With gaming PCs becoming increasingly popular, players are constantly looking for ways to make their setups look more distinctive. Wood PC cases are a way to add a natural look to gaming rooms filled with metal components. With oak and walnut desks still available, choosing the best PC case that matches this decor can help renovate a space.
The Best Gaming Desks in 2024
Anyone looking for a new gaming desk this year will want to make sure to check out this list!
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
Corsair 4000D Airflow
- Brand
- Corsair
- Material
- Steel, Plastic, Tempered Glass
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- ATX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 360 mm / 14.173"
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2 x Internal 3.5"
- Viewing Window
- Yes
The CORSAIR 4000D AIRFLOW is a mid-tower ATX case with easy cable management and exceptional cooling. A steel front panel with triangular cutouts offers optimal airflow to components, accompanied by two included 120 mm AirGuide fans designed with anti-vortex vanes that enhance cooling. The CORSAIR RapidRoute cable management system makes it effortless to route major cables through a single channel, with 25mm of routing depth.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- 2.5" Drive Slots
- 2 x Internal 2.5"
- Power Supply Size (Max.)
- 180 mm
- Exterior Dimensions
- 17.83" x 9.06" x 18.35"
- Several different wood front panel options
- Consistent airflow through triangular cutouts
- Well-built for an affordable case
- Decent-sized compartment to hide cables
- Limited USB ports
- Buying wood panels separately is costly
The Corsair 4000D Airflow allows gamers to switch between wood front panels easily. Corsair sells Bamboo, Sapele, and Teak options on its website, but buying the case with a pre-installed wood panel is more economical. Regardless of the look, the mid-tower 4000D features triangular cutouts throughout the inside and outside of the chassis. This Corsair case is ideal for buyers seeking a well-built high-airflow case with a flexible design.
With a tempered glass left panel, components inside the 4000D draw as much attention as its natural-looking front panel. The triangular perforations also add more distinctiveness while ensuring CPUs and GPUs remain at safe temperatures. Builders will find two Corsair AirGuide fans already affixed to the front and rear of the case. These fans benefit from anti-vortex vanes that generate remarkable airflow without abundant noise. The case is somewhat compact among mid-towers, and while up to six 120 mm fans can be added, 360 mm liquid cooling radiators only fit behind the front panel.
Although it's not the largest mid-tower ATX case, the 4000D Airflow dedicates an impressive amount of space to cable management. Corsair supplies plenty of cable management routes and ties behind the motherboard tray. In this same area, there is easy access to hard drives and SSD trays that welcome up to four discs.
Build quality is stellar throughout the 4000D Airflow, reinforced by ample amounts of steel. Slight disappointments, like a front I/O panel with only two USB ports, don't detract much from the case's overall value. As the best wood case, the Corsair 4000D Airflow proves that adding a natural theme to a gaming desk doesn't have to sacrifice airflow.
Antec Flux
- Brand
- Antec
- Material
- Steel, Plastic, Wood
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- E-ATX (≤330 mm), ATX, Micro-ATX, ITX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 408 mm
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2
- 2.5" Drive Slots
- 1
Balancing a sophisticated look with incredible airflow, the Antec Flux adds a touch of class to any gaming or office setup. The Flux is available in black or white versions with darker or lighter wood trims. Buyers won't need to find their own cooling solutions, as Antec provides five fans with the case, including a rear P14 140 mm fan. With a large front mesh panel and numerous vents, the Flux encourages both horizontal and vertical jetstreams of cool air to keep CPU and GPU temperatures in check.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Power Supply Size (Max.)
- 235 mm
- Exterior Dimensions
- 484 x 239 x 502 mm
- Includes five fans and hub
- Supports reverse connect motherboards
- Extensive use of mesh and vents
- Tall enough for 420 mm radiator at front
- Somewhat minimal use of wood accents
- No lighted components to connect to ARGB hub
Many cases that use wood extensively tend to have a premium price tag to match a classy look. With the Antec Flux, builders don't have to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars before waiting months for a custom case to arrive. The walnut or birchwood surrounding its front panel is understated, but the Flux saves buyers money by including five fans.
