Are you in search of the best horizontal pc case for gaming? If yes, then this is the place where you get answers to all your queries. This post will cover some of the best horizontal computer casings that you can buy on Amazon.
But before that, let’s talk about why computer cases are so high on demand. Gamers, network admins, and IT experts would agree that if you want to build a gaming rig or even a standard computer right from scratch, the first thing you need is a PC case.
These computers cases come in various sizes and designs, but they can be classified into two main categories: tower casing and horizontal PC case. In this post, we will talk about some of the best horizontal pc cases.
Best Horizontal Cases for Computers
Here are some horizontal cases computer gamers would love to have.
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO PC Case
If you want a PC case that can be set up quickly, Cooler Master HAF EVO is one of the best cases for you. It features a removable motherboard trap that allows the user to set up the PC case with ease. You can also swap your hardware components through this trap.
To talk about the versatility, this PC case can be used with several motherboards. No matter what board you have, micro ATX, mini ATX, Mini ITX, or ATX, this case has got you covered. For gamers who tend to upgrade themselves with the latest motherboard models, this case is the best choice.
The horizontal PC case features a powerful fan for efficient cooling throughout the case. Optimal cooling and heat dissipation are possible because of the multiple fans strategically placed inside the case. This means you can use your computer for prolonged hours without making it overheated.
Cooler Master HAF XB EVO PC case offers cooling flexibility. Along with fans, you get enough space to house 240mm long radiators in the front and an optional 120mm radiator on the rear, giving you an additional cooling option. Moreover, it supports graphics cards up to 334 mm tall.
As far as space is concerned, you can easily fit in your drives in the case. Let’s see what you can connect with this one. The horizontal PC case features three types of drive bays; two 5.25-inch bays, four 3.5-inch drive bays, and four drive bays supporting drives in 2.5″ – 3.5″ range.
What We Liked
- Durable filter fans in the front
- Flexible with most motherboard types
- Removable trap for swapping the components
- Supports GPU with 180mm height
- Dual USB 3.0 ports and X dock slots for plug and play
What We Disliked
- Lacks liquid cooling from either side
- Supports only 120mm fan sizes
Thermaltake Core V21 SPCC Micro ATX Cube Horizontal Computer Case
Thermaltake Core V21 Horizontal Computer Case is one of the famous micro ATX cases in the market. This case measures 13.2″ x 12.6″ x 16.7″ and is compatible with mini ITX and micro ATX motherboard. It has a tempered glass side panel to view the interior. The horizontal PC case features a durable SPCC steel exterior and comes in black color.
One of the noteworthy features of this model is, you can set it up in both ways, horizontally and vertically. Moreover, this pc case has a big pre-installed fan measuring 200mm. That’s a big bonus, considering that most models come with 120mm fans.
This horizontal PC case from Thermaltake adds value to gaming, giving allowance for up to six storage drives, which include hard drives and SSDs. Apart from that big fan, Core V21 offers multiple slots for 120mm, 140mm, and 200mm fans. Similarly, there is plenty of space available on front, top, and rear for installing radiators between 120mm – 280mm.
With plenty of options to customize your case with hybrid cooling, you might wonder if there’s sufficient space for your GPU, graphics card, and power supply. Don’t fret, because the Thermaltake Core V21 ATX case can accommodate CPU coolers up to 185mm height and VGA cards up to 350mm long. Also, you’ll get PSU clearance up to 200mm with a bottom fan.
As far as the ports are concerned, this one features two USB 3.0 ports and a microphone connector and an HD audio connector. There are three drive bays for 3.5″ or 2.5″ drives while the other three bays are meant for 2.5″ drives only. Furthermore, there are five expansion slots, as well.
All in all, this PC case model offers an excellent combination of style, space, and flexibility. You can customize it according to your likings and turn it into a killer gaming rig.
What We Liked
- Multiple slots for fan cooling on top, bottom, sides, and rear.
- Liquid cooling options on top, front, and rear.
- Features SPCC steel exterior for sturdiness, better heat dissipation, and vibration resistance.
- An affordable option for budget gamers
What We Disliked
- No drive bays for 5.25″ drives
- Limited expansion slots
SilverStone Technology Home Theater Computer Case
If you’re looking for the best horizontal PC case recommended by Amazon, Home Theater Computer Case by SilverStone Technology is the one to check out. Not only is this pc case durable, but it’s also an entirely practical case. The HTPC can be the ATX case you’re looking for, or may also work for you if you’re using micro ATX or SSI-CEB motherboard.
