Best Airflow PC Cases In 2023

Getting a PC case is essential. It holds all the components inside and is the first thing anyone notices about your build. A few factors are to be considered before buying the best case; these factors include the design, the airflow, and the case’s size. However, the most important factor is the performance aspect of the case and if it cools all the components that it houses. For this, we have gathered a list of the best PC case for airflow that can be found in various sizes, colors, and designs.

Best PC Cases For Airflow

Even the most power-hungry and high-performance CPUs and GPUs from the likes of Intel, AMD, and Nvidia, are of no use if you pair your expensive components with a PC Casing, where a lack of air intake contributes to poor overall airflow and general ventilation, which is essentially required by the remaining elements of your gaming system such as your CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD/HDDs, and PSU, in order to maintain peak performance and ensure that you don’t encounter a frame drop in any of your fast-paced action games.

PC Cases have come a long way since the early 21st century. Gone are the bulky, oversized, plasticky finishes of yesteryear. In are the modernized cases, which pride themselves on their minimalism, more than often using a mixture of premium materials such as steel (for added durability and reinforcement) and tempered glass for one (or in rare instances, both side panels), aimed at enthusiasts who’d love to show off their fancy new PC hardware.

All of the Best PC Cases For Airflow spotlighted in our article have undergone a thorough inspection and microscopic scrutiny as we select the Best Airflow PC Cases based on a multitude of factors including, but not limited to, comparative affordability, real-world performance, and air circulation, as well as size, expandability, build quality, visual appeal, and manufacturer support.

Without any further ado, let’s head on straight to the 7 Best PC Airflow Cases in 2023. We’ve also taken the time to highlight three worthy alternative PC Casings after careful deliberation, which hold their own, and then some against our top picks.

Fractal Design Torrent RGB Black

Best Overall High Airflow PC Case

Specifications : Type: Full-Tower Case | Colors: Black, Grey and White | Motherboard Support: E-ATX / ATX / mATX / ITX | Dimensions: 544 x 242 x 530 mm | GPU Clearance: 461 mm total, 423 mm with front fan mounted | CPU Cooler Clearance: 188 mm | PSU Clearance: 230 mm | Ports: 1x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.0, HD Audio | Drive Bays: 2x 3.5-inch, 4x 2.5-inch | Included Fans: Total 5x fans – 2x 180 mm RGB (Front) and 3x 140 mm RGB (Bottom) 

Fractal is a brand that releases top-notch products that are heavily appealing to the eyes and have heavy-duty performance. Known as the ‘Airflow Series,’ Fractal has launched its Torrent series that, as the name suggests, is purely designed to provide maximum airflow. The Torrent comes in three variants, with the Compact being the mid-tower version, Nano designed for the mini motherboards, and the standard Torrent catering to the full-tower users.

This best airflow PC Case comes in various colors, and Fractal goes above and beyond by adding a wide variety of tint options for the tempered glass. It arrives in Black RGB with a light tint, a non-RGB black version, a black case with a solid metal panel instead of the glass, black with a dark tinted glass panel, grey with a light tint, and white with a clear tint, exposing the inside quite clearly. Today we will dig deeper into the RGB black version with a light tint on the glass panel.

This case is designed to offer as much airflow as possible. This is not only the case by making the front panel a Y-Shaped silver grill for optimal airflow but also by providing two fans. Knowing Fractal always shoots for the stars, they offered two of the Prisma AL-18 180 mm fans instead of the standard 120mm or 140mm fans that other brands provide. These fans spin at over 1200 RPM, which may seem insignificant. But keep in mind this is a 180mm fan, so it delivers better airflow even though it spins at a slower rate. 

A dust filter can be found inside the front grill panel, and another lies at the bottom of the case and can be easily slid out to the front. This bottom dust filter covers the bottom row that consists of the three Prisma AL-14 PWM 140 mm fans also provided by Fractal. The top panel holds the IO ports, but it is designed in a minimalistic way by keeping the power button larger than others and situated in the middle and the two USB 3.0 ports on both sides. Audio and Mic jack on the left side while USB type-C and reset button on the right. 

That is not it for the top section. The top can also be easily slid out, and upon removal, we get a surprise. It is a safe spot for the power supply to fit, making it easy to access the whole PSU. The space available for the power supply is large at 230 mm, and it sits comfortably on thick rubber pads with numerous cutouts for cable management and airflow.

At the side of the case, we get tempered glass, and for this version, we get a slightly tinted black glass. In order to remove the glass, pull from the top part, and it will be released from its slots. This may make it easier to remove the panel, but it also makes it less safe since it isn’t held by any rigid force. On the other side of the case, we also get the same tempered glass, but inside we get plenty of velcro straps and rubber grommets for better cable management. There are no less than four SSD trays, each attached to the chassis with just a simple metal screw. Two additional 3.5-inch trays can also be found at the back of the motherboard. 

We see a Fractal fan hub at the bottom of this panel, but it has short-circuit issues. Fractal quickly acknowledged this issue and decided to redesign new models without it. The users who got this fan hub can easily request a replacement kit on their website, and Fractal is kind enough to provide them free of cost. 

Most cases arrive with a little space cutout for the fan to exhaust the heat out of the system, but with the Fractal Design Torrent RGB Black, the whole rear section is a cutout in a honeycomb shape, allowing for maximum heat dissipation. 

What We Liked

The front panel is very easily removable without the aid of any tool, which allows easy cleaning of the dust filter present inside. Moreover, velcro cables can be found both at the backside of the motherboard and the rear end of the case for easier wire routing. The velcro at the back end is used to hold down the power cable since the PSU wires come from the top to the bottom of the case. 

The design makes it an attention-grabber and suits most of the setups. The black color gives it a stealthy appearance, while the five RGB fans illuminate the whole setup. The subtle RGB strip that goes from the bottom of the PSU also adds a nice touch to the entire illumination process.

What We Disliked

The aesthetically pleasing front silver grill may appear robust, but it is made from plastic. This is slightly disappointing since this PC case does not come cheap. Due to its plastic material, it may be prone to damage. 

What sets the Fractal Design Torrent RGB Black Apart From Its Competitors

The use of the 180 mm fan instead of 120 mm or 140 mm standard fans makes a huge difference and sets it apart. Another part where Fractal stands out from its competitors is the power supply placement. They kept it at the top rather than placing it at the bottom like every other brand. This allows easy access and provides more space around the PSU. 

Additionally, the abrupt acknowledgment of their fan hub issue and their above-par customer service by providing people with a solution makes them superior to other brands. 

Verdict

The Fractal Design Torrent RGB Black is made to push the limits and make the PC case with the best airflow thanks to the larger 180 mm fans. The design seals the deal, and it is evidence that Fractal has made this product since they don’t compromise on the design. 

The front panel is plastic, but it is rather solid plastic. However, be careful while removing or placing it and ensure not to carry it by the front panel alone. The glass panel is very easily accessible; however, a button and latch system would have been better for more durability. 

This case has its shortcomings, but they are nothing compared to what it offers, the design, and the ultimate performance, which easily gives it the best overall high airflow PC case title.

Read our Full Review of Fractal Design Torrent.

Cooler Master NR600

Best Budget Airflow PC Case

Specifications : Type: Mid-Tower ATX | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Dimensions: 473 x 209 x 478 mm | GPU Clearance: 410 mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 166 mm | PSU Clearance: 180 mm | Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x 4 pole headset jack | Drive Bays: 4x 3.5-inch, 5x 2.5-inch | Included Fans: 2x 120 mm fans

CoolerMaster is a well-known tech brand that has swept the world by storm by being all over the place. Be it peripherals, cooling solutions, PC cases, power supplies, and even monitors, CoolerMaster has got you covered. Today we will take a look at CoolerMaster’s PC case section, and since we are talking about airflow in this article, we will particularly take a deep dive into its airflow cases. Cooler Master has produced a lot of PC cases regarding airflow, but we will be looking at one of the budget-friendly cases. How can we talk about budget-friendly airflow cases without the Cooler Master NR600?

