Gaming laptops have been around for years almost decades, and most of them share a similar design pattern that takes its cues from gaming desktops. There is almost a stereotype that gamers prefer bulky chassis with predominantly black finishes and bold, sometimes blinding RGB lighting, but as the number of gamers grows each year, so do the tastes in aesthetics. Some PC gamers today would prefer that their laptop look sleek and elegant like a MacBook, maybe even as thin as one, too. Others, however, would like a design language that bridges these two worlds harmoniously, and that is the concept that this Dell-inspired laptop series tries to show, creating an aesthetic that is still uniquely gamer-centric without being overbearing or gaudy.
Part of the reason why gaming laptops look like they’re miniature tanks is because of the technical considerations in cramming as much powerful hardware in such a small space. That said, the mainstream design language for these portable gaming computers has also stuck closer to desktops in their love for black or dark bodies with RGB highlights, but even that has been changing lately. Dell’s own Alienware gaming brand, for example, introduced a new “Legend” design language that introduced curves and lighter finishes in both desktops and laptops alike.
This Dell G-Series laptop concept takes that in a slightly different direction, one that tries to bring the best of both worlds together. On the one hand, the design language isn’t limited to just black or dark hues and, in fact, sometimes combines contrasting colors to great effect. On the other hand, the shapes still remain muscular and angular like traditional gaming laptop designs, adopting more geometric patterns that add visual interest to the laptop’s profile.
The Bisect design, for example, has a lid split between black and silver panels with an LED strip bridging the two halves. The edges, while flat and straight, have a noticeable incline that adds a bit of edginess to the design. Armor, on the other hand, is a bit more traditional, but the tapered rear shelf is visually separated from the rest of the body by a different color and material. Swift, as the name implies, tries to embody the spirit of agility with a light-colored body and a red hinge that acts as a built-in riser for the laptop. Its clean lines and minimalist design also make it well-suited for casual uses in addition to gaming. Finally, Artemis emphasizes thermal performance and its iconic design element is a triangular rear that houses the laptop’s hinge.
These concepts build on the shift in design language that Dell introduced in its gaming laptops in 2023, refining the aesthetics to make every design variation represent a particular segment of the gaming market. Of course, such sleek and elegant designs will only be possible if the technologies inside have reached a point where it’s possible to minimize the space they occupy. Thankfully, we are getting there, so designs like these could be just around the corner.
As a longtime PC gamer, I regularly spend tens of hours scanning Newegg for information on PC components, designing “dream” PC builds, and thirsting over unique components. But the most satisfying part of the process (for me, at least) has always been choosing the PC case.
PC cases are arguably the most important part of any build for a number of reasons. On one hand, your PC case’s form factor determines the number – and potentially, the size and quality of – components like GPUs, storage drives, and cooling components that can be slotted into a given build. Likewise, even if you select a poorly designed case that’s rated for the form factor you want, at a minimum, it can still look bad in your room. Bells and whistles aside, a low-quality case may not be able to properly seat your internal components or provide enough cooling to keep them stable at high temperatures.
That’s why I’ve taken the time to come up with this curated list of well-designed PC cases built with high-quality materials that span a wide range of aesthetic layouts and form factors. Whether you’re looking for a compact Mini-ITX build that sits elegantly in a minimalist workspace, or you want to go all-out with a full-sized gaming tower adorned with RGB lighting, or even if you want the internal components of your PC to speak for themselves – I’ve got you covered.
1. LIAN LI O11 Dynamic EVO
The LIAN LI O11 Dynamic Evo’s best quality is right there in the title: dynamism. This versatile mid-tower chassis features tempered glass front and side panels that provide form and function, allowing for easy airflow while showing off your internal components.
Why is it noteworthy?
The O11 Dynamic Evo is an inexpensive all-rounder from a reliable manufacturer that not only looks sleek, but also has a great built-in dual-panel cable management system and plenty of space for storage and cooling options. This is a great choice for PC gamers who want to vertically mount a large GPU like an Nvidia 4070 Ti and add liquid cooling to the mix without breaking the bank on a full tower.
