The 10 Best Quiet PC Cases for a Silent PC Build
Guiding you through the quietest PC cases for all shapes, sizes, and budgets
We updated this article in June 2022, reviewing some of the new cases on the market. Our top picks remain the same this time, but we’ve highlighted some alternatives for our picks that have run into occasional stock issues over 2022.
Hear that?
It’s the wonderful sound of a silent PC case!
Years ago, having a loud computer was almost a boast point; “check out my huge, high-RPM fans through my thin case window!” one would shout over the sound of their jet-engine PC.
Thankfully, today, there has been an emergence of really great cases that focus on various noise-dampening methods. Padding/insulation, modular components to reduce fans/vibrating parts, and other features combine into a desktop that is capable of outputting extremely low decibels when you are idling or even testing the computer to its limits.
Whether it’s for home theatre (HTPC), gaming, streaming, video editing, or music/studio production, here are the best quiet PC cases available after our extensive cases reviews (including deep-dives in decibel/cooling benchmarking).
7
Alternative ATX Pick
Corsair Carbide Series 678C Low-Noise Case
Our Rating: 8.5/10
Fractal Design Define 7
Overall Best Silent PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS*
Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 185mm | GPU Length Clearance: 315mm | Dimensions: 547 x 240 x 475 mm | Weight: 13.5kg | Radiator Support: 360mm | Fan Mounts: 9
REASONS TO BUY
+ Fantastic sound isolation
+ High-quality/sturdy
+ Great internal layout for cooling & parts
+ Beautiful look
REASONS TO AVOID
What a fantastic chassis this is.
The latest version in a long line of excellent mid-towers from the best silence-focused brand, the Define 7 is unmatched in its ability to balance low-decibels and cooling.
The assumption with a silent case is that you are having to sacrifice a great deal in the way of airflow and heat management for the quietest performance.
But the Define 7 has an excellent track record of ranking very well in component heat tests (often out-scoring many other cases that are much louder!).
The sound dampening panels covering most of the chassis offer excellent low-decibel levels during idling and high loads (often benchmarking as one of the quietest PC cases in tests against the notable competitors).
The chassis comes with 3 pre-installed Fractal fans designed for low noise output.
If your heart is set on water-cooling, the Define 7 has a fantastic setup and radiator space to cater to you. We’ve seen builds in all sorts of shapes and sizes accomplished in the D7.
Source: Hubwest
The Define 7 has all the usual features you’d expect in a high-quality PC case; lots of space for HDDs/SSDs, large enough to fit nearly all GPUs (but be sure to check based on your size requirements, we have larger cases reviewed below) and a decent front I/O panel that includes a USB 3.1 Type-C, 2 x USB2.0, 2 x USB3.0 & headphone/mic ports.
The case boasts great customization, with plenty of modular parts like its 6 universal drive trays that you can remove or reposition depending on the need of your components, airflow, and cabling. This is one of the many reasons we rate the case so highly in the pursuit of maximizing quietness as unused trays/cages can often result in slightly more vibration.
If you are willing to sacrifice a few decibels for more airflow you can install up to 9 140mm fans (though most builds will be completely fine using just the 3 included).
The non-window version also boasts a gorgeous minimalist aesthetic and allows for maximum noise-reduction. If you want to show off your parts and go for the windowed version, its still going to be notably more quiet than other windowed cases as it boasts a thick tempered glass panel (and all of the other features that make the Define 7 quiet).
It’s true that the case is on the expensive side, but if you’re serious about making a quiet build, this is the best silent PC case on the market overall and we think it’s worth the investment; especially when you consider the high-quality fans included and very long lifespan you can expect with the excellent build quality.
Like the case but seeing it out of stock or looking for something a tad cheaper? The R5 version is an excellent alternative (the R6 is also great, but a very similar iteration of the R5 while often costing significantly more on price checks). We also feature smaller Fractal cases in this list that run cheaper if you can build your PC compactly.
