Ever wondered, “how many types of PC cases are available in the market” when looking for the new PC case. PC cases are a vital part of any build, especially for gaming rigs. The primary role of the computer casing is to physically install and hold all of the computer’s core components. These components include, for example, the motherboard, hard drive, optical drive, floppy disk drive, and others.
When putting up a PC setup, it is critical to understand the different kinds and sizes of PC cases. Not only does the case define the overall shape of the design, but it also protects and maintains the optimal operating conditions of the components. When assembling a computer, the casing is generally the last thing on the list.
People choose a CPU, a GPU, an excellent motherboard, RAM, a power supply, and maybe a liquid cooler. Then, with whatever money is left over, they choose a case. However, the type of your computer casing demands more consideration than that.
4 Types of Computer Cases in Term of Size
Choosing the most appropriate PC case for your needs is essential. This portion will discuss the many different types of pc cases and their distinct qualities, allowing you to choose the appropriate PC case for your PC among the many options available.
1) Full Tower PC Case
Among all pc case sizes, the Full-Towers PC case offers high-end system configurations. These PC cases come with many features, including first-rate components, giant graphics cards, more hard disk, SSD storage, and a highly effective water-cooling system design.
They are also affordable. Their extravagant, attention-getting construction includes windows, LED lighting, and front doors, among other features.
Full Tower PC Case Dimension
The full tower pc case comes with an enormous size among all the computer case types. The full-tower scope spans between 55 and 75 centimeters in height and 22 to 32 centimeters in width. It can accommodate an extra optical drive in one of its four to nine 5.25-inch bays.
This style of Full-Tower PC case is the right size and weight for the job, and it typically has superior interior cooling. However, it is prohibitively costly in terms of money. Despite this, hobbyists, admins, and dedicated streaming gamers traditionally rely on Full-Tower cases for their computer needs.
Form Factor Motherboard
Full-Tower PC cases intend to handle an E-ATX or CEB motherboard, ideal for high-end servers. These servers can run two CPUs, a large amount of RAM, and additional storage devices simultaneously. The motherboards supported by the Full-Tower are ATX, Extended ATX, Micro-ATX, XL-ATX, Mini ITX, and SSI EEB.
Utilization of PC Case
Full-Tower PCs are the essential choice for serious and professional gamers who want to update their systems in the future since they give more slots and room for optical bays, ventilation units, and other components. With a Full-Tower PC case, you can build a powerful gaming PC with three monitors and 4K gaming. Then a case like this will offer you the required space for your future PC.
In addition to providing more excellent cooling for two high-end graphics cards and a CPU such as the Intel Core i9-9900K, such a chassis also enables you to build a customized cooling system using 230mm fans as needed.
Budget Rnage
Full-Tower computer cases are prohibitively costly. Purchasing a Full-Tower, on the other hand, is a wise investment. If and only if you need a large amount of room for several components or a large amount of airflow to cool the powerful CPUs and graphics cards.
Limitations for Option
The vast size and weight, which takes up a lot of space, is difficult to conceal and move. However, if you have enough space and it isn’t a priority for you, a Full-Tower computer may be the ideal option for you.
2) Mid Tower PC Case
Compared to Full-Tower cases, mid-tower cases are smaller, which means they need fewer motherboards, fans, and expansion slots than their larger counterparts. Most mid-tower cases are 18 inches or more in height, whereas most Full-Tower PC cases reach 22 inches or more in height.
Among the most popular and commonly used computer cases, the Mid-Tower is the most popular and frequently used because it enables you to employ a large number of drives and practically all kinds of motherboards while maintaining reasonable overall proportions.
Dimension of Mid Tower Case
The Mid-Tower is the most typical desktop configuration for the average user. The typical Full-Tower is between 35 and 55 centimeters tall and 15 to 25 centimeters wide. Full-size components, such as the most extensive video cards measuring more than 300 mm in length, may be installed in the Mid-Tower case because of the additional room. This PC case can accommodate 120, 140, or even 200 mm fans, positively impacting air cooling.
Motherboard Form Factor
The Mid-Towertype covers motherboard form factors built for both the mini ITX and the Micro ATX standards and alternative motherboard configurations. As a result, all compact computer cases in this sector, including several that are cube-shaped or intended for HTPC, fall into this category. The Mid-Tower is compatible with motherboards such as the Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, E-ATX, and M-ATX types.
Mid Tower PC Utilization
Mid-Tower PC cases might be the most acceptable option for casual users and gamers who play daily. In most cases, a mid-tower is the best option for a typical gaming PC rather than a hardcore gaming computer.
