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What Is a Computer Case?

Tim Fisher has more than 30 years' of professional technology experience. He's been writing about tech for more than two decades and serves as the SVP and General Manager of Lifewire.

The computer case serves mainly as a way to physically mount and contain all the actual components inside a computer, like the motherboard , hard drive , optical drive , floppy disk drive , etc. They typically come bundled with a power supply .

The housing of a laptop, netbook, or tablet is also considered a case, but since they aren't purchased separately or very replaceable, the computer case tends to refer to the one that's part of a traditional desktop PC.

The computer case is also known as a tower , box, system unit, base unit, enclosure, housing , chassis , and cabinet .

Important Computer Case Facts

Motherboards, computer cases, and power supplies all come in different sizes called form factors. All three must be compatible to work properly together.

Many computer cases, especially ones made of metal, contain very sharp edges. Be very careful when working with an open case to avoid serious cuts.

When a computer repair person says "just bring the computer in," they are typically referring to the case and what's inside it, excluding any external keyboard, mouse, monitor, or other peripherals .

Why a Computer Case Is Important

There are several reasons why we use computer cases. One is for protection, which is easy to assume because it's the most obvious. Dust, animals, toys, liquids, etc. can all damage the internal parts of a computer if the hard shell of a computer case doesn't enclose them and keep them away from the outside environment.

Do you always want to be looking at the disc drive, hard drive, motherboard, cables, power supply, and everything else that makes up the computer? Probably not. Hand-in-hand with protection, a computer case also doubles as a way to hide all those parts of the computer that nobody really wants to see each time they look in that direction.

Another good reason to use a case is to keep the computer cool . Proper airflow over the internal components is one more benefit to using a computer case. While the case has special vents to allow some of the fan air to escape, the rest of it can be used to cool down the hardware , which would otherwise get pretty hot and possibly overheat to the point of malfunction.

Keeping noisy computer parts, like the fans, in a closed space within the computer case is one way to reduce the noise they make.

The structure of the computer case is also important. The different parts can fit together and become easily accessible to the user by being compacted in a case to hold it all together. For example, USB ports and the power button are easily accessible, and the disc drive can be opened at any time.

Computer Case Description

The computer case itself can be constructed from any material that still allows the internal devices to be supported. This is usually steel, plastic, or aluminum but might instead be wood, glass, or styrofoam.

Most computer cases are rectangular and black. Case modding is the term used to describe the styling of a case to personalize it with things like custom internal lighting, paint, or a liquid cooling system.

The front of the computer case contains a power button and sometimes a reset button. Small LED lights are also typical, representing the current power status, hard drive activity , and sometimes other internal processes. These buttons and lights connect directly to the motherboard, which is secured to the inside of the case.

Cases often contain multiple 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch expansion bays for optical drives, floppy disk drives, hard drives, and other media drives. These expansion bays are located at the front of the case so that, for example, the DVD drive can be easily reached by the user when in use.

At least one side of the case, perhaps both, slide or swing open to allow access to the internal components. See our guide on opening a computer case for instructions, or see what the inside of a PC looks like .

The rear of the computer case contains small openings to fit the connectors contained on the motherboard, which is mounted inside. The power supply is also mounted just inside the back of the case, and a large opening allows for the connection of the power cord and use of the built-in fan. Fans or other cooling devices may be attached to any and all sides of the case.

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Computer Case

A computer case safeguards all of the important—and expensive—parts of a PC or other computing device. Internal components include things like the motherboard , chassis, drives , CPU and more for small desktop units, all the way through whole networks and even up to advanced blade servers .

The desktop computer case helps protect the components from electrical interference, physical damage, and intrusive foreign objects. The design of the case is important, too, as different shapes can affect, for better or worse, the airflow through the unit—which is integral to keeping it cool and operational. The cases also keep the internal parts separate from each other while creating space for expansion slots , warning lights, graphics cards , RAM , and other server applications . Plus, there are hundreds of different designs, shapes, and sizes to choose from, so there’s sure to be one that suits your desired aesthetic while aligning with ... Read More your budget.