2022 mid-year update: The Define 7 remains our top pick for 2.5 years running. We recommend the Define R5 just as much for users who don’t need the enormous space the Define 7 boasts (feature in our best cases of 2022 article).
Be Quiet! Silent Base 802
Runner-Up Best Silent PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 185mm | GPU Length Clearance: 432mm | Dimensions: 539 x 281 x 553mm | Weight: 13.2kg | Radiator Support: 420mm | Fan Mounts: 7
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great sound dampening
+ Solid build quality
+ Plenty of modularity/customization
REASONS TO AVOID
Very close behind the Define 7 is one of the latest Be Quiet! models, the only brand to rival Fractal in noise cancellation.
The German-made Silent Base 802 performs excellently in both heat and noise tests, with 3 140mm Pure Wings 2 Be Quiet! fans pre-installed. It boasts an impressive array of modular customization with its HDD/SSD trays and removable insulation mats should you desire a boost in cooling over quietness. The 802 essentially has everything you need to get a quiet build up and running off the bat.
Some users have reported problems with previous versions of the case fitting their larger components (such as E-ATX builds) however the dimensions of the 802 seem apt for a majority of mid-range builds (just make sure to check the dimensions with your specific parts before purchasing).
One great feature of the 802 is the fan controller switch on the top of the case (giving easy access to different speeds and an “auto” setting). This is great for those users who want to have more control over their fans (e.g. maximize speeds while gaming, but minimize while recording/watching content). There is plenty of good software for fan control though, so if you’re interested in another case on this list, not having the physical button isn’t a big deal, it’s more of a “nice-to-have”.
Source: Gioriv
The 802 is an improved iteration of the previous 801 version that was received excellently.
The main differences between the Silent Base 802 and 801 are better ports on the I/O panel (now includes USB type-C) and a nice touch for the front panel. We like that both a mesh and solid panel cover are included. This means you can choose whether to have a slightly better airflow or slightly lower noise depending on your needs.
With that said, if you happen to be interested in the 802 but it’s out of stock or expensive, the 801 is a great alternative if the above differences don’t bother you too much.
When ranking the 802 versus the Define 7 and R5, the Fractal Design choices perform slightly better in most decibel benchmarks and temperature ratings for CPU, GPU, and storage (both idle and high-load) which is why we give the edge to Fractal.
That being said, it’s still a close race. If you prefer the design or something else the 802 offers over the Define 7 or R5, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed in choosing this case.
Corsair 100R Silent Edition
Best Budget Quiet PC Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Mid Tower | Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 150mm | GPU Length Clearance: 414mm | Dimensions: 471 x 200 x 430mm | Weight: 4.8kg | Radiator Support: 120mm | Fan Mounts: 5
REASONS TO BUY
+ Fantastic value
+ Plenty of space for a budget build
+ Still performs decently for quiet & cooling
REASONS TO AVOID
For a sub-$100 case, the 100R is a very impressive mid-tower value option.
One 120mm fan is included and a maximum of 5 can be installed (we would recommend at least buying a second fan to give yourself manageable airflow, more if you plan on overclocking or running a bulky gaming/editing rig).
The 100R comes with the usual power/audio buttons and USB ports (just 2) on the front with all the HDD/SSD/Universal Drive support you are likely to need on a budget build.
Source: Mybooo
With a lower price comes fewer features. There is little in the way of modularity for the various drive bays compared to our top Fractal/Be Quiet! picks (meaning more risk of vibration and a less “clean” internal setup). Some of the general build quality is less impressive than the more expensive cases on this list (e.g. plastic thumb screws and cheaper quality noise-dampening panels)
That being said, for the price point, the case still manages to output low noise levels over many other popular budget PC cases. If you’re a new builder, some of the modular options available in pricier options may be more than you need. The 100R will be quick and easy to get up and running even if it isn’t the quietest.
