There’s a unique frustration that every seasoned PC builder knows intimately. It’s the feeling of your knuckles scraping against a sharp metal edge inside a cramped mid-tower case, trying to plug in an 8-pin CPU power cable that’s just a millimeter too short. It’s the tedious ritual of unscrewing thumbscrews, sliding off a heavy side panel, and navigating a jungle of carefully managed cables, all just to swap out a single stick of RAM or test a new graphics card. For years, my workshop floor was a graveyard of half-assembled towers, components laid out on anti-static mats in a chaotic dance of upgrades and troubleshooting. This process, while a rite of passage, is incredibly inefficient. It stifles creativity and turns a quick diagnostic test into a half-hour ordeal. The dream was always a dedicated, accessible platform where components could be installed, tested, and swapped in minutes, not hours. This is the exact problem that an open-frame chassis is designed to solve, and why the promise of a minimalist, functional, and affordable option like the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case immediately caught our attention.
- Wide compatibility: Motherboard Support ATX,Micro ATX,ITX , support motherboards Max 305*245mm (12*9.6inch), and The length and width of the graphics card are not limited.
- Power Supply and Hard DriveSupport: Support Standard ATX Power Supply 150 x 86 x (140~250)MM / (5.9x3.39x5.5~9.8 inch), Supports 1pcs HDD and SSD.
What to Consider Before Buying an Open Frame PC Case
A computer case is far more than just a metal box to house your expensive components; it’s a foundational part of your system’s performance, longevity, and ease of use. In the realm of open-frame designs, this philosophy is amplified. These cases solve the critical problems of thermal throttling and component accessibility by removing physical barriers entirely. The primary benefit is unparalleled airflow, allowing high-performance parts like CPUs and GPUs to breathe freely and operate at peak efficiency without being choked by a restrictive enclosure. This makes them an invaluable tool for overclockers, hardware reviewers, and technicians who need to diagnose and benchmark parts without the variable of case airflow interfering with results.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently tinkers with their hardware. This includes system builders who need to verify components are functional before a final installation, enthusiasts who love swapping parts to chase performance, or IT professionals who need an efficient workbench setup. It’s a utilitarian dream. However, an open-frame case is not suitable for everyone. If you have pets or small children, the exposed high-voltage components present a significant safety hazard. Likewise, if you live in a dusty environment, the lack of filters means your components will require much more frequent cleaning. For those who prioritize aesthetics, silence, and protection from the elements, a traditional enclosed case from our broader guide would be a more appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: An open-frame case lives on a desk or workbench, not tucked away under it. You must consider its footprint, including the overhang of a large graphics card or the height of a tower CPU cooler. The JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case measures 440mm x 265mm, a manageable size for most workspaces, but you must account for the components extending beyond this base.
- Component Compatibility & Layout: Performance in this context refers to compatibility. Does the frame support your motherboard’s form factor (ITX, MATX, ATX, or E-ATX)? Does it have a secure mounting point for your power supply and storage drives? The beauty of an open frame is the near-unlimited clearance for GPU length and CPU cooler height, but the core mounting points must match your hardware.
- Materials & Durability: Since the frame is the sole structural element, its material is paramount. Thin, flimsy steel will bend and flex under the weight of a heavy power supply and GPU. The JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case uses 0.8mm SPCC steel, which we found to be a good balance of weight and rigidity, providing a solid foundation that doesn’t feel precarious. A quality powder coat or painted finish also prevents scratches and rust.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The entire point of a test bench is ease of use. How simple is the initial assembly? Are the standoff locations clearly marked? How quickly can you mount or unmount a motherboard? Maintenance involves cleaning, and with an open frame, a can of compressed air is your best friend. The direct access makes cleaning far quicker than in a traditional case, though it will be needed more often.
Keeping these factors in mind, the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case stands out in several areas, particularly for its value and sturdy construction. You can explore its detailed specifications and see the latest pricing here.
