TOP-7 Best Mid-Tower Gaming Cases | 2022 Ultimate Buyer’s Guide
This guide discusses TOP-7 best mid-tower gaming cases and their main features that should be considered by a buyer. Learn why you should have a Tower to get the best gaming experience possible and why units with too much glass are not recommended. Find out what other things, such as easy disassembly, material durability and RGB, you should take into account. Take a look at the product comparison chart that will help you pick up the one that is right for you.
We’ve talked a lot about cases here, and we’ve even looked at case sizes that most people aren’t even all that aware of the existence of. This is for a reason. Your case is important. Just like how your bones and skin are important to protect your innards, your case does the same for your PC.
A lot of people tend to weigh aesthetics in as a big, deciding factor, but the truth is, that should absolutely be the last thing you worry about. You want functionality to be your number one concern.
However, despite this, custom cases are nothing new. Brands of PCs have always given their PCs a certain look that reflected their branding. Some companies even made PCs with cases and coloring that was based off a licensed property. A prime example were the infamous Barbie and Hot Wheels PCs from the late 1990s.
Apple loves to play with cases, their “trash can” design winding up being a little too far with their experimentalism with these.
What You Will Learn From This Guide:
- Why a Tower?
- What is a gaming case and how does it work?
- What are the types?
- What to look for when buying
- TOP-7 best gaming cases
Why a Mid-Tower?
So, your first question would probably be “why am I even building a PC?” I get it, you’re used to your tablet, your phone, your game console, and your laptop. But, if you want the best gaming experience possible (yes even better than the consoles), you need a proper PC. This is because laptops try to miniaturize things to the point the individual components just aren’t as good. ARM chips aren’t as fast, due to their lower power footprint, which is why mobile devices aren’t going to be this beefy any time soon.
What is a Mid-Tower Gaming Case and How Does It Work?
So, shouldn’t a case be a case? If you have an ATX board, any mid or full tower case should be fine, right? Well, yes and now.
See, the thing with gaming towers is that they maximize a single large cavity for cooling and the GPU. There’s more room for fans, and paths for air to flow. GPUs, RAM and CPUs run hot. Drives do too, albeit less so.
This is why these machines have the tempered glass panel, although I am not a fan of the idea. It’s for two reasons – one, the tempered glass sheds heat faster than metal, and two – it allows RGB to be visible.
What Are the Types of Gaming Cases?
When it comes to computer cases, you can really only divide them into two categories, especially for gaming. These are standard tower – which is what most of what we look at today will be – and custom cases, which we’ll look at one of presently.
There really aren’t that many differences beyond that.
What to Look for When Buying a Gaming Case
Picking the right case the first time is a very important thing, as having to send it back and get a different one will delay your computer use significantly. So, there are some things to consider when you’re shopping for computer cases, especially for gaming. Let’s look at them.
- It’s not all glass – You don’t want one that’s made of too much glass, as this makes it more prone to breakage. I’ll be talking about my friend’s fancy case he built in a little bit, and this will be illustrated.
- Lots of USB – You want lots of USB inputs for a gaming computer, as you will probably use a game controller, a mouse, a keyboard and maybe a USB headset.
- Lots of Vents – You want this thing to breathe. It needs top intakes and rear vents, and if possible, frontal vents too.
- Easy Disassembly – You want the case to be easy to open up, in case you want to add or remove drives, or upgrade any of your hardware. Some cases are a nightmare to get apart, so if you have one that’s easy to get open and closed, it’ll make your life a lot easier.
- Durability – I’ve seen some cases literally get crushed like beer cans in moves or if mishandled. Make sure your case is made with a durable frame, and exterior plating that can take a little bit of abuse.
- RGB – Okay. I don’t care about RGB, I think I’ve illustrated that in the past. I like simple black boxes that mind their own business. But, gamers love things like RGB, so if that matters to you, make sure you pick a case that works with it.
- Pet Proof – Finally, make sure the air intakes on this machine are not easy for pet hair to get into. Old ones were, and my cat would shed enough in the Florida summer that I would take a whole cat’s worth of fur out of my computer for a couple months. That’s not good for your board, for your fans, or for your other components, as it traps heat and gums up fan motors.
My Personal Experience
So, let me tell you about overdoing it with glass in a gaming computer. My friend had built a gaming computer into a glass coffee table. It had RGB and even an inlaid little second screen facing up through the top of the table (glass protected it).
