System unit. ATX cases: we meet by clothes The main types of cases of the system unit

And in this article, we will discuss how to choose a computer case. Why is it needed and is it needed at all. What are PC case types and how they differ. Right off the bat I would like to draw your attention to a small map of this series of articles, in case you missed the introductory part and want to read it.

  1. How to choose a computer case- types of PC cases (you are here)

What is a personal computer case and how to choose one?

Just a beast!

A little introduction to the matter, because if you want to know how to choose a computer case, you should know what it is in general terms. So what is it? In fact, this is a box that contains all the necessary components of your computer. Well, the box and the box - you say - there is no sense in it. And here it is not. I note, of course, that there are lovers of "bare iron" - this is when all the components are simply scattered on the table or on the floor. And everything works great for them, there is even a plus in this - the equipment is not subject to overheating. But still, it is much more pleasant to look at a neat and even stylish system unit than at a pile of iron. So let's choose this "box" for you.

Speaking about the types of PC cases, it is immediately worth noting that they come with built-in power supplies (PSUs) and without them. And the trend is that more and more manufacturers are producing cases without power supplies. What is it for? And in order to be able to choose a PSU individually for your system. Because it often happens that you liked the case, but the PSU in it is rather weak. And it turns out that you paid for this part, and then removed it and put it in a junk box, replacing the PSU with a more powerful one.

Computer cases still come in different form factors. Vertical ( tower) and horizontal ( desktop). Horizontal ones are more compact than vertical ones, but this is both their plus and minus. Their small dimensions limit the free space for components, both in quantity (RAM, hard disks), and in size (for example, video cards are quite large). Also, the dimensions of the recumbent "boxes" complicate the process of removing hot air. Because there is not enough space, the components are crammed almost closely, and there is nowhere for the air to roam.

Vertical cases (tower) in our time are more common and, in turn, are also divided into several subtypes:

  1. minitower(dimensions 178 × 432 × 432) - the smallest towers, and, accordingly, the most underpowered. They used to be very common, but now they can only be used for office computers due to their low power.
  2. MidiTower(dimensions 183 × 432 × 490) - also called MiddleTower – these are the most commonly used types of PC cases in modern world. Their sizes quite satisfy almost any average buyer. All the main hardware in them feels quite normal and does not conflict with each other due to lack of free space.
  3. Big Tower(dimensions 190 × 482 × 820) – or Full Tower- the largest type in the family of PC cases. It can satisfy the most sophisticated needs, up to installing several video cards and a large number of hard drives. Also well ventilated. It is used either by gamers who stuff them with top-end and at the same time with this large-sized iron, or are used as servers.

Beautiful PC Cases

What else should be added on this topic? Probably only that if you want to stand out, you can order a case of any size and from any material, whether it is transparent plexiglass, whether it is a beautiful computer case made of mahogany. But of course it will cost you a lot of money.

Speaking of cooling the PC case, they mean additional fans inside system block.They play a very important role in the life of computer components.

Sometimes there are cases without additional coolers. The entire load in this case falls on the fan of the power supply. And the power supply itself often suffers. But in fact, this is not the worst option.

The worst thing is when you bet multiple fans on the body and they all work for blowing . In this case, very low air density is formed inside the system unit and the fans have to work even harder to resist the air that is trying to get in from the outside. Never do that! It is better not to install any fans at all than to put them all on blowing.

Hot air rises. That's why:

  1. if you have one fan, it is best to put it blown in front from below.
  2. If you have two fans, That one put on blowing in front from below, A second for blowing from behind under the power supply (if the power supply is on top). If the power supply is on the bottom, then the second fan is placed above it on the back wall.
  3. If three fans or more, then continue with the air movement logic that I set. And look at the picture!

That's the whole point of cooling PC cases. There is nothing difficult. Create a draft! And it is desirable that the amount of air blown in corresponds to the amount of air blown out. You do not need, believe me, zones of high or low pressure inside the case! 😉

Briefly about choosing a computer case

  1. Pay attention to the number of seats for additional coolers. This will significantly extend the life of your components.
  2. Try to choose a case of medium or big size. They will give you more options in terms of upgrading your computer.
  3. Choose a beautiful case! Just why do you need a freak in the middle of the room?
  4. Take a "box" without a power supply and pick up a good PSU separately.