While the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case is an excellent choice for its specific purpose, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including traditional towers and small form factor designs, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- EXCEPTIONAL GPU COOLING-The PSU shroud is perforated on the side and bottom, enabling optimal air intake from two 120mm fans (not included).
- FRAME Modular Case System – The revolutionary FRAME system gives new meaning to the word customization. Want to upgrade the motherboard tray to billet aluminum? Want to swap out your front I/O panel...
- Sleek & Versatile Design: Build elegant office systems or compact gaming PCs in this sturdy steel/plastic mini case.
First Impressions: Spartan Simplicity and Surprising Substance
Unboxing the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case is a refreshingly spartan affair. There’s no flashy packaging or foam inserts shaped like futuristic spaceships. It arrives as a flat-pack collection of black steel panels, triangular support gussets, and a bag of hardware. This immediately sets the tone: this is a tool, not a toy. The finish is a matte, sandblasted black paint that feels durable and does an admirable job of resisting fingerprints during assembly. Picking up the main motherboard tray, the 0.8mm SPCC steel construction has a satisfying heft to it. It’s not monstrously heavy, weighing in at just 1.15 kg, but it feels substantial enough to inspire confidence, a sentiment echoed by users who described it as “pretty sturdy actually.”
Assembly is straightforward, akin to a piece of minimalist metal furniture. The instructions are basic diagrams, but for anyone who has assembled a PC before, the process is intuitive. You attach the side panels that act as feet, bolt on the triangular gussets for rigidity, and mount the PSU and storage drive brackets. The entire process took us under 20 minutes. Included in the hardware packet is a simple power switch with a generous 27-inch cable, a thoughtful and necessary addition that saves you from having to short motherboard pins to boot the system. It’s a no-frills package, but every piece feels purposeful and contributes to a final product that is surprisingly rigid and ready for action.
What We Like
- Excellent value for the price, making it highly accessible
- Sturdy 0.8mm SPCC steel construction feels solid and durable
- Unrestricted access to all components for easy swapping and testing
- Simple and quick assembly process
- Broad compatibility with ATX, MATX, and ITX motherboards
- Includes a convenient power switch with a long cable
What We Didn’t Like
- Painted-over standoff threads can make initial installation tricky
- Lacks feet, sitting flat on the work surface
- Cable management options are very basic
Performance Deep Dive: Building and Working on the JOYJOM Frame
A test bench lives or dies by its functionality. Aesthetics and extra features are secondary to its core purpose: to make the process of building, testing, and modifying a PC as seamless as possible. Over several weeks, we used the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case as the foundation for multiple builds, from basic component validation to overclocking a high-end gaming setup. This extended testing period allowed us to move beyond first impressions and truly understand its strengths and weaknesses in a real-world workshop environment.
Construction and Build Quality: A Closer Look at the SPCC Steel
The foundation of any case is its chassis, and here, JOYJOM made the right choice by using 0.8mm thick SPCC (Steel Plate Cold Coiled) steel. In a world of flimsy budget enclosures, this feels like a significant step up. Once assembled, the frame exhibits very little flex. We mounted a heavy 1000W ATX power supply, a large Noctua NH-D15 air cooler, and a hefty triple-fan RTX 4080 without any sense of instability. The key to this rigidity lies in the included triangular steel gussets. These simple brackets, when bolted into place, create strong, rigid corners that prevent the frame from wobbling. This was a point of positive reinforcement from other users, who noted the design’s surprising sturdiness.
The black sandblasted paint is both aesthetically clean and functionally sound. It provides a slightly textured surface that isn’t slippery and doesn’t easily show smudges. During our testing, which involved sliding the frame around the workbench and inevitably dropping a few screws on it, the finish held up remarkably well with no major chips or scratches. The edges of the steel panels are well-finished, with no dangerously sharp burrs that could slice fingers or cables—a small but crucial detail for a product you’ll be handling frequently. While it lacks premium features like rubber feet or grommets, the core structural integrity is absolutely solid, providing a dependable base that you can trust with thousands of dollars worth of components.
