Best MSI PC Cases Under £100: Top Picks for 2025

Building a PC on a tight budget doesn't mean compromising on case quality or aesthetics. MSI has established itself as a reliable manufacturer of affordable PC cases that deliver solid build quality, adequate cooling, and modern design without breaking the bank. This guide examines the best MSI PC cases available for under £100, helping you find the right enclosure for your 2025 build. Whether you're constructing a compact gaming rig, a productivity workstation, or a budget server, these cases offer practical features like tool-free installation, decent cable management, and support for various motherboard form factors. We've reviewed what's changed since last year: newer models now feature improved airflow designs, better dust filters, and more USB 3.0 headers as standard, whilst prices have remained competitive across the range.

Quick Verdict

Best Overall: MSI MPG GUNGNIR 110M, excellent balance of features, build quality, and value for money.

Best Value: MSI MAG FORGE 100M, budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential functionality.

1. MSI MPG GUNGNIR 110M

The MSI MPG GUNGNIR 110M represents the sweet spot in the budget case market. This mid-tower enclosure combines a compact M-ATX form factor with support for full ATX and Mini-ITX boards, making it incredibly versatile for different build configurations. The case features a modern minimalist design with a striking front panel that includes tempered glass, giving you a clear view of your components without charging a premium. The GUNGNIR 110M ships with one pre-installed 120mm rear exhaust fan, leaving plenty of room for additional cooling solutions. Cable management is straightforward thanks to generous cable routing holes and tie-down points, allowing even first-time builders to achieve a tidy setup. The case supports tower coolers up to 165mm in height and graphics cards up to 320mm, accommodating most mainstream hardware configurations. Storage capacity is generous with four 3.5-inch bays and two 2.5-inch bays, perfect if you're building a system with multiple drives. The build quality feels solid throughout, with proper panel thickness and well-finished edges. Access panels are removable without tools, and the motherboard tray has mounting standoffs ready for your board. For users prioritising clean builds and reliable construction, the GUNGNIR 110M delivers excellent value. Its popularity in the budget building community is well-deserved, as it provides features typically found in cases costing considerably more. The front filter is easy to remove for cleaning, helping maintain long-term cooling performance.

2. MSI MAG FORGE 100M

The MAG FORGE 100M is the go-to option for budget-conscious builders who want a straightforward, no-nonsense enclosure without unnecessary frills. This compact M-ATX case prioritises practical functionality over aesthetics, featuring a solid metal construction with minimal plastic components. The case is genuinely portable, weighing just 2.9kg, making it ideal for users who need to transport their systems to LAN events or move between locations regularly. Despite its compact size, the interior layout is intelligently designed with proper space allocation for components. The MAG FORGE 100M supports graphics cards up to 310mm and CPU coolers up to 160mm, accommodating most standard gaming and workstation hardware. Cable management routing is simplified but effective, with a basic cable tray and organised tie-down points. The case includes one pre-installed 120mm rear exhaust fan, with additional space for one front intake fan if you opt to add cooling. Drive mounting is limited to two 3.5-inch bays and two 2.5-inch bays, sufficient for a typical SSD and mechanical storage configuration. The ventilation design prioritises airflow with unobstructed paths for air circulation, important for maintaining temperatures in a compact environment. Build quality is reliable, with sturdy metal panels and a well-engineered internal frame. For users building a secondary gaming PC, a compact workstation, or a space-constrained build, the MAG FORGE 100M represents excellent value. It proves that budget cases don't need to compromise on durability or basic functionality. The minimalist approach keeps costs down whilst delivering everything essential for a functional system.

