9 Best Cheap PC Cases Under $50 2024
Cheap PC cases under $50 are good to have if you are trying to save some cash while building a new PC. You can spend the saved amount on some other PC component to increase the performance or have more storage.
As the PC case does not directly affect the performance of your PC, unless the thermals are so bad, it is acceptable to get a low-cost PC case rather than buying an expensive one for the looks or maximum customizability that you don’t need.
However buying a low-priced computer case is not an easy task, as there are a lot of options available in the market. From full tower to mid-tower and micro cases, it can be hard to choose the right one.
But don’t worry we got you covered in this guide with cheap PC cases that you can buy under $50.
You can also check our other articles on PC cases.
AeroCool Cylon RGB Mid Tower
The Aerocool Cylon RGB is a budget-friendly mid-tower gaming chassis designed specifically for cost-conscious gamers who want an appealing and functional case without breaking the bank. The chassis is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up.
The front panel features a stunning RGB lighting implementation, ensuring it stands out as an eye-catching addition to any gaming environment. The case is available in black and white color options, catering to individual preferences.
Constructed from steel and plastic, the Cylon RGB chassis is both durable and stylish. The window side panel, made of lightweight acrylic, provides a clear view of the internal components, allowing gamers to showcase their build proudly. Although the acrylic window may be prone to scratches, taking care to remove protective sheets only after completing the build can help minimize this risk.
In terms of storage and component support, the Cylon RGB offers ample space for two 2.5″ drives, two 3.5″ drives, and seven PCIe slots. The case also accommodates ATX PSUs up to 180mm in length, although using a PSU of 160mm or less is recommended for easier cable management.
Cooling options are versatile, with support for up to three 120mm or two 140mm fans at the front, a single 120mm fan on the top and rear, and two mounting provisions on the PSU shroud for additional 120mm fans.
However, there are certain limitations in the Cylon RGB’s design. The case’s airflow is restricted, and future iterations could benefit from the inclusion of more vents with dust filters to improve overall cooling performance.
Additionally, some cost-saving measures are evident, such as non-reusable PCIe slot covers and the acrylic window panel. Despite these shortcomings, the overall build quality is impressive, especially considering the case’s budget-friendly price point.
The Aerocool Cylon RGB’s footprint is reminiscent of the Corsair 460X, though the two cases belong to different classes. This chassis takes up minimal space on a table or desk, creating a visually pleasing effect even when powered off. Once turned on, the RGB lighting on the front panel adds an extra level of visual appeal.
In summary, the Aerocool Cylon RGB mid-tower gaming chassis is an excellent option for gamers on a budget who are looking for a compact, visually striking, and functional case.
While there are some cost-saving measures and airflow limitations present in the design, the overall build quality and value make this chassis a solid choice for entry-level gaming enthusiasts seeking an attractive and practical solution for their PC builds.
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid Tower |
| Motherboard Support | Mini-ITX, MicroATX, and ATX |
| Radiator Support | Front 240mm |
| GPU Length Supported | Up to 346mm /371mm (without front fan) |
| Drive Bays | 2.5”: Five- 3.5”: Two |
| I/O Ports | USB 3.0 x 1, USB 2.0 x 2, HD Audio & Mic |
| Dimension | W: 7.80″ H: 18.11″ D: 16.25″ |
| Weight | 4.4 kg |
Thermaltake Versa H22
The Thermaltake Versa H22 stands out as an affordable solution for those on a tight budget seeking a reliable PC case. While not perfect, its features and design cater to the needs of many cost-conscious consumers.
One of the main attractions of the Versa H22 is its versatile drive mounting system. Despite the flimsiness of the plastic notches, they are capable of holding both standard hard drives and smaller SSDs securely.
The front panel design offers reasonable airflow, and users can install a fan directly from the front without the need to remove hard drives or open side panels. However, it’s worth noting that the plastic notches could benefit from increased durability, as they may weaken and lose their effectiveness after multiple uses.
