Page 51 - Computer Power User - February 2017

BUYER’S GUIDE

Classy Chassis

For enthusiasts, a case is not just a container for our PC parts.

A case’s interior design can make or break your ability to run high-performance parts and install custom
cooling loops. Form factor, airflow, radiator support, and GPU compatibility are just some of things to
consider. The chassis is also most power users’ primary media for artistic expression. You want your PC
to be a showcase, and the perfect case is one that’s aesthetically pleasing, matches your build’s color
scheme, and provides a bit of a “wow” factor.

Don’t Temper Your Expectations
Tempered glass side-panel windows are currently the hottest trend in cases. Acrylic windows are still
common, but case manufacturers are increasingly moving toward glass panels that provide exceptional
visibility and are less likely to scratch than their acrylic counterparts. Tempered glass window panels
aren’t exactly new, but in the past, such cases often came with prohibitively high price tags. A variety
of recently released tempered glass cases are available for less than $200.

Light It Up
With all of the LED innovation happening to the parts inside your case, it was only a matter of time
before big LEDs made their way to case exteriors. There are a lot of interesting takes on LED case
lighting. Some of the models in our buyer’s guide feature LED light strips that serve primarily as accent
illumination, while others build LEDs into the base of the case for ground effects. RGB LEDs, of course,
are the ultimate in customization. Some models can even sync up with colors and effects running on
the other components in your system.

In this month’s buyer’s guide, we examine the distinguishing features for more than a dozen cases from
leading manufacturers. There are a variety of small form factor units, as well mid-towers and huge
chassis that support most any build you can imagine. You’ll find a full list of specifications in the chart
at the end of the guide.

CPU / February2017 51