3. MSI MPG GUNGNIR 110 Solid

The MPG GUNGNIR 110 Solid offers an alternative to its glass-fronted sibling, featuring a solid steel front panel instead of tempered glass. This variation appeals to builders who prioritise acoustic performance or prefer a more traditional case aesthetic. The solid panel design actually provides benefits beyond aesthetics: it helps contain component noise, reduces light pollution from RGB components, and eliminates concerns about glass panel safety. The case maintains the same versatile motherboard support as the standard GUNGNIR 110M, accommodating ATX, M-ATX, and Mini-ITX boards within its spacious mid-tower frame. The solid construction throughout the case provides excellent vibration dampening, contributing to quieter overall operation. Interior layout is identical to the glass version, offering four 3.5-inch drive bays and two 2.5-inch slots for comprehensive storage. The case supports tower coolers up to 165mm and graphics cards up to 320mm, maintaining compatibility with most enthusiast-grade components. One 120mm rear exhaust fan comes pre-installed, with ample room for adding intake fans without obstruction. Cable management quality matches the standard model, with generous routing holes and tie-down points throughout the case. For users building quiet systems, content creation workstations, or servers where visual appeal matters less than acoustic performance, the solid panel option makes perfect sense. The construction quality is identical to the glass variant, meaning you're making a purely aesthetic and functional choice rather than sacrificing build quality. This model works particularly well for office environments where silent operation is valued.

4. MSI MAG FORGE 100R

The MAG FORGE 100R builds upon the standard MAG FORGE 100M foundation with a refreshed design and improved ventilation characteristics. This variant introduces a more modern aesthetic whilst maintaining the same commitment to reliable, affordable construction. The case features updated panel design with better air intake pathways, addressing a common criticism of earlier compact models. The tempered glass side panel on the 100R provides component visibility without the premium pricing of full-glass designs, creating a good balance between aesthetics and practical durability. This model supports the same comprehensive range of motherboard form factors: ATX, M-ATX, and Mini-ITX, making it suitable for various build scenarios. Graphics card compatibility extends to 310mm, adequate for most gaming and professional GPUs within the budget segment. The 100R includes one 120mm rear exhaust fan with space for optional intake fans, allowing users to customise cooling based on their specific needs. Cable management is logical but straightforward, with defined routing paths and adequate tie-down options. Drive capacity remains at two 3.5-inch bays and two 2.5-inch bays, suitable for dual storage configurations. Weighing 3.1kg, the case is still genuinely portable despite being slightly heavier than the standard 100M. Build quality remains consistently reliable, with proper metal thickness and well-finished components throughout. The 100R appeals to users who appreciate the MAG FORGE's practical design but want slightly better aesthetics and improved ventilation. The updated front panel design genuinely improves air circulation compared to earlier versions. For builders upgrading from older budget cases or building their first system, the 100R delivers good value and modern features.

5. MSI MAG FORGE M100

The MAG FORGE M100 is purpose-built for compact Mini-ITX builds, offering a genuinely small form factor without the compromises sometimes associated with ultra-compact cases. This enclosure targets builders creating minimalist systems, LAN party rigs, or space-constrained builds where footprint matters. The case supports Mini-ITX and M-ATX motherboards, covering most small-form-factor building scenarios. Despite its diminutive size, the M100 manages practical cable management with defined routing and sensible tie-down points, making assembly straightforward even in confined spaces. The case supports tower coolers up to 160mm and graphics cards up to 310mm, accommodating modern GPU and CPU cooler designs. One 120mm rear exhaust fan comes pre-installed, with limited space for additional cooling due to the compact design. Drive bays are modest at two 3.5-inch and two 2.5-inch, appropriate for small systems focused on single-drive configurations. The solid construction throughout the case ensures durability despite the reduced size, with proper material thickness and well-finished edges. Ventilation is effective despite the compact layout, with unobstructed airflow paths and a simple but functional design. Weighing only 2.5kg, the M100 is exceptionally portable, making it ideal for users regularly transporting systems. The case is remarkably affordable whilst delivering solid construction and sensible internal organisation. For builders creating their first PC in a limited space, building a compact media centre PC, or constructing a portable gaming system, the M100 excels. The design proves that budget cases can be both small and practical, avoiding the frustration and compromises sometimes experienced with cheaper compact enclosures.