Administrators or business owners can choose from basic computer chassis housings, desktop computer case options, units with cooling fans , and special cases that have noise-dampening characteristics. Key specifications include determining motherboard compatibility, number of drive bays, expansion slot capacity, and power supply inputs. Purchasing agents can choose computer case options based on design criteria, size, price, and other special features.

The computer case reserves room for storage and redundancy features so administrators can easily upgrade systems by adding new programs and hardware. We give small and medium-sized business owners easy access to a suite of IT services that include storage and software solutions, mobile technology intelligence , lifecycle services , data center applications , and even technology staffing services . See our experts at Connection for all of your computer case needs. Close

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What is a computer case – a beginner’s guide.

This blog was updated in July 2022.

You’ve probably thought of a computer case as nothing more than a box for housing your hardware. A big, bulky, and very boring box. One that’s treated as an afterthought, and a quite a cheap one at that. Or, at least, it’s something you don’t spend much time thinking over when building or buying a PC. Why should you, surely a computer case is buried away beneath a desk, out of sight? Who cares what it looks like, it’s what’s inside it that counts, right?

Well, if that’s your thinking, then you’ve missed out on a whole truck-load of potential. A computer case can be much more than an ugly, featureless, black box. Even though it houses all the important stuff – CPU, GPU, and more – there are computer cases that make the outside as interesting as the inside.

In recent years, computer cases have come a long way. No longer are they something so easy to ignore. Now, PC cases are bright, vibrant, and colourful, with pre-installed RGB fans, addressable light strips, and tempered glass panels. They’re made to be displayed and not hidden away, so now it’s something you might want to put a bit of thought into.

Yes, first and foremost a computer case must be functional. As ultimately what matters most is what a computer does, not how it looks. But for many, a case’s appearance is now part of the whole computer experience. These days, you can get computer cases in incredibly compact form-factors that are yet able to accommodate all-in-one coolers and thick graphics cards.

Why has this bit of kit that’s basically a box become so important, and what are your options when choosing one? Our computer case beginner’s guide tells all.

What is a computer case?

Put very simply, a computer case holds all the components that make up a PC – motherboard, power supply, and so on – in one safe, secure place. Think of it this way: a computer case is like a shared house, in which all the components live together under one roof.

There are many advantages to this arrangement. It’s a convenient enclosure that contains everything needed for a computer to function, as well as the ports need to hook up external peripherals like keyboards and mice to interface with it. A PC case also helps keep out dust that could impact performance, and protects components from shorting out and wreaking havoc.

Most often, computer cases are manufactured using a combination of steel, aluminium, and plastic. Some cases feature acrylic or tempered glass panels, so users can peer into the inner workings of their device, showcasing any special RGB lighting.

But in almost all instances, you’ll find that computer cases are black in colour, with white offered as an alternative. For a cohesive look, you’ll want to consider this and aim for an all-white or all-black rig with matching components. Modern computer cases feature a wider variation in shape than used to be standard. Other names for a computer case you might come across include chassis, tower, and cabinet.

What are the different types of PC cases?

Over at Ebuyer, you’ll find four categories of computer case. Going from largest in size to smallest, these are: full-tower, mid-tower, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. These sizes of computer case corresponds to the form-factor of a motherboard, as it’s the component with the largest footprint in a PC.

Micro-ATX cases support Micro-ATX motherboards at most, while mid-tower cases support ATX boards and full-tower cases support E-ATX boards. It’s worth nothing that some larger cases can support smaller motherboards. It might look ridiculous, but it’s possible to install a Micro-ATX board into a full-tower case, for instance.

Cases built to house an ATX motherboard and power supply unit (PSU) come in two designs. These are a vertical tower (the case’s height is more than its width), or a horizontal case (width is more than its height). A vertical tower is a familiar design, it’s what you’ll find at most desk set-ups. But a horizontal case makes a popular choice for a home theatre PC in a living room cabinet.

