If you’re looking for the perfect open air PC case to take your gaming setup to ultimate levels, then here is the place you go. With technological advances happening at a rapid pace, this is an exciting time for gamers who are interested in modding their cases.
Investing in an open air PC case has a plethora of advantages, from convenience and customization to improved cooling power compared to traditional closed cases.
With so many choices out there, it can be difficult to choose which one best fits your requirements and budget. But don’t worry, we have narrowed down the list of contenders for you. Read on to discover our top picks of the best open air PC cases that will help elevate your gaming experience while keeping it affordable.
Our Top Picks: 7 Best Open Air PC Cases
- The Best Mini-Tower Open Air PC Case: Thermaltake AH T200 Racing Green
- The Best Full-Tower Open Air PC Case: COUGAR CONQUER 2
- The Best Preminum Open Air PC Case: Antec Torque
- The Budget Choice Open Air PC Case: Thermaltake Core P3 TG
- The Best SFF Open Air PC Case: Thermaltake Core P1 TG Mini ITX
- The Best for Test Bench Open Air PC Case: Cooler Master MasterFrame 700
- The Best Mid-Tower Open Air PC Case: COUGAR CONQUER
The Best Mini-Tower Open Air PC Case
Thermaltake AH T200 Racing Green
- Materials: SPCC, tempered glass on both side
- Dimensions: 444.2 x 282 x 551.5 mm / 17.5 x 11.1 x 21.7 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX
- Expansion Slots: 5
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5″ or 3 x 2.5”
The Full-Tower Open Air PC Case
- Materials: Metal frames and four tempered glass panels
- Dimensions: 368 x 631 x 744 mm / 14.5 x 24.8 x 29.3 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX, ATX, CEB
- Expansion Slots: 8+2
- Drive Bays: 2x 3.5″ (or 2.5″), 2x 2.5″
The Budget Choice Open Air PC Case
- Materials: SPCC, tempered glass side panel
- Dimensions: 512 x 333 x 470 mm / 20.2 x 13.1 x 18.5 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX, ATX
- Expansion Slots: 8
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5″ or 3 x 2.5″ (Outside), 2 x 3.5’’ or 2.5’’ (Inside)
7 Best Open Air PC Cases
1. Thermaltake AH T200 Racing Green
The Best Mini-Tower Open Air PC Case
Specs
- Materials: SPCC, tempered glass on both side
- Dimensions: 444.2 x 282 x 551.5 mm / 17.5 x 11.1 x 21.7 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX
- Expansion Slots: 5
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5″ or 3 x 2.5” (3.5” HDD thickness limitation: 22mm)
- I/O Panel: USB 3.1 (Gen 2) Type C x 1, USB 3.0 x 2, HD Audio x 1
- Pre-installed Fans: No
- Weight: 10.8 kg / 23.8 lbs
- Power Supply Support: ATX
- Case Form Factor: Mini-Tower
PROS
- Modular design
- Includes USB-C
- Impressive styling
CONS
- Cable management may be challenging
The AH T200 Racing Green is a rare variant of the already remarkable AH T200 Micro Chassis. Its firm air-force structure with a racing green facade, accented by two 4mm tempered glass on both side panels and three 3mm front windows make it an unrivaled masterpiece.
The open air PC case comes with a solid steel frame open design that is crucial when it comes to improving the system’s stability and ensuring the utmost safety. The open design also provides outstanding airflow within the system by eliminating unnecessary heat spots. Furthermore, it has an incredibly compartmentalized module design which allows users to easily dismantle as well as add on components without having to fumble around with external tools.
With the AH T200 Racing Green, users have limitless possibilities for their builds. It also can accommodate a maximum liquid cooling radiator of 280mm/240mm at its front and graphics cards up to 320mm long.
All things considered, the Thermaltake AH T200 open air PC case offers an impressive combination of style, performance, and portability, perfect for PC enthusiasts who looking to boost their gaming experience or show off their build.