Right off the bat, we get a Mid-Tower box-shaped matte black Airflow PC case with the power supply shrouded by the metal penal. A subtle Cooler Master logo is embedded onto the shrouded power supply panel. The front panel is made from metallic mesh material, with the holes being smaller than in most Mesh cases. Due to the smaller size of these holes, there is no dust filter beneath them, and the Mesh panel itself acts as the dust filter. An important thing to remember is that the frame is made of plastic, with only the Mesh design being metallic. 

Underneath the front panel lies one of the included fans. Not to mention, you are free to install a 280 mm or a 360 mm radiator as there is plenty of room for that. Due to the absence of any external dust filter, you can easily do a push-pull configuration by installing the fans outside. You get tempered glass that can be easily removed at the side without thumbscrews. It is a two-step process of sliding out the glass and then angling it in a way that it is removed from its hinges. 

On top of this best Airflow PC Case, you don’t see a dust filter either, as you would normally see in every other case. But not to worry because it is attached inside the side panels. You need to manually install it at the top, which is recommended to allow maximum airflow while avoiding dust particles. Other than that, you also get an I/O section at the top. However, it is not like the common area you see in other cases. It is placed vertically instead of the standard horizontal layout, which gives it a minimalist appearance. It consists of one headphone jack followed by two USB 3.0 ports with a rectangular reset and a Cooler Master-shaped larger power button sitting at the bottom top of the case. 

As for the interior, there is plenty of space to fit your components. There are three SSD locations on the power supply shroud, and Cooler Master has given us a toolless installation for it. Two additional sites are provided at the backside of the motherboard as well. For the 3.5-inch units, there is a drive cage at the bottom of the case beside the PSU. It does not interfere with any radiators, but it is fixed and cannot be removed. This makes it difficult to fit the power supply and its cables if larger than 160 mm. As for the rear end, we get a 120mm included fan placed at the back.

What We Liked

This case is the definition of minimalism as it has a symmetrical cubical look with the shrouded PSU panel that adds to the neatness of the case. The combination of plastic and metal and the lack of RGB gives it a sleek appearance rather than a downside for this case. The metallic Mesh panel in the front allows for greater airflow than most other cases don’t offer in this price range. 

What We Disliked

The 3.5-inch drive cage is non-removable, which is a huge limitation for the people who use longer power supply units. Moreover, if you aren’t using any of these drives, this place is unutilized, and you cannot stash any cables into it since it blocks whatever is in front of it. Apart from that, the built quality seems slightly cheap, with the material being plastic and thin steel. However, we can’t complain much since it is a very affordable case. 

What sets the Fractal Design Torrent RGB Black Apart From Its Competitors

Cooler Master is a master of producing products with tiny details that set it apart from others. The lack of a dust filter may seem like a downside to some users, but it still sets Cooler Master apart from other brands since they have made the holes of the Mesh panel smaller and metallic replicating a dust filter in their way. Consider it is a unique feature or not; the vertical layout of the I/O ports is a different approach that we don’t normally see. 

Another outstanding feature is pretty functional, unlike the two mentioned above. The way Cooler Master designed the locations of the SSD drives is commendable since it is entirely tool-less. You simply have to insert rubber pegs into the given holes and mount the SSDs from their screw-shaped exerts into the pegs to secure the drive effortlessly in the location. 

Verdict

Considering all the details about this case, it is a great package. The front Mesh allows for optimum airflow. While the lack of RGB may upset a few people, it magnifies its stealthy appearance. The tiny features added by Cooler Master mentioned above may appear insignificant, but they add personality to the build. Speaking of build, the build quality could be slightly increased by using metal, but we can’t complain much since it lies on the cheaper end. This package arriving at a lower price makes the Cooler Master NR600 the best budget airflow PC case.

Lian Li LANCOOL II MESH

Best Mid Tower PC Case For Airflow

Specifications : Type: Mid-Tower ATX | Colors: Black and White | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (280 mm) | Dimensions: 478 x 229 x 494 mm | GPU Clearance: 377mm x 179 mm (without fans) | CPU Cooler Clearance: 176mm | PSU Clearance: 210 mm | Ports: 2x USB 3.0, Optional USB-C, 3.5 mm Audio/Mic Combo | Drive Bays: 3x 3.5-inch, 4x 2.5-inch | Included Fans: 3x 120 mm fans. 

Lian Li is a renowned brand that offers a variety of solutions for your computer, be it PC cases, accessories, power supplies, cooling solutions, and even desks. Since we are discussing Best Airflow PC cases and particularly Air flow cases for your PC, Lian Li has got you covered. They launched their Lancool II series, which was aesthetically pleasing, but its airflow performance wasn’t above par. In order to counter that, they launched the Lancool II Mesh series, specifically focusing on the airflow aspect to keep your system cool. These are in black and white colors where the white is priced a little more than the black one. 

Lian Li is kind enough to put out two variants of the Lancool II Mesh at the same price; these are the Lancool II Mesh Performance and the Lancool II Mesh RGB. Not to mention the previous Lancool II also has the same price. These versions may appear self-explanatory, with one catering to RGB options and the other having a more minimalistic approach. This is certainly the case; however, the only difference is that one has RGB fans while the other has normal fans respectively. 

Whether it is the RGB or the performance variant, it consists of a full Mesh front panel with large 1.5 mm holes. The case is designed with a Mesh panel to provide optimum airflow, cooling the system as no previous model did. This Mesh design not only looks appealing; it also serves the purpose of filtering the intake air. The shiny silver Lian Li logo lies below this panel with a handle-shaped gap, allowing you to detach the robust front panel. Speaking of the right side of the case, we get a magnetically attached lower basement panel with a full Mesh design. The rear compartment has a solid metal design that prevents making the cable management visible, keeping the whole thing neat-looking. 

Moving on to the top section of the panels, we get tempered glass panels on both sides. Not to mention that these glass panels are designed to be opened by opening the lower panels first. The rear sides of the case hold a typical ATX case layout with the lower power supply section, central PCIe section, and a top fan and rear I/O section. The base has a handle-shaped cutout, tons of positions for the internal drive cage, and a massive power supply filter. 

The top portion of the case consists of an I/O portion with dual USB 3.0, a power reset switch, a combined mic and audio jack, and a silicon-covered USB type-C port as a purchasable option. You get a built-in fan controller beside the reset switch with Low Medium High and Auto sliding options if you get the performance version. You get an A-RGB Color and Mode button beside the reset button for the RGB version. 

For the drives, the drive cage has neat cutouts on the rear end to access the power and data connectors of the drive. This cage sits on a sliding panel, allowing it to slide back and forth and giving you more space for the PSU cables to sit comfortably. The inside of the rear basement cover panel reveals space for two of the 2.5-inch drives, which can be easily installed and adjusted by the screws and with the help of the instructions on the manual. Behind the motherboard tray, you get two additional spaces to mount your drives. Finally, there are more 2.5-inch drive positions in the main compartment in the form of removable basement cover panels. 

Speaking of the removable basement cover panels, they are removed to allow two 120 mm fans to aid in the cooling process of your GPU if you install them correctly. Lian Li included three of the standard PWM 120 mm fans with a removable-plated fan controller sitting at the back of the motherboard, which can support up to six four-pin fans. This controller is only available for the performance variant. The fan bracket is equipped with mobility, allowing it to be easily adjusted in different positions catering to serving purposes required by the user. 

There lies an impressive rotatable motherboard panel on the motherboard that allows the user to install a 280mm wide E-ATX board. This case provides 176 mm CPU clearance and 377 mm long and 179 mm wide clearance for the GPU without fans. Behind the motherboard, we get two massive panels specifically placed to hide all the untidy cables. Upon covering these matte black covers, we get neat cable management with only the SSDs being visible when viewed from the tempered glass. This is exactly why they kept the tempered glass on this site as well. 

What We Liked

The Lian Li LANCOOL II MESH has all the looks, the performance, and the charm to become the possession of a Mid-Tower user. The Mesh design provides airflow and keeps the insides cooler than you would expect. The additional Mesh panels on the rear end add to the system’s cooling. Both the variants are priced equally, which removes the financial aspect of the user and allows them to choose the best option based on the design. The performance version is what we recommend since it provides the utmost airflow solution while keeping a minimalistic touch, making it the best airflow PC case. 

