Building your own PC can be an exciting and rewarding project. While components like the CPU, GPU and RAM enable your system‘s performance, the humble PC case is just as important. It houses all your precious hardware and keeps things cool and dust-free.
But a high-quality PC case can set you back a lot of money. Is it possible to get a decent case for cheap? Definitely!
In this guide, I’ve researched and handpicked the 5 best budget PC cases under $150. I’ve rated them on important criteria like build quality, cooling, cable management and value.
Let’s jump right in!
Key Points
- The Montech Sky One Lite Case is the best overall budget PC case under $150, with a hinged glass panel and three high-airflow fans.
- The AeroCool Cylon RGB Case is the most affordable option at under $50, but it lacks some premium features.
- The Lian Li PC-O11 Air Mini Case is the smallest case, measuring just 15 inches tall but supporting multiple motherboards.
- The stylish Thermaltake V200 Case has a tempered glass side panel and customizable RGB lighting.
- The large Antec NX800 Case measures nearly 20 inches tall and can fit an E-ATX motherboard.
| PC Case | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Montech Sky One Lite Case | $105 | Hinged glass panel, mesh front, 3 fans |
| AeroCool Cyclon RGB Case | $47 | 13 lighting modes, acrylic window |
| Lian Li O11 Air Mini Case | $119 | Supports ITX to EATX boards |
| Thermaltake V200 Case | $89 | Tempered glass side, 4 RGB fans |
| Antec NX800 Case | $139 | 19.6” tall, 3 RGB fans |
Below I have provided detailed overviews of each PC case along with pros, cons and recommendations. Read on to find your perfect budget case!
#1. Montech Sky One Lite Case – Best Overall Under $150
Best Overall
Montech Sky ONE LITE ATX Mid-Tower PC Case
- Accommodates ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX motherboards
- Three pre-installed 120mm high airflow fans
- Fine mesh front panel and tempered glass side panel
- ARGB LED front strip
- Supports high-end components
- Seven expansion bays
The #1 best budget PC case is the Montech Sky One Lite. It combines great build quality with premium features at an affordable $105 price tag.
The key highlight is the tall hinged tempered glass side panel, which provides convenient access inside the case. The mesh front panel and three included fans ensure high airflow performance. There is also a sleek RGB lighting strip.
Inside, you get room for a full ATX motherboard and long high-end GPUs up to 350mm. There are lots of drive bays and cable routing space behind for clean cable management. Overall, it’s a fantastic case considering the low price.
Pros
- Fits ATX, mATX and ITX motherboards
- Easy access with hinged glass panel
- Great airflow from mesh and fans
Cons
- Only comes with 3 fans
- No USB Type-C port
Verdict: With premium features like a hinged glass side panel and great cooling, the Montech Sky One Lite is the best budget PC case under $150.
#2. Aerocool Cyclon RGB Case – Most Affordable Under $50
Most Affordable Under $50
AeroCool Cylon RGB Mid-Tower PC Case
- LED front panel has 13 lighting modes
- Accommodates ATX, micro-ATX, and mini-ITX
- Acrylic side window panel
- Supports 371mm long GPUs
- Room for 120mm front radiator
- One pre-installed 120mm rear fan
If you‘re on a super tight budget, grab the Aerocool Cyclon RGB case for well under $50. You still a stylish tempered glass case with customizable RGB lighting.
The Cylon has a unique triangular front facade with an RGB lit panel that supports 13 cool lighting modes. It can fit full ATX builds with long graphics cards and 120mm AIO liquid coolers. You get both USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports for connectivity.
Build quality isn‘t as premium given the low price tag. The plastic construction feels a bit flimsy and the window side panel is acrylic rather than tougher tempered glass. But for the cost, the Cyclon RGB still offers fantastic value.
Pros
- Extremely affordable under $50
- 13 RGB lighting modes
- Good connectivity
Cons
- Mostly plastic construction
- Acrylic panel scratches easily
- No front mesh or extra fans
Verdict: With 13 lighting modes and support for ATX builds, the Aerocool Cyclon RGB case is perfect for those on a tight budget under $50.
#3. Lian Li O11 Air Mini – Smallest ATX Case
Smallest ATX Case
Lian Li PC-O11 AIR MINI
- Mesh panels on top, front and rear
- Supports mini-ITX up to E-ATX
- Two 140mm intake fans
- 120mm exhaust fan
- Fits 280mm radiator
The Lian Li O11 Air Mini is a unique small form factor case that can still fit full ATX and E-ATX motherboards. It measures just 15 inches tall but nearly 10 inches wide and deep.
This minimized case still offers great cooling potential with mesh intake panels and support for beefy air coolers and 280mm radiators. It looks fantastic too with an aluminum frame and tempered glass side panel.
The only downside is that smaller size means less room for storage drives and cable management is trickier. But for compact ATX builds, the O11 Air Mini is among the best.
Pros
- Fits ATX despite small size
- Great cooling from mesh panels
- Premium quality and aesthetics
Cons
- Less storage and cable space
- Dust filters hard to access
- No RGB lighting
Verdict: The Lian Li O11 Air Mini is the top choice for a compact ATX PC case with support for 280mm radiators.
#4. Thermaltake V200 Case – Best Looking Under $100
Best Looking Under $100
Thermaltake V200 ATX Mid-Tower
- 3 pre-installed 120mm RGB fans
- 120mm rear black fan
- 0.15” thick tempered glass side panel
- Sync RGB lighting with ASUS/MSI boards
- Supports air and liquid cooling
The Thermaltake V200 combines style and lots of cooling at a reasonable $89 price. It looks fantastic with a black and metal dual-tone design and vivid RGB lighting.
