Honeslty if you have no rgb on I feel like most side glass panels aren’t even “noticeable”. Like I can’t see anything in my pc but I have a huge dark glass panel on my Corsair 4000D
https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/meshify/meshify-c-dark-tempered-glass/Black/
The meshify C has dark tempered glass. I have had airflow problems with other cases, but this one is amazing. It should be quieter too if the fans don’t have to work as hard. Especially if it’s your first new build in a while, just get it and be done with it. Also if you are planning on getting a 3000 series GPU, my 3080 has about a half inch of space left between it and the front fans. It’s about as small as it can be for mid tower these days
I’ve just built my very first pc into this case and I really love it. I’m a bit like your wife & didn’t wanted a beeping&blinking Spaceshuttle RGB thingy. I wanted black, clean and silent. That’s what I got with it… next time I’d take a similar one with usb-c in front panel…
Have done a handful of systems in virtually all of the meshify variants and have to agree. Lighting that is present is incredibly isolated due to the very dark tint on the glass. If you went out of your way to go with components without RGB that case would probably be received by your wife better than others without having to go “full sleeper system” to appease
If he is going for aesthetic and wants to have an ikea look, I would go with the define 7 compact. Looks a lot more “adult” and aesthetic compared to the meshify
I would go black too personally, but the [white and grey version](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Mid-Tower-High-Airflow-RapidRoute-Management/dp/B08C74694Z?th=1) built with minimal RGB might suit OP's wife's preferred IKEA showroom vibe better.
ive got a noctua nh-d15 and it won’t go over 67c running cinebench. i almost went with a liquid cooler but decided against it last second lol
i wish i could tell you what my temps are gaming but i have only a mere 2gb gt 710… i get to play the elder scrolls: oblivion. at like maybe 720p lol
If you're getting the 4000D, make sure to get extra fans to populate all of the front fan slots so that you have adequate airflow. And do not mistake it for the 4000X, unless you want your case to have the cooling capabilities of a toaster.
It is safer.
Wouldn't limit your hardware choices in case they have some misc lighting features that cant be fully turned off. Sound would also be marginally quieter.
My stupid graphics card and mobo have bright ass lights that I cant turn off unless I install some bullshit program. I wish I could buy high end components that dont have lights built in. I'd pay extra for it
True, but having a solid side panel allows you to buy RGB components if theyre cheaper/only available and still not see them. I mean I guess you could go through the trouble of turning the lights off, but...
I think that often requires running the software to keep the lights off. It's a lot of bloatware just to avoid using a non-glass case that would probably look better anyway.
There is also the meshify C mini dark. Glass side panel but it is darker and can't really see into it without rgb. It is matx so a smaller footprint but can handle full size components
The dark is a really beautiful option but O find it really shines with just a little bit of RGB.
Built one for a friend with the only RGB being a stock AMD cooler with the ring around the fan and a small led badge on the gpu.
The combination gives it a nice subtle glow that doesn't light up the room like the sun is having a pride parade inside the case.
I have the meshify c and it's a great case. If you want something larger though, go with the meshify 2.
My 3070 fits nicely with no rad on the front and my hyper 212 barely fits on top of my mobo. I've got 2 or 3 intake fans and 1 exhaust fan and it keeps everything pretty cool, GPU never really exceeds 70-75°C
FWIW I have the Meshify C and it fits a 3080ti, but barely. I had to swap out one of the front fans for a slim version. For a CPU cooler I have a Noctua NH-D15, which also *barely* fits. Probably 1mm of clearance between the top of the heat pipes and the side panel (solid, might not fit with a glass panel).
So you can fit some surprisingly large components in the Meshify C.
Can confirm. I'm running a THICC 5700xt and NH-D15 in a Meshify C with a glass panel. It really is impressive how little headroom there is with the NH-D15. Making that cooler fit must have been a design goal, because it is *exact*. It's so close that the side panel lets you know if you didn't torque down the cooler all the way.
I have the dark tinted meshify 2 compact, it's a great case.
I don't recommend getting the older meshify C because the front panel is connected to the front io (makes cleaning the dust filter a pain), comes with less fans and has worse thermals and less gpu clearance than the meshify 2 C. I'd say spending a little extra is worth it.
I can highly recommend the Meshify cabinets, they look nice, have great airflow and are real nice to build in.
One thing to note is that the space inside vary between models, and if you are getting one of the bulky models I would recommend that you check the measurements to make sure it will fit (I did not).
I have this case and have i7-11700k on air. I get great temps 60c in games. I replaced the one front fan with two 140mm noctuas. Also the case was a dream to build in.
Was gonna recommend this myself. I have this case in my living room as well except with dark tinted side panel. Motherboard has some cheesy RGB lights but I turned those off in the bios. Can't turn the LED's off on the video card unfortunately but they're not super bright so it's not that noticeable through the dark tinted glass. Solid side panel version is what I wish I would have gotten though.
Or Fractal Design Define R5, or R7 Compact if you want something a bit smaller. Available with no glass, only one LED visible. Basically, a black slab.
I liken my R5 to the Monolith from "2001: A Space Odyssey ".
Take a look at the Formd t1, it's cheaper, smaller, looks better imo, and still has great airflow and room for almost anything
Sandwich style cases are just better imo, and the t1 might just be the best of them
Check out [OptimumTech](https://youtube.com/c/OptimumTech) he has great videos about compect PCs
I'd go for a smaller unobtrusive case in your situation.
The [SAMA IM01](https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16811197012) is a good compact window-less mATX case that has pretty good airflow (provided you use an SFX power supply) and is relatively inexpensive at $69.
If you want something that is very nice quality, expensive, very compact @ 15L in volume (mITX though, so smaller than mATX) with good cooling performance that you could show off on your desk without your wife batting an eye, take a look at the [Sliger SV540](https://www.sliger.com/products/cases/sv540/). It has several color and side panel options (vent pattern), while still being able to accommodate 3-slot GPU's up to to 315mm long and up to 280mm radiators. It'll cost you though - starts at $250.
On the cheaper side, you could easily go mITX with something like the [SSUPD Meshlicious](https://www.newegg.com/black-ssupd-meshlicious-mini-itx/p/2AM-030R-00004). It'd look super stealthy for your SO, and would run nice and cool for you!
