About a Cheap Computer Case

Your cheap Computer Case (also called the chassis) is the 'slave' of your computer system.

It just does its job day after day without requiring any attention or maintenance.

It protects the inner components of the system, keeps them cool and prevents them from causing radio frequency interference (RFI). These are important functions that are oftentimes overlooked.

Construction of the computer case is usually plastic, aluminum or steel.

Here are the two basic components of the system unit case.

The Chassis and the Computer Case

• The Chassis - This is the bottom or side panel on which the motherboard sits. The term 'chassis' means a foundation on which parts are assembled. The motherboard is secured to the chassis with screws and spacers that keeps it separate from the chassis itself.

  The power supply, disk drives and other components are attached to the chassis in various ways; depending on the type and model of the computer.

• The System Unit Case - This is the removable cover and it is attached to the chassis with slotted hex-head screws.

The front of a basic cheap computer case contains the power switch, reset button, hard disk activity light and the drive bays.

• The Power Switch - This turns the unit on and off.
  
  
• Reset Button - This performs a hardware reset similar to turning off and turning on the computer with the power switch.

• Hard Disk Activity Light - This shows when the hard disk is active.

• Drive Bays - These are the available spaces for floppy drives, zip drives and optical drives such as DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-R/W and DVD-R/W drives.

The case has at least two sets of vents. One set on the front allows air to be drawn into the system. The other set found on the back of the cheap computer case allows air to be exhausted.

Today's modern high-end cases now come equipped with exhaust fans in the side panel and in the top panel. Also, to further enhance the cooling, two intake fans are situated in the front panel.

Choose an aluminium case because this material dissipates heat better than other materials.

The flow of air in and out of the system should not be restricted.

Blocking the intake vent reduces airflow into the computer. Likewise, having the system too close to a wall reduces the exhaust of air out through the rear vent. (See drawing below):

• The Desktop Case - This case is designed to rest horizontally on a desk.
  
  
• The Tower Case - This case is designed to stand vertically on the floor or desktop. It also has more space for internal disk drives and other devices that enhance the capabilities of the computer.
  
  This computer case design is now more popular than the desktop design and is now being used in the majority of computers at this time.

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)

While the computer is turned on, the internal components generate stray electromagnetic radiation. This radiation is emitted at various frequencies including the ones used by radio stations. This is called radio frequency interference (RFI).

This radiation can interfere with radios and other electronic devices; therefore, it was regulated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).

A manufacturer must show that a computer produces an acceptable level of RFI before it can be sold. This radiation can be controlled in many ways; the most obvious being the construction of the cheap computer case.

A well-designed metal computer case controls most of this radiation and enables the manufacturer to obtain certification for the computer system. There are two levels of certification:

• FCC Class A - This class relates to business equipment.
  
• FCC Class B - This class relates to home equipment such as computers. Class B certification is more difficult to obtain because the potential for RFI is greater in residential areas than in commercial areas.

RFI can radiate from a computer that has a poorly designed cheap computer case or from one that has opened slots - slot covers not replaced. Always replace slot covers.

Maintaining your Cheap Computer Case

Hardly anything goes wrong with the case. If it's kept clean and not abused, it will outlast every other component! If you bounce it or drop it, the delicate components inside will be damaged - so treat it gently.

Ways to prevent damage to Computer

• Allow adequate ventilation for the unit by allowing a free flow of air in and out of the unit.

• Place your cheap computer case on a stable surface where it's not likely to be bounced or pushed off.

• Install tower units where they are accessible but won't be damaged by kicks or spills. If the system is placed under a desk, ensure that it will not be damaged by anyone moving a chair in or out.

• Disk drives are delicate and can be easily damaged if the computer case is bumped while the unit is in operation.

Finally, if adapter cards are removed, ensure that the slot covers are replaced since open slots can affect the air circulation through the computer causing components to overheat and RFI leaks.

Conclusion

Click here to read 'Guide to Selecting a Cheap Computer Case'.

Get some very good prices on a cheap Computer Case by clicking here.

Return from a Cheap Computer Case and its functions to
Cheap Computer Homepage