Buying Guide - The Case
Computer cases (a.k.a. Box, Chassis) come in a few different sizes, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Typically, I chose a case last, after selecting all my other components. This ensures I have enough room in the case for all the parts I want. Conversely, if you have a space requirement, choose your case first, and then pick out what will fit inside. This page should help you decide which one will work best for you. The case is by far the most dramatic physical element of your computer. It can increase functionality and convenience with a number of different things, including size, number of drive bays, and presence of front-side USB, Firewire, and audio ports. The case alone will have no material effect on performance, but what's the point of having a blazing machine if you store it in a dull beige box? Where's the fun factor? Mid-TowersThe first thing to decide about your new case is what size do you want? The most common case size is Mid-Tower. These cases typically have dimensions around 8" x 17" x 19" (Width x Height x Depth) but can vary within an inch or two either direction. I would recommend the mid-tower as the most effective balance between expandability (ability to be upgraded) and saving space. The two other main sizes are Full-Tower and Micro-Tower, respectively larger and smaller than the Mid-Tower. Full-TowersFull-towers differ from mid-towers in that they have more space to work in, more space for cooling fans, and more space to put additional drives (CD/DVD, Floppy, and Hard Disks). Make sure to measure your available desk-space carefully before choosing this monster. Micro-TowersMicro-towers come in a few different shapes, but in general, they are more compact than the mid-towers. The advantages and disadvantages are purely opposite those of a full-tower: less workable space and expandability, but more desk-space-saving design. One major thing to watch out for when choosing the micro-tower, is that it can only fit a MicroATX motherboard. Regular ATX motherboards will not fit. This can sometimes lead to expandability issues, which is why I recommend the mid-tower. XPCsThere are also even more compact computers to consider, such as the XPC. XPCs come in a few different shapes, but their dimensions are substantially smaller. The most common shape is a mere 8"x8"x12" (WxHxD) and stores conveniently almost anywhere. These XPCs come with their own motherboard pre-installed which can save quite a bit of hassle and set up time. One note when working with these, though, is that everything is a tight squeeze, and there's not much room for additional components. My previous desktop was an XPC, and even though it sat right next to the monitor on my desk, I've had quite a few people ask, "Where's your computer?" I tend to stick with Antec Cases since they're the leader in quality and reliability, and their cases have a sleek, timeless design. A good place to search for your new case is online. Shipping alone can be $15-$30, but the vast selection and low sticker prices usually make up for it. Of course, if you're not as picky, you can always browse the selection at your local computer shop. Here are a couple of good places to get you started:
Find your Case
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