By default, PC cases are made to be placed on the right side of the computer desk/table. That is why, if a case has just one transparent side, it’s the left one because that is what will face the user. Similarly, it is the left panel that is typically removed for repairs and maintenance.
With this orientation, the normal positioning of the components is that the motherboard goes on top, whereas the GPU is at the bottom.
Now, for people who want to flip things up, there are some cases known as inverted PC cases. And as you might have figured out from the name, they are…inverted.
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 favorite picks when it comes to the best inverted PC cases in 2023!
Best Overall
Premium Pick
Runner Up
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What Are Inverted PC Cases?
An inverted PC case is one in which the orientation, both vertical and horizontal, is flipped and turned around. Here’s how.
In these types of cases, a transparent side panel would be on the right side. These cases are made to go on the left side of the table/desk instead of the right, as is the case with usual traditional PCs.
Additionally, inverted PC cases also have a different component orientation. Since the sides are switched, the placement of the GPU and motherboard also does a topsy-turvy. The GPU goes on top, and the motherboard comes down to the bottom.
What Are The Benefits of Inverted PC Cases?
In theory, there is only one benefit in getting an inverted PC case, and that is the fact that you can position it on the left side of your computer desk.
However, there can be some particular and specific circumstances that may compel users to buy such a case and to refrain from buying the normal traditional ones. For example, if a user has a motherboard that has to be, for whatever reason, closer to the floor of the case rather than at the top, they can get an inverted unit.
Similarly, if someone has a very particular setup, for which they require that the GPU be mounted somewhere near the top, they can also go for an inverted case.
The point is that while there is, apparently and ostensibly, just the one perk of having an inverted case, there can be other numerous reasons why anyone would want to get their hands on one of these.
Should You Get an Inverted PC Case?
Only as a last resort. If there is a way or a configuration in which you can make do with a regular PC case, then go for it. There is no reason for you to unnecessarily divert from the normal and go for something flipped.
The main reason for that is that if your internal components, like the GPU and CPU, have some sort of text or writing on them, it will become upside down. Similarly, any design or artistic touch that looks fine and appealing in the normal orientation could become ugly and distorted once it is flipped over.
Because, here’s the thing: GPUs and motherboards are made for the default and normal PC orientation. They aren’t made to be turned upside down, notwithstanding the fact that they will work fine in the reversed position.
Here are our recommended picks for some of the best inverted PC cases to buy in 2023.
1. be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 – Best Overall
Looks, looks, and looks. The be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 comes with an outstanding design and a magnificent chassis that will make mouths water.
Normally, some PC cases go way over to the simple side, and they end up having a clean, simple body with no fancy touches. Other PC cases can go to the other extreme and feature so much RGB and flashy colorful stuff that the thing starts to look like some cheap neon sign hanging outside a thrift store.
Snagging the middle line – where the frilly stuff is just the right amount – is a bit difficult. But the Dark Base Pro 900 nails it. The dark textured black body with the orange strip running around one side is a stylish combination that can change your desk from a dull study table to an elegant workstation.
On top of the looks, the Dark Base Pro 900 comes with a host of utility features, such as the relocatable motherboard tray and modular HDD slots. You can move things around as per your need and create a setup tailored to your specific requirements.
True to the name of the brand, the case also comes with three Silent Wings 3 140mm fans for quiet and soundless ventilation.
Features
- Item dimensions: 26 x 13 x 27 inches (L x W x H)
- Item weight: 41.6 pounds
- Supports standard ATX motherboards
- Comes with 4 USB slots and audio in/out ports
- Can support up to 7 HDDs, 15 SSDs, and 2 optical drives
Why is the be quiet! Dark Base Pro 900 the Best Inverted PC Case in 2023?
One thing you might have noticed about this product is that the transparent panel is on the left side – which isn’t something that comes with inverted cases.
However, the Dark Base Pro 900 is still an excellent choice for inverted cases, thanks to the variety of changes you can implement within the chassis. The motherboard tray is moveable, and the modular drive bays are also a great customization option that users can utilize to shuffle things up and create a setup according to their needs and requirement.
