I'm looking for an ATX PC case under about $60 with a solid metal or otherwise non-glass side panel. I use my computer as a monitor stand, so a tempered-glass panel is both inconvenient and something I'd rather not risk breaking. I also need room for three 2.5-inch drives, plus space for a larger 3.5-inch hard drive that will replace two of them. I've found some appealing fully enclosed mATX cases, but they don't have the storage capacity I need. Are there any inexpensive cases that fit these requirements, or models with a glass panel that can easily be replaced with a solid panel?
5 Answers
For a desktop-style case that can support a monitor on top, look at SilverStone’s FLP or Grandia-style cases. They’re not always under $60, but they’re designed around a horizontal layout and solid panels. The tradeoff is that some models have less room for large graphics cards or lots of drives than a conventional mid-tower.
The Antec VSK4000E-U3 is worth a look. It’s a basic ATX mid-tower with five internal 3.5-inch bays and usually sits close to your budget. It isn’t flashy, but that’s kind of the point: solid construction, practical storage, and no glass showcase panel.
They definitely still exist, although the selection is smaller because manufacturers assume people want to show off their components and RGB lighting. The Fractal Focus 2, Fractal Pop Air, Thermaltake Versa H21, Antec VSK4000E-U3, and some Cooler Master and Thermaltake models come with solid panels or non-glass versions. Check the drive-bay layouts carefully, since several of these support multiple 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives. Used cases are also worth considering; older models often have much better storage support and can be found well below $60.
The GameMax Titan Silent 2 is a good choice if you want a larger, utilitarian full tower. It has a solid metal design, traditional drive support, modern front USB connectivity, and room for larger cooling setups. It may run slightly over $60 depending on the seller, but it matches the old-school case requirements better than most current budget models.
That’s exactly the kind of case I was looking for. I still need a 5.25-inch bay, so the traditional layout is a big advantage.
Just make sure airflow is adequate for the particular version. Some enclosed budget cases can get warm if the front intake is restrictive.
If you’re open to older or second-hand hardware, there are many more possibilities. Models such as the Cooler Master HAF XB EVO, older SilverStone cases, the Sharkoon S1000 or V1000, and various Fractal designs offer solid panels and much better drive support than most new budget gaming cases. A case with a glass option may also use the same mounting points as the metal version, but you’ll need to verify the exact model before buying a replacement panel.
The HAF XB EVO is especially practical because the motherboard sits flat, so GPU sag is less of a concern. It is quite wide, though, and used prices can be surprisingly high.
PCPartPicker’s case filters are useful here. You can filter by price, side-panel type, and the number of 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch bays, which makes it much easier to narrow down the options.