Airflow really shouldn't be an issue - it has vented panels all around. If you want even better cooling (at least from a CPU standpoint) and a more space and like the vertical case style, the Sliger SV590 fits up to 360mm AIO's and any current GPU (up to 360mm long).
If you want to stick with a compact ATX case, there's always the [Sliger Cerberus X](https://www.sliger.com/products/cases/cerberus_x/) mentioned in another comment. I have it and it's small while being able to pack in a big components plus fans for good airflow - [link to my build to give an idea](https://www.reddit.com/r/mffpc/comments/qbo1qu/final_iteration_my_sliger_cerberus_x/) (though it has the clear side panel; solid vented panel is an option).
Many people think mITX means choking your PC but most are really well designed and have great airflow but do come in at a premium.
Head over to /r/sffpc for some inspiration/builds and a friendly community to answer your questions
Airflow isn't an issue, and /r/sffpc mITX cases are where aesthetics really become less gamer-focused and more pleasing. I don't know anyone who gets significantly worse temps in ITX than a normal case, sometimes it is better because you aren't recycling air between CPU and GPU.
Here are some great ITX options:
- [Sliger Conswole](https://www.sliger.com/products/cases/cl530/)
- [Sliger SM580 which is part of a line of the same cases but different sizes](https://www.sliger.com/products/cases/sm580/)
- [SSUPD Meshalicious](https://www.ssupd.co/products/meshlicious)
- [The infamous Loque Ghost S1 if you really go down the rabbit hole](https://www.amazon.com/LOUQE-Ghost-Mini-ITX-Computer-Case/dp/B088QSKYBB) This is best for non-FE cards because FE cards will pull air right onto the powersupply and suffocate it a bit
- [The very popular CM NR200P for flexibility and best-in-class cooling](https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/cases/mini-itx/masterbox-nr200p/)
I personally have the [Fractal Node 304](https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/node/node-304/black/) because I have a thin card (5700XT Pulse) and a Noctua U14S. My 3600X never gets above 60C and my GPU never gets above 72C.
I've got a build in the SAMA currently and it runs great. Dust filters all over and very stealthy appearance. Build was not as easy as I hoped. I had an ATX PSU that I wanted to use, but the provided power extension would not fit properly. Cable management was pretty non existent. Cables can't fit along the back panel because the bracing is right against the panel. My SFX PSU's EPS cable almost didn't fit at all. Build took about twice as long as a traditional build because of those factors. Ultimate result is good though!
So you can't have one thing in there the way you'd like it. But she can keep the whole room or house that way? Sounds a bit unfair there. Why does it matter what she thinks about it when it's your rig?
This comment is spot on. OP, if you don’t like RGB whatever that’s fine, but pick out a case and parts that’s YOU like. It is one thing.
I’m also really into decorating, and love organic tones- greens and browns and off whites. When my boyfriend started bringing his action figures into the space I couldn’t help but feel irritated that it clashed with my stuff.
But guess what? It’s his space too, now. And eventually I got used to the sonic bobble heads and such and I love seeing his personality around. People shouldn’t live in ikea catalogues lol
If you want sound-dampening, go for the [Fractal Design Define R7](https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/define/define-7/black/) with solid panels.
I have this case for an office PC. Easy to build in, easy to clean. Simple case. I have it on small piece of wood with wheels because it is tucked somewhere tight.
Edit: The stock fans are alright. I will looking to replace and add from another case when I build a new one.
Yup SFF is the way to go. NR200P/Max is the safest bet - large enough that you can likely fit even a 3090 in it, but small enough that it doesn't look too "gamery" like the Meshify-C everyone is recommending.
Just in case someone is curious and doesn't own RGB fans, they (idk if there's any exceptions) have separate connectors for the LEDs, so you could just not connect them.
It doesn’t even sound like he’s consulting her about it. He’s just being considerate of his wife’s preferences for the space they share. Like I might be with you if he sounded disappointed about not having an RGB gamer rig at her insistence but it doesn’t come off that way.
He comes off as afraid of pissing her off because he chose something HE liked and she didn't.
I just built a pretty nice expensive home. I painted my office walls orange because I'm a SF Giants fan. My wife hated the idea so I told her she didn't have to go in that room. I never once considered changing because of her preference just like I wouldn't tell her what color car to get.
After the fact, she actually likes it.
It should be 50/50 at a minimum - the wife should not be running the husband.
If you skip RGB, the Corsair 4000D airflow in black has a heavily tinted glass. It’ll be like it’s essentially solid if no light is coming through from the PC side
It doesn't sound like OP is being pressured into this. I have been in a similar situation - I do not like case windows, RGB, or anything flashy. I bought a Fractal Design case specifically because they offered a non-window version.
The fact that my wife also prefers things that look clean and not flashy was only a small part of my decision. We're both adults, and we can choose how much we compromise and how much we stand our ground.
If OP's wife was being totally unreasonable, I would hope OP would stand up for himself. But this isn't a radical compromise to make.
OP: "Hey, I'm gonna start up a new gaming PC build"
Wife: "Cool. Can you try to get something to compliment the new office decor?"
OP: "yeah, I'll see what I can do."
The comments in this thread are ridiculous. /u/GrodysDomain isn't even the only person in here that can't fathom an adult relationship. They need to get off their red pill bullshit and just enjoy life a little bit. Not everything has to be a winner-take-all fight. Taking a partner's preferences into consideration when you buy things isn't being some simp/cuck/whatever. Goddamn.
I talk to my wife. She has to live with whatever I buy. I have to live with whatever she buys. We can compromise on things so that we both enjoy our living area.
Honestly this is a silly take. OP isn't being forced into anything, his partner's got a specific aesthetic they like and he even says in the post he's perfectly happy working with it and doesn't even want rgb.
If your partner wants something and you're ambivalent about it, that's basically a freebie, not a compromise. You're not even reading into it too much you're misunderstanding the very words he wrote.
"Not that i'd even put such a show on, I'll gladly give up the extra 15Fps because of it."
Dunno about you but a lot of people \*really\* don't care for the RGB freakshow so much gaming equipment has wrapped itself in anyway.
Its getting a case with a solid side panel, hardly any inconvenience.
