Best Budget Gaming PC Cases Under $100 (2025 Builds)
When building a gaming PC, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of choosing the perfect CPU, GPU, and RAM. However, the PC case, or chassis, is far more than just a box for your components. A good gaming PC case offers crucial benefits like efficient cooling, cable management, component compatibility, and, of course, aesthetic appeal. The good news for budget-conscious builders in 2025 is that you can find excellent gaming PC cases for under $100 that deliver on all these fronts.
This guide is dedicated to helping you select the best budget gaming PC cases under $100. We’ll delve into the essential features that make a case great for gaming, review our top recommendations, and ensure you pick a chassis that not only looks good but also provides a solid foundation for your gaming rig.
Why a Good PC Case is Essential for Gaming
A well-chosen PC case contributes significantly to your gaming experience and the longevity of your components:
- Optimal Airflow: Proper airflow is critical for cooling your CPU, GPU, and other components, preventing thermal throttling and extending their lifespan.
- Component Compatibility: Ensures there’s enough space for your chosen motherboard, large graphics card, CPU cooler (air or AIO), and multiple storage drives.
- Cable Management: A good case provides features like cutouts and tie-down points to neatly manage cables, improving airflow and making your build look clean.
- Dust Filtration: Integrated dust filters prevent dust buildup inside your PC, reducing maintenance and keeping components cooler.
- Aesthetics: Modern cases offer tempered glass side panels, RGB lighting support, and sleek designs to showcase your build.
- Ease of Building: Features like removable dust filters, tool-less drive bays, and generous space make the building process much easier.
Key Factors to Look For in a Budget Gaming PC Case
When selecting a PC case under $100, prioritize these features to ensure you get the best value for your gaming build:
1. Airflow & Cooling Potential
This is paramount. Look for cases with:
- Mesh Front Panel: This allows unrestricted airflow into the case, which is vital for cooling high-performance components.
- Multiple Fan Mounts: Support for at least 3-4 fans (front, top, rear). Some budget cases even include pre-installed fans.
- Radiator Support: If you plan to use an AIO liquid cooler, ensure the case supports the radiator size (e.g., 240mm or 360mm) in the front or top.
2. Form Factor & Size
Most gaming builds use Mid-Tower cases. They offer a good balance of size, compatibility, and space for components. Ensure it supports your motherboard’s form factor (ATX, Micro-ATX, Mini-ITX).
3. Component Clearance
Check the specifications for:
- GPU Length: Ensure your graphics card will fit comfortably.
- CPU Cooler Height: Important for large air coolers.
- PSU Length: Space for your power supply.
4. Cable Management Features
Look for features like:
- PSU Shroud: Hides the power supply and cables for a cleaner look.
- Cable Cutouts & Tie-Down Points: Strategically placed cutouts behind the motherboard tray and hooks for zip ties to route cables neatly.
- Generous Space Behind Motherboard Tray: For routing thick cables.
5. Build Quality & Materials
While largely plastic at this price, look for cases that feel sturdy. Tempered glass side panels are common and offer a premium look compared to acrylic.
6. Front I/O Ports
Ensure the case has essential ports on the front/top for easy access: at least two USB 3.0 ports, audio jacks, and power/reset buttons. A USB-C port is a bonus but rare under $100.
7. Aesthetics & RGB Support
Many budget cases offer stylish designs with tempered glass side panels and support for RGB fans. Choose a case that matches your personal aesthetic preferences.
Our Top Picks: Best Budget Gaming PC Cases Under $100
Here are our top recommendations for affordable gaming PC cases in 2025 that offer excellent value, airflow, and features for your next build:
1. Montech AIR 903 MAX (Best Airflow & Value)
The Montech AIR 903 MAX is an absolute powerhouse for its price, often found well under $100. It’s built for maximum airflow, featuring a full mesh front panel and typically coming with four pre-installed fans (three 140mm RGB front, one 140mm rear), providing incredible out-of-the-box cooling performance. It offers excellent component clearance, good cable management options, and a clean aesthetic with a tempered glass side panel. This case is hard to beat for value.
- Pros:
- Exceptional airflow and cooling
- Comes with four high-quality pre-installed fans
- Great value for money
- Ample component clearance
- Good cable management
- Cons:
- RGB lighting might be basic for some users
- Mostly plastic build (but sturdy)
2. Phanteks Eclipse G360A (Sleek Design & Great Cooling)
The Phanteks Eclipse G360A is a fantastic mid-tower option that combines sleek aesthetics with impressive airflow, often dipping below the $100 mark. It features an ultra-fine mesh front panel and supports up to a 360mm radiator in the front or top. While it might come with fewer pre-installed fans (usually two), its design allows for excellent thermal performance. It’s easy to build in and offers a clean look, making it popular for those who prioritize both form and function.
- Pros:
- Excellent airflow with ultra-fine mesh
- Sleek, modern aesthetic
- Good radiator support
- Easy to build in
- Tempered glass side panel
- Cons:
- Fewer pre-installed fans compared to some rivals
- Cable management space behind motherboard tray is decent, not massive
3. Fractal Design Pop Air (Premium Feel, Budget Price)
Fractal Design is known for premium quality, and the Pop Air brings that pedigree to the budget segment. It’s a highly popular mid-tower case featuring a stylish mesh front panel for great airflow and usually includes two 120mm fans. What sets it apart are its subtle design choices and a touch of color on the front panel, giving it a unique aesthetic. It’s incredibly easy to build in, offers good cable management, and feels more expensive than it is.
- Pros:
- Excellent airflow design
- Premium build quality and feel for the price
- Very easy to build in
- Stylish and unique aesthetic
- Good cable management
- Cons:
- Comes with fewer fans than some direct competitors
- Slightly less aggressive on raw cooling performance than full mesh options
How We Selected These Budget Gaming PC Cases
Our selection process for the best gaming PC cases under $100 focused on crucial factors for budget builders: paramount airflow for component cooling, sufficient component compatibility (especially for modern GPUs and CPU coolers), and good cable management features for a clean build. We also considered overall build quality, ease of building, and aesthetic appeal to ensure each recommendation provides exceptional value. Positive user reviews and expert recommendations were also key in our choices.
Tips for Building in Your New PC Case
Building your PC in a new case can be fun. Here are some tips:
- Plan Your Fan Layout: Decide on intake (bringing cool air in, usually front/bottom) and exhaust (pushing hot air out, usually rear/top) fans for optimal airflow.
- Route Cables Neatly: Use the cutouts and tie-down points behind the motherboard tray to route cables neatly. This improves airflow and aesthetics.
- Install PSU First: It’s often easier to install the power supply unit first, especially in cases with a PSU shroud.
- Mount Storage Drives: Install your SSDs/HDDs in their designated bays before installing other components if space is tight.
- Test Components Before Finalizing: Before closing up the case, do a quick test boot to ensure all components are working correctly.
- Remove Dust Filters Regularly: Clean the dust filters (front, top, bottom) periodically to maintain optimal airflow.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PC case is a foundational decision for your gaming build, impacting everything from cooling performance to the overall aesthetic. In 2025, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get an excellent gaming PC case that offers superb airflow, smart features, and a great look. The Montech AIR 903 MAX, Phanteks Eclipse G360A, and Fractal Design Pop Air stand out as top choices under $100, providing incredible value for budget-conscious gamers.
By prioritizing airflow, component compatibility, and ease of building, you can select a case that not only protects your valuable components but also makes your gaming rig look fantastic. Get ready to enjoy a cool and sleek gaming setup! What’s the most important feature you look for in a PC case? Share your thoughts in the comments below!