Building two separate PCs for your specific requirements can be a little expensive, and it also consumes a lot of space. However, this problem can easily be solved by using a dual-system case. A dual system PC case or chassis allows you to have two different systems in one computer case with separate processors, motherboards, memory, IO ports, and graphics cards. The only thing common would be the power supply and case fans. Not only a dual-system PC is cost-effective and saves space, but it is also easier to maintain and manage. The only slight disadvantage that I can think of is that you can be limited by motherboard options because, in a dual-system case, one system has to use a mini-ITX motherboard, which may pose a slight problem sometimes because of expansion or availability reasons.
While most users may prefer a single system for both gaming, streaming, and work but if you are a professional or an enthusiast who does not want to compromise on anything, then it is a wise choice to have two separate systems or even a dual system using a dual system computer case. Different users may have different requirements for the dual system as some want to build it for gaming and streaming while others may want to build it for gaming and work. You can also have different operating systems in a dual system case for your specific work needs, e.g., in one system, you can run Linux, and in the other, you can install Windows. Also, in dual-system cases, you can have different CPU options as in the one you can use an Intel processor and in the other, you can have AMD, to get the best of both worlds. So, if you are in search of a good dual-system case, then here, I am going to list down the best dual-system PC cases so that you can have two different computers in a single PC case.
Top Dual System PC Cases
Below are the top dual-system computer cases for setting up a dual-system PC for gaming plus work.
Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL DS
[Solid Build, Dual System Kit Included, Affordable, Water Cooling Ready, Good Airflow]
Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL DS is probably the best dual-system case you can get for building a dual-system PC. It is an upgraded version of the Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL case with all the issues sorted out. It is a Super Micro Tower case, which is a unique form factor. The case can support Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboard simultaneously, which means you can run two systems independently of each other. The case is quite enormous and has good airflow. It comes with plenty of fan mount points at all locations, and two 140mm fans at the front and one 120mm at the rear come included with the case. The fan speed can be controlled using the PWM Hub, included with the computer case. There are separate I/O ports and power switches for each system, and they include two USB 3.0 ports and an Audio ports.
The case can support the graphics card up to 289mm in length. The CPU Cooler support for Micro-ATX based system is 215mm, and for Mini-ITX one, it is 140mm only. It is a Water cooling ready case that includes mount points for the reservoir and can support up to 360mm radiator. There is support for dual PSU (ATX + SFX), and a Power Splitter comes included with the case that allows you to run two separate systems with a single ATX PSU. Moreover, the mini-ITX upgrade kit comes pre-installed with the case. The case has solid build quality and has got a tempered glass side panel. It is a pretty big and heavy case, and with two systems installed, it requires quite an effort to move around.
The drive support is also quite generous, and you will not face issues with the shortage of storage space. The dust filters are present on the front panel, top panel, and bottom. Other features include cable management and support for Phanteks RGB products. Overall, an excellent affordable dual system case that comes with all the necessary kits for a dual system build. So, if you are looking to build a workstation and gaming PC or gaming PC with streaming PC in one PC case, then you should definitely get this one.
Note: Both Systems can be turned on/off separately, because of separate power buttons.
| Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL DS Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Super Micro Tower |
| Motherboard support | Micro-ATX + Mini-ITX |
| Drive Bays | 5.25” x 3, 3.5” x 6, 2.5” x 8 |
| Front I/O Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, Audio (System 1) / USB 3.0 x 2, Audio (System 2) |
| Expansion Slots | 5 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 215mm (Micro-ATX), 140mm (Mini-ITX) |
| Graphics Card Length | 289mm / 410mm (without HDD cages) |
| PSU Compatibility | PS2 |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120 / 140mm x 2
Top: 120mm x 3, 140mm x 2 Rear: 120mm x 1 HDD Cage: 120mm x 2 Side: 120mm x 2 |
| Features | Up to 360mm Radiator Support, Cable Management, Mini ITX upgrade kit pre-installed, PSU Power Splitter Included, Split-window design, Modular HDD cages, Water Cooling Ready, Tempered Glass Side Panel, Two reservoir mount locations, Dust Filters (Front, Top, Bottom), Dual PSU Support (ATX + SFX), PWM Hub, Water Cooling Ready (Reservoir and Pump support) |
Buy Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL DS
Corsair Obsidian 1000D Super-Tower Case
[Huge Case with Lots of upgrade options, Stylish & Modern, RGB Lighting]
Well, size does matter phrase clearly describes the Corsair Obsidian 1000D Super-Tower Case. It is an enormous case that can support up to E-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards simultaneously for a high-performance dual system build. The case is quite good in terms of airflow and supports up to 13 fans. The telescopic trays at the front and the top makes the fans and radiator installation effortless. The front I/O ports include four USB 3.0 ports, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, and Audio. The front USB ports are illuminated, which makes them easier to spot in the dark and low light conditions. It is a beautiful and stylish case and comes with smoked tempered glass panels at the sides and the front. The side panels open in a door-like fashion for easier access to the inside of the case.
