The Best Quiet PC Cases for 2023

Many gamers naturally aspire to own the most powerful CPUs and graphics cards available. However, when assembling a new PC, adequately cooling these components can result in a rig with distracting noise levels. PC cases play a critical role in preventing the noise generated by fans and hard drives from leaking outside an enclosure. Still, finding the right case for a silent build can often become a delicate balancing act between controlling noise and maintaining safe temperatures.

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How to Choose a Quiet PC Case

The best quiet PC case options for quiet builds employ a wide variety of strategies to reduce noise while offering the expandability that growing rigs demand. Consider these factors when buying a PC case:

• Case Fans: The number, size, and efficiency of fans inside a PC case play a large role in a system’s overall noise level. A few larger fans are usually preferable to an abundance of smaller fans, since bigger fans produce more airflow relative to how much noise they generate.
• Insulation: Another way PC cases achieve quiet operation is by using insulating materials. The least distracting PCs often rely on foam near fans and panels that absorb noise and vibrations.
• Airflow: Contrary to what some buyers may believe, the cases that promote the most airflow are sometimes also the quietest. High airflow enclosures create pathways that can most effectively draw in cooler air from outside cases and then exhaust air heated by CPUs and GPUs through vents. Full-tower cases usually provide more room to cool components and need only a handful of larger fans to keep thermal readings reasonable.
• Thermal Performance vs. Noise Levels: Buyers often have to compromise when configuring a completely silent build. For example, cases built with solid tempered glass instead of porous mesh panels have obvious advantages for keeping PCs quiet. Unfortunately, builders must purchase more expensive CPU coolers to compensate for the limited ventilation in these shiny enclosures.

The Best Quiet PC Cases for 2023

To achieve excellent cooling performance without excess noise, the Fractal Design Torrent takes some risks with its design. Most notably, it features a top-mounted PSU shroud that frees the bottom of the case up for three 120 or 140 mm fans or a mammoth 420 mm liquid cooling radiator. This large mid-tower case comes in several varieties, including a version popular with gamers that ships with five Prisma AL PWM ARGB fans and a fan hub.

The Fractal Design Torrent uses an unusual layout inside its chassis and has a front panel that makes a statement on any desk. A grate-type pattern has a distinctive look and allows plenty of air to enter through the front of the case. With the RGB variation of the Torrent, a pair of 180 mm fans rest behind the front panel. Since larger fans are more efficient, they can produce more airflow with equal or less noise than smaller fans. The fans in the Fractal Design Torrent are designed to run at lower RPMs, but without a proper fan curve setup in a BIOS or software, they can still become unnecessarily noisy. Fortunately, the included Nexus 9P Slim PWM hub can simplify fan speed settings and keep noise levels at a minimum.

Installing a PSU at the top of the Fractal Design Torrent opens up more avenues for cooling, normally blocked by large bottom-mounted power supplies. The case’s top panel also easily pops off, allowing for unobstructed access when routing cables. After installation, a PSU virtually disappears into the top of the case with an LED light strip at the bottom of the shroud, adding some flair. System builders are then free to create a bottom-mounted cooling configuration that sends blasts of cool air upward toward graphics cards and CPUs.

Making efficient use of its already spacious chassis, expansion options are plentiful in the Torrent. Buyers can install up to four 2.5-inch SSDs and two 3.5-inch hard drives with seven total expansion slots available. The case can accommodate E-ATX motherboards and is deep enough to house high-end graphics cards that are 423 mm long. Fractal Design provides sufficient holes and guides for cabling around the chassis, but mounting the PSU at its top may require some rethinking before connecting components.

Top-mounting a PSU in the Torrent results in a less obstructed airflow from an array of large and quiet fans. The Fractal Design Torrent is the best PC case for silent builds when outstanding thermal performance is a priority.

Buyers searching for a case that gets noticed because of its looks rather than its noise levels should consider the Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition. This dual-chambered mid-tower case is about more than just its extensive use of RGB lighting. The PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition ships with no fans but has ample space for various effective cooling strategies. While the large tempered glass panels on the front and side of the case don’t allow much heat to escape, they also prevent noise from escaping the case’s chassis.

