Computer Architecture
Cases - Chassis
Last Class’ Objectives
• Learn that a computer requires both hardware and
software to work
• Identify and describe the purpose and characteristics of
the components of Personal Computer Systems
• Learn to identify and explain the considerations when
selecting appropriate PC components
• Describe the Configurations for Specialized Computer
Systems
Key Terms
• Case
• Chassis
• Form Factor
• ATX and ITX
• Protection
• Ventilation and Cooling
• Dust Prevention
• Compatibility, Will Your Components Fit
• Tower, Mid Tower, Mini Tower, HTPC, Server, Super Tower
• Thin Client
• Bench Case
• Mounting Points
• Case Fans, Heat Sync, Cooling, Active, Passive
• Liquid Cooling
• Expansion, Expansion Slot, Expansion Bay, Rear I/O Shield
• PSU - Power Supply Unit
• Tool-less Case
• Wire Management, Zip-Ties, Twist-Ties
• LEDs - Light Emitting Diodes
Case
• Objectives
1. Overview
2. Today's Computer Case Options
3. The Features and Specifications to Consider
4. Which Computer Case is Best for Me?
• Google Sketchup
• Questions
• Up Next
Objectives
• Understand the importance of the case when building a
PC
• Understanding the options, accessories, and limitations
of each case
• Selecting the right case
Overview - Today's Options
Overview
• The computer case is perhaps the most important
decision you will have to make
• For all of your valuable components it has to:
– Fit and house them (hold/store)
– Protect (keep dry, clean, and untouched)
– Power
– Ventilate (provide air)
– Cool (has to regulate heat)
– Allow Expansion
Today's Computer Case Options
• The first decision when picking any PC case, or
designing any PC, is what form factor will you select?
– Form Factor = the Shape, Size, and Component Layout of the
case
• You will need to select the Type and Shape
– Type - What Motherboard form factor will this PC need to accommodate? (ex.
ATX)
– Shape - What shape and size of case? (Ex. Tower, or Workstation)
Today's Computer Case Options
• ATX Desktop:
– Sometimes called a workstation
– Made to house an ATX styled
motherboard
– Easy to access the components
– Average amount of expansion
bays and potential
– Monitor is sometimes placed on
top of a desktop case
Today's Computer Case Options
• ATX Bench Case:
– Open air computer case
(exposed)
– Made to house an ATX styled
motherboard
– Extreme access the components
– Great heat dissipation
– Almost zero protection
(keep in clean and safe area)
Today's Computer Case Options
• ATX Full Tower Case:
– StandardATX motherboard
– Great access the components
– Great potential for heat dissipation
– Great component protection
– Great potential for expandability
– Servers, Workstations, Gaming
PCs
Today's Computer Case Options
• ATX Mid Tower Case:
– The most common PC case
– Standard ATX styled motherboard
– Good access the components
– Good heat dissipation
– Good component protection
– Good expandability
Today's Computer Case Options
• ATX Mini Tower Case:
– micro ATX motherboard
– Good access the components
– Good heat dissipation
– Good component protection
– Good expandability
– Good for smaller tables or
locations
Today's Computer Case Options
• ATX Super Tower Case:
– Standard and XL ATX motherboards
– Multiple CPUs
– Great access the components
– Great heat dissipation
– Great component protection
– Insane expandability (9 slots)
– Computer enthusiasts
Today's Computer Case Options
• HTPC Case:
– Micro ITX motherboards
– Limited access the components
– Limited heat dissipation
– Limited component protection
– Limited or No expandability
– For small and enclosed locations
near TVs
– Limited power
Today's Computer Case Options
• Server Case:
– Variety of shapes and sizes:
• Tower
• Home
• Rack Mounted
• Small form factor
– Multiple motherboards supported
– Multiple CPUs supported
– Locks and Safety devices not found
else where
– Various cooling, expansion, and
maintenance options
The Features and Specifications to Consider
The Features and Specifications to Consider
• Form Factor:
• Power:
• Mounting Locations:
• Expansion:
– Expansion Bays:
– Expansion Slots and Rear I/O:
• Cooling Options:
• Cable Management:
• Tool Free Cases:
The Features and Specifications to Consider
• Form Factor:
– Shape, Size, Layout
– Motherboard compatibility
– Power compatibility
– Amount of expansion, cooling, and
access to components
– Cost
The Features and Specifications to Consider
• Power:
– Shape, Size, Layout
– Type, number, and location of power
connectors
– Motherboard and component compatibility
– Total amount of power (watts)
– Mounting options
The Features and Specifications to Consider
• Mounting Points:
– Where will you mount the motherboard?
– Where does the PSU fit? Which?
– Where do the hard drives fit?
– Can you mount additional brackets?
– Where can you attach fans, heat sinks,
and coolers?
The Features and Specifications to Consider
• Expansion:
– How many cards can the case hold?
– How many drives? Size?
– What rear i/o expansion does it have?
– Does it all line up?
The Features and Specifications to Consider
• Cooling:
– Number, size, location, and power?
– Active: Fans
– Passive: Heat Syncs
– Liquid Cooling
The Features and Specifications to Consider
• Cable Management:
– Some cases allow room and
channels to route power cables
– Clears up the case, improves airflow,
improves heat dissipation, and
makes access easier
– If this is not mentioned you will have
to sort out the cables on your own
The Features and Specifications to Consider
• Tool Free Case:
– Cases often require screwdrivers
– Some cases remove this need
– Providing thumbscrews and adaptors
to remove screws
– Allows easier access to components
Which computer case is best for me?
Which computer case is best for me?
• Students
– Form Factor
– Number of USB Ports
– Power Supply Unit
• Home Entertainment Users
– Appearance
– Form Factor
– 5.25" Drive Bays
• Gamers
– Cooling Options
– Ventilation / Side Air Duct
– Power Supply Unit
– Room for Graphics Card(s)
• Home Users
– Cost
– Power Supply
– USB Slots
• Business Users
– Form Factor
– Power Supply
– Expansion Slots
Sketch Up
Questions
1. What is a form factor?
2. What are the considerations you will need to make when picking a case?
3. What is a tool-less case?
4. What is an expansion bay?
5. What is a Mini Tower?
6. What are the two most common server form factors that we mentioned?
7. What case would you buy for an enclosed area? Why?
Up Next
• Please review these additional resources:
http://kanduit.co.uk/objectives/?page_id=18
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/a-plus-videos/bios-and-cmos-
overview/
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-701/motherboard-form-factors-
2/
http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/a-plus-videos/professor-messers-
free-comptia-a-certification-training-course-motherboards/
http://www.tomshardware.com/t/motherboards/
• Up Next:
– Introduction to Motherboards - Hardware
References
• http://www.newegg.ca/Product/CategoryIntelligenceArticle.aspx?articleI
d=334#topic1
