June 21 2019

Best Full Tower Case

Sometimes, all you need is a massive PC case to mount a bunch of extra fans to provide the best airflow possible. Thatโ€™s right, despite popular belief, thereโ€™s more to a full tower PC case that their monstrous dimensions.

Full-size towers are actually well known for having the best airflow to prevent your components from getting hot, which in turn, could cause thermal throttling. Something no one should ever have to deal with! ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ โœจ

Of course, youโ€™ll need to find a case suitable for your motherboard, graphics card, and however many drivers you wish to install, which will dictate the size and even the shape of the case you should be looking for. Thankfully, full tower PC cases fit almost any motherboard, from the standard ATX motherboard to smaller micro-ATX motherboards. So, with all of that said, letโ€™s take a look at the best full tower cases to buy in 2020.

Best Choice: Rosewill Gaming Thor V2

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Pros & Cons

  • Easy-clean bottom-placed PSU filter
  • 5 types of HDD cage placements
  • Screw-less design for the 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch HDD/SSD drivers
  • No side window

Specifications:

  • Motherboard Compatibility:
    • Micro ATX
    • ATX
    • E-ATX
    • XL-ATX
  • HDD/SSD Support:
    • HDD trays support 3.5-inches or
    • 2.5-inch HDD/SSD
  • I/O Ports:
    • 2 x USB 3.0 (internal 20-pin connector to MB)
    • 2 x USB 2.0
    • Audio In/Out (AC97, HD)
    • 2 x Fan speed control knob
    • 1 x e-SATA
  • Drive Bays: 6 (3.5-inch)
  • Expansion Slots: 10
  • Dimensions: 21.89 x 9.14 x 22.84-inches
  • Weight: 30.42 lbs

Rosewill Gaming Thor V2 Review

Fittingly named after the hammer-wielding god, Thor, the Rosewill Thor V2 ATX full tower gaming computer case is a well-constructed chassis. With an all-black aesthetic alongside a functional design, the Thor V2 is a fantastic case suitable for mid- to hard-core gamers who require more space.

Of course, as this is a full tower case, the interior is spacious, boasting enough room to support even E-ATX and XL-ATX motherboards. Alongside a large motherboard, youโ€™ll be able to fit in a bunch of fans, as well as 5 types of HDD cage placements for your VGA card (11.8โ€ to 16.5โ€) or liquid cooling radiators to keep your components cool.

One of the things that stood out to us the most about this Rosewill full tower case is the advanced cable management system, bottom-placed PSU design, as well as the screw-less design for the 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch HDD/SSD drivers.

It really doesnโ€™t get much better than thatโ€”or does it? Of course, it does! The I/O port selection on this bad-boy is great, boasting 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, Audio In/Out, 2 x Fan speed control knob and 1 x e-SATA that enables SATA drives to be attached externally.

At 21.89 x 9.14 x 22.84-inches, it’s one of the smallest cases on our list, nevertheless, the internal space and water cooling support are fantastic.

To ensure that the Rosewill gaming ATX full tower computer case is well ventilated to prevent thermal throttling, the advanced cooling system includes a stylish red front LED fan, as well as rear, top, side and bottom fans to ensure that every part of the case is cooled.

Albeit, thereโ€™s always a silver lining, even to our best choice full tower case. That being that the Thor V2 case doesnโ€™t have a side window. Now, before you start shouting: โ€œthat isnโ€™t a proper disadvantage!โ€ To most gamers, it is.

You see, who doesnโ€™t want to look in at all of the components they worked their butts off in order to afford? Who doesnโ€™t want to turn around and have a view of a sweet LED water-cooling system? To that, I say only a fool wouldn’t!

Albeit, you wonโ€™t have to clean greasy finger marks off the non-existent side windows. Jokes aside, this is our best choice full tower case for gaming in 2020 owing to the fact that the pros outweigh the cons.

Premium Pick: CORSAIR Graphite 780T

Pros & Cons

  • Enough room for nine drives and a bunch of cooling fans
  • Plenty of space for dual 360mm radiators
  • Latched side panels for easy access
  • Pricey

Specifications:

  • Motherboard Compatibility:
    • Mini-ITX
    • MicroATX
    • ATX
    • E-ATX
    • XL-ATX
  • HDD/SSD Support:
    • Six Modular hard drive cages
    • Three space-saving side-mounted SSD bays for smart storage
  • I/O Ports:
    • 2 x USB 3.0
    • 2 x USB 2.0
    • 1 x Fan Controller
    • 1 x Headphone Port
    • 1x ย Microphone Port
  • Drive Bays:
    • 2 x 5.25-inch
    • 3 x 2.5-inch
    • 6 x Combo 3.5-inch/2.5-inch
  • Expansion Slots: 9
  • Dimensions: 27.1 x 13.07 x 26.3-inches
  • Weight: 24.9 lb

CORSAIR Graphite 780T Review

The Corsair Graphite 780T is a full tower case best suited for hard-core gamers with a high budget. Designed for your expansion and upgrade needs, whether that’s air-cooling with fans or water cooling, thereโ€™s a reason this is our premium pick full tower case for 2020โ€”but wait, thereโ€™s more.

