LAS VEGAS—While much of CES 2026 revolved around AI buzzwords and silicon roadmaps, the DIY crowd and PC case designers were busy having a lot more fun. Sure, RAM may be unaffordable in 2026 (and there was plenty of worry and negative buzz about that behind the scenes at the show). However, the usual suspects are betting that folks will at least be willing to rebuild their existing gear into a new box.
The suites and ballrooms of the show were packed with bold materials, wild colors, artsy experiments, mechanical theatrics, and thoughtful details that reminded us the PC case isn’t just a box—it’s the personality of a build. This time around, case makers showed up swinging with art-piece limited editions, retro throwbacks that lean hard into nostalgia, and genuinely smart new ideas about airflow, layout, and customization. From practical daily drivers to full-blown showpieces, these are the 12 PC cases that made us stop, stare, and go “whoa!”
Thermaltake TR100 Koralie Edition
You don’t see cases like this every day—and indeed, you won’t see this one on the market for very long, period. Thermaltake has taken its basic TR100 shoebox chassis and collaborated with French graphic artist “Koralie” (Koralie Carmen Flores) to make it into something utterly unique.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The Cobalt Blue, chosen by the artist, serves as a backdrop for her signature motifs, which celebrate indigenous design and themes from Asia, the Mediterranean, and Art Deco. (To the untrained eye, the artwork might look at home in a trove of artifacts about to be raided by Lara Croft.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Thermaltake notes that only 500 of the stunning Koralie Edition cases will be made. Each will come with a numbered certificate and badge of authenticity, with the aim, according to Thermaltake reps, of adding to the feeling of collecting a treasured piece of art. Expect to see it in Q2 this year for $169.99.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
InWin Dlite Flex
InWin’s new Dlite Flex PC case will look familiar to our regular readers, as we saw a very similar case during last year’s Computex show in Taiwan. (Indeed, it was our favorite case of the show.) This new model hasn’t changed much, keeping its delightfully clean exterior and tempered-glass side panels.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The big change with this new, North America-exclusive model is that it moves away from the use of aluminum trim on the vertical strips and opts for steel in its place. This was done purposefully for the US market to avoid the high tariffs on “derivative” products containing aluminum introduced in 2025. Either way, it looks fantastic. Expect it to cost $195.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Thermaltake View Cross TG
Now, this is a niche case within niche cases: a chassis that can accommodate two entire systems inside, and do it in a massive-glass style. Most chassis that can house two full PCs are workstation monsters, focused far more on utility than appearance. However, this model does both: It can mount two MicroATX motherboards, one above the other, powered by separate power supplies, and with room for an all-in-one cooler for each PC. And you’ll be able to see both systems, in full, through the front glass.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The idea here is to provide the ultimate single-body showcase for streamers who may be gaming on one PC and livestreaming from another. Or, this could be a couple’s dual PC, with his-and-hers configurations in one showcase. How romantic! (At least until one of the partners wants an upgrade.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
To accommodate the two independent PCs and motherboards, the case has two sets of PCI Express card mounts, and discrete sets of power button/”front panel” connectors on the case’s top…
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Expect the Cross case in Q2 at $199; a Snow Edition model at the same price also offers the design in white.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Thermaltake Retro 260 TG and 360 TG
As a tech enthusiast with a collection of outdated computer hardware, I’m loving the emergence of retro case designs, such as Thermaltake’s Retro 260 TG (MicroATX) and Retro 360 TG (full ATX). These cases differ in size but share a style of front panel reminiscent of the early 2000s, when floppy drives were fading away, and many case manufacturers were transitioning to a single 3.5-inch drive bay.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Both Retro TG cases have a classic beige exterior that looks slightly off to me compared with truly old PC cases from this era. The color is perhaps a bit too soft and creamy for accuracy, but it’s close enough that you’ve gotta love it.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The cases are retro only on the outside. They have a modern ventilation system, a modern placement for an ATX power supply, and a glass side window. But those aspects only make the case cooler and quirkier. Plus, Thermaltake offers several in-theme add-ons designed to complement the Retros, sold separately, for those who want to go full beige.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The Retro 260 TG is expected to arrive at $74.99, and the Retro 360 TG at $89.99, both in Q2. Thermaltake also offers an optional screen kit for the 260 TG at $99.99; you can see it in action in the images here. Also visible is a retro-styled all-in-one liquid cooler featuring a CRT-monitor theme over the CPU block, keeping the mood going. (The AIO will be $149.99 or $159.99 for 240mm or 360mm models.)
