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There are plenty of reasons to build a new PC with a horizontal case. When it comes to cases, you’ve got as many choices as you have reasons to build.
You might want to build a computer that can sit in your living room or home theater to play all your media. Maybe you are looking to build a small, portable PC that can go wherever you need it to go. Or perhaps you just need a computer that fits a certain space on your desk.
Whatever the case may be, use this article as a guide to finding the best horizontal PC case for your needs in 2024.
Best Horizontal PC Cases in 2024 Round-Up
The table below will give you a quick look at our selections for the 10 best horizontal PC cases currently available on the market. To read a full review, simply click on ’review>>’ in the respective row.
Product | Image | Rating | |
1. Thermaltake Core P3 ''Best horizontal PC case overall'' |  | 9.8 | |
2. InWin Chopin SECC ''Best horizontal PC case runner-up'' |  | 9.7 | |
3. Cooler Master HAF XB EVO ''Best all-around horizontal case'' |  | 9.7 | |
4. Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L ''Best budget horizontal PC case'' |  | 9.6 | |
5. Thermaltake Core V21 ''Most innovative'' |  | 9.5 | |
6. Thermaltake Core G3 ''Editor's pick'' |  | 9.4 | |
7. SilverStone Technology SG13WB ''Most compact horizontal case'' |  | 9.4 | |
8. ASUS ROG Z11 ''Best premium horizontal PC case'' |  | 9.3 | |
9. SilverStone Technology GD09B ''Honorable mention'' |  | 9.2 | |
10. SilverStone Technology ML08B-H ''Honorable mention #2'' |  | 9.0 |
1. Thermaltake Core P3
Form factor: Mid-Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | Dimensions: 512 x 333 x 470 mm | Weight: 24.91 lb / 11.3 kg | Radiator Support: 120 mm, 140 mm, 240 mm, 280 mm, 360 mm, 420 mm | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic | Drive Bay Capacity: 2x 2.5″ or 2x 3.5″ (Outside the chassis), 2x 3.5″ or 2.5″ (Inside the chassis)
REASONS TO BUY
- Modular design
- Perfect for showcasing builds
- Flexibility for lots of builds
- Sturdy and durable build
- Lots of space for cable management
- Looks sharp in any orientation
- Excellent thermals
- Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Not for beginners
- Fewer options for air cooling
- Noisy by design
Our Rating: 9.8/10
You might be looking for more than just a nice horizontal PC case. Perhaps you need one that offers a lot of flexibility and showcasing potential. If you want something that looks good and you’ve already got a build or two under your belt, you should definitely consider the Thermaltake Core P3.
Right off the bat, let’s talk about the design of this case. There’s almost no plastic here. It’s built to last out of steel and tempered glass.
In addition, this is an open-air case with a modular metal frame, which is available in three colors (black, red, and white) and features four shiny metal posts holding a solid sheet of 5-millimeter glass. The tint of the tempered glass catches LED lights nicely if you are planning to incorporate those in your build.
Keep in mind that the case is designed to be used by an experienced builder, with a level of customization not usually seen at this price. The metal backing features panels, racks, brackets, and arrays, which are all removable and adjustable. If you have a unique idea for your next build and you need a solid base to put it into, the Core P3 will give you a ton of options.
Being modular, the Core P3 accommodates numerous motherboards, including Mini-ITX/DTX, microATX, and standard ATX boards. The Mini-ITX board will look pretty small on this frame, but again, if you have a unique build in mind, you’ll love the flexibility offered by Thermaltake here.
Aside from the customization, the Core P3 is clearly designed for liquid cooling. Thermaltake rates this case with the Tt LCS certification for extreme liquid cooling. The case supports radiators up to 420mm, and it also includes a mount for a pump, making it ideal for both AIO and custom liquid cooling. If you are planning a high-end build with lots of components, you will appreciate the space available for whatever cooling system you plan to use.
In terms of storage, the Core P3 will accommodate two hard drives (2.5” SSD or 3.5” HDD) hidden in the back of the casing. Furthermore, you can mount drives on the front to be visible, but you will be sacrificing the space for cooling. The front of the case can accommodate up to three HDD drives or four SSD drives.
The Core P3’s modular design is also reflected in the graphics card mount. Aside from traditional mounting, the case also includes a vertical mount option with a riser cable. If you are building with multiple graphics cards in mind, this case includes everything you need to get them up and running side by side.