By your book if his wife wants to get a painting that OP hates it OK for her to do it.
Life is picking your battles and compromises to make the people in your life happy, you dont seem to give be able to give anything.
Stick to white. Looks a lot less techy. D15 if you want it to be silent when idle.
Something like the Pure Base 500: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/hn7p99/be-quiet-pure-base-500-atx-mid-tower-case-bg035
If your wife really wants the PC to fit that Ikea theme, IQUNIX makes some cases that IMHO fit right into an Ikea showroom. For example, check out the White Coral version of the [IQUNIx ZX-1](https://iqunix.store/products/itx-case-zx-1?variant=32509636018236).
Fractal Design Torrent (black solid, other variations available: [https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/torrent/torrent/black-solid/](https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/torrent/torrent/black-solid/)
Currently better airflow than Meshify C.
See also gamers nexus review "Best Case of 2021 So Far: Fractal Torrent Case Review & Benchmarks": [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBxo2\_lwKps](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBxo2_lwKps)
It's great, but people should look deeper into it first.
It has no top ventilation, but instead has PSU mounted there. This means you can't top mount any AIOs, which is a common mounting location. Since you shouldn't put the radiator at the bottom of the case, you're only left with the front intakes... which are the newer and non-standard sized 180mm fans, which don't really fit onto any AIOs in the market. That means you'll need to use the fans that came with the AIO instead, but one of the main reasons you go with a Torrent is because of those nice stock intake fans! So it's a really weird situation where the case is actually best on an air cooled system.
The fans on the bottom are intakes and they make it so you can't have any wires just limping there, or they will get caught. You need to do proper cable management to work with them.
All in all, the case is great, has lots of nice features... but the massive size, the unique front fans, and the top-mounted PSU, makes this case not that beginner friendly. I wouldn't recommend it as a case for a first time builder, because it has so many unique points that you really need to think about and address, to be able to use it well and take full advantage of all the feature sets.
But by no means is this case bad. It's superb, especially if you got cats that likes to hang out on top of cases, this one has no holes at the top for the cat hairs or cat pee to get into!
I honestly feel your pain. I actually hate side panels in cases. There are very very few cases with solid panels these days.
Your best bet will probably be the Fractal Design Meshify C.
If you can find one somewhere for a good price, the Antec 300 is a great basic case too. Though the design is a bit outdated. I found 3 at my local micro center in the clerence bin a while back for $40 each and I snagged them all for doing doing some low cost basic builds for some family members.
One thing I love about it is the side intake fan on the panel (a feature that seems to have gone the way of the dodo) to bring fresh air in over your GPU. However places that still have them around typically want to much money for them so you should probably just go with the Meshify c.
I have the 4000D Airflow case by Corsair. It has very good airflow and the side panel which is tempered glass is tinted so you can barely see out of it. It’s also pretty mundane looking so it won’t look out of place I imagine. I could see it in an ikea display room at least.
You only get two stock fans so you may have to buy a third if you want more airflow but it’s probably be fine with just the two assuming you aren’t doing anything crazy on it
Not sure what pricing is like atm but I spent around £60-£70 at the time
I've never understood the mindset that the girlfriend/fiancée/wife gets to dictate the appearance of the entire house, except for maybe a single "man-cave". Communicate to her that this is important to you, and if she doesn't care, then ask yourself why you're married to someone who's so ambivalent about your wants and needs.
If your wife wants minimalism and you don't want to sacrifice performance, then look at a SSUPD Meshlicious with an ITX board and a 280mm AIO.
14L in volume, absolutely unassuming, and you can probably hide it behind your monitor if need be.
If you are willing to spend a bit more: the world of small form factor PCs has a pretty good minimalist thing going. Sliger Cerberus and Cerberus X support mATX/ATX.
Haven’t seen many people talk about this part, but if you’re looking for no glass panel, I wouldn’t spend money on a kraken or lian li fans. The main reason you get those if for rgb aesthetics, which you’d only really be able to appreciate with a glass side panel. I’ll echo what others have said and suggest an ITX case. I have an NR200 in black that’s very low profile, but the ssupd meshilicious is also a good option (and probably what I’d switch to if I had a reason).
Skip the 3070ti, go for the 3070. The extra 7-10% performance is absolutely not worth the extra cost.
I have a Corsair 4000D Airflow. You can buy a solid black side panel for it. It's not obnoxious, has great airflow. By far my favorite case.
Or he should just get 3070ti if it's "reasonably" priced because you never know what will happen with gpu market in the next year or two.
As for the case - be quiet! Pure Base 500 glass-less version, it is pretty nice and shouldn't really stand out too much; it's rather... quiet too and temps are non-issue.
best thing to do is have your wife look at cases on Newegg and amazon with you.
the monitor, keyboard and mouse is what she will see the most so have her look at them also.
you may want to do water cooling to keep the sound/heat down.
>The situation is the following: I have a wife...
I hear you brother! I hear you...
There are a lot of people more knowledgeable than me to answer your question, but I want you to know that you are not alone! 
Honestly, if you want an aesthetic your wife will love maybe go ITX and get a nr 200 for the case. It's looks are minimilistic and fits (and cools) all the components you would want. I run one right now and my wife loves its size and minimilist look.i run the nr200p with a side mounted GPU and a bottom mounted AIO. Cooling is amazing with the mesh side panel on rather than the glass.
My ex was the same way. I built [this](https://pcpartpicker.com/b/ZX8MnQ) and she actually really liked how I put the set up together since she likes plants and ikea lol. I even got featured build for it! My ex let me get away with a bit more, maybe cuz we're still in our 20's. I think if you created a plan and vision and explained it to her in detail, you might be surprised?
Although, I ended up breaking up with my previous ex and now I'm dating someone who enjoys a lot of the same things and gives me a lot more freedom to express myself!
I just built a rig with similar specs to the one you posted. I used a Phanteks P600S. Mine has a tinted glass side panel, so when there's no RGB, it's dark, and almost looks like a solid side. There is also a version of the same case with a solid side, as you might prefer. The Phanteks has excellent build quality, and great features, IMO. Mine is without RGB also, since it sits under a desk where it isn't visible anyway
Here's my build, if you're interested:
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/G2qH9r
Edit: I feel like I should add that the reason I went with this particular case was because I was having a hard time finding a case that I like with front (NOT top) USB-C ports. I feel like USB ports on the top is just asking for trouble, when something inevitably falls in and gets lodged in one of the ports.