That's all. At this stage, we will not linger long. There is not much to tell here. I think now you understand how to choose a computer case. If I have not fully disclosed the topic, write about it in the comments.

The topic of form factors and standard sizes was briefly touched upon - in relation to the subject of discussion. Today let's take a closer look at the types of PC cases. Their types, sizes and characteristics are important to know for everyone who assembles a computer on their own.

Instead of a preface

As in many areas, computer equipment is subject to strict standardization and typification. This not only allows you to achieve the required operating parameters from certified components, but also allows you to assemble the necessary configuration from a wide range of devices on the market by various brands.
Naturally, there is no ideal standard, just as there is no single "correct" case size. Types and their characteristics are aimed, first of all, at ease of use. At the moment, there are 25 sizes of computer cases - both widely used and purely niche solutions.

From this article you will learn:

The latter are the subject of interest of narrow-profile specialists, so they were not included in our description. All types and you, friends, are likely to be uninteresting. And so, briefly and to the point.

Little known and rare

Monoblock

What it is? The computer consists of a system unit and a monitor assembled into a single whole. Unlike the types listed below, there are no clear niche standards for dimensions, and everything is determined by the standards of the manufacturer.

The most famous of this category include Mac computers from Apple. Dearly loved by American users, this brand has hardly taken root in our country due to its exorbitant cost.

The advantages include the fact that such an assembly takes up a minimum of space. The disadvantages are that the upgrade options in this case are extremely limited: most likely, more powerful components simply will not fit in the case.

Rack

Niche solution: such a case is used exclusively for mounting server and telecommunications equipment in 19-inch racks. Dimensions allow you to shove any stuffing into such a case, including a pair of power supplies that duplicate each other's work.
Not suitable for home use: this is an open case, not equipped with a lid. Only the bottom of the rack neighbor covers it from above.

barebones

A simplified solution from the manufacturer: a kit for quick assembly of a PC based on pre-installed components. Variations are possible in terms of processor characteristics, hard drive And random access memory. Replacing, for example, the motherboard, the owner can already cause certain difficulties.

For home use, it is suitable only for users who are not concerned about performance and upgrade issues. At the same time, this is one of the best solutions for corporate users, allowing you to quickly assemble the required number of working computers.
In one of the news, I talked about a similar thing, you can see.

AT and Slim

The first is the “dinosaur”, which is no longer used anywhere today. Appeared at the time Intel processors 486 and was subsequently supplanted by more modern standard ATX. However, its logical development, in a slightly different direction, led to the emergence of such "mutants" as Slim and Ultraslim cases - respectively, thin and ultra-thin.

Yes, the thin "turret" looks stylish and unusual, but in terms of characteristics, such an assembly is a complete "zero" - it is physically impossible to install more or less powerful components here.

Horizontal

In our country, this type of case is not very popular among users, but in Western countries it has become widespread. The advantage is that this configuration takes up a little less space: the monitor can be placed directly on the system unit.

The most popular types include:

  • Desktop (desktop) - 533x419x152 mm;

  • FootPrint (floor) - 408x406x152 mm;
  • SlimLine (thin) - 406x406x101 mm;
  • UltraSlimLine (ultrathin) 381x352x75 mm.

vertical

Due to their position in space, such cases are called towers or towers. There is an opinion that due to the peculiarities of the layout of parts, such a system unit cools better inside.

By appointment, here you can find options for all occasions: from server solutions to "kids" that are suitable only as a typewriter. Let's take a look at our most popular ATX vertical cases.

Full Tower

A complete tower is up to 20 cm wide, up to 60 cm high and up to 1 m long. It can have from 4 to 9 5.25-inch bays (under optical drive), from 6 to 12 3.5-inch bays (for a hard drive). Allows you to install up to seven expansion cards - for example, a sound card or a receiver.