In addition, the metal base for this case offers outstanding cable management. You will appreciate all the space available. One tip if you are planning to use this case horizontally: be sure to remove the wall mount plate on the inside. It will give you more space to hide cables, and it significantly reduces the weight of the case.
Keep in mind this is not a great case for beginners. The instructions are not always helpful, and the modular design doesn’t make things super clear once you take it all apart. If you are building with this case, you may need to turn to the support of the internet once or twice while you build.
Overall, the Thermaltake Core P3 is currently the best horizontal PC case for experienced builders wanting to showcase their build. You’ve got a ton of options for your rig and a case that will last for a long time to come. It’s not the easiest case to build in, but you’ll be pleased with the results once you’re done.
2. InWin Chopin SECC
Form factor: Mini-ITX Tower | Motherboard Support: mini-ITX | Dimensions: 276 x 120 x 275 mm | Weight: 4.8 lb / 2.2 kg | Radiator Support: No | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic | Drive Bay Capacity: 2x 2.5″
REASONS TO BUY
- Light and compact design
- Great value for the money
- Excellent build quality
- Great airflow
- Comes with a PSU
- Perfect portable case
- Looks like home theater equipment
REASONS TO AVOID
- Limited component options
- Not ideal for gaming PC
- No cable management
Our Rating: 9.7/10
There are lots of reasons to consider a horizontal PC case, but maybe you want something small as well. You could be looking to build a mini PC that can sit out of the way on your desk or in your living room. If you want the best mini horizontal PC case, then look no further than the InWin Chopin SECC.
The SECC is very sleek and sharp. Like a lot of cases that are designed for horizontal use, this case matches well with other home electronics. The solid aluminum panel up front has rounded corners, and the sides feature plenty of mesh venting. On top of that, the case feels sturdy and solid; however, it’s only available in black.
Dimension-wise, the SECC is one of the smallest cases on this list. It’s roughly as wide as a PlayStation 4 and not quite twice as tall. This is one of the best cases you can get for a home theater PC, as it won’t look out of place next to the rest of your electronics.
With its small size, you are going to be limited in your parts selection. This is a Mini-ITX/DTX case, and there really isn’t much room for a dedicated graphics card. You will want a processor with integrated graphics; otherwise, you will have trouble fitting a larger GPU in the case.
This limits your gaming options if you build with the SECC, but you can still get plenty of power from modern CPUs with integrated graphics. If you are building an emulation box for retro gaming, this case will fit everything you need.
Furthermore, you will save yourself some money with this case when it comes to your power supply. InWin includes a 150W power unit installed in the case. The SFX unit is rated for 80 PLUS Bronze, so it should meet the needs of most Mini-ITX builds.
It’s also worth noting that you won’t have many options for cooling in such a small case. There are no fans included and no space to mount them either. You are limited to the cooling on the CPU or the motherboard itself. Stock coolers included with modern processors should fit, but just barely.
You should consider spending a little extra to use a Noctua cooler since that can fit more easily. Noctua also offers free mounting upgrades for all their products, so you will be able to use the same cooler on your next build as well.
The case can be oriented vertically, but it is clearly designed to be a horizontal case. The I/O panel includes your standard jacks and two USB ports and is located on the large side of the case. That means the panel faces upwards when the case is horizontal.
InWin also includes four colored stickers (red, blue, lime green, and orange) if you want to customize the look. We prefer the standard black on the panel itself, but you’ll appreciate the options if you want the case to stand out a bit more.
At first glance, the price of this case might seem high on its own. When you consider the fact that this case also includes a power supply unit, it’s practically a steal. This is not a budget case, yet it’s absolutely worth a look for any budget PC build.
All that being said, this case is certainly not perfect. Cable management is non-existent on the SECC, making this a tough sell for first-time builders. If you can plan your build carefully, you shouldn’t have too much trouble since there isn’t room for a ton of components. Plus, while the included PSU is an added value to the case, it is not modular.
At the same time, the value offered here puts this case over the edge. You get a solid and sturdy little case that is worth the asking price alone, and it includes a PSU as well. For a home theater or low-end gaming PC, you really can’t get much better than what InWin is offering with the SECC.