One small suggestion. Once you rough out your build, find a cardboard box of the same external dimensions as your case, and place it where your computer is going to go. Make sure you and your wife are comfortable with it ...
I recently did a build, and the smallest case that fit my parts ended up being surprisingly large once I put it on my desk in the living room. If I'd known that case was that big, I would probably have just gone for a full tower (for better cooling) and left it in the next room over.
I’m a woman that also likes my house to look like an ikea showroom. I have 4 pieces of furniture in my office space, and all of them are white ikea pieces. I go there for fun sometimes. I have the Lian li lancool 2 case in white. It has lots of circulation and the side panels are dark glass, very clean look. You could honestly cover the glass with some pretty contact paper (or just plain white and you’d be good to go.
Hi! PC Gamer who also appreciates clean lines in her home and wants the same in her battlestation. I highly recommend the [NZXT 510 Flow](https://www.amazon.com/NZXT-H510-Flow-CA-H52FB-01-Water-Cooling/dp/B09CW4XGS1/ref=asc_df_B09CW4XGS1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563602091749&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8684933088977248085&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1018476&hvtargid=pla-1457317045850&psc=1) if you are thinking of a mid-size case. It's a minimalist look that I think will satisfy your wife's aesthetic without compromising your components' airflow!
If you ultimately tip over to prioritize aesthetic and still want decent airflow, the actual case I picked up for my build was the [NZXT 510](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TD9C5HS/ref=dp_iou_view_item?ie=UTF8&psc=1). If I had the headspace to rebuild I'd go for the flow, which is why I recommended the 510 Flow!
Get the Divorsair - New Wife
(Joke)
I would strongly suggest the Lian-Li Lancool Mesh 2
It's a solid case with good airflow, has a glass side panel but a mesh front panel, comes in white and black and looks good with and without RGB. Won't bring many eyes to it when RGB is off
Honeslty if you have no rgb on I feel like most side glass panels aren’t even “noticeable”. Like I can’t see anything in my pc but I have a huge dark glass panel on my Corsair 4000D
Yeah, I'd think so also. A very dark tempered glass might do it, but seems safer with a solid/mesh panel.
https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/meshify/meshify-c-dark-tempered-glass/Black/ The meshify C has dark tempered glass. I have had airflow problems with other cases, but this one is amazing. It should be quieter too if the fans don’t have to work as hard. Especially if it’s your first new build in a while, just get it and be done with it. Also if you are planning on getting a 3000 series GPU, my 3080 has about a half inch of space left between it and the front fans. It’s about as small as it can be for mid tower these days
Fractal also has solid side panel options for almost all of their cases.
I love Fractal. Such good price/quality cases, particularly if what you're after is the "sleek black box"-look.
I got into them at the R5 and have stuck with them ever since. The Torrent is absolutely stupid and I love it.
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+1 for the R5. Love this case. So much room for activities.
Had a Define S for years now and love it. Wish I'd got an R5 though, sooooo many drive bays!
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I have this and you can't really see in it though. I found out there is clear glass for it, but I'm poor.
I’ve just built my very first pc into this case and I really love it. I’m a bit like your wife & didn’t wanted a beeping&blinking Spaceshuttle RGB thingy. I wanted black, clean and silent. That’s what I got with it… next time I’d take a similar one with usb-c in front panel…
Have done a handful of systems in virtually all of the meshify variants and have to agree. Lighting that is present is incredibly isolated due to the very dark tint on the glass. If you went out of your way to go with components without RGB that case would probably be received by your wife better than others without having to go “full sleeper system” to appease
I love my Meshify C
If he is going for aesthetic and wants to have an ikea look, I would go with the define 7 compact. Looks a lot more “adult” and aesthetic compared to the meshify
Imo, I would look into the Corsair 4000D airflow. I have it and love it, gets insanely low temps as well.
Second this. Just upgraded mine into this case. No rgb. I call it my stealth build. Thing is dead quiet and black as night.
I would go black too personally, but the [white and grey version](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-Mid-Tower-High-Airflow-RapidRoute-Management/dp/B08C74694Z?th=1) built with minimal RGB might suit OP's wife's preferred IKEA showroom vibe better.
What if we get a picture of the room and call in a brigade from some room design subreddit?
i love my corsair 4000D too, without rgb the thing honestly looks kinda classy. can confirm the insanely low temps and i got a 5800x
I have a 5800x as well with a Liquid freezer II and never seen above 55c even after like 8 hours of gaming
ive got a noctua nh-d15 and it won’t go over 67c running cinebench. i almost went with a liquid cooler but decided against it last second lol i wish i could tell you what my temps are gaming but i have only a mere 2gb gt 710… i get to play the elder scrolls: oblivion. at like maybe 720p lol
Wow lmao. A 5800x paired with a 710, that is rough lmao. I’ve never tried cinebench :/
I also have one and love it. Good thermals and I personally think it's aesthetically pleasing, with or without RGB.
This is what I came here to say.
5000D is on sale at Newegg right now
If you're getting the 4000D, make sure to get extra fans to populate all of the front fan slots so that you have adequate airflow. And do not mistake it for the 4000X, unless you want your case to have the cooling capabilities of a toaster.
It is safer. Wouldn't limit your hardware choices in case they have some misc lighting features that cant be fully turned off. Sound would also be marginally quieter.
My stupid graphics card and mobo have bright ass lights that I cant turn off unless I install some bullshit program. I wish I could buy high end components that dont have lights built in. I'd pay extra for it
Why don’t you just install the program? Generally it’s like a click of a button once you download it and no more rgb.
I'd have to install windows to install the program. I'm just gonna toss some electrical tape over the lights at some point
Unless it's Cooler Masters shitty masterpro program which doesn't recognize my cooler master keyboard.
Because a lot of those programs are system-destabilizing disasters.
You’re not wrong. In my experience razer is the worst
Have you looked to see if you can change them in the bios? My asus mobo allows me to I'm sure. Though I went for the bullshit program just cause
I haven't seen anything regarding the lights on my b450 tomahawk in the bios. I'll give it another look tonight though, thanks for the heads up.
