pc tower travel case

Must-Have PC Travel Accessories

Anyone who travels with their PC will want to get their hands on these amazing accessories!

Using a PC is one of the most powerful ways to interact with a screen. However, there is a reason they aren't called "mobile" devices, as they're generally stuck in one place. Traveling with a PC takes dedication and effort and is usually only done with purpose, such as at a gaming convention, work site, or during a move. People worry too much about messing up their favorite CPU , monitor, or other gear to travel with their PC regularly. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be so tricky, and companies are largely aware of the stress associated with traveling with a PC. Some have even looked to make the experience enjoyable.

Typically, PC travel accessories come in the following flavors: Desktop tower carrying cases, keyboard/mouse carrying cases, monitor carrying cases, and specialized equipment to use specifically while traveling. While many of the larger tower carrying cases have storage compartments for other items travelers often carry, there are also products designed for specialized uses, such as USB/cord organization cases and specialized mouse compartments. Mixing and matching products based on the gamers' personal traveling needs is recommended.

CURMIO Double-Layer Carrying Case

Trunab computer desktop tower carrying case, curmio rolling desktop computer carrying case, kemove x keyboard travel case, nuphy air 75, logitech g305 lightspeed gaming mouse, rlsoco hard case, anker soundcore vr p10 wireless earbuds, curmio 24-inch monitor carrying case, waterproof cable organizer bag, gamesir g7 se wired controller for xbox.

The CURMIO Double-Layer Carrying Case is a solid carrying case for any PC tower and has room for other PC peripherals, such as keyboards and headphones. Additionally, it thinks about the smart parts on the inside of a tower by providing 6-sided protection and reduced bumping and sliding.

• Reinforced Padding
• Bump and Slip Resistant Bottom
• Room for Additional Accessories

The CURMIO Double-Layer Carrying Case is the perfect standard PC tower carrying case for typical users. It provides a snug, rectangular interior that fits the shape of most PC towers, as well as double-layered cushioning to make sure the precious motherboard and awesome graphics cards aren't getting jostled about too much. When moving about, the CURMIO Double-Layer Carrying Case can be carried by a soft, reinforced hand grip and an optional shoulder strap. Need to rest? Putting a PC down on the ground won't be troubling either, as this case includes anti-slip feet pads and an optional bottom pad (that goes inside the case) to reduce bumping even more. Of course, this comes with the slight downside of not having wheels, but it is hard to have excellent vibration dampening and wheels on the same device.

The CURMIO Double-Layer Carrying Case also provides room for other PC parts and peripherals. For example, the rectangular compartment up top will be great for a keyboard (if the keyboard can fit on top of the desktop, it should fit) while the other side compartments can take a mouse and headset. They're all encased in double-layered softness as well. Ultimately, the CURMIO Double-Layer Carrying Case comes together to act as a luggage container for a very special co-traveler.

The Trunab Computer Desktop Tower Carrying Case is a PC tower carrying case in backpack form. Users can carry any PC tower and accompanying accessories by back or use the top handle to carry it like any other luggage compartment.

• Chest Support Strap
• Option to Carry
• Additional Spots for Accessories
• Limited Padding
• Rough on Back for Long Trips

The Trunab Computer Desktop Tower Carrying Case is a great carrying case alternative for those who need to keep their hands free for all their other luggage. In addition to the traditional handle, gamers can also stick their arms through hoops to carry their PC along with them, backpack style. There's even a connector strap to give users more support. It has a large interior that supports even the largest PC towers or pre-built PCs , with additional room for accessories. But don't get too excited; users will still need to carry the products on their back.

Naturally, Trunab understands that gamers probably won't want to carry a PC on their back for a lengthy amount of time. As a result, the Trunab Computer Desktop Tower Carrying Case works excellently as a handle-carried case as well. It even comes with anti-slip feet and a bit of padding. It can be the best of both worlds for those who plan right.

The CURMIO Rolling Desktop Computer Carrying Case is a PC tower carrying case that acts like an airport luggage case. It has an extendable handle and wheels for easy rolling.

• Adjustable Handle Height
• Double-Lined Interior
• Space for Other Accessories
• Still Best to Carry Over Gravel, Rough Surfaces

The CURMIO Rolling Desktop Computer Carrying Case is perfect for flights or taking a PC up to and out of the hotel. Like many standard luggage compartments, it has wheels on the bottom and an extendable handle. In this way, users can roll it — and the PC tower — together to make it to their destination easily. In addition to the main, softly double-lined compartment for the PC tower, users will find similarly soft and double-lined compartments for other PC products. In this case, gamers will want to load up as much as possible — keyboard, mouse, headset, headphones, even a toothbrush — as the CURMIO Rolling Desktop Computer Carrying Case's wheels make everything feel lightweight and easy to move.

