Expert Consulted: Adrian Gardiner. Years of experience buying both computers and computer parts for my own new customer builds has given me a keen eye for spotting great deals when shopping. In this article, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and tips with you to find the best value.
We all want our gaming PC to look the best, and that means having the best open-air PC case to show everything off nicely.
For experienced gaming PC builders, an open-air PC case will look amazing but there are going to be implications for taking this unique approach. Read on to find out more.
The ‘look’ of a PC case, especially an open-air one, is everything, and so, in this comprehensive article, I’ve included 5 of the very best cases currently available.
Prices are changing a lot as of late, so the ‘Check Latest Price‘ link underneath each option will allow you to check the current price.
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5 Best Open Air PC Cases
Throughout my article, I’ll be covering my 5 best open-air PC case choices, reviewing each and giving you my final preference.
No. 1 Antec Striker Computer Case
The Antec Striker, a mid-tower case that won the IF Design Award in 2020, is an innovative and stylish option with an open-air design.
It boasts a sturdy structure made of aluminum and steel, as well as tempered glass panels.
The case’s unique graphics card mount is a standout feature that allows for easy display at the front of the case in a vertical position.
Additionally, a sleek PSU cover keeps cables and the power supply out of sight.
The case has been designed specifically for custom water cooling systems.
The main specification is as follows:
- Form Factor: Midi-Tower
- Motherboard Support: ATX
- Expansion Bays: 1 x 2.5″ SSD Tray incl.
- Fan Mounts: 4 x 120 mm or 2 x 240 mm
- I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 plus 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C
- Included Fans: not included
- Max GPU Length: 330 mm
- Max PSU Length: 160 mm
- Dimensions: 420 x 230 x 410 (DWH)
- Weight: 7.47 kg
PROs
Cool graphics card display location.
Excellent cable management.
CONs
The included riser cable may not fit all graphics cards as it’s only PCIe 3.0 when a lot of cards are now PCIe 4.0.
No. 2 Antec Torque Computer Case
The Antec Torque Computer Case, winner of the IF Design Award 2019, is a stunning mid-tower unit boasting a unique design with impressive performance features.
Its forward-tilted motherboard position and aggressive lines make it stand out from other cases on the market.
The high-quality anodized aluminum panels are not only stylish but also corrosion-resistant, ensuring the case’s durability and a hinged aluminum cockpit allows for easy access to the top radiator.
The case is entirely open-air, providing excellent airflow and cooling management to keep your components cool during heavy use.
Overall, the Antec Torque Computer Case is a great investment for those who want a versatile, durable, and visually stunning computer case.
The main specification is as follows:
- Form Factor: Mid Tower
- Motherboard Support: ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX (up to 12 x 11″)
- Expansion Bays: 7
- Fan Mounts: 6 x 120mm
- I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C
- Included Fans: not included
- Max GPU Length: 450mm
- Max PSU Length: ATX supported
- Dimensions: 621 x 285 x 644 (DWH)
- Weight: 9.35 kg
PROs
Hinged aluminum cockpit access to the top radiator if fitted.
CONs
None.
No. 3 Thermaltake Core P90
Thermaltake has taken the open-air case concept to the next level with the stunning-looking Core P90.
This very flexible computer case features an ATX open-angle frame with panoramic viewing and is split into three compartments for the graphics card, PSU, and cooling components.
The triangular prism-shaped body and two 5mm thick tempered glass side panels create a hexagonal prism-like structure that showcases the system from every angle.
The Core P90 can be wall mounted, laid horizontally, or stood vertically and includes 7 drive bays with a modular drive tray design.
With excellent liquid cooling system expandability, the Core P90 TG allows you to upgrade the aesthetics of your system and configure it into an amazing-looking set-up.
- Form Factor: Mid Tower
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, MicroATX, ATX
- Expansion Bays: 3 Accessible 2.5” (HDD Bracket on Right Panel) + 2 Accessible 3.5″ or 2.5″ (Right Panel) + 2 Hidden 3.5″ or 2.5″ (Behind M/B Tray)
- Fan Mounts: Up to 4 x 120 mm or 3 x 140 mm or up to 480 mm radiator
- I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0
- Included Fans: not included
- Max GPU Length: 320 mm
- Max PSU Length: 220 mm
- Dimensions: 470 x 470 615 mm (HWD)
- Weight: 17 kg
PROs
Very flexible layout options.
Horizontal or vertical graphics card mount.
CONs
It’s a big and heavy case.
No. 4 ASUS ROG Hyperion GR701
The ASUS ROG Hyperion GR701 boasts an aggressive design that wouldn’t seem out of place in a science fiction movie.
Its semi-open structure allows for improved airflow, and the tool-free side panels and graphics card holder (which can display your card horizontally or vertically) make assembling your system light work.
