Best Cases for Liquid Cooling Installation

The compact Mini Tower case Jonsbo D31 is an extremely interesting example of how to reduce the size of a computer case without compromising the installation of large components. The chassis turned out to be so successful that Jonsbo immediately after the launch announced a pack of different modifications. In our case, we are talking about a version with perforated walls called D31 Mesh.

In terms of internal limitations, the D31 Mesh is almost no different from larger Midi Tower models: it can accommodate a long video card up to 33 cm, the processor can be cooled by a powerful tower up to 168 mm high, there are 8 fan slots scattered inside the case, but you will have to buy them yourself, since they are not included in the package. To ensure that all this stuff fits properly, the manufacturer placed the power supply in the front part and reduced the number of pockets for drives.

Overall, Jonsbo has come up with an extremely successful solution without any obvious drawbacks. Abundant perforation throughout the case will ensure good airflow and adequate temperature readings for the components. Despite its compact dimensions, there are 3 areas for water pumps inside the case: if a compact 120 mm liquid cooling system can be installed in the back, then full-fledged liquid cooling systems with three fans and a 360 mm radiator can fit in the top and front. The front and side panels are attached without screws. Filters are provided to protect against dust. The only drawback is the limited support for micro-ATX motherboards, but this is quite common for Mini Tower cases.

The Montech Air 1000 Premium is a beefy ATX PC case with clear viewing panels, dust filters throughout, and four pre-installed ARGB fans, as well as a controller for lighting control. These fans provide excellent ventilation and can be customized via software on compatible motherboards or via a control button on the front of the case.

The case comes with two interchangeable front panels: a mesh panel for improved ventilation, and a glass panel for those who want to highlight the lighting of the system. In addition, the front and top panels are covered with dust filters, which help keep the inside of the system clean. In addition, the tempered glass side panel opens like a door, making it easier to access the components and giving the case a more elegant look.

The Air 1000 Premium supports a variety of high-end components, including graphics cards up to 340mm long, CPU coolers up to 170mm tall, and power supplies up to 180mm long (or 200mm if you remove the HDD cage). There’s room for two 3.5-inch HDDs or four 2.5-inch SSDs, giving you plenty of storage space. Overall, it’s a very interesting and affordable option that will suit a variety of build types right out of the box.

When choosing a computer case, users often face a dilemma: to choose effective cooling or beautiful lighting? However, modern manufacturers increasingly offer solutions that combine the best qualities of both concepts. One such solution is the Cougar Duoface Pro RGB case, which successfully combines thoughtful ventilation and stylish design due to two replaceable panels made of glass and mesh.

This mid-range case stands out from its competitors with its replaceable front panels and retractable dust filter. The case width has been increased to 230 mm, allowing for the installation of tall tower-type CPU coolers. In addition, the Cougar Duoface Pro RGB accommodates long graphics cards installed vertically, liquid cooling radiators up to 280 mm, and up to six fans with a diameter of 120 or 140 mm. Four ARGB fans are included, and the tinted glass side panel is easily removed for easy assembly.

In terms of cooling, the Cougar Duoface Pro RGB shows excellent results. Even with a glass front panel, it is only slightly inferior to the recognized standard Thermaltake Core X71 in terms of CPU and motherboard temperature. When replacing the glass with a perforated panel, the difference in temperature is reduced to zero. And even though the standard fans here are far from the quietest, this is still one of the most interesting cases, which is at the junction of the entry-level and mid-range classes.

Although Taiwanese brand Lian Li has made a name for itself with premium, well-designed cases, its range also includes simpler solutions for regular users. One such example is the popular Lancool 216 case, which is valued for its well-designed construction, excellent ventilation and large capacity. For example, this is a rare Midi Tower case that can accommodate a large E-ATX motherboard, a 180mm tower cooler and a nearly 40cm long graphics card.

Unlike most similar Airflow cases with a mesh front panel and front fans, the fans here are not the classic 120 mm fans, but giant fans with a diameter of 160 mm, which, according to the manufacturer, provide a more powerful air flow with a minimum noise level. The mesh top cover and the lower deck with perforations for cooling the power supply also help improve ventilation. As an alternative to air cooling, 360- and 280-mm radiators of liquid cooling can be installed in the front panel and under the cover.

Another interesting feature of the case is the modular front panel with three USB ports, which can be installed either on the top cover or placed below on the side panel. This is in case the case will be on the table. Among other features of the Lian Li Lancool 216, it is worth noting the magnetic dust filter on the front panel, a riser for vertical installation of video cards, a removable upper bracket for the radiator, the ability to move the power supply to install a large liquid cooling system, as well as a wide range of Velcro straps and clip ties for cables.

Although Taiwanese memory manufacturer A-Data has only recently taken up the production of computer cases, its portfolio looks quite fresh and interesting. Among them, the aquarium case called Invader X stands out the most, attracting attention with its wide possibilities for placing components, thoughtful arrangement of elements and fashionable panoramic windows on the front and side. The optimal scenario for Invader X is an elegant gaming assembly with complex lighting, all the nuances of which can be seen through numerous glasses.

An important feature of the case is its modularity. Thanks to 10 fan mounts, removable pockets for drives, a riser for a video card and three platforms for water pumps, the user can use a variety of options for placing components and cooling. Despite the Midi Tower form factor, the case can accommodate giant video cards up to 400 mm long and CPU coolers up to 175 mm high, allowing you to use the most powerful and large-sized hardware on the market.

What else to add? The case is made of high-quality metal and glass, and is also assembled well. At the same time, convenient screwless fasteners and air filters on magnetic Velcro make the process of assembling and servicing the PC much easier. The front panel has not 2, but 3 USB ports, including USB C 3.2 gen2. Against this background, only 3 common bays for the drive are slightly confusing, but given the gradual transition to compact M.2 SSDs, this can hardly be called a serious drawback. In general, the success here is completely deserved and in terms of price-quality, this is one of the most interesting panoramic cases in the last 2 years.