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Smart Wizard
Get a complete build plan based on budget and goals.
Build Comparison
Compare complete builds side by side.
Part Comparison
Check specs, price, and value across parts.
Bottleneck Calculator
Measure CPU and GPU balance before you buy.
Power Calculator
Estimate wattage and PSU headroom.
Will It Run?
Test your hardware against popular games.
Smart Wizard
Get a complete build plan based on budget and goals.
Build Comparison
Compare complete builds side by side.
Part Comparison
Check specs, price, and value across parts.
Bottleneck Calculator
Measure CPU and GPU balance before you buy.
Power Calculator
Estimate wattage and PSU headroom.
Will It Run?
Test your hardware against popular games.
For those building a workstation on a shoestring budget, these cases prioritize basic functionality and affordability above all else. While they won't offer premium features, advanced cooling, or extensive cable management, they provide a fundamental enclosure for your components at an exceptionally low price point. These options are best suited for users who need a functional system and are willing to compromise on aesthetics and build quality to save every possible dollar.
## TX-606-U3 This case is the absolute entry point for workstation builds, priced at an astonishing $6.74. It's suitable for the most basic office tasks where the primary concern is housing components as cheaply as possible. Strengths: Unbeatable price, makes a workstation build accessible to virtually any budget. Caveats: Expect minimal features, likely poor airflow, and basic build materials. Cable management will be non-existent.
## Area 51 Coming in at $6.95, the Area 51 offers a slight step up in price from the cheapest option, though likely without significant feature additions. It's another contender for ultra-budget workstation builds. Strengths: Extremely low price, provides a fundamental enclosure for components. Caveats: Similar to the TX-606-U3, anticipate very basic construction, limited cooling potential, and no frills.
## MS800 Also priced at $6.95, the MS800 is another option in the sub-$7 category. It's designed for users who need a functional case without any aesthetic or performance considerations beyond the absolute minimum. Strengths: Highly affordable, serves as a basic housing for workstation components. Caveats: Expect compromises in material quality, airflow, and internal layout. Not suitable for high-power components.
## ZEN-WAR At $8.00, the ZEN-WAR represents a slightly higher budget tier, though still firmly in the ultra-budget category. This might indicate a marginal improvement in build quality or a very minor feature over the sub-$7 options. Strengths: Still exceptionally cheap, providing a basic enclosure for a workstation. Caveats: While slightly more expensive, it's unlikely to offer significant advancements in features or cooling compared to cheaper alternatives. Expect basic functionality.
## In Win BP671.200BL This In Win model, priced at $8.30, is the most expensive option on this list. In Win is a known brand, which might suggest a slightly more reliable or better-designed product, even at this budget level. The 'BP' designation often indicates a small form factor, which could be a benefit for compact workstation setups. Strengths: From a recognized brand, potentially offering better build consistency. Its compact nature (if 'BP' implies SFF) could be ideal for space-constrained workstations. Caveats: Still an extremely budget-oriented case, so don't expect premium features. Airflow and component clearance might be limited, especially if it's a small form factor.
Last updated May 1, 2026
Decision Helper: For the absolute lowest cost, the TX-606-U3 at $6.74 is your pick. If a slightly more recognized brand or potentially compact design is worth the extra dollar and a half, the In Win BP671.200BL at $8.30 might be a marginally better, though still very basic, choice. All options prioritize price over features or performance.