15 of the Hottest Pre-Fabbed Computer Cases [w/ Pics]

Five years ago, when you built a computer it was all about the “bling.” All kinds of LED lights in your fans, windows in the side of the case so you could see all the components inside, and some really funky looking alien face…if you didn’t have these, the hot new computer you just built wasn’t cool enough. Their is either the option of building your own extreme custom computer case mod (which takes a lot of work) or getting one of these hot cases pre-fabbed cases below. I for one am happy to say that the new style of choice is simplistic and stylish for most cases. It is almost as if the world has gone Apple on everyone.

I now present 15 of the coolest and most unusual pre-fabricated computer cases for your hungry eyes.

1. Antec Skeleton

   

   If your idea of a conversation piece is starting with your computer case, then this is a good way to go. The Skeleton is an open air, full featured case that only weighs in at 21.4 pounds without any components. The cooling system is a gigantic 250mm fan mounted on top of the case and one 92mm HDD cooling fan mounted on the front. It is capable of receiving most motherboard configurations such as Mini-ITX, MicroATX and Standard ATX. There are front ports for USB, Firewire, eSATA and Audio In and Out.

   At around $150, this case seems like it could deliver a unique experience. Just make sure you have enough money left over to buy some canned air. I can imagine the dust accumulation on this case will be an issue.

2. ABS Canyon 695

   

   The sleek, elegant Canyon 695 is quite unique and big. Produced by Lian Li, it is being distributed in the US and Canada by ABS. The case is very tall at 26.8 inches, and despite its size, the fully aluminum case only weighs in at 26 lbs. At first glance, one might think that there is something seriously wrong with this case; there are no optical drive slots in the front! Instead the optical drive bays are located on the right side of the case. The front of the case is an aluminum panel that can be removed to reveal a dust filter and three highly effective 140mm cooling fans.

   Inside the case, there are three compartments for your components. A section for your hard drives is at the bottom, with another section in the center for the motherboard and her components. Finally at the top part of the case is the section for the PSU and optical drives. A project of passion, this case is not the basis for a quick and dirty computer build, and even comes with a screw driver to assist with securing your various components where they go. There are very few tool-free options on this case.

   As far as cases go, this case is unique and stylish. Unless you’re a case connoisseur though, the $600 price tag might be a serious road block for you.

3. ThermalTake VF7001BNS DH101

   
   

   Do you like home theater? Do you like computers? Why not put them together!? This simplistic case just screams for you to add it to your home theater setup. And why not? With so much of our entertainment content moving online, it’s easy to finally marry cyberspace to your living room. The DH101 blends in with your existing components so well, your friends might just ask you when ThermalTake started producing home theater audio video components. The built in front LCD is capable of displaying equalizers, status and different languages.

   Ventilation is efficient, though you would still be wise to follow normal stereo component guidelines for keeping your equipment properly cooled. At the front is mounted a 120mm silent intake fan, at the rear you can find dual 60mm silent exhaust fans. The case supports micro ATX and standard ATX motherboards and most standard graphics cards. Larger graphics cards will likely not be able to fit in this case, but you’re not likely going to be fragging your buddies with this case set up are you? For a price tag of just over $200 USD, this case goes for just a bit more than many low end individual stereo receivers, but when paired with the right computer components, this case will be able to do so much more. See more.
   

4. Zalman FATAL1TY FC-ZE1

   

   Created by well known professional gamer and CPL champ, FATAL1TY, the Zalman FATAL1ty FC-ZE1 case looks deadly in its own right. What is FATAL1TY’s recipe for pixelized mayhem and destruction? Start with 5mm thick aluminum paneling. Add precision laser etched graphics. Combine tool-free HDD installation with anchored spinning bars and rubber wheels. One easy to open side panel opened with a single sliding latch, red LED accent lighting and fans that when combined with other FATAL1TY branded hardware creates an evil looking them.

   Lovingly add your preferred hardware components and add a heaping teaspoon of knowhow and you have yourself one sharp looking computer system. With a price tag of $359.99, this case is not for the budget minded.

