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The computer's case serves several functions. The motherboard is bolted down to the case so that the case protects it and all other components. The metal in the case also serves to ground the motherboard. The case's power supply converts power into a form the motherboard can use.
A good case should have ample expansion bays to be able to add additional internal and external devices. It should have a strong enough power supply to power all the components you plan to add to your computer. The case should be designed aerodynamically so that airflow will flow in through the front and out through the back to properly dissipate all hot air. The case also needs to be sturdy enough to prevent components from moving around.
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Make sure the case has enough room for all your components. A bare minimum of external drive bays is 3, but this number will depend on what you want to use in your computer. My main computer's case has 7 full size drive bays (5 1/4"), all of which are in use - a CD-ROM Drive, CD-ROM Burner, DVD-ROM Drive, 3 Hard Drives with cooling fans, and a Zip Drive. Hard drives can be mounted deep inside the case, so make sure you have extra room for 3 and 1/2" drives inside.
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The number of drive bays usually increases with the size of the case. Available case sizes include desktop, mini tower, mid tower, and full tower or server tower. Desktop and mini tower cases usually don't provide many expansion bays, so the mid and full towers are really the only choices to consider.
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You want to have a sufficiently powerful power supply so that all your components will function properly. 250 Watts is a bare minimum, and 300 Watts is the sweet spot.
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In addition to the wattage, you really need to look at the voltage ratings. Look at the 3.3v, 5v, and 12v ratings. The higher the better!
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For adequate cooling, there should be at least one fan in the front bringing air in, and at least one in the back, blowing hot air out (there's usually 1 fan in the power supply). Make sure you have 1 fan blowing out for every 1 fan blowing in.
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There are two different case types - AT and ATX form factors. Almost all newer computers, motherboards, and cases are ATX standard now. In older computers, AT was more standard, and for awhile there was quite a few of both. At any rate, make sure your new case (and power supply) are ATX and your new motherboard is ATX as well.
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Some nice extras are screwless design (where everything pops open without the need for a screwdriver), a locking mechanism so that you can prevent people from getting into your computer, swing out side doors for easy access, and a slide out motherboard tray for easy installation of the motherboard.
- Cases are kind of difficult to recommend because there are so many different ones. Also, looks are important and different people will like the looks of different cases. I often recommend the Enermax and Antec cases because both are generally well built and enexpensive (particularly the Enermax), and you can often get them with their own brand of power supplies. Enermax and Antec both make high quality power supplies. I've had problems in the past with Enlight power supplies and would suggest avoiding them (although they may have improved by now). Antec's Sonata cases are my favorite right now. They come with great power supplies, look nice, are relatively inexpensive, quiet, and have good cooling.
- Cooler Master and Lian-Li make excellent cases, but they are very expensive. If you have the money to spend though, I suggest you take a look at them! Thermaltake is another good manufacturer.
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