Unfortunately, the CURMIO Rolling Desktop Computer Carrying Case is not for every situation. Due to the nature of how wheels and surfaces work, the PC inside might still go through a rather bumpy ride if it goes over the wrong surfaces, such as gravel or cobblestone. Even rough concrete can cause a certain amount of bumpage or rattling. Luckily, there is still a comfortable handle to use in these situations. That being said, this PC tower carrying case is a bit more expensive than others — primarily due to its rolling nature — so for those gamers who aren't going to get maximum usage out of the wheels, it's an easy skip. However, if the route will take advantage of the wheels to maximum effectiveness, it could be worth every penny. It all depends on the gamer's unique situation and needs.

DIERYA's KEMOVE X Keyboard Travel Case is the perfect choice for traveling with a 60% or 65% mechanical keyboard. It is made of a combination of soft nylon fabric and a hard EVA shell to offer maximum protection.

• Hard Outer Case
• Inner Strap to Reduce Movement
• Optional Shoulder Carrying Strap
• Won't Fit Wide Keyboards

Moving a mechanical keyboard from one place to another can be a bit stressful. After all the time spent carefully putting customized keys on a mechanical gaming keyboard , the thought of getting it banged about in a backpack is just a no-go. To keep a keyboard safe, try the KEMOVE X Keyboard Travel Case. It provides a cushioned interior with a hard EVA case to provide the perfect combination of soft padding and tough shell that an excellent keyboard deserves. There is even an internal strap to "buckle" the keyboard in and prevent extra shaking about. There's also an additional mesh compartment for a couple of small cords, spare caps, or whatever else can be needed.

The KEMOVE X's interior dimensions are 11.8" x 3.9" x 1.4" and are designed around being compatible with 60%-65% mechanical keyboards. This is worth noting for gamers looking for a keyboard case for a long move. For travel, however, the KEYMOVE X will suit most needs fine and help gamers make conscious decisions about how much they need on their travels.

The NuPhy Air75 is an ultra-thin keyboard made for people on the go who don't want to compromise their typing experience. Measuring only 16mm thick, this keyboard is unlike most mechanical keyboards on the market. The Air75 aims to be the first thing people think of when they hear "thin keyboard".

• Incredibly lightweight
• Works with up to 3 devices (including PC, tablet, and smartphone) simultaneously
• Difficult for those with Extra Large Hands

For those gamers who want a keyboard that is easy to pack even without a case, look no further than the NuPhy Air 75. This ultra-thin keyboard measures only 16mm thick and does not compromise the typing experience. The NuPhy Air75 is a mechanical keyboard with red, blue, or brown low-profile mechanical switches, but it is also fully hot-swappable, so gamers who want to customize it and make it their own can easily do so.

As far as gaming on this keyboard, it is an absolute delight. There are three ways to connect it: wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth. Most gamers will probably want to use the wired or 2.4GHz wireless option because Bluetooth is not quick enough for fast-paced gaming. However, the Bluetooth connection is excellent when gamers are in a pinch or want to connect it to their tablet. By default, the Air75 only comes with the keyboard, but for those who plan to travel with this keyboard, a folio carrying case can be added on for an extra $19. This folio case won't just protect the keyboard from bumps and scratches, but it also doubles as a tablet stand.

With up to 250 hours of battery life, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed Gaming Mouse will outlast almost any wireless mouse. At the same time, the mouse's HERO sensor is rated at up to 12,000 DPI, so gamers sacrifice little when opting for this more portable, budget-friendly mouse.

• Up to 12,000 DPI
• 1,000 Hz polling rate
• Incredibly long battery life
• No Bluetooth connection option
• Have to replace AA battery there is no way to recharge it via cable.

Mice are typically smaller and will fit into most bags or cases regardless of the size of the mouse, so finding one that is good for travel is generally easier than most accessories. But where the Logitech G305 makes the case for itself as the best travel gaming mouse is the price and impressive battery life. Unless gamers are traveling for an e-sports competition and can not give up their favorite gaming mouse, carrying around an expensive top-of-the-line mouse might not be the best idea. The G305, however, is typically below $50 and is okay if it gets banged up or tossed around a bit.

When traveling, gamers will not always have access to a typical gaming desk setup, so having a wireless mouse will reduce the need for a clear path for the cable. Of course, with a wireless mouse, it will need to be recharged at some point, but because the G305 is incredibly efficient, it has an extremely long battery life of 250 hours. If it does happen to die while traveling, users can replace the AA battery for another 250 hours of use instead of recharging.

