Tom’s
HardwareApril 24, 2026
Having a second computer at work has been pretty useful and, even though it’s an old PC assembled out of spare parts and an old graphics card, it’s been surprisingly functional. It makes me think about the prospect of being able to build a computer someday that’s not just made of cramming whatever I have into pre-existing workstation PCs and the like.
I like the idea of a computer as a sort of Mainframe, the vintage concept of a computer built as a device that allows access to the great wired internet. So, I started by looking into vintage style computer cases.
Evidently, it’s not very practical to use actual vintage cases for a computer build since they don’t have great airflow and, depending on age, might not even have the right mounting hardware for modern boards. However, I did find one example of a company making “retro style” PC cases; SilverStone. They have two models, but they’re not the cheapest.
Looks cool, but it’s also large and not very cheap. I’m also not really sure how I feel about the fake floppy drive bay cover. Feels a bit pointless if they’re not real.
I like the style of this one a lot more, being the horizontal form factor. Same gripes with the drive covers, but I could also just install real drives. I feel like a computer case like this has potential for being an emulation machine or something, but also with how much it costs, it’s probably just best to get an older computer and build a vintage machine in there, since airflow wouldn’t be as big of an issue.
I like the idea of something that’s solid and metal feeling that evokes the feeling of being more of a monolith or mysterious computing device, rather than a more digestible looking plastic type gaming machine.
I was reminded of the Corsair Vengeance C70, a case I remember first seeing a few years ago, but it was old when I saw it then and it’s even older now. Airflow is apparently a pretty big deal on modern machines, especially more compact ones, and it’s also a pretty expensive case since it was a unique design and hasn’t been made in quite some time. Still looks pretty cool though!
So, something with handles became my first target, and I took a look around to see what was out there. Of course, the Teenage Engineering Computer-1 was one of the first modern examples I encountered, and its design is just as striking as I remember, but very quickly I discovered that the general consensus was that it was more form over function. Wildly impractical even though it has a neat design.
I did find some other candidates that seemed like good possibilities.
Max GPU Length: 330mm
Supposedly can be found for around $115-170 People question its cooling and how well it makes the use of its size.
Only $180 on Amazon, $165 with the sale. Biggest downside: Glass side. Comes in a few smaller sizes, but this is the most accommodating.
As cool as a case with handles would be, it does seem like there’s more options for more conventionally-styled cases. Especially if I wanted a smaller form factor, it’s probably better to go with more tried-and-true designs than to do something super unique.
Max GPU Length: 330mm
Famously good mini ITX case, with rather accommodating graphics card size support. Supposedly ~$90. With how popular it is, it should be reasonably easy to find on the used market for a fine price, possibly even as a partial build.
Max GPU Length: 325mm
Supposedly around $130 MSRP. Feels rather uninspiring, and I’m not sure how well it would do cooling wise. If I’m paying over $100, I’d like to get something that has a little bit more design.
Max GPU Length: 322mm
MSRP $200, but walnut would match the keyboard wrist rests I use. I like that it has support for USB-C on the front panel as well, though I suppose that’s becoming a more common feature on modern computer cases.
Pros: - Easier to build in, with quick panel disconnect, fewer and more standardize screws - Smoother anodized finish - very popular case with a good variety of after market mods available, especially an excellent flip kit by SMXHeinz
Cons: - Panels are thinner and can flex/bend vs the T9 - No upper fan installation location (requires secondary mods to match T9 capability) - no dust filter of any kind - back panel leaves unsightly gaps - slightly narrower,
Evidently a more durable alternative to the Fractal Terra. For a compact case, I like this one. Also MSRP $179 on Amazon.
Pros: - Heavy duty, thick panels with zero flex - tight connections of panels - upper space for 25mm fan - dust covers on all panels
Cons: - An assortment of screw sizes that have to be kept track of during building - some unpleasant flexibility of the inner spine relative to the excelent rigidity of the case panels
Supposedly around $192, mostly a full-sized type situation.
Excellent candidate for building The Mainframe. If I wanted a mega powerful at home computer that would have a bunch of storage and stuff and just be left running pretty much all the time, I think this would be the one to go with.
From NAS Compares
I’m really impressed with the Jonsbo N5! Having experimented with DIY NAS cases for years, I’m reluctant to label any one case as the “ultimate NAS case,” but the N5 comes remarkably close. While it may not be the smallest or the most discreet option, and those hard drive handles can be frustrating, in almost every other way, it’s the ideal NAS case for DIY server builds. If you’ve got the space, you won’t find a more scalable and upgradable NAS solution on the market in 2024. Though it’s not for the faint of heart, if you’re serious about setting up a long-term server solution that you can scale in any direction over time, the N5 will have you covered for years to come. Jonsbo has clearly put thought into refining this product based on past feedback, and while I expect someone to eventually create a hard drive tray mod to fix the handle issue, the case is otherwise unbeatable. Plus, considering the N5 is only about $80-100 more expensive than the N2, N3, and N4, yet far more versatile and scalable, it’s undoubtedly a fantastic choice!
A little smaller than the N5 but still seems to be a good option. I like the more rounded corners of the N5 though.
I own this case and I mostly love it. Some points to consider:
I’m inclined to think that the JONSBO T9 would be the best pick for a compact machine, and the JONSBO N5 or N6 for at home. Given that I technically already have a pretty solid computer for at home, even though it’s built into a Dell workstation, I think the primary focus will be a more reliable and compact computer for work.
The Cooler Master NR200 is a great second pick for something smaller and, depending on how easy it is to get compared to the T9, could be an intermediate step in the process. Since it’s a similar size and if I could find partial builds online, it could also an economical way to get some parts for that kind of a build as well, since it would require the specialized miniature motherboard.
