When you’re planning to build or upgrade your next PC, the first thing you have to consider is what kind of case you want. Whether you’re a hardcore PC gamer or simply interested in building the most powerful and attractive PC possible, you’re going to have to get your hands on the right case.
A computer case can be the most crucial component that sets your dream custom PC apart from all others. However, don’t be afraid to do your research and consider the pros and cons of each case before you buy one. Here are four things to consider before buying your next PC case.
1. Size of the Case
The size of the case you buy is dependent on your specific needs, but there are a few general guidelines you can follow. If you want a very small case, go with something that’s ATX or ITX. If you want a medium-sized case, look for something that’s micro-ATX.
If you want a large case, find out what form factor it is and buy accordingly. ITX PC cases are a challenge to build, but they are much lighter and smaller than other cases and take up much less space.
2. Ventilation
The first thing to consider when buying a case is the ventilation. Depending on what you’re using your computer for, you’ll want different levels of ventilation. If you plan on running high-intensity games, you’ll want a lot more ventilation than if you were just browsing the internet or streaming music.
Make sure that any case you buy has enough ventilation that will suit your needs. With enough airflow, it should be possible to keep the inside of your PC clean from dust by sucking it out from air intakes and blowing it away from fans with filtered grilles or filters. Dust builds up in computers over time so make sure that there are plenty of fans.
3. Drive Bays
The first thing you need to consider is what type of drive bays your case has. Are they toolless, or do you have to use screws? Screws are cheaper and more manageable, but some people don’t like them because they require a screwdriver and can be challenging to open if the drive bay is tight.
Some cases come with both types, so check before buying, so you don’t have to go to a computer technician to get the bays open. If your computer is used for gaming, then you’ll want more than one hard drive installed in order to avoid long load times and smoother gameplay.
You’ll also want to make sure that the motherboard will fit in the case and that it matches up with your system requirements.
4. Aesthetics
Aesthetics is a factor you may want to consider before making your purchase. The look of the case can go hand-in-hand with the design of your build. There are many cases that give off a shiny and high-tech vibe, while others are more industrial.
Choose what’s best for you, and be sure to take into account how it will look in your environment and how it will fit into the space available on your desk or wherever else you plan on putting it.
