How to choose a new Computer Tower

Selecting a case for a new PC build can be challenging if you've never done it before, so I decided I would give you a few pointers to make life a little easier. Before we start looking at new computer towers we need to do a little research. You can do all your research and pricing from the comfort of your home using the Internet. Normally your going to want to pick out all your internal component so you can narrow your case selection pretty fast.

Things we need to know before we start shopping for a case:

○ Motherboard form factor? (common: ATX and Mini-ATX)
○ How many hard drive bays do you need
○ How many optical drive bays do you need
○ Do you want the power supply on the top or bottom of the case
○ What type of cooling are you using? (Fan/Liquid Cooled)
○ What kind of video card are you going to use?



Once you've found all components make sure to look at the case effecting specifications for each component, for instance on a video card make sure you know how long the card is going to be. There is nothing worse then receiving your brand new case and not being able to install your hardware because the case is to small. Your tower size is severely impacted by the kinds of components you want to put in it. Even if a component fits in a PC case you need to factor in the heat that is going to be emitted from the components.

Another big contributing factor to PC case selection is going to the type of cooling your going to use. If you have a air cooled systems with a lot of heat emitting components you're going to need more breathing room so air can pass through the case with ease. Liquid cooling systems are a whole other ball park, they often need special cases that have input and output holes for liquid baring tubing. These liquid cooled systems often allow you to have a smaller case because the liquid cooling system is mounted outside the case but they can get costly if you want a good one.

Lastly you need to ask yourself one more question, where is my new PC going to be? Believe it or not this can make a difference in the case you choose. All PC's should have least 6 inches of space all the way around them to allow for air flow. Now this isn't possible in some circumstances and alternative methods of cooling may need to be used. Liquid cooled PC's can usually live in more cramped areas. Also Mini towers are often used in small enclosed areas.

More on the different types PC tower next time!!!