What We Disliked

There aren’t huge downsides to this case. However, it is worthwhile to discuss a few. The magnets that hold the lower panels can create a loud crash as the panels are closed unless you are careful and use your fingers to dampen the effect. Additionally, the foam on the magnets is not enough to cause a soft closure of the panels. Therefore, you do get slight marks on the paint job of the panel when the metal comes in contact with the magnet. This is a letdown since this might get worse in the long run.

The Lian Li provided PCIe screws are fancy in appearance, but they are bulky due to which they fall easily and are less magnetic, which makes the installation process a bit difficult.  

What sets the Lian Li LANCOOL II MESH Apart From Its Competitors

Upon removing the top magnetic dust filter, you get a thank you card by Lian Li and a manual with pictures that easily demonstrate the whole setup process. This manual provided by Lian Li makes it easier to set up the case as nearly all variations have the positions of the parts and component clearance. 

Another brilliant addition by this company is the highly adjustable fan bracket. Due to its immense mobility, you can mount the brackets slightly inwards to have the fans sit on the outside of the bracket if you want to do the push-pull configuration. You can also rotate the bracket, making the installation process easier if you remove something from the frame. 

Verdict

This case has won our hearts by being neat-looking and providing nifty cable management options, robust quality, and especially a good airflow PC case. The rotatable motherboard tray, the back covers for cable management, and the fan brackets are just a few things that make this case the best mid-tower PC case for airflow.

Phanteks Eclipse P500A

Best White PC Case With Good Airflow

Specifications : Type: Mid-Tower ATX | Colors: Black and White | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX, E-ATX (280 mm) | Dimensions: 505 mm x 240 mm x 510 mm | GPU Clearance: 435 mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 190 mm | PSU Clearance: 195mm / 250 mm | Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C, Microphone/Headphone | Drive Bays: 2x 3.5-inch, 3x 2.5-inch | Included Fans: 3x 140 mm D-RGB PWM fans. 

Phanteks have gained popularity for producing one of the best computer solutions, including power supplies, cooling solutions, and especially PC cases. While we were on the topic of airflow, they had launched the P200A for the mini-ITX motherboard, which was an airflow beast. The mid-tower cases needed an improved and enhanced version that equally juggles both design and performance. They introduced the P500A both in RGB and a non-RGB variant and in both black and white colors. 

We will look at the D-RGB version of the Phanteks Eclipse P500A in white color. This is larger than many mid-tower cases, towering at 510 mm with 505 mm in length and 240 mm in width. The top I/O section features a vertically placed headset jack and two USB 3.0 ports, one USB Type-C port with an LED color and mode button at the end. You must be wondering where the power and reset button lies. The power button is separated to be at the center and is larger than the other buttons. The reset button is absent from the section.

We get a tunnel for the power supply unit and the hard drive cage for the bottom section. However, the clearance for the PSU varies with the usage of the drive cage. If you use two drives, you will limit the PSU to 250 mm, whereas if you use four of these HDD brackets, you will reduce the PSU clearance to 195 mm. But some PSUs are higher in power and smaller in size, which fixes this issue. 

This data hoarder can house three 2.5-inch SSD drives behind the motherboard, while two HDDs can be stacked beside the PSU to save space. Due to the stackable option of the HDDs, you can purchase more brackets separately to mount additional HDDs at the back of the motherboard. This allows you to stack up to 10 HDDs simultaneously in the entire case. For SSD lovers, you can mount up to 13 SSDs, so you never have to worry about your storage. 

In order to cool the system, this airflow beast is equipped with a Mesh front panel with 1 mm small holes to direct the airflow in the case. It arrives with three 140 mm D-RGB PWM fans attached to the front. It can support triple 140 mm or 120 mm fans in the front, a single 120 mm or 140 mm fan at the back, and triple 120 mm or dual 140 mm at the top. As for the radiator support, this piece of steel leaves us with more surprises. With 360 mm support on top and an astonishing 420 mm radiator support in the front panel, this case is very effective for a Mid-Tower case. 

Design-wise, this case looks elegant, and the interior looks rather spacious from the tempered glass due to the white chassis color. The translucent white D-RGB fans illuminate evenly and can be vividly observed through the Mesh panel. A small additional RGB part at the top section of the front panel makes the front side look more appealing. What seals the deal is the thin, smooth RGB line covering the PSU panel. 

As for the cable management, the motherboard’s backside contains stylish slidable rectangular areas with the Phanteks logo slapped on them. These are not only meant to hide HDD mounting holes, but they also hide the wires and cables, making the entire build look very neat and minimalistic once everything is installed. There are also plenty of zip ties and velcro straps located behind the motherboard to decrease the cluttering of the cables further. 

What We Liked

This is unarguably one of the best airflow PC cases we have reviewed. Many features are offered in this case, including the small details. A great approach by Phanteks was the slidable portion on the PSU panel that hides the GPU power cables. This makes it look like the cables emerge from the bottom rather than revealing the other messy wires. 

The quality is top-notch, with the good-grade top and bottom dust filters and the Mesh front panel high quality. Phanteks chose to go with stylish angled edges instead of a boxy appearance, making it modern in design. The slidable covers hide the cables and make the white color look neater. 

What We Disliked

There is not much to dislike about this case. However, if we were to improve a few aspects, we could make the overall case more sturdy. The case wiggles and isn’t as grounded as it should be. Another thing that could have been better would be the ability to mount fans on the central compartment where the cable covers sit. This would allow people who don’t use the covers to install fans in that area instead. Nonetheless, this is a great case with more advantages than a few shortcomings. 

What sets the Phanteks Eclipse P500A Apart From Its Competitors

Phanteks is one of the few brands that has left space for a 140 mm fan at the back of the case. It is rare for a case to be this size to have a 420 mm radiator support in the front panel. Phanteks pushed the limits by providing larger storage compatibility with up to 10 HDD drives and 13 SSDs. This is catered to the people who need more storage without relying on external drives that can get messy. This is remarkable and truly sets it apart from other competitors. 

Verdict

The Phanteks Eclipse P500A D-RGB White has not only the looks but also great airflow performance. The triple-fan support at the front and a 140 mm fan support at the back provide much faster heat dissipation. The RGB across the PSU panel gives it a subtle touch and makes the white color pop. The cable covers give it a neater look; the 420mm radiator support with the stacking of up to 10 HDDs and 13 SSDs along with a 5-year warranty elevates the Phanteks Eclipse P500A D-RGB White to the ranks of being the best white PC case with good airflow.

CORSAIR 7000D Airflow

Best Full Tower Airflow PC Case

Specifications : Type: Full Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, MicroATX, Mini-ITX, E-ATX | Dimensions: 600 x 248 x 550 mm | GPU Clearance: 450 mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 190 mm | PSU Clearance: 225 mm | Ports:  4x USB 3.0, Optional USB-C, 3.5 mm Audio/Mic Combo | Drive Bays: 4x 2.5-inch, 6x 3.5-inch | Included Fans: Total 3x – 2x 140 mm fans (front) and 1x 140 mm fan (back)

Corsair has been in the tech industry for over 28 years, and they have taken over most of the industry. Whether it is top-tier peripherals, PC cases, RGB lights, or RAM sticks, they are one of the most well-known brands that exist in this world. Since we have discussed airflow today, we will look at Corsair’s one of the best Airflow PC Case series for its full-tower case, the CORSAIR 7000D Airflow. 

This colossal titan of a PC case stands 600 mm and weighs around 15 kilograms without any components installed, so you might have to take a helping hand while unboxing it. Upon first look, the front Mesh panel doesn’t have the generic holes pattern. Instead, it holds the rather large triangular cutouts that Corsair used for its previous models. Upon removing the front panel and the magnetic dust filter, we get two of the included 140 mm fans and a huge space to install an astonishing four 120 mm fans or a radiator up to 480 mm. 

Over the top, we get the same Mesh panel, which consists of the same elongated magnetic dust filter upon removal; underneath lies a tool-less cage that allows you to mount three 140 mm fans easily or four 120 mm fans and a radiator up to 360 mm. Moving from left to right on the top I/O panel, you get a large power button, four USB 3.0 ports, one USB Type-C port in yellow color, and an audio combo jack and reset button. 