The Flux, which consists of wood, steel, tempered glass, and mesh, intelligently uses each type of material. Unmatched in airflow potential, mesh lines the case's front, top, and even below the tempered glass left panel. In its stock configuration, the Flux has three 120 mm fans on its front, another 120 mm on its bottom, and a rear 140 mm blower exhausting warm air. The goal is to generate streams of cool air entering the case through its front panel and pushing hot air out of the case's vented top and backside. Buyers can position up to nine fans around the case to create a virtual wind tunnel.
The Best PC Cases for Airflow in 2024
If powerhouse CPUs and GPUs are turning a gaming rig into an oven, these cases can combat the most dangerous temperatures.
The Antec Flux doesn't deviate much from the prototypical mid-tower form factor but caters to modern components. Behind the right panel are openings that support back-connected motherboards. The included ARGB fan hub also aids cable management, but strangely, none of the included fans light up.
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.
Fractal Design Terra
- Brand
- Fractal Design
- Material
- Annodiezed aluminum, Solid Walnut
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- MITX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 322 mm
- 2.5" Drive Slots
- 2 (included)
Terra is a PC case designed and engineered to reshape the small form factor gaming experience. It includes a PCIe 4.0 riser cable and features a stepless, slidable central wall for build flexibility, providing space for a powerful GPU up to 322 mm long. Terra incorporates boutique design features such as thick panels cut from anodized aluminum, CNC-milled details, and FSC-certified solid walnut.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Power Supply Size (Max.)
- 130 mm
- Exterior Dimensions
- 343 x 153 x 218 mm
- Color Options
- Jade, Graphite, Silver
- Luxurious look with thick walnut trim
- Sliding spine gives more cooling for either GPU or CPU
- Durable with thick aluminum panels
- Easy to build in for a Mini ITX case
- Somewhat noisy
- Limited fan placement
Wood cases are sought after to match TV stands and living room furniture. However, buyers likely won't want to hide the Fractal Design Terra because of its sophisticated styling. The Mini ITX case is available in three colors, each with a thick walnut slab at the bottom of the front panel. Even though it's a stunning-looking case, the Terra has practical design elements that make assembling a compact build less frustrating.
The Terra has the usual limitations of a small form factor case, including the inability to hold graphics cards longer than 322 mm. Very tall CPU coolers are also out of the question. Still, the case's unique sliding center tray can create more cooling room for one of these components. The Terra is crafted with system building in mind, and hinged panels swing open to provide access to the chassis.
Builders don't have many fan options with the Terra, but they might be able to squeeze a 120 mm blower into the bottom of the case. It's also a very tight fit with a 120 mm AIO liquid cooler on the side of the chassis, so the Terra must rely heavily on its venting. Fortunately, there are large openings on every side of the case, except for its solid front panel. The only issue is that fans placed too close to these vents tend to be noisy.
Premium touches are everywhere on the Terra, including its power button, which matches the case's chosen color. The Terra is pricey for a Mini ITX case, but thick metal panels ensure it can survive crowded living or gaming room setups. Other thoughtful inclusions like a PCIe 4.0 riser cable mean gamers can create the perfect small form factor build without added costs.
Fractal Design North XL
- Brand
- Fractal Design
- Material
- Steel, Wood
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- E-ATX, ATX, mATX, ITX
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 413 mm
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2
The North XL by Fractal Design features a large and sophisticated design, suitable for a vast majority of living spaces, so long as there is enough vertical space to properly display this elegant beast. Offering a wide range of chassis fan and radiator compatibility up to 420 mm, the North XL is a magnificent option for both water-cooled and air-cooled PCs.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Viewing Window
- Tempered glass or mesh
- 2.5" Drive Slots
- 2
- Power Supply Size (Max.)
- 290 mm
- Exterior Dimensions
- 503 x 240 x 509 mm
- RGB Lighting
- No
- Color Options
- Black, white
- Attractive wood grill on front panel
- Large enough for E-ATX motherboards and long GPUs
- Excellent airflow with mesh side panel option
- Front accommodates 420 mm radiator
- No parts included for vertical GPU mounting
- Drive capacity isn't impressive for a large case
Many Fractal Design cases are fully committed to the wood trim aesthetic. The North XL presents yet another interpretation of this natural appearance, with oak or walnut slabs covering the front panel. Sometimes considered a full-tower case, the North XL is technically a large mid-tower enclosure with more space for cooling than 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.
