PC Cases

Is it time to give your PC case a new look?
By Judy Artunian, Freelance Writer Computer monitors and keyboards have traded in their clunky profile for more streamlined designs and now the plain, rectangular PC case has a new look, too. If you want to make a statement with your PC cases, or just want to upgrade your office furnishings, you can replace those heavy steel cases that hold the guts of the PC with lighter-weight aluminum cases, or opt for PC cases that sport your company colors.   Of course it's not just the outside of a PC case that counts. A new case has to deliver the functionality you need. For example: 

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.

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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.
Try:  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.

• 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.