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# System76's New PC Case is a Balanced Blend of Functionality and Style
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/nebula-system76-pc-case/
- Published: 2023-06-29T14:30:08.000Z
- Updated: 2023-06-30T04:42:18.000Z
- Description: System76 has introduced a new PC case. Do you think this will be your choice for your next PC build?
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Gadgets 🎛️, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

System76 manufactures Linux computers, accessories, and is the force behind the increasingly popular **Pop!\_OS** distribution.

With a recent announcement, they have launched a new PC case series based on its [Thelio series](https://system76.com/desktops?ref=itsfoss.com) of desktops.

Let's take a look at it.

## 🆕 System76's New PC Case Series

![a photo of all three nebula cases by system76](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/06/Nebula_Case_1.jpg)

The Nebula case series consists of **three distinct models** based on Thelio, Thelio Mira, and Thelio Major, allowing them to support a variety of form factors.

The first one is **nebula19,** which is a **small form factor case** that **supports Mini-ITX boards**, and is geared towards users looking for a compact PC setup.

The second one is **nebula36**, a **mid-tower case** that **supports Mini-ITX, microATX,** and **ATX motherboards**.

The last one is **nebula49**, **also a mid-tower case**. But is more geared towards larger boards, as it **only supports ATX and EATX boards**.

💡

The mid-tower form factor is widely utilized by computer builders, as it offers the best of both worlds in terms of size and upgradability.

### Technical Specifications

![a photo of the nebula36 case by system76](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/06/Nebula_Case_2.jpg)

The nebula36 Case

All Nebula cases are made of **powder-coated black aluminum** with a laser-engraved accent panel that can be swapped out, similar to what the Thelio series offers.

They also **share the same cooling setup,** with **an exhaust port at the rear** supporting a **120 mm fan**. **Two air intake ports at the bottom** with support for **140 mm/120 mm fans**, and **cutouts in the side-panel** to supply the case with cool air.

As for the CPU cooler support in these cases, it depends on the model.

**In the case of air CPU coolers**, when using the included CPU duct, the cooler height support is the following:

- **nebula19: 125 mm** (148mm H w/o duct) × 95mm W × 68mm D
- **nebula36: 160 mm** (190mm H w/o duct) × 137mm W × 80mm D
- **nebula49: 160 mm** (200mm H w/o duct) × 137mm W × 120mm D

**In the case of liquid coolers**, the radiator support looks like this:

- **nebula19: Not Supported**
- **nebula36: 120 mm Radiator**
- **nebula49: 120 mm Radiator**

Similarly, these cases **support a wide range of GPUs** of varied sizes.

- **nebula19: 272.3 mm**
- **nebula36: 312mm**
- **nebula49: 390.5 mm**

These cases also **share similar I/O ports** with a **USB-C**, **USB-A**, **mic-in**, and **headphone-out** ports at the top front to facilitate connectivity.

**What about the upgradability of these cases?**

![a photo of the internal layout of a nebula36 case](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/06/Nebula_Case_3.jpg)

The internal layout of the nebula36 case.

The removable panels allow users to tinker with their system with great accessibility all around the case; thumb screws are provided to remove those. 

Then there are the **hot-swappable 2.5” storage drive bays**, and the removable CPU duct I mentioned earlier.

System76 claims that repairability is an important consideration for these cases.

**Interested in getting one of these?**

The pricing starts at **$199 for nebula19**, **$269 for nebula36**, and **$329 for nebula49**. 

Head over to the **[official site](https://system76.com/components?ref=itsfoss.com)** to grab the nebula case of your choice; they also **ship to over 60 countries internationally**.

[System76 Nebula](https://system76.com/components?ref=itsfoss.com)

Furthermore, you can also go through the [announcement blog](https://blog.system76.com/post/nebula-presents-considerable-possibilities-for-pc-builders?ref=itsfoss.com) to learn more about these cases.

Interestingly, these cases take a very **different approach than your typical PC cases**, with no air intake at the front, but rather at the bottom and cutouts in the side panel. The CPU duct system is somewhat unique, and I have not seen it being used in other cases.

It would be interesting to see how the thermal performance of these cases fares in a proper test by professional PC component reviewers like [Gamers Nexus](https://www.youtube.com/@GamersNexus?ref=itsfoss.com) or [KitGuru](https://www.kitguru.net/?ref=itsfoss.com).

*💬 What do you think of the Nebula case series? Will you try it over Lian Li, Fractal, or CoolerMaster?*