A common question is what case wins in a battle between the Corsair 100R vs 200R. Bear in mind that while the 200R comes with some marginally improved features/cooling, it’s not a case focused on noise-canceling (there’s a reason the 100R is called the “silent edition”!). The 200R is a good case, but if noise-cancellation is your goal, we would stick to the 100R.
You’re not going to get the same silence and quality as the Define 7 or Silent Base 802, but if you are on a budget, this is a great option for a cheaper quiet build.
2022 mid-year update: The 100R is still a great pick, but we see it go through stock shortages and occasionally sold by third-party sellers well above the RRP. If the 100R isn’t available at a low price, we recommend the Corsair 110Q iteration, (just check this option meets your storage requirements, this is where the cases differ most).
Fractal Design Define Mini C
Best Silent Micro ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: SFF | Motherboard Support: Micro-ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 170mm | GPU Length Clearance: 315mm | Dimensions: 210 x 399 x 399 mm | Weight: 6.9kg | Radiator Support: 280mm | Fan Mounts: 7
REASONS TO BUY
+ Best M-ATX sound-dampening
+ High-quality build material
+ Lots of internal space despite its small size
REASONS TO AVOID
Trying to create the quietest mATX desktop you can? Then the Mini C is quite the case for the job.
Pre-installed with 2 Fractal Design Dynamic X2 GP-12 120 mm fans with all the usual top buttons and ports (only 2 USB3.0, but this is standard on an mATX unit).
Just like its larger Define 7 counterpart, the case comes with great customization capability. With removable drive bays & filters depending on your component/airflow needs (with up to 5 bays and 5 PCI expansion slots available).
Source: mjmill4
If you’re concerned about having enough cooling options in a smaller case, this pick comes with space for up to 7 fans, excellent for an mATX chassis.
The Mini C performs very well in noise level tests against the mini-tower competition while maintaining good airflow, solid cable management options, and even enough space for a dual GPU setup should you need it.
It’s very impressive how much freedom Fractal has managed to put into an mATX case. Not only are your customization options great, but they’re balanced against a really impressive noise-dampening layout.
If you’re looking for a Micro ATX case with a focus on silence, you will be hard-pressed to find better than this.
Fractal Design Define Nano S
Best Silent Mini ITX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: SFF | Motherboard Support: mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 162mm | GPU Length Clearance: 315mm | Dimensions: 203 x 330 x 400 mm | Weight: 5kg | Radiator Support: 240mm | Fan Mounts: 6
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great sound-dampening
+ Same great quality as larger Fractal cases
+ Fantastic space/cooling options for mITX
REASONS TO AVOID
I know what you’re thinking, “another Fractal case?”. Hear me out!
It just so happens Fractal has managed to create wonderful offerings in all 3 of the most popular case size categories. There’s no point in switching the products across our top picks if one name has done it best!
When it comes to Mini ITX specifically, there is really no other chassis that comes close right now. The Nano S defies what little space it has to offer impressively quiet readings (with high-quality noise-dampening filters and 2 quiet fans pre-installed). It also still manages to offer decent temperatures and a layout for good cable management/airflow.
Source: MrNathanielP
As always with Mini-ITX builds, be extra careful about the parts you’re installing and their size requirements. That being said, the Nano S has managed an impressive inner dimension against its competitors (the case somehow manages to fit some of the largest GPUs on the market!). It may be a little larger than a few other ITX options, but this isn’t surprising as it allows more airflow to run fans at lower RPMs, notably reducing noise output.
The Nano S comes with the usual ports and buttons on the front panel (including 2xUSB3.0), up to 4 drives including 2 dedicated SSD areas, 2 expansion slots, and up to 6 fans (for such a small machine, this is great!).
In such a tiny case dedicated to silence, it’s incredible what balance is managed here, this is a no-brainer for any mITX builder.
