Computer Cases

A computer case, also known as a computer chassis or tower, contains and mounts the main components of a computer. The case also provides ports for external peripherals, such as keyboards and mice.

The case protects the components from: Electrical interference, Physical damage, Foreign objects, Dust, Shorting out.

The case's design and the placement of fans also affect the airflow through the unit, which is important for keeping it cool and operational. Different shapes of the case can affect the airflow in different ways. You should also heed the placement of the fans. Air should travel in a clear path through the case. Generally, you want the case fans in front of the case drawing in cool air while the fans at the rear blow hot air out. Some cases will also have fans and vents on the top. Since heat rises these can be important in systems that need extra cooling.

Dust can be a big problem for cases also. An excessive amount of dust built up on the fans and heat sinks can cause overheating. This can lead to poor performance or even damage. Some cases have air filters to keep out the dust, but these need cleaning or replacement. If you have to clean a dusty case you would use compressed air. You can buy cans of compressed air, or you can buy small portable air dusters that plug in.

There are four main categories of computer case sizes: 

• Full-tower - large cases with plenty of room. Good for cable management, installing extra drives, and large video cards. Also good for liquid cooling systems and airflow. However, you may need large fans to move the air quickly enough. These cases are also large and heavy.

• Mid-tower - your computer cases are mid-towers. They will still fit the components you need, but cable management will be a little harder, and some cases may not fit larger video cards. Airflow is still good, and they will usually fit a liquid cooling system.

• Mini-tower - many of these will not fit the larger modern video cards. They may also have issues with overheating if they aren't setup properly. There are some of these that will fit a large graphics card. Mini-towers can be great for places where you need a small system.

• SFF (Small Factor Form) - great for small spaces and computers that won't need large graphics cards. There are some of these case that will fit large cards like the Nvidia 4000 series, but these are limited.

Many cases will support multiple form factor motherboards. A case like this will have markings and holes for the various sizes. A standoff usually screws into the holes and holds the motherboard off the actual case.

Computer cases will also have different plugs and ports on the exterior. Additional USB ports, memory card slots, audio ports, slots for multiple CD/DVD drives, LEDs, and other external connections will all vary by manufacturer. Depending on your needs this can be an important feature to look at. Some cases have them in different locations, and in addition to the standard USB-A ports they may have USB-C, USB-B, or others.

You can even build your own case! All of a computer's components can be plugged in and they will run regardless of whether they are in a case or not.