These Wood PC Cases Add a Natural Look to Gaming Setups

These Wood PC Cases Add a Natural Look to Gaming Setups

As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the Corsair 4000D Airflow truly stands out among its wooden counterparts. With a vast array of cases available today, finding the perfect one can be a daunting task, but this beauty is worth every second of your search.


As gaming computers gain popularity, gamers are continuously seeking methods to individualize their setups. One unique approach is by incorporating wood PC cases, which offer a natural touch in gaming spaces dominated by metallic components. With a variety of oak and walnut desks on the market, selecting a PC case that complements this decor can significantly enhance the room’s aesthetic appeal.

Most PC cases with wood are still made mostly of steel or aluminum. Fully wooden alternatives are painstaking to craft and are exceedingly expensive custom projects. Still, gamers can find options with bamboo or teak front panels that don’t interfere with powerful but quiet cooling configurations. Gamers should also consider what size case is most appropriate for their available desk space. To capitalize on the latest style trend, manufacturers have added wooden accents to small form factor, mid-tower, and full-tower cases.

The Most Wonderful Wood PC Cases

The Corsair 4000D Airflow offers gamers an effortless change between wooden front panels, as it’s available in Bamboo, Sapele, and Teak options on the official website. Opting for a pre-installed wood panel when purchasing the case is a more cost-effective choice. Despite the aesthetic, this mid-tower model from Corsair boasts triangular openings on both its interior and exterior. This versatile Corsair case appeals to buyers seeking a robust, high-airflow enclosure with design flexibility.

Featuring a tempered glass side panel that showcases the internal components just as effectively as its realistic front panel, this 4000D model boasts triangular cutouts for a unique aesthetic while maintaining optimal CPU and GPU temperatures through effective ventilation. Out of the box, you’ll notice two Corsair AirGuide fans pre-installed on both the front and back of the chassis. These fans, equipped with anti-vortex vanes, offer impressive airflow without producing excessive noise. Compared to other mid-tower cases, this model is slightly more compact, accommodating up to six 120 mm fans. However, it’s important to note that only 360 mm liquid cooling radiators can be fitted behind the front panel.

Despite being smaller in size among mid-tower ATX cases, the 4000D Airflow offers an exceptional amount of room for cable organization. Corsair provides numerous cable management paths and ties hidden behind the motherboard tray. In addition, this area also offers simple access to hard drive and SSD compartments that can accommodate up to four discs each.

The exceptional build quality of the 4000D Airflow is fortified by plentiful steel, but minor shortcomings like a front I/O panel with only two USB ports don’t diminish its overall value significantly. As the top wooden case for gamers, the Corsair 4000D Airflow shows that blending a natural motif into a gaming workspace doesn’t have to sacrifice airflow.)

Builds with extensive use of wood often come with higher price points due to their elegant aesthetic. However, with the Antec Flux, consumers don’t have to break the bank or wait for months to receive a custom case. The walnut or birchwood on its front panel is tastefully understated, but the Flux offers savings by incorporating five fans in its design.

The Flux, constructed from wood, steel, tempered glass, and mesh, thoughtfully utilizes each material. With an unparalleled capacity for airflow, the mesh is incorporated on the front, top, and even beneath the left-side tempered glass panel. In its standard setup, the Flux features three 120 mm fans at the front, another 120 mm at the bottom, and a rear 140 mm blower expelling warm air. The intention is to produce continuous streams of cool air flowing into the case through the front panel and pushing hot air out from the vented top and backside. Users have the option to place up to nine fans throughout the case, creating a simulated wind tunnel effect.

The Antec Flux case generally follows the standard mid-tower design, yet it accommodates contemporary hardware components. On its right side, there are openings for backside-mounted motherboards. The bundled ARGB fan hub assists in managing cables, however, surprisingly, none of the enclosed fans have illuminated parts.

Buyers can’t ask for much more from a budget PC case than what the Antec Flux offers. With minimal hassle, gamers will have a natural-looking rig that cools components like the frigid winter cold.

1. Wooden cases are popular choices to complement TV stands and home furniture in living rooms. However, the Fractal Design Terra Mini ITX case, with its elegant design, is usually not concealed due to its sophisticated styling. This case comes in three colors, each featuring a substantial walnut panel at the front bottom. Despite its visually appealing appearance, the Terra boasts functional design aspects that make the process of assembling a compact build more manageable.

