Choosing your PC case(mod)

Feel like it's time to change or modify your PC? Before focusing on the aesthetic qualities, it is necessary to determine the technical aspects you want to include. A PC case is not a mere empty shell. This is the skeleton of your computer that holds the components. It protects them from dust and also provide the sound isolation. The Format , on the front connections, connections, ventilation, sound system, power supply integrated or not, here you need to consider.

Intro

When you assemble your own PC there are a wide range of mod you can choose from: from silent (high end) ,tuned versions and the desktop ...

There are different sizes: small, medium and large, the vertical (most common) or horizontal ones. It depends what you want to have.

Things to consider

The format of the motherboard

The space reserved for the location of the motherboard.

• The AT standard is for small motherboard and is hardly used because they warm up quickly.
• The most common standard is the standard ATX (305X244 mm) which corresponds to medium and large. It has 1 AGP bus for graphics card and 6 PCI slots for other devices.
• The micro-ATX format keeps the characteristics of the ATX in a smaller format (244X244 mm) and at lower cost, with an AGP and 3 PCI slots.

The size of the case

Micro, medium or large tower, depending on the number of components that you want to add to your PC, the choice will matter. A bigger box leaves room for scalability of your PC.

• Between 10 and 20 cm high, the barebone or mini PC are the smallest size of housing that exists. They are often pre-assembled with an onboard motherboard having AT format.
• The mini tower measuring 30 to 42 cm high, may submit up to 5 slots (most often 2)( 5.25") (for DVD players, CD / DVD, memory card reader ...), 2 or 3 spaces (3.5") (for hard disks and disk drives) in front and provided in-house (sometimes 5). Ideal for a small office, but it heats up quickly.
• Medium tower: medium-sized (35 to 45 cm high), this box offers up to 5 slots both ( 5.25") and (3.5"). This type of format allows good scalability of the computer without being too bulky.
• High tower: 60 cm, the largest housing up to 11 locations (5.25 inches), 2, 3.5 inches slots in front, and up to ten locations in-house. It has no real weakness, if not its large size.

With or without power supply?

PC cases are generally provided with good basic power supply. The purchase of separate case and power supply is often more expensive and is harder to connect. If you choose this option, take a minimum a 350W power supply.

Cooling system

To avoid the risk of overheating and damage, the case must be well ventilated. Each package must include at least 2 places for fans and good ventilation (at least two spaces on either side of the case to aloe movement of air).

Sound constraints

The noise issued by your computer is caused by the fan. For a quiet PC, use a 12cm fan equipped with a honeycomb grid instead of using a 8cm one. The Sonata of the Antec brand is reputed to be one having least noisy ranges (below 29 dB).

The design

Last feature to be taken into account but not least, is the design. The ranges are as extensive as there are tastes and also different materials

Materials:

• Aluminum is lighter, therefore easier to transport, it facilitates the dissipation of heat
• Steel: heavier, it emits less vibration and is quieter.
• Plexiglas: light, totally transparent, it serves as a showcase for the components of your computer and improvements you have made.

Advices before finalizing your purchase

• Choose your case, think in advance how your PC can change and do not hesitate to invest in high-end sustainable because it is an piece of hard ware whose prices fall much more slowly than other components and which does not require to be renewed as often.
• A PC case is designed to be kept as long as possible, it is better to take the big and strong. Consider a design that you will never get tired, so not too much preference.
• Choose a package that facilitates the assembly of components
• For gaming, you will need a case that integrates long video cards and that is well ventilated.
• For tuning and overclocking, a 20 cm fan is recommended.