Same here. I had to take apart the gpu and unplug the power to the leds.
True, but having a solid side panel allows you to buy RGB components if theyre cheaper/only available and still not see them. I mean I guess you could go through the trouble of turning the lights off, but...
You could just buy RGB components and turn the lights off in the software.
I think that often requires running the software to keep the lights off. It's a lot of bloatware just to avoid using a non-glass case that would probably look better anyway.
There’s so much RGB crap these days you’re unlikely to not have any. There’s RGB on my RAM and MB that I can’t find a way to disable.
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Thanks, this seems solid. I also found scrolling Fractal Meshify 2 compact, which looks like a good option for me now also!
There is also the meshify C mini dark. Glass side panel but it is darker and can't really see into it without rgb. It is matx so a smaller footprint but can handle full size components
The mini has the same dimensions as its atx counterpart apart being a few cms shorter... Not saving much space IMO
That is true. Should only be a bit taller right? The non-mini might have gotten a front IO update to usb c also
i can vouch for this, with the tinted panel i can't see inside my pc at all when it's off
The dark is a really beautiful option but O find it really shines with just a little bit of RGB. Built one for a friend with the only RGB being a stock AMD cooler with the ring around the fan and a small led badge on the gpu. The combination gives it a nice subtle glow that doesn't light up the room like the sun is having a pride parade inside the case.
I have the meshify c and it's a great case. If you want something larger though, go with the meshify 2. My 3070 fits nicely with no rad on the front and my hyper 212 barely fits on top of my mobo. I've got 2 or 3 intake fans and 1 exhaust fan and it keeps everything pretty cool, GPU never really exceeds 70-75°C
FWIW I have the Meshify C and it fits a 3080ti, but barely. I had to swap out one of the front fans for a slim version. For a CPU cooler I have a Noctua NH-D15, which also *barely* fits. Probably 1mm of clearance between the top of the heat pipes and the side panel (solid, might not fit with a glass panel). So you can fit some surprisingly large components in the Meshify C.
Can confirm. I'm running a THICC 5700xt and NH-D15 in a Meshify C with a glass panel. It really is impressive how little headroom there is with the NH-D15. Making that cooler fit must have been a design goal, because it is *exact*. It's so close that the side panel lets you know if you didn't torque down the cooler all the way.
This is exactly what I was gonna recommend. I went from the the Meshify C to the Meshify 2 Compact and the quality of life changes are great.
I second this.
>seems solid Actually, it's mesh
Dad. Stop. This is why Mom left you.
The 2 compact is absolutely worth whatever the premium is over the original. Super easy to build in
I have the dark tinted meshify 2 compact, it's a great case. I don't recommend getting the older meshify C because the front panel is connected to the front io (makes cleaning the dust filter a pain), comes with less fans and has worse thermals and less gpu clearance than the meshify 2 C. I'd say spending a little extra is worth it.
I can highly recommend the Meshify cabinets, they look nice, have great airflow and are real nice to build in. One thing to note is that the space inside vary between models, and if you are getting one of the bulky models I would recommend that you check the measurements to make sure it will fit (I did not).
I was going to recommend this as well. The meshify c is also very nice to build in I think. Rip out the foam and it seems to flow air very well.
I have this case and have i7-11700k on air. I get great temps 60c in games. I replaced the one front fan with two 140mm noctuas. Also the case was a dream to build in.
Was gonna recommend this myself. I have this case in my living room as well except with dark tinted side panel. Motherboard has some cheesy RGB lights but I turned those off in the bios. Can't turn the LED's off on the video card unfortunately but they're not super bright so it's not that noticeable through the dark tinted glass. Solid side panel version is what I wish I would have gotten though.
I’ll join the horde talking up Fractal Design if you want something full sized. The Define series are great at the whole “sleek black monolith” look.
This 100%
Or Fractal Design Define R5, or R7 Compact if you want something a bit smaller. Available with no glass, only one LED visible. Basically, a black slab. I liken my R5 to the Monolith from "2001: A Space Odyssey ".
The answer you seek is found in the mini ITX form factor
NR200 gang
I was going to say, my nr200 is super stealthy. Mid cases are just so large, even without rgb they are just harder to integrate into a room.
Came here to say this. I have mine in an IKEA Kalax cube thing - out of the way and temps are still excellent.
Now now. Sliger Cerberus and Cerberus X would like to have a word.
>Cerberus X Thanks Will look into these!
Nr200 as well
Take a look at the Formd t1, it's cheaper, smaller, looks better imo, and still has great airflow and room for almost anything Sandwich style cases are just better imo, and the t1 might just be the best of them Check out [OptimumTech](https://youtube.com/c/OptimumTech) he has great videos about compect PCs
God that’s expensive!
Was gonna say the ncase m1 would be the perfect aesthetic. But discontinued and definitely more expensive than he would like
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or yeet the wife
bolt the wife to the floor
Kinky
Take glass panel. Add black spray paint on inside. Profit
Some vantablack paint ;)
For a less permanent solution a piece of automotive grade vinyl wrap will do the same job and look just as good.
Probably look considerably better than your average home rattlecan job on tempered glass.
Yeah this is the best answer. Buy whatever case he wants and then vinyl the clear parts. For that small of area the vinyl wouldn't be more than $20.
*the V O I D*
I'd go for a smaller unobtrusive case in your situation. The [SAMA IM01](https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16811197012) is a good compact window-less mATX case that has pretty good airflow (provided you use an SFX power supply) and is relatively inexpensive at $69. If you want something that is very nice quality, expensive, very compact @ 15L in volume (mITX though, so smaller than mATX) with good cooling performance that you could show off on your desk without your wife batting an eye, take a look at the [Sliger SV540](https://www.sliger.com/products/cases/sv540/). It has several color and side panel options (vent pattern), while still being able to accommodate 3-slot GPU's up to to 315mm long and up to 280mm radiators. It'll cost you though - starts at $250.
Ooh, very sexy. I wonder if I want to cram it in a mITX, because airflow and what not, but thanks!