The RLSOSO Hard Case is a mouse case that is designed for Logitech G Pro series and MX Master series mice. It will also support similarly sized mice from other manufacturers. The case has a hard shell with a soft coating, plus a nice interior strap to keep the mouse even more stable during travels.

• Internal Strap to Reduce Shaking
• Soft Interior, Hard Exterior
• Basically Universal
• Loop for Carabiner
• Limited Internal Storage with Larger Mice

As some gamers seem to have a soft spot for Logitech gaming mice , it figures that they'll also need to transport them about. RLSOCO's hard case is designed with Logitech G, G Pro, and MX Master series mice in mind, although it can also carry any mouse under 5.5" x 3.9" x 2.0" in size, as it is truly universal.

The RLSOCO case features a hard EVA exterior that can keep a mouse from getting crushed and a soft interior that will keep it from getting banged about. There's even a "seatbelt" strap inside to reduce extra moving. With it ready to go, toss the small case in a bag or use the loop to carry it. Users can attach it to a carabiner or pop it on a keychain. This makes the RLSOCO mouse case an excellent choice for con-goers or LAN party attendees who expect to have a PC provided but want to bring their own special mouse.

The Soundcore VR P10 wireless earbuds are made to be used with the Meta Quest 2, but thanks to the under 30ms latency and USB-C 2.4Ghz dongle, these earbuds can be used for gaming regardless of the system. Plug in and play using the USB-C dongle to connect to Meta Quest 2, Steam Deck, PICO 4, PS4, PS5, PC, or Switch. And don't worry about running low on battery. The dongle has a pass-through charging port to keep gamers playing all day.

• Excellent sound quality
• USB-C dongle connection for ultra-low latency connection
• Built-in microphone
• Fairly short battery life

Gaming headsets make any gaming experience much more immersive and enjoyable, but most travelers won't have room for a full-sized headset in their bag. The Soundcore VR P10, on the other hand, offers incredible sound, a low latency wireless connection, and a built-in microphone, all in a tiny package that can fit in a pocket. The VR P10 are true wireless earbuds made for gaming with the Meta Quest 2, but thanks to the USB-C 2.4 GHz dongle, gamers can easily connect them to their PC.

These earbuds won't give the same surround sound experience that some gaming headsets offer, but they sound absolutely fantastic for their price and size. They have a feature called Super Hearing that boosts the bass in game, so it is easier to hear footsteps and shots. Plus, they can be used as regular Bluetooth headphones with a simple, understated look when not gaming.

The CURMIO 24-Inch Monitor Carrying Case is perfect for taking any monitor on the go. The 24-inch size is a great compromise for most gaming setups. This case completely covers the monitor and leaves room for the accompanying stand.

• Lightweight
• Don't Need to Remove Stand
• Sturdy, 6-Clip Design
• Limited Other Storage
• No Stand Protection

The CURMIO 24-inch Monitor Carrying Case surrounds and secures a monitor as users travel with it. Unlike a lot of cases where the product it is meant to protect is inserted into the case, the CURMIO case initially appears as a sheet. By folding this "sheet" around the monitor and using the six provided clips, a 24-inch gaming monitor will be completely surrounded and protected. There's even a cutaway for the stand and a handle at the top. This means users can carry their monitor like any other piece of luggage and rest it on its stand when they stop moving. Not that gamers should expect to need to put the case down regularly, as it is only one pound.

While the CURMIO 24-inch Monitor Carrying Case boasts extra storage compartments, gamers will likely find that they are limited and don't offer the solid protection that more dedicated cable cases offer on this list. Additionally, the stand isn't afforded any protection from this setup, which can feel like an oversight. However, for those traveling with a PC and monitor and having any say in how they are handled, this will easily be the setup to go for.

The ORIENT FORMULAY Travel Electronics Waterproof Cable Organizer Bag is a great way to keep computer cables organized and untangled when travelling. Plus, there is even room for an iPad.

• Carries All Small Accessories
• Anti-Tangle Design
• Can Store Tablets, Power Banks, Etc.
• Water Resistant
• Double Zipper Design Provides Entrance for Water

The waterproof cable organizer bag from ORIENT FAMULAY is a great way to carry a ton of USB, HDMI, and other connection cables that stick into a PC tower. Not only does it keep them organized and as tangle-free as possible, but it also keeps them safe from the elements with a water-resistant outer casing. While the double zipper design does leave an opening for water to enter during a deluge, being smart and keeping the zippers to the side should protect the wires and gear from most sources of harm.

Gamers will also find storage slots perfect for a power bank or an iPad, so if gamers happen to be using their vacation to get through a backlog of great iPad games , then the ORIENT FAMULAY bag will suit their needs well.