Be Quiet! Pro 900 Full Tower
Best High-End Silent Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Full Tower| Motherboard Support: E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 185mm | GPU Length Clearance: 323mm | Dimensions: 577 x 243 x 586mm | Weight: 16.5kg | Radiator Support: 420mm | Fan Mounts: 10
REASONS TO BUY
+ Incredible noise isolation
+ Tons of customization options
+ Huge case for high-end cooling/space
REASONS TO AVOID
If budget isn’t a word you care about, the Be Quiet! Pro 900 is a great option.
In terms of noise reduction, there are diminishing returns after the price points that the Fractal Define 7 or Be Quiet! 802 sit at. You’re not getting too much of an improvement on the search for silence by spending more on this case.
That being said, this full tower offering has very impressive space, modular capabilities, and control. With 5 relocatable/removable HDD slots (and support for up to 10 SSDs) and many other customization options within the case to get the airflow/presentation you want, the large dimensions make this a great option for most E-ATX/XL-ATX motherboards.
Source: Xocet
Be Quiet! focussed on maximizing the water-cooling potential of the 900, with 4 areas for radiators of up to 420mm, or 7 additional fans if air cooling is your preferred route. Even if you’re building something truly monstrous, there is so much airflow & hardware space for you to play with.
Included are 3 Silent Wings 140mm PWM fans to get your build up and running with close to no noise. The case has the most feature-filled front panel on the list, with an advanced fan controller, the usual ports and a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C input. The Rev 2. version even includes a QI charger on the top of the case.
The main reason we don’t score this case higher is its price. We think that a large majority of users will have everything they need in the Define 7 or Be Quiet 802.
But if you’re building something very expensive with overclocking, multi-GPUs, and other large goals in mind, the Pro 900 is the quietest you can get with an extra-large PC today.
Other Options
None of the cases so far take your fancy? The above picks are our top choices for a silent computer case, but we’ve included some further recommendations below that are still great options:
Corsair Carbide Series 678C Low-Noise Case
Alternative Quiet ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Mid Tower| Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 170mm | GPU Length Clearance: 370mm | Dimensions: 549 x 239 x 497mm | Weight: 13.1kg | Radiator Support: 420mm | Fan Mounts: 9
REASONS TO BUY
+ Decent sound dampening
+ Well constructed
REASONS TO AVOID
Another option in the price range similar to the Define 7/Silent Base 802, Corsair has built a case that performs great across noise and cooling benchmarking.
The chassis is surrounded by a rich amount of sound-dampening material, with the option to remove it out for dust filters should your cooling be more of a priority to you.
3 high-quality silent fans are included with a maximum space of 9 (at 120mm), not to mention water-cooling capabilities with space for multiple radiators. The 678C hasn’t compromised on performance options for silence.
Source: idarwin
It comes with modular capabilities not too dissimilar from the D7/801, with plenty of space for your HDDs, SSDs, and drives (and the option to remove the casing you don’t use).
You may also be drawn to this case by its sleek design; the white color option boasts a great look for someone wanting something a little different.
The front panel has the usual ports/buttons and also includes a USB3.1/Type C input. It only has 2 USB ports, however (3.0).
The Define 7 and 802 perform marginally better in noise tests and offer a slightly better value point. So as good as this case is, we can’t help but ask why anyone would choose it over those 2. But if you are drawn to this case or see it on offer, we say go for it. It’s still a great option as far as quiet windowed PC cases go.
Cooler Master Silencio S400
Alternative Quiet Micro ATX Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: SFF| Motherboard Support: Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 166mm | GPU Length Clearance: 319mm | Dimensions: 418 X 210 X 408mm | Weight: 7kg | Radiator Support: 280mm | Fan Mounts: 5
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great value
+ Sturdy build & slick aesthetic
+ Decent modularity/space for mATX
REASONS TO AVOID
The S400 vs Mini C was a close race for the best silent mini-tower and this pick certainly deserves your consideration.
From another classic manufacturer, this chassis performs great across decibel tests with good noise-dampening material surrounding it (a mix of vinyl, foam, and steel) while still offering great ventilation options.