The Assembly Experience: From Flat-Pack to Functional Test Bench
Getting the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case from box to workbench is a quick affair, but one that requires a bit of mechanical sympathy. The instruction sheet is a single diagram, and while it’s mostly clear, we found it’s best to use a bit of builder’s intuition. All the screw holes are pre-threaded directly into the steel, which is a fantastic feature as it means no fumbling with tiny nuts on the backside. However, this is also the source of the product’s most common critique. The paint application, while durable, can slightly obstruct the fine threads of the motherboard standoff holes.
As one user keenly pointed out, the brass-colored steel standoffs are blunt-ended and can be difficult to start in the painted-over threads. We can confirm this finding. The key is to apply firm, steady pressure and turn slowly to ensure you don’t cross-thread the hole. We recommend threading all the necessary standoffs into the tray *before* you mount the motherboard. Taking five minutes to carefully work them in will save you a major headache later. We also found that the diagram for standoff placement could be clearer. While the ATX and MATX layouts are standard, it’s wise to double-check against your specific motherboard before you begin. Once past this initial hurdle with the standoffs, the rest of the assembly is a breeze, and the final product feels robust and perfectly aligned. The included power switch is a simple but essential component, and its 27-inch cable is long enough to be routed comfortably to the front for easy access.
Component Compatibility and Practical Use
This is where the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case truly shines. In a traditional case, component choice is a game of millimeters. Will this 340mm GPU fit? Is there enough clearance for this 165mm tall CPU cooler? On this open frame, those questions are irrelevant. There are no physical barriers. We installed one of the largest consumer GPUs on the market with inches to spare in every direction. The same goes for CPU coolers; massive dual-tower air coolers or a full 360mm AIO liquid cooler (with the radiator placed beside the case) present no installation challenges. This freedom is liberating and is the primary reason to own a test bench.
The frame officially supports a single 3.5″ HDD and a single 2.5″ SSD, with dedicated mounting points. We found the placement logical, keeping the drives tucked away and secure. Power supply mounting is designed for a standard ATX unit. One user noted the cutout appears to be SFX-sized, but we can confirm a standard ATX PSU mounts perfectly using the included bracket, sitting securely at the bottom rear of the frame. Cable management is, as expected, minimal. There are several cutouts and holes along the edges of the motherboard tray which are perfect for zip ties. As another user rightly stated, it’s “not that easy to cable manage” if you’re aiming for a pristine look, but for a test bench, leaving some slack for easy component swaps is actually preferable. The open design makes routing power cables an absolute joy compared to a closed case, as you have unimpeded access to every header and port on the motherboard. For anyone who dreads reaching for the top-left CPU power connector, this frame is a revelation. The sheer ease of swapping parts makes it an invaluable tool, and we believe this level of accessibility is worth every penny for an active builder.
What Other Users Are Saying
After compiling our own findings, we looked at feedback from other builders and technicians to see how their experiences aligned with ours. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with most users hailing the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case for its incredible value and no-nonsense functionality. One user summed it up perfectly, calling it an “amazing and pretty sturdy” product for the price, perfectly suited for a “test bench away.” This aligns directly with our assessment of the build quality and its intended purpose.
Many reviewers highlighted its role as a tool for efficiency. One comment stated it has been a “very valuable tool for my workbench,” making the process of testing GPUs, RAM, and CPUs “much easier and more efficient.” This is the core value proposition, and it’s clear the product delivers on that promise. The simple assembly was another common point of praise.
On the critical side, the feedback was constructive and mirrored our own minor gripes. The issue with the “blunt-ended” standoffs and “painted-over threads” was a recurring theme, advising future builders to be careful not to cross-thread. Another user wished it “came with stands to put it up a bit,” as it sits completely flat without feet. These critiques are valid but are ultimately minor flaws in what is otherwise seen as a “solid value” and a “good deal.”
Exploring Alternatives and Accessories
While the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case is a fantastic standalone product for testing, a great setup often requires a few key accessories. Additionally, some users may find their needs are better met by a completely different type of product. Here, we’ll look at three items that either complement the JOYJOM case or serve a different niche entirely.