The G7 SE Controller is a licensed Xbox controller featuring Hall Effect sticks and tons of customization options. With two extra buttons and four on-board profiles, remapping the button layout is quick and easy. The GameSir Nexus app allows for further customization of the controller's haptic feedback and input sensitivity. The only Xbox controller to have Hall Effect joysticks, this wired controller is one of the most cutting-edge options available.

• Only Xbox controller with hall effect sticks
• Save up to four profiles
• Extremely customizable
• Long wire may be too unwieldy for some gamers
• Only two extra buttons

A controller is always a great thing to have, even though most PC gamers prefer the accuracy of a mouse and keyboard. For those casual games or games like Dark Souls that are nearly impossible to enjoy on a mouse and keyboard, a portable and sturdy controller is an excellent thing to have. For this list, Game Rant has selected the GameSir G7 SE. The under $50 price tag for such high-end specs makes it a no-brainer for most PC and Xbox gamers alike.

Related: GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller Review

The main draw of the G7 SE is the Hall effect joysticks, which have become all the rage lately, with that no-good stick drift ruining everyone's day. Thanks to the Hall effect joysticks, gamers can easily throw this controller into a bag and not worry about having issues with it afterward. The only real downside of the G7 SE is that it is wired, but when traveling, it feels like everything needs to be recharged, so having one accessory that is only wired might be a relief.

How to choose good PC travel accessories

It's already pretty stressful thinking about having to move a PC around, so most gamers don't want to have to overthink getting the carrier as well. Don't worry, it's not too complicated!

Beyond simply picking out a carrier that fits the device , be sure to also look at the materials used to support the outside and inside, the ease of carry , and the shock absorption of the accessory.

While there are similarities between the carriage of a PC tower and the other components that come with computing, sometimes the needs and capabilities to do so are different. When these differences are significant enough, this guide will highlight those differences.

Materials — Inside & Out

The exterior of PC travel accessory bags is usually a soft, water-resistant material that is built tough to resist wear and snags. This soft material will help avoid pain from repeatedly bumping into the skin. Sometimes, smaller accessories skip this part and simply provide a harder exterior. This is because these carrying cases are meant to be put in a backpack or other carrying case and aren't so focused on protecting from the harshest outdoor elements.

Some cases have a hard layer to protect the device from crushing damage. This is more typical for smaller cases made for gamers' favorite mechanical gaming keyboard or mouse. Where PC towers already have a hard exterior shell, letter keys, and mouse buttons are more likely to take damage in transit.

The interiors are typically made up of nylon , a lightweight but strong material that is often used in luggage. Nylon is non-conductive , so it is often used in electronics products but can have some static issues. As a result, users may wish to carry their hard drives in a special carrying case .

Traveling with the best gaming monitor ? The form factor may be completely different. Monitors are more likely to be "strapped in" to a carrier than placed inside one. Still, the materials used will be similar. Need a new gaming pc entirely? Check out Game Rant's list for the best gaming PCs !

Ease of carry

There are several carrying styles used by PC travel accessories. Factor in stature, strength, and predicted walking distances when evaluating a carry style for PC accessories. Also, if traveling with other stuff (clothes, etc.), don't zero in so much on carrying a PC that the essentials like clothes are forgotten. In any event, here are the likely things most gamers will encounter and what to know about each one:

• Handle: The most basic style of carriage. Since the materials in a carrying case are usually quite light, that won't be an issue, but the PC tower on the inside might add quite a lot of weight. Be sure the handle is made of a comfortable material.
• Backpack Loops: Backpack style carriage is nice for saving a hand, but can have other issues. Typical school backpacks push the books down, keeping a low center of gravity, where PC tower backpacks tend to go high and raise the center of gravity. Shorter, lightweight people may struggle with this type of case.
• Handle and Wheels: The best carrying style for avoiding dealing with heavier weights. If traveling over gravel or uneven surfaces, it is still advised to carry off the ground to avoid unnecessary jostling.

Shock Absorption

The final piece of the puzzle is shock absorption. The soft interior takes care of part of it, but that doesn't account for the whole story.

Interior shock absorption is aided by straps, tightening belts, and (if the travel accessory is meant to hold multiple components) having separate compartments for each component. Foam inserts and choosing a carrying case that fits snuggly around a PC tower further help. Cases for mice and keyboards are typically aided by elastic straps , but be on the lookout for product-specific cases for gamers who have a particularly popular product.

As for the exterior, check the bottom of the case . Shock-absorbing feet aren't on all the best PC travel accessories, but they are a welcome addition when available.

Q: How do I pack my computer for travel?