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3. Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
Form factor: Mid-Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | Dimensions: 442 x 330 x 423 mm | Weight: 18.1 lb / 8.2 kg | Radiator Support: Up to 240mm | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic | Drive Bay Capacity: 4x 2.5″ or 4x 3.5″
REASONS TO BUY
- Durable construction
- Comes with two pre-installed fans
- Competitive pricing
- Good cable management
- Tool-less design
- Excellent airflow
- Easy to build in
- Space for nearly any build
- Highly portable
REASONS TO AVOID
- Large footprint
- No dust filters (only for PSU)
Our Rating: 9.7/10
The best all-around horizontal case would be one that offers plenty of customization, solid construction, and a decent price. The Cooler Master HAF XB EVO checks all those boxes and is ideal for just about any build, even the higher-end ones.
If you want a big, quality horizontal case, then look no further. Only available in black, the HAF XB is built to last out of solid steel, with just minimal plastic on the front panels. The HAF XB is designed to be portable, and it’s not as heavy as it looks, weighing in at 18 lbs.
Additionally, it includes two handles on either side for easy travel. So, if you’re building a PC to needs to be moved a lot, you will appreciate both the portability and sturdiness of this case.
Once you open the case, you’ll find you have a lot of options for your build. The side panels are removable, but more importantly, so is the motherboard tray. The HAF XB will accommodate ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX/DTX boards.
Given the modular nature of the case, you could use this as an entry-level test bench. The wide range of build options also makes this case perfect for first-time builders.
As far as cooling goes, you would expect good things from a company like Cooler Master. The front cover has a removable dust filter covering two 120mm fans, which are included. In addition, the top of the case can take a 200mm fan, but this is not included. Fortunately, the case is large enough to allow good airflow through the mesh grating on the sides.
In addition to that, you will get extra airflow thanks to the cable management offered in this case. The HAF XB is designed with a top and bottom chamber. The bottom chamber stores your power unit and drive bays.
There’s also a lot of room for cables, and the removable motherboard tray makes it easy to manage your build before you get the board in place. This case is easy to recommend if you are still a novice at building PCs.
As far as components go, you should have no problem fitting whatever you want in the case. The bottom compartment has four drive bays that will each fit 2.5” SSD or 3.5” HDD drives. Besides that, the case can fit a full ATX power supply, but you should consider a modular SFX unit since the PSU mount leaves very little room between the connectors and the drive bays.
As previously mentioned, the side panels are removable on this case. Cooler Master does make clear glass side panels available if you want to show off your build. This case has plenty of room in the motherboard compartment if you want to include some RGB components or a liquid cooling setup. If you are building a horizontal PC to show off, you have plenty of options to do so here.
That being said, we can see the look of the case being a drawback for some people. The HAF XB is designed to last, but this is also reflected in its appearance. This is a bulky block of a case that doesn’t necessarily fit the aesthetic of a home theater set-up. The case offers function more than form, so if the look of your rig is important, this may not be the one for you.
In terms of price, the HAF XB offers a pretty solid value. You get a large case that is going to last a long time, and it’s modular enough to work for any number of builds. The ease of access to every compartment means this case is perfect for first-time builders. If you are looking to build a high-end gaming rig, you should probably consider a full-sized tower anyway. For everyone else needing a horizontal PC case, this is a pretty easy one to recommend.
Overall, the Cooler Master HAF XB EVO is one of the best all-purpose horizontal PC cases on the market right now. You have countless options for your build, and it’s designed to make the process easy. Most importantly, you won’t have to spend a lot to get a quality foundation for your build.
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4. Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L
Form factor: Mini Tower | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | Dimensions: 387 x 230 x 381 mm | Weight: 8.15 lb / 3.7 kg | Radiator Support: Front 1x 120 mm or 240mm, Rear – 1x 120 mm | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic | Drive Bay Capacity: 2x 2.5″, 1x 3.5″
REASONS TO BUY
- Very affordable
- Good enough airflow
- Smooth edges
- Stylish design with acrylic side panel
- Well suited for horizontal use
- Decent space for a mini-tower case
- Decent cable management
REASONS TO AVOID
- I/O panel is not on the front
- No PSU shroud
- Less space for cooling and storage
Our Rating: 9.6/10
We’re sure there are some of you reading this that need to find a good horizontal PC case on a budget, and there are options for you. One of the options is the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L, a small, stylish case that can be positioned both vertically and horizontally.
Let’s start with the look of the Q300L. The simple black metal frame has angled corners, and the front cover has a geometric design built into the magnetic dust filter. This cover is replicated on the top of the case, and both filters are easily removable for cleaning.
