This is my absolute favorite part of building my own computer. This is what everyone will see. Also, it is a very important part as well. The case you select will determine what form factor your motherboard needs to be. Cases can come in all sorts of sizes and prices ranging from $30 to $300 and higher! Choose your case wisely. If you have a higher end PC, you will want a case that has great airflow to keep the components cool!

Here’s what you need to understand about Computer Cases:

FORM FACTOR:
Form factor specifies the physical dimensions or size of the case. There are quite a few sizes. Here are the most common ATX sizes and the ones you will typically build 99% of computers with:

Desktop: These are the old standard type of case. They typically lay flat on the desk and a monitor is sometimes placed on them. Very good for smaller Mainstream Systems.

Full Tower: These are extra tall towers. They can have up 5 or more drive bays for CD/DVD/BLU-Ray drives anything else that can fit into a 5.25″ bay. They can also fit close to 8 Hard-Drives in the 3.5″ drive bays. They have great airflow and can fit large parts in them. Very good for High End Gaming and Video Editing Systems.

Mid Tower (STANDARD SIZE): This is the typical size for desktop computers. Chances are the computer you are using is a mid tower. They are great all around and the most versatile design. Airflow is good and they don’t take up a ton of space. Typical fit up to 3 CD/DVD/Blu-Ray drives in the 5.25″ drive bay and fit around 4 to 5 Hard Drives in the 3.5″ bay.

Mini Tower: Tiny but fit most parts. They are excellent as travel computers and great to bring to LAN parties! They typically fit 2 CD/DVD/Blu-Ray Drives and 2 Hard Drives.

THE ATX MID-TOWER IS THE MOST COMMON FOR PCs.

POWER SUPPLIES THAT COME WITH CASES:
My suggestion is do not use these power supplies. They are typically very cheap and will die within 6 months of use. Sometimes you do get lucky and a great brand is bundled with the case, but be careful! To learn more about supplies you can skip a head and click here.

FANS AND COOLING:
It is absolutely imperative that you have fans in your case! Most cases will already come with fans; however, you may have to buy and extra fan or two. They are relatively cheap; usually under ten dollars. You must make sure you purchase fans in the right size. Typically cases use fans that are 80mm or 120mm. When you purchase your case you should carefully read the description to see what you need to buy.

Here is how you should have your fans set up. Cold air should be drawn in from the front and side of the computer. Hot hair should be exausted through the rear and the top of the computer.

SAMPLE BUILD:
To help you understand a little bit better I will be going through a sample build. The machine I will build with you is going to be a Mid-Range gaming machine. I have a $1,200 budget.

The case I am going to choose will be a Mid-Tower because it is the most standard size and will be sufficient for ventilation and will fit nicely on my desk. Also, there are tons more cases to choose from.  $69.99

I also had to buy 2 80mm fans for the rear and side of the case. 2 for $9.99

Total: $79.98

Here’s a picture of my case!

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