Usually, desktops and PCs aren’t really for someone who tends to travel a lot. But, there’s a solution to that. Enter Portable PC Cases with handles. These cases make attending LAN parties super easy. Now, you don’t have to worry about bad performance! You can simply carry your PC to LAN parties with the help of these portable cases.
In this article, we have compiled a list of our picks for the 5 best portable PC cases that you can purchase in 2020. Our picks are based on specifications, use, price, and reviews.
Our Picks For The 5 Best Portable PC Cases In 2020
#1: Cooler Master HAF XB EVO
The Cooler Master HAF XB EVO is the best solution for someone who travels a lot. This case was released in 2013. How can a case that is old still be relevant today? Well, the thing is that this is one of the best LAN boxes out there. You’ll find out why.
The Cooler Master HAF XB EVO is a multi-purpose PC case with a handle. It comes with the benefit of great portability. That also means that it can be used for almost everything. You can create a LAN box, make your home theater PC, and if you’re someone who enjoys overclocking, you can turn it into a test bench.
As for the design, you could say that it’s one of its drawbacks. That still doesn’t mean that it’s one of the worst PC cases when it comes to design. Depending on what you prefer, you might actually like this case. Now back to its benefits.
It comes with two separate compartments, one can be used for storing a PSU, and can also act as a storage device. The second one is large enough to store your motherboard, processor, graphics card, and a few other components that could generate heat.
Now, the front side has two 120mm fans, which, if you want, you can replace with 140 mm fans. They’re located behind a large mesh grille, and there’s a USB 3.0 port beneath this grill. There’s also a headphone jack, mic jack, reset button, and power button beneath this grill.
It also contains removable panels on both the right and left sides, and that’s also where the handle is located. The case features a PSU mounting bracket, which can help your power supply extend from the rear end of the case. It’ll also help you with cable management.Â
The motherboard tray and the top side of the case are removable. It comes with a mesh grille, so you can install 200 mm fans as well.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- DIMENSIONS: 16.70 x 17.40 x 13.00 in
- WEIGHT: 18.10 lbs.
#2: SilverStone ML08
This case is also a multi-purpose case. It is sort of similar to the previous one, but not it looks. It is significantly more compact. That doesn’t necessarily make it bad for gaming. It has a vertical design, which a handle on its top side.
It’s made with reinforced plastic and steel. It’s nicely vented, with plastic dust-filtering vents on each side. This case doesn’t feature fans on the inside, so those vents are essential. The front side of the case has the reset and power buttons, as well as audio jacks, and two USB 3.0 ports. The rear has a motherboard cutout.
Its interior is divided into two areas. You can store your graphics card in one, and the rest of the components in the other. The graphics card length is limited to 330 mm. And the CPU cooling support is limited to 58 mm. You can choose between SFX-L AND SFX for the power supply.
Now, the drive cage is toolless, so it’ll speed things up when it comes to assembling, as well as disassembling. This model has a noticeable lack of fans, as well as limited CPU coolers support. That’s the only drawback this case has. It has a great toolless SSD assembly, good cable routing, a sensible price, as well as dust filters.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- DIMENSIONS: 14.57 x 14.96 x 3.43 in
- WEIGHT: 7.5 lbs.
#3: MasterCase MC500Mt
The MasterCase MC400Mt, is a pretty modern and professional-looking model, with a sleek front panel. It even has tempered glass on the side. So, if you’re someone who likes to show off his components, then this is the case for you. Now, these glass panels are set in place by special, drop-resistant brackets, so your components stay safe while transporting.
The handle is located on the top of the case, and it comes with special built-in GPU holders that can support the weight of the GPU. So, it won’t put extra stress on your PCI-E slot, or fall out. This model provides the best protection for your components. You can carry it around safely, without any risk of damaging your components.
It also uses the Free-Form modular system by Cooler Master, providing the utmost simplicity when it comes to swapping the panels or customizing them. The front of the case also provides an impressive I/O, which includes as many as three USB 3.0 ports, a single USB 3.1 Type-C port, as well as buttons that control the RGB and fan speed.
It may not be the best portable option, but it has excellent airflow. It supports most of the motherboards, including full-size ATX, and some e-ATX, and you have the option to add several expansion cards, drives, and the like. It may be large and heavy, but it’s very customizable.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- DIMENSIONS: 25.19 x 12.99 x 26.85 in
- WEIGHT: 37.8 lbs.
MasterCase MC500Mt
#4: BitFenix Prodigy M
The BitFenix Prodigy M is the original prodigy case’s successor, and it’s easily among the best for mATX. It comes in multiple colors. It’s firm and sturdy, and there is no lack of steel when it comes to this case. It does have a bit of plastic, Fyberflex composite feet on the bottom, and a handle on the top.Â
The I/O panel in this case is located on its right side instead of the front like in most cases. It comes with standard audio jacks, a power button, a reset button, and two USB 3.0 ports. It has decent cooling as it comes with a 120 mm fan, that’s located on the bottom. You can also add an extra fan if you want to.
You have the option to add a 200 mm, or a 230 mm fan, but you’ll have to take out the smaller fan that comes with the case. You can fit in two 120 mm fans on the top and a pre-installed 120 mm fan on the rear.
You could even replace the last one with a 140 mm fan. It has about five PCIe slots where you can install the micro-ATX motherboard. The case features one 5.25’ drive-bay that’s easily removable and also has three 2.5’ drive-bays, as well as two 3.5’ drive-bays. You could even slot in another 2.5’ drive, so that makes a total of five.
As for the drawbacks, you won’t be able to rely on toolless installations. Its handles aren’t quite sturdy, or at least they don’t look like they are. And the wiring on the side panels might be somewhat short.
But, the case can support two graphics cards and a massive 240 mm-large radiator support. So, it all comes down to you, the choice you make.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- DIMENSIONS: 14.14 x 9.85 x 16.00 in
- WEIGHT: 13.67 lbs.
BitFenix Prodigy M
#5: Corsair Graphite Series 380T
The last one on the list is the Corsair Graphite Series 380T. The sides and the front of this case are made specifically to improve airflow, and it the mesh that the sides and the front form can work as a filter, keeping your PC from catching too much dust. The air has a free pass and keeps the case nice and cool.
The case contains a total of five fans, and you can mount them in the rear, front, and sides. You can install a 200 mm fan in the front, a 140 mm fan, or two 120 mm fans. You can mount 120 mm fans on the side, or if you want, you can install a 240 mm radiator if you prefer water cooling.
The rear mount supports a 120 mm fan. You can control these fans with a controller that’s located on the front of the case. You can use it to set the cooling speed of the fans. Hence, giving you the option to make it quiet, or super-efficient but louder depending on what tasks you’re using the PC for.
The remaining parts of the case are pretty customizable, and the front panel comes off. Making it easier for you to organize your components. The side panels can also be folded open, providing you with quick and easy access to every component.
Removing these panels even makes it easier to reach the internal metal frame of the case, so mounting new hardware is really easy. Even though it’s a mini-ITX case, you can still fit in a full-size GPU and a PSU. The case is super compact, and easy to transport, with exceptional cooling abilities, and lots of drive bays despite its small size.
SPECIFICATIONS:
- DIMENSIONS: 15.60 x 11.50 x 14.00 in
- WEIGHT: 12.20 lbs.
Corsair Graphite Series 380T
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a portable PC case to carry around with you when traveling, this article is where your search ends. All of the above-mentioned PC cases are durable, premium-quality, and portable. Why even purchase a laptop when you can take your PC anywhere you go? We hope this article assisted you in opting for a portable PC case that suits your requirements.