Function and structure of Desktop case

This post is lesson 10 of 42 in the subject Computer Hardware

This article will introduce design standards of Desktop case and the basic structure of a Desktop case. When you want to choose a new Desktop case for your Desktop, this is very useful knowledge.

1. Function of Desktop case

Desktop case used to mount and protect the computer’s hardware components as well as bring the beauty of the computer.

There are two common types of case:

– Horizontal desktop case

– Standing desktop case

2. Design standards of Desktop case

Desktop cases is designed based on the structure of the mainboard and follows the standards: AT, ATX and BTX.

AT (Advance Technology): rarely used today

ATX (Advance Technology Extended): commonly used

  • Full ATX: size 19” x 9.6” (48.26 x 24.4cm)
  • Mini ATX: size 11.2”x 8.2” (28.45cm x 20.83cm)
  • Extended ATX: size 12”x 13” (30.48cm x 33.02cm)
  • MicroATX: size 9.6”x 9.6” (24.4cm x 24.4cm)

BTX (Balanced Technology Extended): good cooling system

  • BTX: size 12.8”x 10.5” (32.512cm x 26.67cm).
  • MicroBTX: size 10.4”x 10.5” (26.416 x 26.67cm).
  • NanoBTX: size 8.8”x 10.5” (22.352cm x 26.67cm).
  • PicoBTX: size 8”x 10.5” (20.32cm x 26.67cm).

Server case: server case has a different structure, large size with good cooling system and complex structure.

Server case

3. Structure of Desktop case

The internal structure of the case types are similar. The most popular is still the ATX standard design. An ATX case consists of 4 main areas:

  • Area of power supply unit
  • 5.25” slots: usually mount CD, DVD
  • 3.5” slots: usually mount HDD, FDD
  • Area of mainboard
Structure of Desktop case

The front of the case

  • Includes power off button, reset button and power signal lights, hard drive signal.
  • Integrate USB port, Audio port, …
Front of case

The back of the case

  • Includes ports for connecting peripherals.
Back of case
Ports in back of case
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Posted by Vinh Le

Composer at ITLearningCorner.

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