Imagine gliding effortlessly behind a bale of graceful sea turtles or speeding alongside a shiver of sleek sharks, while not being an observer alone but essentially a part of their world, all the while cocooned in utmost comfort. This mesmerizing scenario could be a reality for a select few when the U-Boat Worx Super Sub rolls out next year.
Described as a ticket to an underwater theatre unlike any other, the Super Sub is a submersible designed with a long tail and a wing design to flatter. But the see-through acrylic pressure hull on the front of the sub provides an unobstructed 360-degree view of the outside marine world to the occupants in the forward-facing seats.
Designer: U-Boat Worx
The U-Boat Worx Super Sub is a redefining way to explore the enigmatic depths of the ocean, not only because of the uninterrupted views it offers but also because of the power and speed it generates. This is courtesy of the subs propulsion system comprising powerful four thrusters delivering a staggering 60 kW of thrust allowing for thrilling 30-degree climbs and dives that will leave your heart racing.
The propulsion system combined with precision-engineered rudders, ensures the smoothest and most exhilarating underwater experience, all while maintaining an unhindered 360-degree view. This is accompanied by Sub’s mind-blowing speeds of 10 knots underwater.
This underwater speedster with a luxurious supercar-inspired interior designed to elevate your aquatic journey, according to U-Boat Worx, can take up to three people – two passengers and a pilot – on a journey to depths of up to 1,000 meters. The 9,000 kg Super Sub is powered by a specially designed 62 kWh lithium-ion battery, which ensures performance without compromising the environment.
The first Super Sub model is already sold and is expected to be delivered to the client by the end of 2023. U-Boat Worx is poised to roll out bigger stock in the fall of 2024. If you have deep pockets and the willingness to dive into the future of underwater exploration, get ready to embrace the Super Sub soon!
As a longtime PC gamer, I regularly spend tens of hours scanning Newegg for information on PC components, designing “dream” PC builds, and thirsting over unique components. But the most satisfying part of the process (for me, at least) has always been choosing the PC case.
PC cases are arguably the most important part of any build for a number of reasons. On one hand, your PC case’s form factor determines the number – and potentially, the size and quality of – components like GPUs, storage drives, and cooling components that can be slotted into a given build. Likewise, even if you select a poorly designed case that’s rated for the form factor you want, at a minimum, it can still look bad in your room. Bells and whistles aside, a low-quality case may not be able to properly seat your internal components or provide enough cooling to keep them stable at high temperatures.
That’s why I’ve taken the time to come up with this curated list of well-designed PC cases built with high-quality materials that span a wide range of aesthetic layouts and form factors. Whether you’re looking for a compact Mini-ITX build that sits elegantly in a minimalist workspace, or you want to go all-out with a full-sized gaming tower adorned with RGB lighting, or even if you want the internal components of your PC to speak for themselves – I’ve got you covered.
1. LIAN LI O11 Dynamic EVO
The LIAN LI O11 Dynamic Evo’s best quality is right there in the title: dynamism. This versatile mid-tower chassis features tempered glass front and side panels that provide form and function, allowing for easy airflow while showing off your internal components.
Why is it noteworthy?
The O11 Dynamic Evo is an inexpensive all-rounder from a reliable manufacturer that not only looks sleek, but also has a great built-in dual-panel cable management system and plenty of space for storage and cooling options. This is a great choice for PC gamers who want to vertically mount a large GPU like an Nvidia 4070 Ti and add liquid cooling to the mix without breaking the bank on a full tower.
What we like
Tons of space for fans and radiators without busting into full tower territory
Beautiful tempered glass design
What we dislike
Limited dust filtration system on bottom
Tight fit in the back when a larger PSU is installed
2. Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact
I love the modern design of the Fractal Design Meshify 2 Compact, which looks like it’d fit just as well in a gaming room as it would in a fancy office suite. The front mesh panel is its most defining feature at first glance, but it’s extremely well-ventilated and the tempered glass side panel is great to show off your PC’s internals.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Meshify 2 Compact is a mid-tower case that sits comfortably in basically any room due to its sleek yet minimalist black mesh design. It doesn’t break the bank either, which is great, provided that it features a decent amount of room for cooling and storage options. This is optimal for a mid-tier PC gaming or workstation build that balances aesthetic design with functionality, just as long as you’re not relying on flashy RGB lights to make it look good – you’ll have to provide those yourself, or spend extra for the comparatively expensive Meshify 2 Compact RGB.
What we like
Clean and stylish construction
Great natural airflow
What we dislike
No integrated RGB – unless you shell out for the premium Compact RGB version
3. SilverStone Lucid LD03-AF
Sometimes you just want to build a tiny PC that looks cool and runs well, without taking too much desk space or attracting eyes away from the rest of your room or office. The SilverStone Lucid LD03-AF is a Mini-ITX chassis designed to fill that exact niche.
Why is it noteworthy?