He was proud of the thing he had crafted, and I don’t blame him, but I told him this thing was going to be a bad idea. Glass breaks, especially tempered glass, and it’s so heavy that moving it around the room was going to be a nightmare.
Well, he shrugged me off and I didn’t push the issue. A couple days later, he got his new air hockey table, which also went into that room. He’d been trying to defeat me at air hockey for over two years, and we were at like, 100/99 in my favor, or it may have been 200/199.
Well one day, we were playing, and I was a bit tipsy, so was he, and he managed to beat me two games in a row, shooting him up to 101. For the first time in a couple years, he was ahead of me. My friend is a nut. He did this twerking and shaking and gyrating dance (intentionally goofy), making fun of me. I smiled and laughed.
He got a little too carried away, and threw the little hand thing you hit the puck with down like a rapper dropping a mic violently. On top of his coffee table gaming computer. The explosive shattering instantly, and I mean instantly told us both what he had done.
The entire top and one side of the thing, all the glass was shattered. The screen in the top was intact, and amazingly, the computer kept running – the music playing on the screen in there went on uninterrupted.
But, there went hours of work and a lot of money. He looked at me with this “I want to cry” look the moment the explosion of glass had happened. All I could do was go “See.”
The next one he built was plexi and wood, both of which are much more durable, and less susceptible to my friend being a really silly form of sore winner.
So, beware of glass and other weak materials, as when they break, you’ll count yourself lucky if your computer is undamaged.
TOP-7 Best Mid-Tower Gaming Cases
Take a look at a review of TOP-7 best products within the price range from $130 to $430. They all are made of steel, plastic and tempered glass and come with 4 USB ports. However, they differ in the size so below, you will find both Mid-Tower and Full-Tower options. Some models have durable material extending the product’s lifespan while others have a lot of RGB, giving the item a retro-futuristic appearance.
Bog Standard Gaming Case | NZXT H710i
This is your basic, bog standard gaming case. One side is tempered glass, which I have just learned to accept is part of gaming case design for now. But, RGB fans will enjoy this, and this case is very much RGB ready, and even has some basic RGB itself.
It’s roomy, it breathes well, and it seems pretty sturdy.
Features
- Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass.
- USB Ports: Four.
- Audio: Standard.
- Vents: One rear, two top, two front.
- Size: ATX Mid Tower
- Drive Support: Three.
- Optical Slot: No.
Performance
This case is standard in just about every way. If I were buying a case, and I had to go with one that had glass for some reason, this is probably the case I’d go for. This does not mean I think it’s the end-all best case for everyone. It’s actually pretty basic, which I value. Others, whom treat their cases and PCs like gear heads do their hot rods, will either adore the basicness of this one for the freedom it gives them to customize, or they’ll find it limited and subpar.
But, if you just want to build a gaming rig, and the case’s fanciness isn’t part of your goal, then this is the case for you, probably.
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Conclusion
Like I said, I recommend this to people who want a basic solution, like I would.
NZXT H710i: Check the current price
Gaming Case with High Airflow Fabric | Phanteks Eclipse P600S
This is another basic case with a glass panel side. It kind of makes me think “Darth Vader” when I look at it. That same imposing geometric black that the empire used, seems captured here, to me.
Features
- Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass.
- USB Ports: Four.
- Audio: Standard.
- Vents: One rear, two top.
- Size: ATX Mid Tower
- Drive Support: Three.
- Optical Slot: Yes.
Performance
Honestly, I have more or less the same to say about this one that I did with the last one. This is just another pretty bog standard case, and it’s not bad looking. It manages to not quite have that “gaming culture red” that everything has these days, which I for one appreciate.
It will kind of blend in with its surroundings, unless you put RGB in to attract attention. It’s very sturdy, and easy to work on, and has plenty of space. There’s a little less breathing for this one, but not enough of a reduction to make it not viable.
This will either appeal or repel customizers, not unlike the one before it.
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Conclusion
I like the optical slot, but aside from that, this is pretty comparable to the previous one, same highs and lows all around. At least you have choice in that niche.
Phanteks Eclipse P600S: Check the current price
High-End Cooling Gaming Case | MasterCase H500M
So this is something a little different, but we’ll see a couple similar ones after this. This is designed for a computer that needs hellacious cooling. That would be a competition gaming rig, or a developer gaming rig.