It offers seven dedicated expansion slots with one optional space. This model boasts a front panel made of plastic with a faux aluminum finish. The remaining interiors and exteriors are made of 0.8mm steel. The horizontal pc case supports 2.5″, 3.5″ and 5.25″ drives as there are drive bays.
Although the limited cooling options may be the downside, its positive air pressure design counters that limitation with excellent cooling. It offers slots for mounting up to five fans in total, including one pre-installed fan. Moreover, the system ensures calm and quiet performance as well as dust prevention.
The PC case offers quick access filters and supports expansion cards up to 309mm. Moreover, there is enough space to install CPU coolers up to 138mm; for the power supply, PSU’s length limitation is 170mm.
Instead of adapters, you’re getting drive cages coupled with multi-purpose mounts. So, you don’t need adapters in this one, which means it’ll save you some bucks. The 9.26 lb case is the lightest in our list and measures 17.32″ x 14.09″ x 6.69″. To add to that, it offers one audio port, two USB 3.0 ports, and one microphone port.
Finally, if you’re looking for a smart and lightweight PC case – something that doesn’t show off your hardware components – HTPC by SilverStone Technology is among the best pc cases for you.
What We Liked
- Air pressure design offers exceptional cooling
- Drive cages featuring multiple mounts offer good cable management
- Lightweight and an affordable case for gamers
What We Disliked
- Limited cooling options
- limited drive bay support
Silverstone Grandia Series HTPC Case
Another one from SilverStone Technologies, this HTPC case, represents its popular Grandia series that sports air pressure design ensures smooth airflow and heat dissipation. For gamers looking for a smart option to lock their GB068 motherboards, this horizontal PC case is an excellent choice.
This PC case by SilverStone Technologies is 17.32″ wide, 5.91″ tall, and 17.13″ deep. It offers a sleekish design, yet its three form factor backed by air pressure design makes it a go-to case. The front of the panel is made of plastic while the front door is made of aluminum. However, the PC case is not as light as it looks, and weighs around 16 pounds.
The PC case features three silent fans of size 120mm. These Golf Bladed fans offer exceptional cooling and efficient heat dissipation. Moreover, this model provides two 80mm fan slots for extra cooling. To talk about space, the GD068 HTPC case matches the micro ATX motherboard’s configuration.
The horizontal PC case can accommodate two 3.5-inch HDDs, a 5.25-inch device, a 2.5-inch SSD, two high-end graphic cards with 11-inch (max.) length. Moreover, it can host standard ATX power supply. Right on the front panel, you can find two USB 3.0 ports.
To insert the 5.25-inch drive, you have a dedicated drive, plus seven 3.5-inch compatible drive bays, and two drive bays are dedicated for 2.5-inch drives. Included in the drive bays slots are two hot-swappable drive bays for each of the 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives, making it ultra-easy to swap your drives.
Furthermore, the HTPC horizontal PC case offers an allowance for up to 70mm CPU cooler with an optical drive. Without the optical drive, the allowance stretches to 120mm. You can house up to four expansion cards within 11″ x 4.92″ (W x H) limit. The limit for the power supply is 150mm.
What We Liked
- Sturdy build, featuring aluminum front
- Spacious design; can house micro ATX motherboards
- Exceptional air cooling, thanks to positive air pressure design
- Hot-swap drive bays for easy swapping of drives
What We Disliked
- Lacks a glass panel for visibility
- A limited number of I/O ports
- A limited number of expansion slots
Cooler Master RC-130-KKN1 Elite 130 – Mini-ITX Computer Case
If you’re looking for a sturdy build PC cases that offer excellent intake of the cool ambient air, you must see this model from Cooler Master. The RC-130-KKN1 Elite 130 case is meant for mini ITX motherboards. Its meshed front panel is evidence of the smart construction that gives easy access to the air from the surroundings, thereby keeping the interior cool without too much effort.
The pc case offers mounting brackets for hard drives and solid-state drives. This way, you’ll get some extra space for better air ventilation. But that’s not it.