Aesthetically, the Thermaltake Versa H22 is available in two versions: one with a side panel window and one without. The windowed version provides a clear view of the CPU and GPU area, while the non-windowed option offers a more understated and sleek appearance.
Both alternatives feature side panels with a slight outward bulge, creating additional room for cable management. On the downside, the case’s airflow leaves room for improvement, as the front section lacks adequate ventilation for optimal cooling performance.
Purchasing a second fan separately can alleviate this issue, although it would have been more convenient if the case came with one pre-installed.
The case’s expansion options and support for various components are also worth noting. It can accommodate up to two 120mm fans, although the intake area is unfiltered. The rear of the case comes with a pre-installed 120mm Thermaltake fan, but the optimal cooling configuration would be to add another fan as an intake at the front.
Unfortunately, the Versa H22 isn’t optimized for water cooling, supporting only a single 120mm all-in-one radiator at the rear.
In terms of cable management, the Versa H22 leaves something to be desired. The illogical layout of cable management holes, lack of grommets, and insufficient cable tie harnesses on the back panel may make organizing cables a challenge. As a result, users might have to resort to a “cram it in and forget it” approach, which isn’t ideal for those who value a tidy and well-organized build.
Despite its limitations, the Thermaltake Versa H22 remains a viable choice for budget-conscious gamers. The case’s low price point allows users to allocate more resources to other components, such as extra RAM, a better GPU, or a more efficient CPU cooler.
While improvements could be made in cable management and airflow, these issues can be addressed with a few minor tweaks. In summary, the Versa H22 offers good value for those seeking a cost-effective PC case that can accommodate their gaming needs without breaking the bank.
Check out these radiators for water cooling.
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid Tower |
| Motherboard Support | ATX |
| Radiator Support | 120 x 120 x 25 mm |
| GPU Length Supported | 35 mm |
| Drive Bays | 5. 25” x 3 plus 2. 5”/3. 5” x 3 plus 2. 5” x 3 |
| I/O Ports | USB 3. 0 x 1, USB2. 0 x 2, HD Audio x 1 |
| Dimension | 16.9 x 8.2 x 18.9 inches |
| Weight | 4.2 kg |
Zalman R2 White
The Zalman R2 White is an ATX mid-tower computer case with a sleek design and practical features. The case features a 4mm edgeless premium tempered glass side panel, providing a panoramic view of your system’s components.
In terms of cooling, the case comes with a pre-installed 120mm Spectrum RGB LED fan at the rear. Additional cooling options include space for two 120mm fans at the top and either three 120mm or three 140mm fans at the front. This versatile cooling layout ensures optimal airflow and temperature control within the case.
The Zalman R2 White is designed with cable management in mind, featuring a chassis that minimizes cable clutter and makes it easier to keep your system neat and organized.
The case offers excellent expandability and convenience, with drive bays that can accommodate 2 x 3.5″ and 2 x 2.5″ drives. The I/O ports include a power button, HDD/Power LED, reset button, LED control button, headphone jack, microphone jack, USB 2.0 ports, and a USB 3.0 port.
The Zalman R2 is an affordable mid-tower computer case with several advantages and minor drawbacks. Pros include quality materials and paint job, a clean cable management design, stylish white appearance with subtle accent lighting, and good airflow. The case also comes with extra accessories and has an easy HDD/SSD mounting system.
However, cons include limited space in the back for cable extensions, lack of front magnetic mesh, slightly challenging fan installation, no bracket for an RGB/fan hub, and a non-removable HDD bracket. Despite these drawbacks, the Zalman R2 offers great value for its price and is a solid choice for budget-conscious builders.
