Part 5: The Case

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The computer case. To most users there is nothing to worry about here, and not much you can even do to effect you you get, besides buying a completely different computer. This post is more directed towards people who are building their own computers. A case can affect the airflow, cooling, and what you can or can't fit in your computer. The first thing you want to figure out before you go looking for a case, is what you want to fit inside your computer. Things such as, the size of the video card, size of the motherboard, and whether or not you want to do air or liquid cooling. There are two main case sizes that you will run across when case shopping, mid-tower and full-tower. Obviously full-tower is larger than a mid-tower case, but this has both benefits and downfalls. While if you get a full tower you usually won't have to worry about free space, they do take up a lot more room on your desk, and can weigh quite a bit. You don't really need a full-tower unless you are planning on getting a large, or multiple, graphics cards, of a full ATX or Extended motherboard. As a mid-tower won't be able to fit those components. Now, size isn't the only factor when choosing a case, you may also worry about airflow and cooling options. While all cases can be modified to be water-cooled, some make it easier by including pre-cut sections and such. Also, you will have to look at the fan positioning, to figure if the case you want will be able to keep your system cool. I myself am the proud owner of the NZXT Phantom Full-tower case::

This case is an absolute monster, standing at 21 inches (almost 2 feet), having a depth of 24.5 inches, and weighing 25 pounds empty, this case is definitely not for everyone. It can handle anything you throw at it, from the biggest graphics cards, to the biggest fans and motherboards. It came at a great price, just around $100, and I got it for the fact that I have a big motherboard, and for future upgrade purposes. In the end, the case you pick depends on you and your personal preferences. There isn't one case for everyone, and you just have to look until you find one that you like.