Moving onto the side, we get a massive tempered glass that opens like a door, and its hinges can also be removed by a screwdriver. Under the case, you get multiple accessories, including numerous washers, screws, a fan extension cable, and a bracket to mount the GPU vertically. We get a pre-installed 140 mm fan at the backside, but there is enough space to install a 120 mm fan or a radiator up to 140 mm. Below the fan, you get 8 expansion slots and 3 vertical slots for the GPU. 

As for the bottom, we get a power supply shroud with three cutouts for neater cable management and the same triangular Mesh pattern. On this pattern, you can install three SSDs, but you are required to purchase the trays separately. Additionally, there is a window with transparent removable plastic if you want to install a PSU with an LCD. You can install PSU long up to 225 mm, which sit on anti-vibration rubber pads. Beside the PSU, two hard drive cages lie that stack up to three HDDs each. 

At the center of the motherboard, you get a rectangular cover that helps to address all the intake of the air from the front fans. However, you can install the central fans by removing this cover. These fans can be installed by removing the back panel, which has a separate area open as the triangular Mesh with dust filters to allow optimum airflow with fewer dust particles. You can install either three 140 mm fans or four 120 mm fans, or a radiator up to 480 mm in this place. Moreover, the PWM fan hub lies behind the motherboard and three SSD trays below it. There is plenty of space for cable management, and the back panel is solid metal which hides the cables.

What We Liked

This roomy case allows you to easily house plenty of components with up to three radiators, 12 fans, and up to two GPUs. The CORSAIR 7000D Airflow lives up to its name by being the best PC case for airflow. It provides maximum airflow and allows more possibilities to regulate even more airflow by installing additional fans or radiators. 

What We Disliked

It would have been nicer if they included a cover of the same color as the PSU shroud for the cutout of the PSU LCD. This will help cover it seamlessly if you don’t have the LCD option for your PSU. For a pricey case, they could include their well-known PWM fan splitter instead of the unnamed one they provide in this case.

Due to the heavyweight of the entire case, this case requires you to be more careful, unlike other cases. While opening the back panel, it is important to place the case somewhere safe since the case might flip over due to the unbalanced weight on one side. 

What Sets The CORSAIR 7000D Airflow Apart From Its Competitors

Most brands allow you to purchase the vertical mounting bracket for the GPU separately. However, Corsair provided you with the brackets with the case. Yes, this case is costly, but it still is a great addition to the brand. 

Verdict

Overall, as the name suggests, the CORSAIR 7000D Airflow provides great airflow, and the full-tower features are completely present. As for the design, it is pretty simple, with only the Mesh design being slightly stylish. They could have made it a bit more appealing. However, its performance and the number of components we can stack on it fill the design gaps. 

Therefore, It is reasonable to say that the CORSAIR 7000D Airflow has successfully made its name in the big leagues as the best full tower airflow PC case.

Fractal Design Meshify C

Best ATX Case For Airflow

Specifications : Type: Mid-Tower ATX | Colors: Black and White | Motherboard Support: ATX, mini-ATX, ITX | Dimensions: 395 x 212 x 440 mm | GPU Clearance: 315 mm with front fan mounted | CPU Cooler Clearance: 170 mm | PSU Clearance: 175 mm |  Ports: 2x USB 3.0, Audio I/O, Power button, Reset button | Drive Bays: 2x 3.5-inch, 3x 2.5-inch | Included Fans: 2x fans – 1x 120 mm (front) and 1x 120 mm (back)

Another case by the famed Fractal but this time it isn’t about their Torrent airflow series; it is something similar called the Meshify C. As the name suggests, it has a Mesh front panel, but knowing Fractal does not even compromise a little with the design, we can expect the design to be different from other brands. Since it has a Mesh panel, this case also falls in the airflow category even though they didn’t name it as such. 

The Fractal Design Meshify C is smaller than most ATX tower cases. It almost appears to be similar to a few Micro-ATX cases due to which the C in the Meshify C might mean ‘Compact.’ It is available in both black and white colors with options of going with a solid panel, a tempered glass, or a dark tinted glass for only the black color. However, the light-tinted tempered glass is available in black and white colors. 

With the design, Fractal ditched the silver grill that it is known for and instead opted for a Mesh front panel. This comes with a beautiful twist in the structure; it is not bland like most brands would go for. The front Mesh panel has subtle angular protrusions and creates a 3D effect when observed from different angles. It also has a brushed aluminum Fractual badge instead of a standard sticker that adds to the case’s premium look. The tempered tinted glass has no color cast with good reflections and makes the lightings inside it look very decent. 

The top panel consists of an organized I/O panel layout with the larger power button in the middle, two USB 3.0 ports on one end, and audio, mic ports, and reset buttons. The high-quality magnetic top filter is removed to reveal the top with properly off-set mounting options for dual 140 mm or 120 mm fans. For the other fans, you can populate three 120 mm in the front and a single 120mm at the rear end of the case. However, it does arrive with two 120 mm fans, one placed at the front and one at the back.

At the bottom, there is a slidable dust filter for the power supply. The PSU shroud can also house two 3.5-inch drives inside the drive cage. It has a PSU clearance of 175 mm, and it can be installed through the back by the power supply plates present at the rear end of the case. As for the interior, the motherboard area has angular rubber grommets to allow for cleaner cable exits. Three SSDs can be mounted on the wide bracket located at the motherboard’s backside. Beside this bracket lie the well-known Fractal’s double looped velcro straps to help your build cables hide for a neater appearance.  

What We Liked

The bottom dust filter can be removed from the front instead of the backside. This might be a small detail, but the backside removal caused minor inconvenience to users who had their PC set up against the wall where they had to move the whole PC to get the filter out. 

Other than that, the tempered glass has foam around its edges to prevent dust from entering the system and to reduce vibrations. 

What We Disliked

For a glorious airflow case like the Fractal Design Meshify C, there’s not much to pinpoint against it. However, one thing could have been improved. RGB of any sort inside this case would enhance the overall appearance of this case to a whole new level. The absence of it may upset a lot of users who are used to the lighting effects. 

What sets the Fractal Design Meshify C Apart From Its Competitors

Fractal produces unique designs with slight issues, but they are quick to come up with solutions. Upon removing the front frame, the I/O panel wires can be found attached to the frame, so it cannot be fully removed. However, they countered it by providing an alternative route to remove the dust filter present in the front. Placing your fingers underneath and pressing the dust filter outwards allows you to safely and easily remove the dust filters without removing the front frame. This is a unique trick they provided users rarely found in other brands’ products. 

The top section of the PSU shroud has three strategically placed cutouts catering to front panel audio, one for your front USB and front I/O, respectively. This makes it a lot easier to slither the cables across and also makes it look less cluttered.

Verdict

For a compact case with good airflow like the Fractal Design Meshify C, you get tons of features, including greater airflow, sleek design with robust steel used as the material, and high quality. Where the lack of RGB might be an issue for some, it could also be a plus point for others since it adds to the stealthy, simple, and minimalistic look which any lighting would otherwise ruin. This makes it a figuratively silent PC case with good airflow.

Lian Li O11 AIR MINI

Best Mini-ITX Airflow Case

Specifications : Type: Mid-Tower ATX | Colors: Black and White | Motherboard Support: E-ATX (Max 280 mm), ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 384 x 288 x 400 mm | GPU Clearance: 362 mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 167 mm | PSU Clearance: 200 mm |  Ports: 2x USB 3.0, USB-C, 3.5 mm Audio/Mic Combo | Drive Bays: 4x 3.5-inch, 2x 2.5-inch | Included Fans: Total 3x fans – 2x 140 mm (front) and 1x 120 mm (back)

Lian Li is back with another product, and it certainly doesn’t need any introduction. This time it has arrived with a cute tiny PC case For Airflow but don’t underestimate it due to its smaller size; what lies inside might surprise you. The Lian Li O11 AIR MINI is an upgraded version of the previous Lian Li O11 Dynamic mini. This enhanced model is as compact as the older version but with airflow performance similar to the Lian Li LanCool II Mesh reviewed in this article. 