Considering the combination of tempered glass and lack of fans, thermal performance is surprisingly not a strong point of the PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition. Still, numerous vents are scattered around the case, and four magnetic dust filters are found on the enclosure’s top, bottom, and sides. The case is perfect for builds that rely heavily on AIO liquid coolers, with three different installation points for 360 mm radiators. With the ability to install PSUs on the bottom of the case or in place of the removable hard drive caddy above it, there is flexibility in how builders direct airflow. The generous size of the PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition also accommodates six 2.5-inch SSDs or three 3.5-inch hard drives.

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Poor build quality in a case can contribute to unnecessary vibrations and a lack of noise isolation. In addition to the thick tempered glass panels used in the PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition, the eight mm thick frames that support its chassis help to contain noise from CPU coolers and graphics cards. A 2 mm insulation layer behind the front glass panel also reduces potential rattling.

Case builders who aren’t interested in the integrated Razer Chroma RGB lighting effects can opt for the standard version of the Lian Li PC-O11. However, the ability to coordinate the three integrated RGB light strips with other Razer keyboards, mice, and headsets has obvious appeal for gamers. The case’s illumination diffuses through the tempered glass’s surfaces, creating a spectacle on any gaming desk.

Realistically, for most builds, the Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition will need additional case fans to cool processors and graphics cards adequately. Regardless, while other cases use mesh panels, the thick tempered glass and steel used in the case form an effective sound barrier against the loudest components.

Mid-tower cases come in various sizes, with some options like the Fractal Design 7 Compact taking up less space. The 7 Compact is for buyers who must have silent builds and desire the excellent craftsmanship Fractal Design always offers. With a mostly closed-off design, the case keeps noise from escaping its chassis, aided by a considerable amount of sound-dampening foam.

Unlike the Fractal Design Torrent, the 7 Compact won’t attract much attention with its all-black aluminum front panel and lack of RGB fans. This case is available with a tempered glass left panel, but this option has become increasingly difficult to find in stock lately. Otherwise, the 7 Compact looks ordinary from all angles, with very solid black panels helping absorb noise from components. Build quality, sometimes lacking in compact mid-tower or mini ITX cases, is not an issue here and also leads to the 7 Compact being heavier than it looks.

Even though system builders are shielded from noise by thick metal, disassembling the 7 Compact and accessing its internals is simple. Its panels come off without screws, and installers can swap its top covering with an included, more porous panel for increased ventilation. With the default configuration, this Fractal Design case can struggle to keep temperatures in check because of limited vents around the enclosure. The 7 Compact includes one 120 mm fan and another 140 mm fan, which are especially quiet but may not produce sufficient airflow without added air circulation. Fortunately, the case allows users to scatter as many as seven 120 mm fans around its chassis or place up to a 360 mm liquid cooling radiator behind the front panel.

The Fractal Design 7 Compact may not be the first choice for gamers with overclocked CPUs and GPUs, but it’s an enticing case for other builds. Other perks, like a front I/O panel with five USB ports, are not expected with a smaller mid-tower case. The Fractal Design 7 Compact is the best quiet PC case for buyers who crave a well-built enclosure that will blend in with any setup and barely make more than a whisper.

The Phanteks Enthroo Pro 2 is ideal for buyers who need a case that can house excess components while staying nearly silent. This affordable full-tower ATX ships with no fans, but its thermal performance benchmarks are impressive, provided a build has sufficient CPU cooling. Part of the reason why the Enthroo Pro 2 can keep temperatures under control without an abundance of fans is the unique mesh fabric covering its front panel. Made from a special nylon blend, the larger holes in the front filter allow more air to enter the case without ruining the look of the enclosure.

Even at its attractive price point, the Enthroo Pro 2 is a legitimate full-tower case that can accommodate fifteen 2.5-inch SSDs. Also, since the chassis is cavernous, system builders can install a second ITX motherboard in the bottom portion of the case. To power both PCs, buyers will need a dual-system PSU like the Phanteks Revolt X. The Enthroo Pro 2 is designed to remain one of the quietest cases on the market, even with a primary system using up to an SSI-EEB motherboard running alongside a power-efficient ITX system.

