When it comes to PC cases, there are a lot of components to consider, airflow being one of the most important, especially as most PCs tend to become warm or hot after a while.
Whether you've got a gaming PC or you have set one up for work, you're going to want to keep the powerful piece of hardware secure and cool. This is where an airflow PC case comes into play.
Although most newer cases do come with built-in fans, this doesn't mean they will keep your PC cool, you'll need proper airflow and ventilation to ensure that your PC doesn't become hot or overheat.
Another perk of keeping your PC at a cooler temperature is that it can help keep the noise levels down. As your PC gets warmer, it will generate more noise to try and cool down - luckily, plenty of cases have silent fans.
An airflow case will also help keep your PC protected from any dust, scratches and some can even protect against spillages.
If you're trying to upgrade your current set up without breaking the bank, make sure you check out our best gaming PCs under £1000, or our best budget monitors for PC.
The best airflow PC cases at a glance:
1. Lian Li Lancool II Mesh
2. Cooler Master MasterCase H500M
3. GOLDEN FIELD N18 Gaming PC Case
4. Fractal Design Meshify S2
The best airflow PC cases in detail:
Best overall airflow PC case
If you're looking for the best overall case for your PC then we'd say you've found it. Aside from being fairly inexpensive, the Lian Li Lancool II Mesh is incredibly sturdy, powerful and it is built to keep your PC cool thanks to the built-in RGB fans, the honeycomb vent design and the mesh panels in the front and at the bottom.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Excellent at keeping your PC cool
Cons
- Heavy
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | 55.9 x 29.2 x 55.9 cm |
| Case type: | Mid Tower ATX |
| Cooling method: | Air |
Best PC case for airflow
Albeit this PC case is a tad more expensive, it's the best airflow PC case on the market. It's got an incredibly spacious design and it's pretty lightweight. Weighing only 1kg, this case is very easy to transport and set up. It also boasts an impressive ventilation system, made out of tempered glass and having two 200mm RGB fans; it's definitely earned the name "cooler master".
Pros
- An excellent ventilation system
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Quite expensive
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | 54.4 x 24.8 x 54.6cm |
| Case type: | Mid Tower Micro ATX |
| Cooling method: | Air |
Best airflow case for smaller PCs
If you have a slightly smaller PC, consider the GOLDEN FIELD N18 Gaming PC Case. Although it is a smaller case than others, it still does an excellent job at keeping your PC cool. Aside from being made out of tempered glass, it also has three different 120mm fans built-in and it can support a 120mm water cooling radiator at the back, meaning you'll get maximum cooling potential.
Pros
- Can cool PC via water and air
Cons
- Small dimensions
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | 52.2 x 46.2 x 30.6 cm |
| Case type: | Mid Tower Micro ATX |
| Cooling method: | Air/Water |
Recommended
Another excellent option is the Fractal Design Meshify S2. It's ideal for offices and workspaces, as it provides relatively large storage space and features three silent fans, so it won't make any noise as it cools your PC down. Its large storage space means it's compatible with a water cooling radiator, and it also features a dust filter.
Pros
- Large storage space
Cons
- Heavy
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | 52.2 x 46.2 x 30.6 cm |
| Case type: | Mid Tower ATX |
| Cooling method: | Air/Water |
Best value for money
If you want a state of the art airflow PC case but you're on a bit of budget, then the Corsair iCUE 220T RGB case may just be the one for you. Due to its high airflow layout and three RGB Pro fans, it's built specifically to improve your PC's ventilation and cooling system. The steel grill in the front panel also allows for more airflow than other cases.
Pros
- Excellent cooling system
Cons
- Doesn't have the largest storage space
| Dimensions: | 39.5 x 21.01 x 45.01 cm |
| Case type: | Mid Tower ATX |
| Cooling method: | Air |
FAQs:
What is an airflow PC case?
Quite simply, it's a PC case that has a better ventilation system than normal PC cases. Despite the fact that most newer PC cases do come with built-in fans, this doesn't ensure they will keep your PC cool, as they need proper ventilation to do this efficiently.
Is water cooling better than air cooling?
In terms of what method is the best cooling system, water cooling is definitely seen as better as it transfers heat away from the PC and its elements. Ideally, you'd want both air and water cooling to maximise the ventilation potential of your system.
Why do you need good airflow for a PC?
The components in your PC will heat up throughout its operation, and if they become too hot or overheat, this can slow and lower your PC's performance, as well as even cause some damage.
Are airflow cases loud?
This depends entirely on the PC case itself, the type of fans, plus the speed of the fans. If noise levels are a concern for you, we recommend using the Fractal Design Meshify 2, as it features three silent fans.
Isabel Martins is a Commercial Content Writer for What's The Best, specialising in technology.
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