What we like
Tons of space for fans and radiators without busting into full tower territory
Beautiful tempered glass design
What we dislike
Limited dust filtration system on bottom
Tight fit in the back when a larger PSU is installed
2. Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact
I love the modern design of the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact, which looks like it’d fit just as well in a gaming room as it would in a fancy office suite. The front mesh panel is its most defining feature at first glance, but it’s extremely well-ventilated and the tempered glass side panel is great to show off your PC’s internals.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Meshify 2 Compact is a mid-tower case that sits comfortably in basically any room due to its sleek yet minimalist black mesh design. It doesn’t break the bank either, which is great, provided that it features a decent amount of room for cooling and storage options. This is optimal for a mid-tier PC gaming or workstation build that balances aesthetic design with functionality, just as long as you’re not relying on flashy RGB lights to make it look good – you’ll have to provide those yourself, or spend extra for the comparatively expensive Meshify 2 Compact RGB.
What we like
Clean and stylish construction
Great natural airflow
What we dislike
No integrated RGB – unless you shell out for the premium Compact RGB version
3. SilverStone Lucid LD03-AF
Sometimes you just want to build a tiny PC that looks cool and runs well, without taking too much desk space or attracting eyes away from the rest of your room or office. The SilverStone Lucid LD03-AF is a Mini-ITX chassis designed to fill that exact niche.
Why is it noteworthy?
SilverStone has managed to produce a Mini-ITX case that looks kitschy and artsy thanks to its unique vertical shape and tempered glass panels, fitting snugly in any room it sits in. And yet, it still affords enough space to fit an entire gaming rig with a modern GPU. That should all be easy to set up, thanks to the LD03-AF’s array of detachable panels.
What we like
Compact and easy to customize
Decently spacious for a Mini-ITX
What we dislike
Expensive for what it offers
4. Thermaltake Core P3 Pro
The Thermaltake Core P3 TG Pro is for enthusiasts who want to showcase their internal components first and foremost. It uses an open frame chassis that unleashes the full creativity of a PC build.
Why is it noteworthy?
This chassis strikes the perfect balance between a sturdy foundation with strong build materials and plenty of mounts for cooling and storage options, and an open layout that lets you show off the creativity of an intricate PC build. This is the one to get if you’re a gamer who has invested in a sophisticated water cooling or lighting system, and you truly want it to take center stage in your gaming room.
What we like
Gorgeous open frame design using tempered glass
A mind-boggling number of customization options
What we dislike
Open frame design means you need to create a DIY solution to keep your internals protected from the environment
5. NZXT H7 Flow
The NZXT H7 Flow mid-tower case is a strong contender for PC gamers who want a decent balance between customization and cooling.
Why is it noteworthy?
NZXT cases are both durable and visually appealing, and the H7 Flow is one of the slickest-looking cases you can buy in the mid-tower range. Unlike its H710i cousin, it features mesh top and front panels for improved cooling, and does away with some of the built-in RGB options. But it’s also a bit more affordable, and it offers plenty of support for cable management.
What we like
Sleek and spacious mesh and tempered glass design
Excellent cable management support
Comes in a variety of colors
What we dislike
No integrated RGB
6. NZXT H710i
I couldn’t talk about the NZXT H7 Flow without also mentioning the NZXT H710i. This isn’t just a strong contender, it also happens to be the case I currently own (and which houses the PC I’m writing this article from!)
Why is it noteworthy?
The H710i is a premium alternative to the H7 Flow which trades the former’s mesh panels for solid covers with side vents, making for a more refined and unique aesthetic without skimping on airflow. More importantly, it comes packed in with an RGB lighting strip and a smart device that controls lighting across the build.
What we like
Excellent mix of sturdy construction, great airflow, high customizability, and aesthetic style
Built-in RGB options and lighting presets make it visually exciting out of the box
What we dislike
A little expensive compared to similar options
7. Fractal Design North
Fractal Design has a great track record for coming up with innovative PC cases. Fractal Design’s North represents an organic approach to PC chassis design, featuring wooden slat panels and natural colors that fit in a conservatory just as easily as it fits in a gaming room.
Why is it noteworthy?
Whereas most modern PC cases use a mix of black and white steel, mesh, and tempered glass, North vies for organic browns and subtle whites that make it more aesthetically pleasing when surrounded by wooden furniture. Not only that; it also comes with plenty of space to fit cooling, storage, and other modern internal components.