The case can support flagship or high-end graphics cards up to 400mm in length and tall CPU coolers up to 180mm in height. The case can support up to four 480mm Radiators simultaneously, which is quite amazing. The case also includes the support for dual PSUs, one ATX, and one SFX power supply for separate systems. For RGB lighting support, CORSAIR Commander PRO fan and RGB lighting controller come integrated with the case. A Rotatable GPU bracket mount is also included that allows for vertical mounting of the graphics card. The case is built for water cooling and includes reservoir mount points. When it comes to storage, then also it does not disappoint, and you can fit up to five 3.5-inch and up to six 2.5-inch drives. Other features include removable dust filters, cable management, triple chamber design, and Corsair iCUE software support. So, if you are an enthusiast and want the best big case for a dual system setup, then you won’t find anything better than this.
| Corsair Obsidian 1000D Super-Tower Case Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Super Tower |
| Motherboard support | E-ATX + Mini-ITX |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 5, 2.5” x 6 |
| Front I/O Ports | USB 3.0 x 4, USB 3.1 Type-C x 2. Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 10 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 180mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 400mm |
| PSU Compatibility | ATX – 225mm, SFX – 140mm |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120mm x 8
Top: 140mm x 3 Rear: 120/140mm x 2 |
| Features | Up to four 480mm Radiators Support, Integrated CORSAIR Commander PRO fan and lighting controller, Telescoping Fan/Radiator Trays, Tempered Glass Side Panels/Doors, Tempered Glass Front Panel, Triple Chamber Design, Illuminated USB Ports, Rotatable GPU bracket, Corsair iCUE support, Water Cooling Ready, Removable Dust Filters, Cable Management |
Buy Corsair Obsidian 1000D Super-Tower Case
Phanteks Enthoo 719
[Modular Design, Feature Rich, RGB LED Lighting, Stylish & Modern]
Phanteks Enthoo 719 is a full tower dual system ready case and can be termed as the bigger brother of the Phanteks Enthoo Mini XL DS case, which I have covered above in this post. Phanteks Enthoo 719 is also known as Luxe 2 and is an enormous case that can support E-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards simultaneously for setting up a dual system for gaming and workstation use. For cooling and airflow, the case can support up to 15 fans, which is just amazing. The front I/O ports consist of four USB 3.0, one USB 3.1 Type-C, Audio, and two RGB buttons for changing color and mode. The included fan controller can be used for controlling fan speeds via the motherboard’s PWM signal. It is a big and beautiful case that has an RGB LED bar that runs from the bottom front panel of the case to the end of the top panel. The case has a tempered glass panel that allows us to see the internal components, and it also gives the case a very premium look.
For the primary system, the case can support high-end or flagship graphics cards up to 503mm long and a CPU cooler up to 195mm in height. For the secondary system, the graphics card has to be installed vertically using the vertical GPU mount/bracket, and CPU cooler height is limited to 80mm or 60mm, depending on which slot you install the graphics card. A GPU Anti-Sag bracket also comes along with a case to prevent the bending of long and heavy graphics cards. It is a water-cooling ready case and can support dual 480mm radiators with 360mm dual radiators at the same time. It can support dual PSUs (ATX + SFX) when you don’t want to build the secondary mini-ITX system. The case also has plenty of storage mounts and space for drives, and you can install up to twelve 3.5-inch and up to eleven 2.5-inch drives. Other features include dust filters, radiator brackets, cable cover & management. The case offers excellent build quality and is quite cheaper than the Corsair Obsidian 1000D Super Tower case. Overall, a great-looking and affordable dual system case for PC builders who want lots of options and features.