Armed with dual 140mm LED intake fans and a single 140mm exhaust fan, airflow wonโ€™t be a problem when using this Corsair chassis. Whatโ€™s more, is you can control the fans using the front panel three-mode fan controller in order to tailor the fan speed and noise to your own personal needs.

Because letโ€™s be real, who wants to hear vacuum-like fans blasting during late-night gaming sessions? I definitely donโ€™t!

Rocking some sleek hexagonal and octagonal design elements, this isnโ€™t your standard boxy looking PC caseโ€”which is expected for the price. Spin the 780T around and youโ€™ll notice a tinted side window used to show off all of your flagship PC components that you can easily swap out by popping off the side-door latches.

Another key feature of the Corsair 780T is the huge heat sink cutout that provides enough room to swap out a CPU cooler with easeโ€”smart and practical!

Although the case is constructed mostly out of plastic, we don’t see this as a problem since it keeps the weight (24.9 lbs) of this Corsair full tower case down. Pick up the lightweight case and youโ€™ll see foot brackets with large anti-slip rubber pads used to keep the tower in place.

When it comes to port selection, this chassis has it all, with 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1 x microphone port, and 1 x headphone jack suitable for a high-quality gaming headset. To the back of the case, there are 9 expansion slots for E-ATX support, two holes for water-cooling tubes, as well as a Kensington lock slot for extra security.

Albeit, we have to be realistic here and say that $180 is a lot of money to spend on a computer chassis. Itโ€™s even more expensive than most gamers spend on the best budget gaming CPUโ€”mad, I know! However, if youโ€™re willing to splash the cash on a premium full tower case, the Corsair Graphite 780T is a suitable option for all types of gamers with a high budget.

Best Value: Phanteks Enthoo Pro

Pros & Cons

  • Pre-installed with cable management tools
  • Affordable full tower case
  • Supports multiple liquid cooling options
  • Plastic construction

Specifications:

  • Motherboard Compatibility:
    • ATX
    • EATX
    • mATX
    • SSI EEB
  • HDD/SSD Support:
    • 6 HDD cages (3.5-inch)
    • 1 x SSD bracket (2.5-inches) expandable up to 2 x SSD bracket
  • I/O Ports:
    • 2 x USB 3.0
    • 2 x USB 2.0
    • 1 x Microphone Port
    • 1 x 3.5mm audio jack
  • Drive Bays: 3 (5.25-inches)
  • Expansion Slots: 8
  • Dimensions: 22 x 10 x 21-inches
  • Weight: 30 lbs

Phanteks Enthoo Pro Review

If your budget is in the sub-$100 range, we’ve got you covered with the next full tower PC case on our listโ€”the Phanteks Enthoo Pro. Sure, it looks pretty basic from the outside, but don’t judge this full-sized PC chassis just yet.

Pre-installed with cable management tools behind the motherboard tray, you won’t have to deal with the frustrating task of cable managing your sweet PC build. On the topic of motherboards, this Phanteks Enthoo Pro full tower case is compatible with ATX, EATX, mATX, and even SSI EEB form factors.

Boasting a 140mm rear SP series fan as well as a 200mm fan in the front panel, you’ll be provided with enough airflow to keep things cool throughout the day. If, however, you require better airflow, you’ll be pleased to know that the Phanteks Enthoo Pro includes a top panel with support for a 420mm radiator.

This, alongside the extensive water cooling supports, means that your PC components won’t overheat as you game through the night.

When it comes to the port selection, it matches our best choice and premium pick full tower case options, which include 4 USB ports (2 x USB 3.0 + 2 x USB 2.0), a headphone jack (3.5mm), and a microphone port suitable for Twitch streamers. With a sleek aluminum appearance, the only downside to this chassis is that it’s mostly made from plastic.

Of course, we can’t complain too much considering it’s under $100. Besides, it’s a fantastic value full tower case suitable for gamers and professionals across the globe.