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Without a full set of case fans, buyers may want to take advantage of the many installation points for liquid cooling radiators in the Enthroo Pro 2. In theory, it’s possible to place up to five radiators on all sides of the chassis and next to the main motherboard tray. No cooling solution is out of the question, with 480 mm AIO liquid coolers welcomed in two of these locations. Of course, some builds may still require traditional case fans, and the Enthroo Pro 2 has space available for fifteen 120 mm or eight 140 mm fans. Vertically mounting a GPU could help, but doing so requires purchasing a separate kit from Enthroo.

Unlike the most industrial-grade full tower cases, the Enthroo Pro 2 won’t wow buyers with build quality. Many of its parts have a cheap plastic feel even though the case carries a five-year limited warranty. Also, without any included fans, the cost of adequately cooling one or two different systems can quickly add up. Still, the Phanteks Enthroo Pro 2 is the best PC case for balancing quiet operation and expandability.

Configuring a quiet PC can become a priority for mini-ITX systems, which often find themselves in living and media rooms. The enjoyment of gaming and streaming movies can easily become interrupted by a loud PC in an otherwise peaceful environment. Fortunately, the Cooler Master MasterBox NR200P puts the power of a full-sized rig into a dramatically downsized form factor without generating excess noise.

Instead of forcing buyers to choose between a tempered glass or vented steel left panel, the MasterBox NR200P ships with both. Not surprisingly, temperature readings inside the case rise with the tempered glass panel installed, but the two included SickleFlow fans keep conditions acceptable for most CPUs and GPUs. CoolerMaster’s fans rely on a frame that excels at absorbing vibrations from its high-performance blades. More noise will escape the chassis with the perforated steel panel, so system builders may have to trade off some additional noise for enhanced cooling performance.

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Thanks to most panels and frames lifting off from the chassis of the MasterBox NR200P, working within the confined spaces of the case is more practical. If buyers wish to add more cooling, the MasterBox NR200P allows the installation of up to seven additional fans. CoolerMaster also includes a kit with the MasterBox NR200P to vertically mount GPUs to 330 mm in length, which opens up new cooling configuration possibilities.

The asking price of the MasterBox NR200P may turn off some buyers trying to assemble an affordable budget gaming PC. Also, the front I/O panel could use some updates since it lacks a modern USB-C port. Even so, the case exhibits top-notch build quality, reducing vibrations and making the MasterBox NR200P one of the best PC case options among compact contenders.

The Antec P7 Neo is a value-packed mid-tower case that strives for near-silent performance. Also, system builders will find it surprisingly spacious with the ability to install the largest E-ATX motherboards on its chassis. To dominate the noise rating benchmarks, the P7 Neo relies on the classic approach of sealing off as much of its paneling as possible. In addition, Antec makes extensive use of sound-dampening foam on its side panels to absorb the racket caused by CPU coolers and graphics cards.

Since the top panel of the P7 Neo lacks any dust filter or venting, this substantially affects how much noise escapes the case. Unfortunately, this design choice eliminates a natural exhaust point since hot air rises. Antec instead places long, thin vents on each side of the front panel to address thermal performance. Besides these vents, there aren’t many places for noise or air to noise the P7 Neo other than some holes in its rear panel and PCI slot brackets. As a result, having adequate cooling in the case is critical, and Antec obliges by including two 120 mm fans near its front panel and another 120 mm fan above the PCI brackets. AIO liquid cooling options are somewhat limited to budget coolers here since there is only room for a 280 mm radiator.

Buyers should also be aware that the Antec P7 Neo is friendly to dated builds that demand a place for a 5.25-inch optical drive. It also makes little effort to appeal to gamers who often prefer clear windows to view their rigs and RGB lighting to enhance components. Nevertheless, when aiming for a silent PC with just enough ventilation to prevent affordable CPUs and GPUs from overheating, there are few more appealing budget cases around than the Antec P7 Neo.

A buyer wouldn’t necessarily think a high airflow case could be quiet, but the Corsair 4000D Airflow aims to change that misconception. It’s a delicate balance between noise and cooling performance, but cases with open front panels that allow more air into a case are often the quietest. On the other hand, sealed-off enclosures prevent cool air from entering cases, forcing the fans inside to work harder and consequently louder. The 4000D Airflow is the best option for buyers looking for maximum cooling without a rig becoming unreasonably noisy.