SilverStone has managed to produce a Mini-ITX case that looks kitschy and artsy thanks to its unique vertical shape and tempered glass panels, fitting snugly in any room it sits in. And yet, it still affords enough space to fit an entire gaming rig with a modern GPU. That should all be easy to set up, thanks to the LD03-AF’s array of detachable panels.
What we like
Compact and easy to customize
Decently spacious for a Mini-ITX
What we dislike
Expensive for what it offers
4. Thermaltake Core P3 Pro
The Thermaltake Core P3 TG Pro is for enthusiasts who want to showcase their internal components first and foremost. It uses an open frame chassis that unleashes the full creativity of a PC build.
Why is it noteworthy?
This chassis strikes the perfect balance between a sturdy foundation with strong build materials and plenty of mounts for cooling and storage options, and an open layout that lets you show off the creativity of an intricate PC build. This is the one to get if you’re a gamer who has invested in a sophisticated water cooling or lighting system, and you truly want it to take center stage in your gaming room.
What we like
Gorgeous open frame design using tempered glass
A mind-boggling number of customization options
What we dislike
Open frame design means you need to create a DIY solution to keep your internals protected from the environment
5. NZXT H7 Flow
The NZXT H7 Flow mid-tower case is a strong contender for PC gamers who want a decent balance between customization and cooling.
Why is it noteworthy?
NZXT cases are both durable and visually appealing, and the H7 Flow is one of the slickest-looking cases you can buy in the mid-tower range. Unlike its H710i cousin, it features mesh top and front panels for improved cooling, and does away with some of the built-in RGB options. But it’s also a bit more affordable, and it offers plenty of support for cable management.
What we like
Sleek and spacious mesh and tempered glass design
Excellent cable management support
Comes in a variety of colors
What we dislike
6. NZXT H710i
I couldn’t talk about the NZXT H7 Flow without also mentioning the NZXT H710i. This isn’t just a strong contender, it also happens to be the case I currently own (and which houses the PC I’m writing this article from!)
Why is it noteworthy?
The H710i is a premium alternative to the H7 Flow which trades the former’s mesh panels for solid covers with side vents, making for a more refined and unique aesthetic without skimping on airflow. More importantly, it comes packed in with an RGB lighting strip and a smart device that controls lighting across the build.
What we like
Excellent mix of sturdy construction, great airflow, high customizability, and aesthetic style
Built-in RGB options and lighting presets make it visually exciting out of the box
What we dislike
A little expensive compared to similar options
7. Fractal Design North
Fractal Design has a great track record for coming up with innovative PC cases. Fractal Design’s North represents an organic approach to PC chassis design, featuring wooden slat panels and natural colors that fit in a conservatory just as easily as it fits in a gaming room.
Why is it noteworthy?
Whereas most modern PC cases use a mix of black and white steel, mesh, and tempered glass, North vies for organic browns and subtle whites that make it more aesthetically pleasing when surrounded by wooden furniture. Not only that; it also comes with plenty of space to fit cooling, storage, and other modern internal components.
What we like
Gorgeous wooden front panels and steel chassis
Spacious interior
What we dislike
No integrated RGB
Some users complain about airflow issues
8. Fractal Design Terra
A compact alternative to the Fractal Design North is the Fractal Design Terra, a gorgeous Mini-ITX case that would fit perfectly in a room with plenty of natural light and organic elements.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Fractal Design Terra Jade edition comes with a unique compact layout that mixes earthy greens and browns, making it fit in an office or gaming room designed with those same natural hues in mind. It also boasts enough space to fit a modern GPU up to 322 nm in length, like an NVIDIA RTX 4070.
What we like
Beautiful organic design with a wooden front panel and green steel chassis
Spacious interior for a Mini-ITX
What we dislike
Expensive for a Mini-ITX
No side windows to showcase internals
9. Corsair Obsidian 1000D
The Corsair Obsidian 1000D is a full tower gaming chassis fitted with tons of RGB lights and a gorgeous tempered glass design, perfect for enthusiast gamers looking to go all out with their build.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Obsidian 1000D is the ultimate full tower case for PC gamers, as it’s packed on all sides with gorgeous RGB-equipped fans. Thanks to built-in control software, these are easy to set up. Not only is it an aesthetically pleasing centerpiece for any gaming room, its durable black steel and tempered glass chassis ensure it’s sturdy enough to handle any build imaginable.
What we like
It’s built like a tank
The integrated RGB system is breathtaking
What we dislike
Expensive at a roughly $525 MSRP
10. NZXT H1 V2
The NZXT H1 V2 is a Mini-ITX chassis that looks like a NZXT H7 Flow sliced in half.
Why is it noteworthy?
It comes with a number of systems already built in, such as a 750w 80 Plus Gold PSU and 140mm all-in-one liquid cooling system. It also accommodates a number of options for GPUs.