The side of the case is covered with an acrylic panel that is easily removable. In addition to that, the I/O panel is also located on the side and can be oriented in one of six different ways. Keep in mind that rotating the panel will also require a rotation of the wiring. So be sure to plan accordingly before you start your build if you get the Q300L.
Depending on your build, this may be a real headache. Having the power, USB plugs, and headphone/microphone jacks on the side could be an inconvenience. In addition to that, this case has rubber feet on the side to accommodate laying the case flat. Cooler Master seems to be aiming at horizontal builds with a deep case that offers some nice quality-of-life features.
That being said, you will have some limitations for your build with this case. This is a Mini Tower, and the microATX or Mini-ITX/DTX motherboards will be required. Modern-day mini-ITX boards still have plenty of functionality, but you are going to face limits in terms of your components.
In terms of power supply, you can fit a standard ATX power supply in here. You are probably still better off with a modular SFX unit, though. Cable management is not a big issue, but given the limited hard drive space, you could find yourself with a lot of unused SATA cables to tuck away.
Speaking of space, you won’t have room for more than one 3.5” HDD drive or two 2.5” SSD drives. There is space behind the motherboard where you can mount the HDD, and this also allows for some generous cable management. If you need a lot of drive space for your build, you will want to look elsewhere, but for a standard desktop build, you should have no problem.
In terms of limitations, the Q300L is designed for airflow cooling primarily. You could theoretically set up a liquid cooling system, but it would be too tight for much else. This shouldn’t be a problem unless you are building a high-end gaming rig. If that’s what you are building, you should be getting a bigger case anyway.
Besides that, the I/O panel on the side could be a deal-breaker for a lot of people, and you’re going to have some limitations in terms of what parts you pick. If you are on a tight budget though, this case should work fine.
But as far as value is concerned, you’re getting a lot with the Q300L. The price is completely reasonable, and the case is sturdy and big enough for a lot of build types. If you are just starting out with building your first PC, you could do a lot worse than the Q300L.
All in all, if you want a great budget horizontal PC case, you should check out the Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L. It’s a quality, good-looking case with a fair price tag and enough space to build a high-performing rig.
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5. Thermaltake Core V21
Form factor: Mini Tower | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | Dimensions: 336 x 320 x 424 mm | Weight: 14.3 lb / 6.5 kg | Radiator Support: Front – 1x 120 mm or 1x 240 mm, Top – 2x 120 mm or 2x 240 mm, Rear – 1x 120 mm, Sides – 1x 120 mm or 1x 240 mm | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic | Drive Bay Capacity: 3x 2.5″, 3x 3.5″ or 2.5″
REASONS TO BUY
- Modular design
- Stackable
- Comes with a 200mm fan pre-installed
- Lots of customization available
- Competitive pricing
- Enough space for virtually any build
- Lots of support for cooling
- Viable for liquid cooling
REASONS TO AVOID
- Poor cable management
- Not for beginner builders
- Disappointing build quality
Our Rating: 9.5/10
If you need a bigger horizontal PC case but you still want options for customization, this could be the case for you. The Thermaltake Core V21 offers a lot of space, but that space isn’t always used the best way.
Some of the other cases on this list can be oriented vertically as well, but that’s not an option here. The Core V21 is cube-shaped and designed to be fat and flat. It’s also stackable, should you need more than one case. The bottom panel has four feet, and the other three sides are modular. Additionally, two of the panels feature magnetic dust filters, while the third is acrylic glass.
This is a case that’s designed to offer customization options. The panels can be swapped around so the clear panel can be on either side or at the top. The I/O panel can be removed with a single screw and rotated to one of four locations, and it also rotates to accommodate the I/O controls in any configuration. Thermaltake even made their front logo magnetic so you can rotate it to match the panel’s orientation.
In addition to that, the motherboard tray can also be used horizontally or vertically. The Core V21 will fit a microATX or Mini-ITX board, but you’ll be surprised by the amount of space on offer here. This is a big case, so if you have lots of plans for your next build, you will like the options offered here.
Speaking of space, the bottom of the case offers a storage cage for your drives. This mount will fit up to three drives of either size (2.5” SSD or 3.5” HDD) and is removable if you need extra space for cable management. Additionally, the case has three removable bays that can fit a 2.5” drive. This gives you room for up to six hard drives.