Accommodates a full size ATX motherboard. On the basis of such a case, you can assemble both a powerful gaming computer and a small local server- there is enough space for any iron here.

Big Tower

The large tower has clearly regulated dimensions - 190x482x820 mm. It also allows you to install a full-size ATX motherboard, but there is less space for stuffing.
Can be used to build a powerful gaming computer.

Midi Tower

The average tower has a size of 183x432x490 and is perhaps the most popular type of computer case in our country.
Accommodates an ATX board and matching power supply, several hard drives. It is considered a universal option: on the basis of such a case, you can also assemble a low-power office computer, and a home media center, and a gaming computer.

mini tower

The mini tower has dimensions of 178x432x432. It is unlikely that you will be able to cram powerful components here, so this option is more suitable for a working computer or home theater taking up little space.

And the smallest type, Micro Tower, has even more compact dimensions and is used to assemble the lowest-performance computers, in which all peripherals are integrated into motherboard.

How to determine the type of case of your computer? - you ask. It is very simple - to measure its dimensions with a tape measure and correlate the data with the above standards.

I also advise you to read the publication about. And if you don't know for a computer, take a look at this one - huge store, the range will pleasantly shock you.

Most users find that PC cases are not the most important item in a package. Often, this detail is practically not paid attention, preferring expensive "stuffing" appearance. On the one hand, this is, of course, true, because in all technical systems Appearance is far from the most important role. However, it is PC cases that are the guarantor of the reliability and safety of internal parts. They carry, though auxiliary, but nevertheless important functions. And to keep the processor in good condition, the PC case must also be of proper quality.

What is the outer shell made of?

Standard PC cases consist of various kinds of niches, cavities and connectors for connecting the necessary components. The basic composition includes:

  • located, as a rule, a niche for the power supply from below;
  • space for floppy drives;
  • cavity for the processor and cooling system;
  • compartment for the motherboard;
  • video card slot;
  • additional connectors for various accessories.

Case selection requirements

The criteria for choosing best cases for PC, depend on the design features and capacity of the outer shell. These usually include:

  • type of video cards and their number;
  • type of motherboard (ATX, mATX, mini-ITX);
  • hard drives and their number;
  • ventilation system;
  • estimated processor power;
  • size of coolers and their number;
  • compartments for various drives, rebasses;
  • the ability to install additional components if necessary.

It is also necessary to decide for what purpose and for what tasks the case is selected. The intended activities on a particular user's computer determine whether it is necessary to select a PC case with the possibility of additional equipment or a small ergonomic solution.

Small Form Factor

This type of case is most often used in offices and is suitable for users working with simple text or image editors, browsing the Internet news feed, movies and web pages.

The Small Form Factor is quite handy, small and ergonomic. The case takes up little space, the dimensions of the mini PC are only 20 x 18/23 cm (width x height). Small size is also a disadvantage if you want to increase the power of your PC. This type of case is only suitable for installing compact standard parts and provides for only 2 expansion slots, a small power supply and several hard drives.

Problems can also arise with ventilation and cooling, however, with a light computer load, the user does not experience any discomfort that manifests itself in the slow operation of the device due to overheating. Although, of course, regular work in demanding programs is fraught with breakdowns for the Small Form Factor.

Mini Tower Form

Unlike the previous one, this type is higher. Dimensions: 15/20 x 30/35 cm. In mini-Tower Form cases, a sufficiently productive and powerful processor. The power of power supplies in such a case, as a rule, is not less than 400 watts. All the components that can be installed in it can already be more functional, but still must remain miniature.

The case is poorly ventilated, so it is suitable for simple tasks in the office and at home, but certainly does not justify itself when working with "heavy" programs, when running several processes at the same time or demanding games.

Middle Tower Form

Choosing this case, you can not be afraid of numerous updates software and various computer games, because it easily accommodates not only the main parts, but also many of their modifications and extensions. The Middle-Tower Form is very popular due to the simple placement of several video cards or an additional hard drive.