Note: You have to buy the PCI-E Riser cable separately as it does not come included with the case.
| Phanteks Enthoo 719 Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Full Tower |
| Motherboard support | ATX, EATX, uATX, mini ITX, SSI EEB |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 4 (Up to 12), 2.5” (Up to 11) |
| Front I/O Ports | USB 3.0 x 4, USB 3.1 Type-C Gen2 x 1, Audio, Power, Reset, D-RGB Mode, D-RGB Color |
| Expansion Slots | 8 + 3 Vertical |
| CPU Cooler Height | 195mm (System 1), 60mm (System 2 when GPU in First Slot) / 80mm (System 2 when GPU in First Slot) |
| Graphics Card Length | 503mm |
| PSU Compatibility | ATX, SFX |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120mm x 4 / 140mm x 3
Top: 120/140mm x 3 Rear: 120/140mm x 1 Bottom: 120mm x 3 / 140mm x 1 Side: 120mm x 4 |
| Features | Up to 480mm Radiator Support, Dual PSU Support, Dust Filters, Vertical GPU Bracket, Tempered Glass Side Panel, RGB LED Lighting, Universal Fan Hub Controller, GPU Anti-Sag Bracket, Radiator Bracket, Cable Cover and Management, Custom Water Cooling Ready, Fill and Drain Port |
Cougar Gemini X
[Premium Build Quality, Unique Design, Not for Amateurs]
Cougar Gemini X is a very different and unique-looking dual tower case that resembles an open test bench to some extent. The case can accommodate two systems, one with an ATX motherboard and another one with a Mini-ITX one. This case is not for first-time builders and amateurs and requires a lot of effort and patience to work with. It does suffer from clearance and ergonomic issues, which can annoy some users. However, if you want a cool-looking case that can turn heads, then it will not disappoint you. For airflow, you can install two 120mm fans on left, two 120mm fans at the right, and one 120mm at the rear for each system. The airflow in the case is not that good because of its unique and unorthodox design. The front I/O ports include two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 3.1 Type-C port, and Audio ports. The case is quite heavy, is built like a tank, and does come with 5mm thick tempered glass panels.
The case can accommodate a 350mm long graphics card for the primary system and up to 330mm for the secondary system. The CPU Cooler height is limited to only 140mm for both the systems, which is on the lower side, and you have to use an AIO for a powerful processor. It can support up to 240mm radiators for both systems and also include dual PSU support (ATX and SFX). Other features include dust filters, cable routing, and you can place the case horizontally or vertically, depending on your liking or requirement. The case is on the expensive side and is not everyone’s cup of tea. So, if you are into creative things and want a cooling-looking dual-system case, then you can go for it.
| Cougar Gemini X Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Dual Tower |
| Motherboard support | Mini ITX / Micro ATX / ATX / CEB |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 2, 2.5” x 4 |
| Front I/O Ports | USB 3.1 Gen2 Type-C x1, USB 3.0 x 2, Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 8+2 |
| CPU Cooler Height | System 1 (140mm) / System 2 (140mm) |
| Graphics Card Length | System 1 (350mm) / System 2 (330mm) |
| PSU Compatibility | ATX + SFX |
| Fans & Cooling | Left: 120mm x 4
Right: 120mm x 4 Rear: 120mm x2 |
| Features | Up to 240mm Radiator Support, Dust Filters, Tempered Glass Panels, Vertical or Horizontal orientation |
Thermaltake Core W200
[Fully Modular & Expandable, High Airflow, Full Sized Dual System Support]
A mammoth case from Thermaltake that allows you to build two full-sized systems. Thermaltake Core W200 is a Super Tower Chassis and supports up to XL-ATX motherboards. The case has almost no design elements as it is just a rectangular box, but it has tons of space for internal components and is great for modders and overclockers. The case offers excellent airflow as it has vents on all sides (except the left side panel) and provides plenty of fan mount points at the front, top, rear, and bottom. There are two front I/O ports for each system, and they include eight USB 3.0 ports, two audio ports, and two power buttons. There is a blue LED strip that runs along the center of the front panel. The left side panel has a transparent window that allows for peeking at the internal components.
