How to Choose a Case for a PC System Block What Do I Need to Know When Buying?

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a case, under what specific tasks the user will be using the PC.

It makes no sense to buy a large and expensive Big Tower case, if the PC is only needed exclusively for Internet applications and as a typewriter.

Today, there are many form factors (size) of computer cases, for a variety of tasks, and all you need is to make the right choice.

In this article we will look at the main types of hulls, their advantages and disadvantages.

Small ...

The most miniature case for motherboards of the standard Mini-ITX. They are sold with a low-power power unit (hereinafter referred to as the power supply unit) for 150-200W. On some models it is possible to fix the case to the standard VESA 100 * 100 mm holes on your monitor. Installation inside the case of this type of video card, sound card and hard disk form factor 3.5 due to exceptional miniaturization is impossible. Use only the built-in video, install only one hard disk form factor 2.5, or SSD.

The main purpose of the case is the assembly of economical PCs, designed primarily for working with Internet applications and not taking up much space on the desktop.

Mini-Tower ...

The next largest chassis type is designed for motherboards of the standard Micro-ATX. Sold as with a standard power unit with a power of 400-500 watts, and with a nonstandard power supply unit of 400-500 watts, if the body type is Slim.

Installing one or two 3.5-factor hard drives, a sound card and a budget video card with a low-profile strip (always included in the sound card and graphics card) and one optical drive, only a low-profile processor cooler is possible. For cooling in cases of this type, usually only one fan is used for 8 (12) cm.

In the Mini-Tower, you can build a computer on which you can not only work with Internet applications, but also watch blu-ray, and even play in not too demanding games.

Moddle-Tower ...

The case of this form factor is by far the most widespread, it is intended for high-grade ATX motherboards. Sold with a standard power supply 400-650W, but there are models without a PSU.

The classic version of such a case implies the location of the BP in the upper part of the case. The processor cooler in this case blows the BP by a jet of already hot air, which does not contribute to efficient cooling of the PSU.

The dimensions of the case allow to install one powerful video card (not top-notch), three or four hard drives of form factor 3.5, internal TV. Tuner, expensive sound card, processor cooler tower type (fan maximum 92 mm) and several optical drives. As a rule, one fan (12cm) on the rear panel is standard, another one is installed on the front panel. In more expensive models, installation (12 or 14 cm) of the fan on the top panel of the case is possible.

Among the advantages is also worth noting the presence in more expensive models of plastic sled for hard drives, which greatly simplifies their fastening inside the case.

Disadvantages of the case - this is the top location of the PSU, the lack of a separate slot for SSD-disks, the inability to install long top-end video cards. Another drawback is the absence of a removable dust filter.

Nevertheless, Moddle-Tower is ideal for assembling a multimedia PC, with the ability to play the most modern games.

Big-Tower ...

As you can already understand from the title, this is the largest building, designed to build both a powerful gaming PC and a small server.

The main advantage of such a case is the absence of any restrictions when choosing components for a home PC.

What do you get by buying such a case? Installation of the motherboard XL-ATX. Combine two and even three top-end video cards into one system. The ability to put a huge processor cooler with a pair of fans at 12cm (14) or install a liquid cooling system, followed by the overclocking of the top processor. Compartment for the installation of a pair of SSD, six to nine internal bays for hard drives. Retractable plastic slides, with washers of vibration isolation, the possibility of installing hard drives of form factor 3.5 or 2.5. Fans with a diameter of 12 (14) cm, with mechanical or electronic speed control on the case, one mounted on the rear panel and two on the top panel, the presence of LED fan lighting. Installation of two more fans with a diameter of 12 cm on the front panel. There are no restrictions on the installation of the largest and most powerful power supply. Detachable dust filters, under the power supply, on the bottom of the case and on the front panel. Technological holes in which cables can be hidden, between the base for the motherboard and the right cover, which provides good ventilation of the case. Door on the front panel, side panels with sound insulation.

The disadvantages of the Big-Tower buildings are only two - it is very large and very very expensive.

Whatever form factor of the above you did not choose, it is worthwhile to know that really high-quality cases make only a few firms. These are Antec, Corsair, Cooler Master, NZXT and Thermaltake.

Choosing the corps of these brands, you can be sure that you will get a high-quality and convenient enclosure that will last for many years.