What we like
Gorgeous wooden front panels and steel chassis
Spacious interior
What we dislike
No integrated RGB
Some users complain about airflow issues
8. Fractal Design Terra
A compact alternative to the Fractal Design North is the Fractal Design Terra, a gorgeous Mini-ITX case that would fit perfectly in a room with plenty of natural light and organic elements.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Fractal Design Terra Jade edition comes with a unique compact layout that mixes earthy greens and browns, making it fit in an office or gaming room designed with those same natural hues in mind. It also boasts enough space to fit a modern GPU up to 322 nm in length, like an NVIDIA RTX 4070.
What we like
Beautiful organic design with a wooden front panel and green steel chassis
Spacious interior for a Mini-ITX
What we dislike
Expensive for a Mini-ITX
No side windows to showcase internals
9. Corsair Obsidian 1000D
The Corsair Obsidian 1000D is a full tower gaming chassis fitted with tons of RGB lights and a gorgeous tempered glass design, perfect for enthusiast gamers looking to go all out with their build.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Obsidian 1000D is the ultimate full tower case for PC gamers, as it’s packed on all sides with gorgeous RGB-equipped fans. Thanks to built-in control software, these are easy to set up. Not only is it an aesthetically pleasing centerpiece for any gaming room, its durable black steel and tempered glass chassis ensure it’s sturdy enough to handle any build imaginable.
What we like
It’s built like a tank
The integrated RGB system is breathtaking
What we dislike
Expensive at a roughly $525 MSRP
10. NZXT H1 V2
The NZXT H1 V2 is a Mini-ITX chassis that looks like a NZXT H7 Flow sliced in half.
Why is it noteworthy?
It comes with a number of systems already built in, such as a 750w 80 Plus Gold PSU and 140mm all-in-one liquid cooling system. It also accommodates a number of options for GPUs.
What we like
Compact, vertical design fits easily on any desk
Plenty of built-in components make installation easier
What we dislike
Expensive if you only want the case
Not quite as customizable as other options; you’re left at the mercy of packed-in internal component quality
The Mutrics GB-30 are a pretty great combination of fashion and function… and that’s always what you want with consumer electronics. Take the AirPods for instance. They’re a style statement, and people who use them would argue they’re some of the best wireless earbuds on the market. Following that design mantra are the Mutrics GB-30, a pair of retro-chic glasses with bone-conduction earphones built into them, inspired heavily (and even named after) the GameBoy – a design theme chosen specifically for the GB-30’s core demographic. Gamers.
Outwardly, the Mutrics GB-30 are a pair of really cool, chunky, vintage-gaming-inspired glasses. On the inside, however, the sleek glasses are fitted with open-ear audio drivers, or bone-conducting earphones that provide a private audio-listening experience, especially for gamers, without the need for a cumbersome pair of gaming headphones. The GB-30’s open-ear audio drivers are arguably perfect for gaming. Whether you’re on Twitch, streaming your kill-streak or on the subway with your Nintendo Switch, the GB-30 are a pretty voguish way to listen to gameplay audio, while the open-ear technology means you can hear stuff around you too. The drivers are calibrated to deliver rich, directional sound so you can listen to and identify where a gunshot is coming from, or dialogues from a non-playable character. The smart-wearable’s gamer-friendly design extends to the glasses too, by equipping you with blue-light blocking lenses that allow you to game for longer without the visual strain.
By far one of the GB-30’s most eye-catching design details is the presence of the GameBoy-inspired control panel on its right-temple-stem. Designed to work in tandem with your phone or Bluetooth device, the buttons can help you increase or decrease volume, play-pause audio, accept or reject calls, and even summon your phone/tablet’s voice assistant on command. Designed much like the kind of sunglasses you’d see from brands like Zungle, the GB-30 works equally well with your phone, providing a great music/podcast listening experience, as well as with your gaming device, delivering rich gameplay audio, while protecting your eyes as you play away. The GB-30 is certified IP55 water and dust-proof, and comes with 4 hours of play-time on a full charge – features that avid gamers will appreciate along with the GB-30’s undeniably retro-hipster design that is sure to put it on every gamer’s wish list!
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