The case can support super long high-end graphics cards up to 635mm in length and up to 200mm tall CPU coolers. It supports dual ATX PSUs up to 220mm in length. The case can support up to 600mm radiators and is Tt LCS Certified, which means it is tested for extreme liquid cooling solutions. It is a fully modular case with Dismantlable Modular Design (DMD) and has excellent expansion capability by using the optional Core P200 stackable unit. For storage, you can add more than twenty drive trays, which is incredible. The castor wheels (removable) at the bottom of the case allow easy movement from one place to another. Other features include dust filters and cable routing. An excellent versatile case for building a powerful workstation along with a high-end gaming system.
| Thermaltake Core W200 Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Super Tower |
| Motherboard support | XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, Mini-ITX |
| Drive Bays | 5.25” x 3, 3.5’’ / 2.5’’ x 14 |
| Front I/O Ports | USB 3.0 x 8, HD Audio x 2 |
| Expansion Slots | 10 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 200mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 470mm (with HDD rack) / 635mm (w/o HDD rack) |
| PSU Compatibility | ATX PSU x 2 |
| Fans & Cooling | Front: 120/140mm x 7
Top: 200mm x 2 / 120mm x 8 / 140mm x 8 Rear: 120/140mm x 2 Bottom: 120/140mm x 6 Right Side: 120/140mm x 8 / 200mm x 6 |
| Features | Up to 600mm Radiator support, Fully modular, Custom, Tt LCS Certified, Dismantlable Modular Design (DMD), Scalable and Expandable, Cable Routing, Dust Filters, Transparent Window Side Panel |
FSP T-WINGS CMT710
[Cool Design, Solid Build Quality, Fun Case for Modders]
If you think Cougar Gemini X has a unique design, then you are going to be amazed by the FSP T-WINGS CMT710. It is a dual system open-air case that looks quite fancy and is sure a head-turner. Just like the Cougar Gemini X, the case is not for first-time builders and does face ergonomic issues. The name T-Wings signifies the two wings present on the top of the case. The case has a symmetrical design and looks very stylish from every angle. The tempered glass on the sides and Addressable RGB bar on the center enhances its looks further. As it is an open frame case, it does not offer any fan mount points and relies only on the open-air design for airflow. The front I/O ports include two USB 3.0 ports and audio ports.
The case can support graphics cards up to 380mm in length, CPU coolers that are up to 155mm in height, and dual 360mm radiators at the front. There is dual PSU support, ATX, and SFX for the two systems. The storage options are somewhat limited as it can support only two 3.5-inch drives and three 2.5-inch drives at maximum, but there is a good amount of space available for cable management. The installation of components is rather cumbersome as it takes a good amount of effort, but it can be a fun task for enthusiasts and modders. Overall, a stylish and attractive case that has solid build quality but is prone to some flaws. The case is available in two colors: red and gold.
| FSP T-WINGS CMT710 Specifications | |
| Form Factor | Open Frame Case |
| Motherboard support | Main: E-ATX, ATX, Micro ATX, ITX, and Sub: ITX |
| Drive Bays | 3.5” x 2, 2.5” x 3 |
| Front I/O Ports | USB 3.0 x 2, HD Audio |
| Expansion Slots | 8 |
| CPU Cooler Height | 155mm |
| Graphics Card Length | 380mm |
| PSU Compatibility | Main: 240mm ATX PSU
Sub: 180mm SFX-L PSU |
| Fans & Cooling | NA |
| Features | Dual 360mm Radiator Support, Cable Management, ARGB LED Bar (supports ASRock Polychrome Sync, Asus Aura Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, and MSI Mystic Light Sync), Vertical or Horizontal GPU Installation, |
Other Dual System PC Cases
Below are some other dual system cases that are worth checking out.
Power Supply Splitter
Phanteks Power Splitter
If you want to run dual systems using a single power supply, then you need a PSU Splitter. It is the best way for running dual system cases that support only a single power supply. One such PSU Splitter is the Phanteks Power Splitter which takes one 24-pin and two 8-pin inputs and divides them into two 24-pin outputs, two 8-pin and 4-pin outputs for two separate systems. The Power Splitter is compact and can be mounted easily inside the case either by using a Velcro mount (Universally) or a Drop-N-Lock system (only with supported Phanteks cases).
The Phanteks Power Splitter’s Patented Isolated Dual System Technology allows a dual system configuration to operate independently of one another. It means Powering ON/OFF on one system will not affect the other and vice versa. As long as one system is running, the power supply will be fully operational until both systems are off. The Anti-Noise Inrush Protection Circuit of this power splitter helps to protect and stabilize the voltage signal level and also enables the power supply’s various protection to prevent damage caused by inrush current surges.