Full-tower computer cases are the largest of the bunch by a considerable margin. Heed our warning: they’re even larger than you’re probably expecting. As such, we wouldn’t recommend full-tower computer cases to most users, unless you’re entirely sure you’ve got the room for it. They’re complete overkill, and the unwieldly size can make it hard to deploy them.

The main reason you might go for a full-size computer case is the sheer internal space that’s built with upgrades in mind. If you’re a data hoarder, they’ll have more than enough drive bays and expansion slots for stacks and stacks of storage drives and even the chunkiest of graphics cards. If you’re a fan of physical media, they’re really the only cases that still cling onto front-panel bays for Blu-Ray and DVD drives.

Full-tower computer cases are approximately 2ft in height and are intended to stand on the floor. Due to their imposing dimensions, they’re mainly used by hardware enthusiasts and case modders. Full-tower computer cases have room to spare for custom loop water cooling, with the largest radiators, pumps, and reservoirs.

As the name implies, mid-tower computer cases are middle-of-the-road option that’s just the right size for most users. They’re a fair bit roomier than Micro-ATX cases – making them less tricky to build in – but they’re nowhere near as enormous and unwieldy as full-tower cases.

Mid-tower is by far the most popular category of computer case. Just take a look at how many models Ebuyer carries compared to other sizes. Realistically, most components are designed to fit inside these cases. Sure, they might not have 10-rack-tall drive bays, but they’ll have enough for the average users’ needs.

While any sized graphics card is practically guaranteed to fit into a full-tower case, you might have to double-check the dimensions in a mid-tower. They are approximately 18” in height and are designed to stand beneath or on a desk – with a transparent side panel, this gives you a prime view of your system’s internals.

Unless you’ve got a particular build in mind, we’d recommend mid-tower cases as the go-to form-factor for several reasons. As it’s so compact, you’ll have a vast range of cases to choose from at competitive prices. Mid-tower computer cases strike a great balance between price, ease of installation, and airflow.

Micro-ATX & Mini-ITX

The smallest sizes of computer case are Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX, taking up a fraction of the space compared to a mid or full-tower cases. These cases, and their Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards, strip things back to the essentials. Everything’s packed shoulder to shoulder in these cases. Not an inch is wasted. While it’s efficient, it can have a negative effect on temperatures if you don’t take the right precautions.

Why go to such space-saving lengths? Well, some users just think these compact cases just look great. You can’t deny cramming a fully-fledged PC into a case no bigger than shoebox isn’t impressive. While others take advantage of a smaller case to get it into places a full-tower couldn’t: stealthily tucked away in a living room cabinet, or thrown into a backpack for LAN parties.

Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX cases are great for getting a console-like gaming experience in the living room, but with all the benefits a gaming PC brings.

However, we wouldn’t recommend them for first-time builders as they can be fiddly. Building in one is like a real-life game of Tetris, shuffling components around until they all slot in together. A mid or full-tower case affords you the luxury of not having to be quite as considerate, with spare room to bung your cables in and call it a day.

And remember, most components are designed to fit inside a mid-tower cases. So, you’ve got to be careful when choosing hardware for a Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX PC build. A must-have for the smallest builds is a modular small form-factor power supply unit , or SFX PSU for short. You’ll also be relying on your motherboard’s M.2 slots for storage, as you won’t have much room for 2.5” or 3.5” drives .

What is a computer shell?

There’s no great mystery here. A computer shell is just another name for a computer case. Purely semantics so rest assured everything written in this guide regarding PC cases is equally applicable to computer shells.

What should I look for in a computer case?

When it comes to computer cases, everyone’s got their preferences and there are some pretty unique PC cases out there. Some favour appearance, while others favour raw cooling potential. This is what we recommend you keep an eye out for…

Airflow is by far the most important consideration when buying a computer case. Don’t choose a case with poor airflow, no matter how good it looks. Otherwise, you’re effectively suffocating your components. And in order to avoid permanent damage, components will thermal throttle and tank their performance when they get too hot, as explained in our gaming blog PC Cooling – What You Need To Know…

The problem is that it’s hard to tell if a case has good airflow or not. You can infer a rough idea through product images, but only to a certain extent. As such, we recommend reading and watching computer case reviews to see how the handle airflow when loading up with gaming-grade components, like our video over on the Ebuyer YouTube channel in which we built in the Neutron Lab Stellar mid-tower case.

