Computer Case buyer's guide

Computer Case buyer’s guide

Computer cases (or chassis) are considered by many to be just a box, an enclosure to house you’re more components like the motherboard, CPU, graphics card, etc. That may be far from the truth, in fact the computer case design and layout determines the cooling performace of your entire system.

As many may remember their first computer case, standard and beige or even grey-ish black. Internal components where packed so closely together that upgrading was a nightmare and enclosed spaces made cooling impossible. Today manufactures have almost flooded the market with computer cases in different shapes, sizes and colours; allowing you to upgrade your PC with quality hardware components and various computer case accessories.2

With so many computer cases available today, choosing the best one can be a pain. The right looks, layout, expandability, cooling and price should be taken into account when buying your first computer case or simply upgrading from your older PC.

Motherboard Compatibility

The first thing you need to consider is the “form factor” which in computing terms is the shape and size of your computers motherboard. The last thing you need is to purchase a computer case, only to find out that your motherboard doesn’t fit or a power supply taking up to much space. Please ask your local retailer which motherboard would be compatible with your new case or simply check on the packaging for form factor information.

The two major form factors to consider when purchasing a new computer case are: ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) and BTX (Balanced Technology Extended). Both form factors will be covered as well as the more popular Micro ATX motherboards.

• ATX - Trademarked by Intel and was first released in the 90s. Often referred to as the Full-ATX, the ATX form factors are the more popular choice and thus commonly used today. With a width of 12 inches, depending on manufacturer, and with keyboard, mouse, USB and COM ports all mounted on the motherboard for user convenience.
  

• BTX - Although mostly discontinued by Intel, BTX form factors were considered to be more efficient, great spacing for cooling and came in different sizes to accommodate all case types. Although Intel stopped future development of the BTX, many cases still support this BTX form factors.

• Micro ATX - As the name states, the Micro ATX is a form factor is smaller than the standard ATX. Roughly around 9 inches and smaller, the Micro ATX can be used in any ATX supported computer case and the small frame gives more room for air ventilation. A very popular choice, the Micro-ATX is smaller, uses less energy and makes your overall case much lighter than conventional form factors.

Computer Case types – What are my options?

If you remember back in high school, or if you still attending, the computer lab had two types of computer cases: A tower case and a desktop case.

Desktop cases normally “lie flat” horizontally and uses allot of space on your desk. Tower cases stand vertically giving more room on a surface and are normally used as server computers. Today’s desktop computers are transformed from the bulky horizontal style to a more server-style or vertical alignment. It’s necessary to point out that both desktop and tower styles have no major difference from a technical point of view and both can be used for building or buying your own personal computer systems.

Tower cases however, are more widely used and manufacturers design components to compliment a more tower-style configuration. So chances are that your next computer case purchase would lean towards a Full, Mid or Mini tower case.

A Computer Case for Gamers and High-end enthusiasts

A PC gamer with a large budget and desires the very best components usually opt for a full tower case. Full tower cases can hold more internal components; as a result a full tower is normally heavier and more expensive than other case-types. Designed with expansion in mind, the full tower is more suited for computer professionals or high-end PC gamers who need an increased cooling solution, solid performance and state of the art design.

An example of a Full Tower Case

The Experienced Users Choice

Mid tower cases is the middle ground between too big or too small. This medium size delivers adequate housing capacities for future expansion without taking up huge amounts of space. Much lighter than a full-sized tower and decent ventilation makes the mid tower a favourite among experience PC users.

An example of a fully assembled Mid Tower Case

The Entry-level Contender

The mini tower cases are the smallest in comparison to the full and mid sizes. As a result the expansion capabilities are very limited and a decreased in ventilation from closely installed internal components. The plus side of a mini tower is the smaller frame and decreased weight, making it a perfect choice for office use or basic computing such as surfing the internet, word processing, music and video playback or casual gaming.

An example of a Mini Tower Case

A few things to look for before choosing your Computer Case

1. Drive Bays – Just as the importance of a motherboards form factor influences your decision, so too must the exterior and interior drive bays be considered. Optical drives like a DVD/CD drive or, most recently, a Blu-Ray drive uses 5.25 inch drive bays. One or more hard drives uses internal 3.5” drive bays for increased storage capacity.

2. Expansion Slots – Most computer cases have small horizontal openings at the back of the case. These slots are provided so add-ons like graphic cards, sound cards, etc can be securely fastened and ready for use.

3. Power Supply – For your first purchase of a computer case, it’s often wise to choose a case with a power supply unit already attached. However, high-end mid and full tower cases do not come with a power supply unless the case houses exclusive functionality that demands addition power to operate.

4.Cooling and Fans - The most important aspect of any computer case from small to larger form factor cases. Your internal components will generate heat and installing air or liquid cooling may increase the longevity of your computer hardware. Be sure to study the layout of a potential case and make sure the air flow from case fans for the front intake to rear exhaust isn’t interrupted by internal cables or components.

Correct air flow when installing new case fans

Correct placement of mounted case fans or uninterrupted flow from liquid cooling will increase the performance of your computer systems for years to come.

Conclusion

Choosing the best computer case can be both exciting and confusing. From the importance of the correct form factor for your motherboard, amount of drive bays for expansion and uninterrupted cooling will not only keep your computer’s performance at its peak but also ensure the longevity of your investment.

The correct balance between practical layout and adequate cooling will be key to owning a great computer system.