Guide to PC Cases Basics

Shop for PC cases that meet your computing needs

By Autumn Rivers, Lead Copywriter, Webflo Studios

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse lightweight PC cases for convenience

If you intend to move your computer often, it may be worth it to check out cases that weigh very little. Typically, your search would include aluminum cases, which weigh less than plastic or steel cases.

I recommend: Buy a unique, lightweight case for your PC from Directron.com, or purchase the Thermaltake Tsunami Aluminum Case from Ritz Interactive.

Add a custom touch to your CPU casing

Whether you want to purchase a case in your favorite color or want one with your company logo, customization is available from many providers of computer enclosures. You can also get your favorite team's logo added to the case, among other ideas.

I recommend: If you are musically inclined or your company is involved with music in some way, consider getting creative with a PC case that resembles a drum. Check it out at Spotswood Custom Computers. Add your company logo to your case at Techiant.

Consider inexpensive desktop computer enclosures

Stay within your company budget with a small, basic case for your CPU. If you would rather spend your money on other aspects of a computer, consider purchasing a simple, inexpensive case online. It might not be lightweight or eye-catching, but it will do the job.

I recommend: Look for deals on computer cases, such as a simple but sleek black case with a blue LED light from Geeks.com. Xoxide carries a durable white case, perfect for a basic setup.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you make a decision on a particular PC case, make sure it is large enough for the computer components that need to fit inside. Purchasing too small a case could cause your computer to overheat or break, so be sure to take your current computer parts into account first.

Guide to PC Cases

Is it time to give your PC case a new look?

By Judy Artunian, Freelance Writer

1. A PC case should include a quality cooling system to keep your hard drive and other components cool.
2. Whether you buy a PC case that comes with a power supply or you add your own, confirm that the power supply is sufficient to meet your system’s demands. 
3. Make sure that your new PC case will hold your old motherboard.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Clear or color PC cases

If you're ready to say goodbye to your beige or gray PC case in favor of a more eye-catching case, you have plenty of choices.

I recommend: Imagine your PC wrapped in pink, blue, lime green, yellow or black. Those are your color choices for this ATX PC case. The case includes a convenient, removable motherboard tray. Or you might prefer a PC case that offers a window into your PC. This clear, polycarbonate plastic case from ComputerGeeks.com gives you an inside glimpse of your computer components at work.

Themed PC cases and PC case modding

Who says that a PC case can't double as office art? Themed PC cases and PC case modding (or 'modifying' for the uninitiated) can add flair to your surroundings.

I recommend: PC cases covered with images of snowy mountains, or black and white granite are just two of the themed cases available at CaseArts.com. You'll find more exotic designs at Xoxide.com. If you're a gamer at heart, the next best thing to a custom PC case might be PC gaming cases like Sunbeam's Transformer case which features 13 tool-free drive bays, 7 tool-less expansion slots and a robust cooling system. If you're interested in PC case modding Xoxide also carries PC case mod supplies.

PC cases with easy connections

If you're tired of crawling behind your desk to find USB ports and headphone jacks, look for a PC case that makes those common connections easy to access.

I recommend: USB and audio ports are positioned on the front of this Xion Onyx Black Gaming ATX case (which you don't have to be a video gamer to use). A sleek silver PC case with front USB ports is available from Directron.

PC enclosures for industrial-strength protection

Protect your PC and important computer peripherals from high temperatures, dirt, fluids and other environmental hazards that can be found in industrial settings.

I recommend: Look for PC enclosures that give you easy access to your PC. Check out PC Enclosures and Armagard, which offer durable PC workstation enclosures for your PC, monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The aluminum PC cases that are replacing steel and plastic cases are lighter and therefore easier to move. The downside is that aluminum PC cases are more costly, and their exterior tends to scratch more easily.
• •  If you expect to upgrade your computer, be sure your PC case has enough space for new components.
• •  Before purchasing fans to install in your new PC case, run the fans to get a sense of their noise level. Another way to help reduce noise from your PC is to make sure your CPU fan and your motherboard are mounted securely inside the PC case.

Guide to Pricing and Costs of PC Cases

Find out the costs of updating your CPU casing

By Autumn Rivers, Lead Copywriter, Webflo Studios

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a basic, secure PC enclosure for a good price

If you have a small budget, or perhaps would rather spend your money on other computer parts, check out basic PC cases. Your case does not have to stand out or excite visitors, but it does have to properly hold your CPU parts, so a basic one will do the job. Most basic cases cost anywhere from $10 to $50.

I recommend: Geeks.com sells basic computer cases for about $15 online. Learn how to choose a cheap computer case at cheap-computers-guide.com.

Customize your PC enclosure, for a price

If your goal is to thrill or surprise people with your computer case, consider a brightly colored one, or perhaps add your company logo to it. However, such a nice touch will cost you more than a basic case, so be sure it is worth it to you. These cases cost a little more than the average case, at about $50 or more.

I recommend: Directron.com sells colorful computer cases for $50 to $100. If you already have a case but just want to add your logo, Computer Network Accessories can add your company logo for about $0.50 to $1, depending on the size and how many you purchase.

Purchase a used or refurbished CPU casing to save money

If you are very money-conscious when it comes to finding a PC case, consider a used or refurbished case. Most refurbished or used cases you will find online are in good shape, and are offered at prices that are much lower than retail. If a few scratches or other cosmetic flaws do not bother you, going this route can save you money. You can find basic used or refurbished cases for about $10, or more complex cases for about $50.

I recommend: PC Bargain Hunter explains the benefits of buying refurbished computers and accessories, and what to expect. Mwave.com sells a large, sophisticated refurbished computer case for about $50.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buying more than one CPU casing at the same time can often save you money, depending on the company you buy them through. Take advantage of bulk discounts and update all the computer cases in your office.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Central Processing Unit, or CPU

The CPU is the main component of the actual computer that sits inside a PC case. Computer case makers refer to the CPU and its various parts and accessories when talking about PC case design.

I recommend: See a definition of CPU at WiseGeek.

Universal Serial Bus, or USB

The USB is a common connector these days, but it was fairly obscure just a few years ago. Today's cameras, scanners, printers and other accessories use a USB port almost exclusively. So, new PC cases put USB connectors in prominent places, usually on the front, rather than in hard to reach spots.

I recommend: See more on USB at SearchStorage.com.

PC case fan, or system fan

A PC case fan cools the inside of the PC where power components around the CPU create heat. Lots of PC cases now offer fans and cooling systems built into the design.

I recommend: Find out about PC case fans at Bright Hub.

Case modding

Case modding is the art of modifying PC cases. This popular pastime has its own online communities and forums.

I recommend: Find out all about case modding and check out some great visuals at Case Mod Blog.

Custom plastic molding

For a specialized PC case, a business may want to place its own stamp on it with custom plastic molding. Custom plastic molding is a process that uses a custom mold to get a specific logo or design built into a plastic PC case. This is one of the more permanent ways to mark computer cases as they are made or customized.

I recommend: Find a guide to custom plastic molding at Ryan Screen Printing.

Server racks

Server racks are specific hardware holders that makers design to conform with size standards. Server racks hold PCs, servers, KVM switches and data center components. Stand sizing allows you to stack elements and also accommodates for cooling with space in-between.

I recommend: See more on server racks at Connect-Tek.