PSU max lenght
Possible length of the PSU that can be installed in the case.
Graphics card max lenght
The maximum length of a graphics card that can be installed in this case.
Modern mid-range and top-end video cards with high performance often differ in considerable length, which is why such a card can not fit into any case. So before collecting components, it is worth evaluating the length of the proposed graphics card and choosing a case in which it is guaranteed to fit. This forethought is useful anyway, but it's especially true if you're building a system that requires a powerful graphics adapter, such as a high-end gaming PC or 3D design workstation.
Fans total
The
more fans provided in the design, other things being equal, the more intense the cooling will be and the more powerful (and, accordingly, “hot”) hardware can be placed in the case without the risk of overheating. For everyday tasks, a case with
one,
two or
three factory fans is enough. At the same time, when comparing, it is worth considering not only the number, but also the performance characteristics of the fans (diameter, speed). Also note that there are
cases without fans on the market with free space for fans, which allows, if necessary, to supplement the cooling system and improve its performance.
Fans (bottom)
The number of fan slots
on the underside of the case, as well as the size of the fans that these slots are designed for. The presence of the fans themselves in the kit should be specified separately.
The larger the fan, the more advanced it is considered: a large diameter allows you to work efficiently at relatively low speeds, which reduces the noise level and energy consumption. Case fans are available in several standard diameters, and the seats under them can be designed for both one and several sizes — for example, 120 / 140 mm. At the same time, in some models, the available number of seats also depends on the selected size: for example, it may be possible to install either one 180 mm fan or two 140 mm fans.
Fan mounts total
The total number of places for installing fans provided in the chassis design.
The more performant the system, the more components it includes — the more powerful cooling it will need; therefore, the number of places for fans, usually, is directly related to the size and purpose of the case. It is also worth considering that with the same number, the installation location of individual fans may be different — behind, on the side, on top, etc.
Integrated hub
A hub in a computer case for connecting fan and backlight control systems. Depending on the implementation, the
complete hub can be installed inside the case or placed on its outer panel. Often, a remote control with an infrared transmitter is attached to the hub to control the "turntables" and decorative lighting of the "insides" of the case.
Liquid cooling (front)
The size of the seat for the water cooling system provided on the front side of the case.
In cases with CBO support, water cooling radiators are installed in the same slots as traditional fans. In other words, either a fan (fans) or a CBO radiator can be installed on the same seat. The size of the seat under the CBO is indicated by one number — the length (on the larger side); the width can be determined based on these data. The fact is that modern CBO radiators usually use fans of one of the standard sizes — 120 mm or 140 mm; and if there are several such fans, they are arranged in a row. As a result, the length of the radiator turns out to be a multiple, and the width is equal to one of these numbers: for example,
280 mm is 2x140 mm with a width of 140 mm, and 360 mm is 3x120 mm with a width of 120 mm. In general, the size of the front radiator of
240 mm or less is considered relatively small, 280 mm — medium,
360 mm — large, and in some models it reaches
420 mm or even more.
Note that in this case, the same nuances are relevant as for air cooling: a larger fan takes up more space and costs more, but it is considered more advanced, as it can work efficiently at a lower speed — and this reduces the level of noise and vibration.
Liquid cooling (top)
The size of the seat for the water cooling system provided on the top side of the case.
In cases with CBO support, water cooling radiators are installed in the same slots as traditional fans. In other words, either a fan (fans) or a CBO radiator can be installed on the same seat. The size of the seat under the CBO is indicated by one number — the length (on the larger side); the width can be determined based on these data. The fact is that modern CBO radiators usually use fans of one of the standard sizes — 120 mm or 140 mm; and if there are several such fans, they are arranged in a row. As a result, the length of the radiator turns out to be a multiple, and the width is equal to one of these numbers: for example,
280 mm is 2x140 mm with a width of 140 mm, and 360 mm is 3x120 mm with a width of 120 mm. In general, the size of the upper radiator of
240 mm or less is considered relatively small, 280 mm — medium,
360 mm — large, and in some models it reaches
420 mm or even more.
Note that in this case, the same nuances are relevant as for air cooling: a larger fan takes up more space and costs more, but it is considered more advanced, as it can work efficiently at a lower speed — and this reduces the level of noise and vibration.
USB type C 3.2 gen2
Number of native
USB-C 3.2 gen2(previously USB-C 3.1 gen2 and USB-C 3.1) connectors provided in the chassis.
Such connectors are usually located on the front side (for more details, see "Location"). They are most convenient for peripherals that need to be connected and disconnected often — for example, "flash drives" (for permanently connected devices, it is more convenient to use motherboard connectors that are displayed on the rear panel) . Specifically,
USB-C is a relatively new type of USB connector — smaller than classic USB and double-sided design. The use of such a connector may be different, depending on the features of the motherboard: in particular, it can also be used as a Thunderbolt v3 port, and the 3.2 gen2 connection interface is characterized by a bandwidth of up to 10 Gbps.