2. Cooler Master Cosmos C700P – Premium Pick
If you’re looking for a PC case that looks like a spaceship (or something like a mountain goat), consider getting the Cooler Master Cosmos C700P.
Once again, you will notice that the transparent window, in this case, is also on the left side and not on the right, which is something one would expect in an inverted case.
However, the reason why this case is being mentioned here is because of the modifiable interior. You can set up your motherboard in three different orientations. You can rotate and remove the motherboard, as well as make it inverted.
Apart from the flexible configuration options, the looks on the Cosmos C700P are excellent as well. The aluminum handles on the top and the identical feet/stand at the bottom clash well with the main black body and give a magnificent look. Added to that is the dual-curved tempered glass side panel.
Features
- Product dimensions: 25.2 x 16.2 x 25.6 inches
- Product weight: 49 pounds
- Features RGB lighting on the top and bottom
- 8 expansion slots
- Can fit a total of 9 fans (3 front, 3 top, 2 bottom, and 1 rear)
- Supports up to 420mm radiator
- 5 USB ports on the I/O panel
3. Corsair Carbide 600C – Runner Up
The Corsair Carbide 600C is the first product on our list that is fully and wholly ‘inverted’. While the two mentioned in the start have the capacity and capability of becoming inverted, the Carbide 600C comes in just the upside-down layout.
With the motherboard installed near the top, there is plenty of room in the bottom section for you to place your GPUs and CPUs. By installing them near the bottom, you can put them directly in line with the airflow for maximum heat dissipation.
With the package, you get three AF140L fans included. These fans, apart from giving you a quieter cooling experience, can be controlled from the top of the PC case and be adjusted to any one of three speeds.
The body of the Carbide 600C is made with alloy steel and tempered glass. Apart from the side panel, the rest of the body features a metallic construction, which is great for durability. The transparent side can open up nicely by going around on a hinge.
Features
- Dimensions of case: 17.9 x 10.2 x 21.1 inches (L x W x H)
- Weight: 22.04 pounds
- Compatible with E-ATX motherboards
- Can fit 1 x 140mm fan at the rear, 280mm radiator at the front, and 360mm radiator at the bottom
- Comes with 3 fans included
- Fan speed can be easily adjusted from the I/O panel
- Side panel unlatches and swings open on a hinge
- Dust filters on the bottom and front help in easy cleaning
4. darkFlash V22
Before getting into this product, it needs to be mentioned that the darkFlash V22 does not have the typical inverted motherboard installation style. While it does come with a transparent panel on the right side, it has a vertical motherboard fitting orientation. This position can lessen the stress and pressure on the MB.
One interesting thing about the darkFlash V22 is the choices of available colors. There aren’t any black or white shades and finishes that you can buy. The only choices you get are MINT GREEN and PINK. The shade, too, is a candy-ish vivid. That could be a bummer for some people.
Features
- 17.3 x 8.4 x 17.5 inches (L x W x H)
- Can support 5 x 120mm fans (two in the back and three at the front). You can also install 2 x 140mm fans at the front
- 7 expansion slots
- Out-of-sight compartment for HDD and PSU
- Removable dust proof nets on the front and bottom
- Magnetic flip tempered glass side panel can be easily removed
5. Silverstone Tek RV04
The Silverstone Tek RV04 has an airy design with a dominating alloy steel construction. The tempered glass element in the body is minimalist, and it doesn’t give off as fragile a look as other cases where all the panels or the majority of them are made from the same.
This Silverstone case comes with 2 fans preinstalled, and it can hold up to 7 x 3.5” HDDs along with 4 x 2.5” SSDs. It has E-ATX motherboard compatibility, and it also comes with an integrated cable management system.
This piece can be a good choice for users who prefer a neat and minimalist appearance.