The power splitter can provide 452W of maximum power for both systems, which does not include graphics card power consumption because graphics cards have to be connected directly to the PSU using the PSU’s 6-pin/8-pin PCI-E connector cables. The minimum PSU requirement is 600W and above (based on total power consumption). The extension power cables come included with the power splitter.
| Phanteks Power Splitter Specifications | |
| Motherboard Support | ATX, EATX, mATX, Mini ITX |
| Input Connectors | 24-pins x 1, 8-pin x2 |
| Output Connectors | 24-pin x 2, 8-pin x 2, 4-pin x 4 |
| Output Max Wattage | 452W (system 1 + system 2 combined, GPU power consumption excluded) |
| Minimum PSU | 80+ Bronze 600W or above |
Dual System Power Supply
Phanteks Revolt X PSU
Revolt X PSU is a powerful dual system power supply from Phanteks. The PSU is available in two wattage capacities: 1000W and 1200W (Revolt X 1200 and Revolt X 1000). It is an 80 Plus Platinum Certified power supply that offers 92% efficiency at 50% system load. The power supply is made in collaboration with Seasonic, which is known for making high-quality power supplies both for industrial and consumer use. The Revolt X PSU comes with a powerful single 12V Rail that carries a current of 83A and 100A for 1000W and 1200W models, respectively. For graphics cards, it offers eight 8-Pin (6+2) PCI-Express connectors.
It is a fully modular power supply with extra-long cables (up to 810mm) so that they can reach every corner of a dual system case easily. The cables for the motherboard, graphics card, and CPU power are braided while other cables are not. For cooling, it uses a 135mm fan with fluid dynamic bearing. The PSU features a semi-passive operation where the fan remains off when the load is under 40% for a completely quiet operation. This dual system power supply uses an in-built power splitter, which means dual system configurations can operate independently of one another, and powering On/Off one system will not affect the other and vice versa. The build quality of the PSU is great, and it has all the protection features that include OPP, OVP, SCP, OCP, OTP, No-Load protection, and Reset Protection.
| Revolt X 1200 / 1000 | |
| Wattage | 1200W / 1000W |
| 12V Rail | 100A / 83A |
| Fan Size | 135mm |
| 80 Plus Certification | Platinum |
| PCI Express Connectors | 8-pin (6+2) x 8 |
| Modular | Fully Modular |
| Features | Dual System Ready, Semi-passive operation, Over Current and Over Voltage Protection Features, Reset Protection |
Important Tip
If you wish to use the same keyboard, mouse, and monitor for both systems, then you can do so by using a KVM switch. You can also use Logitech Flow supported Mouse and Keyboard for use with multiple systems.
See also:
- Best Airflow PC Cases for Gaming and Work PC
- Best PC Cases with Lots of HDD Bays for NAS & Server Build
- Best LAN Party PC Cases with Carrying Handle for Portability
Final Words
There is no denying the fact that dual systems are easier to manage, and they do save a lot of space. However, these cases cater only to specific users, as some do not need two systems, and some prefer to build two different systems using separate cases. In my opinion, a dual system setup using a single case is more convenient in the majority of the scenarios because of the various advantages they offer. If you have any queries then do ask them in the comment section below.
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Hi Akshat,
I am a concept artist and I use 3D modeling and rendering extensively. I am looking at
CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 3950X 3.5GHz 16-Core Processor ($709.99)
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Pro 4 ($89.90)
Motherboard: MSI X570 Tomahawk ATX AM4 ($288.78)
Two GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 10GB ($1500)
Memory: 64GB (4 x 16GB) G.Skill Trident Z Neo DDR4-3600 C16 ($362.99)
Storage PCIe-SSD: Samsung 970 EVO PLUS 2TB M.2 Solid State Drive ($289.74)
Power Supply: EVGA 650 B5, 80 Plus Bronze 650W Power Supply ($92.95)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 Black ATX Mid Tower Case ($123.99)
Total: about $3500.
However, I am concerned that the modeling performance might be affected while rendering or vice versa and I am wondering if a Dual system PC would be preferable as each task could be run separately. if a dual system is preferable, what configuration would you recommend for each system?
Sincerely
Stephan
I think in your case there is no need to go for a dual system as Ryzen 9 3950X is quite powerful for multiple tasks.