Also Read: White Gaming Setups
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid Tower |
| Motherboard Support | Mini ITX |
| Radiator Support | Front 140mm x 3, Rear 120mm x 1, Top 120mm x 2 |
| GPU Length Supported | 350mm |
| Drive Bays | 2.5”: Two – 3.5”: Two |
| I/O Ports | Headphone Jack, Microphone Jack, USB 2.0 Ports, USB 3.0 Port |
| Dimension | 16.54 x 8.15 x 17.99 inches |
| Weight | 12 Pounds |
FSP ATX Mid Tower
The FSP CMT260 is an entry-level gaming case that offers a minimalist design without compromising on functionality or aesthetics. As an affordable option in the gaming case market, with a retail price of R599, the CMT260 is perfect for budget-conscious builders seeking quality and performance.
Upon unboxing the package, you will find the CMT260 ATX case, a 120mm case fan, and the necessary screws for mounting fans and the motherboard. The case itself boasts several notable features, such as a tempered glass panel on the left side, allowing users to showcase their internal components and LED lighting systems from graphics cards, motherboards, and fans. The glass panel is easy to remove and reinstall, providing convenient access to the interior of the case.
Another useful feature is the detachable magnetic mesh cover designed to keep dust out of the case. This cover is easily removable, allowing users to clean it quickly and efficiently, thus ensuring a clean and well-maintained system.
The FSP CMT260 is a mid-sized ATX tower that supports ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ATX motherboards. Despite its modest size, the case offers ample space for a wide range of component configurations. The rear of the case features seven expansion slots, accommodating most gaming GPUs (up to 325mm) and providing additional space for other components if your motherboard supports them.
In terms of cooling, the CMT260 has been designed with modern features such as a clear separation between the motherboard housing and the PSU compartment. This layout ensures better airflow for both sets of components, making it easier to maintain optimal cooling throughout the system.
The pre-installed 120mm rear fan provides adequate cooling for basic builds, but for more advanced setups or users requiring better cooling for heavy workloads, the case offers room for another five 120mm fans (two on the top and three in the front). Additionally, the case is spacious enough to accommodate water cooling systems, providing even more cooling options for demanding users.
Cable management is a breeze in the FSP CMT260, thanks to well-organized tower cables for front USB ports, power and reset buttons, HD audio, and more. Users can route these cables through the right-hand side of the case and secure them with cable ties for a clean and organized appearance. The separate PSU compartment also offers extra space to hide unused cables, ensuring that they remain out of sight through the glass panel.
In conclusion, the FSP CMT260 ATX Mid Tower is an excellent choice for users seeking an easy-to-build case with a minimalist design that still provides sufficient space for components, good ventilation, and effective cable management. Its affordability and stylish appearance make it an attractive option for those who prefer a clean look without over-the-top LED lighting.
Distributed through Syntech, the FSP CMT260 case can be found at various outlets across the country, including online at Takealot.com, making it a convenient and easy purchase for users who value a well-designed, functional, and visually appealing case at an affordable price.
Also Read: How often should you replace your case fans
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid Tower |
| Motherboard Support | ATX |
| Radiator Support | Supports up to five additional 120 mm fans |
| GPU Length Supported | Up to 325mm |
| Drive Bays | 2 x 3. 5” HDD and 2 x 2. 5” SSD |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3. 0 ports, 2x USB 2. 0 ports |
| Dimension | 14.96 x 8.27 x 17.8 inches |
| Weight | 11 Pounds |
Zalman T7
The Zalman T7 ATX Mid Tower computer case is an excellent choice for those seeking a case with good airflow and a stylish design. It features a mesh front for optimal airflow, an acrylic tinted side panel, a magnetic frame dust filter on the top, and a door-tight side panel for easy access.
The case has a mesh design, which indicates good airflow, making it an attractive option for those looking to keep their systems cool. The model T7 case supports ATX, micro ATX, and mini ITX motherboards, offering flexibility in choosing the right motherboard for your needs.
With a maximum VGA length of 305mm, a maximum CPU cooler height of 160mm, and a maximum PSU length of 150mm, the Zalman T7 accommodates a wide range of components. It also offers seven PCI expansion slots, providing ample room for expansion.
