Easy Case Professional
Picking one of the best PC cases isn’t just a style choice. A good-looking PC ties your whole battle station together, so you should get a case that you want to see every day, but a case does more than hold your components together and look pretty.First and foremost, you need to make sure your parts are compatible with the case. That means checking that the case supports the size of your motherboard—ATX, Mini-ATX, Micro-ITX, etc. Though the sizes have some correlation to case size, you should not assume that your will automatically fit in any given case. You should also make sure that your power supply, cooling system, and GPU will all fit as well. In general, the smaller case size you choose, the more careful and efficient you need to get about space.Then there are the case specs. The fan sizes, the ports on the front/top of the case, and the amount of power needed to run all those components.
You may also care about the weight if you plan to move soon or like to use the PC in different rooms. (You might also look for a case with a handlebar.) If you buy a motherboard with some fancy RGB lighting, you'll want to find a case with glass panels. You may also want to look for a case with some built-in RGBs to help build up the light show, if flashy is your preferred look.Once you have all of that sorted out, then it’s time to pick a case that matches your style. Luckily, most PC builders will find that there are a lot of options that line up with what they need.
If you’re having trouble making a choice, or want to go with something you know is well-made, we have recommendations for every motherboard size, for frequent upgraders, RGB fanatics, and more. Lots of plasticMuch like the original Cooler Master Cosmos, the C700P is a hefty beast with a similarly large price-tag. However, we'd argue that it's worth the expense.
A beautiful handlebar design, curved glass panel, and sleek color-scheme are matched by features that'll support even the most high-end components (including E-ATX motherboards and oversized GPUs). A larger footprint means that you won't be pushed for space either. What's more, the RGB lighting is subtle enough that it won't distract you while you game. Yes, this is a lot to spend on an enclosure.
However, those who are willing to go all out on a build will get a case with everything they need to create a stunning PC.Want more full tower recommendations? See our guide to the. Cramped HDD spaceThis latest iteration of NZXT's 'smart' case brings a couple of new features to help modernize your build.
This ultra-clean and uncomplicated mid-tower from NZXT emphasizes convenience above all. This case Includes many of the same trappings of its predecessor, but costs a little bit more and has just a couple of neat changes. The now features a front panel USB-C port and the ability to vertical mount your GPU with a separate PCIe riser.The H710i features integrated RGB lighting around the tempered glass side panel, controlled by the NZXT CAM software and a built-in LED lighting hub that allows for easy control of RGB lighting and fan speeds as well. To keep things cool, the H710i features ventilation gutters that run the perimeter of each side of the case, aided by the four 120mm fans included with the case.Cable routing is where the H710i really shines. This is mostly thanks to a large aluminum slat that allows you to route your cables into the integrated cable channels on the back of the case.
This keeps everything clean and clutter-free, and the velcro straps built into the back help hold everything down. This is an awesome and easy alternative to the rubber gasket solution found on some of the. Airflow isn't too greatNZXT's H200i is essentially a miniaturized version of our favorite mid tower, the H700i. Built to support mini-ITX builds, the H200i is all about packing a high end system into a compact, minimalistic package.Like its bigger brother, the case comes equipped with NZXT's smart hub and also includes two fans and one RGB LED strip. With plentiful support for liquid cooling and full sized components, the H200i is the perfect compromise between smaller ITX builds and larger mid-sized towers.If mini-ITX is your thing, see more recommendations in this guide to the. Generic appearanceSometimes having a quiet PC case is more important than anything else.
Whether you're playing some PC games or just trying to chill and watch some Netflix, having a quiet PC can be a game changer. That's why we love the Nanoxia Deep Silence 3.Now, this PC case isn't much to look at. It's a plain, black metal box, and that might not be too exciting. But, it's what's beneath the surface that counts. Behind the closed front of the case is noise isolating foam that'll stop any noise dead in its tracks.