Two Silencio FP 120mm PWM come pre-installed, offering you a great starting point for cooling. The S400 comes with space for up to 6 fans or 3 radiators for a water-cooling build (impressive for such a small case!).
Source: Litebeard
Comes with space for 1 ODD, 4 HDDs, and 2 SSDs (and the ability to remove unwanted bays). The usual ports are seen on the front panel (2xUSB3.0) with an SD card reader also.
A small feature some of you might appreciate is the reversible door hinge setup, if you want the front panel of your PC to open the other way to the standard right side, this might be a positive USP for you.
The reason we choose the Mini C is because it performs slightly better in noise tests. We also slightly prefer the build & aesthetic of the Fractal case (though this is highly subjective).
With great modular options, cooling, noise levels, and large inner dimensions considering its small size, the S400 is a great option for you if you are drawn to it over the Mini C.
Deep Silence 6
Best Silent Super Tower
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Super Tower| Motherboard Support: HPTX, E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 200mm | GPU Length Clearance: 405mm | Dimensions: 644 x 250 x 655mm | Weight: 20.8kg | Radiator Support: 360mm | Fan Mounts: 9
REASONS TO BUY
+ Incredible space for cooling & high-end builds
+ Fantastic sound isolation for a case of its size
+ One of the most modular PC cases around
REASONS TO AVOID
2022 mid-year update: The Deep Silence 6 is sadly often out-of-stock and doesn’t re-supply often. If you like the sound of it (no pun intended), we highly recommend the Be Quiet Pro 900 pick above or the Fractal Define 7 XL for large quiet builds.
Trying to fit a skyscraper into your case? We haven’t forgotten you!
While the Be Quiet! 900 PRO is our preferred full-tower choice if your desired build fits that case’s dimensions, the DS6 is the largest case on the market with a focus on silence.
Deep Silence 6 is designed to have all of the impressive features the cases above have. Including very quiet noise levels with its sophisticated sound-dampening materials, fan controllers, and modular options (with up to 18 HDD/SSD slots!).
With 5 high-quality silent fans pre-installed and the option of up to 7 more, the case is in great shape for cooling. One of the downsides in this tower is due to some of the limitations of the top panel, you are likely going to have some slight sound leakage if you install radiators on the top side.
For that reason, if you’re looking at water cooling we would suggest the 900 PRO if possible, or keep your radiators off the top panel.
This thing is truly a beast and the only case on the list capable of HPTX motherboards. If you have a very demanding component size and cooling requirements but still don’t want to compromise on a silent build, the DS6 is your best option.
Like the sound of the Deep Silence cases but not this one? Check out the Deep Silence 3 or Deep Silence 5 for other options. While we wouldn’t recommend them over the above cases, they are certainly not bad choices.
Thermaltake Suppressor F31
Alternative Budget Quiet Mid Tower Case
SPECIFICATIONS
Form Factor: Mid Tower| Motherboard Support: ATX, Micro ATX, mini-ITX | CPU Clearance: 180mm | GPU Length Clearance: 278mm | Dimensions: 497 x 250 x 515 mm | Weight: 10.6kg | Radiator Support: 360mm | Fan Mounts: 8
REASONS TO BUY
+Good mid-range value choice
+ Decent space/cooling for the average build
REASONS TO AVOID
To round up our list we have included another cheap option from a great PC case brand.
While not out-performing most of the above competition in regards to silence or cooling, it certainly holds its own at its price point and is impressively quiet for a case in the $100 range; high-quality sound dampening panels on the front, side, and back.
Source: TheNolanK
The case has great options for air and water cooling builders alike, with 2 pre-installed 140mm fans (up to 6 total) and decent space for radiators.
The F31 has great modular options too. You’ll be able to remove the unnecessary drives for your cabling/airflow preferences, and with the case boasting 8 expansion slots, you’ll have a good amount of room to fit an ambitious build.
