When building your PC, you’ll likely discover that you need more space for the components you want to include. Instead of tearing everything out and starting over, an ideal solution is to upgrade the interior of your case so that it can accommodate these new additions. If you’re a novice builder, read on for some insight into what your choices will entail. Building a PC from scratch can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! By investing some time upfront planning and researching components, you can save time in the long run by streamlining future updates and upgrades. This guide will cover everything from budget alternatives to high-end parts, so keep reading to discover how upgrading your PC case affects the rest of your system as well as how to choose the right interior for your needs.
What is the Difference Between a Case and an Interior?
A case has one major purpose: to house the motherboard, power supply, and other components inside the chassis. This is usually where you’ll install your motherboard and CPU cooler. Internally, it may be made of metal or plastic, and externally, it may be made of wood, metal, or another material. The interior of a computer case differs from the interior of your automobile, where you may install a sound system, a television, or other upgrades. For a new build, the exterior of your computer case may be of a different color to differentiate it from your components, but the interior of your case may be the same as before. There are several reasons for this, including aesthetics and cost. The interior of your case may be made of wood or metal, which can look good as long as it matches the exterior of your case. When it comes to cost, the interior of your case may be cheaper to manufacture since it doesn’t need to be painted or stained to look good. Depending on the brand and model, you can also expect your case to have USB and audio ports on the front panel, a power button, and a power supply mounting area, as well as a slot for installing a motherboard cooler.
Budget Options for New Builds
New cases can cost as little as $50, although a quality case can last a lifetime and even be passed down to the next generation. Mid-range cases range from $100 to $200 and are the perfect option for building a capable gaming PC or an inexpensive upgrade from a previous build. High-end chassis start at $250, and these are best for building a workstation or a custom supercomputer.
Mid-range cases
A mid-range case starts at around $100, and it’s a good option for first-time builders and those upgrading from a basic case. It offers a good balance of quality, design, and price, and some of the more popular brands include Corsair, Fractal Design, NZXT, Thermaltake, and BitFenix. These cases provide a solid foundation for building a PC, and they’re perfect for upgrading from a previous build. They provide room for expandability and come with a variety of features at a price that’s within a budget for most budgets. Mid-range cases come in a variety of sizes and styles, and they’re often available in multiple colors.
High-end chassis
A high-end case starts at $300 and goes up from there. These are best for building a supercomputer or a custom workstation, and they’re ideal for those with a high budget. Some of the more popular brands include BitFenix, Corsair, Fractal Design, Phanteks, Swiftech, and Thermaltake. High-end cases are built for hardcore enthusiasts, and they provide lots of room for cooling, custom lighting, and high-end aesthetics. These premium cases often come with custom artwork, LED lighting, and water cooling support. High-end cases are well-suited for those with a high budget, and they’re perfect for building a supercomputer or a custom workstation. Some of the more popular models include the Corsair Obsidian Series 900D, the Fractal Design Core 1000, the BitFenix Prodigy, and the Phanteks Evolv Shift.
Custom Cases and Advanced Parts
Building a PC from scratch is a great way to learn about components, but it’s also a great option for those wanting a truly unique PC. You can build a custom PC from scratch or modify an existing case to fit your aesthetic and budget needs. If you have experience building a PC from scratch, you can design a truly unique machine that suits your specific needs. Custom-built PCs are a unique option for building a truly unique machine. In addition to designing a custom chassis to fit your needs, these machines are often built with advanced components such as liquid cooling, high-end graphics cards, and custom artwork.
Should you build from scratch or upgrade an existing case?
While either path is valid and offers significant benefits, upgrading an existing case is nearly always cheaper and provides fewer problems. Upgrading an existing case is much cheaper than building a new PC, and it often requires less work than building from scratch. New cases are expensive, especially when you consider the cost of the motherboard, motherboard cooler, and power supply. Moreover, a new case requires more work than an existing case does.
Which bottom line
Building a PC from scratch is an exciting adventure, especially for those looking to expand their knowledge of components. However, it’s important to keep in mind the value of upgrading an existing case versus starting from scratch.