That means even if you have an extremely loud Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti like we do, it won't be too obnoxious.There's plenty of room for expansion, too. You can fit up to five 3.5mm hard drives, and if you have an extra-long graphics card you can remove one of the hard drive bays to fit even the longest graphics cards. Lacking cable management spaceOne of Corsair's newest cases, the Carbide 275R might just be the ultimate minimalist's case. Aside from a small 'sail' logo on the front panel, the 275R ditches additional branding for the sake of a clean design for the style-obsessed.
While the design may be minimal, the functionality is anything but.Unlike NZXT's minimal S340, the Carbide 275R can support a 360mm radiator in the front and up to six 120mm fans. With a modest $80 price tag, the 275R is a great case for beginners as well as advanced users looking to create a sleek custom loop. ExpensiveSpeaking of roomy builds, the Corsair Obsidian Series 1000D is a behemoth of a PC case ready to house the biggest and baddest systems. Standing tall at a staggering 27.3', this 'super tower' features enough space to house 18 fans and up to four massive radiators installed simultaneously.In addition to the stellar cooling support, the 1000D features a unique triple-chamber design with convenient french-door-styled storage compartments and telescoping radiator trays for easy installation. Because it is 2019 of course there is also an RGB lit front panel I/O with built-in smart lighting and fan control courtesy of Corsair's built-in Commander Pro controller. The Obsidian 900D has long been a top choice for massive, over-the-top builds and it's only fitting that the 1000D was designed to knock it off its throne. Not much cable management spaceCorsair's Obsidian 500D took everything we loved about the 900D added a ton of modern updates and brought it to a smaller more accessible mid tower.
Like its predecessors, the 500D offers an elegant blend of smoked tempered glass and brushed aluminum for a truly premium look and feel.As expected from a modern Corsair case, the 500D and the newer 500D SE offers plentiful support for liquid cooling and convenient cable management options. The latter replaces the aluminum front panel with more smoked tempered glass and features a built in version of Corsair's RGB LED/fan controller along with three pre-installed addressable RGB LED fans. The end result is an iconic enclosure that is as beautiful as it is functional.Look to buy either the 500D or the 500D SE to suit whatever you really need. The regular model is brilliant, and widely available, but the SE adds some lovely RGB lighting and costs significantly more.
Easy Case Professional Development
ExpensiveOriginally known for its silent power supplies and fans, be quiet! Entered the case market with a big splash and has done quite well in the short period of time since its first case launch in 2014. One of its newer cases, the Dark Base Pro 900 remains one of our highly recommended full towers thanks to its sleek design and enthusiast-friendly interior.The Dark Base Pro 900 is large enough to support the biggest motherboards and radiators up to 420mm in size. The case also features total modularity with options for an inverted motherboard layout and even some nifty features like wireless Qi charging and preinstalled LED lighting. Poor instructionsThe worst we can say about the Lian-Li PC-011 Dynamic is that its instruction manual is incomprehensible. If you already know how to build a PC, however, piecing it together shouldn't prove too difficult.For the most part, it's a standard tempered glass mid-tower case with a few bells and whistles to make it all worth the enduring trial and error of the PC building experience. For one, it has three removable panels—one on the front and one on each side.
Naturally, this makes for an easy installation. Incorporating a liquid cooler in its exposed ceiling area is an effortless undertaking.Once everything is in place, assuming you have the coveted Razer Edition of the PC-011 Dynamic, you can get started customizing lighting schemes in the tri-snake company's Synapse 3 software, coordinating it with your other Razer peripherals along the way. ExpensiveCooler Master's H500M is billed as a mid tower, but we'd really rather it be called a full-sized tower. Measuring 21.4 x 9.8 x 21.5 inches, the H500M is the biggest mid tower on this list. Thanks to its large size and internal layout, it's really easy to build in and supports a huge variety of components and custom cooling options.The H500M comes with two massive 200mm RGB LED fans installed which do a fantastic job of increasing airflow out of the box. Other modern touches include a USB 3.1 Type-C connector and tons of modularity including the option to choose between mesh and tempered glass.Our only major issue with the case is the lack of easily removable magnetic dust filters for the front fan intake. Luckily, all of the mesh in the entire H500 line features a secondary filter layer that'll help keep dust out of your build.
