Case Study: Computer System Case

Although most people think that the computer system case is not as essential as the other parts or components of the computer, it actually plays a major role in the computers operation. It provides the computer with its structure and it protects and cools the electronics and other devices mounted inside.

System cases come in different shapes and sizes and have different form factors, which is basically the size and shape and how the components fit together in the system case.

System cases consist of six major components and each major component with their respective components perform a number of valuable roles.

• The Power Supply The power supply converts AC power to DC power which is used by the computer’s internal components and it

It is attached to the chassis through the rear panel and can be removed by removing the screws and sliding it all the way backward or forward of the system case, or by sliding it back a bit and lifting it straight up. Be careful when removing and replacing the cover, make sure that it does not snag power and data cables, and other components and it could damage or break them.

 Legacy Towers The cover is a U-shaped piece with longer sides that fits down and over the frame of tower cases. It is attached on the rear of the case using four to six screws and lifting the cover straight up or sliding the cover a bit then lifting it up.

 Single-Screw Cases Single-Screw cases have a single large screw on the back of the case and have spring clips inside that applies pressure and holds the cover pieces in place. It can be removed and be replaced by removing the screws and sliding it back and lifting it off or just simply lifting it off.

 Screw-less

It is a smaller version of the AT power supply form factor, although the same in height and depth, the Baby AT is two inches narrower.

• LPX This form factor is also known as the Slimline or PS/2 form factor. It is shorter and smaller in general but has the same power and cooling ability as the AT and Baby AT power supply form factors.

• ATX This form factor is considered the standard form factor for all computers, whether desktop or tower. It is the same with the LPX when it comes to its size and placement of cables, but the AC power pass-through outlet was removed on this form factor.

• NLX This form factor doesn’t define a power supply and uses the same power supply as the ATX form factor, which is why the ATX form factor is also called the ATX/NLX form factor.

• SFX This form factor, SF referring to its small form, is a power-supply only form factor that was developed by Intel for use in the MicroATX and FlexATX system case form factors.

• WTX This form factor is designed for use in large workstations and servers. Its power supply is bigger and more powerful than the power supplies in most of the other form factors. The only feature that sets the WTX form factor apart is that it has two main system cooling