Also (which is indisputable advantage) from the above types it is distinguished by a reliable ventilation system. The disadvantage, however, will be a rather impressive size: 15/20 x 40/45 cm. But, choosing between ergonomics and performance, many still prefer the second.

Big Tower

Big-Tower is great for advanced gamers and professionals in the IT industry. This type of case is a good shell for powerful computers, which are designed to control other PCs, work in demanding image, video and audio editors, or modern games. The case is quite enough to run several "heavy" processes at the same time without any problems.

Big-Tower can install multiple hard drives and video cards. Such a case allows you to place a powerful fan, so the “insides” do not overheat. Its disadvantage will, of course, be its impressive size: 15/20 x 60 cm.

Form factor materials

In the production of computer components, not so many types of materials are used. Cases are usually made from two types of materials. These are polymers and metals.

Plastics are represented by polycarbonate. Mixed with other chemicals, this material allows you to recreate various details, while being quite budget decision. Polycarbonate blanks are distinguished by the presence of complex small elements, they have rigidity and bulk. The disadvantage of polymers is the instability to the effects of adverse external conditions.

The best PC cases (reliable and durable) are made of metals:

  1. Aluminum is light, malleable and beautiful. Products made from it look quite presentable, but they are expensive: aluminum parts are made only by stamping or milling, which entails a large consumption of material. In addition, it will not be difficult to accidentally put a scratch or make a dent on such a case.
  2. Steel cases do not look as attractive as aluminum ones, they are heavier and bulkier, but at the same time, all internal parts of the computer will be well protected. Steel is a strong and durable material, the cost of which is lower than that of aluminum. All vibrations produced by the internal "stuffing" of the computer, this material perfectly absorbs, reducing the noise capacity of the video card, coolers and other parts.

Ventilation system

Cooling the PC case is a rather important function, the need for availability and power of which depends on the performance of the processor. The action of the ventilation system mainly affects the cooling of the processor, and the correct distribution of air circulation affects common work computer.

The number of fans does not always equal the quality of the “blowing”, because the air flows, if they propagate in opposite directions, can mix. Illiterate ventilation causes overheating and provokes breakdowns.

In the standard scheme, one fan is installed at the inlet, which draws air from the room where the PC is located. On the back wall there is a smaller cooler that works to remove the flow from the system. This design is complemented by elements at the top and side walls. As a result, the system creates good traction, the body begins to work like a wind tunnel: the air passing through the parts cools them and exits.

In general, to ensure high-quality air circulation, it is necessary to take into account the following points:

  • it is necessary to install fans so that all flows are equally directed;
  • do not put the unit on its side - this is how hot air rises;
  • poorly fixed cables can disrupt the movement of flows;
  • it is better to use fans with large blades, as they create a more powerful air flow at a lower number of revolutions;
  • it is also necessary to pay attention to the volume of air that the fans supply per unit of time.

Anti-dust filters, which are often installed with coolers, do not add much benefit. The dust mesh becomes clogged after several months of active computer operation, after which the part only contributes to overheating of the processor and prevents the free movement of air flows.

Hull Modifications

Many choose the 2016 PC case not only for performance, but also for looks and keeping up with the latest trends. The standard vertical view is a tower shape and is often located next to a monitor or under a table, but a horizontal PC case has become not uncommon lately.

The horizontal form is called "desktop". Most often, such a block can be observed under the monitor. From the outside, it looks neat and elegant. The disadvantages of the horizontal case include the fact that it is difficult to assemble and repair. And since the dimensions of the desktop are smaller than those of the vertical type, the interior is also less productive. So on this moment The advantage when choosing a PC case is still given to tower form factors. This is a standard solution that works well.

In the component market, you can often see powered PC cases. However, it is better to take the parts separately, because even with good cases, as a rule, they don’t go very well in addition. good quality Power supplies.

Enclosure design

Gamers, especially professional ones, do not miss the opportunity to highlight the case of their own computer with an individual design. Despite the fact that this design should first of all be ergonomic, there are also quite beautiful cases for PCs.

The most common solution is the use of backlighting for the case or aggressive coloring, and from practical design and engineering design options, it is worth noting the presence of various types of connectors.