The Terra, being a compact design, has standard constraints such as not accommodating graphics cards longer than 322 mm, and it’s unsuitable for particularly tall CPU coolers. However, its distinctive slide-out central tray provides additional space for cooling one of these components. This case is designed with ease of assembly in mind, featuring hinged doors that open to grant access to the interior.

With the Terra model, builders may find limited fan choices, but they can potentially install a 120 mm cooling fan at the base. However, it’s quite snug with a 120 mm All-in-One liquid cooler on the chassis side, so the Terra primarily depends on its ventilation. Luckily, there are extensive openings on all sides of the case, except for the solid front panel. The challenge is that fans positioned near these vents can become quite noisy.

On the Terra, premium details are evident in every aspect, such as the power button that coordinates with the selected case color. Although it’s pricier than typical Mini ITX cases, sturdy metal panels offer durability for environments like cramped living spaces or intense gaming areas. Additionally, a PCIe 4.0 riser cable is included to facilitate a compact build without incurring extra costs for gamers.

Fractal Design’s North XL case embraces the wooden trim style once again, featuring real oak or walnut veneers on its front facade. Often classified as a full-tower case, the North XL is in fact a spacious mid-tower chassis, boasting superior cooling capabilities compared to the Corsair 4000D Airflow.

The appearance of the North XL partly depends on whether buyers choose the black or white case option. Oak trims the front of the white North XL, while walnut looks more appropriate with the black version. Builders can also select from tempered glass or mesh left-side panels, with the latter being the best choice for airflow. The North XL is a case that would fit well in a luxury office, with unexpected elements like a faux leather tab to lift up the top panel.

In certain aspects, the North XL shares similar performance features as a full-size tower case, such as its ability to accommodate 420mm radiators behind its front panel. It comes with three robust 140mm fans, and can support up to six more if needed. E-ATX motherboards fit comfortably within it, providing ample space for even the longest graphics cards. However, users should note that the storage capacity of the North XL is consistent with a mid-tower case, as it only supports two 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard drives.

Although the North XL comes with a good selection of accessories, it lacks hardware for vertical GPU installation. This means builders must spend extra money on additional accessories to mount their graphics cards vertically. However, Game Rant’s review noted that the North XL’s premium aesthetic and ample interior space make it one of the more attractive wooden cases available.

Dual compartment cases tend to be roomy and designed to handle cable organization in the back area. Despite the MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ mid-tower, as tested by Game Rant, being bigger, the Antec C8 full-tower offers some distinctive benefits. This particular model of the C8 sports a slim strip of exotic wood on its front side, making it appealing to builders seeking a more subtle, natural aesthetic.

The Antec C8 combines its front and left-side tempered glass panels with a slim border for a seamless look. A wooden accent runs along the right side of the front panel, adding a touch of traditional charm to its contemporary dual chamber design. This wood trim extends all the way up to the top of the case too. If you prefer an ARGB version, it comes equipped with two 160mm and one 140mm illuminated fans, offering great value, but unfortunately, this option doesn’t include the wooden accent. The C8 arrives fanless, however, it has ample space to accommodate large fans and 360mm radiators on all sides.

1. In the second section of the C8 case, builders will have ample room due to space behind motherboards. The PSU is positioned sideways, leading to easier cable management compared to enclosed shrouds. Large grommet openings and pre-fixed cable ties help installers route wires towards the motherboard and storage drives. Justifying its status as a full-tower case, the C8 accommodates up to six hard drives; however, the 3.5″ bay needs removal and installation using small screws.

The Antec C8 is an uncommon case featuring two chambers and wood detailing, while Corsair provides a comparable choice through the 6500x model. Regardless, the affordably priced Antec C8 in the Constellation line is tough to ignore, boasting a spacious interior and compatibility with almost any cooling setup.

To hide cables neatly, reversible motherboards are now popular choices among PC builders. However, not all cases are compatible with these boards, such as the MSI Project Zero and Asus BTF models. The Corsair 2500X, designed to accommodate these components, offers a more compact solution compared to many large dual chamber cases. Similar to the Corsair 4000 series, it provides a variety of color and wood finish options for buyers.

