In the early days, CPU cabinets were just some boxes that could hold a motherboard and other computer stuff. But now, times have changed. Even PC cabinets come in many varieties for different uses. Moreover, cabinets have their own features as well, such as input ports, cooling fans, cable management straps, liquid cooling systems, and much more.
As there are different sizes available, you can choose between a full-size tower, a mid-tower or a mini cabinet. A full-size tower is beneficial for the gamers out there who love to tweak and upgrade their systems. However, the mid-tower is best suitable for normal home-usage. Or you need a portable solution; then you can take a mini cabinet. Make sure to go through these significant factors before buying:
- Size: As CPU cabinets are available in variable sizes like Full Tower, Mid Tower, and Mini cabinets, choose one wisely according to your needs keeping your future upgrades in mind.
- Drive Bays and SSD mountings: Make sure the cabinet has at least 2.5 inch or 3.5-inch drive bays to place your HDDs and SSD.
- Front Panel Connectivity: Make sure there are connectivity ports available on the front panel. This way, you can connect many hard drives or flash drives at once.
In case you want to read an in-depth Buying Guide for CPU Cabinets, it is right below in this article. Make sure to go through it once. In case you are struggling to find a cabinet, you can check out our list of Best CPU Cabinets in India.
How to Choose a CPU Cabinet?
Size:
This is the most important factor to consider while choosing a CPU cabinet for your computer. There are 3 different case sizes – Full Tower, Mid Tower and Mini -ITX
- Full Tower – As the name suggests, full tower cases are highly spacious (measuring more than 20 inches in height) and can accommodate all hardware and cooling systems including custom loop liquid cooling setup, radiators, 3 or 4-way graphics cards, multiple fans, 5.25-inch drive bays, etc.
- Mid Tower – This is the most commonly used size that runs up to 18 inches maximum and has decent room for the ATX-sized motherboard, PSU, GPU, hard drive, optical drive, fans, SSD, etc.
- Mini-ITX – Mini-ITX cases are specially designed to accommodate only mini and micro-ITX motherboards. This is a highly portable CPU case that can be moved around easily but it’s not compatible with all hardware. It doesn’t provide room for the liquid cooling system either.
1. Drive Bays and SSD mounting points
Make sure that the PC case you buy comes with 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive bays to accommodate your storage drives. Some cases also come with 5.25-inch bay for storing optical drive, fan controller, etc.
2. Tools-Free Installation
Most mid-range and high-range PC cases come with thumb screws that have a snap-on mechanism, so there is no need for screwdrivers and other equipment.
3. Cable Management
It is best to choose a cabinet with specific cut-outs in the motherboard tray that allows the user to route the cable through the back of the case which makes it easy to manage and keeps the cables tangle-free.
4. CPU cooler cut-away
Most high-end CPU cabinets come with a cut-out behind the section where the processor is placed which allows easy set-up and replacement of the CPU cooler without touching the motherboard.
5. Front-panel connectivity
CPU cabinets that come with front-panel connectivity are especially useful if you have a lot of external devices to connect to your computer. Look for cabinets that come with USB-A Type 2, USB-A Type 3 and USB-C ports, audio jack, etc.
6. Fans and Airflow
It is best to choose a CPU cabinet that comes with multiple fans that ensure better airflow and helps to maintain the temperature of the PC for better performance. Some cabinets also come with additional fan mounts which allows the user to install additional fans when required.
7. Water-cooling support
Other than cooling fans a CPU cabinet should also have space for accommodating liquid-cooling system along with a decent sized cooling radiator for more efficient cooling.
8. Dust Filters
Most CPU cabinets come with a dust filter that keeps your internal hardware clean and prevents the entry of dust, debris and pet hair.
9. Integrated lighting
Most modern CPU cabinets come with customizable RGB lighting that provides illumination and renders an edgy look to your system.
Best CPU cabinets in India
No comments: