awesome documentary about nasa and engineering the space shuttles. Read More
Computers have various components, and the computer case is what holds them all together. These cases have changed over the years but remain the central part of any PC. By understanding the cases and how they integrate with the other components, one can better understand computers.
Computers have a number of major parts. The computer case is what houses all the internal components of a computer. Within the case, the motherboard is the single largest component. Attached to it are the CPU (a microprocessor) and the memory (RAM). Ethernet capabilities (for internet connectivity) are usually integrated directly into the motherboard. Other major components inside the case include the optic drives (such as DVD), hard drives for data storage and the power unit.
To connect the computer to peripheral devices, the sound card, video card and cards for USB and other connecting ports all attach to the motherboard. Typically, these peripherals are the monitor, printer, keyboard, mouse and any other devices that need to be connected to a PC.
The optical drives are located in the front of the computer case along with the additional USB ports for easy accessibility. The other peripherals of the computer usually connect through the back of the case.
This case is the largest part of the computer and is typically constructed mainly out of a steel or aluminum. Plastic and acrylics are also used, but their purpose is usually just to enhance the design or look of the case. Much of the weight of the computer (apart from the monitor) is in the case so one should consider its weight and avoid those with sharp, dangerous edges when purchasing. Edges that are beveled or finished are much safer.
Other materials also used to construct computer cases include plastic, Plexiglas, wood and, believe it or not, even Lego blocks! Computer cases have also been referred to as the computer chassis, cabinets, boxes, enclosures, towers or simply just the CPU cases.
When the PC first came onto the scene, the case was horizontal with the monitor being placed on top of it. This design of the case had the power switch behind it with all the ports also placed behind the case. This was a pretty awkward (some would say incomprehensible) position because the operator had to get up and reach all the way behind the computer to switch it on.
When the vertical computer case came on the scene, the monitor could be placed on the desktop with the vertical case (also called the “tower stand”) below beside the desk. This was more convenient because it left more space on the desk while allowing the user to access the switches from the front panel.
Some computer cases have been growing smaller in recent years, but there is currently a limit as to how small they can get. While smaller cases are more compact, they often do not have enough space to allow proper cooling or for new devices to be added to the computer. Due to these factors, computer tower stands remain popular.
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Full towers have undergone a fall in popularity due to the space they take up. However a comeback is seen as more and more people get interested in watercooling technology and its benefits. After all a watercooling system in a bigger case is much easier to fit than in a smaller one. Also an increased interest in case modding benefits the full towers popularity.
A big tower gives you all the space you need for the different components. You can easily fit several hard drives, use SLI and Crossfire setup with easy accessibility. Easy accessibility helps a great deal during the installation process, so if you are new to modding/building then I recommend you to choose a full tower computer case.
Component temperature is another big issue and especially a concern by overclockers. In general CPU temperature usually significantly drops when going from midi towers to big towers. More fans and better airflow comes with a bigger case. Many choose to buy separate fans and/or add other fans for better cooling. A separate CPU fan is recommended by many, and are usually more quiet than the mini-fans that comes along with Intel and AMD processors. Its especially important to change the CPU fans if CPU overclocking is intended.
Water cooling system for the CPU is another route, and many prefer it because of its better temperature handling. Water cooling is also more silent than fans. Today many companies build water cooling sets that can easily fit in a tower computer case. Still some prefer to make their own systems.
Towers today look much more stylish than before. You can pick up full towers especially meant for gamers in mind. They usually come in bright neon light colours and most models have 3-4 fans already installed. Screwless drive bays are common today and makes sliding in PCI-cards easy. Its usually done with a click.
Keep in mind though that several full tower computer cases can reach up to two feet tall and easily weigh around 30 lbs/15 kg. Many cases are built in aluminum, but more and more common is steel. Steel makes it more sturdy, but adds to the weight.
Some towers come with fan control. Personally I find it unnecessarily as you can get free software that does the same trick, and gives you more data feedback and control. An important feature are fan filters. Some towers have them while with others you must buy them separately and install it yourself. Good filters should add no increase in case temperature and keep the computer nice and clean.
In summary full towers benefits you with more space, easier accessibility, better cooling options, and a stylish design.
Three recommended full towers:
Full Tower Cases
You know a Cooler Master product when you see it. With its solid and stylish finish, the COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Blue RC-932-KKN3-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case is just the right product you are looking for your desktop. It is the strongest shield and protection for your delicate hardware that you can get anywhere on the market, but wait – it comes with style, and by that I mean a black steel body with four shiny blue LED lights all around. Let us look at some of the wonderful features the product comes along with:
- Extremely Quiet
You would think with a massive size like the COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Blue RC-932-KKN3-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case, you would expect a lot of noise. Not true. The noise levels can’t even be noticed unless you get really close and try to hear its heartbeat, so to speak, much like a human heartbeat.