Furthermore, the Mid-Tower will have sufficient cold airflow to cool the components inside the computer case. Even under the most strenuous situations, the video card and CPU temperatures will never surpass 70-80 degrees Celsius if the fans are correctly installed and cleaned regularly.
Furthermore, it is simple to construct a productive PC with a sound ventilation system while using a Mid-Tower chassis. Furthermore, Mid-Tower PC cases are a flexible solution for desktop users who want to maximize their computing power.
Budget Factor
Mid-Tower PC cases are available in a variety of price ranges ranging from the mid-range to the inexpensive. Using this budget, you should be able to provide appropriate cooling and ventilation.
Some Limitations
It is possible that adding extra graphics cards to the tower will impact the cooling system. A unique cooling water system is also not possible due to the lack of such capability.
3) Mini Tower PC Case
A Mini-Tower case is a small perpendicular case than a tower but more comprehensive than a case for a desktop computer. Despite this, Mini-Tower constructions employ most of the same components as conventional PC cases except for the motherboard.
Because of the compact size of the casing, it is much lighter and easier to pick up and move around than other types of PC towers. Having less concern about dropping it and breaking all of your components in two is a good thing.
Dimension of Mini
The Mini-Tower is much smaller in scale than the Full-Tower and Mid-Tower PC case. These computer cases take up as little physical space as possible, even when equipped with graphics cards of reasonable size. The usual Mini-Tower length is between 30 and 45 centimeters tall and 15 to 25 centimeters wide.
Motherboard Form Factor
Mini-Tower PC cases are the only components that have a micro ATX motherboard and a low-watt power supply. These computer cases are for use as back-office or network terminals. It intends to work with Micro-ATX and Mini-ATX motherboards primarily.
Utilization of Mini PC Case
Mini-Tower PC cases are best for Basic operations like online surfing, accessing web-based apps, audio/video playing, and document processing. These PC cases are becoming an increasingly popular alternative for typical home PCs since they are affordable and powerful enough to run old video games.
Budget Compatibility
Inexpensive and easily accessible. One can anticipate a PC case that performs well in both performance and acoustics. And a PC case that is jam-packed with connection possibilities and valuable functions.
Limitations
Extra cards, RAM, and ROM slots are limited. Installing low-consumption components is more straightforward than high-consumption components since their thermal casings are inferior.
4) HTPC (Home theatre PC) and SFF (Small Form Factor) PC Case
HTPC and SFF cases are typical casings for desktop computers that reduce the three-dimensional size of the machine by a certain amount. These are available in various sizes and forms, including shoeboxes, cubes, and book-sized computer systems.
As HTPC stands for (Home theatre PC), they have gained popularity in recent years due to the downsizing of powerful components inside them. The HTPC is an excellent alternative for the computer for multimedia pleasure at home. You may put it beneath the TV table or even hang it on the wall. It is entirely up to you.
HTPC PC case also has more than enough CPU power to play music and video in every format that is currently available. Aside from that, such a computer will have minimal acoustics during computing while also having passive cooling.
SFF has a compact size, and low weight might serve as an effective alternative to laptop computers. Additionally, the SFF has a considerable benefit over a laptop in that it provides greater power at a lower cost.
In addition to providing cooling choices that are different from those available in other kinds of computer cases, many SFFs include motherboards as standard equipment. Additionally, this design minimizes the overall size.
Dimension of SFF and HTCP
Compared to the other computer cases, the SFF and HTPC are very compact and light in weight. The height and breadth of the HTPC and SFF are between 10 and 14 inches, with a width between 5 and 8 inches.
Motherboard Form Factor
HTPCs and SFF usually comes with Micro-ATX and Mini-ITX motherboards with high-performance personal computers
Utilization of these Cases
The most efficient method will be to use a home media center to stream movies and music to a connected TV or monitor. An HTPC will often provide the most value for your money on the market regarding performance.
Those who work or play in cramped quarters may appreciate the SFF enclosures with Mini-ITX motherboards. These are designed specifically for use in tiny living rooms and workplaces. A PC with the mobility function will also be considerably simpler to repair and upgrade than a laptop without portability.
Price Range
Depending on your requirements, it might be expensive or in the middle of the price range.
Limitations in SFF
It might take a lot of time and effort to customize it to meet your specific requirements. Additionally, the upscaling is not very well.
6 PC Case Types in Term of Motherboard Form Factor
Aside from looking into various types of pc case sizes, the most crucial element to consider when buying a system case is the motherboard’s form factor. The motherboard’s Form Factor is the measurement of its dimensions.
Moreover, the form factor specifies the size of the circuit board, the placement of the slot, and the appearance of the faceplate that protrudes from the rear of a computer. Ideally, the size of the motherboard should correspond to the size of the PC enclosure.