The Best EATX Motherboards for 2024
This guide describes the best EATX motherboards for 2024 to help anyone make informed choices when purchasing such a device.
In some ways, the North XL matches the capabilities of a full tower enclosure, like the acceptance of 420 mm radiators behind its front panel. The case ships with three powerful 140 mm fans, with the possibility to add up to six more. E-ATX motherboards fit in its chassis without a struggle, and the longest GPUs will enjoy plenty of breathing room. On the other hand, with builders limited to two 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch hard drives, the North XL's storage capacity is typical of a smaller mid-tower.
Despite a decent accessories kit, the North XL neglects to include any hardware for vertical GPU mounting. Builders are forced to purchase a pricey add-on to orient their graphics cards this way. Even so, The Best War Games's review of the North XL found that its premium look and roominess make it one of the more appealing wood cases.
Antec C8 PC Case
- Brand
- Antec
- Material
- Steel + Plastic + Glass
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- E-ATX (280mm)
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 440 mm
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2
- 2.5" Drive Slots
- 4
The Antec C8 is a PC case with a dual-chamber and toolless design. It supports 360 mm radiators and has tempered glass on the front and side panels, giving a perfect view of the components. This Full-Tower case features E-ATX support.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Power Supply Size (Max.)
- <=210 mm
- Exterior Dimensions
- 464 x 303 x 476mm
- Seamless edge on glass panels
- Stores six hard drives
- Huge back compartment for cable management
- ARGB version is an excellent value
- Installing bottom fans is a bit tricky
- 3.5" drive bay difficult to work with
Dual-chamber cases are usually spacious, with a back section devoted to cable management. Even though the mid-tower MSI MAG PANO 100L PZ reviewed by The Best War Games is actually larger, the full-tower Antec C8 has some unique advantages. This version of the C8 features a relatively thin strip of exotic wood on its front panel, so it caters to builders who are looking for a less aggressive natural look.
With the C8, Antec fused the front and left-side tempered glass panels with a minimal edge showing. To the right of the glass on the front of the case is the wood trim, which allows the normally modern dual chamber design to coexist with traditional decor. The wood strip extends to the top of the C8 as well. Buyers will find that the ARGB version with two 160 mm and one 140 illuminated fan is the better value, but it's not available with the wood option. Otherwise, the C8 ships with no fans but has plenty of room for large fans and 360 mm radiators on all sides of the case.
Builders will enjoy massive space in the C8's second compartment behind motherboards. The PSU is installed lying on its side, enabling freer cable routing than with closed-off shrouds. Large grommet holes and pre-installed cable ties guide installers in routing wiring to the motherboard and storage drives. Legitimizing its status as a full-tower case, the C8 holds up to six hard drives, but the 3.5" bay requires removal and installation with small screws.
The Antec C8 is a rare dual-chamber case with wood accents, though Corsair offers a similar option with the 6500x. Still, this lower-priced entry in the Constellation series is hard to resist with its cavernous chassis and support for nearly any cooling configuration.
Corsair 2500X Micro ATX Dual Chamber PC Case
- Brand
- Corsair
- Material
- Steel, Tempered Glass, Walnut Wood Veneer
- Motherboard Size (Max.)
- Micro ATX / Mini-ITX (Reverse Connect Compatible)
- Graphics Card Size (Max.)
- 400 mm
- 3.5" Drive Slots
- 2
- 2.5" Drive Slots
- 2
The Corsair 2500X is a compact alternative to often overly bulky dual chamber cases. Because it supports Micro ATX and Mini ITX reverse-connect motherboards, more cables can be hidden in the case's back compartment. Gamers have a panoramic view of components with seamless tempered glass stretched along the 2500X's left side and front panel. Despite its Micro ATX form factor, the 2500X supports up to nine 120 mm fans, large liquid cooling radiators, and the longest graphics cards.
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info- Power Supply Size (Max.)