A computer case’s airflow is easily of the most crucial considerations. You’ll want plenty of perforations acting as intakes and exhausts for the case fans. Otherwise, you’re trapping your components inside a hot enclosure. They’ll suffocate on their own stale air and thermal throttle to prevent damage, affecting performance.

For a gaming-grade rigs, the latest trend is fine mesh panels reducing restrictions for maximum airflow. Cases completely decked out in tempered glass are eye-catching, but you’ve got to ensure airflow’s coming from somewhere.

Dust Filters

There’s one problem with increasing airflow – dust. As you draw more air into your PC, you’re also bringing all the dust in it along for the ride. Dust is going to sneak it ways into your PC one way or another, but you can minimise the amount with a dust filter.

Most cases have at least one filter situated on the main air intake, which is usually the front panel. This should catch most of the dust pulled in by case fans and stop your PC’s components from clogging up.

As dust caught by the filter builds up over time, it can get so thick that it impedes airflow. So, many cases use a magnetic dust filter that can be easily removed for routine maintenance. If you place your PC on carpet – which acts like a dust magnet – or you’ve got pets, then a dust filter is essential for keeping out dust, hair, and fur.

Your PC’s motherboard and graphics card will have plenty of ports for hooking up peripherals: keyboards, mice, monitors , and more. Mounted at the rear of the case, they’re not exactly accessible, however. This is a pain when you’ve got external devices that you plug in-and-out often, like an portable hard drive, smartphone, or game controller . That’s where front-panel I/O comes in clutch.

Computer cases will have a small but essential collection of ports that are within an arm’s reach. This will be quite basic on low-end cases, a couple of slow USB 2.0s and a combo headphone-microphone jack at most. Whereas higher-end cases will have the latest-gen USBs, USB Type C, MicroSD card readers, and more. When buying a computer case, ensure it’s got enough ports for your needs.

Cable Management

The best computer cases are a breeze to build in, designed with efficient and tidy cable management in mind. This is often the most impactful factor that separates low-end and high-end computer cases. Even the cheapest cases might look alright from the outside, but once you remove their side panel and peer inside, it might skimp out on design comforts that make PC building easier.

Look out for cases that have cable management routes, tie-down points, and PSU shrouds. Proper cable management isn’t only an aesthetic choice. Loose, messy cables can impede airflow and can make future upgrades unnecessarily confusing.

It’s easy enough to pick out a computer case based on appearance but ensuring that it’ll fit all your components can be difficult. For a PC builder, there’s nothing more annoying than labouring over as build, only to realise the graphics card is a couple of centimetres too big for the computer case. So, before you buy a case, you’ll have to be stringent and double check its and your component’s dimensions.

This is extra applicable to Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX cases, with their extremely tight margins. The most important case dimensions to check are the CPU cooler height, graphics card length, and power supply length. Luckily, these are usually included right in a case’s product description, making it easier to cross-reference against another component. Be aware, however, you’ll have to account for the thickness of cooling equipment you might’ve installed.

So, what are the best PC cases?

Deciding what computer case is ‘the best’ is a matter of opinion. Browse Ebuyer’s range of computer cases and you’ll see there are so many models to choose from – all-glass centrepieces, RGB-drenched gaming cases, budget boxes, and more. While they have a boxy, homogenous design, one computer case is not exactly the same as another. Small touches here and there, like tool-less thumb screws, add up. For our tastes, the best computer cases have an understated design that doesn’t attract too much attention, with a subtle inclusion of RGB lighting.

Case Modding

However, if none of these cases are bling enough for you, then look into computer case accessories . At Ebuyer, this includes custom-sleeved cables, PCIe risers to vertically mount a GPU, LED light strips, and more. When used right, accessories can transform an off-the-shelf can into something unique to you. If you fancy a modified case, without wiring it all up yourself, some cases come decked-out in RGB lighting.

