As the saying goes, beauty depends on clothes! This situation also applies to computer DIY. The appearance of your chassis directly determines the appearance of your computer host. But besides the static beauty of the chassis, what else do you need to pay attention to? How to choose a "weighing cell phone box".
The chassis is a true expression of self
Choice of chassis size
The most basic choice is probably the size of the chassis. Generally speaking, there are three basic specifications of the chassis, which are related to the motherboard. The size and specifications of the motherboard are the same, from large to small, they are ATX, Micro ATX and Mini ITX. ATX includes what we often call full tower and mid-tower chassis, Micro ATX refers to some small chassis, and Mini ITX refers to mini Small chassis.
Mini ITX mini case
Small cases are suitable for people who live in apartments, dormitories, or often participate in LAN online e-sports competitions, but larger cases are usually easier to use.
Micro ATX small case
Because large cases have more space for upgrades and expansion. Having said that, it does not mean that all chassis in the same specifications are the same. After selecting the specifications, it is time to delve into the parameter page of the chassis.
ATX Mid-Tower Case
Some cases can only support graphics cards of a certain length, some may not be able to accommodate larger water cooling radiators, and some may not be able to accommodate high-end towers. Type radiators, because they are too high to allow the side panels to be covered. Generally speaking, standard large and medium tower or full tower cases can meet the current requirements for high-end air cooling, integrated water cooling and long graphics cards to be installed in the case.
If you like to mess around, buy a modular chassis
In addition, one feature worth noting when purchasing a chassis is modularity. Modularity means that the accessories within the chassis can be rearranged. For example, some chassis hard disk racks are removable to facilitate the installation of large graphics cards and split water cooling.
The hard disk racks of some cases are removable
Some cases even fully implement this concept, allowing every case accessory and device to be disassembled and moved, so that the installation is easier One can arrange the memory layout however one likes.
Another thing that needs special attention is that the water cooling components required for installing customized water cooling, such as water pumps and water tanks, require additional space. Therefore, you must ensure that there is a place to install them in the chassis, or be prepared to modify it yourself, but this is very difficult and requires a bit of industrial design foundation.
Purchase a chassis with a dust filter and a convenient cable management design
What I want to point out is that no matter which fan you choose to use, it is best to choose one with a dust filter. The function of the dust filter in the chassis is to reduce dust from entering the chassis. The better dust filter has a magnetic frame, which is easy to remove, clean and reinstall.
Nowadays, more and more cases have added designs to facilitate cable management, such as perforations around the motherboard tray, so that most of the messy things can be hidden behind the back panel. High-end chassis will also have rubber rings on these perforations, which look more beautiful and tidy, but the more important thing is the location of these holes.
Putting it on the right side of the motherboard is a classic approach, but it would be quite useful if there are holes on the motherboard for the EPS power supply and case fans and holes on the bottom for connecting the front panel plugs and more case fans. .
In addition, pay attention to the cable management covers that can make all cable management neater. For example, when used around the power supply and the back panel, the cables can be organized more neatly. Although in the past, all the wires could be stuffed behind the motherboard tray, and it didn't matter if the wires were managed or not, because no one would notice once the back panel was covered, but now there are many cases in the DIY case market, and the outside is surrounded by They are all fully transparent chassis with tempered glass (such as the Corsair 570X chassis).
These cases do look very good-looking, but they can also easily expose the messy wiring behind the motherboard. So when choosing these cases, remember to learn how to route them beautifully, otherwise their appearance will be ruined. Ruined by you.
Two tips worth noting
In addition, there are two tips to pay attention to. I recommend choosing a chassis with tool-free features, such as a chassis with a modular hard disk rack. When installing the hard drive, you don’t have to fiddle with a bunch of small screws on the floor, which saves time and worry.
The second is to choose those cases where the motherboard tray has an opening for the CPU radiator and motherboard base, because this way if you want to remove or replace the radiator, you don’t have to remove the motherboard too. heat sink.
Finally, the most important thing when choosing a chassis is to look at the quality.
Finally, you need to study the manufacturing quality of the chassis, that is, the chassis’ manufacturing, materials, and whether it has user-friendly design. . Poor-quality cases usually have sharp edges that are not polished, which makes it easy for you to injure yourself and bleed when installing the machine. This is the so-called "recognition by bleeding" - only when you bleed can you recognize your purchase. Chassis error.
A chassis with poor quality may also be made of softer and poorer materials, which are prone to bending and deformation, and the USB, audio and switch cables at the front of the chassis are prone to failure. A high-quality chassis will feel more sturdy and durable, and it will be as exquisitely crafted and last as long as a new chassis. Of course, it is very user-friendly, making it easier for you to install the computer. There may also be soundproofing and shock-absorbing shock pads.