A computer case (also called a chassis) is the structural frame that holds the motherboard, power supply, storage drives, cooling systems, and expansion cards. It provides physical protection, airflow management, and mounting points for all components. The computer case or chassis became standardized in the 1970s–1980s, with the ATX form factor introduced in 1995.
Common Case Form Factors
| Form Factor | Description | Fits Motherboard Types |
| Full Tower | Large, spacious, supports multiple GPUs, radiators, and drives | E-ATX, ATX, mATX |
| Mid Tower | Most common size; good balance of space and airflow | ATX, mATX, Mini-ITX |
| Mini Tower | Compact, limited expansion, budget builds | mATX, Mini-ITX |
| Small Form Factor (SFF) | Ultra-compact, portable, space-saving | Mini-ITX |
| Open Frame / Test Bench | Exposed layout for easy access and cooling | Any (custom fit) |
| Rackmount | Horizontal cases for servers (1U–4U) | ATX, proprietary |
Key Features of a Case
- Motherboard Tray: Mounting area with standoffs for the motherboard
- Drive Bays: Slots for SSDs, HDDs (2.5″, 3.5″, sometimes 5.25″)
- Expansion Slots: For GPUs, sound/network cards (PCIe)
- Front Panel I/O: USB ports, audio jacks, power/reset buttons
- Cooling Support:
- Fan mounts (120mm, 140mm, etc.)
- Radiator support for liquid cooling
- Airflow channels and dust filters
- Cable Management: Routing holes and tie-down points for clean builds
- Tempered Glass Panels: For aesthetics and visibility
- RGB Lighting: Built-in or customizable lighting zones
Choosing the Right Case
- Motherboard compatibility (ATX, mATX, ITX)
- GPU clearance (length and width)
- Cooling needs (airflow vs silence vs liquid cooling)
- Drive capacity (number of SSD/HDD bays)
- Aesthetics (RGB, glass, color)
- Front I/O requirements (USB-C, audio, etc.)
- Build space and ease of assembly
Trends in PC Cases (2025+)
- Vertical GPU mounting with PCIe risers
- Tool-less design for easier assembly
- Dual-chamber layouts for better airflow and cable hiding
- Mesh front panels for improved cooling
- Modular panels and swappable layouts
- Smart cases with built-in fan/RGB controllers and software integration
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