For those confident in their DIY abilities, case modding has become a booming pastime. Many users have done some weird, wonderful, and intensive things to their computer cases to stand out from the pack.

Some base their modding efforts on a chosen colour scheme, synchronising it with other peripherals in their battle-station, while others might use the iconography of their favourite game. You’d go for that, wouldn’t you?

Gaming Cases

So much computer hardware is targeted towards gamers: gaming keyboards, mice, monitors, headsets… even desks . One segment that’s been ripe for gamer reinvention is the computer case, and manufacturers have capitalised on it. For many, it’s not necessary to venture as far into the modding route as so many gaming cases come pre-installed with RGB fans, light strips, and RGB controllers. If you’re into RGB, then Corsair is the go-to with their iCUE software.

Try not to get too caught up on a case’s look, however. You must consider if it’s a good choice for your hardware. A NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card – which consumes 350W alone – will suffocate and throttle in a computer case without sufficient airflow. Should you decide to upgrade an existing rig or build a new one, there’s a chassis to suite every serious PC buff.

How much does a computer case cost?

Computer cases vary in price considerably. Ebuyer stocks budget computer cases starting as low as £25. At such a cheap price, don’t expect much more than a basic, no-frill box, with no pre-installed fans. These cases won’t have the greatest airflow, nor are they the easiest to build in, but they’re suitable for a low-powered PC using CPU integrated graphics. For example, a PC you’d find in a work environment that’s used for checking email and word processing.

If you’re building a gaming PC , with power-hungry components kicking out tons of heat, then you’ll want to invest into an airflow-focused case. The most popular airflow cases, like the CORSAIR 4000D AIRFLOW, Fractal Design Meshify C, and Phanteks Eclipse P400A Digital, are available in the £75-100 price range. It’s quite a step up in price compared to budget cases, but it’s worth it. Not only are they much better designed, they often include 2 or three pre-installed RGB case fans . As you’d have to buy these separately on a budget case, a high-end case works out a better value. We’d strongly recommend spending a bit more on the computer case as it’ll help keep your components cool, and it can be re-used in future builds.

Where can I buy PC cases?

Ebuyer, of course! Not only do we stock a vast range of computer cases from all the biggest brands – Corsair , Fractal Design , Phanteks , and more – in all the form-factors, they’re available at fantastic prices too. At Ebuyer, you can pick up a top-of-the-range computer case, or if you’re on a budget, a bang-for-buck one. Despite their low price tag, the best budget computer cases retain a host of features to make your rig stand out, like pre-installed RGB fans and tempered glass panels.

Ebuyer’s range includes computer cases for whatever PC build you’re planning next, or to transplant your current PC into. Whether you’re a serious gamer, a business user, or someone who’s just tinkering around on the internet, we can provide a computer case that’s suitable for you. Ebuyer has full-tower , mid-tower , Micro-ATX , and Mini-ITX computer cases in stock and ready to go, with next-day delivery available. Whatever your PC’s form-factor, whatever you intention is – we have something for you…

Case Materials

The materials from which a case is made are also an important consideration. Steel , plastic and aluminium are the most common materials, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. All steel cases are generally extremely heavy, have decent cooling and fairly priced. Computer cases built with large amounts of plastic are both cheap and lighter in weight than all steel cases, but their cooling performance tends to be sub-par; indeed, the plastic used for these cases can be adversely affected by the heat from the components. Aluminium is becoming more popular with case manufacturers, primarily because it is relatively inexpensive yet durable and lightweight. Aluminium also provides superior cooling performance, especially when compared to plastic. Unfortunately, aluminium cases usually come with a premium price tag compared to all other case materials.

Ultimately, there are many different reasons for wanting to build a computer. Whether it's to have a gaming computer on which to play the latest games, or a small, functional computer on which to do spreadsheets or word documents, choosing the correct case is an integral part of building a PC. Hopefully, these facts will have sufficiently explained why there is such a variety of cases on the market, and why familiarising oneself with the options is extremely important.

computer case

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The cabinet that contains the computer's power supply, motherboard, memory, disk drives and other peripheral control units. See tower case and all-in-one .