5. XCLIO Windtunnel
   

   

   The XCLIO Windtunnel is a touted as a simple case with a simple design. Two massive 250mm blue LED fans are mounted on the side of the case, with an optional fan mount on the front and rear of the case as well. Each of the large side mounted fans are intended to cool the motherboard and her components and the drive bays respectively. A speed control feature enables you to control just how much air is being delivered to your precious components from the behemoths.

   Installing drives is quick and easy with clips and rails that do not require tools. For the pack rat who doesn’t delete anything or the movie enthusiast who requires massive amounts of HDD space, there are 6 available HDD trays for your storage devices. The case is capable of supporting Micro and Standard ATX form factors. For around $110 this case is a decent value for the gamer that needs to keep their components nice and cool.

6. CoolerMaster CSX Line

   
   

   Everything about this case screams ‘take me home!’ The CSX line of cases feature hand airbrushed graphics for a sharp look. There are many different cases that caught my attention. They use automotive grade paint to give their cases an absolutely amazing look second to none…with the exception of privately modded cases that is. That said, the features in these cases are many. Easy access with a front panel that opens to the left or right, up to nine 5.25” drives and accommodation for up to 9 120mm fans round out the list.

   Overall the case without inside components weighs around 29lbs, putting it a little on the heavy side. The case supports E-ATX, Standard ATX and mini-ATX motherboards and Retails for around $400 USD.




7. X-Clear Acrylic Computer Case

   

   For those who like to look at their computer parts, an acrylic computer case might just be for you. There are many different brands of clear acrylic cases, and many different colors. The X-Clear Acrylic case can be set up to whatever specifications you may desire. Overall, it is light and sturdy and supports standard ATX motherboards.

   Unlike most other conventional cases, there is some actual case assembly required, and care is required so as not to shatter the panels as you screw in some of the mounting hardware. Many people who purchase these cases also tend to purchase lighting kits for some fantastic lighting effects and configurations. Another fantastic bonus about this particular case is the price. You can generally own one of these babies for under a single Benjamin, coming in at an easy $69.99

8. Pyramid Computer Case

   

   While not exactly pre-fabricated, this case is sure to ensure that your ancient Egyptian lifestyle is complete. The case is built from 1.6 mm Aluminum and can be ordered in black, blue or red.

   The airflow inside the case is managed with a pair of 80mm fans, one on the bottom and one in the back of the case. For the stylish yet minimalist in you, there is enough room inside the case for a single 2.5” or 3.5” HDD. A single slim DVD slot is available for a laptop style drive. Standard USB, Firewire and Audio in / out ports grace one of the panels. Each of the panels can be removed with a provided hex tool.

   The Pyramid computer case only supports Micro-ATX motherboards, and as of this publication probably ITX.

9. Thermaltake Spedo Advance Package

   

   However you say it, the Thermaltake Spedo is a case built for the PC builder looking for a stylish case with plenty of room for all their parts. It is a tool free design, so should you decide to take this beast to a LAN party, you won’t need to bring your toolbox to swap out a work hard drive for your Raptor gaming hard drive. The steel chassis weighs in at just under 29 pounds, and has an all black interior. A 230 mm side fan and 8 additional optional fan locations ensures that you can keep your expensive hardware inside nice and cool.

   There is plenty of space inside to install all of your components. There are two HDD cages that each hold up to 3 drives, and the internal cooling scheme is assisted by a 120mm optional fan mount placed behind the motherboard panel. This helps to cool the rear of the motherboard. There are two 120mm fans mounted in the rear, one 125mm red LED fan in the front, and another 230mm fan mounted on the top of the case.

   A price tag of $199 makes this case an appealing buy. For those who like to pinch a few extra pennies, you can purchase the Spedo case without several of the fans and cable management additions for a $150 price tag.

10. In Win X-Fighter

    

    This case has many features, and a nice look to go with it. All black with silver accents keeps the look of this case sharp. A diagonal vent on the side window really adds to the overall look and feel.

    Inside there is plenty of room for your precious components, however the longer video cards of today are a somewhat tighter fit. Two fans that are mounted over the modular component slots provide a direct cooling solution to heat generated by graphics cards and other PCI cards. Adjustable thermal exhaust vents are located in the front and the side of the case. In Win has placed a focus on tool free installations for much of the components. Expansion cards and drives are easily installed without tools. For many people this is a welcome addition. The case supports ATX and Micro ATX motherboards and carries a price tag of $105.

