Innovation is the taste of life as it spices things up for every field, but we especially welcome it in PC technology. We’re going to introduce you to another rising sensation in the world of technology, a horizontal pc case in this buying guide. It might not always be flat, though. You can place it in a vertical position as well, depending on the design the manufacturers offer. They come in a vast range so that you can turn up the heat of your passion or profession in a whole new way. This kind of case demonstrates the uniqueness and individuality of your choice and makes your setup look more exciting than ever. There’s a lot to consider here. Who doesn’t want their build to be protected from any external factors? A pc case keeps your system protected from dust as much as possible. You can further tidy things up by cleaning the removable dust filters. If curious pets, unconsciously spilled liquids, or maybe an internal leakage, a pc case gets you all covered.
If you are concerned about your system being overheated and thus your components being vulnerable to damage, not to worry! A pc case with good thermal performance won’t ever let your system suffer. Then come their excellent and elegant looks. You are sure to fall for a horizontal pc case right at first sight since most of them provide you with a perfect look. Even those with compact size have essential and fancy features. Cable management is as easy as a breeze. Among all similar-looking cases, a good, undoubtedly, PC case will make your setup stand out from the rest, and that’s almost an achievement. Upgraders out there are going gaga over this kind of computer case, or you could say this is the current rage. But before spending quite a few bucks on such an essential component of your custom build, read out our experts' tips and let your purchase be on point!
Quick Shopping Tips:
Airflow: One of the most crucial things you should be paying attention to while choosing a pc case is the airflow. Outstanding thermal performance, optimal cooling, or protection of your system all depends upon the airflow. Spending a lot on a case with less than average airflow isn’t worth it, is it? Not, since no one would prefer good looks over good cooling performance. So be wise enough to keep an eye out for this factor.
Graphics card length: Don’t go on a wild goose chase for something that’s not even compatible with your other components. The case you choose must be capable of supporting the length of your graphics card, or else you’d have to change either of the two integral components of your build. You can tally the specifications of both of these products to know the maximum length supported by the pc case you will most likely purchase.
Noise: Most people prefer working in a calm environment to pull themselves together and give their most potential. Nobody wants an ear-piercing noise to disrupt them. The gamers tend to feel pressured during gaming if the system is too noisy. Opt for a case that resolves this issue, and you don’t have to regret your purchase during a stressful task. The size of fans of the case plays their role in producing noise. The larger the fan, the lesser the noise, as big fans spin at relatively lower speeds.
Aesthetics: Aesthetics matter much more than you think they do. You’ll have to look at your case for many years to come or unless you don’t upgrade. So your PC case has to be aesthetically pleasing. It’s pretty alright if the case does not have exaggerated and lavish looks that make your setup look like a royal one. But it must be good-looking enough to blend well with the overall look of your setup. Choose the color theme and design carefully. RGB factor is a treat to the eyes too, don’t neglect it.
Build quality: Wait up! While getting the best looks, impressive quality, and best acoustic performance, are you compromising build quality? That’s not the best thing to do. The build quality is responsible for the durability of the product you are choosing. The materials used to manufacture your pc case will subsequently decide for you to love or hate your choice. Better go for something more sturdy and reliable so that you can enjoy it for a more extended period.
Best Horizontal PC Cases for Your Gaming RIG at a glance:
- Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
- SilverStone Technology GD09B
- Thermaltake Core P5 V2
- Thermaltake Core G3
- SilverStone GD08
- Antec VSK2000
- SilverStone ML04
- Fractal Design Node 202
The Best Horizontal PC Cases for Your Gaming RIG You Can Buy Today
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
Best Overall Horizontal PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mid-Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX | Card Length Supported: 334mm | Storage Support: SSD & HDD | Included Fans: 2
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Two 5.25” drive bays
✓ Two pre-installed fans
✓ 240mm radiator support
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No RGB lights
✗ Too plain design
Who hasn’t heard of Cooler Master in this era? Honestly, it sounds absurd to be unaware of this world-class company. They’ve been manufacturing products that excel at looks and features. Cooler Master HAF XB EVO is another winning accomplishment of this brand. This pc case is a perfect blend of modern features, top-tier performance, and stellar looks. Its completely tool-less design makes installation easier for beginners. The looks it has, though! They set it apart from others on the pricier side. This case has a little to complain about, just if we become a bit nitpicky, which we will.