2. COUGAR CONQUER 2
The Best Full-Tower Open Air PC Case
Specs
- Materials: Metal frames and four tempered glass panels
- Dimensions: 368 x 631 x 744 mm / 14.5 x 24.8 x 29.3 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX, ATX, CEB
- Expansion Slots: 8+2
- Drive Bays: 2x 3.5″ (or 2.5″), 2x 2.5″
- I/O Panel: USB 3.1 Type-C x 1, USB3.0 x 2, Mic x 1, Audio x 1, Power button, RGB control button
- Pre-installed Fans: 1x 120mm
- Weight: 18 kg / 39.7 lbs
- Power Supply Support: ATX
- Case Form Factor: Full-Tower
PROS
- Easy to mod with detachable sub-chassis
- Impressive RGB lighting
- USB-C is included
CONS
- A little noisy
- 140mm fan is not supported
- Quite heavy
The Cougar Conquer 2 open air PC case takes design to the next level with its unique metal framing and detachable sub-chassis. The open-frame design offers extreme cooling performance.
This PC case forges a stunning work of art with the 4-panel tempered glass chassis, perfect for modders to showcase their masterpiece, while Trelux Lighting illuminates your creation with its dazzling addressable RGB LEDs.
For those looking for additional cooling, you can opt to add a liquid cooling radiator up to 240mm in the front or 360mm on the top. It will also accommodate larger GPUs with sizes of up to 400mm.
In conclusion, the Cougar Conquer 2 open air PC case is designed for modders who seek to experience style and power in one package. This advanced design allows them to build a system that both looks great and provides unparalleled performance.
3. Antec Torque
The Best Premium Open Air PC Case
Specs
- Materials: Aluminum, tempered glass on both sides
- Dimensions: 621 x 285 x 644 mm / 24.4 x 11.2 x 25.4 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX, ATX, E-ATX (12″x11″)
- Expansion Slots: 7
- Drive Bays: 1x 3.5″, 1x 2.5″
- I/O Panel: USB3.0 x 2, MIC/AUDIO(HD), Power, Type-C USB3.1
- Pre-installed Fans: No
- Weight: 9.35 kg / 20.6 lbs
- Power Supply Support: ATX
- Case Form Factor: Mid-Tower
PROS
- Unique design
- Great airflow
- USB-C is included
CONS
- 140mm fan is not supported
- Easy to accumulate dust inside
The Antec Torque open air PC case is a masterpiece of precision CNC cutting, boasting 14 aluminum panels that ensure a perfect curve and edge to its presence. It’s not all aesthetics, however, with 4mm tempered glass on both sides of the panels, it ensures unrivaled durability while still looking beautiful.
Setting up your PC is made even easier with its liquid cooling support that allows you to install a 360mm radiator in the front or top without worry. One feature that we like is that this case includes USB 3.1 Type-C for faster data transfer speeds and compatibility with next-generation gaming devices.
You can mount large GPUs of up to 400 mm in length, making it ideal for housing high-end gaming components. However, the open-air design also means that users may be more susceptible to a build-up of dust inside the case due to the many panels and crevices where dust or debris can congregate. Of course, regular maintenance can prevent this from becoming an issue, but ultimately it’s something worth taking into account when considering your hardware configuration.
The Antec Torque open air PC case is a superior feat of engineering that features an attractive modular design and remarkable customize potential. This product is a great solution for anyone on the search for a stunning, protective home to house their computer components.
4. Thermaltake Core P3 TG
The Budget Choice Open Air PC Case
Specs
- Materials: SPCC, tempered glass side panel
- Dimensions: 512 x 333 x 470 mm / 20.2 x 13.1 x 18.5 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX, ATX
- Expansion Slots: 8
- Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5″ or 3 x 2.5″ (Outside the chassis), 2 x 3.5’’ or 2.5’’ (Inside the chassis)
- I/O Panel: USB 3.0 x 2, USB 2.0 x 2, HD Audio x 1
- Pre-installed Fans: No
- Weight: 11.3 kg / 24.91 lbs
- Power Supply Support: ATX
- Case Form Factor: Mid-Tower
PROS
- Great design with multiple placement options
- Competitive price
- Easy cable management
- Easy to mod
CONS
- No USB-C
- No pre-installed fan
If you’re looking to elevate your PC game, the Thermaltake Core P3 TG open-frame mid-tower case is here to make sure all your gaming ambitions are fulfilled.
With its 5 mm thick tempered glass, this open air PC case can support plenty of powerful hardware, including a large GPU (up to 450 mm in length), and massive radiators (up to 420 or 360 mm) for liquid cooling solutions. Not only that, but it also features multiple placement options (wall-mount, vertical, and horizontal). The modular design of this PC case makes it easy to mod or customize components whenever you feel like it.
