Purchases through our links may earn us a commission.
LAN parties were considered a thing of the past, but now they’re back. Sure, they’re not as popular as back in the day, like during QuakeCons of yesteryear, when hundreds of people would gather to play their favorite multiplayer titles. There would be huge rows of PC cases and monitors with games being played on each one. Instead, LAN parties of today are casual gatherings where friends get together either to relive their youth or to experience the latest Destiny 2 raid.
If that’s the case, there’s one thing that can make your life much easier when it comes to traveling with your gear: a computer case with handles. And today, you get to check out the best portable PC cases with handles.
Moving your PC around could damage the internal components. A GPU brace can provide extra security to your graphics card on top of preventing GPU sag; we have the best GPU braces guide for anyone interested in extra GPU security. Next, if you move your gaming rig around often, we recommend getting an air CPU cooler instead of an AIO. Our list of the best air coolers for Ryzen CPUs has excellent CPU coolers that will work fine even with Intel processors. Finally, check out our guide for the best 60% keyboards to find a perfect, compact mechanical keyboard to go with your portable gaming PC.
Cougar Panzer Max: Best full tower case with handles
The Cougar Panzer Max is a robust and portable case designed like a tank. It accommodates numerous storage drives, full-size graphics cards (up to 390mm), and E-ATX motherboards. With three preinstalled fans and support for up to eight in total, it ensures efficient cooling. The case offers space for two 5.25” devices and up to two 360mm water cooling radiators. Its top-notch cable management and front panel with 2 USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 ports make it convenient for frequent movers. Additional features include a headphone hook and front fan control. The tool-less design adds convenience. While its large size and weight might be downsides for some, the Panzer Max remains a standout portable case option.
Cooler Master MasterCase MC500Mt: Best mid-tower case with handles
The Cooler Master MasterCase MC500Mt is a versatile mid-tower case with E-ATX motherboard support. Its modern design features black metal with red accents and a convenient top handle for portability. The stacked front panel includes three USB 3.0 ports, a USB-C port, fan and LED controllers, and audio jacks. The Free Form modular system allows customization, and a tool-less design aids easy installation. Cooling options are abundant, including support for a 360mm front and up to 280mm top radiator. While it comes with three preinstalled fans, their quality is lacking, and cable management could be improved. The case’s price is relatively high.
Cooler Master MasterBox Q300P: Best micro ATX case with handles
The Cooler Master MasterBox Q300P is a portable micro ATX case with its biggest strength being the price. Aside from its affordable price, the Q300P looks quite attractive. The minimalist design with symmetric handles that serve as stands at the bottom leaves a strong first impression.
Add to that two preinstalled RGB fans at the front, and you’ve got yourself one pretty micro ATX case with a handle. You also get one preinstalled fan on the back. Specs-wise, there’s a lot to like for the money.
Solid cable management. Support for up to six fans. Three storage drive bays. The front I/O port is average, with 2 USB 3.0 ports and good old audio in/out jacks. Liquid cooling support is also average at best. You can install one 240mm AIO on the rear side. Top and frontside support only 120mm radiators.
Other downsides include not-so-great airflow and poor quality of preinstalled fans. On the other hand, this is a great micro ATX LAN case. It weighs a bit over 5 kg, has two sturdy handles, and is super portable due to its small size.
Lian Li TU-150WX: Best mini-ITX portable case with handles
The Lian Li TU-150WX is a sleek mini-ITX carrying case with a retractable handle for portability. It offers a minimalist design with a transparent side panel, easy tool-less access, and space for large CPU coolers. While lacking preinstalled fans, it supports up to four. Water cooling options are limited to a single 120mm radiator. Storage includes two 2.5” drives or one 2.5” and one 3.5” drive, and GPUs up to 320mm are accommodated. The front panel features USB 3.0, audio jacks, and a USB-C port. Despite some limitations in liquid cooling and airflow, it’s an excellent choice for portable ITX setups.
SilverStone ML08: Best slim mini-ITX case with handles
SilverStone ML08, a uniquely designed mini ITX case with a striking resemblance to Agent 47’s iconic briefcase. This portable case combines aesthetics and functionality, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize mobility.
The slim profile and built-in handle ensure easy transport, although assembly can be challenging due to its compact size. Despite this, the ML08 maintains decent airflow with a separate GPU compartment and adequate CPU cooling space.
Inside, there’s room for two 2.5″ storage drives and support for GPUs up to 330mm in length. While lacking built-in fans, liquid cooling support, and efficient cable management, the ML08’s distinctive design and portability make it a solid option for on-the-go PC builders.
Purchases through our links may earn us a commission.