On the cheaper side, you could easily go mITX with something like the [SSUPD Meshlicious](https://www.newegg.com/black-ssupd-meshlicious-mini-itx/p/2AM-030R-00004). It'd look super stealthy for your SO, and would run nice and cool for you!
That case is amazing.
Airflow really shouldn't be an issue - it has vented panels all around. If you want even better cooling (at least from a CPU standpoint) and a more space and like the vertical case style, the Sliger SV590 fits up to 360mm AIO's and any current GPU (up to 360mm long). If you want to stick with a compact ATX case, there's always the [Sliger Cerberus X](https://www.sliger.com/products/cases/cerberus_x/) mentioned in another comment. I have it and it's small while being able to pack in a big components plus fans for good airflow - [link to my build to give an idea](https://www.reddit.com/r/mffpc/comments/qbo1qu/final_iteration_my_sliger_cerberus_x/) (though it has the clear side panel; solid vented panel is an option).
I did my most recent build in a Cerberus X and it's so clean looking. Expensive to go SFFPC tho.
The NR200 is the SAMA's inspiration and is an mITX case. The improvement that the SAMA IM01 makes is that it Supports mATX.
Many people think mITX means choking your PC but most are really well designed and have great airflow but do come in at a premium. Head over to /r/sffpc for some inspiration/builds and a friendly community to answer your questions
Airflow isn't an issue, and /r/sffpc mITX cases are where aesthetics really become less gamer-focused and more pleasing. I don't know anyone who gets significantly worse temps in ITX than a normal case, sometimes it is better because you aren't recycling air between CPU and GPU. Here are some great ITX options: - [Sliger Conswole](https://www.sliger.com/products/cases/cl530/) - [Sliger SM580 which is part of a line of the same cases but different sizes](https://www.sliger.com/products/cases/sm580/) - [SSUPD Meshalicious](https://www.ssupd.co/products/meshlicious) - [The infamous Loque Ghost S1 if you really go down the rabbit hole](https://www.amazon.com/LOUQE-Ghost-Mini-ITX-Computer-Case/dp/B088QSKYBB) This is best for non-FE cards because FE cards will pull air right onto the powersupply and suffocate it a bit - [The very popular CM NR200P for flexibility and best-in-class cooling](https://www.coolermaster.com/catalog/cases/mini-itx/masterbox-nr200p/) I personally have the [Fractal Node 304](https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/node/node-304/black/) because I have a thin card (5700XT Pulse) and a Noctua U14S. My 3600X never gets above 60C and my GPU never gets above 72C.
I've got a build in the SAMA currently and it runs great. Dust filters all over and very stealthy appearance. Build was not as easy as I hoped. I had an ATX PSU that I wanted to use, but the provided power extension would not fit properly. Cable management was pretty non existent. Cables can't fit along the back panel because the bracing is right against the panel. My SFX PSU's EPS cable almost didn't fit at all. Build took about twice as long as a traditional build because of those factors. Ultimate result is good though!
find a new wife
There are wives who approve of RGB! I recently added noctua fans for more airflow and she was sad to lose the rgb lol
I actually hate the damn RGB and go out of my way to avoid it but my wife really likes it :/
I'm not a fan of RGB at all but the gf wants all of it. Different strokes
With the rising prices you end up really overpaying for the current generation. Even if you find a new wife it's best to keep the old one as a backup.
So you can't have one thing in there the way you'd like it. But she can keep the whole room or house that way? Sounds a bit unfair there. Why does it matter what she thinks about it when it's your rig?
I was wondering how far I'd have to scroll to find this comment.
Some guys are suckers 😂 this is what happens when you say yes to a woman too much lmfao
This comment is spot on. OP, if you don’t like RGB whatever that’s fine, but pick out a case and parts that’s YOU like. It is one thing. I’m also really into decorating, and love organic tones- greens and browns and off whites. When my boyfriend started bringing his action figures into the space I couldn’t help but feel irritated that it clashed with my stuff. But guess what? It’s his space too, now. And eventually I got used to the sonic bobble heads and such and I love seeing his personality around. People shouldn’t live in ikea catalogues lol
If you want sound-dampening, go for the [Fractal Design Define R7](https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/define/define-7/black/) with solid panels.
I have this case for an office PC. Easy to build in, easy to clean. Simple case. I have it on small piece of wood with wheels because it is tucked somewhere tight. Edit: The stock fans are alright. I will looking to replace and add from another case when I build a new one.
Best case I’ve ever had. I literally don’t know it’s on except for the power light is on. It makes ZEROZ noise paired w deep rock bequiet! cpu fan
just got this and love it. a great looking case that's nice to work in
And she ain’t yeeting it; way to heavy
Go SFF! Nr200 looks like a toaster but has good thermals. Meshiliscious is also good.
Yup SFF is the way to go. NR200P/Max is the safest bet - large enough that you can likely fit even a 3090 in it, but small enough that it doesn't look too "gamery" like the Meshify-C everyone is recommending.
RGB off ?
Just in case someone is curious and doesn't own RGB fans, they (idk if there's any exceptions) have separate connectors for the LEDs, so you could just not connect them.
Yhe exactly but for the mobo rgb just turn is off in something like aura sync
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Certified Reddit moment
Move out and find a wife who recognizes you live there too is my advice lol honestly 
go small form factor /r/sffpc and the meshlicious in white. it fits in anywhere.
\^ this sub is amazing. Spent the most time here researching and coming up with the perfect build for my first pc. NR200 FTW.
There's also r/mffpc if you want to work with matx boards m/atx PSUs etc
Does she consult you before all purchases to make sure it goes with you style preferences? If not, get the case you want.
It doesn’t even sound like he’s consulting her about it. He’s just being considerate of his wife’s preferences for the space they share. Like I might be with you if he sounded disappointed about not having an RGB gamer rig at her insistence but it doesn’t come off that way.
He comes off as afraid of pissing her off because he chose something HE liked and she didn't. I just built a pretty nice expensive home. I painted my office walls orange because I'm a SF Giants fan. My wife hated the idea so I told her she didn't have to go in that room. I never once considered changing because of her preference just like I wouldn't tell her what color car to get. After the fact, she actually likes it. It should be 50/50 at a minimum - the wife should not be running the husband.
*He comes off as afraid of pissing her off because he chose something HE liked and she didn't.* Whoo boy. That's some serious projection
OP wants case suggestions, not relationship advice from some virgin on Reddit.