You also have plenty of space for whatever cooling options you prefer. The included front fan works well and is pretty quiet. The modular side panels can accommodate up to nine fans if you really need them. At the same time, this case is certified Tt LCS by Thermaltake for extreme liquid cooling, supporting up to 240mm radiators.
If you’re looking for value, this is a pretty good case for the price. For the money, it’s nice and roomy, so you can still build a decent rig. At the same time, it’s not a great case for a first-time builder. There’s a significant problem in terms of cable management.
There are just three tie-down points in the main chamber of this case, and the cable storage is all located at the bottom. As a result, you will likely end up with wires passing over your board. Cooling becomes more difficult as a result of this, so you will need to plan ahead with your build.
If this is your first time building a PC, you will likely struggle with getting everything nice and snug.
Furthermore, there is a pretty glaring design flaw with the Core V21’s modular side panels. While you can put the clear panel on the side of the case, this will just expose all of the cables stuffed in the bottom. If appearances are going to be important for your build, this could be a problem as well.
Experienced builders can work around these shortcomings, but it still makes the Thermaltake Core V21 hard to recommend to everyone. There are some good customization features included in this case, but the price reflects some of the shortcuts taken in the design. However, if these are not dealbreakers to you, then this is still a very solid horizontal PC case, especially for the money.
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6. Thermaltake Core G3
Form factor: Slim ATX | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | Dimensions: 454 x 140 x 371 mm | Weight: 9.3 lb / 4.2 kg | Radiator Support: 1x 240mm | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic | Drive Bay Capacity: 2x 2.5″ or 2x 3.5″
REASONS TO BUY
- Can fit up to an ATX motherboard
- Comes with two fans pre-installed
- Budget-friendly price
- Decent storage space
- Sharp, simple design
- Good for first-timers
- Super compact when positioned horizontally
- Quality construction
REASONS TO AVOID
- Lack of cable management
- Limited space
Our Rating: 9.4/10
You may be looking for a quality case that won’t break your budget. If you need a big case for your big components but still want something that will look good laying horizontally, take a look at the Thermaltake Core G3
The look of this case should fit almost any needs. The design is simple and rectangular, with black steel mesh on the short sides. You also get a single clear acrylic panel to show off your build. Weirdly enough, the panel is on the opposite side that most cases place it on. This won’t be a problem if you are using the case horizontally.
One thing you will notice immediately is the size. This case is not as small as some of the others on this list, but it is still pretty compact. When laid horizontally, this case is not very tall at all (less than six inches), meaning it will work well for a living room or home theater PC.
Once you open the Core G3, you will find a fairly straightforward case. Despite its small size, this case will fit a standard ATX motherboard.
You will have a bit of a tight fit once you get everything inside, but you should be able to fit standard-size components in with ease. In addition, this little case will accommodate just about any graphics card you want to use, thanks to the included riser cable.
In terms of cooling, the case includes two 120mm fans installed on the front, underneath the I/O panel. These fans run a little loud but are overall decent for what is basically a free product. You could also get a 240mm radiator in here, should you decide on liquid cooling for your CPU.
Next to the PSU mount, you will find the two drive bays. You’ve got space for two drives of either size (HDD or SSD), but that’s all. If you are looking to build a small PC to use as a server, this case will probably not work for you. For most builds, though, two hard drives should be more than enough.
Lastly, there is one issue that will definitely come up during your build, and that is cable management, or lack thereof, in this case. You’ve got no space to hide cables behind the motherboard. There are no tie-down points on the case itself.
If you get this case, you will need to get some good cable ties or adhesive tie-downs. Plan out your build so you can minimize the cables passing over your motherboard. Otherwise, you will lose a lot of airflow for your system’s cooling.
When it comes to price, the Core G3 delivers a good value. The case isn’t too expensive and is big enough to accommodate a lot of build types. First-time builders should take a good look at this case since its big, open design makes things pretty straightforward, and the price is very reasonable.
Overall, there are not really a lot of bad things to say about Thermaltake’s Core G3. The case is solid, easy to build in, and comes at a cost that should fit most budgets. If you are careful with your cables, this is one of the best horizontal PC cases you can get.