Despite its smaller size, it is still a Mid-tower ATX case even though it doesn’t appear like one. Unlike the previous version, they have now modified the second chamber to support a full-size ATX power supply where the previous model only supported the SFX unit. The installation process becomes easier by the top panel is removed, and the side and the front are detached easily. All the components sit on pegs, and the silver thumb screws are very top-notch and add to the overall build quality of the PC case. 

As for the fans, three are included by Lian Li, with two 140 mm fans at the front and one 120 mm at the back, unlike the Dynamic Mini that came with no fans whatsoever. The 140 mm fans have a speed range of 600 RPM to 1200 RPM, while the 120 mm fan’s speed ranges around 600 to 1500 RPM. The fans sit on the removable brackets, which eases the installation process. 

The ventilation honeycomb pattern is kept consistent as it is frequently used at the back and the bottom of the case. The metallic Mesh panel at the top acts as the dust filter, whereas the dust filter placed at the bottom has a high build quality. 

All the storage is located at the backside of the case, with a space left in the middle for two SSDs, and conveniently hides all your cables. The ventilated cage with the same honeycomb pattern with two drive caddies is situated above the power supply, and two more large drive caddies are available on the left side of the spine. 

What We Liked

The Lian Li O11 AIR MINI looks elegant on any desk in both colors. The silver screws attached provide a premium feel to the overall build. The consistent metallic Mesh panel at the front and top looks better than the standard solid metal in the previous model—the brushed aluminum on the sides to the case’s contrast. Overall, the case appears very minimalistic and would be perfect for casual use.

What We Disliked

The rubber grommets allow for neater cable management, but they are loose and need to be adjusted after the cables are installed. Due to the front Mesh panel being rather small, the effect of Mesh is almost negligible, due to which it allows less airflow inside the system. They could have gone for bigger holes with a dust filter underneath.

Placing the fans at the bottom of the PC case for Airflow also doesn’t work since it increases the temperatures of the GPU. 

What sets the Lian Li O11 AIR MINI Apart From Its Competitors

The price tag truly sets this best airflow PC case apart from the Lian Li O11 AIR MINI. Although it is not a mini-ITX case, it is compact and smaller than most ATX cases. And the price usually increases for a smaller case. Therefore, Lian Li O11 AIR MINI is economical for its size. 

Verdict

The Lian Li O11 AIR MINI is one of the few compact cases where the hardware occupies most of the space while not feeling cramped, unlike mini-cases. Structure-wise, it is a great upgrade from the previous one by giving you a lot more flexibility with ATX components along with easier cable management. 

However, unlike the Air in its name, it blocks much of the airflow from the front panel due to its smaller holes. Therefore, removing the front panel completely is recommended, which drastically reduces the temperatures. The lack of RGB doesn’t seem to be an issue since most compact cases look way more decent without any lighting. Nevertheless, if we don’t consider it an ATX case, the Lian Li O11 AIR MINI has surpassed expectations and has become the best airflow mini-ITX airflow case.

Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM

Best Overall Fans For Airflow

Noctua is a well-known brand in the computer business; they are best known for their quiet computer fans and premium air coolers, which perform on par with any AIO cooler on the market. There is no third ground; you either adore the brown and khaki inside a black/white build or you don’t; some people may think it looks wonderful. Thanks to their Noctua ND-A1225 PWM, Noctua is today joining us for the Best Case Fans for Airflow category.

The performance of the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM Fan is cutting edge. After using the Noctua NF-A12x25, I can attest that it produces the highest airflow of any PC case fan I’ve ever noticed. In order to operate as perfectly and quietly as possible, Noctua uses its self-stabilizing oil-pressure bearing. Speaking about technical details, the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM fan can sustain a minimum RPM of 450 and a maximum RPM of 2000. However, you can use an LNA, or low-noise adapter, to reduce the maximum RPM to 1700 for quieter operations. The flow channels on the Noctua NF-blades A12x25 aid in maximizing airflow and delivering the optimal user experience.

In conclusion, the Noctua NF-A12x25 PWM Fan would undoubtedly let you down if you’re happy with your PC’s brown beige style fans. Additionally, Noctua offers a 6-year international warranty on it, demonstrating their confidence in their goods.

Thermaltake AH T200

Best Gaming Case for Airflow

Specifications : Type: Micro Case | Colors: Black | Motherboard Support: 6.7” x 6.7” (Mini ITX), 9.6” x 9.6” (Micro ATX) | Dimensions: 444.2 x 282 x 551.5 mm | GPU Clearance: 320mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 150mm | PSU Clearance: 180mm | Ports: USB 3.1 (Gen 2) Type C x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, HD Audio x 1 | Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5″ or 3 x 2.5” (3.5” HDD thickness limitation: 22mm) | Included Fans: None

According to Thermaltake’s advertising, the AH T200 Micro-ATX PC gaming case was created with a design that resembles a helicopter. In addition to being exceptional and one-of-a-kind, the design maximizes airflow. One of the best gaming cases for airflow on the market, and one that is Micro-ATX, is the Thermaltake AH T200.

The Thermaltake AH T200 is the company’s first Micro Case from the AH series and is a scaled-down version of the bigger AH T600. The Thermatalek AH T200 is made entirely of SPCC, with two enormous tempered glass panels on each side and one 3mm window at the front to display the fan. For optimal airflow, the Thermaltake AH T200 is made entirely of steel with open bits. The 4mm tempered glass panels are more robust than regular acrylic and scratch-resistant.

The Thermaltake AH T200 Micro-ATX case is more than capable of storing larger components and has sufficient cable management, so you won’t need to use tweezers to open it. While a 150mm CPU height clearance is offered, Thermaltake offers a maximum GPU length of 320mm, which is more than ample for larger GPUs. The Thermaltake AH T200 allows users to install any standard PSU. 

Concerning cooling, the Thermaltake AH T200’s open-frame construction enables constant component cooling. The Micro-ATX case also has options for radiators, with the front accommodating up to 280mm. Although there are no pre-installed fans on the Thermaltake AH T200, users may still install up to two 140mm fans on the front and two 140mm fans on the top. In a Micro-ATX case, this allows for more than ample airflow.

The Thermaltake AH T200 Micro-ATX case can only accommodate particular motherboards, such as Micro ATX and Mini ITX. Although customers can use up to two 3.5″ or three 2.5″ HDD bays, storage options are constrained to a maximum. The Thermaltake AH T200 also has I/O ports on the top front, including two USB 3.0 and one USB 3.1 (Gen 2) Type C ports, as well as a microphone jack and a headphone jack, in addition to the power button and LEDs.

What We Liked

The Thermaltake AH T200 has several positive qualities. The Thermaltake AH T200 is ideal for consumers who want their cases to be small but have the best airflow. The Thermaltake AH T200 maintains optimal airflow thanks to its open design and myriad fan and radiator options.

The Thermaltake AH T200’s DMD, or Dismantlable Modular Design, is another feature to adore. It enables users to easily strip their case down to its very bottom and install components while keeping cable management as organized as possible, even when working in a Micro ATX Case. To ensure the ultimate PC building experience, Thermaltake ensures users can access every screw and nook.

What We Disliked

The Thermaltake AH T200 currently costs around $170, but it still doesn’t come with any pre-installed fans. This may put off some users because many of us would need to buy aftermarket fans to use the Thermaltake AH T200’s airflow.

What Sets the Thermaltake AH T200 Apart From Its Competitors

The Thermaltake AH T200 is also offered in an E-ATX form, allowing users to take advantage of the case’s ventilation while packing more components inside. The Thermaltake AH T200 is just small on the outside because it can easily hold several larger components and functions as a black hole.

Thermaltake has also maintained a distinctive look. With a little cable management—which is extremely simple to do with the Thermaltake AH T200—it will stand out against rival mid-tower and mini-ITX cases.

Verdict

The Thermaltake AH T200 has several viewing windows so you can show off your RGB and components to the world. The majority of people would want a design that is distinctive but not overly so. The Thermaltake AH T200 demonstrates style and attention to detail by allowing users to attach several case fans while still leaving room for a 320mm GPU. We selected the Thermaltake AH T200 as the Best Gaming Case for Airflow for these reasons.