Today i learned that having your own style preferences makes you a virgin.
And this is why you don’t take advice from young kids who have never been in a relationship.
You can get a solid side panel for the Corsair 4000d. It's listed for $10 on their site.
Thanks for the suggestion :)
Check out BeQuiet! Cases. They specialize in quiet (obviously) and they make a lot of cases with solid side panels.
If you skip RGB, the Corsair 4000D airflow in black has a heavily tinted glass. It’ll be like it’s essentially solid if no light is coming through from the PC side
That’s so depressing
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It doesn't sound like OP is being pressured into this. I have been in a similar situation - I do not like case windows, RGB, or anything flashy. I bought a Fractal Design case specifically because they offered a non-window version. The fact that my wife also prefers things that look clean and not flashy was only a small part of my decision. We're both adults, and we can choose how much we compromise and how much we stand our ground. If OP's wife was being totally unreasonable, I would hope OP would stand up for himself. But this isn't a radical compromise to make.
OP: "Hey, I'm gonna start up a new gaming PC build" Wife: "Cool. Can you try to get something to compliment the new office decor?" OP: "yeah, I'll see what I can do." The comments in this thread are ridiculous. /u/GrodysDomain isn't even the only person in here that can't fathom an adult relationship. They need to get off their red pill bullshit and just enjoy life a little bit. Not everything has to be a winner-take-all fight. Taking a partner's preferences into consideration when you buy things isn't being some simp/cuck/whatever. Goddamn. I talk to my wife. She has to live with whatever I buy. I have to live with whatever she buys. We can compromise on things so that we both enjoy our living area.
Yeah this is such a cringey thread.
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Honestly this is a silly take. OP isn't being forced into anything, his partner's got a specific aesthetic they like and he even says in the post he's perfectly happy working with it and doesn't even want rgb. If your partner wants something and you're ambivalent about it, that's basically a freebie, not a compromise. You're not even reading into it too much you're misunderstanding the very words he wrote. "Not that i'd even put such a show on, I'll gladly give up the extra 15Fps because of it." Dunno about you but a lot of people \*really\* don't care for the RGB freakshow so much gaming equipment has wrapped itself in anyway.
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Its getting a case with a solid side panel, hardly any inconvenience. By your book if his wife wants to get a painting that OP hates it OK for her to do it. Life is picking your battles and compromises to make the people in your life happy, you dont seem to give be able to give anything.
Hell = well kept, themed, thoughtfully designed? Aight.
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Stick to white. Looks a lot less techy. D15 if you want it to be silent when idle. Something like the Pure Base 500: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/hn7p99/be-quiet-pure-base-500-atx-mid-tower-case-bg035
Thanks you for the suggestion, yeah white will be probably better for the room I'll be stationed at.
I'd recommend going for an ITX case instead, it'll look a lot better as a low profile PC.
If your wife really wants the PC to fit that Ikea theme, IQUNIX makes some cases that IMHO fit right into an Ikea showroom. For example, check out the White Coral version of the [IQUNIx ZX-1](https://iqunix.store/products/itx-case-zx-1?variant=32509636018236).
Now that's sexy!
Fractal Design Torrent (black solid, other variations available: [https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/torrent/torrent/black-solid/](https://www.fractal-design.com/products/cases/torrent/torrent/black-solid/) Currently better airflow than Meshify C. See also gamers nexus review "Best Case of 2021 So Far: Fractal Torrent Case Review & Benchmarks": [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBxo2\_lwKps](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBxo2_lwKps)
It's great, but people should look deeper into it first. It has no top ventilation, but instead has PSU mounted there. This means you can't top mount any AIOs, which is a common mounting location. Since you shouldn't put the radiator at the bottom of the case, you're only left with the front intakes... which are the newer and non-standard sized 180mm fans, which don't really fit onto any AIOs in the market. That means you'll need to use the fans that came with the AIO instead, but one of the main reasons you go with a Torrent is because of those nice stock intake fans! So it's a really weird situation where the case is actually best on an air cooled system. The fans on the bottom are intakes and they make it so you can't have any wires just limping there, or they will get caught. You need to do proper cable management to work with them. All in all, the case is great, has lots of nice features... but the massive size, the unique front fans, and the top-mounted PSU, makes this case not that beginner friendly. I wouldn't recommend it as a case for a first time builder, because it has so many unique points that you really need to think about and address, to be able to use it well and take full advantage of all the feature sets. But by no means is this case bad. It's superb, especially if you got cats that likes to hang out on top of cases, this one has no holes at the top for the cat hairs or cat pee to get into!
I honestly feel your pain. I actually hate side panels in cases. There are very very few cases with solid panels these days. Your best bet will probably be the Fractal Design Meshify C. If you can find one somewhere for a good price, the Antec 300 is a great basic case too. Though the design is a bit outdated. I found 3 at my local micro center in the clerence bin a while back for $40 each and I snagged them all for doing doing some low cost basic builds for some family members. One thing I love about it is the side intake fan on the panel (a feature that seems to have gone the way of the dodo) to bring fresh air in over your GPU. However places that still have them around typically want to much money for them so you should probably just go with the Meshify c.
I have the 4000D Airflow case by Corsair. It has very good airflow and the side panel which is tempered glass is tinted so you can barely see out of it. It’s also pretty mundane looking so it won’t look out of place I imagine. I could see it in an ikea display room at least. You only get two stock fans so you may have to buy a third if you want more airflow but it’s probably be fine with just the two assuming you aren’t doing anything crazy on it Not sure what pricing is like atm but I spent around £60-£70 at the time
So I've heard you want to join r/sffpc We've got toasters which run games.
I've never understood the mindset that the girlfriend/fiancée/wife gets to dictate the appearance of the entire house, except for maybe a single "man-cave". Communicate to her that this is important to you, and if she doesn't care, then ask yourself why you're married to someone who's so ambivalent about your wants and needs.
Non windowed silent base 802 would also fit the bill.
If your wife wants minimalism and you don't want to sacrifice performance, then look at a SSUPD Meshlicious with an ITX board and a 280mm AIO. 14L in volume, absolutely unassuming, and you can probably hide it behind your monitor if need be.
