In Depth: Cases & Motherboards

Knowing what you will use your computer for is vital when building it. Each use case will direct the kind of case you choose. In the most elementary ways to think of this: Gaming computers are likelier to be giant behemoths, while kiosk computers are likelier to be small form factor. The form factor of computer cases refers to the standard sizes used by motherboards to connect components.

A computer case is an enclosure that holds the components of a computer. It is also known as a system unit or chassis. The case protects the components from damage and provides a safe environment for the computer. Computer cases come in different sizes and shapes, referred to as form factors.

In a more technical sense, the case size dictates what form factor of the motherboard that can be installed. Computers have been set up in very odd, custom cases that do not fit the standard or typical style.

The most common form factors are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Most desktop computers use the ATX form factor, which is the most popular. Smaller desktop computers use Micro-ATX, which is a smaller version of the ATX form factor. Small form factor (SFF) computers use Mini-ITX, which is the smallest form factor.

ATX gives you more options for which components you can install. It may be possible to get more than four sticks of memory, two graphics cards, two processors, or four hard drives. In contrast, in a Mini-ATX (ironically, with a naming convention that seems like it would be between micro- and regular ATX but is not), the motherboard may come with soldered or non-expandable components.

The differences between computer cases are mainly in their size and shape. The size of a computer case determines what components can be installed inside it. For example, a larger case can accommodate more hard drives, while a smaller case may only have room for one or two.

Regarding computer cases, things to look out for include compatibility issues with other components such as motherboards, power supplies, and graphics cards. Incompatibilities can arise due to differences in form factors or other design features.

A lesser expected issue to be on the look out for is the motherboards ability to handle all the parts. Different form-factors may limit the specifications of a motherboard, limiting the potential of a given component. Once you choose a computer case and motherboard, most of the other parts will be dictated from there.

To recap what was discussed. A computer case is an enclosure that holds the components of a computer. Computer cases come in different sizes and shapes, which are referred to as form factors.

The most common form factors are ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX. Which one you choose will dictate everything else that is can be installed. Lastly, Common issues with computer cases include compatibility issues with other components such as motherboards, power supplies, and graphics cards.