This article covers the basic details of computer cases. This means the content will include knowledge on how PC cases are categorized by size, what their components are (and why these are often used in modern designs), and also, for example, how and where individual components are installed. There is more to computer cases and what lies behind how they “function.”
What is a PC Case
Its primary role is quite simple—to hold together all the components that make up a computer system. First and foremost, these components must fit inside the computer case; the case must support them. Some cases have better support for CPU coolers, for example radiators for liquid cooling concepts, others for memory storage like 2.5-inch SSDs or HDDs. It varies. This naturally also depends on dimensions. The larger the case, the more components can fit inside. This isn’t always true (it also depends on the specific internal layout of the case), but the potential is there.
Size-wise, modern cases are larger and smaller (SFF—Small Form Factor), typically supporting smaller motherboards, such as the Mini-ITX format. Larger cases can accommodate E-ATX motherboards (Extended ATX with greater width than standard ATX models). ATX cases (305 × 244 mm) and smaller ones (Micro ATX, Mini-ITX, or Mini-DTX) are often supported. The traditional division into Mini, Midi, and Big-towers now depends more on motherboard support than on the number of 5.25″ bays, as was the case in the past. These are now declining in favor of broader support for mounting liquid cooler radiators.
The computer case also protects the system components from potential electromagnetic radiation from surrounding appliances, provides grounding, for example, and from a mechanical standpoint, it also suppresses unwanted sliding on the surface (of a desk or the floor) with its feet. It also protects components from damage that could occur upon contact with unwanted objects.
For example, imagine a situation where a fan blade on one of the coolers breaks or the PCB of one of the installed components cracks. This can happen, incidentally, due to kinetic energy during computer transport. Typically when, upon impact, some components exert more force on the motherboard than the mounting systems can withstand. For example, a CPU cooler or graphics card.
In the first case mentioned above (loosening of the cooler mounting system) there is a risk of the cooler being ripped from the socket, which can irreparably damage not only the cooler but also the motherboard. Something similar can happen with a graphics card that is not held securely by the slot and the PCI Express bracket screws.
To counteract the greater leverage caused by larger components, cases contain various brackets. For example, a graphics card support bracket. This is located and attached either in a position below the graphics card, supporting it “horizontally” (meaning a bracket running the entire length of the graphics card, attached to the case at the PCIe bracket position) or “vertically”. The latter case involves rod-shaped brackets that are height-adjustable and placed between the rear of the case and the bottom of the PC case.
Please note: The article continues in the following chapters.
