Computer case

The computer case is designed to protect the computer's internal components from external influences and mechanical damage. It is also used to maintain the required temperature inside and to shield the electromagnetic radiation generated by the internal components.

Front side of the computer case

On the front side of the computer case, there are the following:

• Buttons for switching on and rebooting the computer;
• Headphone and microphone sockets;
• USB ports for the connection of external devices.

Back side of the computer case

Main connectors on the back of the case:

• PS sockets for keyboard (green) and mouse (purple).
• 5mm sound card connectors. Green - line output, Blue - line input, Pink - microphone output.
• USB connectors in quantity from 4 to 8 pieces.
• Connector for fibre optic internet connection.
• The VGA, DVI, HDMI, Displayport ports are used for connecting a monitor.

Optional connectors may be included:

• Game connector for connecting a joystick or music synthesizer;
• Parallel port for the connection of various peripherals, e.g. a printer.

In addition to the connectors, plugs are also provided on the backside of the case.

These blanking caps allow video and sound cards to be plugged into the back of the chassis. They can be disposable or detachable, depending on the chassis manufacturers.

Form Factor

Monoblock Computer

The computer consists of a motherboard and a monitor assembled into a single unit. There is no standard size in this form factor version. Manufacturers determine all sizes.

Vertical cases

1 – Slim tower

2 – Mini tower

3 – Midi tower

4 – Full tower

Slim-tower

It is a miniature case by size. It lacks upgradability due to the closeness of all computer components to each other.

The motherboard form factor is Micro-ATX and Mini-ATX.

Dimensions: Width 112 mm x Depth 300 mm x Height 400 mm.

Mini-tower

This case supports Micro-ATX and Mini-ATX motherboards.

Dimensions: Width 178 mm x Depth 432 mm x Height 432 mm.

Midi-tower

This is the most common form factor of the computer system unit. The dimensions allow you to install almost any motherboard, CPU heatsink, fan, and the required number of expansion boards and drives. This type of case supports the ATX motherboard (Standart-ATX) and any compatible motherboards.

Dimensions: Width 180 mm to 250 mm x Depth 430 mm to 450 mm x Height 490 mm.

Full-tower

Due to its large size any motherboard, E-ATX, and XL-ATX server boards can be placed inside. The case capacity allows you to place many drives, fans, liquid cooling systems, expansion cards, etc.

Dimensions: Width from 190 mm x Depth 482 mm x Height 820 mm.

Super-Tower и Ultra-Tower

The largest of the vertical system unit layouts. Most often used as the basis for servers, high-performance workstations, and so on.

These types of cases are available in different sizes depending on the manufacturer's preferences.

Horizontal cases

This type of case has only a horizontal design. It supports the Standart-ATX and smaller form factor motherboards.

Dimensions: Width from 533 mm x Depth from 419 mm x Height from 152 mm.

The other horizontal cases have the following standard dimensions:

• FootPrint (406x406x152);
• SlimLine (406x406x101);
• UltraSlimLine (381 × 352 × 75).