The neat cable management system with separate compartments will keep everything tidy and the GPU mounting bracket with included riser cable allows for a complete vertical PC setup if that’s what you’re looking for. If customization is your thing, this open air PC case is ideal for modding too.
To sum up, if you have a passion for pushing the envelope and are willing to experiment with DIY projects, then Thermaltake Core P3 TG is an excellent option. This winning machine offers immense potential when it comes to personalized customization.
5. Thermaltake Core P1 TG Mini ITX
The SFF Open Air PC Case
Specs
- Materials: SPCC, tempered glass side panel
- Dimensions: 422 x 332 x 380 mm / 16.6 x 13.1 x 15 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX
- Expansion Slots: 5
- Drive Bays: 2 x 2.5″ (Outside the chassis), 1 x 3.5’’ (or 2.5’’) + 1 x 2.5″ (Inside the chassis)
- I/O Panel: USB 3.0 x 2 , HD Audio x 1
- Pre-installed Fans: No
- Weight: 9.5 kg / 20.9 lbs
- Power Supply Support: ATX
- Case Form Factor: SFF
PROS
- Great design with multiple placement options
- Easy cable management
- Great for customization
CONS
- Pricey
- No USB-C
- No pre-installed fan
Thermaltake is proud to announce the addition to its Core P Series, the Core P1 TG Mini ITX, tempered glass chassis in a small form factor with limited space. This open air PC case provides you with an unparalleled and remarkable way to flaunt your custom build. With its open-frame design and a 5mm of tempered glass, the Core P1 TG Mini ITX allows you to display all your creative possibilities.
What sets this open air PC case apart from the rest are the multiple placement design options. You can have it built into your wall, or placed vertically or horizontally on your desk, making installation easier than ever before. It also supports AIO and custom liquid cooling solutions with radiator sizes of up to 240mm on the left side, making it ideal for those looking for maximum cooling performance.
The remarkably large GPU size support of up to 380mm offers you the power to conveniently change its orientation whenever necessary. On top of all that, it’s got pretty impressive cable management systems thanks to its separate compartments.
Basically, the Thermaltake Core P1 TG Mini ITX is ideal for tech-savvy individuals and modders who love to explore the limits of what their build can do.
6. Cooler Master MasterFrame 700
The Best for Test Bench Open Air PC Case
Specs
- Materials: Steel, tempered glass front panel
- Dimensions: 702 x 306 x 410 mm / 27.6 x 12 x 16.1 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX, ATX, SSI EEB, SSI CEB, XL-ATX, E-ATX
- Expansion Slots: 8
- Drive Bays: 4x 3.5″/2.5″ (combo), 7x 2.5″
- I/O Panel: 2x USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, 1x 3.5mm Headset Jack (Audio+Mic)
- Pre-installed Fans: No
- Weight: 11.9 kg / 26.2 lbs
- Power Supply Support: ATX (2 pcs)
- Case Form Factor: Full-Tower
PROS
- Flexible use as open air case or test bench
- Fits the majority of PC hardware
- Support a lot of storage devices
- USB-C is supported
CONS
- Large size
- Difficult wall-mounting
The Cooler Master MasterFrame 700 open air PC case offers an unparalleled level of flexibility and customization, making it a great option for PC enthusiasts looking to push the limits of their gaming or using it as a test bench.
This innovative open air PC case consists of three parts: two side wings and a motherboard tray in the middle, which are connected by hinges. This allows users to open up the whole frame for superior customizability. The best viewing platform for this PC case setup is placed in the vertical position or mounted on the wall.
The open air PC case is designed to support multiple build configurations and fits most types of motherboards up to E-ATX and SSI-EEB form factor. In addition, users can fit up to triple slots GPUs of up to 450mm in length as well as tandem ATX power supplies at the back. Not only does this open air frame offer unprecedented levels of liquid cooling potential with its dual 280/360mm radiators on the side wing and single 360/420mm radiator on top.
If you’re searching for a computer case that will show off your components or maximize every square inch or use it as a test bench, then this open air PC case is the ideal choice. With its sleek design and powerful performance, it’s sure to be an essential part of your setup.
