When it comes to your computer, you want something that performs well, looks good and lasts a long time. If you look at most PC cases, you’ll notice that they’re not made of plastic, not entirely, anyway. Yes, the main structure might be metal, and the panels might be made of aluminum or steel, but almost every case will have plastic somewhere inside it as well.
In fact, even the metal parts themselves could contain plastic components like screws or brackets! So can a PC case really be made of plastic?
If you are wondering can a PC case be plastic, the answer here is yes, but why should you choose plastic over metal or aluminum?
To understand that, let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of plastic vs. metal to help you decide which choice is best for your needs.
Can A PC Case Be Made Entirely of Plastic?
It is important to note that you are not going to find a PC case that is made entirely of plastic. Even if there was a manufacturer out there that made cases out of plastic, you would never find them in major retailers or online stores.
So the answer is No, a case that is 100% plastic would be extremely brittle and weak, making it unfit for holding your computer’s components.
When people ask can a PC case be made of plastic, they’re asking whether or not the case can be mostly plastic.
It is important to note that, as we will see below, a PC case constructed from plastic has several advantages over one made from metal or aluminum.
Benefits of A PC Case Made of Plastic
Lightweight
While it may not seem like it, a plastic case is usually lighter than a metal one. This is because metal cases often have a thicker and heavier design to increase their strength and stability.
Durability
Plastic is known for its durability, so a plastic PC case is built to last. Most PC cases are designed to last for several years, so if you get a plastic-based case, you don’t need to worry about the housing breaking down.
Impact resistance
A PC case made of plastic will be less likely to get damaged if impacted by something. This is due to the material’s increased impact resistance. In most cases, the housing of a metal case will be dented if it’s hit, but with a plastic case, you’re more likely to see the impact on the outside of the case without serious damage to the interior.
Drawbacks of A PC Case Made of Plastic
Static buildup
Metal cases are naturally better at conducting electricity than plastic cases. This means that the inside of a metal case will be less likely to build up a static charge.
Extra heat
The inside of a metal case will be able to dissipate heat more efficiently than a plastic one. This is because metal is a better conductor of heat. While this is a good thing when it comes to cooling your components, it could also lead to them running hotter if they don’t have adequate ventilation.
Weight
While a metal case is usually heavier than a plastic one, this isn’t always the case. If you compare a plastic case with a metal one of the same size, you will find that the plastic or plastic-like material is usually lighter.
Noise
Because metal is a better conductor of sound than plastic, a metal case will be louder when your components are running. The situation is particularly difficult if you have a high-power CPU cooler installed inside the case.
Which Material Is the Best for Your PC?
In terms of selecting a PC case, there are a variety of options available to you. You can choose a plastic case that is lightweight and impact resistant or go for a heavier, more durable metal case.
While there are some minor differences between the two, the most important factor is which material works best for you.
If you want a lightweight case that can easily be moved around and transported, plastic is a great choice. A metal case is a great choice if you want something that looks professional, will last a long time, and will provide great protection.
So, if you were thinking about whether your PC needs a metal case or not, it is really depending on your needs. That’s it!
However, if you want to know more about it, you can read my dedicated article on it: Does a PC Need a Metal Case?
My Final Thoughts
According to my personal experience over the years, a PC case can be made of plastic, but it will almost always contain some metal components as well. The main difference between a plastic case and a metal one is the weight. Compared to a metal case of the same size and design, a plastic one will be lighter. If you need something lightweight, a plastic case will be a perfect choice. When it comes to long-lasting and durable cases, metal is the best choice.
However, whether you choose a plastic or metal PC case, make sure that it has enough ventilation and cooling options to keep your components from overheating. The last thing you want is for your PC to overheat and shut down because the case wasn’t able to get rid of all the excess heat generated by the components inside!