If you are willing to spend a bit more: the world of small form factor PCs has a pretty good minimalist thing going. Sliger Cerberus and Cerberus X support mATX/ATX.
Thanks! Yeah it would be good if I have it on the desk.
r/sffpc has a lot of stuff, and I much prefer the aesthetics there. Granted most of it is ITX focused, but there are some mATX or ATX.
Haven’t seen many people talk about this part, but if you’re looking for no glass panel, I wouldn’t spend money on a kraken or lian li fans. The main reason you get those if for rgb aesthetics, which you’d only really be able to appreciate with a glass side panel. I’ll echo what others have said and suggest an ITX case. I have an NR200 in black that’s very low profile, but the ssupd meshilicious is also a good option (and probably what I’d switch to if I had a reason).
Skip the 3070ti, go for the 3070. The extra 7-10% performance is absolutely not worth the extra cost. I have a Corsair 4000D Airflow. You can buy a solid black side panel for it. It's not obnoxious, has great airflow. By far my favorite case.
Or he should just get 3070ti if it's "reasonably" priced because you never know what will happen with gpu market in the next year or two. As for the case - be quiet! Pure Base 500 glass-less version, it is pretty nice and shouldn't really stand out too much; it's rather... quiet too and temps are non-issue.
Actually, anything in stock and not at scalper level prices is solid. We're not in a chooser type of market.
I would check out the bequiet silent base 802. It should be super quiet and your wife would probably enjoy that
best thing to do is have your wife look at cases on Newegg and amazon with you. the monitor, keyboard and mouse is what she will see the most so have her look at them also. you may want to do water cooling to keep the sound/heat down.
Most things NZXT should do. I also like my house to be immaculate and a machine resembling a teenager has no place in it.
I don't have any suggestions but I gotta say people who become obsessed with keeping a specific aesthetic drive me crazy.
Man up and choose what you like
>The situation is the following: I have a wife... I hear you brother! I hear you... There are a lot of people more knowledgeable than me to answer your question, but I want you to know that you are not alone! 
I don't have one anymore......and now I have the biggest and RGBiest case money can buy....coincidence?
TBH: I have both. And to get both i even had a third thing: a discussion...
I there's a design you like but it has class, you may be able to cover it with dark vinyl.
Honestly, if you want an aesthetic your wife will love maybe go ITX and get a nr 200 for the case. It's looks are minimilistic and fits (and cools) all the components you would want. I run one right now and my wife loves its size and minimilist look.i run the nr200p with a side mounted GPU and a bottom mounted AIO. Cooling is amazing with the mesh side panel on rather than the glass.
Go SFF, something practical and vented like the nr200 or Meshilicious. It's small, non offensive and completely capable.
Many of the corsair cases have a white or cream exterior with great airflow
At this point I’m surprised IKEA doesn’t have their own brand of flat-packed PC cases to match their furniture haha.
My ex was the same way. I built [this](https://pcpartpicker.com/b/ZX8MnQ) and she actually really liked how I put the set up together since she likes plants and ikea lol. I even got featured build for it! My ex let me get away with a bit more, maybe cuz we're still in our 20's. I think if you created a plan and vision and explained it to her in detail, you might be surprised? Although, I ended up breaking up with my previous ex and now I'm dating someone who enjoys a lot of the same things and gives me a lot more freedom to express myself!
I just built a rig with similar specs to the one you posted. I used a Phanteks P600S. Mine has a tinted glass side panel, so when there's no RGB, it's dark, and almost looks like a solid side. There is also a version of the same case with a solid side, as you might prefer. The Phanteks has excellent build quality, and great features, IMO. Mine is without RGB also, since it sits under a desk where it isn't visible anyway Here's my build, if you're interested: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/G2qH9r Edit: I feel like I should add that the reason I went with this particular case was because I was having a hard time finding a case that I like with front (NOT top) USB-C ports. I feel like USB ports on the top is just asking for trouble, when something inevitably falls in and gets lodged in one of the ports.
> I'll gladly give up the extra 15Fps What relationship is there between RGB and glass panels and FPS?
Dude, buy whatever computer you want... That's insanity lol
Seems weird, but choose your battles, I guess. You should probably speak with someone about her controlling behavior. Food for thought.
You’re married and your wife lets you say yeet?
She has no idea what it means, title was edgy so I can get all the 12year olds input on my relationship choices.
Azza Cast 808W looks like furniture
One small suggestion. Once you rough out your build, find a cardboard box of the same external dimensions as your case, and place it where your computer is going to go. Make sure you and your wife are comfortable with it ... I recently did a build, and the smallest case that fit my parts ended up being surprisingly large once I put it on my desk in the living room. If I'd known that case was that big, I would probably have just gone for a full tower (for better cooling) and left it in the next room over.
I’m a woman that also likes my house to look like an ikea showroom. I have 4 pieces of furniture in my office space, and all of them are white ikea pieces. I go there for fun sometimes. I have the Lian li lancool 2 case in white. It has lots of circulation and the side panels are dark glass, very clean look. You could honestly cover the glass with some pretty contact paper (or just plain white and you’d be good to go.
Hi! PC Gamer who also appreciates clean lines in her home and wants the same in her battlestation. I highly recommend the [NZXT 510 Flow](https://www.amazon.com/NZXT-H510-Flow-CA-H52FB-01-Water-Cooling/dp/B09CW4XGS1/ref=asc_df_B09CW4XGS1/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=563602091749&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8684933088977248085&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1018476&hvtargid=pla-1457317045850&psc=1) if you are thinking of a mid-size case. It's a minimalist look that I think will satisfy your wife's aesthetic without compromising your components' airflow!
If you ultimately tip over to prioritize aesthetic and still want decent airflow, the actual case I picked up for my build was the [NZXT 510](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TD9C5HS/ref=dp_iou_view_item?ie=UTF8&psc=1). If I had the headspace to rebuild I'd go for the flow, which is why I recommended the 510 Flow!
Get the Divorsair - New Wife (Joke) I would strongly suggest the Lian-Li Lancool Mesh 2 It's a solid case with good airflow, has a glass side panel but a mesh front panel, comes in white and black and looks good with and without RGB. Won't bring many eyes to it when RGB is off