Features
- Dimensions: 26 x 13 x 23.5 inches (L x W x H)
- Full tower case type
- Comes with 2 x Air Penetrator AP181 fans
- 7 x 3.5″ and 4 x 2.5″ hard drives and SSD slots, respectively
- 2 x USB slots
- Quick access dust filters
6. SilverStone LD01B
The SilverStone LD01 is a clean and minimalist PC case with a bare and unobstructed interior space. The product features a stainless steel and tempered glass construction, with the latter being the more dominating element.
With the LD01, you can only fit up micro and mini ATX motherboards. Although not categorically a ‘dual-chamber’ case, the LD01 does come with a PSU and drive bay cover that hides the bulky and unsightly components.
Adding to the neat and clean component installation is the cable-routing system at the back.
Features
- 15.3″ x 8.5″ x 16.97″ (L x W x H)
- 16.42 pounds
- Can be fitted with up to 2 x 240/280mm radiators or five fans
- Comes with a USB-C 3.1 port and 2 x USB 3.0
- Removable dust filters for easy cleaning
- 3 x 3.5” drive trays (also usable with SSDs) and 2 x 2.5” SSD trays separately
7. RIOTORO CR1080
Let’s end up with something small and compact.
The RIOTORO CR1080 comes with a very compact design. Seeing it, you could think that the only motherboard it could support is the mini ATX. However, it isn’t so. This 8-pound case can fit the micro and even the standard ATX motherboard.
Although quite small in size, the CR1080 does provide a dual-chamber design for separated drive bays/PSU and motherboards/GPUs. The front panel comes with an easily cleanable dust filter.
One feature that we like about this case is that it does come with a see-through window on the side. But, unlike the other cases, we have discussed on this list, the panel is made from tinted acrylic rather than glass. That makes it more durable while not compromising a lot on transparency. However, acrylic scratches easily, so be careful.
Features
- Dimensions of case: 15.75 x 14.1 x 9 inches (L x W x H)
- Item weight: 8 pounds (3.62 kg)
- 7 expansion slots
- Comes with a 1 x 120mm fan installed
- 2 x USB 2.0
How to Choose the Best Inverted PC Cases in 2023?
When going shopping for an inverted PC case, there are certain points and aspects that you should check and see in each product. Blindly making a purchase won’t be very good for you, and you could end up with a cranky, third-class product.
So, here are the features and qualities that you should look out for whenever buying a new inverted PC case.
Orientation
As we mentioned in this post, there are different things that can be ‘inverted’ in a PC case. It can either be just the transparent panel, or it can be the whole thing, viz. with the interior installation configuration as well.
For example, when buying an inverted PC case, you could possibly come across a case that, while having an inverted panel, does not have the right interior components orientation. In such a case, you will not be able to adjust the motherboard on the top of the chassis or the GPU near the bottom (which is what an inverted case should do).
So, in essence, whenever looking for an inverted PC case, look for the orientation of the interior component fittings and see if they are how they are supposed to be.
Size and Capacity
This is something that you should look out for when buying any type of PC case, and not just inverted ones. However, with the latter, since the positioning is all shuffled up, it is advisable to go for a case that has a larger size and capacity as is required by your hardware.
In doing so, you’ll be able to rule out any unusual or unforeseen issues and trouble with getting everything fitted inside the chassis.
When checking the size and capacity of any case, you should see the following: PSU shroud, drive bays, and expansion slots. The exact size and number of these three things depend on what you want to use the PC for. Hence, that is something for you to judge as per your need.
Cooling System
One reason why inverted cases are considered to be a better choice is that in the upside-down orientation, the GPU and CPU are brought near to the bottom. This puts them in the direct way of the airflow.
So, if your primary reason for buying an inverted case is to improve the cooling for your system, then you should also look at the number of fans/radiators that it can fit. You should also see how many fans it comes preinstalled with.
Final Thoughts
If you are able to afford it, the best product to go for an inverted setup is the Cooler Master Cosmos C700P. True, it does not have a transparent panel on the right side, but the arrangement and configuration alteration options on this thing are diverse. You can create your customized set up by moving the MB tray around and using the modular drive bays as the need demands it.
(5 votes, average: 4.80 out of 5)
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