Asus ROG Cronox ARGB
Asus’ ROG Cronox ARGB PC case features glass panels on its front and left-hand side. These panels run together at the corner without any metal or other elements in between, creating a clear, angular look. This provides you with an exceptional view of the case’s interior, which is well-lit by preinstalled ARGB case fans.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Also, it gives a clear view to this case’s real special feature: a 9.2-inch LCD panel mounted below where a graphics card would typically be installed. By default, this display can provide you with information on your system’s current operating vitals. It can also function as a clock, provide notifications, or be configured to display a customized visual theme, making your PC all the more uniquely your own.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Cyberpower MA-01
Cyberpower issues PC cases only rarely, but this thoughtful tower chassis looks like a home run from its base to its snazzy top vent. Every square inch of the MA-01 interior is designed with intention.
(Credit: John Burek)
Instead of leaving its PC case fans exposed to view, they’re all housed behind panels that use air-directing slits to focus airflow intelligently while creating a subtle-looking glow from below.
(Credit: John Burek)
Additionally, three analog dials (“MA” stands for “Modern Analog”) located on the lower right corner of one side panel allow you to manually fine-tune the individual R, G, and B values for the case lighting, as well as switch lighting pulse patterns.
(Credit: John Burek)
Curved glass with a substantial, protective surrounding frame and a thoughtfully done slide-in panel that covers the unused PCI Express slot screws (a first, in our eyes) demonstrates a superb attention to detail.
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(Credit: John Burek)
The case comes in dark silver, beige, and black, and to “top” it off, you can get versions ($249) with the top vent covered by a superbly curved grille made of hard, shaped stainless steel wire, much like the steel mesh you see on high-end microphones. We dubbed this case our favorite in our roundup of top desktops and PC components from the 2026 show.
(Credit: John Burek)
Cooler Master Qube 540 SP
Here is a case that stands out in all the right ways. We were fans of the original Qube 500, and this model brings new surfaces and materials to this modular, flatpack design. The Qube 540 SP, in some ways, appears industrial with the Qube’s usual two handles mounted on top, but this is offset by a wood-grain finish that lends the case an earthier look.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The interior layout of this case is also adjustable and customizable, with support for 3D-printed accessories that can hook into the round holes in the panels. You can even relocate the front I/O ports. Additionally, the interior accommodates large components, including graphics cards up to 415mm in length and 360mm radiators.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
InWin Aeon
The InWin Aeon is a real showstopper; it’s one of InWin’s always-anticipated Signature cases that it brings to trade shows as a creative centerpiece. With its unique design and enormous size, this case resembles a massive, decorative glass geode standing on an elaborate pedestal.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The case is covered in mirrored glass panels arranged in a uniquely angled shape, along the lines of the company’s original Prism chassis, which was itself inspired by another of its limited-edition chassis, the Tòu 2.0. The pedestal features a built-in LCD screen; at CES, it was displaying a retrospective of classic InWin Signature cases from years past.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
It gets even more interesting when you open up the case. You trigger a hydraulic mechanism by placing an RFID card on a sensor on the case’s pedestal…
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The rear panel extends down on a piston, providing easy access to the internals, similar to what you’d experience in an open-air chassis. (InWin notes that you can take out the motherboard tray for easy mounting.) Additionally, the case supports two power supplies, making it suitable for high-end workstation platforms, such as AMD’s Threadripper Pro.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
But really, the Aeon is all about the look, and an over-the-top expression celebrating InWin’s 40th anniversary. This multi-kilobuck PC chassis will be a home or corporate-office showpiece, rather than an everyday driver, for the handful of folks who may land one of the few actually produced. But hey, want to build a gaming PC in it? You do you.
ADATA Dock Prototype Open-Frame Case
We seldom see good open-air PC cases suitable for PC testing and building projects; they’re a rare, niche breed. ADATA’s early design of its Dock chassis takes a new approach, though, and it has us in PC Labs excited for it.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The front of this full-ATX chassis is covered by a slant-mounted wooden face, which clicks on and off easily.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Underneath, you’ve got the room for a full ATX build. It’s backed by an in-development “dynamic breathing” cooling system that utilizes special software and some of ADATA’s XPG smart fans to accelerate or decelerate individual spinners, achieving specific airflow goals you specify.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Potential accessories include a vertical LCD panel or a headphone hanger, and the chassis can accommodate two full 360mm radiators. Additionally, ADATA hopes to bring the product to market for under $200. Take my money!
