What are the PC cases (types)? How to choose a PC case? Manufacturers of PC cases

It would seem that it might be easier to choose a case for a PC, because it's not a processor or graphics card that affects system performance. However, it is the incorrectly chosen case that becomes a problem for many users in terms of performance of all components in the system unit. From this article, the reader will find out what kinds of cases there are, how to choose from the assortment in the market and which manufacturers should be preferred when buying.

Planning a PC housing

First of all, you need to think about installing a system unit in the user's workplace - where the enclosure will stand. Placement is not so much: on the table, under the table or near the workplace. Hence the requirements for the dimensions of the device, its weight and form factor. Not all buyers know that PC case manufacturers are releasing their products for both vertical installation and horizontal placement for the convenience of users.

Also, an important factor in planning the placement of the system unit is the presence of fresh air in the room. With poor heat dissipation and installation below the desktop level, it is recommended to purchase a vertically installed system unit. If you need a compact device, and ventilation in the room is present, then the preference is best given to the system unit with a horizontal arrangement - you can install it under the monitor or near it.

Case form factor

In the market of computer system blocks, the buyer may get confused if he encounters a choice of form factor of the device. A lot of abbreviations, the difference between them on the appearance does not have a big difference. To make it easier to navigate, professionals recommend using only three terms, which the sellers themselves will be guided by when buying:

• Mini-case - compact size allows the device to not take up much space, and light weight makes it possible to transport the system unit without much effort (in analogy - a huge laptop);
• A common case - most of the system units on the market (about 90%) have standard PC case sizes (180x410x385 mm);
• Tower shell - based on high-priced system units of this type, all gaming solutions for customers are realized, because the convenience of installation and decent ventilation will always be in the first place.

Power Supply Packing

There are beliefs that all PC enclosures supplied with the power supplies in the kit belong to consumer products. In part, this is true, because most manufacturers of budget devices are profitable to earn on the sale of two devices, rather than on something. However, well-known world brands, based on the requirements of users, often supply expensive cases with powerful power supplies. Naturally, the price of such decisions is an order of magnitude higher than the output of wide consumption.

In this situation, IT specialists are recommended to give preference to the purchase of the case and the power supply separately. Calculation of the power of the power unit should be based on the total power consumption of all installed components, and not vice versa. In addition, the computer market always calculates capacity with a margin (30% minimum).

Manufacturers of expensive PC cases

It is clear that all buyers want to give preference to a well-known brand, but often for the name of the manufacturer has to pay a lot. And if it's about recommendations, then it's worth looking at the following brands on the computer market:

1. Zalman. The company is known to users for its solutions in the field of cooling systems, so there is no doubt that the manufacturer will provide its product with decent ventilation. Choosing the hull for the PC from the entire line of the company will be the best purchase for the future owner.
2. Thermaltake. The most expensive representative of the American manufacturer differs from competitors in recognizable design. Basically, all the company's solutions are implemented in the form of tower enclosures designed for overclockers: there is plenty of free space inside, excellent ventilation and external attractiveness are found anywhere in the world by its customers.
3. Aerocool, Chieftec, Gigabyte, Fractal Design. These manufacturers make decent cases for PCs. But their desire to conquer all niches confuses many potential buyers. If the issue of price is a priority, then it is worthwhile to look specifically at these brands.

Cheap class of system blocks

For budget-class devices, the main criterion is the build quality. Attention should be paid to the material of manufacture. In most cases, the manufacturer uses very thin metal to reduce the cost price, which, along with the low strength, has sharp edges at the joints, which is why many users can cut their hands when assembling components. The best PC cases from the budget class are offered without a power supply in the kit.

However, inexpensive solutions attract many buyers, because manufacturers, trying to stand out in the market, provide their solutions with additional functionality: liquid crystal displays, card readers, bright neon lights and many other features that can attract attention to the product. There is already a buyer to decide what is more important for him: quality or price.

Development direction modding

Many owners of personal computers, trying to distinguish themselves among their peers, prefer to make a PC case for themselves. For these purposes, a special device called dremel (Dremel) is purchased, which modifies the system unit. The main advantage of this improvement is the manufacture of the enclosure for specific needs of the user with minimal costs. Having bought the cheapest device on the market, you can create on its platform a real masterpiece that can compete with elite buildings with its functionality and ease of use.

Naturally, the presence of metalworking tools for these purposes is not enough. You need to have design skills and knowledge in the field of computer technology. To ensure decent ventilation inside the case, it is recommended to cut windows on the cover of the system unit to install additional coolers. A luminous neon ribbon will help to give a beautiful look. The main thing is not to forget the main rule of modding: you can not break the integrity of the framework of the supporting part of the construction.

Body from scratch with your own hands

People who create a PC case from scratch with their own hands are quite a lot. However, only a few think about why manufacturers make system blocks of steel or aluminum, because plastic is much cheaper. It's all about the static voltage that each component has in the case - the excess current takes over the metal frame of the device, which does not make plastic or wood.

And if the user has the idea to create a body with their own hands, then you need to take care of creating a metal circuit inside the device, also called mass. Before you make a PC case, you need to carefully calculate the dimensions of the supporting structure, create blocks for the installation of components and combine all the elements into one electrical circuit. Otherwise, all devices inside the system unit can simply burn.

Finally

In the end, it turns out that before choosing the case for a PC, the potential buyer must first determine the price. The next step is the system performance requirements: the gaming platform requires decent cooling, and for the office PC, compactness is a priority. People who want to create a body with their own hands will definitely need the knowledge of physics and a special tool for metal processing. The choice, as always, for the user, but do not forget that the cost of installed in the system unit of components is much higher than the price of the case, respectively, all the modifications of the carrier proportionally affect the expensive equipment.