Comparison Zalman ZM-T7 black vs Aerocool Aero-300 FAW 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 thickness of the side walls used in the case. When choosing a thickness, manufacturers have to compromise between several points at once. On the one hand, thin walls are inexpensive and heat dissipates faster through them, which has a positive effect on cooling efficiency. On the other hand, powerful systems inevitably require thick walls, otherwise the case may simply not withstand the weight of advanced high-performance components. Thirdly, steel is a fairly durable material even with a relatively small thickness. In light of all this, in most models this indicator does not exceed 0.7 — 0.8 mm, and more often it is about 0.5 – 0.6 mm.

— Removable panel. Opening by removing one or more panels is the most popular option in modern PC cases. This design is inexpensive, convenient and practical, and fits any form factor (see above). The specific device of such an opening system just depends primarily on the form factor, more precisely, on the overall layout of the case. So, in vertical products (one or another type of Tower), both side panels are usually removable, in horizontal “desktops” — the top panel, and in the Cube Case the options may be different.

— U-shaped cover. A solid cover of a characteristic shape — in the form of the letter "P" — covering the case simultaneously from the sides and from above. Thus, when such a cover is removed, the case is open from three sides at once. In some cases (for example, to access the top 5.25" compartment, this feature turns out to be very useful. At the same time, U-shaped covers are rather bulky, removing and putting such a part in place is noticeably more difficult than carrying out these operations with separate removable panels; this is especially true for vertical tower cases, which is why this opening mechanism is rare these days, almost exclusively in Desktop and CubeCase products.

— Door. Another rather rare opening mechanism, in this case, typical for cases in various variations of the Tower form factor. The name quite accurately conveys the way this mechanism works: the side panel of the case is not...removed, but opens sideways like a hinged door. The main advantage of this option is that a convenient lock is often used to fix the door in the closed position, which can be opened without special tools — for example, by pressing a button. This greatly simplifies access to the contents of the case, especially when you need to fine-tune or quickly replace individual PC components. On the other hand, the open door cannot be set aside like a removable panel, and in some situations it can be inconvenient by hanging on the case. Yes, and such a design is somewhat more expensive than the same removable elements. Therefore, doors are rarely found nowadays — mainly in separate game models of cases (see "In the direction").

The number of 5.25" form factor bays provided in the case design. Such bays are made only external, that is, they can be accessed from the outside without opening the case (unlike 3.5", see the corresponding glossary items). Today, 5.25" bays are mainly used for installing optical disk drives, internal hard drives in removable pocket adapters (Mobile Rack), and sometimes additional fans. Also, 3.5" devices can be installed in such bays using special adapters. ". Most cases are equipped with 1 5.25" bay or two bays. But there are models with 3 or more bays, as well as cases without external bays.

The number of internal 2.5" bays provided in the case design.

Such bays are mainly used for installing internal hard drives and SSD modules; The 2.5" form factor was originally created as "laptop" form factor, but recently it has been increasingly used in components for full-size PCs. At the same time, when evaluating the number of these bays, note that drives are recommended to be installed through a slot; so in Ideally, the number of bays should be twice the planned number of drives.

Also note that some cases use combined bays: initially they have a size of 3.5", but if desired, they can be converted to 2.5". These bays count towards both 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch slots. In fact, this means that the total number of available slots is not always equal to the sum of the number of both. For example, a case with 10 3.5" bays and 6 2.5" bays can have 4 combined bays, and the total number of slots in this case will not be 16, but only 12.

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.

The number of fan slots on the back 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; specifically for the rear panel, the size up to 92 mm is considered relatively small, 120 mm — medium, 140 mm — large.

Most often, the holes for installing fans are designed for one specific size, however, there are also “multi-size” seats, for 2-3 options in diameter.

The number of fan slots on the front 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; specifically for the front panel, the size up to 92 mm is considered relatively small, 120 mm — medium, 140 mm — large, and in the most advanced solutions, fans of 180 mm or even more can be installed.

Also note that most often the holes for installing fans are designed for one specific size, however, there are also “multi-size” seats, for 2-3 options. Moreover, these options may differ both in diameter and in quantity: for example, it may be possible to install two 140 mm fans or three 120 mm fans.

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.