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Hyte X50 Orange
If you’re tired of gray-scale PC cases, then feast your eyes on Hyte’s X50 PC case line. We reviewed it not long ago, and arguably the most attractive feature of this case is its bold use of color and bubbly, curved lines that give it a fun and lively appearance. However, the case also exhibited excellent thermal characteristics in our tests, once equipped with a set of optional case fans featuring a patent-pending high-performance blade design.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The case was already available in exotic, tasty colors like Matcha, Wild Cherry, Taro Milk, and Strawberry Milk, and what’s new for CES 2026 is the addition of an orange hue (“Astral Orange”). Hyte also equips this case with a 4mm-thick laminated acoustic glass side panel that not only looks nice but is rated shatter-proof by the company. Having received cases in the mail a few times with a shattered tempered-glass side panel, I can say: Don’t underestimate the importance of that. It’s easy to slip up and break a case side even when simply handling a glass side while building or upgrading.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The company also showcased its Aesthetic Cable Kits, designed for running PSU cables that match the X50 case’s color scheme.
Cooler Master Cosmos Alpha Gold
Cases don’t come much bigger than Cooler Master’s Cosmos Alpha Gold, and this chassis makes a notable statement with its size and precious-metal color scheme. The Cooler Master logo on the front of the case is plated in 24K gold to match. Inside the case, you’ll have plenty of room to work with. The case’s motherboard mounting tray is movable and adjustable to accommodate various build configurations, and the fan brackets are also adjustable, supporting fans ranging from 120mm to 200mm.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Airflow should also be excellent inside, thanks to two pre-installed 200mm fans that are extra thick (at 38mm) to enable them to push more air per revolution. Only 199 of these cases will be sold, making it a highly limited collector’s item; however, Cooler Master also offers similar Cosmos Alpha cases without the gold polish.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
A common carryover from the non-limited Cosmos is the unusual front panel material, which resembles fossilized steel wool or metal-encrusted, hardened sponge. It’s striking in person, and even more so in gold.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
InWin Covalent
We first saw the Covalent as a prototype model at Computex 2025. This distinctive, hulking workstation chassis supports EEB motherboards for ultra-serious configurations based on high-end desktop platforms, such as AMD Threadripper and Intel Xeon. Unlike most cases that serve those huge motherboards, this one has a lot of flair. Vertical slats on the front covering the front fans make the case look distinctive.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The case features eight slot-mounting positions for PCI Express cards, allowing for the installation of dual four-slot-thick cards for AI or other GPU-compute-intensive builds. The left side is made of tempered glass, and the chassis itself can accommodate up to 420mm-class radiators at the top and sides, as well as three 120mm/140mm fans in the front and/or on the bottom of the case. If you opt for strictly air cooling, you can install up to 13 120mm/140mm spinners. Price will be $219.99 when it ships in the first half of this year.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
About Our Experts
John Burek
Executive Editor and PC Labs Director
Experience
I have been a technology journalist for almost 30 years and have covered just about every kind of computer gear—from the 386SX to 64-core processors—in my long tenure as an editor, a writer, and an advice columnist. For almost a quarter-century, I worked on the seminal, gigantic Computer Shopper magazine (and later, its digital counterpart), aka the phone book for PC buyers, and the nemesis of every postal delivery person. I was Computer Shopper’s editor in chief for its final nine years, after which much of its digital content was folded into PCMag.com. I also served, briefly, as the editor in chief of the well-known hard-core tech site Tom’s Hardware.
During that time, I’ve built and torn down enough desktop PCs to equip a city block’s worth of internet cafes. Under race conditions, I’ve built PCs from bare-board to bootup in under 5 minutes. I never met a screwdriver I didn’t like.
I was also a copy chief and a fact checker early in my career. (Editing and polishing technical content to make it palatable for consumer audiences is my forte.) I also worked as an editor of scholarly science books, and as an editor of “Dummies”-style computer guidebooks for Brady Books (now, BradyGames). I’m a lifetime New Yorker, a graduate of New York University’s journalism program, and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
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Michael Justin Allen Sexton
Senior Writer, Hardware
Experience
I have been interested in science and technology for as long as I can remember, spurred on by a fondness for video games. I learned to work in Windows and manipulate files to get buggy games to work, and I learned to build and upgrade PCs for better performance.
In my role at PCMag for the past four years, I’ve deeply enjoyed the opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise. Before PCMag, I wrote for Tom’s Hardware for three years, where I covered tech news, deals, and wrote some hands-on reviews. After working as a PCMag contributor for a time reviewing desktops, PC cases, budget processors, and motherboards, I now focus on testing and reviewing processors and graphics cards and sharing my insights on the industry.
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