The transparent PC case has also become a fashionable innovation. It is made from plexiglass or plexiglass. Plexiglas is not very durable, so manufacturers make three faces from a single piece of this material. Accordingly, the complexity of manufacturing affects the final price of this design.

In addition to the original design, to the merits of this type design can be attributed to lightness, as well as effective smoothing of various noises and vibrations. However, it is believed that the transparent model does not have sufficient technical specifications and does not meet the requirements for protection against electromagnetic radiation.

Backlight

Backlit PC case can be an interesting design solution. There are three main computer backlight technologies in use today:

  • Cold cathode fluorescent lamps are the most common decorative lighting fixtures. They are very bright and come in a wide range of colors.
  • Together with fluorescent lamps, fans have recently begun to be used, which can create real color music.
  • In addition to fans and cold cathode lamps, mini spotlights are also used, which can produce one or more colors.

In the latter case, a controller is available to the user, the knobs of which regulate the intensity and direction of the red, blue and green beams. As a result of their merger, other shades can be obtained.

The best PC cases at the moment are made by companies such as Zalman, Aerocool, Gamemax, Deepcool, DTS, Thermaltake, NZXT, Logicpower, Fractal Design. The lineup presented big amount models.

It is desirable to purchase components from European manufacturers. Chinese goods rarely differ high quality, but even among them sometimes there are worthwhile options.


A bit of history The first cases for personal computers of the XT generation (8086, 8088) were the standard of strength and had the desktop form factor. Having handed over such cases for scrap, it was possible to get a good deal for them, but they also cost a lot at that time, since Personal Computer was literally a luxury and not "consumer goods". A computer in such a case stood on a table, and a CRT monitor was installed on top of it, which also had a solid weight, which means that manufacturers did not save on metal and did everything for ages. The insides had many partitions and ties, it was difficult to break something in such a case without a special tool. Many cases were locked with a key in order to avoid unauthorized access to the insides of the PC. The picture was only spoiled by the literally gray and uncomplicated design, because the PC had to solve serious problems, and not please the eyes with a lot of LEDs.


The case is an important element that ensures the placement and rigid fixation of all its devices, providing them with power and protecting the rather fragile "insides" from the environment. There are several housing standards - AT, ATX, micro ATX. The ATX standard case is more modern, most new motherboards are designed specifically for it. It is characterized by more easy access to the internal components of the computer (often without the use of a screwdriver), improved ventilation inside the case, the ability to install more full-size expansion cards, advanced power management options. The benefits provided by ATX - software shutdown, power on by signals from various internal devices, etc. The Micro ATX case is a small-sized option, well suited for compact base PCs with a minimum of expansion cards (minimum dimensions and affordable price). The most widely used cases are of two types: Desktop, located horizontally on the desktop and used for the most part in PC models manufactured by firms - "brands" and Tower, vertically located and more massive type of case. Cases of the latter type are subdivided, in turn, into micro -, mini -, midi - and big - tower, differing in the number of bays for 5.25 "drives: respectively, micro - tower have 1 seat for such drives, mini - tower - 2, midi - tower - 3 and big - tower - 4 or more.


Desktop Most often in a case of this type are placed horizontally from 2 to 3 devices of the 5.25 "format and vertically 2 - of the 3.5" format, and one of them is with external access. Such enclosures take up a fairly large space in the workplace, can not always provide convenient access to internal devices, and sometimes there are problems with the normal cooling of the processor. All this indicates that the time of desktop-type cases is inexorably passing, and after all, the first PCs appeared in such cases, no one had heard of the tower at that time. But now desktops have absolutely no advantage over towers. Even well-known brands, which not so long ago produced their models only in such cases, are more and more inclined towards more practical towers.


Slim The development of the idea of ​​miniaturization in relation to the computer field has given rise to such a miracle as the extremely integrated motherboards of the Flex-ATX format and their natural continuation - either Slim cases or Super Slim. In general, all cases are cramped, extremely uncomfortable, there are a minimum of opportunities, and the possibilities for modernization are very limited, but on the other hand, outwardly they look original and exclusive, but only such babies cost much more than full-featured machines, and are advertised by manufacturers - as inexpensive solutions for offices, and sometimes for home use.


