Best Cases with ARGB Backlighting

MAG PANO M100R PZ from MSI is a unique Mini Tower case with a modern panoramic design. Thanks to three glass panels, the case allows you to demonstrate all the key components, while hiding the cables behind the motherboard. This concept of "wireless" systems became possible due to the support of motherboards of the series with reverse connection, in which all connectors are brought out to the back side. This solution provides a neat look of the system, making cable management almost invisible to the user.

Another feature of the case is 4 pre-installed fans, which relieve the potential owner from the need to think through the cooling system. The only nuance is that the fans start at high speeds and work quite loudly. But almost the entire top cover and the left metal wall are dotted with small perforations, and dust filters are provided at the top and bottom. According to the latest fashion, the control panel is located at the bottom, so ideally the case should stand on the table.

Despite its modest dimensions, the MSI MAG PANO M100R PZ allows you to install a central processor with a 175 mm high tower cooler, a full-size video card up to 390 mm long, several drives and even a full-size 360 ​​mm liquid cooling system, which is mounted on top. But the tray for the motherboard is sharpened for the micro-ATX form factor. Additional features include a small side compartment for unnecessary cables and a built-in ARGB controller. However, the latter is sharpened exclusively for the MSI Mystic Light Sync system, ignoring similar solutions from other manufacturers.

Montech King 95 is another very interesting aquarium case with pseudo-solid panoramic glass, which, according to the manufacturer, should stand in the most visible place in the room like a Christmas tree, attracting attention due to the complex ARGB backlight. The two-chamber design provides a convenient division of space: the main part is allocated for the main components of the system, the second - for hidden placement of cables, power supply and storage devices. And this rare specimen, which can be purchased in 4 different colors: black, white, red and blue.

Despite the fact that the King 95 belongs to the Midi Tower format and does not claim to be a huge case, its interior space is well organized and is ideal for assembling powerful gaming PCs and work systems with flagship processors and massive one-and-a-half-kilogram video cards like the GeForce RTX 4090. The size restrictions are as follows: 420 mm for a video card, 175 mm for a tower cooler, 190 mm for a power supply. At the same time, up to 9 fans can be installed inside the case, and space is reserved on the front panel for a 360 mm water cooling system.

The disadvantage of many such aquariums is overheating: the abundance of glass does not promote good ventilation, which is why many users are forced to use rather expensive liquid cooling systems or install numerous fans inside. Montech went a slightly different way, equipping the case with additional replaceable perforated panels that can be installed instead of glass. But, alas, there are no pre-installed fans inside. Therefore, if you do not want to bother with installing cooling, you can slightly add to the Pro version of the King 95 case, which already has 6 (!) fans installed out of the box.

A little over ten years ago, the Taiwanese brand Lian Li was exclusively engaged in the production of industrial cases, but after entering the consumer market, Lian Li quickly won the respect of gamers and enthusiasts thanks to its thoughtful design. The engineering dogmas of the brand are perfectly revealed by the Lancool 216 RGB case, which replaced the popular Lancool 215 model. This is a rather interesting Midi Tower case with a well-thought-out layout, high-quality factory cooling and a capacity on par with larger Full Tower solutions.

To put it simply, compared to Lancool 215, the company's engineers have improved the modular design and slightly optimized the air flow. Lancool 216 RGB uses larger 160 mm fans: a pair of 160 mm fans are located on the front panel, and one smaller one is on the back. The modular design has also been improved: for example, when using air cooling, the motherboard tray can be raised to improve air flow to the processor and video card, and an additional fan can be installed at the back near the expansion slots to directly blow air onto the video card. The motherboard can also be lowered lower, which is especially convenient for systems with AIO cooling or custom solutions with liquid cooling.

Another improvement of Lancool 216 is the ARGB lighting system. Unlike the previous model, the lighting in the 216th version has become more flexible: users can customize the colors and effects for each fan separately, synchronizing them with other devices through popular control systems, including Aura Sync, Mystic Light and Polychrome RGB. Among other features of the case, it is worth noting a magnetic dust filter on the front panel, a riser for vertical installation of video cards, a removable upper bracket for the radiator, a convenient fastening system, as well as a modular front panel that can be placed either on the end of the case or at the bottom left.

Shadow Base 800 FX is a premium case with high-quality noise insulation, traditional for the German brand, and an internal architecture that has been improved compared to its predecessors. In particular, the manufacturer focuses on supporting large-sized video cards such as the Radeon 7900 XTX and GeForce RTX 4090(maximum length 430 mm) and massive liquid cooling systems of 420 mm size.

Otherwise, it's pretty similar to another popular model, the Pure Base 500 FX, with its three ARGB fans behind the front door, which is the main point for hot air exhaust. There are a total of four Light Wings with ARGB lighting pre-installed, and the case comes with a lighting control hub that can be connected to Aura Sync, Polychrome Sync, Mystic Light, and other lighting control systems.

Overall, be quiet! has created a rather interesting premium case that manages to combine effective cooling with high capacity, spectacular lighting and quite good noise insulation (as far as perforation allows). Despite the ventilated design, the case has quite effective protection against dust - magnetic filters are installed at the front and bottom, and the case is covered with a fine mesh panel on top. The video card can be placed vertically using a riser. The removable pockets for drives are equipped with vibration isolation and are installed without a screwdriver. Well, on the front panel there are 4 USB ports at once, including USB C.

The only downside of the be quiet! Shadow Base 800 FX is the availability of more affordable Airflow cases with similar equipment from Montech, Cougar and Gamemax.

The Cooler Master MasterBox 600 is a roomy case with an efficient Airflow system, a mesh front panel, and perforated lid that successfully combines functionality and affordability. Priced at around $100, it offers everything you need to build a modern gaming system, including support for large graphics cards, full-size motherboards, and large liquid cooling systems.

Despite its compact size, the MasterBox 600 accommodates tall tower coolers and long graphics cards up to 410 mm, and it also has the ability to install high-end liquid cooling systems with 420 mm radiators. Four pre-installed ARGB fans are located directly behind the mesh front panel, providing reliable cooling in a standard configuration.

Additional benefits of the case include a built-in controller with an external button and a well-thought-out cable management system. The Atlas ARGB graphics card support stand is included, which securely holds the graphics card and complements the overall appearance of the system with A-RGB lighting.

Despite some shortcomings in materials and hardware, such as the lack of a front dust filter, awkward screws, and only two 2.5-inch drive mounts, the MasterBox 600 remains a smart choice for users looking for a balance between price, quality materials, and capacity.