How to choose a PC case?
Form factor and motherboard type
All cases differ in size and shape and have their own classification. Some are universal, others can only be installed vertically or horizontally. Big is not always good, and small is not always bad. It all depends on the direction of the PC and, accordingly, the components that will be installed. The main guideline when choosing is the motherboard, since it is also classified by size and can be of several types, each of which is suitable for a specific form factor.
The main standard sizes of cases are:
- Ultra Tower — the largest and most spacious option.
- Full Tower — a standard full-size case.
- Midi Tower — a medium-sized model, the most common.
- Mini Tower — the most compact form factor.
- Desktop — a desktop case, often with small dimensions.
- Cube Case — cubic assembly with original design, more often table-top, which can be of different sizes.
Now let's decide which form factor of the case is suitable for certain components, in particular the motherboard, which will be the basis for assembling the PC. To do this, our experts have compiled a visual correspondence table.
| Case form factor | Motherboard type | PC purpose | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Tower | XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX, | For the most productive assemblies: gaming, mining, multi-assemblies | Vertical |
| Full Tower | 2 x micro-ATX | For high-performance game assemblies, professional work with graphics | Vertical |
| Midi Tower | XL-ATX, E-ATX, ATX | For gaming, office, home assemblies of amateur and professional level | Vertical |
| Mini Tower | E-ATX, ATX, micro-ATX | For home and office assemblies of entry-level and mid-level, media servers | Vertical |
| Desktop | micro-ATX, mini-ITX | For home and office assemblies of entry-level and mid-level, media servers | Vertical, horizontal, universal |
| Cube Case | ATX, micro-ATX, mini-ITX | For designer home and gaming assemblies of all levels, media servers | Vertical |
Having decided on the tasks and direction of the computer, you can easily select the required size case that will accommodate the motherboard and other components.
Cooling system compatibility
The second most important technical aspect to consider when choosing a case for a powerful computer is compatibility with the processor cooling system. For home and office assemblies, this factor is not important. Cooling can be passive, air or liquid. The first variant is used only in simple media servers (home theaters), where high loads on the processor are not provided, and the most compact Mini Tower, Desktop or Cube Case is used for assembly.
Most workstations use air cooling in the form of a cooler or tower. For the first instance, any case will be suitable, as the dimensions of the radiator and fan are small as standard. Such assemblies are oriented for office and home use, entry-level games. But for more productive devices you will need tower-type cooling, so here it is necessary to take into account the overall height of the system and ensure sufficient width for its installation. It is better to pay attention to Full Tower and Midi Tower.
The case for the most productive systems should support the installation of liquid cooling. The front and top panel design should have adequate venting channels to accommodate a 240 or 360 mm radiator base with two or three coolers. These are the locations that are considered to be the most efficient for the LCS.
Regardless of the form factor and purpose of the PC, the case must have good ventilation. Pay attention to the presence of space for additional fans at the bottom and rear to ensure efficient flow of cold air and removal of hot air.
Availability and location of the power supply unit
It makes sense to purchase a case with a complete power supply unit only for ordinary home assemblies intended for everyday tasks — surfing the Internet, working with office programmes, watching movies. Some compact cases are also equipped with a built-in power supply unit due to its non-standard dimensions. In other cases, our experts recommend giving preference to cases without a PSU, and also taking into account its installation location.
Many manufacturers have switched to a bottom-mounted power supply unit. There are plenty of reasons for this. Firstly, it frees up the top panel for mounting the LCS. Secondly, it opens up space for installing a massive tower on the processor. Thirdly, the efficiency of temperature control is improved. The fan built into the PSU captures cooler air, which by definition is at the bottom, which leads to a decrease in the temperature that comes from it into the inner space of the case. And it's worth considering the increase in stability.
Despite all the features, there are still enough models on sale with a top-mounted PSU. This approach can be used without problems in office and home computers that are not subject to prolonged maximum loads and have low heat generation.
Built-in connectors and controls
As standard, cases are equipped with basic 3.5 mm headphone jacks and a pair of USB 2.0 / 3.2. More advanced models include a card reader (SD / microSD), a USB-C port and eSata for connecting high-speed flash drives and external SSD (HDD) drives. This enables the PC functionality to be expanded without the need to purchase additional accessories. Cases with integrated cooling and backlighting may also include rotary controls and knobs. This allows you to quickly change the appearance and control fan speed to control noise.
The location of the front connectors also matters. It is worth rejecting the side placement right away. Many computer desks have a rather narrow space for the PC case, so there will be no space for manipulating plugs and connectors. If the case is placed on the floor, the components protruding beyond it can easily be caught by your foot, which will lead to the breakage of both ports and computer hardware. A similar problem is possible with front connectors, but this approach is more convenient and safer, especially under the protection of a computer desk. The best option would be a top panel, which is always at hand, eliminates forward-protruding components, and the height of the system recesses is usually generously dimensioned for comfortable use.
Design
The appearance of the system unit is definitely inferior in importance to the main technical aspects, although it is also very important. This is especially true for desktop versions. But no one wants to look at a dull floor box, which is a shame to show to friends. That's why you should consider design when choosing a computer case. Viewing windows mavidde of tempered glass will help to significantly increase the effectiveness of visual perception. In such cases, you can use components (RAM, cooler, graphics card) with their own backlight. Often motherboards have connectors and additional software that allows you to synchronize visual effects. Glass front panels and RGB/ARGB lighting can highlight the design. Do not get carried away with fancy shapes with a lot of external compartments, recesses, as dust will regularly accumulate in them.
Number of drive bays
A spacious case accommodates 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch drives, along with additional optical drives, making it ideal for gaming and server setups. Compact models, while limited in slots, are generally sufficient for most office and home tasks. Modern cases typically offer multiple slots for 3.5-inch HDDs and 2.5-inch SSDs, with options available to accommodate more than five drives if needed.
More important is the issue of convenient placement. We all remember outdated cases, where the drives were installed in a special basket in the front part. This arrangement is still relevant today, and it is well suited for assembling a PC for simple tasks for home or office. But it can be a serious obstacle to the creation of effective cooling in productive computers, as the front panel is considered the most successful place for installing fans. Therefore, for gaming computers, it is better to look at cases where disks are built into the side or bottom panels. Such places often support screwless fastening with the help of clamps, ensuring quick release without the need for a screwdriver.
Ease of operation and maintenance
In the final phase, consider the ease of maintenance and overall efficiency of the system unit. Factors such as rubber feet, which eliminate vibrations affecting components and noise, are crucial — especially for setups with numerous coolers. While additional noise insulation can benefit desktop cases, it's important to balance it against the risk of increased internal temperatures. For those planning frequent access for maintenance or component replacement, explore units with screwless side cover fastening or an accessible swing door design.
A crucial aspect for a quality case is effective cable management and dust protection. Hanging wires not only compromise aesthetics but also hinder ventilation. Optimal solutions include internal compartments for discreetly organizing cables from the power supply unit. Alternatively, placing cables between the right cover and the motherboard partition can address the issue to some extent. Filters on ventilation ducts are a definite advantage, reducing the risk of dust accumulation and enhancing the cooling system's efficiency. Regular cleaning of these filters is essential to maintain a consistent flow of fresh air inside the case.
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