When building a PC on a budget, you don’t have to compromise on style or performance, especially when choosing the right case to house your components. In fact, the market is flush with enticing options, so if you’re looking for the best budget PC cases for your next build, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best budget PC cases that strike the perfect balance between affordability and functionality. Each of these cases costs less than $100 while still offering good airflow and plenty of room for upgradability without compromising on looks. So let’s take a look at the best options on offer.
But first, you might also be interested in:
- Building a new PC? Check out our guide on how to pick the right PC parts.
- Plan on using your system for gaming? Equip yourself with one of these budget graphics cards under $300.
- Keep your system cool with these budget PC fans with RGB lighting.
1. Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L
- Front IO: 2x USB 3.0, 1x Headphone Jack, 1x Microphone Jack
- Motherboard Compatibility: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Included Fans: 1x 120mm PWM Rear
The Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L is a micro-ATX tower case that’s perfect for budget-minded builders. It’s for folks who want a small and affordable option with good thermal performance.
The Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L is a compact powerhouse that doesn’t compromise on functionality. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for those working with limited space, without sacrificing the capability to house essential components.
The magnetic dust filters and mesh front panel facilitate optimal airflow while keeping dust at bay. A transparent acrylic side panel allows users to showcase their internal components. Add to that, while the front IO is minimal, it can be adjusted in six different locations, with the case itself supporting both vertical and horizontal placement. If you’re looking for a budget PC case under $40, this is the cabinet for you. However, do note that this is a micro-ATX cabinet, so all your components might not fit inside.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
2. Antec NX410
- Front IO: 1x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x Headphone Jack, 1x Microphone Jack
- Motherboard Compatibility: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Included Fans: 1x 120mm ARGB Rear, 2x 140 mm ARGB Front
The Antec NX410 is a mid-tower ATX case that’s a good option for style-conscious builders on a budget. It offers a simple design, pre-installed RGB fans, and comes in white and black colors.
Antec NX410 brings a blend of aesthetics and functionality to the budget segment. With its tempered glass side panel and RGB lighting, this case adds a dash of personality to your build. There are dual ARGB fans up front and a single fan at the back.
Add to that, the budget case also supports fan installation at the top, with enough room to even install a radiator. Apart from that, there’s support for three mountable SSDs, along with room for two more in a docking space beside the PSU. The case has enough room for easy installation and cable management.
Additionally, the front mesh panel ensures optimal airflow, keeping your components cool during intense gaming sessions. That said, some users highlight the space as insufficient for beefy GPUs. Nonetheless, the JNX410 still offers excellent value for money and is one of the best budget PC cases out there.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
3. ASUS TUF Gaming GT301
- Front IO: 2x USB 3.1, 1x Headphone Jack, 1x Microphone Jack
- Motherboard Compatibility: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Included Fans: 1x 120mm PWM Rear, 3x 120 mm ARGB Front
The ASUS TUF Gaming GT301 is a testament to both durability and style. Its military-grade build ensures the safety of your components, while the sleek design and TUF logo add a touch of gaming aesthetics.
The ASUS TUF Gaming GT301 features a perforated honeycomb front panel and a trio of 120mm fans with ARGB lighting. The concoction paves the way for superb airflow, thereby keeping the components frosty. The cabinet also houses a six-port Aura Sync addressable RGB controller hub. Although there is software support available, you can also control RGB using a button on the front panel.
The tool-less design simplifies the installation process, making it user-friendly for builders of all levels. ASUS also includes a simple headphone hook allowing you to hang your gaming headphones next to the case easily. Inside, there’s plenty of room for all the latest components, too. That said, cable management isn’t the best on this, so do keep that in mind.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
4. CORSAIR 4000D
- Front IO: 1x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C, 1x Headphone and Microphone Combo Jack
- Motherboard Compatibility: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Included Fans: 1x 120mm PWM Rear, 1x 120 mm PWM Front
The Corsair 4000D is part of the company’s Airflow series. As the name suggests, it’s one of the best budget PC cases for builders who prioritize airflow and ease of use.
Its clean and minimalist design is complemented by a tempered glass side panel, allowing you to showcase your build. The case offers versatile cooling options, ensuring optimal performance. The front panel is optimized to ensure maximum airflow to your system for proper cooling.
