Desktop cases protect and organize a PC's components. Modern designs emphasize airflow, cooling support, tempered glass, and compact form factors such as Mini-ITX. Choose a case based on motherboard size, GPU clearance, PSU type, and cooling needs.

What a desktop case is

A desktop case (also called a chassis, cabinet, tower, or enclosure) houses a computer's main components: motherboard, drives, power supply, cooling, and expansion cards. Its basic role is protection from dust and physical damage, plus structural support and airflow management.

Materials and styling

Manufacturers still use steel and aluminum for strength, and plastic for trims and front bezels. Tempered glass side panels and acrylic windows have become common, showing internal components and RGB lighting. Designers occasionally use wood, painted metal, or unusual finishes for boutique builds.

Form factors and sizes

Form factors determine motherboard size, mounting points, and clearances. ATX remains the mainstream standard, with variations including microATX and E-ATX. Mini-ITX powers many small form-factor (SFF) builds and home-theater PCs. Small cases frequently use SFX power supplies to save space.

Case shapes include:

  • Towers (mini, mid, full): tall designs that prioritize expandability and cooling.
  • Low-profile or horizontal "desktop" and HTPC cases: designed for TV cabinets or compact desks.
  • Small form factor (SFF): compact enclosures for Mini-ITX systems and living-room use.

Modern internal layout and connectivity

Most modern cases mount the power supply in a bottom-mounted bay for better weight distribution and airflow. Drive cages have evolved: 5.25-inch optical bays are now uncommon as optical drives have declined, while 3.5-inch HDD and 2.5-inch SSD mounting points remain standard.

Front-panel I/O typically includes USB-A, audio jacks, and increasingly USB-C. LED power and storage activity indicators are usually present; many cases also include fan and RGB controls or headers routed to the motherboard.

Cooling, noise, and cable management

Manufacturers design cases around cooling needs. Common features include multiple fan mounts, removable dust filters, and support for radiator-based liquid cooling. Cable-routing channels and Velcro or tie-down points help keep airflow clear and builds tidy.

Noise control is a common goal: cases may include sound-damping foam, isolated drive cages, and specially designed airflow paths to balance cooling with quiet operation.

Popularmakers and customization

Brands such as Cooler Master, Corsair, NZXT, Fractal Design, and Lian Li produce a wide range of cases for gamers, creators, and professionals. Case modding remains popular: aftermarket RGB lighting, custom paint, acrylic or glass windows, liquid cooling loops, and bespoke panels let builders personalize rigs.

Choosing a case

Pick a case after choosing a motherboard form factor, GPU length, CPU cooler height, and preferred power supply type. Consider airflow, radiator support, drive needs, and front-panel ports. For small or living-room systems, prioritize SFF cases and compact PSUs; for expandability, choose mid or full towers.

FAQs about Desktop Cases

What are the common desktop case form factors?
Common form factors are ATX, microATX, E-ATX and Mini-ITX. Towers (mini, mid, full), low-profile/HTPC cases, and small form factor (SFF) enclosures cover most use cases.
Are 5.25-inch optical bays still common?
No. 5.25-inch optical bays have become uncommon as optical drives declined. Most modern cases focus on 3.5-inch HDD and 2.5-inch SSD mounts.
Should I buy a case with a tempered glass side panel?
Tempered glass showcases internal components and RGB lighting but can reveal cable clutter. If aesthetics matter, choose a case with good cable management and dust filters.
What power-supply type do small cases use?
Small form-factor cases often use SFX or SFX-L power supplies to save space, while standard ATX PSUs remain common in mid and full towers.
How important is airflow when choosing a case?
Airflow is essential for component longevity and performance. Look for multiple fan mounts, dust filters, and radiator support if you plan on high-performance CPUs or GPUs.