The form factor also specifies the position of the holes to secure the motherboard to the system during installation. For example, the Full-Tower chassis offers more than enough space to accommodate an ATX motherboard without sacrificing performance. Depending on the size of motherboards, there are various form
A tower-type computer is the most prevalent system case. In contrast, HTPC or SFF cases are specialized cases to reduce desktop computer volume. Hence, in terms of form factors, the following are the most often used motherboard dimensions built in the PC cases or utilized for customization in terms of their application and high performance, respectively.
1) ATX Motherboard
The ATX motherboard form factor is the most widely utilized motherboard form factor today. ATX is an acronym for Advanced Technology extended. Many people believe that the ATX design significantly improved over the old standard AT form factor, with its shortcomings. The fact that it is still the industry standard today, even though Intel introduced it in the 1990s, is a monument to the fact that ATX is always ahead of its time.
Compared to previous generations, ATX features less overlap between board and drives, less processor interference with cards, and a more user-friendly power connector. Furthermore, it provides improved cooling conditions, 3.3 volts of power, and an easily adjustable power supply via software and other methods.
In addition to power connectors such as the 20-pin connector, the ATX board had additional headers for air ventilation. In comparison to its predecessors, the board featured fewer overlaps with the drive bays and connections. Also, internal I/O connections are connected to the circuit board.
2) Micro-ATX Motherboard
Micro-ATX motherboards were introduced when customers were clamoring for a more affordable alternative to traditional ATX motherboards. The Micro ATX motherboard provides identical advantages to its predecessors but with a more attractive form.
The size of the board is also less than that of a full-sized motherboard, which helps to reduce the cost of production. We were able to reduce the overall size by lowering the number of I/O slots.
3) LPX Motherboard
Typically used in low-profile cases, these are extended boards with a low profile. The expansion boards are located next to the motherboard. However, you would need to utilize expansion cards connected to the motherboard through a riser card arrangement.
LPX is designed for a smaller PC case but at the expense of reducing the number of expansion slots. The ability to integrate audio and video onto LPX boards is a distinct benefit of using them. The LPX’s limitation is it’s insufficient cooling and inability to be easily upgraded.
ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards are the most widely used types of motherboards. However, there is a proprietary non-standard version known as Mini-LPX and LPX that has no wide application.
4) Mini-ITX Motherboard
Mini-ITX boards were first released to the market in 2001. Smaller computer systems were the target audience for the product when it was introduced as a niche product.
The boards use very little electricity to operate and do not have any fans to keep them cool. It made an excellent choice for use in conjunction with home theater systems. The fanless cooling mechanism on the mini-ITX board makes it an excellent choice for PC systems operating in quiet environments such as libraries, schools, theaters, and other such settings.
Furthermore, Its four mounting holes, which allow ATX, micro-ATX, and other cases to be inserted without problem, are also a big plus. Many previous ITX boards included expansion slots provided by riser cards. However, the modern design has just one expansion slot built-in by default.
5) NLX Motherboard
The NLX is an improved version of the LPX form factor motherboard. The NLX was launched as a new technology in the late 1990s to accommodate bigger cases and video cards, memory modules, and other components. The board features more repair and upgrade possibilities than the LPX, making it a superior product. It is currently known to convert existing LPX systems to NLX systems since it is ideally suited for significant consumers’ PCs.
6) BTX Motherboard
The balancing technology extended motherboards form factor is another name for the BTX form factor. It represents a significant departure from the ATX boards. Intel introduced it in 2004 as a successor for the ATX form factor. BTX features a redesigned layout to improve ventilation and newer technologies to increase power performance.
BTX minimizes power consumption as well as heat production. In addition, BTX has a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including serial ATA, USB2.0, and PCI Express, among other PC cases.
At this time, the original BTX standard is still compatible with ATX RGB computer chassis and power supplies. Because of this, BTX-compliant casings and a power supply unit were eventually added to the standard’s requirements.
There are many different form factors available for motherboards, computer chassis, and power supplies. To function well as a team, all must be compatible with one another. In many computer casings, particularly those constructed of metal, there are very sharp edges. When dealing with an open case, use extreme caution to prevent sustaining significant injuries.
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
A computer case must also have enough space to hold all of the components. Furthermore, a PC case must have enough space to provide for simple access to the different components, as well as to assist in keeping cabling clean and tidy, as well as to allow for an optimal ventilation configuration. Unfortunately, there are no standard pc case sizes since there are changes from maker to manufacturer. Often, the decision comes down to which computer case is the most appropriate match for the individual’s needs.