The secret to the 4000D Airflow’s cooling power is obvious to anyone who glances at the mid-tower case. Corsair’s case features a steel front panel with triangular cutouts, which are much larger openings than seen with most mesh materials. This triangular pattern repeats throughout the case, including on the backside PCI slot brackets. The overall look of the 4000D Airflow is understated when dark, but even with the RGB version, the metal grate is hardly an eyesore.

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While it would seem the open nature of the 4000D Airflow would let noise from components inside the chassis escape, noise levels are surprisingly kept in check. The explanation for this phenomenon is that the case only ships with two 120 mm fans. However, these are not standard cheap case fans since they utilize an anti-vortex vane design to generate as much concentrated airflow as possible. The 4000D Airflow also accommodates additional cooling, allowing for a maximum of six additional fans of the same size. Liquid cooling is also welcomed, but 360 mm radiators will have to find homes behind the front panel since space is more at a premium at the top of the case.

Another strength of the 4000D Airflow is its cable management options. Corsair encourages system builders to route all cables through a single channel with plenty of room behind motherboards to hide the wiring. There are numerous other openings along the motherboard tray if users want to get a bit more creative when routing cables.

The 4000D Airflow is slightly on the compact side for a mid-tower case. Still, it’s disappointing to find only a few USB ports on its front I/O panel. Even so, any negatives don’t prevent the Corsair 4000D Airflow from becoming the best quiet PC case for cooling power.

The MSI MEG Prospect 700R is one of the most expensive mid-tower cases on the market, so naturally, expectations from buyers are high. Fortunately, the MEG Prospect 700R has the build quality to justify its price, which also impacts noise levels. With thick steel panels and generous insulation, gamers are effectively shielded from noisy graphics cards and processors. Also, the case is an excellent showcase for RGB effects, with an LCD screen allowing control over the system’s lighting. The MEG Prospect 700R is the dream case for any buyer who appreciates the latest technologies and values silent cooling performance.

As a larger mid-tower case, the MEG Prospect 700R has room for four 140 mm ARGB fans. Builders can install up to 10 fans with foam material absorbing most of the noise. Compared to other cases, the MEG Prospect 700R doesn’t excel with its acoustic performance when idle but demonstrates its superiority under high loads. This chassis is also inviting to AIO liquid coolers, with room for 360 mm radiators on the top of the case or front.

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The MEG Prospect 700R can overwhelm new system builders with options since it’s a highly modular and customizable case. Still, its left and right panels swing open on hinges, making it a pleasure to work inside the chassis. As one of the most spacious mid-tower cases, the MEG Prospect 700R can house the largest E-ATX motherboards and encourages builders to vertically mount GPUs with a bundled bracket. Unfortunately, buyers will have to purchase a PCIe riser card separately. Also, despite the open space in the case, the capacity of the hard drive bays is rather disappointing.

Commanding a high asking price, the MEG Prospect 700R is the best quiet PC case for enthusiasts rather than gamers assembling their first PCs. Nevertheless, its tank-like construction and porous front grill effectively cool the most powerful components while dampening vibrations.

Buyers seeking white PC cases tend to gravitate toward clean-looking builds that stand out more for their appearance than for noisiness. The NZXT H7 Flow, in its white color option, excels with its ability to cool components without distracting gamers with rumbles or vibrations. NZXT also prioritized cable management with the H7 Flow so that nothing disturbs its somewhat barebones but cohesive style.

One complaint with the black variation of the H7 Flow is that its left-side tempered glass is too dark to see illuminated hardware inside its chassis. This is not an issue with the white H7 Flow since the glass is nearly clear enough to become invisible. Besides some black trim behind the motherboard tray, the case is completely white, pleasing buyers with similarly colored keyboards and mice. RGB fanatics must pay slightly more to receive illuminated fans with the H7 Flow. NZXT also went to great lengths to ensure cables were routed out of sight of the clear tempered glass panel. A series of cable channels and straps keeps any messiness to a minimum and makes for a rig that any gamer or streamer would be proud to show off.