While Corsair only bundles two fans in the package, they are the company’s AirGuide fans. These fans utilize anti-vortex vanes to concentrate airflow and enhance cooling. Additionally, the 4000D has the RapidRoute cable management system, making it easy to keep your build clean.
As for the internal space, the 4000D should be able to house most modern GPUs and support up to E-ATX motherboards. Additionally, there’s support for vertical GPU mounts too. However, you will have to buy a PCIe riser cable separately.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
5. NZXT H5 Flow
- Front IO: 1x USB 3.2, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1x Headphone Jack and Microphone Combo Jack
- Motherboard Compatibility: ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Included Fans: 1x 120mm PWM Rear, 1x 120 mm PWM Bottom
For fans of minimalistic design with maximum airflow, the NZXT H5 Flow is a great option. While the company calls it a compact case, it has enough room to fit most components easily.
The NZXT H5 Flow has a mesh front panel for airflow, two pre-installed 120mm fans, and plenty of space for large GPUs. In fact, it boasts up to 365mm GPU clearance, which is pretty good considering the asking price.
Add to that, one of the included fans lies at the bottom, at an angle. Its sole purpose is to provide enough airflow to your graphics card, ensuring peak performance for extended periods. The H5 Flow also features a cable management system to keep things tidy and a tempered glass side panel to showcase your hardware.
That said, there’s support for radiators up to 280mm only. If you wish to add a bigger radiator, you can consider the Cooler Master TD500 Mesh V2. Not only does it include three 120mm PWM ARGB fans, but the cabinet also has enough room to accommodate dual 360mm radiators.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
6. LIAN LI LANCOOL 216
- Front IO: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB-C, 1x Headphone and Microphone Combo Jack
- Motherboard Compatibility: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX
- Included Fans: 1x 140mm PWM Rear, 2x 160 mm ARGB Front
The LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 is a mid-tower ATX case that’s a good option for builders who want a stylish case with good airflow and plenty of space for radiators and large GPUs. It’s easily one of the best budget PC cases on the market right now.
The LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 distinguishes itself with a unique front panel design that elevates its aesthetics. Beyond its looks, the case excels in providing excellent airflow thanks to its mesh design.
The cabinet also comes with a magnetic side panel that simplifies the installation and maintenance process, making it user-friendly for builders. Similar to the Corsair 4000D, the LANCOOL 216 can also accommodate an E-ATX motherboard with ease.
In terms of the building process, the PC case includes cable management channels, and the front panel can also be relocated to the bottom section if required. Although the package already includes large fans, the LANCOOL 216 also supports a 360mm radiator at both the top and front so you can customize it however you deem fit.
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
Embrace the PC Master Race
Well, those were our picks for some of the best budget PC cases you can buy. Each of these cases brings something unique to the table, whether it’s a compact design, gaming aesthetics, or optimal airflow. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured that these cases offer excellent value for your hard-earned money. So go ahead, get yourself one of these budget cases, and assemble your budget beast.
Was this helpful?
Last updated on 19 February, 2024
Read Next
6 Best Budget Tablets Under $100 for 2023
These days, tablets have become an essential tool for many people, from students and professionals to casual users.
6 Best Budget Gaming Monitors Under $100
Are you looking for a top-notch display to conquer your rivals without breaking the bank?
5 Best Budget Monitors for Photo and Video Editing under $300 in 2024
If you're a photographer or video editor, then a good monitor will go a long way and overturn the colors in your stills and videos accurately.
6 Best Budget Graphics Cards Under $300 in 2024
Even though gaming consoles are thriving, there is no shortage of games for PCs.
CES 2024 Recap: The Best Tech of CES 2024
Thousands of brands and companies attend the Consumer Electronics Show, more popularly known as CES held in Las Vegas every year.
5 Best Budget Drawing Tablets in 2024
For an artist relying on digital tools for their work, figuring out the right set of compliments for their work is the most important step in their journey.
6 Best Keyboards for Steam Deck Under $100: Wired and Wireless
The Steam Deck is a fantastic, handled gaming console.
6 Best Soundbars Under $500 in 2024
If you're buying a new TV getting the audio right is an essential part of the decision-making process.
The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.