What we like
Compact, vertical design fits easily on any desk
Plenty of built-in components make installation easier
What we dislike
Expensive if you only want the case
Not quite as customizable as other options; you’re left at the mercy of packed-in internal component quality
Located on the edge of the Česky Kras nature reserve southwest of Prague is a traditional Czech dwelling with modern interiors. Dubbed the Casa de mi Luna, and designed by architecture practice Studio Circle Growth, the home harmoniously merges with the local vernacular, owing to its classic gable roof and rounded eaves. The interiors of the home are quite modern and lined with pine. It eliminates the traditional compartmentalization found in rural homes and instead opts for open and spacious living areas that feel bright and welcoming.
Designer: Studio Circle Growth
“When we got the paper with morphological regulations for the area, I thought gee, what a drag, a symmetrical gable roof with a prescribed pitch between 35 to 45 degrees, prescribed length-to-width ratios, prescribed colors, and so on,” said Studio Circle Growth’s founder Martin Zizka.”But then we kind of completely embraced them, especially when we saw the finished symmetrical red gable roof protruding in the landscape amongst the other similar houses, it began to feel right,” he continued.
And truly the interiors of the home are contemporary and chique. They are defined by lightness, openness, and organic organization. The minimal casa is built from prefabricated straw and timber panels that can be easily assembled on-site. The studio tried to utilize as many local materials as possible, and for the exterior used a base of larch planks and lime render above. On the other hand, the roof features traditional tiles called bobrovka.
The inside of the home features an expansive open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area. It is quite cozy with a staircase and a glazed tile-clad fireplace is also included. “The entire central bay of the house is open, allowing the place where it is connected vertically to breathe and bathe in light,” said Zizka. “The staircase thus becomes a central feature which not only connects the two levels but separates the ground floor into distinct yet open and interconnected functional zones,” he concluded. The ground floor also houses internal walls that are finished in white stucco, while the upper level is lined with pine-plywood sheets, that also subtly cover the arched apex of the roof.
Although not a LEGO Technic build, MoonGravity06’s LEGO RR Phantom comes with a ridiculous amount of detail that compares wonderfully to the original. You can take a look under the hood, stash items in the boot, move the windshield wipers, and even open the Phantom’s doors to see the interiors. My favorite part, however, is the touch-sensitive Spirit of Ecstasy statue that disappears inside the car’s chassis if you try and touch it… just like in the original!
Designer: MoonGravity06
MoonGravity06’s LEGO build is slightly unconventional in its appearance, but is a testament to just how creative you can be with LEGO bricks. The car’s entire outer body uses all sorts of black bricks to come together with remarkable accuracy. The grill on the front relies on LEGO katana swords, and the wheels (in the interest of authenticity) are 3D printed instead of being stock LEGO pieces. None of the windows have glass components (they’re all hollow), but that’s only because it would be rather difficult to find glass pieces matching MoonGravity06’s model and scale.
The fan-made build (which currently sits in LEGO’s Ideas forum with just under 1,000 votes) tries to stick to the original as much as possible without compromising on detail. While it’s common for fan-made LEGO builds to opt for a more minimal route, dissolving details rather than glorifying them, this Rolls-Royce Phantom is quite the opposite. For instance, the motor-powered moving wipers are a spectacular touch, as are the shining headlights and the locking doors (including the suicide-style doors on the back). The tamper-proof Spirit of Ecstasy statute is perhaps the most impressive feature, accurately mimicking how the statue disappears inside the car’s hood if someone tries stealing it. Look closely and you’ll notice that the Spirit of Ecstasy statue is, in fact, two LEGO wrenches fitted together!
“It is quite disheartening to notice the lack of homage paid to such legendary motor vehicles,” MoonGravity06 mentions. “The market is saturated with models that glorify contemporary supercars, leaving timeless icons like the Rolls Royce Phantom in a shroud of undeserved obscurity.”
“Guided by a deep-seated respect for the Phantom’s original design, I meticulously replicated each curve, each line, employing real bricks and actual photographs to ensure utmost authenticity.”
To that end, MoonGravity06’s build does rely on a few unconventional components. The grille, for instance, uses LEGO katanas, the Spirit of Ecstasy uses LEGO wrenches, and the Rolls Royce logo on the front is merely a printed paper sticker. The wheels, on the other hand, are 3D printed to match the Phantom’s design and scale. While most LEGO builders generally frown upon people using non-LEGO components, this direction arguably was motivated by MoonGravity06’s relentless pursuit of accuracy.
Each door physically locks shut, rather than relying on a snapping or spring mechanism
The rear door opens in Rolls-Royce’s signature backward ‘suicide door’ fashion!
“I am staunchly convinced that this concept deserves actualization because it aligns with the true essence of car design. It transcends beyond mere functionality; it’s about sculpting a marvel that commands respect and instills awe,” MoonGravity06 mentions in the LEGO Ideas forum. “At a time when many companies appear to have drifted from these values, this set serves as a potent reminder of the fundamental ethos of automotive design.”
