Finding the best budget PC cases is mostly a game of trade-offs. For well under $100 you can now get tempered glass, a mesh front and even a few fans, but the cheapest cases cut corners on GPU length, front USB-C and cable space. This guide covers six of the best cheap PC cases and affordable gaming PC cases we found, from a sub-$60 micro-ATX box to a roomy ATX mid-tower near $90, and tells you where each one gives ground.
A note on method: we did not hands-on test these cases. The picks are based on manufacturer and retailer specifications and published reviewer feedback, not hands-on testing. Prices are approximate ranges from listings we found and were not live-checked, so confirm the current price before buying. Where our sources do not state a spec, we say nothing about it.
What to Look for in an Inexpensive PC Case
- Motherboard size — micro-ATX (mATX) cases are the cheapest but will not take a full ATX board. Check your board first.
- GPU length — our picks range from 275 mm to 415 mm of graphics card clearance, so measure your card before choosing.
- Included fans — a case with fans already fitted saves $20 to $40 later. Several budget cases ship with only one rear fan.
- Front USB-C — nice to have, but many cases at this price skip it.
- Cable space — budget mid-towers are often tight behind the motherboard tray, which makes tidy builds harder.
Phanteks XT Pro Ultra
The most generous set of fans here. Listed specs: E-ATX, ATX, mATX and ITX boards, mesh front, tempered-glass side, four 140 mm DRGB fans (three front, one rear), up to 415 mm GPUs, 360 mm top and 240 mm front radiator support and front USB-C. Prices we found run about $75 to $85. We could not confirm its dust filter or PSU shroud details, so we make no claim on them.
Pros: four ARGB fans with pre-routed cables, big GPU room, front USB-C. Cons: no removable front fan filter (per Tom’s Hardware), only two top I/O ports, no cable grommets.
Best for: airflow-focused budget systems that want fans included.
Fractal Design Focus 2
A sensible, understated mid-tower. Listed specs: ATX, mATX and ITX boards, a mesh front that doubles as a dust filter, tempered-glass side, two 140 mm front fans, up to 405 mm GPUs and a 360 mm front radiator. Listings put it around $75 to $90 depending on color and RGB version.
Pros: long GPU clearance, front mesh with two fans, black and white options. Cons: no rear fan included, no front USB-C by default (an optional kit exists), few extras.
Best for: a clean, cool-running PC with a long graphics card.
Corsair 3200D RS ARGB
Corsair’s budget ARGB option. Listed specs: ATX, mATX and ITX boards, tempered-glass side, three 120 mm ARGB fans, up to 375 mm GPUs (400 mm without front fans), 360 mm radiator support at the front and top, front USB-C, dust filters and a PSU shroud. Prices run roughly $64 to $80, with a $79.99 MSRP.
Pros: three ARGB fans included, front USB-C, white and smoke colors. Cons: only one USB 2.0 Type-A port on the front, no vertical GPU mount, small 165 mm CPU cooler clearance.
Best for: first builds that want RGB without extra spending.
MSI MAG Forge 100R
An older design (2019) that is still listed on Amazon. Listed specs: ATX, mATX and ITX boards, mesh front, tempered-glass side, two 120 mm ARGB PWM front fans plus a 120 mm rear fan, up to 330 mm GPUs, 240 mm front and top radiators and a PSU shroud. Expect about $60 to $85.
Pros: three fans and an ARGB hub, low price for glass, PSU shroud. Cons: weak cable management room, 240 mm radiators at most, front I/O is two USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A with no USB-C.
Best for: a first system on a tight budget where three fans matter.
Thermaltake S100 Tempered Glass
A compact mATX case with a hinged tempered-glass panel, in black or white. Listed specs: mATX and ITX boards, one 120 mm rear fan, up to 330 mm GPUs, radiators up to 280 mm, and front USB 3.0 plus two USB 2.0. MSRP is $59.99, but listings vary widely, from about $60 to $80 and sometimes higher, so shop around.
Pros: low entry price, compact footprint, white version. Cons: no front USB-C, one fan only, inconsistent pricing across sellers.
Best for: small mATX systems, especially in white.
Antec NX200M (Cheapest Pick)
The cheapest case here, at roughly $40 to $60 in the listings we saw. Listed specs: mATX and ITX boards, mesh front, tempered-glass swing side panel, one 120 mm rear fan, a PSU shroud and up to 275 mm GPUs. We found no professional review, only retailer and owner feedback, so treat the details with caution.
Pros: very low price, glass and mesh at this cost. Cons: short 275 mm GPU limit, tight cable management and limited radiator room per owners, front I/O is USB 3.0 plus two USB 2.0 with no USB-C.
Best for: compact, low-power systems where every dollar counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best budget PC cases right now?
On published specs, the Phanteks XT Pro Ultra and Corsair 3200D RS ARGB give the most for the money thanks to included fans and front USB-C. The Fractal Design Focus 2 is the pick for long GPUs. Prices move, so check current listings.
What is the best cheap PC case for a gaming build?
For an affordable gaming PC case, look at GPU clearance first. The Focus 2 (405 mm) and XT Pro Ultra (415 mm) handle most modern cards, while the Antec NX200M (275 mm) only suits short ones.
Are inexpensive PC cases worth it?
Yes for most builders, if you accept tighter cable routing and basic front ports. Cheaper cases often ship with one fan, so a spare $20 on extra fans can matter more than a pricier shell.
Is a budget mATX case better than a budget ATX case?
Not better, just smaller and often cheaper. mATX cases like the S100 and NX200M save money and desk space but limit you to smaller boards and shorter GPUs, so ATX models give more room.
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