Let’s talk about the two fans it includes. The high quality of these fans ensures lower noise and better cooling. The noise isn’t the least, but it is bearable, and the thermal performance compensates for it as well. The best overall horizontal PC case title undoubtedly belongs to this product. It makes cable management look like a breeze even to first-time builders. But there’s something not worth neglecting. The spare parts are a bit outdated, and this case is not compact at all! Be very mindful of the space you have or the room you can further provide to it because it will not fit just anywhere. However, who cares about the size of everything else is on point.
SilverStone Technology GD09B
Best Runner-Up Horizontal PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mini-Tower | Motherboard Support: SSI-CEB, ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 309mm | Storage Support: HDD & SSD | Included Fans: 1
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Tempered glass panels
✓ Quick access filters included
✓ Multi-purpose mounting system
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No carry handle
✗ Single fan included
SilverStone Technology GD09B is one of the best yet underrated products from the series. Not only is it the best pick for a home entertainment setup or a living room setup. You can have pretty much everything at a lovely little expense. For a basic level gamer or an average pc user, this pc case is one of the most recommendable products, thus being the best runner-up horizontal PC case. Cooling performance is a great shot, and you can keep it up by cleaning the dust filters now and then. For a small chassis, airflow is good enough. This less famous but promising brand ensures a quality build which means there’s no compromise on durability.
As for the other side of the picture, perfection is almost an illusion, isn’t it? This case is not the best of its kind in all areas. Like most horizontal pc cases, this case too has a cable management bit on the complicated side. Accessories and features might not be as much as the other successful products of this line, but for a full-fledged system with little to no complications, this is the one you’d ever want. By the time you unbox it, you know you have got way more than what you expected in all aspects, whether it is the sleek design or performance. The meta might be a little thinner than they claim it to be, but it is reliable.
Thermaltake Core P5 V2
Best Premium Horizontal Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mid-Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Card Length Supported: 280 mm | Storage Support: HDD & SSD | Included Fans: 0
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Includes PCIe riser cable
✓ 3-Way Placement Layout
✓ Dual GPU layout locations
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No sound damping
✗ No AIO bracket included
Thermaltake Core P5 V2 is something classy and sophisticated launched by a very renowned brand. It is widely available, so you don’t need to worry about where and how to get it. The colossal performance it gives might be surprising for an open frame with relatively less impressive specifications. This case is unquestionably the best premium horizontal case with its modern data transfer ports and the motherboard form factors it supports. The clear window gives you a view of the bucks you paid and the hard work you added to its installation. PCIe riser cable is another great accessory to have. Being a slim case, it provides enough workspace to the user.
The brand assures a high-quality build with a design that is unique to it. There’s no shortage of innovation, and the orientation’s customization makes it look magnificently chic. You can place this horizontal pc case on the wall as well, which might not be new to you but is bound to look great. At first, you might have some concerns about the fitting of components. But once everything gets done, you’ll see how stellar your setup looks and how efficiently it works. There’s enough space to show off the components while keeping the cables hidden. Overall, this case doesn’t excite everyone. But those wanting to showcase their abilities to build a masterpiece are welcomed to enjoy it. They surely can get the maximum out of it.
Thermaltake Core G3
Best Slim Horizontal PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mini-Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX, Micro-ATX, ATX | Card Length Supported: 310 mm | Storage Support: HDD & SSD | Included Fans: 2
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Two-Way Placement Layout
✓ Two pre-installed 120mm Turbo fans
✓ USB 3.0, HD microphone, and headset jacks
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No EMI shielding
✗ No Y-cable adapter is included
When it comes to buying pc related products, peoples' preferences vary greatly. Some want a few features in their best forms and aren’t afraid to pay a fortune for them, while some want a bit of everything in a compact chassis at an affordable price tag. Thermaltake Core G3 is much more suitable for the latter mentioned type of people. It offers a sleek look with unique features and comes at an optimal price. This chassis has everything that you’d expect a compact case to have. The size is just right for those wanting to build a setup in a cramped space.