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What Are Computer Cases?

Computer cases hold the components that make up a computer system, minus the monitor, mouse and keyboard which are separate. Cases come in many sizes and models to suit any build, with options for convenience and customization.

There are two basic, traditional styles of computer cases: the desktop and the tower. Desktop cases are flat, box-shaped cases with varying heights of about eight inches (~20 cm), designed to literally sit on top of the desk, giving the model its name. People who use desktop computer cases often place their monitors on top of the case to save space. Tower cases are essentially desktop cases tipped up on one side, making them tall, deep, but narrow cases. Towers are commonly placed below the desk.

A desktop case opens by lifting the top off, which takes with it the left and right sides of the case. The computer’s motherboard is installed on the bottom of the case, with hard drives installed in bays. The front of the desktop case can accommodate one or more DVD /CD players, a floppy disk drive , advanced sound card interface, and any other device made for a computer bay. Most of the ports are at the rear of the case, though some computer cases feature connectivity for front USB, Firewire, microphone and headphone ports.

Tower cases are designed to save space, usually taking up residence on the floor by the feet or just to the right in a cubbyhole present on many modern computer desks, designed for this purpose. A tower case opens by sliding away one or both sides, or by lifting away the top together with both sides, depending on the model. The motherboard is mounted vertically inside, with front bays filling the face of the tower. Ports are again located in the rear of the case, with some models accommodating front ports, as previously described, for USB, audio and other types of connectivity.

Because towers save space, they quickly became more popular than desktop cases, which can be difficult to find, comparatively speaking. Towers are also popular because they can be modified or customized easily. Many tower cases feature an acrylic window in the side of the case, allowing geeks to admire the hardware within. LED lights might frame the inside of the window, or shine from internal fans or from the power supply unit (PSU). Internal cabling might also be brightly colored.

Computer cases are available for do-it-yourselfers who want to build a computer from the components up. It’s best to choose your motherboard before deciding on a case, as the size of the motherboard will dictate which models you can choose from. A mini-tower might not accommodate all motherboards, for example. If you plan to install a fanless video card, check for clearance, as these cards often have deep, grated, aluminum cooling systems that won’t clear very narrow towers.

Once you know which size case you need, consider how many front bays it has and if the number fits your needs. It’s always wise to leave room for expansion. Also look for front ports. While many cases have front USB ports, not all have front Firewire connectivity. Check to see if audio ports are available too, as you won’t want to fish around the rear of the case to plug headphones in, or to get a line out for recording material off of your computer.

Some computer cases come with a power supply already installed, but this might not be the best choice, as the PSU might not meet your needs. If you want a case with a built-in PSU, make sure you have already chosen all of your components and are aware of the total wattage and efficiency you require of the PSU. It is sometimes a better idea to buy a bare case and get the PSU last. Also check to see what kind of fans the case comes with. Larger fans move more air and ball bearing fans are quieter.

Finally, consider the way the case opens. It is usually inconvenient to have to lift off the top of a tower, as there is rarely room above it without pulling the tower out from under the desk. A slide-away side is usually more convenient.

Computer cases range in price from just $20 US Dollars (USD) to over $100 USD for fancier models. Bear in mind that a bigger case won’t take up that much more room, while providing a lot more inner real estate to be able to install components and move around. A larger case is also more flexible and future proof. Shop before buying. Computer cases are available everywhere computer components are sold.

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Different types of computer case sizes - explained

Many people struggle to select the appropriate computer case for their system. This guide will cover everything you need to know when selecting a case for your PC.

Okay, let's get started with the many types of computer casing - but keep in mind that they are the most common on the market. Computer casing can take on virtually any shape or form, and some people even DIY their own unique constructions.

A computer case, also known as a computer chassis or cabinet, is a small enclosure or box that stores all of a computer's primary components and accessories. Computer cases can be classified into two broad types. Each of them is discussed briefly below.

