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A Quick Guide to Computer Cases
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Computer Case Introduction
Your computer case is one of the most important pieces of computer equipment that you can have. The computer case serves a major & very important role. It houses all your computer components, ventilates & distributes the heat (with the aid of case fans & power supply's). Cosmetics are an important factor when deciding which computer case to purchase, as with your monitor the computer case will be looked at every time you use your machine.
What is an ATX Case?
All computers & computer cases supplied at citylinkpcs.com.au are of the ATX standard. An ATX Computer case is the new form factor that marries up to the newer architecture motherboards. ATX cases are designed for better air flow & have the motherboard & CPU close to the power supply (PSU) of the case. This helps provide better cooling and helps your computer to run more stable. The ATX standard also takes advantage of the advanced power management features of todays modern motherboards.
Different Styles of ATX Computer Cases:
TOWER CASE
This is a large case that is usually only reserved for the most demanding tasks, such as a servers. They have plenty of room for upgrades & will be able to house many different devices.
MIDI TOWER CASE
This is by far the most popular choice as it is more appealing for looks & is often the most cost effective solution. It stands upright and usually has about 3-4 Drive Bays.
MINI TOWER CASE
For those who don't need extensive expansion for future upgrades the mini tower case is a good hassle free solution. This particular computer case is very popular with those who need a case that will save room either on the desk or inside a small office desk. Mini Tower Cases or Micro ATX Cases (As they are also called) are very stylish & compact looking.
DESKTOP CASE
This style of computer case was very popular a few years back. These days however they have lost a lot of their popularity in favor for more expandable tower type cases. Again as with the mini tower case these desktop models are not as upgradeable especially when more devices are needed. Desktop cases (as the name implies) normally sit on top of the desk & usually the monitor will sit on top of the desktop case.
Drive Bays (Case compartments)
There are two kinds of drive bays. Those with Front Panel Access and those without.
Front Panel Access. Drive Bays are for Hard Drives, CD Drives, Floppy Drives, Zip Drives & so on... They have an opening at the front of the case behind a bracket that can be easily put back into place. An Internal Bay has no front panel access and is built just below the drive bays that do have front panel access. This Drive Bay is primarily used for the computers Hard Disk Drive.
Power Supplies (PSU)
Usually bundled together with the computer case, your power supply powers the whole computer system. It is important that your computer receives sufficient power, and equally important that the power is high quality and non-variable. Variation in the electrical current can cause equipment failures and data corruption. The difference in wattage between power supplies (PSU) is an important factor, often times “Brand Name” computers will ship with average to below average power supply (PSU) (as far as wattage is concerned). Most Desktop computer's will have between 250 and 400 watts of power. Today a 350-400 Watt Power supply (PSU) is standard. Some serious computer users often purchase their computer case & power supply separately in order to get the type (& wattage) of power supply that meets their needs & workload
About the Author
Sam J Wilkinson is a technical adviser & webmaster who enjoys helping others by writing useful & informative articles. Sam invites you to read other tech related articles that he has written which can be found here at http://www.citylinkpcs.com.au. Articles include computer help tutorials, computer buyers guides along with other PC, Hardware & software reference material.
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