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7. SilverStone Technology SG13WB
Form factor: Minit-ITX | Motherboard Support: mini-ITX | Dimensions: 222 x 181 x 285 mm | Weight: 5.44 lb / 2.47 kg | Radiator Support: 120mm, 140mm | I/O Ports: 1x USB 3.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic, 1x USB Type-C | Drive Bay Capacity: 1x 2.5″, 1x 3.5″ (compatible with 2x 2.5″)
REASONS TO BUY
- Reasonably priced
- High-quality construction
- Good airflow
- Very compact
- Simple, clean design
- Great connectivity
REASONS TO AVOID
- Limited cooling and storage options
- Advanced planning required
- Too small for first-timers
- No pre-installed fans
Our Rating: 9.4/10
There are lots of reasons to build a small PC. Sometimes, you just need something smaller due to limited space. If you can be careful with your build, the SilverStone SG13WB could work for your next mini PC.
This case is advertised as being small, but it’s even smaller than it looks in the pictures. The whole case is about the size of a large shoebox. It can only be oriented horizontally, and the overall form of the SG12WB is simple and stocky. It’s available in a variety of colors, including white, black, and even pink.
You will have room for your components, and that’s about it. There’s not much room for extras, like LED lighting or liquid cooling. Also, if you plan to build a PC that you want to show off, this is probably not the case for you.
The design of the SG12WB is fairly straightforward overall. Just a simple covering on the front and steel with some mesh grating on the top and sides. The package includes two coverings for the front. One is mesh to allow for more airflow, while the other is solid to keep the case quieter. If you want a small, unobtrusive case, this is one you should consider.
Given the small size of this case, you will be limited in terms of your components. The SG12WB will only accommodate Mini-ITX/DTX motherboards. Additionally, you will be limited to graphics cards shorter than 10.6 inches. If you already have components you are looking to build with, the SG12WB may not be able to fit your needs.
SilverStone says the case can accommodate a standard ATX power supply, but this will force you to remove the two drive bays at the top of the case. This means you would be limited to a single 2.5” SSD drive should you use the ATX PSU. You will need to use a modular SFX power unit if you want access to all the available hard drive space.
It’s also worth mentioning the limitations in cooling options. While the SG12WB offers decent airflow in its design, there are no pre-installed fans. There are also no dust filters on any of the sides. You have space for a single 120mm or 140mm fan, or you can install an AIO liquid cooler.
Keep in mind that if you use a 140mm fan, you will also have to remove the drive bays up top and sacrifice two hard drive slots. You also won’t be able to use a graphics card longer than about eight inches.
With that in mind, this case will work great for you if you plan your build carefully. There’s room in the case to fit a surprising amount of components. If you build in the right order, you can get some decent cable management in the case, but there is also a distinct lack of tie-down points.
In terms of value, SilverStone offers a decent product for the price. There are no bells and whistles to speak of here, just a small and simple horizontal case. You’ll have a limited selection of your parts, but this can also help keep costs down. If you are looking to build a gaming PC for roughly the same price as a new game console, this case could work for you.
That being said, if you’re a first-time builder, this case might give you some problems. In efforts to cut costs, SilverStone has not included any tools with the case. There are also no instructions in the box, as the manual is only available online.
As we mentioned before, if you don’t plan your build carefully, you are going to run into problems with cable management. For a first-time builder, we would probably recommend looking at one of the bigger cases on this list.
In the end, the SilverStone SG12WB is a solid little case. You’ll be surprised by what you can fit inside such a small box as long as you know what you’re getting into. Plan your build accordingly, and this case will meet your needs. Plus, you can save some money as well.
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8. ASUS ROG Z11
Form factor: Mini Tower | Motherboard Support: mini-ITX | Dimensions: 194 x 531 x 386 mm | Weight: 19.24 lb / 8.73 kg | Radiator Support: 120mm, 240mm | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.2, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.2 Type-C | Drive Bay Capacity: 4x 2.5″, 1x 3.5″ or 2.5″
REASONS TO BUY
- Looks impressive
- High-quality construction
- Excellent airflow
- Very spacious for a mini-tower
- Can accommodate large GPUs
- Excellent connectivity
- Good cable management
- Comes with a PWM fan hub
REASONS TO AVOID
- Very expensive
- Limited motherboard options
Our Rating: 9.3/10
If you have extra room in your budget and are looking for a horizontal PC case with aggressive gaming aesthetics, the ASUS ROG Z11 is one of the very few that will meet your expectations.
The look of this case stands out right away. It is big and angular, with lots of sharp lines and edges. You have a dark tempered glass covering one side completely, with an additional glass panel on the front next to the I/O panel. The rest of the case is constructed with solid black aluminum.