SSUPD MESHLICIOUS

Best Mini ITX Case for Airflow

Specifications : Type: Mini-ITX | Colors: Black and White | Motherboard Support: Mini ITX / Mini-DTX (need additional 20cm PCIe riser cable) | Dimensions: 245 x 166.4 x 360 mm | GPU Clearance: Up to 336mm | CPU Cooler Clearance: 53-77 mm (Dependent on GPU) | PSU Clearance: 175mm | Ports: 1x USB 3.0; 1x Type-C 3.1 Gen 2; Power LED | Drive Bays: Up to 2 x 3.5” HDD (with Small Form Factor GPU) / 2 x 2.5” SSD (with full length GPU & ATX PSU) / 3 x 2.5” SSD (with full length GPU & SFX PSU) / 7 x 2.5” SSD (with SFF GPU & SFX PSU) | Included Fans: None

SSUPD’s MESHLICIOUS Mini ITX is a serious piece of hardware despite its strange name. As the name implies, Mesh’s use is likened to cake icing. MESHICIOUS is the outcome of combining MESH and Delicious. The Mini-ITX case provides greater airflow and lower temperatures due to the extensive use of MESH.

Let’s start with the design. In contrast to typical ITX cases, which are all congested and constrictive, the SSUPD MESHLICIOUS is designed to be spacious and open. To maximize airflow to the components outside, the entire casing is constructed of MESH. Both a full complete MESH version and one with a left-side tempered glass panel are offered for the SSUPD MESHLICIOUS.

If you’re unfamiliar with the PC builds section, the technical specifications for the SSUPD MESHLICIOUS may seem very complicated. I’ll do my best to make them as straightforward as I can. With a regular GPU, the SSUPD MESHLICIOUS can accommodate three 3.5″ discs; however, an SFF (Small Form Factor) GPU can accommodate up to seven. The SSUPD MESHLICIOUS makes it simpler for consumers to move from an ATX build to a Mini ITX build by supporting both ATX and SFX PSU. The motherboard tray as a divider keeps GPU support as high as possible, supporting GPUs up to 4-Slots in width. It is possible to install a GPU with a maximum length of 336mm by restricting the other components (A common occurrence in Mini ITX build). 

As we mentioned, the body is entirely made of mesh, which provides for maximum ventilation and cooling. Isn’t it wonderful that the SSUPD MESHLICIOUS, in addition to having a MESH body, allows for the installation of radiators up to 280mm in the front? The case is not very small; it measures 14.67 liters in volume and is around 360mm tall. Both Black and White versions of the SSUPD MESHLICIOUS are offered to accommodate different customer preferences.

What We Liked

Although hardly much is expected or delivered from a Mini-ITX case, SSUPD disproves this notion by going the other way. The SSUPD MESHLICIOUS is unique in that it allows for the installation of premium components inside a small enclosure with outstanding aesthetics while also providing maximum airflow.

The SSUPD MESHLICIOUS complete MESH construction is clever since it allows for more space and fewer fans, yet it can still fit a 280mm radiator on the front and a full triple-fan GPU.

What We Disliked

It can be difficult to work with smaller Mini ITX cases at times, as is the case with SSUPD MESHLICIOUS. Both cable management and adding new components can become a headache. The SSUPD MESHLICIOUS comes standard with a 14.5cm PCIe 3.0 Riser Cable; to use PCIe 4.0, you must update the motherboard or purchase the upgraded model, which includes a PCIe 4.0 Riser Cable. For less experienced users, this can all get jumbled and perplexing.

What Sets the SSUPD MESHLICIOUS Apart From Its Competitors

No other Mini ITX case on the market enables customers to install a 280mm Radiator alongside a full GPU and still be left with enough space and ample airflow, which sets the SSUPD MESHLICIOUS apart from its rivals in nearly every way. The SSUPD MESHLICIOUS’ whole MESH body has made all this possible.

Verdict

The SSUPD MESHLICIOUS is one of the top Mini ITX cases on the market today because it enables customers to experience a Mid-Tower-like environment inside a Mini-ITX setup. The construction and build quality are strong and stylish. The SSUPD MESHLICIOUS is the best mini ITX case for airflow, thanks to its full MESH construction and support for a 280mm radiator.

What is PC Case Airflow?

PC case airflow is the channeling of air inside from one end through the installed fans and exit from the other with the help of the installed fans. This allows the PC components to be cooled down, including the CPU, motherboard, and the GPU.

 Many people don’t pay enough attention to the airflow aspect, which causes them temperature problems in the long run. People facing temperature issues in their PC are quick to check the GPU temperatures or their CPU cooler but often neglect the airflow configuration in their PC case. Mainly, this is because they aren’t equipped with the knowledge about PC case airflow.

It is essential to regulate and maintain a steady airflow regardless of the configuration you opt for. Going for an airflow case instead of a silent case also gives you an edge over the other category since you don’t have to worry about the temperature aspect. Placing a radiator is also crucial to rapidly cool down your CPU with the help of airflow.

Competition

Have the previously highlighted Best Airflow PC Cases failed to meet and exceed your expectations? Nothing to worry about since that’s precisely why we’ve honourably mentioned all the units that couldn’t make it to our coveted list of the Best Airflow PC Cases in 2023 but still managed to maintain their dignity as worthy replacements. The cherry on top, we’ll continuously refine the following selections as time goes on and more meritorious candidates appear.

NZXT H210i

Best Mini-ITX Airflow PC Case

Specifications: Type: SFF Mini-ITX | Colours: Matte Black, Matte Black ’n’ White & Matte Black ’n’ Red | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 372 x 210 x 349mm | GPU Clearance: 325mm | Radiator Clearance: 480mm & 120mm (Front and Back) | CPU Cooler Clearance: 165mm | PSU Clearance: ATX (150mm width) | Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Type-C & 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A | Drive Bays: 1x 3.5” & 4x 2.5” | Included Fans: 2x Aer P 120mm (Top & Rear) | Weight: 5.9kg

An article on the Best Airflow PC Cases in 2023 wouldn’t be considered complete without an NZXT offering. That’s where the NZXT H210i steps in as a compelling alternative to the Lian Li O11 AIR MINI as far as the Best Mini-ITX Airflow Case is concerned. Since the NZXT H210i’s dimensions measure 384 x 288 x 400mm, it’s strictly limited to Mini-ITX in terms of Motherboard Support, even though it is rather bulky and space-consuming for a Mini-ITX Case.

What We Liked

Courtesy of the NZXT H210i’s relatively mammoth proportions, users will be pleasantly surprised to discover ample clearance for their dual and triple-fan GPUs (325mm) as well as high-performance CPU Coolers (165mm) and the space to slot in a standardized ATX PSU too.

Moving on to the main highlight of the H210i, NZXT graciously implemented 3x air intake strips on the front panel supplemented by full-sized mesh lining split up into 10x squares for concentrating airflow buildup and maximizing ventilation aided by the 2x bundled 120mm NZXT Are 2 P fans. 

NZXT also offers cooling enthusiasts to add another 2x 120mm/140mm fans on the front panel for turbocharged air circulation. Not to forget, the NZXT H210i also ensures support for a supersized 480mm radiator on the front side and a secondary 120mm radiator on the rear panel.

With regards to aesthetics, the NZXT H210i comes in a choice of Matte Black accompanied by 2x Matte Colour combinations (Black ’n’ White & Black ’n’ Red), all of which are equally alluring when combined with NZXT’s top-of-the-line construction, which makes use of galvanized steel and tempered glass. 

Of course, NZXT also offers 2x NZXT RGB connectors integrated within the H210i for adding external RGB peripherals (up to 4x NZXT A-RGB Strips or 40x LEDs) in the form of the Smart Device V2, which may be controlled via NZXT’s proprietary CAM software in addition to providing complete fan manipulation. 

Speaking of fans, the Smart Device V2 also possesses 3x fan channels rated for an output of 10W per channel, paired with a built-in addressable LED strip for ambient lighting, which is also customizable via NZXT CAM.

