Desktop users of old will strongly remember that back in the day, it didn’t really matter what PC case you actually used.
You took all your components, slapped them into whatever metal box you could find, and made sure to take a floor-standing fan along with you for cooling.
These days, however, things are different.
PC Cases are designed to look good, no matter what you’ve got going on inside. From RGB fans galore to unique designs, there are a ton of cases out there to tickle everyone’s fancy.
Yes, even cases that aren’t your typical fishbowl design.
So, I’ve scoured the web and our NAG office to find three of the best-looking cases out there. Or, at least, three of the best-looking cases according to yours truly.
Let’s check them out.
Lian-Li O11 Dynamic
Check it out
Ok, I know I literally just complained about every chassis being a fishbowl, but there will never be a time when I think the Lian-Li O11 Dynamic isn’t my dream case.
Released back in 2018, the O11 was one of the first fishbowl-style, dual-chamber chassis that, I think, kick-started the whole fishbowl craze.
This case separates all the “ugly” components by slapping the bigger hard drives, power supply and cable management behind the main chamber, so you can really show off your build and RGB lighting. With space for three radiators and multiple fans, there’s loads of cooling potential, and the front and side glass panels allow for maximum showcasing.
It also supports all motherboard sizes from E-ATX down to mini-ITX, and can fit a GPU up to 420mm long.
The only real stick-in-the-mud when it comes to the O11 is that it was so popular it’s pretty much impossible to grab one these days, since everyone who owns one will never let it go.
Cooler Master Sneaker X
Check it out
Buy one for R3,499
Many of you would have already noticed us showing off our own Sneaker X build at rAge and the NAG Podcast.
It’s a truly unique design resembling a sneaker, or more realistically, a giant mech boot, that has everyone clamouring to take a photo with it.
It comes pre-installed with a 120mm fan and a 360mm radiator, and an SFX 850W Cooler Master PSU.
Because of the case’s design, it’s not built for large components, which is why the tiny SFX power supply is needed. It can also only fit a mini-ITX motherboard and supports GPUs up to 304mm long.
Nevertheless, having this machine on your desk will certainly have people doing a double-take when they walk by. It’s unlike anything else on the market and certainly made for those looking for something a little out of the box.
Cougar Conquer 2
Check it out
Buy one for R5,189
If mech aesthetics are your thing, then look no further than the Cougar Conquer 2. Its full metal design, sub-chassis, and integrated lighting make it ideal for case modders looking to add a little Gundam to their gunplay in Counter-Strike 2.
The case is built in such a way that each metallic piece can be customised and re-added to the case, should you choose to add more flavour to the already Cyberpunk-heavy design. It contains a removable sub-chassis, meaning you can pull out the buildable part of the case from the metal frame, then slide it back in once you’re done upgrading your components.
Four glass panels between the metal allow you to still show off your internals, for the whole world to see what’s powering the robotic beast. With the power supply kept separate, so as not to detract from all the RGB you’ll be sliding in.
The case itself supports mini-ITX all the way up to ATX motherboards, a 400mm-long GPU, and space for two radiators, along with a multitude of fans.
This case certainly breaks the fishbowl mould, and is one to pick up if you’re hot for heavy metal.
If you think there’s another case out there that shines brighter than any of the three posted here, let us know in the comments below. We promise not to hate on any sticker-bombed structure you think is hot. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
