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The BEST Computer Case Under $35!

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips1.2M viewsDec 26, 201711:23
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We braved injury and frustration to find out just how good - or bad - a PC case your hard-earned cash can get you for under $35! The Massdrop x Sennheiser HD 58X Headphones are available now for $149.99 USD for a limited time at dro.ps ZOTAC's ZBOX Mini PCs are great for gaming, streaming, or general use. Check them out here: geni.us Buy XION XON-310_BK on Newegg: geni.us Buy LOGISYS CS305BK on Newegg: geni.us Buy Zalman T3 on Newegg: geni.us Buy Compucase Voyager on Newegg: geni.us Buy APEX SK-386-C on Newegg: geni.us Buy DIYPC Jax12-BK on Newegg: geni.us Buy Cougar MG110 on Newegg: geni.us Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Our Affiliates, Referral Programs, and Sponsors: linustechtips.com Linus Tech Tips merchandise at designbyhumans.com Linus Tech Tips posters at crowdmade.com Our production gear: geni.us Twitter - twitter.com Facebook - @LinusTech Instagram - @linustech Twitch - twitch.tv Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk

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The video conducts a budget-oriented round up of seven computer cases priced under 35 dollars, evaluating them across three core criteria: compatibility, performance, and injury risk. The host explains that the cases are selected based on popularity on Newegg and tests how much hardware fit inside, how well air flow and cooling work, and whether there are any sharp edges or design flaws that could cause injury during assembly. Early in the segment, the Xion XON-310 BK is highlighted as the cheapest option at around 23 dollars, but its practical limitations quickly become apparent, including tight internal space and some missing 5.25" bays that complicate installation. The host emphasizes that budget builds often require compromises, and a milk-crate style approach or zip ties is sometimes suggested as a last resort for securing components. Despite the frugal price tag, the discussion also mentions that extras such as USB ports and subtle aesthetic touches can influence the user experience, even when not strictly necessary. The reviewer then moves through each case, weighing its layout, ease of building, and thermal performance, and they provide candid verdicts about what works and what does not for sub-$35 budgets. By the end of the segment, the overall impression is that cost savings come with tangible tradeoffs in feature set, build quality, and thermal management, but there are still cases that stand out as surprisingly capable for very low budgets. The analysis culminates in a recommended order, pairing the strongest overall option with a strong ATX alternative and noting an honorable mention for a compact, well-ventilated design, alongside a reminder that the best choice depends on the specific build and cooling requirements.

Topics · technology · hardware

Questions answered

Which budget PC case was identified as the best overall value for under $35?
The Cougar MG110 was highlighted as the best overall case for an M-ATX build, performing well in terms of thermals and overall layout.
What were the main criteria used to judge the cases?
The main criteria were compatibility, performance, and injury factor, with an additional look at extras and aesthetics.