What Is A Computer Case?

Date First Published: 18th December 2023

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Hardware

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Easy

Difficulty Level: 3/10

CONTENTS

Properties
Types Of Computer Cases
Factor Forms
Importance Of Computer Cases

Learn about what a computer case is in this article.

A computer case, also known as a system unit, is the housing that organises and protects all the components inside a computer, such as the motherboard, hard drive, optical drive, power supply, RAM, and CPU. The computer case can be made out of any material that allows the internal devices to be supported, which is usually steel, plastic, or aluminium. Most computer cases are rectangular and black or white in colour.

Properties

The front of the computer case contains a power button and sometimes a reset button. It also contains small LED lights directly connected to the motherboard, which indicate the current power status and hard drive activity. At the back of the computer case, there are small openings to fit the connectors found on the motherboard, USB ports, and a large opening to connect a power cord to the power supply.

At least one side of the case slides open to allow access to the internal components. It may be held on with screws or metal clamps that release from the case by pressing buttons or switches. There is no standard way to open a computer case, meaning how to open a case depends on the manufacturer.

Types Of Computer Cases

There are two types of computer cases. These include:

Desktop cases - Flat, box-shaped cases usually placed on top of the desk. To save space, monitors are often placed on top of desktop cases.
Tower cases - These are tall and narrow computer cases that are usually placed below the desk. They are designed to save desk space by taking up space on the floor and have become more popular than desktop cases.

Factor Forms

Computer cases come in different sizes, known as form factors. The power supply and motherboard must be compatible with the computer case form factor to work. Examples of factor forms include:

Full tower case - Designed for high-end systems and premium components. They are designed for maximum scalability, have enough space for large graphics cards and airflow for high-end components, and measure about 22 to 27 inches tall.
Midsize tower case - A vertical case, smaller than a tower case, but slightly larger than a micro tower. They are suitable for most users who need a reliable, versatile, and affordable computer and measure about 17 to 21 inches tall.
Mini tower case - Smaller than a midsized tower case and suitable for users who do not need high levels of performance or customisation. They measure about 14 to 16 inches tall. They are also known as micro tower cases.
Slimline model - A small computer case that is thinner than most tower cases. They often have limited upgrade capabilities and integrated components to save space.

Importance Of Computer Cases

Computer cases are important for the following reasons:

Protection - Dust, animals, toys, and liquids can all damage the sensitive components without the case.
Structure - The case holds everything together and keeps the components organised.
Cooling - The case helps keep the air flowing properly over all the internal components, which keeps everything cool.
Noise reduction - Keeping noisy components, such as the fans in a closed space within the computer case reduces the overall noise.
Appearance - A computer case hides the internal parts of a computer that not many people want to constantly see, making it more visually appealing.