If you’re a design junkie or obsessed with how your setup looks, the right PC case can instantly define your entire room.
In terms of aesthetics, there’s nothing more eye-catching than a well-designed open air PC case. These designs usually include elaborate water cooling (PC case for water cooling suggestions here) and RGB schemes that take your build to the next level.
Thermaltake’s Core P-Series has widely popularized the usage of open air PC cases with their beautiful and functional designs. However, InWin and Cougar have also made some breathtaking options when it comes to open air PC cases.
Either way, I’ll dive into the 9 best open air PC cases you can buy today but if you also want to check out quiet PC cases for for silent PC build, check this article.
Let’s get started.
| Award | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall for Open Air PC Case |
Thermaltake Core P5
|
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| Gamers Paradise for Open Air PC Case |
Cougar Conquer
|
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| The Behemoth for Open Air PC Case |
Raijintek Enyo
|
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| The Younger Brother for Open Air PC Case |
Thermaltake Core P1 Tempered Glass Edition
|
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| The Ultimate Flex for Open Air PC Case |
InWin D Frame Mini
|
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| The Titan for Open Air PC Case |
Jonsbo Mod 3
|
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| The Ultimate Tester for Open Air PC Case |
Streacom ST-BC1 Open Benchtable
|
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| The Gargantuan for Open Air PC Case |
Thermaltake Core P7
|
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| The Triangular Prism for Open Air PC Case |
Thermaltake Core P90 Tempered Glass
|
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Before picking the right silent PC case, there’s a few things you need to keep in mind. Let’s discuss these now.
An important factor when you’re choosing your PC case is the sizes of your motherboard and GPU. The sizes of these components which size PC case you need to look for.
Motherboard Form Factor:
Open air PC cases come in three sizes: Full-tower, Mid-tower, and Mini-tower.
Full-tower PC cases can support E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Mid-tower PC cases can usually support up to ATX with some supporting E-ATX.
Mid-tower sized cases are the most popular since they allow for most standard sized motherboards and graphics cards. Nevertheless, the size of your PC case is mostly up to your preference and how much cooling and space you want to build in.
Be sure to keep the sizes of your motherboard and GPU in mind as you’re choosing a new open air PC case.
Remove your CPU from your motherboard safely following this guide.
Most average computer users don’t care about what their cases look like, but for hardcore PC enthusiasts like ourselves, design is everything. Luckily for us, open air PC cases allow for a lot of creativity and pizazz.
We’re able to use a flurry of bright RGBs along with an advanced water cooling system that loops around the PC case.
Most modern day computers are running high-end gear that requires efficient and effective cooling systems.
Thankfully, open air PC cases provide highly optimal thermal management which makes cooling your computer a breeze. Regardless of if you choose water or air cooling, you won’t have to worry about your computer overheating.
The final thing you should remember is how accessible the interior components of your computer are. Make sure the PC case isn’t too complex to build in if you’re a beginner.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the 9 best open air PC cases.
Thermaltake is known as the “Apple” of open air PC cases and the Thermaltake Core P5 is the flagship model. It’s luxurious, minimal, and offers a multitude of premium features.
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Coming in either black or green, the Thermaltake Core P5 is a fully modular design that allows three placement layouts: wall mount, horizontal, and vertical.
Furthermore you can place your GPU and liquid cooling components either horizontally or vertically.
This work of art offers panoramic viewing and is protected by a large acrylic panel.
The Core P5 is extremely flexible and can hold a lot of hardware components. It’s the ultimate builders case for all enthusiasts who prefer an open air design.
Liquid cooling is highly important for most users wanting to build with an open air PC case. Luckily, the Core P5 supports either 480mm radiator liquid cooling or 140mm case fans. It also supports GPUs up to 570mm long and 180mm tall CPU coolers.
In summary, the Core P5 is a PC builder’s dream come true. It elegantly combines premium design, functionality, and a well-thought layout.
Specs:
The Cougar Conquer is the perfect representation of what an open air gaming case should look like. Designed as something out of the Transformers movie, this open air PC case is both captivating and functional.
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This case combines CNC-milled aluminum and tempered glass side panels and was designed with modding in mind. A few of the aluminum parts are separated from the core frame that allow further modifications and painting.
The bottom grips on the case are wide and provide a lot of stability.
It can support GPUs up to 350mm long, 190mm CPU coolers, and a 360mm radiator.
Specs:
The Raijintek Enyo is the goliath of open air PC cases because of how much space and utility it offers. It’s able to support just about every motherboard and GPU format, up to 23 fans, and 5 radiators.
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The Enyo is a high-level builder’s dream come true. Combining design and functionality, the Raijintek Enyo offers dual pump support for up to two dedicated water cooling loops. Furthermore, this case offers dual PSU support.
This case is also extremely durable because of its 3mm thick full aluminum plate and 2mm thick solid steel frame.
In terms of usability, there’s a low chance you’ll even be able to take advantage of all the slots this mega PC case has to offer.
Specs:
High Level Summary
The Thermaltake Core P1 is essentially the younger brother of the P5. It’s a smaller form factor that shares the same design language as the P5.
It’s clean, elegant, and luxurious.
The P1 offers a lot of space and supports up to 380mm long GPUs, 170mm tall CPU coolers, and 240mm radiators.
An important thing to note is that you actually assemble the case as you install your hardware. This isn’t a case where you take it out from the box and it’s ready to go. For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend this case for first-time or beginner builders.
Specs:
The InWin D Frame Mini is an expensive open air PC that’s the ultimate showcase unit.
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Although the InWin D Frame Mini looks like something out of a children’s jungle gym, it’s a design that many enthusiasts can get behind. This is because of its uniqueness and ability to stand out.
Most people have probably never seen a PC case like this one before. This completely open air PC case uses motorcycle tubes for the construction. The octagonal shape is held up by strong metal tubes and offers a distinctive aesthetic.
However, it’s important to note that the case’s backside is completely open. This means that cable management will require a bit of work and patience.
The InWin Mini can hold up to 340mm long GPUs, 165mm high CPU coolers, and 240mm radiators for liquid cooling solutions.
Specs:
The Jonsbo Mod 3 is a premium open air PC case that requires a big budget and a lot of experience to get the most out of. If these two qualities apply to you, the Mod 3 is a no brainer.
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If you liked the design of the Cougar Conquer, the Jonsbo Mod 3 takes it to a whole new level. The Jonsbo Mod 3 perfectly captures what a futuristic PC case should be like.
Although the design is breathtaking in itself, this case also offers great functionality for all open air PC builders. It has space for motherboards up to E-ATX and can hold up to six 120mm fans. These fans can be swapped out for a 360mm radiator in the top panel or 240mm radiator in the front panel.
Furthermore, two tempered glass side panels allow users to gaze upon the work of art they’ve put together.
In terms of the GPU, it can support graphics cards that are up to 400mm.
Specs:
The ST-BC1 is portable and easy to build on. Modders and reviewers finally have an open air pc case that best suits their needs.
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With the 7th item on our list, I’m going to switch things up a bit. Although the Streacom ST-BC1 Open Benchtable is more of a test bench, it’s still worth talking about for the extreme hardware enthusiasts.
This case is purely made for users who constantly swap out their PC components. A single piece of anodized aluminum is all this case needs to provide unlimited modifications.
Specs:
This is the perfect open air PC case for users who plan on making massive customer water cooling loops.
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The Thermaltake Core P7 is one of the largest open air PC cases on this list. It looks similar to the P5, but offers wing-like features which provides a lot of additional room to work with.
When the wings are fully spread open, this PC case can span up to 1.35m. The Thermaltake Core P7 embodies everything an open air PC should be.
It can fit up to 570mm long GPUs, 180mm tall CPU coolers, and dual 480mm radiators on both the main and extended chassis side.
Specs:
The Thermaltake Core P90 is another breathtaking statement piece. With a unique triangular design, the core P90 is sure to turn heads in any room it's in.
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This case features two 5mm thick tempered glass panels and the case structure is split into three compartments for the GPU, PSU, and other cooling devices.
Each component of your PC will be efficiently cooled since they’re isolated. Furthermore, the P90 allows users to build with freedom by using modular panels, racks, brackets, and pre-design mounting arrays.
Overall, this case is best for builders who want to create unique custom loops and angles with their setup.
Specs:
The advantages of open air PC cases come through the way of aesthetics and functionality.
Open air PC cases are also perfect for people who want to use their computer as a test bench and swap out their parts in a continuous cycle.
Furthermore, the open-air makeup of these cases can potentially bring better thermals and improved heat dissipation.
If you have some experience building PCs and want to transform your setup, an open-air PC case is exactly what you’re looking for. But before you do anything with your PCs, make sure to ground yourself.
In terms of disadvantages, open air PC cases have reduced protection and need to be handled more carefully. Furthermore, there’s a potential of increased dust if your computer is improperly maintained.
People often think open air PC cases get exponentially more dusty than traditional PC cases. However, closed PC cases can potentially collect much more dust. Since they are closed structures, there are more gaps and compartments where dust can get trapped inside.
On the contrary, open air PC cases allow constant airflow to pass through without any obstacles, so it’s less likely dust will get trapped inside.
Either way, there’s no distinctive winner if the case is properly maintained. The best PC case for you depends on what design and functionality elements you prefer.
If you’re using air cooling, I recommend turning on your PC as much as possible. This will create airflow inside the case because of the fans in your computer. Through this, you can constantly keep dust out.
You should also make sure your room and environment are clean and dust-free. I recommend a regular cleaning and dusting routine to keep your devices looking and functioning at their best.
Furthermore, be sure to keep pets away from your open air PC and be cautious when any liquids are near it.
Well, there you have it.
The best open air PC cases in the world. These cases allow you to exponentially enhance the design and creativity of your build.
Now it’s your turn: Which case are you ultimately choosing?
Did we forget any other amazing open air PC cases?
Either way, let us know by leaving a quick comment below.
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