How to pack your computer for travel depends heavily on the distance you are traveling, the components you have, the means of transport, and your personal risk tolerance. If you are expecting heavily bumpy traffic, it could be advisable to remove HDD storage and place it in anti-static casing. You may also wish to re-insert any foam that came with the PC during initial shipping back into the tower, as it is likely to fit perfectly, or try using your own PC-safe material. Put the PC in a PC tower carrying case for travel and try to place it on a spongy surface in your car or other means of transport. All PCs and trips are different, so readjust as necessary.

Q: Can I carry my PC in flight?

According to the United States' Transport Security Administration (TSA) decision about desktop computers in flight , you can bring your PC with you on a plane in your carry on bags or fly it via your checked bags. You should note that you'll need to remove your PC from the carry-on bag to have it run through X-ray screening. For this reason, it is best to use simple packaging — such as a PC tower carrying case — whenever possible. As the TSA warns that the officer on duty has the final say on whether a PC is allowed onto the plane, contacting your local airport with any questions about your specific case is highly recommended.

Best Mid-Tower PC Cases

B uilding a PC leads to plenty of choices, but one of the most important is the case where you'll put it all in. Your case is the main aesthetic your PC offers, but there's more to it than looks. Different PC cases handle wire management differently, as well as airflow and some other important features.

To that end, finding the right case can feel a bit overwhelming. If you've chosen to go for a mid-tower, we're here to offer a few pointers. Here are our choices for some of the best mid-tower cases on the market.

Antec NX410 ATX Mid-Tower Case

Fractal design define s mid tower computer case, nzxt h6 flow compact dual-chamber mid-tower airflow case, gamdias atx mid tower gaming computer pc case, corsair 4000d airflow, cooler master n400 mid-tower pc case.

White case, tempered glass, pre-done fans

The Antec NX410 is a great mid-tower case for people who want tempered glass and a white PC. This case also comes with pre-installed fans, helping you save a bit of time and money.

• White PC housing
• Pre-installed fans
• Tempered glass side panel
• Some people may prefer to install their own fans

The Antec NX410 is our choice for the best mid-tower case, but keep in mind how subjective this is for your choice! For us, we're choosing this case because of its affordable price and high-quality tempered glass side panel. It's also white, and you'll find during your search that the vast majority of PC cases are black, so a splash of variety is good.

Another benefit for this fan is that it comes with a few pre-installed fans. That's great for helping you save some money and will also save you some work during assembly. That said, a lot of PC builders prefer to use their own case fans, so keep that in mind moving forward.

Keep your PC cool

Fractal is a brand known for their cases focused on airflow. The Fractal Design Define S is a stellar example of one of the best designs they've released toward this end.

• Excellent airflow
• Ubiquitous design makes it permanently stylish
• Easy cable management

Fractal is a well-known brand for its stunning aesthetics and airflow-focused case. This Fractal Design Define S is a great example of its more stylish options, bringing a design that can fit any and all setups.

As with most Fractal PC cases, this case is ideal for airflow. That can make dust build up a bit faster than usual, so expect to dust your PC more often.

While Fractal PC cases have great perks, they are sometimes a bit cramped to build in.

Save money with three included fans

NZXT's H6 Flow has panoramic glass panels that are easy to remove and allow you to see your cable management. It's also a great choice for its pre-installed three 120mm fans.

• Comes with three preinstalled 120mm fans
• Excellent airflow design
• Panoramic glass panels
• Some users don't prefer pre-installed fans

If you're looking for a PC that's easy to build in, NZXT's H6 Flow is an excellent choice. As the name implies, this design focuses on airflow, making it easy to keep your PC's airflow managed. Part of that is because it comes with three pre-installed 120mm fans, which helps to take out some of the work and hassle for you.

That said, pre-installed case fans aren't always great, so you may choose to replace them. Still, if you choose not to, a lot of the hard work is handled for you! Make sure that your fans are facing the right direction for proper airflow before you turn them on.

Great for any price range

If you're looking for a budget PC, the GAMDIAS Mid-Tower is an excellent choice. This piece also comes with four 120mm fans that have RGB capabilities, which helps keep the price lower.

• Comes with four 120mm RGB fans
• Stylish and efficient design for airflow
• Great on any budget
• Some people prefer to use their own fans
• Included fans are RGB, which not everyone will prefer

If you're looking for a good budget option, the GAMDIAS Mid-Tower is one of the best choices on the market. This piece, like some others, comes with some pre-installed fans. But while most come with two, this case comes with four fans, ensuring you have great airflow.

The mesh case is also helpful with airflow, as hot air can escape from nearly anywhere. The fans are RGB, so if you prefer a system that doesn't have RGB to it, you may want to replace these fans with others of your choosing.

Makes cable management a dream

Corsair is one of the most well-known names in peripherals, and its mid-tower option doesn't disappoint. The 4000D Airflow is most known for its tempered glass, included fans, and cable management system.