- 225 mm
- Exterior Dimensions
- 479 x 304 x 376 mm
- Extremely well-built
- Many wood trim options with available panel kits
- Offers the expandability of a standard ATX case
- Reverse connect motherboards further simplify cable management
- Pricey compared to similar cases
- No fans included with wood versions
To make cables virtually invisible, reverse-connect motherboards have become the latest hot trend in PC building. Unfortunately, not all cases support these motherboards, including MSI Project Zero and Asus BTF options. The Corsair 2500X is built with these components in mind and is a somewhat smaller alternative to often massive dual chamber cases. Like the Corsair 4000 series, buyers also have a wide selection of colors and wood finishes.
Builders shouldn't expect the 2500X to take up a tiny footprint, even with its Micro ATX status. Even so, with a shorter height, it doesn't look quite as imposing on desktops. The 2500X gives buyers the choice of Walnut and Bamboo trims; additional options like Teak are available in modular panel kits. This Corsair case's wood trim runs along the right side of its front and the top of the enclosure. Like the Antec C8, the extensive tempered glass has nearly gapless edges for a cohesive look.
The Best Case Fans For Gaming PCs in 2024
Keeping temperatures in check is crucial in a gaming PC. Having adequate airflow ensures that components can perform to the best of their potential.
The 2500X chassis is incredibly deep and wide and welcomes three 120 mm case or radiator fans on its bottom or top. Its shorter height only affects the side panel to the right of motherboards, where only two 120 mm fans fit. With the wood trim versions, builders must purchase their own cooling, adding to the expense of an already pricey case. However, when working in the 2500X, buyers will realize how exceptionally well-reinforced the tempered glass and steel panels are, contributing to the case's hefty weight.
The cavernous Corsair 2500X is far from the typical Micro ATX case. The enclosure's wood accents and exemplary build quality cement its status as a premium addition to any gaming setup.
Finding the Right Wood Case
Gamers may not have hundreds of wood cases to choose from yet, but the selection is constantly growing. There are enough candidates to cause some second-guessing among buyers trying to find the perfect case for a setup. Some critical buying factors are identical to other cases, but there are also some considerations unique to this style of enclosure:
Form Factor
Many manufacturers offer cases with wood panels and trim in several different sizes. Mini ITX cases like the Fractal Design Terra can fit on the smallest gaming desks. Mid-tower cases, including the Fractal Design North XL, can be surprisingly roomy. Still, the Antec C8 is a full-tower case with the most room for storage and other components.
Styles
Deciding on a wood PC case isn't quite as simple as settling on an all-black or white design. Many cases pair lighter wood tones with white cases, while black cases sport darker woods like walnut. The Corsair 4000D Airflow and Fractal Design North XL both have front panels covered in wood, but the 4000D has the advantage of swappable parts. Builders can order alternate panels from the manufacturer to match any furniture style.
Cable Management
Messy wires in a chassis can quickly ruin the clean look of a brand-new gaming setup. The Corsair 2500X is an example of a dual chamber case that reserves plentiful space for cable management. This Micro-ATX case also supports the latest reverse connect motherboards, so fewer cables are visible through its panoramic tempered glass.
Airflow
Most of the wood panels in the above cases don't negatively or positively affect cooling. Even so, buyers will want to look for a case like the Antec Flux, which ships with five pre-installed fans. The mid-tower Flux also takes advantage of mesh panels to draw in cool air from outside the chassis and exhaust warm air through its top panel and backside. The Fractal Design Terra is a Mini ITX case with a creative design choice to make its small chassis more breathable. Depending on the build, a sliding center section in the Terra gives either CPUs or GPUs more cooling pathways.
With these priorities in mind, The Best War Games selected the Corsair 4000D Airflow as the best overall wood PC case. Its large modular wooden front panel gives gaming setups a natural look, while triangular cutouts keep PCs running efficiently.
The Best Quiet PC Cases for 2024
Gaming rigs with the top CPUs and GPUs don't have to sound like jet engines. These PC cases can reduce noise levels while cooling vital components.
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?
Most PC cases are made predominantly from steel or aluminum, with tempered glass or wood accents giving them a more distinct look. Steel cases are the most durable but aren't very portable and lack the sleek exterior of brushed aluminum. Aluminum cases are lighter and more prone to damage but provide excellent thermal conduction to dissipate heat from components.