Can someone tell me about computer cases?

I'm am doing research on the new computer system I am about to build but I am not to keen on computer cases seeing as I've only bought one ever and that was several years ago. I am putting together a new Intel Core i7 920 CPU with an ASUS board (undecided), most likely a large after-market heatsink, and a large graphics card. I know nothing about computer cases except that most standard ones are meant to house ATX form factor boards. I think someone mentioned Mid-Tower to me once but I'm clueless. What is Mid-Tower? Is that a size or a type or a brand? Is there a Small-Tower and a Large-Tower too? Please, tell me everything you know ! ! ! Thanks :)Can someone tell me about computer cases?
Okay, sure thing.





ATX is a universal size for computer cases. Most motherboards are ATX size. Therefore you can put the ATX motherboards in any ATX cases (depends on ATX size of motherboard).





There are 3 common ATX sizes





There are Mid Tower ATX which generally range from 7.1 x 18.1 x 17.3 inches





Then there are Micro ATX which generally range from 7.5 x 14 x 14 inches





Then there are Full Tower ATX cases which generally range from 8.1 x 20.6 x 18.6 inches





As you can see Full Tower is the biggest, followed by Mid Tower, then the smallest is Micro.





Full Towers provide excellent space for Multiple Video Cards and Non-stock Coolers.


Mid Towers provide adequate space enough for at most two video cards, and possibly a Non Stock Cooler.


Micro ATX are space savers designed for offices and for schools.





As to picking a case there are several different factors that make a Case good and well worth the money.





Air Flow- Good cases have good airflow in which air goes in thru openings, and goes out in one local direction. That way Air goes in, grabs the heat and flows out, usually thru the back of the case.


Here is a link to show ya.


http://www.compute-aid.com/images/airflo鈥?/a>





Composite Material- Computer cases must be solid. A Case is a shell, protecting the vital computer parts from being damaged. Plastic is not very durable, but very light. Aluminum is a very common composite material for cases, since its strong and very light. However many of these cases have a thin layer of Aluminum making the cases less durable. There are also steel cases, for very strong and long lasting durability. They tend to be quite heavy though. Most cases nowadays use Steel %26amp; Aluminum alloy to give you the strength of Steel without the heaviness. More expensive Cases include Titanium Composites which are strong, durable, and much lighter than a conventional steel case.





Appeal- You don't want an ugly case of course? Most cases include side panel windows, fancy LED Lights, attractive designs, as well as front trays and USB/ Sounds ports in the front for your convenience.





Sound Insulation- This may be the least important or the most important for some people. Most computers have multiple fans running at high speed to generate good airflow. However they tend to make alot of noise. Thus more expensive models have Insulation in the cases designed to absorb the sound waves.





Some cases I can recommend are





If you are on a budget get the Raidmax Smilodon (Mid Tower)





If you have around 200 dollars to spend, get a Coolermaster Stacker (Full Tower).





If you have 300 dollars to spend get a Coolermaster Cosmos (Full Tower)





Keep in mind the more expensive the case is, then the better it is! All these cases have good airflow. Remember Cases usually last up to 10+ years if the quality and craftsmanship are good. Not to mention very good wiring also.


Hope that Helps.Can someone tell me about computer cases?
My friend ';Ragingrev'; 100% right i agree with him
Most cases are ATX...you shouldnt have to worry much about that because the vast majority of MOBO's are ATX as well.





Mid-tower relates to how tall the case is...mid being usually around 16-20 inches, Full tower= anything larger than that, and then SFF (small form factor ) which is just a smaller case...and then you have your desktop form---which lays sideways..more for the home theater pc.





How much do you want to spend on a case and I will help you find the best bang for the buck?





I like aluminum cases because they are strong and don't weigh as much, I like the Thermaltake brand as well because I know they are high quality cases with a lot of tool-less designs and-innovative features...there are a lot of other great brands too though.





I like full tower, gives you plenty of room for expansion...usually have around 7 PCI bays in the rear, a 120mm fan port at the front (or more than one), and at least one fan port in the back and sometimes on the top. Also, the larger cases will have more space for Optical drives and Hard Drives for future additions to your machine.





so what might you want to spend?





edit: also, don't go for some cheap and flimsy steel case...a lot of times the cheaper cases don't have rolled edges, which means you have tons of thin sharp edges all around where your hands will be...and TRUST ME...they can cut you WIDE OPEN if your hand slips while trying to do something.