The case has room for up to eight 120mm fans, ensuring your system stays cool even during heavy workloads. The T7 comes with two pre-installed 120mm fans, one at the front and one at the back. The case also supports up to a 240mm radiator at the top and front for additional cooling options.
The I/O ports include one headphone jack, one microphone jack, two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, a reset button, and a power button. This case provides plenty of options for connecting peripherals and external devices.
Zalman has earned a reputation for producing quality cases, and the T7 is no exception. The case is made from a combination of steel, plastic, and acrylic, ensuring durability and a stylish appearance. The acrylic tinted side panel adds a touch of elegance to the design.
The case offers ample space for cable management, with pre-installed standoffs and a motherboard layout tray for ATX, micro ATX, and mini ITX. The T7 can accommodate up to six hard drives, including four SSDs and two 3.5″ HDDs, or a combination of both.
Overall, the Zalman T7 ATX Mid Tower computer case is an excellent option for those seeking a stylish, functional, and well-ventilated case for their system.
Its acrylic tinted side panel, mesh front design, and ample space for components make it an attractive choice for various builds. If you’re not particular about having tempered glass and prefer a durable, well-designed case, the Zalman T7 is a great option.
Read: Best Water Cooling Kits for your gaming PC
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid Tower |
| Motherboard Support | Mini ITX |
| Radiator Support | Front: 3 x 120mm, Top: 3 x 120mm, Rear: 1 x 120mm, Bottom 3 x 120mm |
| GPU Length Supported | Max 305 |
| Drive Bays | 2 x Combo (3.5″ or 2.5″), 4 x 2.5″ Drive Bays |
| I/O Ports | 1 x USB 3.0, USB 2.0 x 2, Power, Reset, Headphone jack, Microphone jack |
| Dimension | 14.06 x 7.95 x 17.24 inches |
| Weight | 8 Pounds |
Thermaltake Versa H17
If you have a budget of around $40 for a PC case, you know that the options are pretty limited, and it’s difficult to find a case that doesn’t look like an outdated OEM Dell. However, I may have found a great budget option that is also mATX, making me wonder why mATX isn’t more popular. Introducing the Thermaltake Versa H17.
There are three versions of the Thermaltake Versa H17: a version with a tempered glass side panel, a version with an acrylic side panel, and the version I’m reviewing today, which has a solid metal side panel. This version of the case goes for exactly $40.
The front airflow performance is quite restrictive, with only two slits on the side and a slot at the bottom of the front panel. The front panel IO is decent, featuring a USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, headphone and microphone jacks, a reset button, and a power button.
However, the Cooler Master Q300 might have a better approach by sacrificing the USB 2.0 ports for two USB 3.0 ports.
The case comes with a 120mm fan at the rear exhaust, and there’s space for another fan in the top, which also has a magnetic dust filter. The case supports a 360mm radiator in the front, although a 240mm radiator might work better due to space constraints. However, I wouldn’t recommend using a radiator in the front due to the poor airflow.
In terms of thermal performance, the system I used for testing featured an AMD 2400G CPU and a GTX 1660 TI GPU. Both the CPU and GPU thermally throttled during an intensive test. However, temperatures were not much of an issue during gaming, except for the GPU.
Building in the case was easy, and cable management was not an issue despite the lack of rubber grommets or cable covers. The full power supply basement cover makes cable management easier, and there’s a dust filter for the power supply intake. Installing SSDs or hard drives is not as easy as using a caddy, but it’s manageable with the rubber grommet screws.
In conclusion, the Versa H17 is a great case for the budget. If you have around $40, this would be at the top of my list of recommendations. The mATX form factor isn’t much of an issue, as many cheaper motherboards from both AMD and Intel are mATX.
However, the case isn’t perfect, with non-captive thumb screws, a tendency to pick up fingerprints, and poor front airflow.
