The Best PC Gaming Cases: Summer Edition

In truth, a gaming computer can be put in just about any old ATX case. But who would want to? Trying to fit a gaming PC into a case which is not well suited for it is liable to make the temperature of the entire PC warmer than needs be, resulting in lower life-spans for components and potential performance issues. Plus, let's face it - gaming cases are cool, in a nerdy kind of way. If you're going to spend a lot of money on high-end gaming components, then it is not a bad idea to have an enclosure which also looks high-end.

Fortunately, gaming cases are not hard to come by, and there are several stand-outs which every gamer should consider before pulling the trigger. The three gaming cases listed here are best of class, but note that this class is mainstream gaming cases which do to tend to be of mid or full tower size. Those looking for a smaller case should consider our list of the best mini-ITX cases.

At first glance, the Raidmax Smilodon does not seem much different than the sea of plastic and metal gaming cases which flood the PC case market. Available in either a blue-silver or green-black color scheme, the Raidmax Smilodon case in either color scheme looks like there might be a rave happening inside. The case does make great use of plastics, and generally plastics in a PC case are something to be avoided, but the Smilodon at least makes the situation tolerable by ensuring that they are of decent quality. The same can't be said of the optional included PSU, however, so it is better to go for a model which does not include it. The Smilodon also stumbles when it comes to cooling, as the Smilodon has a very traditional format using 120mm fans. It is adequate, but not clever.

There is a reason the Smilodon gets the nod, however. Despite being available for well under $100 dollars, the Smilodon has one of the best layouts for system builders of any case in any price range. The front is easy to remove and the left side panel swings open as one would expect. But the right side panel also swings open complete with the PCI expansion cards and motherboard. In other words, it is possible to replace the motherboard without removing the PSU, the hard-drives, or any other components because of the need for extra room. PC gamers, who do often upgrade their PCs, will find this feature to be infinitely useful, and there are cases costing three times as much which do not have it. That makes it a very good case.