10 Best Budget PC Cases in the Philippines 2022 | Dark Flash, Fantech, and More

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Scale the size according to your motherboard.

2. Get a case with multiple fans and honeycomb panels for better airflow.

3. Go for a sturdy build to ensure longevity.

4. Get a case with multiple inputs in the front panel.

5. Look for feature-packed cases for better functionality.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

In order to ensure that it can accommodate the size of parts you want to fit in, you should get a case proportional to them. A good point of reference is your motherboard's size. If your case fits this, it often means that it can also take in the other components.

A full tower case, for instance, can house the largest motherboards called Extended ATX. It can also accommodate smaller-sized hardware. On the other hand, a Mid Tower case can only support up to the standard 12 x 9-inch ATX motherboards. Its more compact size is a good blend between portability and function, though.

Going even smaller, we have the Mini Tower case that can only support up to Micro-ATX motherboards. Finally, the Mini-ITX case, while the most portable, suffers the most in terms of compatibility. It can only fit Mini-ITX motherboards that tend to be pricey and have unorthodox designs.

If you’re sporting the new RTX 3080 or equally powerful hardware, you need to get a case that allows adequate airflow. This is because these components get hot, and when they overheat, they significantly shorten their lifespan. In addition, PCs are often designed to shut down at 100℃ automatically, and you don’t want that happening in the middle of work or gaming.

A good case should have the ability to support fans in multiple locations. Ideally, you’d want one in the front, top, and back. Similarly, it’s also best to get a case with grilled honeycomb panels, as, unlike solid panels that tend to trap hot air inside, these allow air to move in and out of the case freely.

It’s also worth noting that size plays a bigger role in cooling. If you want to upgrade your fans to an AIO cooler that can shave off 10-20℃, it’s best to get Full or Mid Tower cases, as these parts can reach up to 36 centimeters.

Build quality is what manufacturers mostly skimp out on to bring the costs down. Ideally, though, you may want to choose between steel or aluminum, as these give the most benefits. For instance, their durability, soundproofing, and scratch resistance are often unmatched by any other material.

You can also find several budget cases made from hard plastics like polycarbonate or ABS. These are often sturdy enough as long as you exercise precaution. However, if you want to get the most out of a plastic build, get a case with heat-resistant materials like thermoplastics, as these can withstand the heat from your components much better.

Most PCs have various ports like USBs and audio ports in the back. However, if you have a lot of external devices, it can be difficult to reach the rear just to find the correct port. To resolve this issue, get a case that supports front panel connectivity.

Essentially, these are various port connections accessible from the top or side of the case. They do, however, require a little more work, as you have to connect the panel to the motherboard. But in exchange, they allow you to connect your external devices without any difficulty. 

Some cases do more than house your PC's components. With features like a dedicated drive bay and cutouts, you often get more functionality or ease of use when doing your build. Here are some of the most sought-after features when buying a PC case.

Nowadays, the trend is to use smaller NVME Solid State Drives (SSD) as these can be fitted directly to the motherboard. However, that doesn’t mean hard drives and SATA SSDs have become obsolete!

If these devices are still part of your build, we suggest looking for a case with drive bays or mounting points. These are often an extra 2.5 to 3.5 inches in your case to put your storage devices in. Not only do these protect the parts from heat and sudden movement, but they will also make your PC look tidier in the end.

Power Supply Units, or PSUs, convert electricity to energy your computer can use. While they can be placed and used externally, these are large and boxy components that connect by many cables. With that said, having a power compartment to store these will keep your build neat and free of eyesores.

Just note that not all power supply units are the same. A rectangular shape is generally compatible with most Mini Tower cases and above. More irregular shapes, though, like cylinders, are designed for Mini-ITX form factors and will need additional research if you want to place them anywhere else.

PCs are a forest of cables and wiring. The clean builds you see are products of good cable management, and you can only do this if your motherboard tray has cutouts to route the wirings through.

Often, budget cases simply have large holes punched in. While these do the job, they can still leave a bundle of cords in the back, making the case more difficult to close. In line with this, you can try getting a case with rubber grommets or tie-off points to clean your build further.

If you want to showcase the guts of your build, you may want to opt for a case with a glass panel. Its transparency lets you see the machine come to life. This is especially true if you have RGB; the industrial look of the various components emphasized by the lighting makes up for a cyberpunk-esque aesthetic.

However, note that a glass panel also reveals dirt on your PC. Hence, if your location is particularly dusty, you may want to do some regular maintenance so as not to taint the look of your machine. Similarly, because your components get hot, you may hear some creaking now and then as the glass expands due to thermal expansion.

To give you a rundown, here are our top 3 picks for the best budget PC cases you can buy online:

1. Segotep Synrad One
   
2. Dark Flash Mesh Mid Tower Case DLM21
3. Sycat Micro-ATX Case 2168

Check out the table below to further compare the characteristics of these three budget PC cases as well as the other seven that made it to our list.

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period** 

Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.

To regularly maintain it, wipe the surface of your PC with a dry cloth to remove the dust. You can also use wet fabric, but this can pose more risks. For the inside, you want to brush the components with a soft-bristled brush or an electrically-powered air compressor. Unfortunately, canned versions of the latter contain aerosol, which can short out electrical parts.

For deep cleaning, you'll have to remove each part and reinstall them after cleaning. Each manufacturer has recommended steps to clean their products. Thus, if unsure, it's best to consult the manual or otherwise hire a professional.

In most cases, the stock fans are usually enough to cool your rig. However, nothing's stopping you from getting better airflow, so long as they fit the case. In addition, higher-end fans also tend to be quieter and produce less whine during higher rotations per minute.

Aside from upgrading your fans, some quick fixes can keep your PC from heating up. One most-used method is to change where it is, ideally away from windows where heat from the sun can come in. You can also leave a 3-5 inches gap between the wall and the PC. This allows the hot air to dissipate rather than be bounced back to the case.

Most of the time, it's okay to upgrade to larger cases, provided that you're using standard-shaped components. Otherwise, you must first confirm whether the parts you have will fit the new case. If yes, the next factor to look out for is whether your components are properly cooled after transferring, preferably below 80℃.

So you got your shiny, new case and you're looking to fill it in. Well, search no more! Below are articles listing down components you need to finish your build. Check them out and checkout now to get all the parts you need in one go.

Author: Dane Lozano

Editor: R. Victoriano

Like and follow our Instagram and Facebook page for updates!