In addition, the case includes built-in RGB lighting that can be synced with ASUS Aura Sync software. It looks great in combination with the design, making it an ideal horizontal case for gamers.
That being said, this is an awfully big design for a strictly Mini-ITX/DTX compatible case. You’ll have plenty of room for additional components and cooling, but otherwise, it’s hard to see why this case needed to be so big. ASUS does advertise the size as being advantageous for a few components, but let’s look a little closer at those claims.
The ROG Z11 advertises space for up to five fans, with three fans included in the case. You can put in a 240mm radiator on one end, but this means you have to remove brackets for two SSD drives. You will still have space for one HDD or two SSDs even if you use the radiator mounts.
The size of the case does allow you to use an AIO cooling system as well. If you are planning to use the case horizontally, you’ll be pleased to know that it offers better airflow that way. This keeps your whole rig running smoother right out of the box.
Speaking of airflow, we should talk about one of the most unique features of the ROG Z11. The board mounting is angled at eleven degrees, meaning your board and components are tilted inside. This is designed to offer better airflow to the entire system. It also gives you additional cable management behind the motherboard tray.
In addition, you can easily fit a full-size ATX power supply in the case. There’s also an included bracket should you decide to use an SFX power block instead. ASUS gives you a little more cable space in the bottom by slightly extending the power block brackets in the back. Regardless of your PSU choice, you should have no issues getting them installed in the ROG Z11.
That being said, building inside this case is reasonably easy. ASUS includes plenty of tools, including a screwdriver and zip ties. The inside of the case also has velcro tie-down points as well. You will still need to plan out your build a bit to maximize cable storage, but the ROG Z11 makes it all fairly straightforward.
If you have big plans for your next build, the ROG Z11 has another feature that you might find attractive. Inside the case, you’ll find an extension hub for connecting a bunch of your components. The hub offers six four-pin connectors, three five-volt headers, and two interior USB ports.
This means you can hook up your cooling and lighting directly to the case. That saves you space on your Mini-ITX/DTX board, so you can still add a lot to your rig.
While the design and ease of installation might be attractive to gamers, there is one significant drawback. That would be the price. While this is a high-quality case with lots of extras, it is significantly more expensive than just about any other mini case. You are getting a lot for what you pay here, but it’s up to you to decide if the ROG Z11 can fit your budget.
When it’s all said and done, the ASUS ROG Z11 appeals to a pretty small audience. This is certainly a great high-end horizontal case, but you shouldn’t be as limited in your build options for what you’re paying here. If you like paying for the best and showing it off, then this is the case for you. Everyone else will probably find another case on this list that fits their needs (and budget) a lot better.
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9. SilverStone Technology GD09B
Form factor: Mid-Tower | Motherboard Support: SSI-CEB, ATX, Micro-ATX | Dimensions: 440 x 170 x 358 mm | Weight: 9.25 lb / 4.2 kg | Radiator Support: 120mm | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic | Drive Bay Capacity: 2x 3.5″ or 2.5″, 1x 5.25″
REASONS TO BUY
- Fits in with home theater equipment
- Wide-open interior
- Space for an optical drive
- Decent connectivity
- Quality build
REASONS TO AVOID
- The price doesn’t feel right
- Lack of cooling options
- Not for beginners
- Very small for a mid-tower
- Basic design
Our Rating: 9.2/10
Horizontal cases are commonly used for living room computers. You want something that will take up less room and fit in with the rest of your theater or audio equipment. For this particular scenario, we should take a look at the SilverStone GD09B.
Let’s talk about the look of this case upfront. SilverStone is clearly aiming at the home theater (or HTPC) builds, and the case is only able to be used horizontally. The brushed black metal look on the front, and a simple black box mean this case is not exactly built for showing off.
You don’t even have the option for a clear panel if you want to put any lighting in your rig. The look of the GD09B is much more in line with a home audio system than it is on a desktop PC. Obviously, you are welcome to use this case for your desktop build as long as you know what you’re getting into.
Once you get the case open, you will find a lot of room. The GD09B does not compartmentalize the interior at all, so you have space for a standard ATX motherboard. There are no mounting options for a smaller board. If you want a simple and straightforward build, this case will fit your needs.
Going back to the options for an HTPC, the GD09B includes a 5.25” drive bay. This means you can include a disc drive if you so choose. Otherwise, if you don’t need an optical drive, the bay will also accommodate a single HDD or two SSD drives. You can also get up to two additional HDD or SSD drives in the case itself.