How We Picked

Our selection process prioritised real-world value and user experience over marketing claims. We examined each case's build quality, material thickness, internal layout efficiency, and component compatibility within the strict under-£100 budget constraint. All selected models have been tested by the UK PC building community and verified through multiple retailers to ensure current availability and pricing accuracy. We evaluated thermal performance by assessing ventilation design, fan mounting options, and internal airflow paths. Cable management quality was assessed through hands-on testing with various motherboard and power supply sizes. Motherboard compatibility was verified against manufacturers' specifications to ensure accurate form factor support. We prioritised cases offering practical features like tool-free panel removal, proper dust filtration, and adequate cable routing. Portability and weight were considered for users needing to transport systems. Long-term durability was assessed through material quality and construction methods. Each case was evaluated for its target user segment, ensuring recommendations matched specific building scenarios and priorities. We excluded cases with consistently reported assembly issues or poor quality control. Customer feedback from established UK retailers informed our understanding of real-world reliability and satisfaction rates.

Buying Guide

Selecting the right budget PC case requires understanding your specific requirements and prioritising accordingly. Form factor is crucial: ATX cases offer more space and expansion potential, M-ATX provides a balance between size and functionality, whilst Mini-ITX suits compact builds. Measure your components before purchasing, particularly graphics cards and CPU coolers, to ensure compatibility. Budget cases often come with minimal pre-installed fans, typically just one rear exhaust. Consider whether you'll need to purchase additional intake fans for proper cooling, factoring this into your total cost. Ventilation design matters significantly at the budget end of the market, where manufacturers sometimes cut corners. Cases with solid front panels offer better acoustics but reduce intake airflow compared to ventilated designs. Tempered glass panels look impressive but add cost and introduce fragility concerns. Drive mounting flexibility varies considerably. If you're planning multiple storage drives, verify the case includes sufficient 3.5-inch bays. Most budget cases prioritise 2.5-inch SSD mounting, reflecting modern storage trends. Cable management becomes increasingly important as your build becomes more compact. Generous routing holes and tie-down points reduce frustration during assembly and maintenance. Removable side panels and motherboard trays significantly speed up installation. Consider whether you need to transport your system frequently, as weight and handle design matter for portability. Check that the case includes proper motherboard mounting standoffs, as some budget models occasionally ship incomplete. Dust filters are essential for long-term system health, preventing component fouling from accumulated dust. Upgradeability matters if you're planning hardware changes within 2-3 years. Compact cases offer less upgrade potential than full-size models. Read actual customer reviews focusing on assembly experiences rather than aesthetic opinions. Pay attention to comments about cable space with specific power supplies, as this varies significantly between models. Finally, verify that your chosen case is currently in stock at UK retailers, as budget models sometimes have discontinuous availability.

Final Verdict

The MSI MPG GUNGNIR 110M emerges as the overall winner, delivering the best combination of features, versatility, and value for money. This case suits the widest range of builders and builds, offering proper tempered glass aesthetics, spacious interior for cable management, comprehensive motherboard support, and reliable construction that belies its budget positioning. Its popularity within the UK building community is thoroughly deserved. The MAG FORGE 100M takes the value crown for builders prioritising pure affordability and portability, offering exceptional build quality in a lightweight, compact package. Your specific choice should depend on your prioritisation: choose the GUNGNIR 110M if you want modern aesthetics and plenty of internal space, select the MAG FORGE 100M if budget and portability are paramount, consider the GUNGNIR 110 Solid for acoustic performance and office aesthetics, pick the MAG FORGE 100R for updated ventilation and tempered glass, or choose the MAG FORGE M100 if building a genuinely compact Mini-ITX system. All five cases represent genuinely solid value within the under-£100 budget, avoiding the penny-pinching and compromises sometimes found at rock-bottom pricing. MSI's commitment to quality across its entire case range means you're unlikely to regret choosing any of these options. Invest your savings in quality components like power supplies, motherboards, and graphics cards, knowing your case will protect and house them reliably for years to come.