. Just look at the cost of five full-fledged 120 mm turntables, which the model is already equipped with at the factory. This is truly a national product.

Overall the case is good. It offers good features, mounting drives with anti-vibration decoupling, and is equipped with a very efficient CO, which keeps the productive components at an acceptable temperature even at the lowest (and almost silent) fan speed. This is one of the best options on the market in terms of price/performance ratio.

Price:

Near 4,000 rubles ($58)

Technical characteristics of GMC T360.

I hope your selection of a gaming PC case has become a little easier.

Wait for the selection to continue in a different price category.

We all understand perfectly well that the main thing in any system unit is its performance. It is irrational, if you have, say, 30-50 thousand rubles, to spend a quarter (or even a third) of the available amount on a beautiful case and related accessories, which certainly will not increase FPS in games. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to use the “ a computer is not a luxury, but a tool for work and entertainment" Always. The computer is an object that many of us spend a lot of time next to. And, like many other things that surround us in everyday life, they clearly reflect the essence of their owner. In this case, why not surround yourself with beautiful things if possible?

The system unit has long ceased to be a dull metal box filled with components. In this regard, 2017 was not revolutionary or significant. And yet, over the past 12 months, certain trends have been observed, which I hasten to talk about in this article.

A detailed review of the younger model Phanteks Shift will soon be published on our website.

Even in the division below, where 4-, 6- and 8-core Ryzen and Coffee Lake, very hot - in the truest sense of the word.

In 2017, availability in gaming computer 6-core CPUs have become the norm. For example, the most affordable Intel six-core processor at the time of writing - Core i5-8400 - runs at 3.8 GHz when all cores are loaded. , that when the MultiCore Enhancements function is activated, the frequency of this chip continues to remain at around 3.8 GHz, but in this mode of operation the processor already consumes more than 95 W, that is, it clearly goes beyond the limits defined by Intel in the specification (65 W). With a very efficient Noctua NH-U14S processor cooler under load in the LinX program, the Core i5-8400 heats up to 70 degrees Celsius on an open bench. I think you understand perfectly well that, for example, when using a box cooling system, the temperature will be noticeably higher. This means that if in assemblies based on Intel Coffee Lake will use downright cheap coolers, so don't be surprised at the appearance of throttling. Especially on hot summer days. Those who want to get the most out of 6-core Core chips simply need a high-quality and efficient cooling system.

Intel no longer has modern central processing units, in which solder is used as a thermal interface. Even the Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X chips now have thermal paste under the heat distribution cover. And not far best quality. Therefore scalping Intel processors in 2017 it became an even more pressing topic. You can read our experiment on scalping the Core i7-8700K.

Luckily, Ryzen and Threadripper processors still use solder. Yes, these CPUs do not have high overclocking potential, but without overclocking and cooling 6- and 8-core models, the boxed coolers that come with them do an excellent job. At the same time, ours showed that for overclocking 8-core Ryzen 7 to 3.8-4.0 GHz, it is still preferable to use a tower cooling system from a third-party manufacturer.

M.2 SSDs are becoming increasingly popular, but high-end devices can get quite hot. This “disease” is especially pronounced in older NVMe SSDs. For example, on Samsung models, when a high temperature is reached, the Dynamic Thermal Guard protective technology is automatically activated. During tests, activation of this function was recorded only in the most capacious, terabyte version of the 960 EVO. After a couple of minutes of continuous recording, its temperature reached 75 degrees, and throttling was activated. SSD throttling! So it is not at all surprising that some manufacturers of cooling systems have released appropriate devices that should eliminate overheating of such drives.

I hope I have clearly shown how interesting, unusual and diverse the things we are used to can be. system units. I am pleasantly surprised by the number of enthusiasts who help each other, and as a result we get new and custom PCs.

There is no point in forcing anyone to run for the NZXT H700i, Fractal Design Define R6, be quiet! Dark Base 700 or any other cool case. There is no point in convincing everyone you meet to participate in various ironclad crowdfunding campaigns. But if I were in your place and if I had such an opportunity, I would definitely try to put together something of my own, something beautiful.