All Cases

The Bottom Line: The Aspire X-Qpack is an inexpensive small-form-factor case that will appeal to those looking to build a mini PC that's more about function than form.

Specs: Apevia X-QPACK X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 - Desktop - Micro ATX, 11.2 in x 13.8 in x 9 in, 2 x USB, 2 x Audio, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Rear 12 cm - ( 1 installed), Power supply

The Bottom Line: Apple's Mac Mini Core Duo has effectively killed the small-form-factor, do-it-yourself market, which makes it hard to argue for the Antec Minuet 300, despite its cool features and slick design. If you can find a specific reason to help you justify building a SFF PC yourself, however, the Minuet 300 will serve you well.

Specs: Antec LifeStyle Minuet 300 - Desktop slimline - Micro ATX, 12.8 in x 16.8 in x 3.8 in, 2 x USB, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 2 x Audio, 1 x 8 cm - ( 1 installed), Power supply

The Bottom Line: The SilverStone SG01-E is a solidly built aluminum small-form-factor case that can house a powerful PC--just be prepared for some space issues with longer video cards.

Specs: SilverStone SUGO SG01S - Desktop - Micro ATX, 10.4 in x 15.5 in x 8.3 in, 4 x Hi-Speed USB, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1 x Headphones - Output, 1 x Microphone - Input, 1 x 6 cm - ( 1 installed), 1 - ( 0 installed), 1 x 8 cm - ( 1 installed), No power supply

The Bottom Line: It's not the prettiest case in town, but the Thermaltake Tai-Chi lends itself very well to aggressive overclockers.

Specs: Thermaltake Tai Chi VB5000SNA - Tower - Extended ATX / BTX, 10.4 in x 21.5 in x 23.6 in, 2 x USB, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1, Front 120 mm - ( 1 installed), Rear 120 mm - ( 1 installed)

The Bottom Line: Copious drive bays are a plus, but the overly complicated Asys CK-1022-5 tries for too much, making even simple chores a hassle.

Specs: Asys Eiffel Tower Mid tower - Extended ATX, 8 in x 20 in x 21 in, 4 x Hi-Speed USB, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1 x Audio - Input, 1 x Audio - Output, Front : 3 x 12 cm - ( 1 installed), Rear : 1 x 12 cm - ( 1 installed), No power supply

The Bottom Line: The SilverStone Temjin TJ07 is a solidly built aluminum case that will look at home in almost any decor, but its hefty price won't fit every budget.

Specs: SilverStone TEMJIN TJ07 - Tower - Extended ATX, 8.7 in x 22 in x 22.2 in, 2 x 12 cm - ( 2 installed), 2 x 9.2 cm - ( 2 installed), No power supply

The Bottom Line: With a curved case by an Italian sports car designer, the Spire Pininfarina looks great, without crossing over into geek territory. Interior components such as drive rails and cages are innovative but may need another generation or two to work out the kinks.

Specs: Spire Pininfarina SP-ATX-PALU/B - Tower - Extended ATX, 7.9 in x 17.7 in x 19.5 in, 2 x USB, 1 x Microphone - Input, 1 x Headphones - Output, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Rear : 1 x 8 cm - ( 0 installed), Front : 1 x 8 cm - ( 0 installed), Side : 1 x 8 cm - ( 0 installed), Side : 1 x 12 cm

The Bottom Line: With lots of interior room and easy access, choosing the Thermaltake Eureka comes down to your sense of aesthetics.

Specs: Thermaltake Eureka VC8000SWA - Full tower - Extended ATX, 8.1 in x 25.6 in x 21.3 in, 2 x Hi-Speed USB, 1 x IEEE 1394 (FireWire), 1 x Speaker(s) - Output, 1 x Microphone - Input, Front : 1 x 12 cm - ( 1 installed), Rear : 1 x 12 cm - ( 1 installed), No power supply

Specs: Aopen S 120 - Desktop slimline - Mini ITX, 7.8 in x 7.8 in x 3.1 in, 2 x USB, Audio - Input, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Power adapter

Specs: Cooler Master Elite 334 - Mid tower - ATX, 8 in x 19.1 in x 16.3 in, 2 x Hi-Speed USB, 1 x Microphone - Input, 1 x Audio - Line-out, Front : 1 x 12 cm - ( 0 installed), Rear : 1 x 12 cm - ( 1 installed), No power supply