- Fancy Blue LEDs
They are so fancy to look at that you can’t get your eyes off them even when you are not working on your computer.
- Advanced Cooling System
With unmatched thermal performance, the radiator, the fans, the liquid cooling kit holes, this beast comes with everything you need to keep your system quiet and cool even when you demand the highest performance from your system. The COOLER MASTER HAF 932 Blue RC-932-KKN3-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case does the entire job for you and lets you worry about what you need to the most – your computing tasks, may it fun gaming or graphic intensive application work-play!
- Size and Build
With a massive size like this, you can get almost anything imaginable for your computer to fit in this case, and it does a wonderful job at holding it all together in a sturdy and robust fashion because you know you can’t go wrong with its reliable steel body.
Now that you know that this ATX Full Tower Computer Case is the one you will ever need for all your desktop needs, go ahead, visit your local hardware store today or take a look at Cooler Master’s official website for more details on the product; you know you want to!
Read MoreIf you are the kind of person who loves to tinker around with your computer to add and replace additional gadgetry, you will like the way the RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX Computer Case is constructed.
Practically everything is modular and detachable. The two sides can be removed leaving only the racks for the HDD and the CD-Rom Drive on the main body of the case. The motherboard comes off with one side panel. This makes for greater visibility of and easier access to the motherboard when installing your computer expansion cards into their slots.
The hard drive rack is also removable. This makes it a lot easier to attach the hard drive firmly before screwing the rack back in its place. The other racks are firmly fixed on the casing.
Because the Raidmax Smilodon is easily taken apart, you can clean the motherboard every so often without too much trouble.
Three fans are used to keep your system temperature to within safe limits. The 120 mm fan at the back is the largest. One of the sides has an 80 mm fan to draw warm air away from the motherboard and CPU. There is also another 80 mm fan for cooling your video and other expansion cards in their slots.
The cooling power provided by those fans is sufficient even in the peak of game time.
The case is made of steel. This makes it a little heavy. It also has a lot of room inside in order to make cooling the system easier.
This casing is ideal for DIY undertakings. It is easy to disassemble the sides and as easy to put them back. There is a lot of space to place additional gadgets. For instance, there is a vent waiting for another separate fan for cooling the motherboard itself.
Read MoreOn the encouragement of my teenage son, I recently began shopping for clear computer cases. I wanted a whole new computer, and I thought a clear computer case would upgrade the appearance of my computer room. While shopping for the case, I discovered 4 things about them that helped me make my decision.
1) Styles Of Clear Cases
I discovered that there are 2 basic styles of clear computer cases. My son actually has the first style. It consists of a transparent acrylic panel on one side of his tower. The style also features side panels on both sides of the tower, it just depends on preference. This is a very practical style in that it provides both form and functionality. One can still see inside the computer, while at the same time making it less apt to get scratched.
I opted for the second style. My case is 100% acrylic, which makes it easy to see your computer’s interior from all distances and angles.
Very neat!
Unfortunately, it is much more prone to scratches and fingerprints.
2) Be Prepared To Clean Your Computer.
Yep, and be ready to clean it often! In fact, one of my first tasks was to find a good source for scratch removal solution, which I use at least once a week. My son cleans his computer case far less often, and don’t you know he is delighted with that!
3) How About Assembly?
Because I am not exactly a mister “fix-it” kind of guy, I wanted an ‘idiot proof” case. I found that many of the cases required assembly. The assembly did not seem too difficult, but I purchased a whole system contained within the case. So I did not have to mess with it . Just make sure when inquiring about the price of a clear computer case, you determine if shipping and assembly are included.
My son and I recently attended a convention for online gamers. We got to check out some of the coolest computer cases on the planet, including an especially high tech one with a sophisticated interior water cooling system. It was “clearly” the “king” of all clear computer cases!
Read MoreWhether you are buying a new computer or building one yourself, the first decision you need to make is selecting a case. Cases have evolved drastically over the past 10 years, not only in style, but in functionality and features.
A computer case is also frequently referred to as the chassis, other case designations are tower, cabinet, box, enclosure or housing. Cases are most commonly constructed out of a combination of steel, aluminum and plastic. I recommend cases that contain more steel than aluminum. Steel is a much stronger and heavier metal which produces a much quieter system. Cases made out of aluminum tend to vibrate more and dent easier.
