Things to Consider When Choosing a New Gaming Case

PC cases are the building blocks of a gaming rig. They house all the equipment and ensure its optimal performance under gaming loads. Everything from providing an adequate cooling path to mounting options, clearances, and technological support is part of a PC gaming case. There are PC cases that can fit all the latest hardware within the dimensions of a gaming console, which is another reason gaming PCs are better than consoles.

Whether you are building an extravagant or miniature gaming PC, it all starts with selecting a PC case. However, there are many things to consider when gaming on a PC. This article elaborates on those points so you can start your build immediately. While there are many minute things to consider in a gaming PC case, here are the 10 key factors to weigh in when choosing a new gaming case:

1. Form Factor: ATX, Micro-ATX or Smaller?

The size of your gaming case will determine what components you can install in your new PC build. The form factor is usually representative of the motherboard size. If a gaming PC case says it is E-ATX, it can fit smaller motherboards like ATX, mATX, and mini-ITX. The most popular category is the micro-ATX or mATX design, as it has enough space to accommodate the most modern gaming equipment and has breathing space for heat transfer. Here are the sizes:

• ATX: 12 x 9.6 inches (305 x 244 mm)   
• Micro-ATX (mATX): 9.6 x 9.6 inches (244 x 244 mm)   
• Mini-ITX (mITX): 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170 mm)   
• Extended ATX (E-ATX): It is typically 12 x 13 inches (305 x 330 mm), but it can vary.

2. Front Panel: Next Generation USB and Controls

The front panel of the PC case consists of power and storage device status lights. Depending on the manufacturer's design, there are also USB ports, audio ports, a power button, a restart button, and an RGB button. If you are targeting a brand-new PC gaming case, look for a Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port on the front panel. It's going to come in handy for connecting storage devices and smartphones. Some ports can support up to 100W of power delivery for charging peripherals. Choose a case with a feature-rich front panel!

3. Air Flow: Adequate Space for Air Movement

The airflow of the PC case is vital for keeping the internal components cool. CPU, GPU, SSD, Chipset, and PSU are all affected by heat build-up inside the PC case. High temperatures can cause the GPU to run at a lower frequency, reducing gaming performance. Similarly, SSD and CPU also throttle to low-performance mode once the temperature rises. The motherboard chipset can also start to malfunction. It's vital to see that your case has enough space to let air move inside. Check the dimensions of the PC components you select and see if there is adequate space for air to move after installation.

4. Clearances: Fitting GPU, CPU Cooler, PSU and Motherboard

We already know how to be sure if our motherboard will fit inside the PC case. Most PC gaming case manufacturers will mention the graphics card and CPU cooler clearance on their product page or specifications. Compare the clearances with the dimensions of your selected components. Here are some general clearances needed in gaming PC cases:

Graphics Cards (GPU) – Clearance Requirements

Air CPU Coolers – Height Clearance

AIO Liquid Coolers – Radiator Size & Placement

5. Aesthetics

Gaming PCs are meant to perform and turn heads. You want your gaming rig to stand out within your community of friends and family. Aesthetics give a sense of luxury and increase product satisfaction. This means using high-end materials and exquisitely incorporating RGB lighting. Aesthetics also include having tempered side glass to showcase the internals and the ability to manipulate lighting.

6. Durability

Durability is vital for portable PC cases. A PC case that will stay on a gaming desk or set up for a long time does not have such high IP ratings. A well-crafted normal case with a 0.5mm thick metal sheet is more than enough for a gaming PC case. Tampered glass and a solid back plate are factors gamers should consider when going to a new gaming case.

7. Cable Management

Most modern high-end gaming cases have a two-chamber design. The secondary chamber usually has no hardware except for an SSD and RGB controller, which are used for cable management. Gourmet or plain holes are on the back sheet, separating the primary and secondary chambers. A 21mm cable management space is enough to conceal all the wiring and ensure proper routing.

8. Filtration System

Whether you use an AIO cooling system or an air-based cooler, the heat will eventually dissipate into the air. The movement of air from the inlet to the outlet requires fans. The air may contain dust and particles that can harm the computer internals and block the cooling process. High-end gaming PC cases come with magnetic filters installed at the bottom and top. Usually, they are in the air inlet region to stop dust from entering the PC case. They can prolong your equipment life and reduce maintenance.

9. Ease of Assembly

Assembling the PC case can be a headache for some as there are many screw-ins and cable management. Modern PC gaming cases with dual chambers and snap-on side panels allow quick assembly and disassembly. The feature is beneficial for PC builders who need to change the components inside the PC frequently.

10. Cooling System Compatibility

Gaming PC cases come with provisions for installing an AIO cooling unit or air cooling unit. They might also mention the size of the AIO or custom cooling loop you can fit inside the gaming PC case. Ensure that you thoroughly analyze the specifications and cooling system compatibility before making a purchase; otherwise, it will not fit.

Final Words: Picking the Ultimate New Gaming PC Case

Picking a new gaming case can be challenging. Looking at all the 10 factors in our list can be overwhelming for some people. To make it easier for our readers, let's break down the process of selection:

• Start by selecting a form factor. Do you want a PC the size of a gaming console or a big PC case that supports large airflow?
• Always choose a PC case that supports the latest Type-C USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 or has a Type-C port on the front panel.
• The size of your PC case dictates the airflow space. More significant PC cases allow better airflow, thus controlling the temperature. So, if you have less space, go for high-pressure fans in a PC case.
• Look for RGB and cable management together. They are closely related. A typical aesthetic PC case has cable management space.
• Metal's durability can be vital for gamers on the move. If you don't move your rig around much, then an adequate sheet gaming case is enough.
• The PC case should be easy to set up and have an easy-to-clean air filter.

If you are looking for PC cases that incorporate all the factors ensuring a solid gaming PC build, visit the ESGaming website and check out the Roke series. Models like the Roke-11 offer great airflow and ARGB fans, while the Roke-02 comes in Mesh, TG, and P variants to suit different needs. Compact options like the Roke-01 and airflow-focused cases like the Roke-09 provide flexibility for all builds. With stylish designs, cooling support, and builder-friendly layouts, ESGaming cases are perfect for any gaming setup.