Read: HDD vs SSD vs External SSD or Gaming
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mini Tower |
| Motherboard Support | Micro ATX |
| Radiator Support | Front up to 280, Top up to 240mm, Rear 120mm |
| GPU Length Supported | up to two 330 mm |
| Drive Bays | 2.5”: Four or two with Two 3.5” |
| I/O Ports | USB 2.0×1, USB 3.0×1, Audio & Mic |
| Dimension | 8.72 x 15.75 x 16.34 inches |
| Weight | 6.1 kg |
Thermaltake Core V1
The Thermaltake Core V1 is a compact mini-ITX case with dimensions of 276 x 260 x 316 millimeters. It has two 3.5-inch and two 2.5-inch drive bays, two expansion slots, and supports a mini-ITX motherboard. The front panel features two USB 3.0 ports, HD audio connections, a large power button, HDD/Power LEDs, and a reset button.
A 200mm fan is pre-installed at the front, which can be replaced with a 120mm or 140mm fan if desired. The case has space for two 80mm fans at the rear, providing additional cooling options.
The Thermaltake Core V1’s cube design features a honeycomb front panel for improved airflow, as well as interchangeable side panels that can be swapped out for aesthetic or airflow purposes. The top panel provides easy access to the internals, while the bottom panel can be removed for simpler cable management and hardware installation.
The case supports CPU coolers with a maximum height of 140mm, VGA lengths of up to 285mm, and PSU lengths of 200mm, offering a generous amount of space for such a small case. The front panel can accommodate a 120mm or 140mm radiator, making it suitable for all-in-one liquid cooling solutions.
The Core V1’s cable management options are impressive for its size, with removable drive cages and multiple cable routing options that help keep the build looking clean and organized. It is recommended to use a semi-modular or fully modular PSU to avoid excessive cables cluttering the build.
The Thermaltake Core V1 offers great value for its price, with a quality build, excellent design, and ample room for a variety of components. It is easy to work with for beginners and experienced builders alike and can be customized with LED lighting for a unique gaming case.
Overall, the Core V1 is one of the best mini-ITX cases on the market and is highly recommended for those looking to build a compact yet powerful system.
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mini Tower |
| Motherboard Support | Micro ATX |
| Radiator Support | Front (intake) : 200 x 200 x 30 mm fan |
| GPU Length Supported | 260mm and width up to 40.5mm |
| Drive Bays | 2x 3.5 inches, 2x 2.5 inches 1 x 200 millimetre fan, 2 x 80 millimetre turbo fans (optional) |
| I/O Ports | 2x USB 3.0, 1x Headphone, 1x Mic Port |
| Dimension | 10.2 x 12.4 x 10.9 inches |
| Weight | 7.1 Pounds |
Aerocool Rift Computer Case
The Aerocool Rift is an elegantly designed compact and slim case, boasting dimensions of 195mm in width, 461mm in height, and 411mm in depth, making it quite similar to the Cougar MX 330. The case’s front panel showcases a visually appealing faux brushed aluminum finish, which, although made of plastic, presents a premium look.
The RGB lighting implementation, running along the left edge of the front panel, adds an attractive aesthetic touch to the case. Furthermore, the right side of the panel features a mesh cutout, which the manufacturer promotes as an improvement to air ventilation. However, this claim may be somewhat overstated, as the front panel remains rather densely covered.
The power and reset buttons on the case offer a surprisingly premium feel, characterized by their satisfying clicky tactile response. The inclusion of removable magnetic dust filters on the top panel and at the bottom of the case has become a standard and welcome feature in modern cases.
Additionally, the pre-installed motherboard standoffs and multiple cable pass-throughs contribute to versatile cable management options. Despite these advantages, the case does have a few drawbacks, such as the large cable pass-through holes lacking rubber grommets, which may complicate achieving a clean and organized appearance.
In terms of thermal performance, the Aerocool Rift delivers respectable GPU temperature results, outperforming other cases like the Q 300 L and the Fractal Design Core 1000. However, it is worth noting that with the installation of an additional fan, the airflow within the case could be significantly improved. The case supports CPU coolers with heights up to 155mm and offers a sufficient amount of cable management space for most builds.