There are a myriad of case choices available today. The 2 main case types are ATX Mid Tower & ATX Full Tower. Mid Tower cases are of course smaller than ATX Full Tower cases, the exact physical dimensions will vary, there is no standard size of ATX Mid Tower or ATX Full Tower. I have found that most ATX Full Tower cases will not fit inside standard desk enclosures, this may be an important consideration when choosing your case. Most ATX Mid Tower cases will fit inside a standard desk enclosure, though it is recommended that you measure the desk enclosure and compare that with the exact dimensions of the case you are looking at to ensure that it will fit.
The main compartment contains the motherboard tray, this will support ATX, microATX and/or EATX motherboards. Most Full Tower cases will support all 3, and most Mid Tower cases will support ATX and microATX only.
A very important feature of modern cases is a CPU retention hole. This hole provides easy access to the rear side of the motherboard for installation or removal of aftermarket CPU heatsinks and fans. This may not seem important at first glance, but not having to remove the entire motherboard to replace a CPU heatsink is very convenient.
Another important feature is the power supply placement. Cases feature either a top or bottom mounted installation. Traditionally, most cases had top mounted power supplies, but increasingly manufacturers have moved to a bottom mount, this helps to place more of the weight at the bottom of the case for more stability. Full tower cases with top mounted power supplies tend to be very top heavy and can more easily tip over. In some full tower cases the power supply can be mounted on the top and bottom for a dual PSU system. Dual power supplies are sometimes used in gaming computers with multiple high powered video cards.
The case fans are a major consideration. 120mm, 140mm, 200mm are some common fan sizes. I recommend staying away from cases that have 80mm fans, smaller fans tend to be much louder and move less air. Some newer cases include an on/off switch to control the LED lighting. Filtered fan inlets are also a nice feature that reduces the amount of dust that accumulates inside the system. Some cases even have removable fan filters for easier cleaning.
Once you have narrowed down your list of case choices based on features and functionality, the final consideration will be the aesthetics of the case. Is the overall look of the case appealing to you? Do you want a case with a clear side panel window? Many cases come with fans that contain LED lighting, typically blue, red or green. Increasingly, cases are also coming with a pure black internal coating that looks much nicer than bare metal.
Custom built trading computers & gaming computers. Blue Aura Computer Systems is the premier seller of customized business, gaming & trading PCs. Our mission is to build gaming & trading computers that achieve benchmark and performance results above and beyond anything thought possible by the average user. We offer gaming & trading computers geared towards exactly what power users are looking for – blazing fast speed & rock solid stability! We’ll stop at nothing to make sure you are 100% satisfied with your order. All of our systems are custom built with skill & technical precision using the most sought after award winning components on the market! Each system goes through an extensive line of stress testing and benchmarking to ensure stable rock solid operation for years. Traders – if you want to have a clear picture of the intraday trend in the markets and be able to monitor multiple stocks all at the same time you will need a ultra fast computer that can handle multiple monitors.
Read MoreThere are so many different gaming computers available today, it can be hard to find a computer case. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. There are many features of a case that are essential. You need to consider the function against the price when purchasing one. The types that are more advanced have built in fan controllers that are a great feature for the serious gamer who is playing a game that uses a lot of CPU power. Headphone and microphone sockets should be part of any case. There should be enough USB ports for the serious user, average computer user, and standard user alike.
These days, there are numerous types available for your machine. Probably the one that is considered the most accommodating and the best is the Antec Three Hundred. It has a lot of room for high quality video cards and for multiple cooling fans for serious gamers. Along with audio in and out sockets, it also has two USB ports on its front. This one also has enough room for five fans, including three intake fans, which will maximize the airflow in order to cool the warm components.
The Xigmatek Utgard is another great selection. In many ways it is similar to the Antec Three Hundred. At its front it has four USB ports and room for as many as six fans. On its front panel it also has two fan controllers that permit you to easily change the fan’s speed which is an excellent feature. It is approximately twice the price of the Antec Three Hundred, but it is less expensive than some of the better ones that are available and it has more features.
The Antec is also one of the better cases that are available. It is rather expensive so you will want to make sure that you really need all of the features that it offers prior to purchasing it. It has room for the reservoirs and pumps needed for water cooling which is a good thing considering the amount of heat that as many as twelve hard drives and one or two video cards put out. It supports all kinds of motherboards such as the standard ATX, the micro ATX, and the ITX. It is also available with High Definition audio output and input. It supports eight fans and has enough room for twelve hard drive slots.
Lastly is the least expensive Cooler Master CM 690 gaming computer case. Although it is the least expensive is much better than many of its competitors including many that cost much more. It has eight expansion slots, supports up to ten fans, and is available comes with a lot of ventilation and room. It is a very good unit for as inexpensive as it is.
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