7. COUGAR CONQUER
The Best Mid-Tower Open Air PC Case
Specs
- Materials: Aluminum alloy, tempered glass on both sides
- Dimensions: 255 x 580 x 685 mm / 10 x 22.8 x 27 inches
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, microATX, ATX
- Expansion Slots: 7
- Drive Bays: 3x 3.5″, 4x 2.5″
- I/O Panel: USB3.0 x 2/Microphone x 1/Audio x 1
- Pre-installed Fans: 120 LED fan x3
- Weight: 14 kg / 30.9 lbs
- Power Supply Support: ATX
- Case Form Factor: Mid-Tower
PROS
- Great build quality
- Powerful water cooling support
- Easy customization
CONS
- No USB-C
- 140mm fan is not supported
The open air PC case Cougar Conquer is a unique blend of industrial and military aesthetics with a fear-inspiring design. The CNC-milled aluminum alloy frame provides both an incredibly sturdy structure and open-air customization for modders; two 5mm tempered glass side panels show up the inner workings of your build for easy access.
This PC case also supports a 360mm radiator at the top and a 240mm radiator at the front, as well as large GPU sizes of up to 350mm. The spaciousness offered by this open air PC case makes it perfect for gamers who want increased airflow and visibility into their gaming setup without compromising on size or aesthetics.
The revolutionary design of the Conquer chassis makes PC building more interesting. If you are a PC modding enthusiast, this is an open air PC case worth your attention.
How To Select The Best Open Air PC Cases
Open Air PC Case Size
Size is the most important factor to consider when selecting an open-air PC case. The right size will ensure that all your components are correctly housed and have ample breathing space for optimal performance.
RELATED: Desktop PC Case Size
The size of your case must be compatible with your motherboard form factor and have enough room to comfortably install all of your components, such as graphics cards and cooling components if needed. For example, if you decide to use custom liquid cooling, then you’ll need to select a case large enough to accommodate mounting for the radiator and reservoir, which can take up significantly more space.
Ultimately, open air PC cases come in different shapes and sizes so you can always find one that meets your needs and fits within your build’s specifications.
Be Mindful Of The Dust And Safety
The open air PC case is becoming a popular choice for those attempting to build their unique gaming computer or looking for an alternative option to standard cases. However, if not done properly, open air cases can present a number of safety and maintenance issues.
One of the most common issues with open air PC cases stems from dust infiltration as these cases are open-access devices. Without proper filters in place, dust can settle in tight spaces within the open case resulting in overheating, potential system failure, and deterioration of parts within the PC. It’s important to remember that open air PC cases require regular cleaning and maintenance to guarantee the highest quality performance over time.
Another factor to consider is that certain moving parts, such as air intake fans, may be inadequate protection shielded. This is especially crucial for safeguarding both family members and pets from potential safety hazards.
Before making the decision to purchase an open air PC case, it’s helpful to build your confidence levels in order to ensure that you make the right choice for yourself.
Tempered Glass
Open air PC case provide plenty of convenience for gamers who enjoy tinkering with the inner workings of their devices. Not only does open air provide a way for hot air to ventilate and keep components cool, but it also provides an eye-catching display of internal components as well. It’s important, however, to replace traditional case panels with tempered glass for open-air cases.
Tempered glass is heavier and more durable than conventional plastic panels, providing far greater protection from static electricity or other elements that could cause damage. Furthermore, the clarity of tempered glass offers a much clearer view inside the open air PC case compared to plastic panels, providing the perfect showcase for any high-end system.
Cable Management
Cable management is always a challenge when it comes to open air PC case. After all, open-air designs are characterized by their open nature and lack of structure, meaning cables have to accommodate the open space.
However, with the right strategies and parts, this can easily be overcome. Outfitting your open air PC case with cable clips and velcro straps can help keep larger cables corralled in an organized manner. Smaller cables can also benefit from cable tie wraps or zip ties. With the right accessories and practices, you can easily manage the often disorderly stuff inside your open air PC cases.
Final Thoughts
The airflow of an open air PC case allows for better temperature control, which keeps components running smoother and cooler. And they also have some interesting features considering all of the hardware inside and make it much easier to swap out certain parts.
Furthermore, open frames allow you to easily show off all of your internal components, from RGB lighting setup to sleek components. Our top picks will give you more ideas to choose from so that you can find the perfect open air PC case for your build.