Even I think the RGB in its front fans is kind of neat and trippy. You didn’t hear me say that.
Features
- Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass.
- USB Ports: Four.
- Audio: Standard.
- Vents: One rear, two front.
- Size: ATX Mid Tower
- Drive Support: No.
- Optical Slot: Yes.
Performance
Okay so this is for something with crazy cooling needs. I can dig that, sure why not. What I don’t understand is why the top of it needs to be tempered glass. Exactly how is a horizontal piece of glass on this case really wise? Things get sat atop cases. Some people even sit drinks on them (I know, I know …).
What are you going to see from that angle exactly? That aside, this thing probably does put on a show in the dark with RGB going on in it. Not something I need a computer to do, but I get it.
| Pros | Cons |
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Conclusion
I get where this kind of cooling could be needed. Mine has serious cooling though this takes the cake. It has its flaws, but this is not a bad case all in all.
MasterCase H500M: Check the current price
Artsy Gaming Case | CORSAIR Obsidian Series 500D
I originally didn’t want to call this one “artsy” due to what an … experience the last one on our list is. But, it’s the only word that comes to mind when I look at it. Artsy in an 80s/90s conservative way.
I’ll get into why in a moment.
Features
- Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass.
- USB Ports: Four.
- Audio: Standard.
- Vents: One rear, two front.
- Size: ATX Mid Tower
- Drive Support: No.
- Optical Slot: No.
Performance
So, why do I associate a time period with this case? Basically, there’s a tinted glass enclosure on all sides, a dark smoky color. This kind of glass was all over the place back then with furniture.
So, this kind of looks like a sci-fi future computer from the late 80s. In that sense, while case aesthetics aren’t my main concern, that is amusing to me. However, this is all glass, which makes this another “I want to break” case.
It’s by Corsair which helps though – it’ll be strong glass as glass goes.
| Pros | Cons |
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Conclusion
I could see this if you put a PC in the living room, because it kind of has the same vibe as an old fashioned tall speaker with the RGB fans in the front. More RGB on the side would give it a retro futuristic appearance. Next to a big flat screen TV, that’d be adorable.
CORSAIR Obsidian Series 500D: Check the current price
Practical Gaming Case | Be quiet! Silent Base 601
We’ve looked at a be quiet! case before. They’re designed and manufactured in Germany, which does actually still mean something. The metallurgy, glass quality and silence of the case is something else. This is the same country where many car designers come from, after all.
Features
- Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass.
- USB Ports: Four.
- Audio: Standard.
- Vents: One rear, two front.
- Size: ATX Mid Tower
- Drive Support: No.
- Optical Slot: No.
Performance
This is a fine case. The RGB will be minimal, only through the side panel, and I’d like an option for this case with just a metal panel there. It has that color trim thing going, but at least it’s not “gaming culture red”. It’s some tame orange that looks fine.
This thing looks like a 21st century take on the classic computer case. Things like this are what I figured they’d look like.
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Conclusion
Okay, this is probably the one I like most of these. I’ve learned to accept some glass is just part of the experience, so a side panel is fine. Cases are now something that break if you drop them, ladies and gentlemen.
I like this case though, and it might be my next gaming PC case. We’ll see.
Be quiet! Silent Base 601: Check the current price
Full-Tower Gaming Case For Competition | COUGAR Panzer Evo
So, gamers that take their high-end PCs to gaming events, want a case they can move easily. Given it’s in the public eye, it’s also one time where aesthetics are something I say is important for identity and theatrics.
This case is a lot of glass, which worries me with moving it a lot but, instruments are fragile too, yet musicians move them.
Features
- Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass.
- USB Ports: Four.
- Audio: Standard.
- Vents: One rear, two front.
- Size: ATX Full Tower
- Drive Support: No.
- Optical Slot: No.
Performance
The handles on this make it easy to move. That doesn’t mean it won’t be heavy, because understand now that this is a heavy case. Tempered glass is extremely heavy. But, again, you’re moving some heavy, fragile equipment for events.
This one has a distinct look, and your RGB creativity can go wild. Be careful with it, and if you have stage crew, make sure they are gentle with this case.
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Conclusion
So, if you take your PC to LAN parties (do people still do this), or to gaming events, this is a good case with a little bit of pizzazz, which matters in public space where you’re self-promoting. This is a case (no pun intended) where aesthetics are good.
