Selecting the right computer case is a critical decision when you are building or upgrading your PC. It’s not just about aesthetics—it can impact your system’s performance, airflow, and future upgrade possibilities too.
When choosing a computer case, factors like case size and component clearance often come at the top of the list. Besides, you should also look for custom cooling possibilities, and better cable management.
Below, I have covered every intricate detail you need to know to ensure your next computer case is the right fit for you.
Choose the Right Size PC Case
If you are looking for a PC case, I am quite sure you have already decided on other hardware components that will go into it.
To begin with, let me quickly ask which motherboard are you planning to install? Is it anATX,micro-ATXor mini-ITX?
If it’s an ATX, go with amid-tower or full tower case. Similarly, a mini-tower or small form factor case will best suit if you’re using a micro-ATX or mini-ITX board.
Most mid-tower cases do support using micro-ATX or even smaller boards like the mini-ITX ones, but to be honest, I see no advantage using a smaller board on bigger cases.
No matter how big your case is, your small motherboard will just restrict you from having a multi-GPU configuration oradding a few more sticks of RAM, that is possible with having a bigger board.
But it’s not only the motherboard size that makes a difference. The size of your workspace should equally be taken into consideration when looking for a PC case. Always get the one that will fit correctly into your work area.
On the other hand, you should also think about the number of PCIe components the case will accommodate.
Say, if you are planning to use multiple graphic cards orinstalling WiFi cards, you need a PC case with adequate PCIe expansion slots.
Not to mention, the case size also determines the number of HDDs or SSDs you may have. That’s why you should check the number of drive bays and mounting brackets available in the PC case.
If you seek a high number of storage drives, mid-tower cases can be a viable option. It will provide enough headroom for future upgrades too.
Leave Enough Clearance for Components
