Airflow cases are for PC builders who want low processor and graphics card temperatures. They are mostly midi tower cases with a mesh or perforated front and room for plenty of fans. Our range has over 200 models, including Fractal Design, NZXT, Corsair and Cooler Master.
How to choose an airflow case
Front panel. A mesh front lets in far more air than a solid or glass one, so the intake fans draw in cool air with little resistance. A glass side panel does no harm as long as the front and top stay perforated.
Fans. Some cases come with fans already fitted, for example the Darkflash DK431 with four ARGB fans, while others need fans added. In our range the rear usually takes a 120 mm fan, some cases accept 140 mm, and many support up to three fans at the top.
Motherboard size and internal space. Most midi tower cases take ATX, micro ATX and Mini-ITX boards, and some also accept the larger EATX. Before buying, compare your graphics card length, CPU cooler height and liquid cooling radiator size with the limits the manufacturer lists.
Storage. M.2 SSDs need no drive bay, so many bays only matter if you plan several extra drives. In our range 3.5-inch bays are usually two, while 2.5-inch bays range from one to seven.
Case brands we carry
- Fractal Design: a Swedish maker known for its Meshify series with a mesh front and understated Scandinavian design.
- NZXT: a US brand known for tidy interior layouts and easy cable management.
- Corsair: makes cases as well as fans and cooling products that can be controlled through its iCUE software.
- Cooler Master: one of the longest-established case makers, known for its HAF and MasterBox series.
- Montech: known for mesh-front cases, some of which are sold with fans already installed.
- Endorfy: a Polish brand (formerly SilentiumPC) focused on quiet cooling.
- Chieftec: a long-standing maker of cases and power supplies.
Also in our range: Thermaltake, Kolink, MSI, ADATA, DeepCool and Darkflash.
Frequently asked questions about airflow cases
How does an airflow case differ from a standard case?
The main differences are the front panel and the room for fans. An airflow case has a mesh or perforated front, so air enters freely and the fans push it out through the rear and top. Cases with a solid front tend to run components hotter.
How many fans does a case need?
At least one intake fan at the front and one exhaust fan at the rear. Extra fans at the top or front even out the airflow and let each fan spin more slowly. In our range many cases support up to three fans at the top.
Does a mesh front let in more dust?
Yes, the larger openings admit more dust, so a removable dust filter is important. Clean it from time to time so the airflow does not drop. Many mesh-front cases include such filters.
Will an ATX motherboard fit in a midi tower case?
Yes, most midi tower cases are designed for ATX boards, as well as micro ATX and Mini-ITX. Some models also accept the larger EATX. Always check the supported sizes in the specific case's specifications.