• Includes two AirGuide fans
• Focuses on airflow and cable management
• Some people don't prefer included fans

Cable management is one of the most frustrating parts of building a PC. A good way to make management easier is to find a PC that's easier to build in, but another way is to find a PC that's purposefully making it easier for you! To that end, Corsair is always happy to help with its peripherals .

The main selling point of the 4000D Airflow is its cable management system, which helps make the task a breeze. The tempered glass side panel lets you see your hard work in action, and the included AirGuide fans make it easy to ensure proper airflow. Unsurprisingly, the 4000D Airflow is also designed to help ensure good airflow.

Full of ports and drive spaces

The Cooler Master N400 is a stellar mid-tower case if you intend to use all of its internal features. There's room for three SSD drives, a slew of front panel ports, and more!

• Room for up to three SSD drives
• Plenty of front panel ports
• Meshed side panels

For PC builders who are looking for a case that has a great deal of internal customization, the Cooler Master N400 might be the best option for you. This case has room for up to three SSD drives, as well as a multitude of front panel ports. If you have a lot of peripherals , this is a wonderful option.

Another benefit is the meshed panels around the PC, which help to keep the airflow healthy. There's no included fans or built-in systems, which means you can customize this PC to your heart's content.

What Are The Different PC Tower Sizes For?

Different tastes and purposes, for the most part. Some, like micro ATX cases, are for compact builds. Larger builds can fit more and often have better airflow, as well as having an aesthetic that some may prefer. There's a case for anyone's preference, meaning that none are necessarily 'better'" than others.

Where Can I Find A PC Tower?

PC towers are typically sold anywhere that PC components are sold. Best Buy and Amazon are our chosen vendors for their ease of use and high number of options.

Do I Need A PC Tower?

Technically, no, but it's very strongly suggested. Ultimately, you can build a test bench and just plug things into your motherboard. This is a great choice if you're constantly switching out components. But if you're using a PC long-term, it's best to have a case for safety, dust management, cooling, and aesthetics.

Best Headsets For PC In 2024

The 5 Best Portable PC Cases With Handles in 2023

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Say, for example, that you want something to take to a LAN party or you occasionally shuttle between a few different houses. It doesn’t make sense to sacrifice the power and bang-for-buck of a desktop PC if you’re only moving it a few times a month.

To that end, we’ve listed the six best portable PC cases perfect for building a rig that you can carry with you from time to time.

• Best Portable Mini-ITX Case: Hyte Revolt 3 has a vertical design with room for massive graphics cards and AIO coolers.
• Best Portable Mini-ITX Case Runner Up: Lian Li PC-TU150 is a large Mini-ITX case with solid compatibility and a clean, minimal exterior complete with a retractable handle.
• Best SFF (<15 liters) Portable Case: Jonsbo T8 Plus is a 12-liter portable case with room for decent hardware and four 2.5” drives, all in a sleek exterior.
• Best Portable Micro-ATX Case: Sliger Cerberus packs excellent hardware compatibility (including a 280 mm AIO!) into a flexible sub-20 liter case.
• Best Slim Portable Case: SilverStone ML08 is an HTPC-friendly slim case with enough space for reasonably powerful hardware.

Our Favorite Portable PC Cases

1. hyte revolt 3.

The Hyte Revolt 3 combines the portable convenience of a handle with enough room for a high-end graphics card. If you want a beast of a portable PC, then this is the case to check out first.

The Revolt 3’s Xbox Series X-style tower design means it has room for a 13.18-inch, three-slot GPU like a high-end RTX 3080 variant while still coming in under 20 liters. CPU cooler clearance is a decent 5.5 inches, although the Revolt 3’s single 80 mm top fan isn’t ideal for raw airflow.

TechPowerUp tested the Revolt 3 and recorded 89.2 degrees Celsius on their Intel i5-9600K CPU and 75.8 degrees on a Zotac RTX 3060 Ti Twin Edge OC . That’s an acceptable GPU temperature, but the CPU is on the hot side. So you’ll likely want to take advantage of the Revolt 3’s radiator support and install a decent 280 mm AIO to keep CPU temperatures under control.

Source: Hyte

Hyte put a lot of thought into designing the Revolt 3, which shows in the internal layout. You get small but helpful features such as a hinged cooler mounting bracket for easy motherboard access and PSU and GPU cable management plates. These make building and maintaining a system in the Revolt 3 much more manageable.

Overall, the Hyte Revolt 3 is an excellent portable PC case that will fit some serious hardware. It’s equally at home on a desk as it is shuttling around from LAN party to LAN party, making it a great pick and one of the best mini-ITX cases overall.