The standard H7 Flow ships with only two F Series Quiet 120 mm fans. However, these are some of the quietest fans a system builder will find, benefiting from anti-vibration rubber padding and noise-absorbing grommets. The fans also manage to output powerful streams of air at lower RPMs, limiting how loud a rig can become. Working in tandem with expansive perforated front and top panels, air constantly circulates into and out of the H7 Flow, making the job of fans or AIO liquid coolers easier.

Some buyers may find the H7 Flow too minimalist with its simplified front I/O panel. The number of USB ports is adequate, but the lack of a reset button could cause an inconvenience when configuring a new PC. Nonetheless, the NZXT H7 Flow is the best quiet PC case among all white enclosures due to compact but mighty fans and sufficient ventilation to keep them nearly silent.

Still Confused About What Makes a PC Case Silent?

It should be obvious by now that there is no single foolproof way to keep a PC running silently. The cases discussed in this guide come in all shapes and sizes and use very different strategies to reduce noise levels. To decide on a case that’s not only quiet but also has the desired features for a build, remember to concentrate on these factors:

Case Fans

The Fractal Design Torrent is an example of a mid-tower PC case with five ARGB case fans, yet it’s still one of the quietest enclosures on the market. An abundance of fans doesn’t necessarily lead to a loud PC, especially when larger 180 mm fans like those found in the Torrent produce massive airflow at lower RPMs. Other cases, including the full-tower Phanteks Enthoo Pro 2, take the opposite approach, shipping with no fans at all. Instead, the Enthoo Pro 2 relies on a nylon mesh fabric on its front panel to draw in cooler air while encouraging buyers to install powerful but quiet AIO liquid coolers.

Insulation

Just like with rooms in a building, insulation in a case can act as a barrier that prevents noise from escaping from an enclosure. The Antec Performance Series P7 Neo Case takes advantage of noise-dampening panels in an almost entirely closed-off design for near-silent operation. Build quality can also help keep noise levels minimal, as the Fractal Design 7 Compact shows. The thick steel panels in this smaller mid-tower case allow it to become a primary target for completely silent builds.

Airflow

Selected as GameRant’s Best Quiet PC Case, the Fractal Design Torrent ironically produces a generous amount of airflow in its chassis. With an unusual top-mounted PSU shroud, the enclosure has more space for cooler air entering from outside the case to circulate while allowing case fans to operate at lower speeds. The Corsair 4000D Airflow is another example of a case that only needs two fan fans, producing minimal noise for acceptable thermal performance. Instead of multiple fans, this Corsair case benefits from triangular cutouts throughout its chassis, encouraging air to flow in and out of the enclosure.

Thermal Performance vs. Noise Levels

The most silent cases rarely have the worst thermal performance. Still, cases like the Lian Li PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition are comprised of several tempered glass panels, but its lack of ventilation makes keeping temperatures reasonable more difficult. While the exceedingly quiet PC-011 Dynamic makes an impact with its RGB lighting, aesthetically pleasing materials often block air from circulating into and out of a case.

PC cases now emphasize silent cooling more than ever for the highest quality gaming and productivity. However, just because a case focuses on noise reduction doesn’t mean it has to look boring. The MSI MEG Prospect 700R utilizes large but efficient fans to produce airflow but also impresses visually with RGB effects and an LCD control panel. With a vast selection of enclosures, there is the ideal quiet PC case for every system builder.

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FAQ

Q: What makes a PC case quiet?

Many factors contribute to the overall noise level of a PC case. In particular, what type of cooling fans are in an enclosure has a significant effect on noise levels. More efficient fans can produce sufficient airflow without making more noise running at higher speeds. Insulating materials like foam used in a case can also absorb noise and vibrations before they escape a chassis.

Q: What size PC case should I buy?

Whether you should purchase a mini-ITX, mid-tower, or full-tower case depends on which motherboard/CPU combo you select for a PC build. However, most medium-sized and large cases accommodate a wide range of motherboard sizes, so the choice also depends on available desk space, storage requirements, and budget.

Q: Should I invest in high-end PC case fans?

Most fans included with a case can do the job just fine. However, purchasing highly-rated fans separately can result in higher airflow, improved aesthetics, lower noise, and excellent durability.