Are You Overpaying for a Larger PC Case? Here's the Truth

Why Is an Oversize Case A Problem?

Most PC desktop towers are unnecessarily large in size, despite the perception that their massive appearance serves a specific purpose.

To start off, it's important to mention that there is no requirement for you to purchase a small computer case if it doesn't suit your preferences. In a free country, you have the freedom to buy a large SUV and attempt to fit it into spaces designed for smaller cars – that is your right. Similarly, if you enjoy the spectacle and impact of an extravagant PC gaming setup, don't let anyone hinder your enjoyment. If you wish to construct a workstation that rivals the size of a data center, go ahead!

However, let me address those who may not realize that they can achieve similar performance and experience with their current or future PC while using less space. For many individuals, space is limited, and whether you're utilizing your computer for work or play, a more compact setup has numerous advantages:

It's easier to move around.

It means your tower could stand on your desk rather than on the floor

It's likely to be cheaper than a larger case

It can be less of an eyesore and easier to hide

The bottom line is that if you care about space, cost, and minimalism, then looking for the smallest case that will meet your current and future needs makes sense.

Tiny Motherboards Are Good for Almost Everyone

Motherboards no longer significantly impact performance. Instead, opting for a smaller motherboard to fit a compact case may limit expansion. You might have fewer RAM, SSD, or PCIe slots compared to larger boards. However, for the majority of users, having 2/4 RAM slots, one PCIe 16x slot, and two NVME SSD slots should suffice.

While smaller motherboards may have fewer USB ports, connecting the case's USB port headers usually provides more ports than necessary for most people. This is particularly true if you select a motherboard with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, thus saving PCIe slot and USB port space.

SSDs Take Up Very Little Space

The main reason why PC cases have a bulky design is due to the inclusion of large mechanical hard drives and the requirement to accommodate standard 3.5-inch drives. However, if your computer solely relies on NVME SSDs or even 2.5-inch mechanical or solid state drives, there is no need to allocate space for these large drives. In fact, a system that exclusively uses NVME SSDs does not require any drive bay space since the SSDs are directly mounted to the motherboard.

Graphics Cards Determine Your Minimum Case Length

The graphics card is the largest component in the majority of modern desktop PCs, especially those designed for gaming purposes. Besides the CPU, it is also the component that generates the most heat and requires sufficient cooling. To accommodate this, a robust cooling system is necessary. Moreover, it is essential for your PC case to have adequate space to accommodate the graphics card you desire to use. This might appear to negate the argument for smaller PC cases, particularly for gaming or workstation systems, but there are certain nuances to consider here.

There is a substantial disparity in size between a halo card such as the RTX 4090 and even the subsequent card. When we consider the GPUs that the majority of people actually purchase compared to the largest card a typical case can house, there tends to be a considerable amount of unused space. Additionally, numerous board partners are able to produce versions of GPUs that are notably smaller than the norm, albeit slightly wider. Usually, if you are in the market for a gargantuan $2000 GPU akin to the Titanic, you are well aware of it. If you happen to decide on that path in the future, investing a little extra for a new case is insignificant in comparison, like a drop in the ocean.

Cooling and Performance

You can install the Gigabyte Aorus Waterforce X360 AIO liquid cooler in both a large or small case, however, concerns about cooling and performance are valid. The potential thermal issues caused by the case size depend on the specific details. If you are constructing a small form-factor (SFF) computer, where every component is tightly fitted with minimal clearance, you might encounter thermal throttling or limited boost due to the inability to accommodate a sufficiently large CPU cooler in the system.

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The design of your graphics card's cooling solution plays a crucial role in this situation. If you have a blower-style card that pulls in air from outside the case and releases it through the back of the card, then the choice of your case doesn't really matter because the cooling system of the card is self-contained. However, if you have a card with an open cooling system, then the case you choose can significantly affect its cooling performance.

On the other hand, switching from a full-sized tower to a medium-sized tower is unlikely to have any impact on cooling, except that you would require fewer case fans due to the smaller volume. Additionally, if you use water cooling for the CPU (and possibly the GPU these days), the heat generated by the component is directly expelled through the external vents of the case where the radiators are mounted. Liquid cooling allows for even smaller cases since there is no need for large coolers directly attached to the components themselves.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the article. On the one hand, I understand the author's point that many PC cases are unnecessarily large and that there are benefits to using a smaller case. On the other hand, I also appreciate the freedom to choose a case that fits my needs and preferences, even if it is larger than necessary.

In my opinion, the most important factor to consider when choosing a PC case is your own personal needs and preferences. If you are looking for a case that is easy to move around, takes up less space, and is less expensive, then a smaller case may be a good option for you. However, if you are looking for a case that can accommodate a large number of components, has a lot of storage space, and provides good cooling, then a larger case may be a better choice.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to overpay for a larger PC case is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best case for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.