by: Xavier Toolhausens
If you thought choosing a computer with all the different configuration options available in the market was difficult, wait till you have to choose a computer case. There is a myriad of models to choose from and most people have no idea where to start. So here is a guide that will help you to pick a computer case that suits your requirements.
A computer case or chassis as it’s also called should not just be chosen for its aesthetic value. The choice that you make will also determine the components that can be included in your computer and its cooling capacity.
The first thing to consider when choosing a computer case is the mother board compatibility. Based on this, there are two types of cases available the ATX (Advanced Technology Extended and BTX (Balanced Technology Extended). The ATX form factor which was introduced by Intel is seen more commonly. However, the BTX form factor has better heat dissipation and air flow features. You can choose from computer cases specifically designed for each form factor or go for the dual compatibility cases which can be converted to suit either form factor.
The next constraint is the size of the computer case which will depend on space availability. You can go for desktop cases or tower cases but the latter type is more space efficient. The tower cases are available in three sizes Full, Mid or Mini. The Full tower case is the largest while the mini slim case is the smallest. However you need to remember that compromising with size of the computer case would equate to fewer components that can be installed in the machine.
Apart from these essential features you will also need to look for the drive bays which will be used to install internal and external devices. The standard configuration would include one optical disc drive, at least one hard drive and one floppy disc drive.
The cooling capacity is also a crucial factor since it is essential to the well being of all the components of your machine which produce heat particularly the CPU. So, it’s imperative to check the case layout and design for good air flow and ventilation features. All systems will have case cooling fans for heat dissipation. Most standard computer cases come with at least two single fan installation points, one to rear and one towards the front. But there are frames that allow more than two fan installation points. You need to make sure that you purchase a case with additional installation points and with the proper fan size for the system that you are buying. Side air ducts are either ducts/ fan near the CPU installation that also aid in cooling performance.
Computer cases are available in various materials like plastic, steel and aluminum or aluminum alloy. The metal cases are sturdier and more efficient in terms of electromagnetic shielding and heat dissipation than their plastic/ acrylic counterparts. However if you want a case that looks nice, you should opt for the transparent acrylic or plastic varieties. Aluminum computer cases are lighter and more expensive than the steel cases.
The other factor to consider would be the availability and the number of front ports. Their availability means that you won’t have to go through the hassle of accessing the I/O ports at the rear of the case.
Finally, many computer cases come with built in PSU which will be expressly mentioned in the product specifications with its capacity. But there are some cases where the PSU has to be installed separately. This is particularly true for high end computer cases. The 250-350 watt capacity of PSU’s that is bundled with the case is usually adequate to meet the power requirements of a standard configuration system.
Usually a mid or mini tower case is more than adequate to meet the requirements of home pc users but you should pick a computer case based on the form factor and the number of bays that you intend to use.
Xavier Toolhausens is a technical writer with more than twelve years editorial experience. Xavier is presently engaged as a freelance writer with the fuzing.com portal and is considered the in house expert on computer cases and other peripherals. Be sure to visit our web portal for additional information on Computer Cases and Atx Computer Cases.
