How to choose the best workstation PC case for you
The best cases for a workstation PC, as with all cases, is really going to vary on the use case and requirements needed for the unit. Do you need a lot of drives? Is there a size restriction for your workstation computer? Do you need easily accessed front IO? Would you want to rack mount it? Do you need any 5.25” bays for hardware? Is noise a concern? Theres are a lot of things to consider.
As a personal preference, I like the quality and build of a lot of Fractal Design cases. The Meshify 2 XL and Define 7 XL are two solid and very popular cases that will be able to fit pretty much whatever components you want. They also have easy to remove front and top panels for cleaning with removable dust filters.
Fractal Design Meshify 2 Workstation PC Case
For the Meshify 2 XL, there is plenty of airflow for cooling with its mesh front panel. If you need a lot of storage it has room for up to 6 full sized 3.5inch hard drives by default. In the storage layout with additional hardware however, it can fit up to 18 3.5inch drives. Although depending on how many drives you have installed it could possibly conflict with GPU length. For front IO it has a USB-C port that supports 20Gbps transfer speeds, 2 USB 3.0 ports, 3.5mm jacks for audio in/out, a reset switch, and power button.
Fractal Design Define 7 XL Workstation Tower Case
Similarly to the Meshify 2 XL, the Define 7 XL supports up to 18 3.5inch drives with additional hardware, it does come with 2 additional trays to store up to 8 3.5-inch drives though without buying additional hardware. GPU compatibility would again be restricted by length a bit more if you have the storage layout filled with drives. The airflow for cooling will not be as good with the front panel’s air intake only being on the sides. Front IO on the Define 7 XL has a little more. In addition to the USB-C Port, 2x USB 3.0 Ports, Audio In/Out, Power Button, and reset switch, it has 2 USB 2.0 ports.
Best Rackmount Workstation PC Case
A rackmount workstation is ideal for users who prioritize space efficiency, centralized hardware management, and security. These systems are perfect for environments like data centers, studios, and labs, offering organized setups, enhanced cooling, and compatibility with advanced hardware configurations. For those considering a rackmount build, brands like Sliger and iStarUSA offer high-quality chassis designed for ease of use, robust performance, and versatile storage and cooling options.
Building a Quiet Workstation PC
If noise is the concern, then looking into some of Be Quiet’s offerings may be a way to go. The Silent Base 802 has additional sound dampening materials installed to reduce noise. There is also an included fan controller that links up to the front IO so that you can control fan speeds of attached fans with a switch. These features help silence component whir and make building a quiet workstation PC, easy. In the end though, everyone’s wants and needs for cases are different. As long as the case supports the hardware you want to put in, allows for enough cooling to support that hardware, and fits in the space it needs to go then it should work just fine.
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