Most modern PC cases dropped the 5.25-inch bay years ago, which is a problem if you still want a Blu-ray burner, a DVD drive for old software, or a disc ripper. If you are searching for the best PC cases with an optical drive bay, the field is small. This guide covers six options, from a budget mid-tower to a full-tower and compact HTPC builds, and notes where a case is old or hard to find.
A quick note on method: we did not hands-on test these cases. The picks below are based on published specifications from manufacturers and retailers and on reviewer feedback. Where a spec was not confirmed, we say so rather than guess. Prices are approximate ranges, were not live-checked, and change often.
What to Look for in a PC Case With a CD/DVD Drive Bay
- Bay type: A full-size 5.25-inch external bay takes a standard desktop drive. Slim bays, like the one on the SilverStone Milo below, need a slim laptop-style drive.
- Radiator and GPU trade-offs: In some cases, such as the Define R5, large radiators or longer GPUs require removing the drive cage, which means giving up the optical bay.
- Age and availability: Several of these designs are years old. Check that the exact model is in stock before you plan a build around it.
- Front I/O: Most older cases here have USB 3.0 only, with no front USB-C.
- Budget: The picks run from roughly $35 to about $330.
Fractal Design Define R5: Best Quiet Case With 5.25-Inch Bays
The Fractal Design Define R5 is a mid-tower for ATX, mATX and ITX boards, listed with two 5.25-inch bays in a removable cage. It ships with two 140mm fans, has a solid front and side panel, and sat around $135 at Best Buy and Newegg. GPU length is 310mm with the top HDD cage fitted, or 440mm with it removed.
Pros: strong sound dampening, quiet stock fans, flexible radiator layout. Cons: a 2014-era design with no front USB-C, and constricted front airflow. Large radiators at the top or front need the drive bays removed, and one 2026 UK review lists lower radiator limits than the spec sheet, so verify before buying. Best for: a quiet, understated build that keeps a disc drive.
Zalman T8: Best Cheap PC Case With Optical Drive Bay
The Zalman T8 is an ATX mid-tower with a real 5.25-inch bay, a front RGB strip and one pre-installed 120mm rear fan. Prices were listed from about $43 to $60, and Zalman USA’s own page showed it sold out.
Pros: very low price with ATX support, and up to a 240mm radiator. Cons: solid steel side panels with no window, GPU limited to 295mm, and only a USB 3.0 front port. We found no professional review, so specs come from retailer pages. Best for: an office or budget desktop that needs a disc drive.
Thermaltake Versa H22: Budget Mid-Tower With Three 5.25-Inch Bays
The Thermaltake Versa H22 supports ATX and mATX boards and lists three 5.25-inch bays, a perforated front, and front and PSU dust filters. Prices ran about $40 to $50. Availability is unconfirmed: one distributor lists it as end-of-life and Thermaltake’s own page showed it out of stock.
Pros: very cheap, with plenty of 5.25-inch bays. Cons: a single rear fan that one user called weak, tight cable space, USB 3.0 and 2.0 only, and a 155mm cooler limit. Some retailers list a windowed variant, but the standard part is reported as solid. Best for: a cheap sleeper build, if you can find one.
be quiet! Dark Base Pro 901: Best High-End Full-Tower With an Optical Bay
The be quiet! Dark Base Pro 901 is a full-tower with tempered glass that fits ITX through E-ATX boards. It includes three 140mm Silent Wings 4 fans, supports radiators up to 420mm, has front USB-C, and lists one external 5.25-inch bay. Expect roughly $200 to $330 depending on color and seller.
Pros: interchangeable front and top panels for silent or airflow setups, plus a touch I/O panel and Qi wireless charging pad. Cons: expensive and heavy (about 16 to 18kg), and GPU clearance is 370mm with side-mounted drives versus 495mm without. Best for: a high-end water-cooled or silent build that still has a disc drive.
SilverStone Grandia GD10: Best HTPC Case With an Optical Drive Bay
The SilverStone Grandia GD10 is a living-room case that takes ATX and mATX boards, with a lockable front door, three 120mm fans and quick-access dust filters. It lists an optical drive bay, a 310mm GPU limit and a 138mm CPU cooler limit. Street prices were about $150 to $165.
Pros: positive-pressure design and a tidy HTPC look. Cons: a 2015 design with USB 3.0 only, a price well above its launch cost, and delayed shipping at one retailer. Best for: a media center that plays discs.
SilverStone Milo ML08B-H: Best Compact Case With a Slim Optical Bay
The SilverStone Milo ML08B-H is a 12-liter Mini-ITX console-style case with a carry handle. It lists a slim optical bay, two 2.5-inch slots and cards up to about 330mm (converted from 13 inches). Prices ran roughly $125 to $145, though one retailer marks it discontinued, so availability is mixed.
Pros: small and portable, with room for a long card. Cons: CPU coolers are limited to 58mm, an SFX or SFX-L PSU is required, and it is an older design. Only a slim drive fits. Best for: a portable LAN or living-room box.
FAQ
Do any modern PC cases still have an optical drive bay?
Few do. Among the cases we reviewed, the ones with an optical bay were mostly older designs, plus a few high-end or niche models. An external USB drive is the usual alternative for cases without a bay.
What is the best PC case for an optical drive on a budget?
On price alone, the Zalman T8 and Thermaltake Versa H22 are the cheapest listed. Check stock first, since the Versa H22 may be end-of-life.
Can I fit a gaming PC in a case with a CD/DVD drive bay?
Yes, with limits. The Dark Base Pro 901 allows long GPUs, and the Define R5 fits 310mm cards with its top cage in place. The Zalman T8 caps GPU length at 295mm.
Does a 5.25-inch bay fit a slim drive?
Standard bays take full-size drives. Slim drives usually need a slim bay or an adapter. We did not verify adapter compatibility for these cases.
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