What We Disliked

Upon detailed scrutiny of the included pair of NZXT Aer P 120mm fans, we discovered that they are certified to spin at a maximum speed of 1200 RPM, producing 50.42 CFM of airflow while maintaining a relatively decent sound profile measuring in at 28 dB(A). 

However, these 120mm fans (1x each mounted on the rear panel and top side) use a 3-pin connector, which eliminates the possibility of PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation), i.e., automatic fan speed regulation based upon current system and componential temperatures, a nuance which will surely detract from the NZXT H210i’s appeal.

Furthermore, the NZXT H210i showcases a limited I/O offering on the front panel, with just a single Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2×1) and Type-A (USB 3.2 Gen 1) port, coupled with a combined audio jack, although NZXT does include an audio jack splitter in the packaging should people want to make use of dedicated input mics and output headphones.

For storage, the NZXT H210i reveals 4x 2.5” disk drive bays, which users will most probably use to install their SSDs, slightly complemented by just a lone 3.5” drive bay, traditionally used for conventional HDDs (for bulk data storage).

What sets the NZXT H210i apart from its Competitors

The NZXT H210i sits in a class of its own, quite literally, due to its sizeable overall footprint as far as the Best Mini-ITX Cases are concerned. Subsequently, the NZXT H210i can handle a comparatively higher volume in terms of air intake and thus, output superior air circulation with the help of the 2x NZXT Aer P fans working in conjunction with a fully covered (mesh) front panel to concentrate ventilation. 

Thanks to the extra space, the NZXT H210i also features increased componential clearance with respect to GPUs, CPU Coolers, Radiators, and Fans. Let’s not forget the extensive expandability and controls provided by the Smart Device V2 and the NZXT CAM software utility. Additionally, NZXT manages to package the H210i into a deluxe steel enclosure with tempered glass on the side panel enabling RGB enthusiasts to show off their state-of-the-art gaming rig and lighting setups. 

Put together with any of the 3x stunning colour choices and a somewhat attractive price tag, the NZXT H210i fulfils the market niche for enthusiasts who’re seeking the Best Mini-ITX Airflow Case that’ll fit a bulkier GPU and high-performance CPU Cooler without sacrificing too much on visual appeal, build quality, and affordability.

Verdict

Last but not least, the NZXT H210i is priced around $110, undercutting our top choice, the Lian Li O11 AIR MINI, by about $15-20. NZXT stamps on a 2-year warranty for the H210i, which isn’t anything to write home about. The packaging thankfully includes a user manual (an essential accessory NZXT is notorious for not including as far as its cooling systems are concerned). 

All in all, the NZXT H210i, complete with 3x air intake channels, the 2x bundled NZXT Aer P 120mm fans, the Smart Device V2 designed with the CAM utility in mind, as well as the presence of a USB Type-C port on the front panel, and removable air intake filters (Front Panel + PSU) all help to cement the NZXT H210i as an extraordinarily worthy and striking alternative to the Lian Li O11 AIR MINI while sustaining a lower price point as the Best Mini-ITX Airflow Case in 2023, assuming potential buyers will turn a blind eye to the absence of more 3.5” drive bays and the oversized dimensions as well as the underperforming NZXT Aer P fans.

Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh

Best Budget Airflow PC Case

Specifications: Type: Mid-Tower ATX | Colours: Black & White | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX & Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 415 x 205 x 485mm | GPU Clearance: 160mm | Radiator Clearance: 240mm/280mm & 120mm (Top and Rear) | CPU Cooler Clearance: 160mm | PSU Clearance: ATX (165mm) | Ports: 2x USB 3.0 Type-A | Drive Bays: 2x 3.5” & 2x 2.5” | Included Fans: 2x 140mm A-RGB PWM & 1x 120mm A-RGB (Front and Rear) | Weight: 8.5kg

Lian Li, the undisputed Taiwanese industry leader in terms of the Best Airflow PC Cases, makes its third and final appearance on our list, with the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh justifying Lian Li’s commitment to the entry-level/budget-oriented segment of our enthusiastic audience. 

Right off the bat, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh evinces a dominating presence despite its Mid-Tower ATX form factor, which is also capable of handling Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, thanks to its dimensions coming in at 415 x 205 x 485mm, respectively giving it reasonable clearances of 160mm, 160mm, and 165mm for your GPU, CPU Cooler, and PSU. However, the extra space comes at the compromise of a hefty mass, weighing in at 8.5kg. 

What We Liked

Delving into the nitty-gritty details, we’re pleased to report that the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh comes armed with a full-cover (removable) mesh sheet on the front panel, as the name evidently suggests, allowing for greatly enhanced air intake. Lian Li has also incorporated a magnetic dust filter at the top and a removable one at the bottom, which will come in handy with regard to the casing’s dust extraction and general maintenance down the road.

Moving on, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh sports dual 140mm A-RGB PWM fans mated to the front panel, capable of spinning up to 1200 RPM, supplemented by a 120mm A-RGB PWM fan mounted on the rear side (1500 RPM max speed). Lian Li also provides a fan controller, which supports up to 5x fans (including the integrated 3x fans), further simplifying cable management. The externally added (sold separately) 120/140mm fans may be mounted on the top, where you’ll also find removable fan brackets for easier installation/disassembly and cleaning. 

As far as build quality is concerned, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is wholly made out of steel, with just the side panel constructed using tempered glass for eye-popping RGB aesthetics. However, under-the-radar gamers would be more than welcome to showcase a monochromatic dark aesthetic around their PC components.

What We Disliked

Water Cooling enthusiasts will be disappointed since the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh only supports up to a 280mm radiator on the front panel, meaning potential buyers will have to drop the prospects of purchasing the Best 360mm AIO (Please hyperlink) or even worse, do away with a Custom Water Cooling Setup (Please hyperlink to the Best Water Cooling Kits).

The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh also lets us down with its lack of support for a higher number of fans, although that’s something to be expected for a Mid-Tower ATX PC Casing. What isn’t forgivable is the presence of even a single USB Type-C port, with Lian Li defaulting to a pair of much slower (and older) USB 3.0 Type-A ports in terms of I/O.

Storage expandability isn’t particularly impressive either, since the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh presents potential buyers with the options of either using a 2x 3.5” + 2x 2.5” Drive Bay setup or forgoing the 3.5” spaces altogether (traditionally used for bulk storage in HDDs) and opting for a four-way 2.5” disk drive system (commonly used with SSDs in RAID setups).

What sets the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh apart from its Competitors

The Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh’s ability to support a variety of motherboard sizes ranging from standard ATX to Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards makes it an excellent choice for a decent portion of our target audience who’s on the hunt for one of the Best Airflow PC Cases. Lian Li’s gracious addition of a removable mesh panel on the front, paired with another dust filter on the bottom as well as a magnetic one on the top, paves the way for significant airflow improvisation while keeping dust and grit at bay.

Notwithstanding, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh boasts supreme and simplistic cable management, especially if you don’t plan to use the 3.5” drive bays since that’s where you’ll be able to hide all of your PSU cables. Lian Li’s steel construction, alongside the use of tempered glass for the side panel, rounds off the Lancool 205 Mesh with a pretty yet durable outlook.

Verdict

As we near the conclusion of our short overview with respect to the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh, it’s essential to note that Lian Li offers a choice of two colours, namely black and white. However, if we dare say so ourselves, the white casing is undeniably stunning, even though it may easily attract dust particles in the long run as compared to the black variant.

Finally, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is priced around the whereabouts of $75-100 depending upon where you source it from. It is supported by a 1-year warranty, much to our dissatisfaction, even for a budget PC casing. That being said, if you’re okay with using 280mm or smaller radiators and aren’t bothered by the absence of USB Type-C ports, the Lian Li Lancool 205 Mesh is undoubtedly the honorary alternative as the Best Budget Airflow PC Case in 2023.

BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX

Best Overall High Airflow PC Case

Specifications: Type: Mid-Tower ATX | Colours: Black & White | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX & Mini-ITX | Dimensions: 450 x 232 x 463mm | GPU Clearance: 369mm (Length) | Radiator Clearance: 240mm & 360mm (Top and Front) | CPU Cooler Clearance: 190mm | PSU Clearance: ATX (150mm width) | Ports: 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Type-C & 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A | Drive Bays: 2x 3.5” & 3x 2.5” | Included Fans: 3x 140mm BeQuiet! Pure Wings 2 | Weight: 7.8kg

BeQuiet!, arguably the most popular manufacturer, asides from Noctua, when it comes to unleashing the Best CPU Coolers and AIOs (Please hyperlink to the 6 BEST CPU Cooler Under $100 in 2023) in terms of acoustic performance as well as thermal efficiency. However, BeQuiet! is now attempting to outgun the Fractal Design Torrent RGB Black as the Best Overall High Airflow PC Case, which is precisely where the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX steps in.

The BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX primarily serves as a Mid-Tower PC Case, capable of handling any motherboard with sizes varying from standard ATX to Micro-ATX and even Mini-ITX. 

Courtesy of the dimensions measuring in at 450 x 232 x 463mm, the Pure Base 500DX sports plentiful headroom for GPUs (369mm length), CPU Coolers (190mm maximum height), and Radiators (240mm & 360mm at the Top and Front respectively), enabling users to implement their top-of-the-line GPUs with beefy cooling systems in addition to a high-profile CPU Cooler such as the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black (Please hyperlink to the Noctua NH-D15S Chromax.Black review) or even a fully-fledged Water Cooling Kit.

What We Liked

Skipping to the hallmark feature of the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX, namely, its outstanding air circulation, powered by a full-sized front mesh panel with 2x removable air filters. Nonetheless, BeQuiet! went above and beyond to integrate triple black 140mm blowers in the form of its proprietary Pure Wings 2 fans mounted on the Top, Front, and Rear. 

The BeQuiet! Pure Wings 2 (140mm) fans spin at a top speed of 1000 RPM whilst sipping through 12V of voltage and producing a healthy 61.2 CFM of airflow while sustaining air pressure at 0.76 mm-H2O and a theoretically inaudible sound profile rated for a maximum of 18.8 dB(A). The Pure Base 500DX also houses the required space to install another 3x 120/140mm fans (1x more on the Top and 2x on the Front) for users who wish to turbocharge their overall cooling system.

While the fans themselves are painted black from head to toe, the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX makes up for it by including built-in 3x RGB strips, 2x of which are situated adjacent to the front mesh panel (possessing 14x Addressable LEDs each) and the last strip being tucked away underneath the top of the tempered glass sheet (bearing 10x A-LEDs). BeQuiet! also provides a dedicated RGB controller in the form of an I/O button to simplify your lighting setup with a handful of preset modes and colour options.

As far as expansion is concerned, the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX is respectively equipped with a pair and trio of 3.5” and 2.5” drive bays. Alternatively, SSD enthusiasts may swap out the 3.5” drive bays and rig up their gaming system to use a total of 5x 2.5” disk drives if they wish to do so. 

With reference to the front I/O offerings, the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX showcases a USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 Type-C and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A port, accompanied by individual 3.5mm audio jacks for your input (mic) and output (headphones). 

Furthermore, the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX provides an easy-to-follow installation process, further simplified by the included user manual, coupled with convenient cable management, thanks to well-thought-out construction, in addition to the right-sided opaque panel (with a sound dampening sheet) which hides all your cable routing from visibility.

What We Disliked

Our only but significant qualm with the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX is regarding its acoustic profile when the Pure Wings 2 fans are giving their all under intensive workflows. Despite the presence of a noise dampening filter on the inside of the right panel, the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX’s open-ended design allows for relatively higher air intake and circulation, but at the cost of compromised noise output, even though BeQuiet! claims the Pure Wings 2 only go up to 18.8 dB(A) at full speed. 

Piling on further disappointment, none of the 3x BeQuiet! bundled fans offer PWM speed regulation since the Pure Wings 2 fans use a proprietary 3-pin connector, stripping potential buyers and users the capability to allow the fans to automatically adjust speed in terms of real-time RPM regulatory response to componential temperatures. That being said, it’s rare enough to find a premium-built case like the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX, which offers 3x integrated 140mm blowers and fantastic 360-degrees airflow all around for under $100, roughly speaking.

What sets the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX apart from its Competitors

By way of its jaw-dropping aesthetics, bolstered by 3x integrated RGB strips, in addition to the vast front-panel air intakes, complemented by a mesh filter, which, in turn, is supported by the trio of complementary BeQuiet! Pure Wings 2 fans, alongside a USB Type-C port as well as distinguished audio input/output jacks and the ability to slot in either 2x 3.5” + 3x 2.5” drive bays, or forgo the larger disk format to set up a total of 5x 2.5” disk drives, the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX manages to justify its price point with ease. 

Not to forget, the Pure Base 500DX also offers a decent cable management system to up the ante as far as your PC Case’s visual aesthetics are concerned.

Verdict

It’s pertinent to mention that the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX comes in a choice of two colours; either Black or White. BeQuiet! offers a standard 2-year warranty on the casing itself (and a specific 3-year warranty for the Pure Wings 2 fans) paired with a price range coming in at about $110, approximately speaking. 

As such, we confidently crown the BeQuiet! Pure Base 500DX as the most worthy substitute to the Fractal Design Torrent RGB Black with regards to the Best Overall High Airflow PC Case in 2023. For just a few dollars northwards of $100, it doesn’t get better than BeQuiet!’s all-rounded offering.

How To Test Airflow in a PC case?

The testing method for the airflow might seem weird, but it is what it is. To test the airflow, you need some sort of visible smoke to enter the system to physically see the direction where the smoke enters and exits the PC case. For this, you can either use dry ice, cigarette smoke, vape smoke, a fog machine, or even incense sticks. Cigarette smoke is harmless for the PC, but it is not recommended since smoking is harmful to health.

Keep any smoke sources in a box with only one hole on the other side. Place the box near the front panel of the PC case, where the fans will suck the air inside the case. The other fans will regulate the airflow outwards. This PC case airflow simulation will give you a good picture of where the air is flowing.

How To Configure PC Case Fans for the Best Airflow?

This is the PC case airflow guide you will ever need. The first step in setting up the PC case fans for optimum airflow starts by choosing the right fans. Ensure that the fans you have are compatible with the PC case you will get. This can be found on most PC case websites under the supported fans section. Secondly, you need to know about the different types of configurations and which one suits best for your build. 

There are arrows given in most of the fans that guide you about the intake and exhaust of the airflow. If you don’t have these arrows, you can always check the fan blades, where if they appear rounded and curve away from you (convex side), that means it’s the intake side. When the fan blades bend towards you (concave side), that’s the exhaust side. 

Now, you must be equipped with the knowledge of the three configurations that builders use. 

Starting with positive airflow, the fans work together to bring more air in than getting the hot air out. The front panel and the top panel fans allow the air to reach inside the case while only the backside removes the heat. This is a great configuration to minimize dust build-up but comes with a downside of heat getting build-up inside the case since fans would have difficulty dissipating the heat outwards. It is beneficial for larger cases and people who avoid opening their rigs and replacing the pre-installed fans. 

Next is the negative airflow, which does the exact opposite by exhausting more air out than letting it in. It removes most of the warm air, but the inside is prone to get far dustier; therefore, cleaning might become a frequent routine. This configuration is best for smaller Mini-ITX cases. 

The most common configuration is the neutral configuration. An equal amount of cool air enters the system with an even warm air exhausting out, making it a safer and more reliable option. This is perfect for your mid-tower case by providing good airflow and has less urgency for constant cleaning of the build-up dust. This is also great for the users aiming to install plenty of fans in their case.

 However, it all comes down to personal preference, and you are free to choose any configuration for any type of case you choose. Finally, after selecting your desired configuration, test out the results using software like Cinebench R4 and try different configurations that match your style and provide the maximum airflow. Make sure to clean your PC case for Airflow for any dust particles every three months regardless of the configuration you opt for since dust build-up is inevitable over time. 

Why Should You Trust Our Judgement

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Subsequently, we instill confidence in our esteemed consumers, who may rely on us to give them the best advice for building, customizing, and modifying their personal gaming computers