Camera PouchesCamera HolstersShoulder BagsSling BagsWaist PacksBackpacksRolling CasesNo matter what type, brand, or model your camera happens to be, you will inevitably need to find a way to store, protect, and carry it, along with all the other gear you may need. And while finding the best camera pouch, case, or backpack can be a never-ending quest for some photographers, we’re going to give you a head start on your quest with a roundup of some of the most popular brands and models of camera bags that can meet your varying needs in the field.Camera PouchesBeginning at the smaller, more accessible end of the spectrum, a provides quick and easy access to your camera when you need it, and to quickly stow it when you don’t. If your camera is small and lightweight, then a camera pouch may be right for you, and you may even find dedicated pouches designed to fit your camera model. If you go with a generic pouch, you will have more choices as far as construction, style, and color, while a dedicated pouch will be custom tailored to fit your camera like a glove.When buying a pouch for a slim, compact camera, it’s understandable that you don’t want something unnecessarily large, because this defeats the purpose of having a compact camera in the first place. On the other hand, you don’t want a case that’s too tight, because you might not be able to close it or you could damage the camera trying to do so.
For a good fit, measure your camera’s height, width, and depth, and then look for a pouch whose interior dimensions are close to but slightly larger than the dimensions of your camera.is one of B&H’s most well-known brands of compact and DSLR camera pouches. Among Lowepro’s camera pouches, three popular models include the, and, which feature pockets for memory cards and other small accessories.
Also ranked highly by B&H customers are two Case Logic models, the and, and one Op/Tech USA, the. The DCB-302 has room for a small camera, memory cards, an extra battery and other small accessories, and it comes with a detachable shoulder strap and belt loop.
The ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) UNZB-202 boasts an ultra-thin profile to fit easily in your purse or pocket. Like many of the Lowepro models, the slim pouches are best suited for compact cameras with retracting lenses. The neoprene Op/Tech Digital D pouch is best suited for small digital cameras with non-retracting offset lenses.Camera HolstersAlthough they do not offer much in the way of extra storage space, are some of the slimmest enclosures available for DSLRs with attached lenses. And like a gunslinger’s holster, they let you get your camera out fast and put it away just as fast. Among camera holsters and zoom cases, popular brands with positive reviews include Think Tank Photo, Lowepro, Tamrac, Case Logic, and Ape Case.The, from Lowepro, is designed to protect and store a professional DSLR with grip and an attached zoom lens. It also has several places to store accessories like extra memory cards, and features a quick-release buckle and adjustable dividers.
Tamrac’s has many of the same features, but is designed for DSLRs with smaller lenses attached.Instead of keeping your camera zipped in a holster, you could be even more efficient and just keep it out at all times, attached to the unique Clik Elite. A hybrid backpack and chest pack, the BodyLink will fit a DSLR with grip and 8.5-inch lens, and it features a height-adjustable frame on which to mount your camera. It provides a solid anchor against your body, still allowing you to move freely while supporting the weight of a heavy camera and lens. You even have easy access to the pack with gear mounted on the frame.Among the most popular and versatile telephoto zoom lenses among any brand, be it Nikon, Canon, or Sony, is the 70-200mm f/2.8. Frequently used for sports, weddings, or wildlife, photographers who consider the 70-200mm f/2.8 a go-to lens frequently have the least time to spare between reaching for their camera and bringing it up to their eye. The Think Tank Photo not only fits a pro-sized DSLR with a connected 70-200mm f/2.8, it does this while saving as much space as possible by following the contours of this specific camera-and-lens combination.
