Need a suitable vessel for your custom PC system? From space-saving Mini-ITX models to heavyweight multi-motherboard hulks, we put 12 chassis through their paces.
YOU’VE GOT THE motherboard. You’ve picked out the processor. You’ve readied the power supply, decided on your storage and maybe even shelled out on a proper graphics card. There’s just one thing left to do before your perfect PC is completely specced out: it’s time to choose a case.
This is likely to be one of the cheapest components in a system build, but it’s still worth taking the time to mull over your options and look for something absolutely ideal. For one thing, it’s the part of the PC you’ll see the most, so there’s no sense in settling for a chassis you’ll come to dislike.
Perhaps more importantly, the case will dictate the terms of which other components can be combined with it – when building a PC, there’s even an argument to start with the case. Whether it’s the size of the motherboard, length of the graphics card, or number of bays and trays for storage drives, a case’s limitations (and opportunities) could have just as much influence on your eventual PC spec as your own wishes.
To help avoid getting stuck with an under-equipped box, we’ve tested 12 desktop cases across a range of price points. We’ve judged them on build quality, upgradability, ease of use and any special features.
BUILD IN ACTION
PCs may not be portable like laptops, but that doesn’t make build quality any less important. A well-constructed chassis should be able to passively reduce the noise of whirring components, survive any accidental toe-stubbing or item droppage, and preferably do it all while looking good.
Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av Computer Shopper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2017-utgaven av Computer Shopper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
XIAOMI Mi Mix 3 5G
VERDICT This is the most affordable of the first 5G smartphones, but even with great hardware, the service isn’t yet worth the expense
RHA T20 Wireless
VERDICT They’re not cheap, but these well-designed earphones deliver superb sound quality
Protect And Preserve
Data might be A Valuable Commodity, But It’s Remarkably Easy To Lose Or For Others To Get Their Hands On. Mike Bedford Provides Guidance On How To Preserve, Recover And Destroy Data, And Looks At The Technologies Involved
NZXT H510i
VERDICT Some qualities shine through, but this is an underwhelming case from a maker we know can do better
Kicking Off A New Era Of Football?
With the new football season well and truly under way, David Crookes talks to Jon Hare about reviving the spirit of Sensible Soccer with a new, more sociable offering that he hopes will avoid an own goal
NAIM Mu-so 2
VERDICT A luxurious and fine-sounding slab of metal, but for most homes it won’t be worth the expense
Motorola One Vision
VERDICT The One Vision comes close to being a brilliant mishmash of tech – shame about the camera
JBL Xtreme 2
VERDICT With top-quality sound and a versatile design, this is a great – if expensive – rugged Bluetooth speaker
HUAWEI MateBook 13
VERDICT What the MateBook 13 lacks in flourish, it makes up for in value and performance
GIGABYTE X570 Aorus Master
VERDICT A loaded and forward-thinking motherboard, but not one that fully justifies its high price