The Hyte Revolt 3 is available in black and white . You can also buy the Revolt 3 with a pre-installed PSU if you’d rather not worry about finding the right PSU for your rig.

2. Lian Li PC-TU150

Lian Li is no stranger to making PC cases, being well known for products like the O11 Dynamic and their range of desk PCs . While they’re definitely more focused on bigger cases, they also make the PC-TU150. It’s our pick for the best Mini-ITX case with a handle that you can buy right now.

The PC-TU150 is a bit too big to qualify as a “proper” sub-20L small form factor (SFF) case, but that comes with some benefits. The PC-TU150 has enough room to fit GPUs up to 12.6 inches long and CPU coolers up to 6.5 inches high.

This means you’ll be able to pick from almost any high-end graphics card on the market now and pair it with a chunky CPU cooler like Noctua’s NH-D15S . You’ll still have to go for an SFX or SFX-L power supply, but that’s a small sacrifice to make for such effortless compatibility elsewhere.

(Source: nickmjhsu on PCPartPicker )

The PC-TU150 has some thoughtful airflow features, with perforations down the sides and across the bottom of the front panel. The PSU even gets its own dedicated grate. If you opt for the windowless variant, the case also has a grate specifically for GPU cooling.

Fan-wise, it has four 120 mm fan slots, so you shouldn’t have any trouble feeding fresh air to your components. PC TU-150. There’s enough space to hide your cables on top of or behind the motherboard tray, helping you ensure a clear pathway for the air to flow.

Top it all off with a nice brushed aluminum finish and a retractable magnetic handle, and you have one of the most stylish and practical mini-ITX portable PC cases on the market now. It’s a bit big for a Mini-ITX case at 23 liters, but it’s still a great case regardless.

3. Jonsbo T8 Plus

The Jonsbo T8 Plus is an updated version of the T8, which was one of our previous favorite portable PC cases. The T8 Plus retains the clean, angular design and built-in handle of the T8 but expands its dimensions slightly for much-improved component compatibility.

Despite its increased size, the T8 Plus is still a bonafide small form factor (SFF) case with its 12.5-liter volume. Jonsbo has made clever use of the room here, giving you ATX PSU support alongside space for 10.62-inch GPUs and 5.31-inch CPU coolers. The T8 Plus has enough room for a high-end card like the Zotac RTX 3070 Twin Edge OC and a compact CPU tower cooler like the Noctua NH-U9S . That’s some beefy hardware for a sub-15 liter PC.

One of the main motivations for the increased height also likely has to do with improved GPU cooling. The old T8 only had a single 140 mm top fan, but the T8 Plus has room for two 120 mm bottom intake fans. This should help keep GPU temperatures in check without resorting to the front intake fan mods commonly performed on the T8 non-Plus.

Source: Jonsbo

You can also repurpose one of those bottom 120 mm mounts to install a single 2.5” SSD, giving you 4 SSD mounts in total. That’s quite impressive for a small case and makes this a good candidate for a relatively storage-heavy build if you also install an NVMe SSD in your motherboard slot.

However, there’s one noticeable downside to the T8 Plus: the 90 mm rear fan mounting holes. This uncommon size means that you won’t be able to install a 120 mm AIO to cool your CPU without some creative mounting.

AIO issues aside, there’s a lot to like about the Jonsbo T8 Plus. Yes, it’s no longer in that sub-10 liter category that die-hard SFF users love, but that makes it a more usable and appealing case overall. The T8 Plus is available in silver and black .

4. Sliger Cerberus

If you want to build a portable micro ATX rig in an exceptionally compact and premium case, the Sliger Cerberus might be the case for you. It pulls off the trick of supporting mATX motherboards while also being small enough to qualify as a bona fide SFF case, coming in at 19.64 liters.

Our other micro ATX case, the Cooler Master Q300P, gives you multiple options for handle positions, case orientation, and the location of the I/O panel. On the other hand, the Sliger Cerberus offers you a lot of choices when buying the case itself.

You can choose the finish, the types of side panels you want, whether you want a handle, extra storage and fan mounting options, and so on. You can even choose to bundle in a low-profile AIO CPU cooler, which you’ll need if you want to install a standard ATX PSU in the Cerberus.

(Source: Sliger )

The Cerberus feels like a really well-thought-out case. It offers multiple PSU mounting options for flexibility and solid AIO support. There’s good support for 120 and 140 mm radiators, and there’s even room for a 280-mm radiator at the bottom. However, Sliger does note that “placement may be difficult” for that large a radiator.