Because of the HDD/SSD mounting, the Elite 130 hosts a 120mm liquid cooling kit on the front, making the interior exceptionally cool. The front of the case also features a 120mm fan, while an extra 80mm fan is housed on the side, giving this case a hybrid cooling feature.
The Cooler Master Elite 130 case can hold up to 343 mm long VGA card, which is the latest. Moreover, the GPU cooler allowance is 65mm. As far as the power supply is concerned, the Elite 130 is compatible with all compact PSU and standard power supply.
Measuring 9.4″ x 8.2″ x 15.7″, the mini ITX computer case boasts device bays for 5.25-inch, 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives. There are 8 in total. The I/O front panel features audio jacks (In and Out), two USB 2.0 ports, and two USB 3.0 ports.
All in all, Elite 130 is built to deliver seamless noise-free performance. It may look small as it is meant for slim profile builds, but can host some of the big beasts of the gaming industry. Not to mention it’s exceptional cooling and retro-style design enough to make a style statement on your friends.
What We Liked
- Hybrid cooling options
- Compatible with the latest graphic cards
- Lightweight and portable
- Front, I/O panel, featuring modern-day ports
- Sufficient device bays
What We Disliked
- Fan size limitation
- Size limitation for GPU coolers
- No see-through panels
Best Computer Cases Guide
For those in the love of horizontal cases, computers, they sure have a reason. But does it matter if your PC case sits horizontally or vertically? Let’s take a closer look.
Vertical or Horizontal Orientation
A simple answer to the above question is, “No, it doesn’t,” but there’s more to it. You might be having problems, like:
- Does the orientation of the case affect the performance of your motherboard?
- Does it affect the performance of your GPU cooler?
No, it doesn’t affect your motherboard’s performance, but make sure that the case isn’t upside down. And if you think horizontal or vertical orientation affects the performance of your GPU cooler, it’s just a misconception.
Key Considerations
Now let’s get down to business: what are the things to keep in mind while buying a PC case?
Size
That’s a no-brainer. You’ll choose a case based on your hardware requirements. But, here’s a tricky part. PC motherboards have different specifications and sizes, and PC cases are meant for specific motherboard sizes.
Therefore, you get full-tower, mid-tower, and mini ITX cases that are commonly available. As far as horizontal cases are concerned, you have options for standard ATX, micro ATX, Mini ITX, E ATX, etc.
Price
The price range of PC cases is quite broad, usually starting at $40 and going more than $500, or maybe more. It all depends upon the gaming rig, the capabilities you want, the cooling features, and the type of computer components you wish to keep.
As we discussed above, on average, you’ll get a good PC case with all the latest features and sufficient room for housing your hardware within the price range of $75 – $150. That said, if you want to stand out on looks and style, Sky is the limit.
Important Features
So, how much are you willing to spend on your case? It depends on the features. So let’s take a look at the modern features in a PC case.
Drive bays and mounting feature
All the latest ATX computer cases have device bays for easy placement of your drives. These drive bays are compatible with 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch, and 5.25-inch drives. If you’ve gone through the above reviews, you’d know that almost all the models have these three types. However, the number of bays may differ.
Similarly, some models offer HDD/SSD mounts for extra space. Extra space call for customization. So if you’re keen to improve the airflow of your case, you can cash on that extra space.
Cable management
To make your case look aesthetically appealing, they offer cutouts in the motherboard tray. This offers smooth and easy routing of the cable to move it out from the rear side. In budget computer cases, you’ll get big holes, but mid-ranged cases also provide rubber grommets to give a cleaner look. You’ll also find tie-off points or even extraordinary chambers to hide the wiring.
Tool-less design
Own a special screwdriver set to assemble or de-assemble the cases. However, you don’t find those tiny screws anymore. From mid-range to high-end models, you get a tool-less design that doesn’t require any tool. At the most, you’ll get thumb screws, while drive bays have snap-on or twist-on mechanisms.
Conclusion
To conclude, we went through several horizontal pc cases before we chose and reviewed the top 5 models. If you’ve gone through all the reviews, you’ve probably made up your mind on the best pc case.
Or, if you’re confused, you can visit Amazon.com to find more information about these models. But before anything, you have to keep all the considerations in mind.
Make sure you choose a model that’s compatible with the latest drives and offers tool-less design for quick swapping of your PC components.
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