- Whenever we get a PC case for review, we start by doing a 360° analysis of its exterior design and internal layout, going over the quality of the components and features offered. We also check the available I/O.
- After that, we create a test build using the chassis. We install all the components, observing if there are any installation challenges. Once done, we also go over the clearance and compatibility of the chassis.
- Lastly, we check the available cooling support (fans and radiators), and once the PC case is set up, we test the core components (like CPU and GPU) and note the case’s thermal performance. We also measure the noise output of case fans.
how we test PC cases
Each and every PC case we review has been tested for over 10 hours. We start from its exterior design and crawl our way towards the insides, analyzing every component to look for any issues.
On this page, we have outlined the testing criteria we follow for every PC case review.
Key Takeaways
Case Design & Layout
We start our testing by doing a thorough analysis of the PC case's design and overall layout.
This includes going over all of its exterior panels, removing them, and also analyzing each and every aspect of its interior.
Exterior Design
When we evaluate the exterior design, we focus on each panel—front, rear, top, bottom, and sides—to judge both looks and functionality.
- Front Panel: We check for unique design elements and material quality. We see if the panel is removable and note any safety steps needed for removal.
- Rear Panel: We look at the ventilation, mounting options, and the layout for the PSU and motherboard.
- Top Panel: Same goes here, we first look at ventilation, then check for fan or radiator mounting options and dust filtration.
- Bottom Panel: Here, we check for dust filters, anti-vibration pads, and any special features like extra mounting points.
- Side Panels: We go over the material quality, ease of access, and how the panels are secured.
Interior Layout
When test the interior layout, our key focus is on the component space, motherboard tray design, GPU bracket options, and cooling support.
- Motherboard Tray: We check for pre-installed standoffs, size compatibility, and cable management cutouts.
- GPU Brackets: We look at the options for vertical and horizontal GPU mounting and how easy it is to switch between them.
- Cooling Support: We check the mounting points for fans and radiators, including any removable brackets that make installation easier.
- Cable Management: We go over the cable routing options, including straps, covers, and space behind the motherboard tray to keep everything tidy.
Our Build Process
Our build process has tests two key aspects of a PC case: how easy it is to install components, and are there any compatibility/clearance issues.
Component Installation
When we begin our build process, we start by installing the main components: motherboard, power supply, GPU, and storage drives. We take note of how easy or difficult it is to fit each part into the case, paying attention to the available space and any tool-free installation features.
We also check how accessible the mounting points are and if there are any obstacles that make the installation tricky.
Compatibility Checks
During and after installtion, we monitor the overall compatibility of the chassis. We check if the case is compatible with different component sizes. This includes looking at the maximum supported GPU length, CPU cooler height, and radiator sizes.
We make sure these components fit comfortably without interfering with each other or blocking airflow. If the case has adjustable or removable parts to fit larger components, we document how these features affect the build process.
Cooling And Thermal Performance
This is the most important step of our testing. Once we have set up the test build, we stress test the components and see how well the chassis holds up in terms of thermal efficiency.
Fan And Radiator Support
We start by testing how well the case can accommodate fans and radiators in different positions, such as the top, bottom, sides, and rear. We check how easy they are to install, confirm the maximum supported sizes, and make sure there’s enough clearance for other components.
Thermal Testing
To evaluate thermal performance, we run stress tests on the installed hardware, including the CPU and GPU, to monitor temperatures under load. We use software tools (like AIDA64) to simulate heavy usage and record the temperature readings. This helps us determine how well the case dissipates heat and if the cooling setup is sufficient for keeping temperatures optimal.
Airflow Evaluation
We examine the overall airflow design of the case by looking at the placement of intake and exhaust vents, as well as the effectiveness of dust filtration and ventilation. We check if the case promotes efficient airflow throughout the system and identify any potential hotspots where air circulation might be restricted. If the case has dust filters, we check how well they prevent dust buildup while maintaining good airflow.
Noise Testing & Other Features
We are not done yet. There is one key aspect of a PC case that can really affect its overall rating in our reviews, and that is its noise profile.
Furthermore, we also go over the other features of a chassis like its I/O ports configuration and length of the included cables.
We test how loud the case gets by measuring noise levels at idle and under load. Using a decibel meter, we check how much sound comes from components like fans and hard drives during both light and heavy use.
Next, we inspect the I/O cables that come with the case. We evaluate whether they’re long enough to reach the motherboard without any hiccups or not.
Overall
In the end, our testing process covers every angle, from design and build quality to performance and noise levels. We dig into the details to see how well a case handles hardware installation, cooling, and everyday use. This thorough approach helps us give you a clear picture of what to expect, so you can choose the right case for your build with confidence.