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