One area of improvement in the Aerocool Rift is the built-in SD card reader, which, unfortunately, provides slow transfer speeds. A revision to the case that includes a USB 3.0 connection for the SD card reader would be highly beneficial. Additionally, the case’s RGB lighting could benefit from an option to be turned off completely, providing users with greater customization options.
Overall, the Aerocool Rift presents a solid balance between design and performance. It offers a stylish and compact option for builders seeking a visually appealing and functional case. While it has a few minor shortcomings, its impressive aesthetics, decent thermal performance, and thoughtful features make it a strong contender in the market of compact PC cases.
Also Read: How to Check What Power Supply Do You Have
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mid Tower |
| Motherboard Support | ATX |
| Radiator Support | Front up to 120mm x 3, Top up to120mm x 1, Rear 120mm x 1 |
| GPU Length Supported | up to two 370 mm or 120mm x 2 |
| Drive Bays | 2 x 3.5” HDDs and 5 x 2.5” HDDs/SSDs. |
| Dimension | 18.15 x 7.68 x 16.18 inches |
| Weight | 3.9 kg |
Thermaltake Versa H18 Tempered Glass
Thermaltake Versa H18 TG (tempered glass) is a micro ATX tower case. The Versa H18 TG is a steel chassis with both the interior and exterior powder-coated black. The front cover is black plastic with an aluminum mesh front to help increase system airflow.
The I/O is located on the front panel, consisting of two USB 2.0 ports, one USB 2.0, the audio out, microphone port, power button, reset button, and LED buttons. On top of the case, you will find thermal tape branding and a 140mm magnetic dust filter.
At the rear of the case, there are four reusable expansion slot covers with a retention bracket and one 120 millimeter exhaust fan that can be adjusted to suit different cooling configurations. This is the only pre-installed fan in this case.
The case sits on four plastic feet with foam pads to help stop the case from sliding. The feet are good in size and allow sufficient ventilation for the power supply, which also has a dust filter.
The right side panel is steel, and the left panel is tempered glass. The tempered glass side panel is four millimeters thick and is held in by four thumbscrews. There is no ledge to hold the glass; instead, there are four rubber grommets that you need to align with the glass to help hold it while you fasten it to the case.
Looking inside, we have a basement with a cutout to see the power supply location and more Thermaltake branding along the side of the basement wall. The motherboard tray has five cutouts for cable management, three of which are along the top and two along the side.
Sadly there are no rubber grommets, but all the cutouts have been folded nicely, so there are no sharp edges. This case can fit both micro ATX and mini ITX motherboards and can house up to a 350 millimeter (13.75 inches) graphics card. The maximum CPU cooler height can be 155mm (6 inches).
There are two hidden 3.5 inch drive mounts in the basement, one on the floor and one on the ceiling. Two 2.5 inch drive mounts on the backside of the motherboard tray. There is 25mm (1 inch) space given for cable management on the left side of the case.
The Versa H18 TG can support up to five fans. There can be two 140mm or three 120mm fans at the front. The top of the case can fit one 140mm or one 120 millimeter fan. The front also supports a radiator up to 280mm, and the rear supports a 120mm radiator.
The cable management is quite simple, thanks to the ample space given behind the motherboard tray. However, I didn’t like the cable runs having just a single column of tie-downs. This is mainly because it is tough to get the cables tight against the motherboard tray.
The front mesh allows good airflow, and having a tempered glass side panel is a definite plus.
| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Type | Micro-Tower |
| Motherboard Support | ATX & mini ATX |
| Radiator Support | Front 280mm, Rear 120mm |
| GPU Length Supported | 350mm (Without Front Fan) |
| Drive Bays | 2 Hidden 2.5 inches + 2 Hidden 3.5 inches Drive Bays |
| I/O Ports | 1 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 1 audio and 1 mic |
| Dimension | 15.35″(W) x 8.25″(H) x 16.75″(D) |
| Weight | 4.63 kg |