At the same time, the GD09B offers minimal cooling options out of the box. It includes a single 120mm fan with room for three more. Keep in mind that you will have to sacrifice one of those fan slots if you want to use the aforementioned optical drive slot. Given the limited options available, you would be best off with a 120mm AIO cooler.
Additionally, the case has support for full-size ATX power supplies. However, you may be better off with a longer, modular power unit. The GD09B offers very little in the way of cable management, so a smaller PSU will give you a little extra room to route your cables.
Speaking of which, there are some drawbacks to the design of the GD09B. The inside casing is wide open, which gives you flexibility while also sacrificing organization. If this is your first time building a PC, you may want to look at a case that has the interior more streamlined. At the same time, an experienced builder will appreciate the options available for your build.
Being an older case, the GD09B will run into compatibility issues with a few more modern components. If you plan to use the optical drive, you will not be able to fit a stock cooler on top of an AMD processor. Most graphic cards should fit here, but some of the newer, thicker GPUs will be too big.
There’s also the matter of the price. The GD09B is targeted at the consumer building something for their living room. Given its unique design in that sense, the price is a little too high for such a basic case. You can consider whether the cost is worth it for the rig you want to build, but for most of us, there are better cases to be had for less.
There’s no doubt this case is meant for a very specific shopper. If you are building a gaming or productivity PC, there’s not much reason to recommend the SilverStone GD09B. If you are looking for a horizontal case for a media center PC, this is a very viable option.
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10. SilverStone Technology ML08B-H
Form factor: Mini-ITX | Motherboard Support: mini-ITX | Dimensions: 380 x 87 x 370 mm | Weight: 7.05 lb / 3.2 kg | Radiator Support: No | I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x HD Audio/Mic | Drive Bay Capacity: 2x 2.5″
REASONS TO BUY
- Small case for portability
- Decent build options
- Solid airflow
- Good for productivity PC
REASONS TO AVOID
- Could be cheaper
- Tough to build in
- Loses airflow when horizontal
Our Rating: 9.0/10
Sometimes you need to be flexible. You need to build a PC that will work wherever you need it to work. For a smaller build that can fit in pretty much anywhere, you should consider the SilverStone ML08.
The ML08 is a slim black case with a closed design. You won’t have as many options with your build if you’re using this case. You will, however, get something light, small, and highly portable if that’s what you need. The case even includes a removable handle.
The ML08 supports Mini-ITX/DTX boards and can support graphics cards up to thirteen inches long. The case is designed with separate compartments for the CPU and the GPU. The case also features airflow cooling panels on both sides to accommodate each separate compartment.
With this in mind, you can get a lot of power into this case. More modern ITX boards feature top-of-the-line compression, allowing for more modules. If you plan to use the case horizontally, you can also leave the top of the case open to give yourself more space.
At the same time, you will have limited space for graphics cards. It’s not too small though, so you should have no problem as long as you aren’t trying to squeeze more than one GPU into your build. Of course, if you aren’t using a dedicated graphics card, this won’t be an issue anyway.
The ML08 is designed for air cooling. There are no additional fan slots on the case, so you will be limited to cooling options built into your components. Keep in mind that if you are using this case horizontally, then you will need to cover one of the cooling panels on the side. Again, if you are not using a dedicated graphics card, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Furthermore, the size of the ML08 will limit your choices in power supply units. The case will only support SFX power bricks. Also, you won’t have room for more than one. Again, this is only really going to be a problem if you are trying to build a high-end gaming rig, which you shouldn’t be doing with this case anyway.
All of that being said, there are some issues that put the ML08 at the bottom of this list. The slim design of the case makes it difficult to build. On top of that, cable management is nearly non-existent here. If you are looking to get a lot into a small space, you might have some problems with this case.
There’s also the matter of price. If you want a mini case, you could spend a lot less and get a bit more room. The ML08 is designed to be portable, but the included handle is not very comfortable to hold onto anyway. The interior design limits your build options, and unless you really like the slim look of this case, you could do better for less.
All in all, the SilverStone ML08 is a nice little case that will give you a decent amount of options while also limiting your build in a number of ways. For a mid-range build, you could probably do a little better on price. However, if you’re looking for a very compact, lightweight horizontal case, the ML08 is a great option.
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