COUGAR Panzer Evo: Check the current price
Full-Tower Four-Cabin Gaming Case | DEEPCOOL
I am beyond words with this case. On one hand, I get what they were going for. They didn’t make this weird design just to be special, though they definitely played that up with it. This chambered system is intended to keep different parts of the machine optimally cooled and protected and compartmentalized. That isn’t a bad idea in and of itself, but when the result is this obtuse thing, I’m not sure.
Features
- Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass.
- USB Ports: Four.
- Audio: Standard.
- Vents: One rear, two front.
- Size: ATX Full Tower
- Drive Support: No.
- Optical Slot: No.
Performance
So, this looks like some kind of prop or object from the latest futuristic FPS doesn’t it? I bet that was the inspiration. Yeah, it’s memorable, but it looks absurd. This kind of thing looks neat in a game, but when it’s actually sitting there in the real world, it’s clearly “what”?
Again, the idea of compartmentalization isn’t a bad one, but what the heck is this?
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Conclusion
I don’t feel like recommending this to anyone unless they have really interesting decorative tastes. It looks absurd, working on it is a pain, and it’s just … a strange thing. Future attempts to handle this may go better.
DEEPCOOL: Check the current price
Comparative Chart of Gaming Case Effectiveness
| Product | Features |
| NZXT H710i | Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass. Effectiveness: 9 |
| Phanteks Eclipse P600S | Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass. Effectiveness: 8 |
| MasterCase H500M | Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass. Effectiveness: 9 |
| CORSAIR Obsidian Series 500D | Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass. Effectiveness: 10 |
| Be quiet! Silent Base 601 | Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass. Effectiveness: 9 |
| COUGAR Panzer Evo | Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass. Effectiveness: 10 |
| DEEPCOOL | Materials: Steel, Plastic, Glass. Effectiveness: 10 |
FAQ
What is the best gaming case?
That depends on what you want. I like the be quiet!, but a few of these have their possible places, especially the Cooler Master. If you’re just after a basic computer to game, less is more with your case’s design.
What cases have good airflow?
The Cooler Master sure does, but all of these are honestly alright. Front vents are nice, which a couple of these have.
Should I get a full tower or mid tower case?
For gaming, mid towers are honestly fine. Full towers are for experimental things, high-end servers and other such things. Mid towers provide plenty of space for what a working gaming rig needs. You can get a full tower if you want the option of extra drives and stuff, but you’ll probably never need that accoutrement in the long run.
Can any motherboard fit in any case?
Oh heavens no. ATX only fit in mid and full towers, for example. Look for a case that matches your mother board’s type (mini ITX, micro ATX, ATX). It’s not a one size fits all thing, and it never actually will be.
Is water cooling better than air cooling?
Yes, yes it is. Cooling is done by shedding heat. Heat requires a conductor (thermoconductor), such as air or water. The thing is, water is a more efficient thermoconductor, which means it can pick up and move the heat away faster.
Pros & Cons of Using These Products
Well, you need a case for a computer. But let’s look at the pros and cons of a gaming case, versus a plain case.
Pros
- Better ventilation than most regular cases have. This is because they anticipate hot components.
- Easier to work with, because gaming caters to a broader crowd.
- You can express yourself with RGB, which is popular.
- It provides extra space for cooling.
Cons
- Gaming cases are costly.
- They tend to have very distinct aesthetics which may annoy you.
- They use a lot of tempered glass, which is heavy, and is a thing that breaks, chips and scratches.
- They have drive limits.
- They almost never have optical slots.
- They could use more front USB, and front multi-channel audio outputs.
A Word on RGB
Before closing, I want to talk a little bit about RGB, and something else that’s going to come along from it. It won’t be too long before we start seeing optical circuitry. Right now, electrons are the mechanism by which computers … compute. This will probably be replaced by light, now that some breakthroughs are happening. This isn’t going to happen tomorrow, but optical circuits are probably the future of consumer electronics.
Working in light control now, that in mind, may not be all that bad of an idea.
Conclusion
With the exception of one, none of these cases are truly bad. However, the increasing amount of glass on them worries me, because it makes them heavy, it makes them ask to be scratched, and it makes them beg to be broken.
What can I do? That all said, one of these will meet your needs for a gaming rig, for sure. I’d go with the be quiet! myself, but you may like one of the other offerings much more.
