It would seem that it might be easier to choose a case for a PC, because it is not a processor or video card that affects system performance. However, it is precisely the incorrectly selected case that becomes a problem for many users in terms of the performance of all components in the system unit. From this article, the reader learns what types of cases are available, how to choose the right one from the assortment on the market, and which manufacturers should be preferred when buying.
Planning for PC housing
First of all, you need to think about installing the system unit at the user's workplace - where the case will stand. There are not so many placements: on the table, under the table or near the workplace. Hence the requirements for the dimensions of the device, its weight and form factor. Not all customers know that PC case manufacturers are releasing their products for both vertical installation and horizontal layout for user convenience.
Also an important factor in planning the placement of the system unit is the presence of an influx of fresh air in the room. In case of poor heat removal and installation below the desktop level, it is recommended to purchase a vertically installed system unit. If you need a compact device, and there is ventilation in the room, then it is better to give preference to the system unit with a horizontal arrangement - you can install it under the monitor or near it.
Corps Form Factor
In the market of computer system units, the buyer may get confused if he is faced with the choice of the device form factor. Many abbreviations, the difference between which in appearance does not have much difference. To make it easier to navigate, professionals recommend using only three terms that sellers themselves will be guided by when buying:
- mini-case - compact dimensions allow the device not to take up much space, and light weight makes it possible to transport the system unit without much effort (in analogy - a huge laptop);
- regular case - most of the system units on the market (about 90%) have standard PC case sizes (180x410x385 mm);
- tower building - on the basis of expensive system units of this type, all game solutions for customers are implemented, because the ease of installation and decent ventilation will always be in the first place.
Complete with power supply
There is a belief that all PC cases that come with power supplies in the kit are consumer products. This is partly true, because most manufacturers of low-cost devices benefit from selling two devices rather than just one. However, well-known world brands, focusing on user requirements, often supply expensive cases with powerful power supplies. Naturally, the price of such solutions is an order of magnitude higher than consumer goods.
In this situation, it is still recommended by IT specialists to give preference to buying the case and power supply separately. The calculation of power supply should be based on the total electricity consumption of all installed components, and not vice versa. In addition, on the computer market, power is always calculated with a margin (at least 30%).
Expensive PC Case Manufacturers
It is clear that all buyers want to give preference to a well-known brand, but often they have to pay a lot for the name of the manufacturer. And if it comes to recommendations, then it is worth taking a closer look at the following brands in the computer market:
- Zalman. The company is known to users for its solutions in the field of cooling systems, so there is no doubt that the manufacturer will provide its product with decent ventilation. Choosing a PC case from the entire line of the company will be the best purchase for the future owner.
- Thermaltake The most expensive representative of the American manufacturer differs from competitors in recognizable design. Basically, all of the company's solutions are implemented in the form of tower buildings designed for overlockers: a lot of free space inside, excellent ventilation and external attractiveness find their customers anywhere in the world.
- Aerocool, Chieftec, Gigabyte, Fractal Design. These manufacturers make decent PC cases. But their desire to conquer all niches confuses many potential buyers. If the issue of price is a priority, then it is worth looking closely at these brands.
Cheap class of system units
For budget-class devices, the main criterion is build quality. Attention must be paid to the material of manufacture. In most cases, the manufacturer uses very thin metal to reduce costs, which along with low strength has sharp edges at the joints, which is why many users can cut their hands when installing components. The best PC cases from the budget class are offered without a power supply in the kit.
However, it is inexpensive solutions that attract many buyers, because manufacturers, trying to stand out on the market, provide their solutions with additional functionality: liquid crystal displays, card readers, bright neon lights and many other functions that can attract attention to the product. It is up to the buyer to decide what is more important for him: quality or price.
Modding Development
Many owners of personal computers, trying to stand out among their peers, prefer to make a case for the PC with their own hands. For these purposes, a special device is purchased called Dremel (Dremel), which is used to modify the system unit. The main advantage of this improvement is the manufacture of the housing for the specific needs of the user with minimal cost. Having bought the device that is the cheapest on the market, you can create a real masterpiece on its platform, which with its functionality and ease of use is able to compete with elite buildings.
Naturally, the availability of a metalworking tool for these purposes is not enough. You need to have design skills and knowledge in the field of computer technology. To ensure adequate ventilation inside the case, it is recommended to cut the windows on the cover of the system unit to install additional coolers. To give a beautiful look, a luminous neon ribbon will help . The main thing is not to forget the basic rule of modding: you must not violate the integrity of the frame of the bearing part of the structure.
DIY housing from scratch
There are a lot of people creating a DIY PC case from scratch. However, only a few think why manufacturers make system units from steel or aluminum, because plastic is much cheaper. The thing is the static voltage that each component has in the case - the excess current takes away the metal frame of the device, which plastic or wood will not do.
And if the user had the idea to create a case with his own hands, then you need to take care of creating a metal circuit inside the device, it is also called mass. Before making a case for a PC, you need to carefully calculate the dimensions of the supporting structure, create blocks for installing components and combine all the elements into one electrical circuit. Otherwise, all devices inside the system unit may simply burn out.
Finally
As a result, it turns out that before choosing a case for a PC, a potential buyer must first determine the price. The next step is the system performance requirements: the gaming platform requires decent cooling, and compactness is a priority for an office PC. People who want to create a body with their own hands will definitely need knowledge of physics and a special metal processing tool. The choice, as always, is up to the user, but do not forget that the cost of components installed inside the system unit is much higher than the price of the case, respectively, all modifications of the carrier device proportionally affect expensive equipment.