The case features two front USB Type-C ports, eight ARGB headers, and a ROG-themed front plate with embedded ARGB lighting.
These design touches are nice and only further elevate the case’s aesthetics and functionality.
Overall, the ASUS ROG Hyperion GR701 is an impressive (but big!) gaming PC case with plenty of clever design elements and unique features to keep keen PC gamers enthralled for ages.
The main specification is as follows:
- Form Factor: E-ATX
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX (12 x 10.9″)
- Expansion Bays: 5 x 2.5″ Bay and 2 x 2.5″/3.5″ Combo Bay
- Fan Mounts: 7
- I/O Ports: 4 x USB 3.0 and 2 x USB 3.0 Type-C
- Included Fans: 3 x 140 mm (front) and 1 x 140 mm (rear)
- Max GPU Length: 460 mm
- Max PSU Length: 240 mm
- Dimensions: 639 x 268 x 659 mm (HWD)
- Weight: 21 kg
PROs
Superb quality materials and build.
Excellent cable management.
Horizontal or vertical graphics card mount.
Tool-free panel removal.
Built-in ARGB hub to support 8 components and 6 cooling fans.
Dual USB 3.0 Type-C charging (provided that you have a compatible motherboard).
CONs
It’s a big case!
Expensive.
No. 5 AZZA Opus 809 PC Case
If you’re looking to make a statement with your PC case, the AZZA Opus 809 might be the luxurious option you’re seeking.
Known for crafting exceptional and very distinctive cases, this one is no different.
It boasts a flawlessly designed, high-quality tower case featuring a sandblasted, anodized aluminum frame encased by four detachable tinted tempered glass panels, all of which can be removed without requiring tools.
The case can also be positioned either horizontally or vertically, according to your preference.
The case is spacious enough to accommodate a 360mm radiator, a triple-slot graphics card, and an ATX power supply.
By installing some tasteful LED lighting, this case would elevate the look of any high-end gaming setup.
The main specification is as follows:
- Form Factor: ATX Tower
- Motherboard Support: Mini ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX (305 x 280 mm)
- Expansion Bays: 3
- Fan Mounts: 3 x 120 mm
- I/O Ports: 2 x USB 3.0 and 1 x USB 3.1 Type-C
- Included Fans: not included
- Max GPU Length: 360 mm
- Max PSU Length: ATX supported
- Dimensions: 539 x 320 x 320 mm (HWD)
- Weight: 8.7 kg
PROs
Vertical graphics card mount.
It can be positioned either horizontally or vertically.
Tool-free access panels.
CONs
Users have reported issues with the fitment of large power supplies over 200 mm.
Open Air Case Considerations
There are a number of important aspects that need to be considered before buying one of these cases, as outlined below.
Assembly and Cabling
General Cabling
With everything on show, buying an open-air PC case will be for nothing if the cabling is a mess, so choosing a case with good cable management is a must (the Antec Striker excels in this area).
You want to be able to hide your cabling as much as possible but in a nice organized way that’s been made possible by a good well-thought-out case design.
PCIe Riser Extension Cables
Most of these cases included a PCIe riser extension cable for your graphics card, but it’s usually a v3.0 item, whereas most bigger and more current cards/systems are using v4.0.
The Azza OPUS 809 can be supplied with a v4.0 extension cable as an option if required.
If the case doesn’t include a v4.0 cable, you’ll need to budget to get hold of one.
Dust and Keeping it Clean
Dust will be your biggest enemy with this type of design, and keeping it clean will be tricky.
You can’t prevent dust build-up, and the design of your case matters greatly if you want to be able to easily give it a regular clean to keep it looking amazing.
You’ll need to keep your open-air PC system away from the possibility of drink spillage and, of course, pets that always like to brush up against anything within range!
You really don’t want a build-up of fur in and on your new open-air case. Locate your PC on a desk if possible, away from a dusty floor, and try to keep your pet(s) out of the room.
Related Article: How to keep dust out of a gaming pc
Risk of Damage to Components
With all components effectively in the open, they’ll be vulnerable to objects falling into the case, so the location you choose will be important.
Best not to locate your PC under a shelf, for example, where heavy books/objects could fall onto and into the case!
Conclusion
An open-air PC case is designed to show off your gaming system and look like nothing else on the market, showing off all of your beautiful and expensively arranged internal components.
With a bit of forward planning, careful location, and patience, building your new gaming computer with an open-air PC case should present no problems and will be the envy and talking point of all your friends.
All the recommendations made in my article will provide you with a stunningly beautiful and high-quality case; the only question now is which one?
My personal choice would be the Antec Striker PC Case for its visual appearance when all components and lighting options are fitted, its flexibility, and its reasonable cost for such a cool bit of kit.
Have fun building yours!