Form and function are the taken even further by this digital holster’s stretchable front accessory pocket, which allows an attached 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to sit inside this holster with its lens hood in the shooting position. The designers of the Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 50 V2.0 took into account the fact that 70-200mm f/2.8 users chasing their shot frequently don’t have the luxury of positioning themselves perfectly to their subject, relative to direction of the light, which can make a lens hood as essential to the final image as the camera and lens itself. This thoughtful feature not only adds to the Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 50 V2.0—it helps to keep you faster than the action you are covering.Shoulder BagsWhere are concerned, Lowepro stays high on the satisfied customer list with its. Domke offers up its larger, while Tamrac and Pearstone join the ranks with the and camera bags. The Adventura 170 is a budget-friendly option for those who need to fit a single DSLR with attached lens, plus two additional lenses or a flash and other small accessories. It can also hold a camcorder and accessories. Although Lowepro’s Adventura 170 is highly recommended, it is far outmatched in the number of lens and accessory compartments by Tamrac’s 5612 Pro 12, which has room for two DSLRs with attached lenses, several additional lenses, a flash, and many other small accessories.
It can definitely support a professional photographer in the field with multiple camera body and lens options. And for those who want to go a step further, to look and feel as though they’re on safari, the National Geographic will provide unique functionality and style. It offers ample space for your DSLR or camcorder, with accessories.For top-notch quality and construction materials, the Tenba are comfortable and versatile enough for any type of wedding, press, editorial, or event photography. The Messenger Camera Bag is dressed in ballistic nylon over a high-density, closed-cell foam interior. Protection is provided against water, stains, wear and tear, as well as from accidental bumps and impacts. The Messenger Camera Bag has enough room for two of your DSLR bodies, three to five lenses, a flash, and accessories. When you want to be prepared for any photographic eventuality, Tenba’s Large Messenger bag is designed to help you be just that.
It’s lightweight and rugged, with enough room for a DSLR, two to three lenses, a flash, 17' laptop, books, magazines, and accessories. It even features an anodized-aluminum plate on the front flap that can be engraved with your own logo or company name, letting customers know who you work for, or the name of your business, without having to say a word. When you want your bag to look and feel as good as you shoot, Tenba’s assortment of professional bags will not disappoint.When not in the field, perhaps back in the big city, supplies a range of stylish and sophisticated camera bags that provide both form and function. They even have an insert that turns any old bag into your very own padded camera bag. For a light amount of gear, say a DSLR, a flash, and couple of lenses, and bags will keep you looking great while shooting around town. They include additional pockets besides the main one, allowing you to store your phone, e-reader or tablet—and both bags come with removable dividers to allow you to rearrange and re-organize your gear. Put them in when you need them, and take them out just as easily when you don’t.Should you need to bring more gear with you, ONA offers a larger shoulder bag:.
The Union Street is designed to hold anything and everything you might need for a day of shooting, including a DSLR, three lenses, small accessories, personal effects, and even a 15-inch laptop. You’ll be ready for anything, from an impromptu photo shoot to a classy gallery exhibition.If you already own a bag you love, but wish it offered better protection for delicate camera gear, ONA’s might just be the ticket. While it might not replace a dedicated camera bag, it is great for quick trips with a camera and lens, as well as anything else you carried in your bag without the insert.Sling BagsWhile there are many great from a plethora of manufacturers, Kata has been well-regarded in this category. Kata’s can hold a DSLR camera with battery grip and attached zoom lens, an 11.6-inch laptop computer, three to four additional lenses, a flash, and plenty of accessories; this roomy bag also features a built-in rain cover. Other manufacturers have created their own sling bags in various shapes and sizes.Tamrac’s, capable of transporting a DSLR with six-inch lens attached and a couple of extra lenses, is a compact, rounded shell of a sling bag featuring a unique memory card and battery-management system, in which red flags are used to identify fresh batteries and full memory cards. There’s also a fast flip top that opens away from your body, concealing the contents from others.
Lightweight and easy to swing around from a backpack to a sling bag, it is quite versatile and comfortable to wear anywhere.Similarly, Vanguard, Case Logic, and Lowepro offer their own sling bags and swinging backpacks. Thanks for the comment Michael and I am glad you've found a couple of bags that work great for your needs-not to mention a positive customer service experience to boot!You may be interested to know that some of Tenba's bags are actually in the early planning stages of their very own InDepth article, and you will likely see that in the next few weeks. In addition to that, Think Tank's bags also have that was recently written and sent on its way out the door of our Publishing Department.Keep an eye out for both, and thank you again for contributing your perspective and recommendations on this article.