With its two fans, this case provides impressive cooling for such a slim size. Airflow is good enough to dissipate any heat, which means the components have a long way to go before getting demolished by overheating. If your usage requires more than normal cooling, you should keep an eye on the dust build-up. This case is the most suitable nominee for the best slim horizontal PC case award.
Not only thermal performance but also the acoustic performance it demonstrates is beyond exceptional. Everyone wants his workplace to be pin-drop silent. In this aspect, this case is a dream come true. A horizontal pc case like this is a special breed among ordinary ones. The brand is well-known and ensures the highest possible performance in this much affordable range which is undoubtedly commendable.
SilverStone GD08
Best E-ATX Horizontal Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Full-Tower | Motherboard Support: SSI-EEB, SSI-CEB, Extended ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX | Card Length Supported: 345mm | Storage Support: HDD & SSD | Included Fans: 3
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Aluminum front panel
✓ Up to twelve drive bays
✓ LED indicator with adjustable brightness
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Not suitable for fancy builds
✗ No PCIe riser cable included
It seems like SilverStone isn’t going to lag when it comes to choosing the best pc cases in the market. Even though it is not a brand with wild, raging fame, still they’re doing their very best to make it a top-notch company. When we first got our hands on SilverStone GD08, we considered it a mild and average pc case. But it had us wonder-stricken with its capabilities. It is still not too famous for being readily available, which means you would have to research a bit before choosing it. But our experts have made it much easier for you by gathering the most critical points of this case. It is a robust case with a plethora of fans.
Three fans for such a compact case is such a big deal, isn’t it? You are sure to have surplus airflow. The superior quality materials used for the manufacturing of this product speak volumes of its durability. The brushed aluminum bezel and steel body of this pc case make it an ultimate choice for those longing for a reliable product at a reasonably low price. Doesn’t all this make it the best E-ATX horizontal case already? Well, there’s a lot more to love yet. This chassis supports various motherboard form factors. The GPU and PSU support show how capable it is to support other components. Overall, it is worth considering.
Antec VSK2000
Best Budget Horizontal PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mid-Tower | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 200 mm | Storage Support: HDD & SSD | Included Fans: 1
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Low-profile & sleek body
✓ 1x 5.25" tool-less drive bay
✓ Temperature controlled fan included
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ Sharp edges
✗ No USB 3.1 & 3.2 ports
Antec VSK2000 is a bit on the primary side. It hasn’t made the world go crazy with some most incredible features, but it indeed has a lot to adore. This case is the most affordable product; thus, the best budget horizontal PC case title is given. The size is not compact, not too bulky either. It’s just fit enough for any kind of low-profile setup. The weight of this horizontal pc case is light enough to be handled quickly. Plus, you can place it vertically too. You pay a few dollars and get a nice little pc case, pretty simple, right? Well, that’s not all. The thermal performance for such a mediocre product is genuinely mesmerizing. Airflow, if not perfect, is still striking to a great extent.
It blows its competitors away with its chic design. Build quality of this case is far beyond intense for an on-a-budget product. The noise levels, though, aren’t as impressive as one might think. Or you can say the capabilities of this case have raised the bar for performance in all aspects. LEDs are not too bright, which gives this case an elegant and moderately sumptuous look. Note that you must be a bit cautious around it as some of its edges are sharp enough to injure you. Overall, this case is an exquisite example of something that ticks all boxes, and the price isn’t sky-high as well.