Each of them is characterized by its shape and size. This is because the motherboard's form factor must be compatible with the tower's in order to fit precisely. And, certainly, one of the most important components of any PC case is the cooling system. There should be enough room inside for air circulation and the massive radiators necessary for a powerful PC. To store data and software files, every computer system needs some kind of mass storage devices, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD).

It must be realized that a PC case is a core component for shielding internal equipment from external influences. Along with qualities, it is vital to emphasize their size and execution style, which can be vertical or horizontal.

What Are the Different Types of Desktop Computer Cases?

The computer case sizes and models available on the market are as follows:

To begin, Full Tower is utilized to accommodate an E-ATX or CEB motherboard. This is critical for high-performance servers, which can use a wide range of motherboard components, from high-end to low-end, including RAM, ROM, and other storage units, all at the same time.

The total height and width of the tower are 55–75 cm and 22–32 cm, respectively. It can accommodate 4 to 9 5.25-inch bays (for additional optical drive).Аllows the installation of up to seven expansion cards, such as a sound card or a receiver.

This sort of computer case is the right size and weight for the job, and it usually has better internal cooling. Of course, their costs are somewhat exorbitant. That is why enthusiasts, admins, and dedicated streaming gamers have traditionally used complete tower cases.

If you want to build your own powerful, uncompromising gaming PC and use three monitors to play 4K games at the same time, then this case will give your future PC the space it needs. A case like this lets you set up a custom cooling system with 230mm fans and cool two high-end graphics cards, several RAM modules, and a processor like the Intel Core i9-9900K. PC cases are available in a variety of colors, materials, and designs. Pass on cases with a side window if you don't want to spend time tidying up your interior cabling.

You can learn more about the next important part of your PC System in our blog post The Most Expensive Gaming Monitor for 2023 .

Purchasing a Full Tower is beneficial if you require many components or a massive amount of airflow to cool the powerful CPUs and GPUs. One significant disadvantage of having a Full Tower is that it takes up a lot of space and is hard to hide. However, if you have plenty of free space, Full Tower may be the ideal option for your PC.

The mid-tower case has more room inside for full-size components, like most video cards that are over 300 mm long, and it can use 120, 140, or even 200 mm fans to improve airflow. Mid Tower is most likely the best choice if you want to build a typical gaming PC rather than a hardcore gaming PC. This case is approximately 31 cm long, allowing for the installation of a full-size video card and two to three expansion slots.

Furthermore, the Mid Tower's components will be provided with adequate cool airflow. Even under the most stressful conditions, the video card and processor temperatures will never surpass 70–80 degrees Celsius if fans are used properly and dust is removed on a regular basis.

You can design a productive PC with a sound ventilation system using these types of computer cases. It is regarded as a universal solution for desktop users since it can be configured in a variety of ways, including as a low-power office computer, a home media center, and a gaming computer.

This category contains formats made for the mini ITX standard as well as those designed for the micro ATX standard. So, this category includes all small computer cases, such as models with cube-shaped chassis or that are made for HTPCs.

These computer cases are designed to take up as little physical space as possible while still allowing for the installation of decent-sized graphics cards. Mini-tower cases are slightly larger than the desktop case and often include three internal drive bays. The average mini-tower measures 30 to 45 cm tall and 15 to 25 cm wide (they can sometimes be smaller). Due to its small form factor, it can be difficult to install computer components and perform proper cable management. Because their thermal enclosures are not the best on the market, you should install low-consumption components rather than high-consumption ones. The Mini Tower chassis is the smallest and least popular among computer builders due to its limited space, which prevents the building of a more or less productive computer, and insufficient ventilation. A tiny body also limits the variety of attachments available.

In these computer cases, you can only install a microATX motherboard and a low-power supply. Mini tower computers are typically provided in their most basic configuration for use as back-office machines or network terminals. Mini towers are an increasingly popular alternative to typical home PCs because they are both affordable and powerful enough for classic video games. Given their limited size and growth capabilities, their potential applications are relatively limited. But because there isn't much space inside, only a skilled or experienced person can put everything in its right place when putting it together.