Best RGB: Thermaltake View 71

Pros & Cons

  • 5mm thick tempered glass panels
  • GPU float bracket for vertical mounting options (2.5-slot GPU)
  • Supports up to 10 HDD
  • No PSU cover

Specifications:

  • Motherboard Compatibility:
    • Mini ITX
    • Micro ATX
    • ATX
    • E-ATX
  • HDD/SSD Support:
    • 2.5″/3.5″ x 4 with HDD Rack
    • 3.5″ x 3/2.5″ x 6 behind M/B Tray
  • I/O Ports:
    • 2 x USB 3.0
    • 2 x USB 2.0
    • 1 x HD Audio
  • Drive Bays: 2 (3.5โ€ and 2.5โ€)
  • Expansion Slots: 10
  • Dimensions: 23.31 x 10.79 x 22.72-inches
  • Weight: 42.11 lbs

Thermaltake View 71ย 

Next on our list is another expensive option from Thermaltake, the View 71. Out of the box, the Thermaltake View 71 full tower case comes equipped with 3 x 140mm RGB LED Thermaltake Ring Plus fans preinstalled with 3 color modes:

  • Solid colors: red, blue, white, and green.
  • Cycle through 256 colors.
  • Offโ€”no lights.

At 24-inches tall, 11-inches wide and 23-inches deep, the size of this case can be a little intimidating. As it’s so big, I advise that you don’t it place the View 71 where children and pets (especially cats) can access it and knock it over.

Constructed using 5mm tempered glass panels on the front, sides, and top, this is perhaps the best full tower case for showing off your beat of a PC to your friends and family. As this case is made out of glass, you might be wondering: “Will the Thermaltake View 71 case break on the way to my house?” Certainly not!

Luckily, this case comes packed in a box surrounded by thick styrofoam padding to the front and read sides. For further security, the View 71 is wrapped in a plastic film used to prevent the glass from being scratched.

Positioned behind the motherboard panel you’ll notice three drive mounting positions used to hold either a 3.5-inch HDD or two 2.5-inch SSD. Including the removable drive cages used to mount bays upfront, this full tower case can hold seven 3.5-inch drives or 10 2.5-inch drives.

One of the best features about the View 71 case is the vertically mounted GPU bracket that allows you to show off your sexy GPU fans. Sadly, the case is extremely heavy, weighing a whopping 42.11 lbs. However, once you have the Thermaltake View 71 full tower case in position, you wonโ€™t need to move it around your gaming area or office space.

CORSAIR OBSIDIAN 750D – Airflow Edition (CC-9011078-WW)

Pros & Cons

  • Low-resistance mesh panel for efficient air cooling
  • Modular cage system
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Lacks a fan speed switch

Specifications:

  • Motherboard Compatibility:
    • E-ATX
    • ATX
    • Micro ATX
    • XL-ATX
    • Mini-ITX
  • HDD/SSD Support:
    • Two cages that house 3x 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch drivers
    • 4 x SSD cages
  • I/O Ports:
    • 2 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.0
    • 1 x Headphone Port
    • 1 x Microphone Port
  • Drive Bays:
    • 3x ย 5.25-inch
    • 4x 2.5-inch
    • 6x combo 3.5/2.5-inch
  • Expansion Slots: 9
  • Dimensions: 21.5 x 9.3 x 22-inches
  • Weight: 21.4 lbs

CORSAIR OBSIDIAN 750D – Airflow Edition Review

Last, but certainly not least, is another case by Corsairโ€”the OBSIDIAN 750D. At $160, the Corsair OBSIDIAN 750D full tower case (Airflow Edition) is another expensive computer chassis best suited for those with a large budget. Or, for gamers who are willing to save up for this monster of a gaming PC case.

As this is from Corsair’s high airflow Obsidian series, the 750D brags a low-resistance mesh panel to provide efficient, quiet air cooling for your graphics card. Additionally, it comes with dual 140mm intake fans right out of the box.

Another handy feature of the Corsair Obsidian 750D case is the tool-free drive bays that can be moved and removed to suit your personal storage requirements.

Built from solid steel and brushed aluminum for a modern aesthetic, the build quality is extremely well made. When it comes to space, it’s generous; with enough room for a fancy water cooling systems and multiple HDD/SSDs, it’s one superb full tower case.

Above the three external drive bays, you’ll find the standard 4 x USB ports, 1 x headphone jack, 1 x microphone jack, as well as power and reset buttons for easy access. Although it is over $150, itโ€™s an excellent full tower case suitable for a beast of a PC build for gaming in 2020.

Full Tower Cases: Buying Guide

The question many gamers ask when looking to build a sweet new gaming PC, is: โ€œwhat should I look for when buying a PC case?โ€ While that might sound like a silly question to experienced gamers, itโ€™s an understandable question that beginners should be asking. The main characteristics to look for when buying a PC case are:

  • The size of the case, in this instance, a full tower.
  • The size of your PC components: motherboard and GPU holding size.
  • Port selection and location.
  • HDD space.
  • Cable management.
  • Design.
  • Priceโ€”your budget.

PHANTEKS Enthoo Pro Tempered Glass Full Tower Case

Now, letโ€™s discuss these characteristics in more detail so that you know how to buy a full tower PC case.

Hardware

The good thing about full tower cases is that you can fit pretty much any PC component into them. However, to make sure that your hardware will fit inside the case, you should check the inner dimensions of the case you intend to buy. Then, search for the dimensions of all of your other parts, such as your motherboard, GPU, PSU, and CPU, to make sure that they will fit into the PC case.

Motherboard

Motherboards come in different sizes known as form factors (the most common being ATX), therefore, you must make certain that your motherboard will fit inside the full tower case you intend to purchase. As ATX motherboards match the name of the case sizes, the motherboard part is pretty straightforward. The motherboards on our list include:

  • Extended ATX (E-ATX)โ€”12 x 13-inches (305 x 330 mm)
  • ATXโ€”12 x 9.6-inches (305 x 244 mm)
  • MicroATXโ€”9.6 x 9.6-inches (244 x 244 mm)
  • XL-ATXโ€”13.5 x 10.3-inches (343 x 262 mm)
  • Mini-ITXโ€”6.7 x 6.7-inches (170 x 170 mm)
  • SSI EEBโ€”12 x 13-inches (305 x 330 mm)

Rosewill Nautilus Full Tower Case

Cooling and Fans

Ventilation is extremely important for a long computer life and to prevent thermal throttling. It’s vital that you ensure temperatures stay within a safe range, otherwise, your GPU will start to dump performance to shed heat.

With that said, you can use pretty much any case size so long as you keep it cleanโ€”something you should do at least once bimonthly. To prevent thermal throttling, make sure you have a good dust filter and built-in fansโ€”this way, you’ll get your money’s worth and you won’t set your house on fire.

Budget

Of course, one of the most important things to consider when buying anything is your budget. Luckily, PC cases arenโ€™t very expensive, with full tower cases costing around $100-200. A pretty affordable price for a gigantic PC case suitable for a bunch of fans, a large motherboard, and more HDDs/SSDs.

Thermaltake Core P7 TG Full Tower Case

So, check out our guide on the best budget PC cases.


Full-Tower Gaming PC Cases: Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Full-Tower Case?

As you may have guessed by now, full-size tower cases are much larger than desktop cases, leaving more room for expansion slots, drive bays, and a badass water cooling system. But if you’re looking for something a bit smaller than that, check out our guides on the best mid-tower cases and the best micro ATX cases.

What Is an ATX Tower Case?

Developed by Intel, advanced technology extended (ATX) is the form factor of a motherboard, as well as a PC case and component form. The different PC case sizes you can buy on the market include:

  • Full Tower (EATX case)
  • Mid Tower (ATX Case)
  • Mini Tower (MicroATX case)
  • Small Form Factor (Mini-ITX Case)

Should I Get a Full-Tower or Mid-Tower Case?

This question completely depends on many factors, including:

  • Your budget.
  • The size of your motherboard.
  • If you have enough room for a full-size tower case.

Can any motherboard fit in any case?

Sadly, no. While full tower cases can fit pretty much any size motherboard, mid-tower cases are limited to a smaller motherboard, as well as fewer fans and expansion slots.

What Are the Best Computer Towers?

As weโ€™ve mentioned, the โ€˜best computer towerโ€™ totally depends on your budget, computer components, and the size of your office space. Our best choice full tower case is the Rosewill Gaming ATX Full Tower Computer Case – Thor V2 Black, a case that comes armed with a great port selection, 6 drive bays, and 10 expansion slots.

white full tower case

If you own a small motherboard such as a Mini-ITX, you could get away with purchasing a Mini ITX case suitable for gaming.


Conclusion

Full tower cases are a great option for mid-core and hard-core gamers who require a bunch of expansion slots, drive bays, a water cooling system, as well as a bunch of fans for a cool PC build. Alas, not everyone will enjoy a massive tower case that could replace the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. To those people, I say grab yourself a Mini ITX or mid-tower case thatโ€™s small enough to sit on top of a desktop.


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Author

Courtenay Smith