1. It’s important to note that the 2500X case by Corsair, despite being Micro ATX, isn’t compact in terms of its footprint. However, it does have a reduced height which makes it less imposing on desktops. The 2500X offers two wood finishes, Walnut and Bamboo, with additional options like Teak available in modular panel kits. The wooden trim on this case can be found along the right side of its front and top enclosure. Similar to the Antec C8, the tempered glass used is nearly seamless at the edges, providing a unified look.

The 2500X chassis boasts a substantial depth and width, accommodating three 120 mm case fans on its base or top. Due to its reduced height, only two 120 mm fans can be installed on the right-side panel adjacent to motherboards. For those who opt for the wooden trim versions, they’ll need to acquire their own cooling solutions, increasing the overall cost of an already expensive case. Yet, users will appreciate the robust construction of the tempered glass and steel panels in the 2500X, which adds to its hefty weight during assembly.

The spacious Corsair 2500X micro-ATX case stands out with its unique wooden touches and exceptional craftsmanship, making it an upscale choice for any gaming environment.

Finding the Right Wood Case

These Wood PC Cases Add a Natural Look to Gaming Setups

As an avid gamer, I can’t help but notice the expanding array of gaming case options we have at our disposal, even though we may not be spoiled for choice just yet. The selection is growing so rapidly that it leaves me pondering over which one would be the ultimate fit for my setup. Factors like size, ventilation, aesthetics, and compatibility with components are universal concerns when choosing a case, but for gaming setups, there are additional considerations specific to this type of enclosure. These unique aspects include factors like cable management systems, RGB lighting integration, and sound dampening capabilities, all of which play significant roles in optimizing the gaming experience.

Form Factor

Multiple manufacturers provide a variety of cases featuring wooden panels and accents in assorted sizes. Compact ITX cases such as the Fractal Design Terra are suitable even for smaller gaming workstations. Mid-tower cases, like the Fractal Design North XL, can surprisingly accommodate more space. However, the Antec C8 is a full-sized tower case boasting the most storage capacity and room for additional components.

Styles

Choosing a wooden PC case isn’t just about picking between black or white; it’s more complex due to the variety of combinations. Some cases feature lighter woods alongside white casings, while darker woods like walnut are often paired with black cases. For instance, the Corsair 4000D Airflow and Fractal Design North XL both boast wooden front panels. However, what sets the 4000D apart is its interchangeable parts, allowing builders to order additional panels from the manufacturer that match their preferred furniture style.

Cable Management

A cluttered mess of cables inside a chassis can spoil the sleek appearance of a fresh gaming setup in an instant. The Corsair 2500X is one such dual chamber case that provides ample room for cable organization, ensuring your setup maintains its clean look. This Micro-ATX case is also compatible with the latest reverse connect motherboards, reducing the number of visible cables behind its panoramic tempered glass window.

Airflow

As a tech enthusiast, I’ve noticed that many cases don’t significantly impact cooling one way or another. However, for those seeking optimal airflow, I’d recommend the Antec Flux, which comes equipped with five pre-installed fans. This mid-tower model smartly utilizes mesh panels to draw in cool air from outside and expel warm air through its top panel and rear side. For a compact build like the Fractal Design Terra, the innovative design includes a sliding center section that increases ventilation for either CPUs or GPUs, making it more breathable.

Based on our chosen criteria, we picked the Corsair 4000D Airflow as our top choice for the best all-around PC case. The spacious, customizable wooden front panel provides a touch of nature to gaming configurations, while strategically placed triangular openings ensure smooth operation and cooling efficiency.

FAQ

Q: Is it okay to put your PC in a wooden cabinet?

It’s generally not recommended to place a PC case inside wooden furniture like a TV stand, especially with glass doors. However, for mini PCs often used in living rooms, adding exterior fans designed for this type of furniture can provide enough cooling.

Q: What is the best material for a PC case?

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that PC cases mostly come in two materials – steel or aluminum. Steel ones are tough as nails, but they’re heavy and not so easy to carry around. They do have a rugged charm though. On the other hand, aluminum cases are lighter, making them easier to move, but they can get scratched up more easily. The advantage of these is that they conduct heat really well, which helps keep my components from overheating. Wood accents on some cases give them a unique, sophisticated look.

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2024-08-22 16:05