Hey, get off my case!!!!
The computer case is a very important element in computer systems design. You might ask why, and that is a very good question. There are many reasons. The first is the more obvious, and that is to make sure there is enough room for all the stuff you want to cram into the case. A second more important issue is placement of the power supply versus where the CPU is to be located. Because the new Slot 1 microprocessors, those take up a lot more space. Although logic boards have been redigned to accomodate that, so have cases and power supply placement. As long as you have the appropriate case, then you can get the power supply sepparate or included in the case. Quality cases and power supplies cost a lot of money, and it is well worth it. Yes, the cheap cases and supplies will work just fine, but the better cases have some nifty features that do make them worth the money. These nifty features can include more bays, no sharp edges and ultra quiet fans in the power supplies. Ambient noise adds up quicky.
This is the Antec SX1030 SOHO ATX File server case. This is a head-on view of my gaming computer case. What is hidden behind the door are four 5.25" bays and two 3.5" bays. The door helps provide a nice clean appearance. The slots on the bottom half are for ventilation. This case stays very cool and very quiet, even with the two included fans, the two added fans and the 2CoolPC case cooler all running and keeping the air inside moving.
This is a mid-tower case design. It includes a really nice low noise fan on the power supply, and includes two case fans that are already clipped to the back. This case is designed to be "tool-less", which isn't really true. The 5.25" devices need to have special rails attached to them via screws so they can be mounted into the case. The case has a nice storage spot on the bottom of the case on the inside to store the unused rails. Also, cards and the logic board need to be screwed into place, as do the 3.5" drives in the removable cages. So, this really is not a true tool-less design. In addition, I removed all the screws securing the power supply to the case, the screws securing the sides to the case and the card screws with brass thumb screws. I will be replacing other screws with these brass thumbs screws as well to help ensure as much as possible a tool-less design. I will not be able to do that with the logic board, but that is OK.
Anyone who has worked on a lot of computers will notice that this case has some weight to it. This is a durable case, all metal construction. Another thing that was nice and you can see later is the amount of open space inside, although I've taken that up with cards and fans and the like. I have not cut myself working on this case as there are no sharp ends that I can really find. It's a nice change not bleeding into a case while working on it. The case is also very easy to get in and out of.
Looking at this angled view, you can see that there is handle at the back. This is to allow easy access to the inside of the case. There are also two screws that you can use to secure this cover in place, as well as a keyed lock. The same key also works to lock the front of the computer. Simply pull the handle and give a gentle pull and the case opens right up.