You get three front 120mm RGB fans that light up the case in 16 vibrant modes. These even sync with compatible ASUS, Gigabyte and MSI motherboards. A basic 120mm fan handles rear exhaust.
The V200 fits mini-ITX up to standard ATX motherboards. It offers ample room for drives and clean cable management routing holes. My only complaint is that the acrylic front panel and lack of dust filters reduce airflow. But it‘s a gorgeous case with great expandability.
Pros
- Tempered glass side panel
- Multiple RGB lighting modes
- Support various motherboards
Cons
- Acrylic front reduces airflow
- No dust filters
- Cable management could be better
Verdict: With vivid RGB fans and a tempered glass side panel, the Thermaltake V200 is perfect for those wanting a beautiful gaming PC case on a budget.
#5. Antec NX800 Case – Extra Large Under $150
Extra Large Under $150
Antec NX800 Mid Tower Case
- 19.6” tall to fit E-ATX boards
- Tempered glass side panel
- 3x ARGB fans included
- Radiator support up to 360mm
- 3x vertical expansion slots
The Antec NX800 is a great choice if you need a super spacious PC case on a budget. At 19.6 inches tall, it‘s large enough to fit extended ATX motherboards.
You still get premium features like a hinged tempered glass side panel, mesh front panel for airflow and three vibrant RGB fans. There is also extensive cooling support for large air coolers and up to 360mm radiators.
As expected from the low price, some aspects like cable management feel basic. There’s also no dust filtration. However, if you want a full tower case under $150 that can fit E-ATX boards, the NX800 is easily recommendable.
Pros
- Huge 19.6” case for E-ATX boards
- Tempered glass swing panel
- Triple RGB intake fans
Cons
- Very heavy
- No dust filters
- Mediocre cable management
Verdict: With its spacious interior for E-ATX builds and triple RGB fans, the Antec NX800 is the top budget choice for extra large PC cases.
How to Pick the Best Budget PC Case
Choosing the right budget PC case involves carefully considering factors like:
- Size
- Build quality and materials
- Aesthetics – RGB, side panel etc.
- Airflow and cooling
- Cable management
- Available features
- Price and value
Ideally, you want the largest case possible that fits within your space constraints. Full ATX and mid towers offer the best balance of size and compatibility.
Prioritize airflow features like mesh panels and included case fans over looks. Most cheap cases only come with 1-2 fans which is not enough. Grab something with 3-4 fans or room to add more.
Make sure there is some cable management space behind the tray. And check that the case can fit the graphics card you plan on using.
Here is a step-by-step process:
- Determine compatibility – Will the case fit your motherboard, CPU cooler, GPU and PSU?
- Check dimensions – Ensure it fits your desk area and room layout.
- Assess cooling – See if there are enough fans and support for liquid cooling radiators if needed.
- Examine build quality – Avoid cheap plastic cases and seek steel and glass designs.
- Find appealing looks – Pick a style and color scheme you like, with or without RGB lighting.
- Verify features – Check for front IO ports, power button placement etc.
- Compare prices – Strike a balance between features and value-for-money.
Follow these guidelines and you’ll easily narrow down the perfect budget case!
Using a Quality Budget PC Case
A good budget PC case might lack some premium accents and extras. But it nails the fundamentals – sturdy build, ample component clearance and decent cable management.
With a case like the Montech Sky One or AeroCool Cyclon RGB, building your own system is a cinch. Large cutouts and hinged tempered glass panels make installing the motherboard, PSU and drives easy. Rifling cables out the back to keep the interior clean is simple too.
The ample airflow and pre-installed fans in these cases keep your components nice and cool during intense gaming or workload sessions. And RGB case lighting adds a touch of custom personalization.
Overall, a quality budget PC case has surprisingly few drawbacks for the money. Cooling may not match ultra high-end cases, but will suffice for most users even under load. And you still get modern styling and features at a super affordable price.
FAQs about Budget PC Cases
Q. Which is better – glass or acrylic side panel?
A tempered glass side panel is more durable and scratch-resistant than acrylic. It also offers a clearer view inside the case. But glass is heavier and more prone to shattering if dropped.
Q. Are more case fans necessary?
The number of fans depends on your PC components. If running hot CPUs and GPUs, more fans help dissipate heat faster. Most budget cases only include 1-3 fans so adding more can improve temperatures drastically.
Q. What size motherboard can I fit?
Nearly all modern PC cases support ATX motherboards. Smaller mATX boards also usually fit. You‘d have to check each case‘s spec sheet to see if it can fit bigger E-ATX boards too.
Q. Is dust filtration important?
Front panel dust filters prevent debris entering the case and keep the PC clean. They are highly recommended for fresher airflow and easier maintenance down the line.
Summary
| Case | Verdict | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Montech Sky One | Best overall case Mesh front, hinged glass |
$105 on Amazon |
| Aerocool Cyclon RGB | Most affordable 13 RGB modes, plastic build |
$47 on Amazon |
| Lian Li O11 Air | Smallest ATX case 280mm radiator support |
$119 on Amazon |
| Thermaltake V200 | Best looking 4 RGB fans, TG side panel |
$89 on Amazon |
| Antec NX800 | Largest case 19.6” tall, triple RGB fans |
$139 on Amazon |
That rounds up my picks for best budget PC cases under $150! I aimed to include top options catering to all types of budgets and needs.
The Montech Sky One Lite takes our #1 spot for offering exceptional quality and features given its low price tag. But the other alternatives are great too for compact or flashy builds.
Let me know your thoughts on these budget PC cases and if you have any other questions!