We also like the Cerberus’ “infinite vent pattern,” which is a fancy way of saying that most of the Cerberus’ panels have perforations that accommodate case screws. This pattern lets you install 60 mm to 140 mm case fans “almost anywhere,” giving tons of flexibility. The Sliger Cerberus also has five expansion ports. With the right parts, you could build a dual GPU rig in the Cerberus if you’re feeling a bit crazy. That’s impressive for such a compact case.

The downside? The Cerberus isn’t cheap. Starting at $265 with a handle, the Cerberus costs a pretty penny compared to our other choices. Free US shipping helps, but it’s still considerably more expensive than the Cooler Master Q300P.

However, the Sliger Cerberus stands out as one of the most exciting and still relatively accessible micro ATX cases with handles right now. If you like what the Cerberus offers, there’s not much on the market that can compare.

You can get the Sliger Cerberus directly from Sliger .

5. SilverStone ML08

If you want to build a thin SFF case with a handle, there aren’t many better choices than the SilverStone ML08. Coming in at a dainty 12 liters, the ML08 is perfect for a portable HTPC that you can take with you on trips. It even has space for a dedicated optical drive, which the Blu-Ray fanatics out there will surely appreciate.

Don’t think it can’t be used for gaming, either. It supports 13-inch GPUs and enough CPU cooler space for something like Noctua’s low-profile NH-L9a or NH-L9i coolers. You’ll definitely have to go with a slightly lower-power CPU. However, it should still be enough for an enjoyable gaming experience.

Remember to keep an eye on the temperatures, though; the ML08 doesn’t have any space for case fans. So, you’ll have to rely on the ventilation and the fans on your coolers to keep things running at decent temperatures.

(Source: MountieXXL on Imgur )

When you’re building a PC in something this size, though, you’ll definitely have to make more sacrifices than with our other options. On balance, we think the lack of cooling fans isn’t a deal-breaker for HTPC-style builds, especially when the case is this thin.

As a bonus, you can also position the ML08 horizontally, making it perfect for a console-style PC to put under your TV.

How To Choose A Portable PC Case

We’ve done our research and are confident that these five cases are some of the best portable PC cases you can buy right now. But we know that choosing a PC case comes down to personal preference more than anything else, and you may not be that keen on our picks.

So, to help you make your own choice and explain some of ours, let’s run through the most essential characteristics of a portable PC case.

(Sliger Cerberus. Source: Sliger )

All the cases in our list feature carrying handles. While you can get by without one, especially if it’s a micro-ATX (mATX) or mini-ITX case, a handle makes carrying your portable rig a lot easier. There’s less chance of it slipping out of your grasp, for one. It also makes it easier to set it down if you need to use both your hands.

If portability is your main concern, we think a handle is really a must-have.

(Sliger Cerberus vs. 2 liter Coke bottle. Source: u/Jorgejones96 )

Let’s get it out of the way: yes, you can get mid and full tower cases with handles. And yes, that technically makes them more portable than similarly-sized cases without handles. But we think they’re still too big to qualify as a legit portable PC case. Do you really want to lug a mid tower, even one with handles, up and down flights of stairs? We guessed not.

That’s why all of our picks here are mATX and smaller. We think you should stick to the same form factors if you’re choosing your own portable case. Cases like the Lian Li PC-TU150 even support full-size CPU air coolers and GPUs, so don’t think you’ll be missing out by going with a smaller case.

Component Compatibility

(Don’t let this happen to you. Source: Tom’s Hardware )

There’s nothing worse than buying a case only to realize your components won’t fit. This can happen surprisingly easily, mainly if you’re reusing old parts like a PSU or GPU in a new build. We tried to pick cases with well-rounded compatibility to work with regular parts, saving you that particular headache.

Still, expect to need one or two new parts if this is your first ITX or small form factor (SFF) build. Depending on the case, you might have to get a smaller SFX PSU or a shorter graphics card. So, do your research and budget accordingly.

Airflow And Temperatures

(Source: u/ccampo )

It’s surprisingly easy to end up with a super-hot PC when you’re targeting compactness and portability. So we’ve gone for cases with features, be it fan mounting points or well-placed grates, designed to ensure adequate airflow.

Of course, small cases will almost always run hotter than a roomier mid or full tower. That’s just something you’ll have to accept in a small PC. That said, this can be a problem if you’re a stickler for temperatures or live in a hot climate. If that’s you, then small portable cases probably aren’t the right choice.

Out of the cases we listed here, we like the Sliger Cerberus and Lian Li PC-TU150 the most. Both feature compact size, classy aesthetics, and relatively flexible component support, making for a pair of excellent portable PC cases.

All in all, though, we don’t think you can really go wrong with any of our picks. Some may require more sacrifices than others, but it’ll all depend on what sort of PC you’re building in the first place. Just remember that you’ll be giving up some of the things you may be taking for granted in mid or full tower cases with any of these picks.

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