Mini-tower A rather small mini-tower case used to be the most widespread, but now it is much less common, since with the placement of full-sized motherboards ATX problems may arise, only small boards of micro - TX and flex - ATX formats remain. Such cases are most often used in PCs of the simplest configurations and are used as office machines or network terminals.


Midi (middle) - tower overall dimensions. Being a real "workhorse", optimally adapted to solve the widest range of tasks, cases of this type are used almost everywhere.


Big (full) - tower Being the largest, big - tower cases can accommodate motherboards of any size and the largest number of 5.25" devices most often. In addition, they are usually equipped with high-power power supplies. The main area of ​​​​application of cases is - workstations, small servers and computers for advanced users.However, due to the increasing expansion of inexpensive IDE RAID controllers into mainstream devices, the need for a large amount of disk storage space can make big - tower cases the most common devices, especially if take into account that modern high-speed hard drives heat up noticeably during operation, and devices mounted in 5-inch bays and designed to cool 3-inch HDDs have already begun to appear.


Barebone This is a simplified manufacturer's solution that includes everything to quickly assemble a computer and needs only such variable components as a processor, memory and HDD. The installation process of the latter takes a matter of minutes, and the computer is ready. As a rule, in such systems, manufacturers use their own components, so replacing the motherboard or adding a component can cause some difficulties. However, usually, such systems are used as mass corporate computers, or as a personal computer for a person who is not burdened with the needs for an upgrade.


Server Enclosures. This group of cases includes a huge number of different solutions, for the most part very specific. Server cases can be designed for mounting them in racks, have a large number of fans and places for their installation, some are equipped with thermal control systems and the ability to install multiple power supplies. There is another class of server cases: large Tower, designed for conventional installation (not in racks), having a large number of compartments for installing devices, several power supplies. Both categories of enclosures typically have hot-swappable components. Rackmount enclosures have standardized dimensions. Their thickness can vary from 1 Units (U) to three (1U 3U), "non-integer" values ​​are also acceptable (2.5U, for example). The thinnest 1U are usually designed for the installation of special components with increased compactness. Among them are low-profile heatsinks, motherboards that have slanted memory sockets and are designed to install expansion cards parallel to the surface of the board.

One of the most important parts of the system unit is the case. All elements of the future computer are attached to it. There are a huge variety of types of systemic form such as vertical and horizontal, which in turn are further divided into many subspecies.

First, we will talk about vertical system blocks. The first view will be low profile:

Cases assembled on the basis of the motherboard have a rather miniature size, take up little space, and besides, they have a rather attractive and beautiful appearance, which is worthy of a place on a computer desk. The only and perhaps serious disadvantage will be that there is absolutely no possibility for modernization and improvement. Due to its small size, computer parts are close together, which increases the risk of overheating. In addition to everything, the prices for this type of case are not at all attractive.

In general, a low computer, a kind of office plankton. Due to their inconvenience, they do not allow to place a full-fledged motherboard, cooling and ventilation. In addition, it is recommended to periodically remove dust from the inside. This type Corps is not much in demand at the present time.

The most common computer case. Sufficiently large dimensions allow you to complete a full-fledged gaming computer, can accommodate a good motherboard, up to multiple hard drives and graphics cards. If you work hard, you can easily build a powerful home computer. There are no problems with the cooling system, everything is perfectly ventilated.

The largest of its brethren. Due to its size, it is permissible to equip it with whatever your heart desires. Mostly exploited as small servers or progressive users.

fileserver



The basis of any server. It has many compartments for additional devices. It has wheels for movement, a bunch of indicators working continuously. In most cases, a lot of coolers, fans and power supplies are installed in the case for greater reliability in their work. The system easily maneuvers between power supplies.

The horizontal view of the cases is designed to be installed on the desktop, which is what its name says Desktop. Quite elegant in appearance. The big disadvantage is that it is quite difficult and expensive to repair.