This is certainly a time where “last but not least” applies. If your budget is around the $100 mark, this is a really solid case and strikes a great balance between price, silence, and cooling.
Why no quiet NZXT option?
We know a lot of readers really enjoy the design of NZXT or have a positive history with the brand. That said, we simply can’t recommend any of their cases when considering a silent build. The ones above are far superior and we would strongly suggest them. If your heart is really set on NZXT, the H510 has performed OK on some noise benchmarking tests, combined with quiet fans/water-cooling you could still achieve a relatively quiet build.
Further Advice on a Silent PC Build
The importance of cooling
As a lot of the above alludes to, the setup of your PC cooling and airflow is an integral part of what level of silence you’re going to build.
Below we talk about the hardware cooling requirements, remember: the physical layout of your PC is also key. Make sure when building your silent PC, you remove unneeded trays/disc shelves, neatly arrange your cables and position your parts to allow for airflow. Doing so means you have fewer cooling requirements and thus, less noise!
Is water cooling quieter than fan/air cooling? If you are running a very intensive build (I’m talking full-tower or a beefy mid-tower, expensive GPU/CPU with lots of other inner components) then water cooling will be your best choice (not just for silence, but for the advantages of superior cooling in general). The problem with fan builds is that noise tends to appear when you have a high quantity and they’re all blasting at maximum RPM.
For an average desktop, unless budget really isn’t a concern, we would say stick to fans. Frankly, the expense & complication of water cooling isn’t necessary unless you’re running a monstrous build (or really like the aesthetic). Just make sure you get fans that are designed for quiet performance as discussed below.
Want the absolute optimal setup for cooling and silence? Then get both! This may sound like an odd answer but it’s the truth. If you have both fans and a water cooling system in place, your fans can run at low RPM and the water cooling at low speeds. The real noise comes from when either system is working hard. So for silence, keep your cooling of choice running low.
Quietest PC Case Fans: We strongly recommend picking up some Noctuna NF-S12A FLX fans which rank excellently on noise tests and are the closest to silent PC fans you’ll find.
Quietest traditional CPU Cooler: This is an easy one: the Be Quiet! Dark Rock 4 is the choice for a CPU cooler with a focus on silence. In noise benchmarking, this cooler is nearly always one of the top on the list for decibel minimums and still ranks excellently on keeping CPU temperatures low.
Quietest CPU Water Cooler: We recommend the Corsair Hydro Series115i. The included fans are specialized for very low noise even at high-stress levels and the included Corsair software has a zero RPM mode that can turn off (silence!) when the fans aren’t actively needed. On top of this, the Hydro is a fantastic cooler in its own right regardless of its impressively low noise levels.
Final quick-fire tips for a silent PC
Glass panel vs no panel cases: If you care about silence, having a PC case without a window is going to be the quieter option. However, with the high-quality cases above mostly using thick tempered glass, the difference isn’t severe if you want to show off your beautiful build!
Go for SSDs over HDDs: Hard drives are prone to vibrate and spin at high speeds, you’ll likely be familiar with this noise. If you can’t afford a full SSD build, then just make sure to put your OS and most used applications on your SSD space.
High-quality PSU: Getting a Power supply that can more than handle your needs is important to reduce noise (similarly to your cooling, if a PSU is under heavy load, it’s going to be noisy!). We recommend the Fractal Design Ion+ range (high wattage is better but even the low watt options will cover most builders’ needs) – excellent performance, noise ratings, and user options to set the PSU fan to zero RPM at low loads.
Keep it clean: Dust and any other build-up in your PC will cause the cooling to work harder for performance. Clean regularly with compressed air for silence and a healthy machine.
Finally, enjoy the sound of silence!
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About the author
Kaelum Ross
* Specifications throughout our articles are double-checked and intended to inform our users, but should not be treated as factual information. When making final decisions on your products, please check the manufacturer pages to confirm the fine details.