HTPC and SFF

The size of an HTPC can range from extremely small, like an SFF ( small form factor ), to extremely huge, like a mid-tower. As you can see, the primary distinction is that an HTPC is designed to act and seem more like a true home theater system. It can be tucked underneath the TV stand or hung on the wall. And this has more than enough computing power to play music and videos in any format that is now used. These cases were once regarded as quite a niche, but they have gained appeal in recent years due to the shrinking of powerful components that may fit inside them.

The HTPC is the perfect machine for your home multimedia enjoyment. You can put it under the TV table or hang it on the wall. And the computer power is more than sufficient to play music and video in any modern format. Also, such a PC will not create any noise, as passive cooling is commonly available.

SFF takes up little room. They might be a good alternative to laptops due to their small size and lightweight design. Some SFFs come with handles or customized bags to make transportation easier. Furthermore, the SFF has a considerable advantage over a laptop in that it has more power at a lower cost. Many SFFs include motherboards with cooling solutions that differ from those found in other types of computer cases.

This is because the video and sound on such motherboards are built-in, resulting in very small amounts of heat being generated. As a result, they don't require a lot of cooling. This layout also minimizes the size. SFF cases with Mini-ITX motherboards are ideal for people who work or play in small places. These are designed specifically for compact living rooms and offices. A desktop PC will also be far easier to maintain and improve than a laptop with portability. One disadvantage is that they are frequently limited to only one CD drive.

Conclusion: The four categories of PC cases discussed above are Full-tower, Mid-tower, Mini-tower, HTPC, and SFF. You can purchase any of them based on your demands and budget.

What is the purpose of the computer case?

Computer cases, often known as "PC towers" or "computer towers," are a visible component of modern computers. It is used to shield the remainder of the internal components, such as the motherboard, RAM, hard drive, cooling fans, and other expansion cards, from external effects.

What is the best PC case for gaming?

The full tower computer case is of reasonable size and weight, and it typically has greater internal cooling. Naturally, their prices are a touch high. As a result, full tower cases have always been ideal for gamers and enthusiasts who enjoy gaming and streaming on the internet.

What kind of PC case do I have?

Full-tower, mid-tower, mini-tower, and SFF (Small Factor Form)are the four categories of computer case sizes. You must first measure the size of the case to determine the sort of computer case you have. However, the Mid-tower is the most common and widely used computer case, supporting almost all types of motherboards with acceptable overall dimensions.

What size PC case should I get?

Only the computer case that fully meets your requirements should be purchased. Before purchasing the case, consider the size of the case in relation to the available space at your job or at home, as well as the internal components that you want to install within the case.

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COMMENTS

What Is a Case? (Computer Case, Tower, Chassis)
The computer case serves mainly as a way to physically mount and contain all the actual components inside a computer, like the motherboard
Computer case
A computer case, also known as a computer chassis, is the enclosure that contains most of the hardware of a personal computer. The components housed inside
Computer Case
A Computer Case is the outer shell of a computer. This case is what the motherboard, hard drives, cd drives, etc are mounted to make the complete computer.
Computer Case
A computer case safeguards all of the important—and expensive—parts of a PC or other computing device. Internal components include things like the
What is a Computer Case?
Put very simply, a computer case holds all the components that make up a PC – motherboard, power supply, and
Case, computer chassis
The computer case (or chassis) is where all the hardware that make up a PC is contained. Case type can affect cooling, hardware selection, motherboard type
Definition of computer case
The cabinet that contains the computer's power supply, motherboard, memory, disk drives and other peripheral control units. See tower case and all-in-one.
What Are Computer Cases?
Computer cases hold the components that make up a computer system, minus the monitor, mouse and keyboard which are separate.
Different types of computer case sizes
A computer case, also known as a computer chassis or cabinet, is a small enclosure or box that stores all of a computer's primary components and accessories
Basic parts of a computer: Computer case
The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer, including the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU)