Sidewall thickness
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.
Lighting colour
For more on decorative lighting in general, see Light Type above. Here we note that it can have different shades, and sometimes several options are indicated in the characteristics at once. If these options are listed through "and" (for example, "red, blue and green") — this means that this model contains all the specified colours, and the user can switch between them at his discretion. If the shades are listed through “or” (for example, “red, blue or green”), this means that this model is available in several versions that differ in the colour of the backlight.
Special mention is the "RGB" option. This is the name of the most advanced backlight, the shade of which can be chosen at your discretion. However the original RGB backlighting is capable of simultaneously displaying only one of several basic colours (white, yellow, green, red, blue or purple); nevertheless, even these possibilities are enough to customize the appearance of the case and apply various effects (such as backlight synchronization — see below).
And relatively recently, an even more advanced type of adjustable systems has appeared —
ARGB backlight. The key difference between ARGB and classic RGB is the possibility of simultaneous operation of diodes of different colours. In other words, classic RGB lighting can display only one colour at a time, while ARGB can display several colours, which provides additional effects. Also, ARGB lighting is connecte
...d using a 3pin 5v connector, while regular RGB uses a 4pin 12v connection. It can be represented by various types of illumination. So, ARGB is often integrated into the cooling system, the front panel and magnetic LED strips, which the user can mount at his discretion. To control the backlight, a special controller is usually provided, and buttons or controls for switching the illumination operation modes are placed on the interface panel. In some cases, the backlight is controlled by the motherboard, through a special connector. Many ARGB systems support the ability to fine-tune through specialized software.3.5" bays
The number of internal 3.5" form factor bays provided in the design of the case. Such bays, in accordance with the name, are intended for internal components, mainly hard drives and some SSD modules; to access them, the case must be disassembled.
Theoretically, the number of bays corresponds to the maximum number of drives that can be installed in the chassis. However, in fact, the best option is to install drives through a single slot to ensure efficient cooling. Accordingly, it is best to select a case in such a way that the number of internal 3.5" bays is twice the expected number of hard drives.
Fans (back)
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.
Placement
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.
Front panel
-
Lattice. The grille on the front panel of the case often looks good and allows you to better supply the cooling system fans with more outside air. Decorative lighting is often placed behind the perforated panel, which improves the appearance of the case.
-
Blank. The competitive advantages of cases with a blank front panel are improved noise insulation and effective protection of the internal space of the computer from dust.
-
Glass. The veil of mystery of what is happening inside the computer system unit is lifted by cases with a glass front panel. Tempered glass as a “facade” material is used both in the form of a solid window and in the form of a glass grille with RGB backlighting. And in combination with the glass side window, it turns the body into
an “aquarium”.
Side panel window
The presence of
a viewing window on the side panel of the case, allowing you to see the “filling” without opening the case. It gives the case a stylish appearance; in addition, it allows you to install a lighting system inside, which is appreciated by gamers compared to
case models without a window.
The materials for manufacturing the windows on the side panel are:
- Acrylic. Acrylic or plexiglass is an inexpensive material of relatively light weight, which, however, actively collects scratches and can be deformed when exposed to high temperatures.
- Strained glass. Tempered glass panels have excellent transparency, are resistant to scratches and are easy to clean from dirt. At the same time, they weigh a lot and can break to pieces if not handled carefully.
- Metal grid. Wire mesh is a simple type of window material used on the side panel of a cabinet. It allows air to pass through and provides additional heat removal from the internal components of the system unit; dust can leak through the mesh overnight.
More features
—
Front cover. A hinged cover that completely or partially covers the front panel. Gives the computer a neat appearance, hiding connectors and external slots under a solid, uniform surface and performs the function of child protection.
—
Panel display. A display on the front or side panel of the case, used to display various service information: the current processor frequency, data on the system temperature, cooling operating mode, etc. Various important data can be displayed on the display without reference to what is happening in the software part of the computer.
—
Video card holder. A design solution for supporting a video card inside the case. Specialized stands or holders prevent the graphics adapter from sagging over time and reduce the load on the PCI-E slot of the motherboard. The fact is that many models of modern video cards have gained some weight - the holders are designed to compensate for their weight. Stands are available both as built-in solutions and as separate accessories that can be installed inside the case independently.
—
Side panel lock. The presence of a special lock on the removable side panel of the case. Such a lock prevents unauthorized access to the internal volume of the system unit.
—
Noise isolation. Availability at the case of
...additional sound insulation. This can be either a special coating on the inside, or other, more specific solutions (for example, damping systems on “seats” for individual components that reduce the level of vibrations transmitted to the body). Anyway, this feature helps to reduce the noise level emitted by the system — sometimes quite significantly.
— Removable basket for HDD. The presence in the design of the case of a removable basket for the inner periphery of the 3.5 "form factor (in the vast majority of cases these are hard drives, hence the name). Such a basket facilitates assembly due to the fact that it is much easier to remove it and install a hard drive inside than mount it in a non-removable compartment inside the case; this moment is especially useful if you plan to install several hard drives in the system.
— Docking station for HDD. Built-in docking station for quick connection of internal hard drives. In fact, this function allows you to connect an internal HDD as an external one: the docking station connector is located outside the case and is equipped with quick-release fasteners for easy connection.
— Concealed wiring. The ability to run wires from the power supply on the back of the motherboard (if we take the side where the processor and slots for expansion cards are located as the main one). Thus, the space on the main side of the "motherboard" is freed from wires, which, in particular, has a positive effect on the cooling efficiency.
— The window for installing the cooling system(Cooling system) for CPU. The presence of a separate window in the case opposite the CPU fasteners. The mounting system is located on the back of the motherboard, and usually, in order to change it, you need to remove the entire "motherboard"; the Cooling system installation window saves the user from such a need and greatly simplifies the installation and change of Cooling system.