SilverStone ML04
Best Horizontal Micro-ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mini-Tower | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX, DTX | Card Length Supported: 223mm | Storage Support: HDD & SSD | Included Fans: 0
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Brushed aluminum finish
✓ Good cable management
✓ Lockable front door and power button
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No dust filters
✗ No Pre-installed fan
When you decide to go for a horizontal pc case, you must keep a few things in mind. These cases are not something that everyone wants, so their design depends upon the brand. SilverStone ML04 precisely has a very different place in the market for its uniqueness that can’t and shouldn’t be compared to other brands. The best horizontal Micro-ATX case title is very well-deserved by this chassis due to its sheer performance. Despite being an entry-level product, its design shows the tremendous effort put in by the manufacturers. They even paid attention to the details which make this case stand out.
But the minimalist design and humble price tag call for a few setbacks. Since it is built for a different classification, its size is entirely justified. But the compact size of this pc case doesn’t support many features and provides a confined and pokier space for the components it does support. With these limitations, it still has enough to offer, which makes the intended users satisfied. Cable management with this case on hand is quite efficient. Plus, this case is lockable too. Those who have allotted a small space to their setups have this case as their most suited option since the thermal and acoustic performance is suitable for keeping the components unscathed and the user unbothered.
Fractal Design Node 202
Best Horizontal Mini-ITX PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Mini-Tower | Motherboard Support: Mini-ITX | Card Length Supported: 310 mm | Storage Support: HDD & SSD | Included Fans: 0
REASONS TO BUY
✓ Strategically placed air filters
✓ Smart thermal interior design
✓ Pre-installed Integra SFX 450W PSU
REASONS TO AVOID
✗ No optical drive bay
✗ Not compatible with Ion SFX-L
Fractal Design Node 202 is a smart case exclusively designed for people who want protection and looks for their gaming systems. It is a type of case that you can fit in a living room and not get too annoyed by the bits of noise it generates. It’d be no exaggeration to call this case the best horizontal Mini-ITX PC case. You can place it horizontally or vertically, and it provides enough ventilation either way. Keen attention is required to choose the proper hardware for this pc case, but you will hardly find a system like this once it’s done. Let’s get a bit deeper into this case’s pros and cons.
Everything has its setbacks. This case does too. Being compact, it doesn’t allow you to have easy cable management. It can be pretty tedious, but you’ll eventually be satisfied. Though this horizontal pc case is built for a specific niche, it doesn’t let down any kind of user. Something that needs special appreciation is the build quality of this product. Airflow is entirely satisfactory, and the case allows you to add dual fans for further cooling. But you must not neglect that removal of dust filters and cleaning is not easy enough. You would have to put a bit of extra effort to get the most performance out of this chassis.
Conclusion
A pc case is needed this hour since everyone wants his build to be reliable, impressive, and future-proof. People opt for all sorts of pc cases these days, but horizontal pc cases are the rage of this era due to their wholesome nature. They have sleek designs with excellent airflow. Built with high-quality materials, they go hand in hand with your other components, compliment them, and protect them. Have you ever struggled with working in a compact space? In such case, these cases are the saviors for you. Besides, they don’t cut short on good features, providing you with a compact and sleek design. Innovation, not to mention, is the crucial point and central theme of these products.
Let’s wrap it up as the choice for a horizontal pc case varies from person to person. Everyone has his own needs and requirements for a pc case. Those wanting mere performance and don’t care much about the price tag would love to go with the sleek and elegant SilverStone Technology GD09B. At the same time, those preferring looks and aesthetics on performance would like to have something attractive and pleasing like RGB factor or tempered glass design. But build quality must not be sacrificed overlooks, so the Thermaltake Core P5 V2 alleviates this worry and gives a premium quality with majestic looks.
How about a jack-of-all-trades? Who wouldn’t want something with graceful looks, deluxe build quality, and a satisfying airflow? If you do, too, Cooler Master HAF XB EVO has got your back. Not that other horizontal pc cases aren’t good enough. Of course, they were worth mentioning in the top products list. But manufacturers make every product for a defined range and type of users, so not every product is for everyone. Gamers would prefer something robust to bear the wear and tear of their rough usage, while an office worker will want their case to be elegant, so it sets his setup a class apart. We have gathered everything you need to know before buying a horizontal pc case, along with the best ones in the market. The choice is yours now.
