Case Type
The size class: full tower, mid tower, mini tower, small form factor (SFF) or HTPC.
When it matters: Mid towers fit most builds. Small cases save desk space but limit GPU size, cooler height and airflow, and make building harder.
PC case specs explained
Think of a PC case as a house you are moving into. Motherboard support is the floor plan it was built for. GPU, cooler and PSU clearances are the doorways and ceiling height, so measure your furniture first. Radiator and fan mounts are windows for fresh air, and a mesh front is a wide open door. Drive bays and front ports are the closets and outlets. Check fit first, then airflow, then looks and extras.
Size
Chassis Layout
How the inside is arranged: a classic single chamber, a dual chamber with the PSU behind the motherboard, or sandwich layouts in small cases.
When it matters: Dual-chamber cases hide cables and often take side intake fans. Each layout moves air differently, so plan fan placement for that design.
Case Volume
The case's size in liters, a quick way to compare how big it is.
When it matters: Most useful for small builds, where under about 20 liters usually means compromises. Two cases with the same volume can fit very different parts.
Skip it if: You are choosing between standard mid towers.
Dimensions
The case's outside size in millimeters: height, width and depth.
When it matters: Measure your desk or cabinet space, and leave room behind the case for cables and airflow. Feet and handles may add to the listed size.
Compatibility
Max Motherboard Size
The largest motherboard the case takes: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX. Smaller boards fit bigger cases.
When it matters: A larger board never fits a smaller case. 'E-ATX support' may mean only slightly wider than ATX, so check the maximum board width.
E-ATX Max Width
The widest extended-ATX motherboard the case fits, in millimeters.
When it matters: E-ATX is not one strict size, and board widths vary. Compare this number with your board's width.
Skip it if: Your motherboard is ATX or smaller.
Back-Connect Support
Support for motherboards with their power and fan plugs on the back, hidden behind the tray.
When it matters: These boards need cutouts in exact spots. Brands use different standards, so check your board's standard is on the case's list.
Skip it if: You are using a standard motherboard.
Rear Cable Depth
The space behind the motherboard tray for routing cables, in millimeters.
When it matters: More space makes the back panel easier to close, especially with thick non-modular PSU cables and back-connect boards.
Skip it if: You use a modular PSU and few drives.
Graphics card fit
GPU Clearance
The longest graphics card the case fits, in millimeters.
When it matters: Compare with your exact card model, since lengths vary a lot between versions of one GPU. Front fans or radiators can reduce it.
GPU Clearance With Front Radiator
The longest graphics card that fits with a radiator installed at the front.
When it matters: A radiator plus its fans can take 50mm or more. Use this number if you plan a front-mounted liquid cooler.
Skip it if: You use air cooling or mount the radiator elsewhere.
GPU Slot Thickness
The thickest graphics card the case fits, counted in expansion slots.
When it matters: Matters most in small cases. Round the card's slot width up: a 2.7-slot card needs 3.
Skip it if: You have a mid or full tower with standard slots.
Vertical GPU Mount
Support for standing the graphics card upright to show it off, usually through a riser cable.
When it matters: The riser may not be included, and it must match your card's PCIe generation or you must lower the slot speed in BIOS. Cards near the glass can run hotter.
Skip it if: You do not need to show off the card.
Cooling
CPU Cooler Clearance
The tallest CPU air cooler that fits with the side panel closed, in millimeters.
When it matters: Check your cooler's full height, fan included. Big tower coolers need far more room than slim cases allow.
Skip it if: You use a liquid cooler.
Radiator Support
The largest liquid cooler radiator each position fits, such as 240, 280 or 360 mm.
When it matters: A top radiator can hit tall RAM or motherboard heatsinks. A front radiator warms the air reaching the GPU. Check thickness limits, not just length.
Skip it if: You use air cooling.
Included Fans
How many fans come installed with the case.
When it matters: You need at least one intake and one exhaust. Bundled fans are often basic, and adding more raises the total cost.
Included Fans RGB
Whether the bundled fans have lighting.
When it matters: RGB fans need a matching header (5V ARGB or 12V RGB) or a hub. Plugging ARGB into a 12V header can kill the LEDs.
Skip it if: You do not want lighting.
Max Fan Count
The total number of fans the case can mount across all positions.
When it matters: More mounts give options, but a few well-placed fans with an open front beat many fans behind a closed panel.
Skip it if: You plan to use only two or three fans.
Fan Controller Hub
A built-in hub that powers and controls several fans from one motherboard header.
When it matters: Saves motherboard headers and cable clutter. Check it supports PWM speed control and whether lighting runs from the same hub.
Skip it if: Your motherboard has enough fan headers.
Power supply fit
PSU Max Length and Form Factor
The PSU size the case takes (ATX or SFX) and the longest unit that fits, in millimeters.
When it matters: Long PSUs can block drive cages or bottom fans. Leave room for modular cables. SFX-L units may not fit SFX-only cases.
PSU Mount Position and Shroud
Where the power supply sits (bottom, top or behind the motherboard) and whether a cover hides it.
When it matters: A bottom mount with a dust filter lets the PSU pull cool air from below. A shroud hides cables for a cleaner look.
Skip it if: Looks and dust do not matter to you.
Panels
Front Panel Material
What covers the front of the case: mesh, solid panel or glass.
When it matters: Mesh fronts cool best and let fans run slower and quieter. Solid or glass fronts look clean but run warmer unless side vents are large.
Side Panel Material
What the side panel is made of: tempered glass, steel or mesh. Panoramic cases wrap glass around the front corner.
When it matters: Glass shows off parts but adds weight and blocks side airflow. Panoramic cases usually pull air from the side or bottom instead of the front.
Sound Dampening
Foam or padding on the panels that absorbs fan and drive noise.
When it matters: It cuts some noise but restricts airflow, so fans may spin faster. A high-airflow case can end up quieter overall.
Dust Filters
Removable mesh filters on the intake vents.
When it matters: They keep dust off parts and fans. Filters that slide out easily get cleaned more often. Very fine mesh traps more dust but restricts airflow.
Storage and expansion
Drive Bays
Mounts for 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch hard drives.
When it matters: Many modern cases have few or no 3.5-inch bays. Count them if you plan bulk hard drive storage. Removing unused cages can improve airflow.
Skip it if: You use only M.2 drives.
Expansion Slots
The number of slot openings at the back for graphics cards and other add-in cards.
When it matters: A thick graphics card uses two to four. Small cases with two or three slots limit card thickness and extra cards.
Skip it if: You have a standard mid tower and one graphics card.
Connectivity
Front Ports
The USB ports on the front or top of the case, and the USB-C speed, such as 10 or 20 Gb/s.
When it matters: Front USB-C needs a matching header on your motherboard. 'USB 3.2' alone can mean 5, 10 or 20 Gb/s, so check the speed.
Extras
Integrated Display
A small built-in screen that shows temperatures, clock speeds or custom images.
When it matters: Looks only. It needs software and usually a USB header, and it adds nothing to performance.
Skip it if: You do not want extra software running.