by jwiv

Desktop Computer Cases – A Guide for How to Pick the Right One

Size is Important

Before you do anything, you need to be aware of what size Desktop PC Case you’ll need. When you’re shopping for your next PC case, you should already have a good idea of how much space will be required to fit all your hardware inside. In addition, you’ll need to consider whether you plan to upgrade (or have the option to do so) in the future. Since you’ll need to know the size of the case, you’ll need to know which hardware pieces you’re going to use before you buy the case. This could save you the huge hassle of having to ship back the case when you discover that it’s too small for your hardware.

Next, consider how many bays you’d like to have in the case. Desktop PC Cases come in varying sizes and number of bays. If you don’t know what you’ll need before you select a case, this can result in a major headache. I doubt many readers still use a floppy drive, but if you’re the old-school type then be sure your PC case includes a 3.5″ floppy drive. Hard drives are the other residents of 3.5″ bays. CD and DVD drives require 5″ bays.

Is Your Case Compatible with Your Motherboard?

Just like Desktop PC cases, motherboards are also produced in different sizes, so you’ll need to ensure that it is compatible with your case. Luckily, it’s easy to match up your case and your motherboard. Both components are labelled with a “form factor,” or sizing standard. You’re likely to see “ATX” for the identifier. This is the most common size. If your motherboard is an ATX, this tends to provide the best versatility in selecting a Desktop case. Then, all you need to do is find an ATX PC case.

Select a Power Supply

The power supply is a crucial component for your computer, especially if you plan to build a gaming rig. If you’re going to be using your computer for gaming, you should select a power supply that outputs at least 500 watts. Many gaming computers may not even be satisfied with 500 watts. If your components are high-performance, they probably demand a lot of electricity as well.

Most gaming PC cases come equipped with a power supply, but you should consider purchasing an alternative one. Don’t take a risk with your power supply and get it cheaply. Stock power supplies represent the least expensive option that the manufacturer had. Your gaming PC won’t be able to reach its potential unless you feed it all the power it needs with a quality power supply.

Keep it Cool

Another important factor to consider is how you’ll keep your expensive components cool. Expensive hardware sucks up a lot of power and gets hot fast. And if it gets too hot, your system performance will degrade. You spent a lot of money on all your parts. So wouldn’t it be horrible if they overheated and were destroyed as a result of insufficient cooling? Sadly, this happens often. It’s important to keep good air circulation going in your PC. So don’t select a PC case unless it’s got at least 2 fans. Liquid cooling systems are very effective, as are heat sinks.

Personalize Your Case

If you’re like me, you want your case to look as expensive as it was! Acrylic cases are becoming wildly popular because they are clear, so you can see right into the computer. It definitely helps a lot of gamers get in the right mindset! Of course, case modifications cost a bit extra. But most people agree that it’s totally worth it. While case bling can look really cool, it might be a little more wise to spend any leftover money on hardware upgrades instead.

Pictures: s29.photobucket.com Info: 2000+ 1 inch wooden cubes 4 Elmer’s glue wood bottles Right hand is power button Mouth is dvd tray Fan controller/Media reader on bottom 7 port usb on shoulder (4top/3bototm) Weighs ALOT 😀 Hat IS removable (for travel) 2 250mm fans. Finished about 2 weeks ago. This is my first case mod of any sort and the first time I actually made something. I had to pretty much buy/borrow stuff as I needed it b/c I don’t have any tools in my studio apartment :D. I had the idea for this case in January but did not order the wood until late june and began the recording. This is about 50-60 hours of video into 8 minutes. I put alot of unrecorded hours in also. Not positive on total time spent on this case. My goal was to make it look 8 bit from any side you look at it. I’ve had some remarks that it resembles the wizard from super mario bro’s which is understandable with the rod and all. For ventilation I have the fan on back putting air in and the fan on bottom pushes warm air out. PSU also faces down toward the bottom fan. I know heat rises but with fans this big they move alot of air and are quiet. I have a Q6600 inside and temps are at 33c idle on cores. cpu fan is the only loud part of system which im thinking of adjusting. Note: Not a fan of this song but youtube doesn’t have many options for 10 minutes unfortunately.
Video Rating: 4 / 5