11. Lian Li PC-343B Modular Cube Case

    

    Not for the feint of heart, this case is made for the extreme computer enthusiast. It is huge and fully capable of containing an army of hard drives with its 18 5.25” drive bays. For $369.99 it appears to be a favorite case for case modders everywhere. There is room for just about everything you’d ever want to put in this case, from liquid cooling to redundant power supplies. If you need the case that does it all, this is definitely the one for you.

    The case’s standard cooling is a mere 5 fans, 2 80mm and 3 120mm, but the case modder in you should easily be able to overcome this obstacle with something more innovative. The case supports ATX motherboards and is aluminum. Oh, and you probably don’t want to bring this bad boy to a LAN party. It’s a beast and comes with 4 wheels so you can move this thing around!

12. Antec Nine Hundred Two

    

    For those of us who like style and functionality in the same case, look no further than the Antec Nine Hundred Two. At 25.4 lbs with no components inside, this case seems a bit on the heavy side. The case features an ‘advanced cooling system’ with one rear 120mm exhaust fan, one top 200mm exhaust fan and 2 front 120mm intake fans. EACH fan has its own speed control! There are also 2 optional mount locations for additional fans on the side and in the middle of the case. With all these fans, Antec was thoughtful enough to include built in washable air filters.

    Inside, the case is The case supports Mini-ITX, microATX and Standard ATX motherboards. Plenty of space inside ensures that you can pretty much fit all of your components, including gargantuan 10.5” graphics cards when you remove the optional GPU fan socket. The case looks sharp and the tastefully done window in the side allows you to view the electronic guts of your machine. Coming in with a recommended price tag of $159, this is an excellent case for almost anyone’s budget.

13. ThermalTake VD5000BNA SwordM Black Aluminum Super TowerIf a title has the word ‘super’ in it, then it simply must be super right? That’s up for you to decide. Let us be realistic for a moment however, this case is big. This case is also heavy. 35 lbs heavy. Fortunately for you and I, it comes with 4 wheels to help you move this bad boy around. One thing for sure, this case probably won’t make it to many LAN parties.

    Inside is an enthusiast’s paradise. There is a lot of open space that ensures the included is a massive amount of room that will let you put anything you want into it. Liquid cooling? Multiple 10.5” graphics cards? No problem. One strange feature however, is the lack of space for multiple hard drives. If you only want to add three hard drives to your system, it’s not a big deal. However, if your idea of a good time is scouring cyberspace for anything and everything you could ever want to download, 3 hard drives probably won’t be enough for you. For the rest of us, three slots should be more than enough. With a sticker price of around $500 though, you’d think there would be a lot more to it than that.

14. Thermal Take Armor+ VH6000LBWS (Liquid Cooled)

    The Thermaltake Armor+ LCS was designed to work extremely well with both air cooling and liquid cooling systems. The Armor+ has a radiator mounted right on the front of it! It features a sliding hood with a toolbox right on top, and the case has a tool free design on the inside.

    The LCS version comes “with the pre-integrated liquid cooling system (radiator, pump, tank, water-block, tube) in the chassis, user can minimize installation time while provide best cooling performance on the CPU and other heat sources.”

15. Zalman Extreme Hybrid LQ1000

    

    Coming in with a price tag of $799.99, this case is clearly the most expensive case on this list. Clearly the kitchen sink is probably included with this case, and that is not far from the truth. The case includes an integrated liquid cooling system! 5mm thick aluminum panels, tool free HDD bays, automatic / manual cooling controls as well as a front panel monitoring and display system round out the additional features. All this increases the weight of this case to around 33lbs.

    The LQ1000 is compatible with Standard ATX and micro ATX motherboards as well as full size expansion cards. 5 HDD bays and 4 5.25” bays ensure that you’ll be have enough space for all your hard drives and your optical drives. The case only includes one 220mm fan, and probably does not need any more due to the innovative integrated water cooling. For the price of an already built computer though, how could a person expect anything less?

Know about any other hot computer cases? Let us know about them in the comments below.

• Published in Computers, Desktops, General on 05/13/09
• By Ian Stradling