Comparison Gamemax G535-CR black vs Zalman Z3 black

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.

The highest cooler height allowed for this case.

In this case, we mean a cooler used to cool the processor — such a component is found in the vast majority of modern PCs. Height is measured relative to the motherboard.

The number of external 3.5" component bays provided in the case. The name "external" means that the bay has an exit to the outside (usually to the front panel), and can be reached without opening the case. One of the most popular options the use of such slots — the installation of card readers; in addition, they can be used for other components — in particular, USB hubs.

The number of bays corresponds to the number of external components that can be simultaneously installed in the case. However, this form factor is not particularly popular in the outer periphery, so cases with more than 2 such compartments are rare.

The ability to use special latches (instead of screws) to mount peripheral devices in 3.5" and 5.25 bays, as well as cards in expansion slots. This screwless mounting greatly simplifies the installation and replacement of system components.

The number of fan slots on the top side of the case, and the size of the fans 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 chosen size: for example, there are gaming cases where you can install either one 180 mm fan or four 120 mm fans at once.

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.

The presence of a special filter in the housing to prevent dust from entering. Without such a filter, dust settles on the system elements; Radiators are especially susceptible to this; they also lose their efficiency by becoming clogged with dust. If you have a dust filter, you have to clean not the “filling” of the PC, but the filter element itself, which is much simpler and more convenient.

Compartments for dust filters can be located on the front panel of the case, back, bottom, top, or in the side walls. There are also case models with several technological niches for installing dust filters - the combined version assumes the presence of such compartments on several sides of the case at once.

The location of the front set of connectors provided in the case. Such connectors can be located on the front panel, on the side wall or in the upper part of the case. The first two options are found in all case form factors (see above), while the top placement is considered optimal for tower solutions, originally designed for installation under the table.

The ability to manually control the rotation speed of the fans installed in the case.

This function allows you to adjust the operation of the fans to the specific situation. For example, in cool weather with a light load, you can reduce the speed (or even turn off the fan altogether), reducing power consumption and noise level, and increase it when starting a demanding game. Also note that there are software tools that allow you to automatically adjust the speed of the fans; so that instead of manual control, this function can be entrusted to automation.

The fan control system is usually equipped with the most advanced case models.