1. Noctua NA-SYC1 4 Pin Fan Y-Cables
- Y-type splitter cables for running two fans on one fan header
- Two 4-pin PWM fans can be controlled simultaneously via one PWM fan header; RPM speed signal of one fan is transmitted to the motherboard for monitoring
This isn’t a competing case, but rather an essential accessory for anyone using a test bench. When you’re testing different cooling setups or have multiple fans for your CPU cooler and components, motherboard fan headers can run out quickly. The Noctua NA-SYC1 Y-cables are a premium solution, allowing you to run two PWM fans off a single motherboard header without sacrificing speed control. Their fully-sleeved black cables are durable and look clean, even on an open-air build. For a test bench like the JOYJOM where you might be adding or removing fans frequently, having a few of these on hand is a massive quality-of-life improvement that simplifies cable routing and expands your cooling options.
2. Phanteks Stackable 3.5″ HDD Bracket Duo Pack
- Material: metal. Chassis support: Phanteks chassis - Evolv x/ future models
- Application: 3.5” HDD/ 2.5” SSD
The JOYJOM case is designed for minimalist builds with one 3.5″ drive bay. But what if your testing involves a storage server or you need to check multiple hard drives at once? The Phanteks Stackable HDD Bracket is the perfect solution. These sturdy metal brackets are designed to hold 3.5″ hard drives and can be stacked on top of each other. While not designed to directly bolt onto the JOYJOM frame, they can sit securely next to it, allowing you to easily connect and test a large number of drives without needing a full tower case. If your work involves data recovery or building a test NAS, these brackets are an invaluable expansion to the JOYJOM’s limited native storage capacity.
3. Miuzei Raspberry Pi 4 Case with Fan Cooling
- Raspberry Pi 4 Case for Raspberry Pi 4 - Miuzei raspberry pi 4 b case clear acrylic is specially designed for pi 4 model b 8gb/4gb. Case for raspberry pi 4 perfectly protects your pi 4 board, you can...
- Raspberry Pi 4 Case With Fan - raspberry pi 4b case with a silence DC 5v cooling fan and 4 pcs aluminum heatsinks, double cooling system keep your raspberry pi 4 cooler quickly even the CPU under high...
This product serves a completely different audience and highlights an alternative path in the DIY electronics world. If your goal is not to test high-power ATX PC components but to build a small, dedicated, low-power device like a network ad-blocker, a retro gaming console, or a home automation hub, then a full ATX test bench is overkill. The Miuzei Raspberry Pi 4 Case is an all-in-one solution for the popular single-board computer. It provides a protective enclosure, a cooling fan, heatsinks, and the correct power supply. For hobbyists focused on the Raspberry Pi ecosystem, this is a far more practical and cost-effective choice than trying to adapt a PC case for a project it wasn’t designed for.
Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Value for the Right User
After extensive hands-on use, it’s clear that the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case knows exactly what it is and who it’s for. It is not a flashy showpiece destined for a curated desktop setup. It is a functional, durable, and incredibly affordable tool designed for the builders, the testers, the tinkerers, and the technicians. It strips away every non-essential feature to deliver on its core promise: providing unfettered access to your PC’s components.
Its sturdy steel construction gives you a stable platform for even the heaviest hardware, and its open design provides thermal performance that no enclosed case can match. While it has minor flaws, like the fussy standoff threads and lack of feet, these are easily forgiven when weighed against its rock-bottom price and immense practicality. For anyone who has ever felt constrained by a traditional PC case while troubleshooting or upgrading, this open frame is a breath of fresh air. It transforms tedious hardware swaps into a quick and easy process, saving time and frustration. If you are a PC enthusiast who needs a dedicated test bench or simply loves the minimalist, industrial aesthetic of an open-air build, the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case offers absolutely phenomenal value.
If you’ve decided the JOYJOM ATX Open Frame PC Case is the right fit for your workbench, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API