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Motherboard form
factor... AT, or ATX; Baby , Full, or Extended?
There
are two common types of PC motherboards in use.
Newer computers use the ATX form factor, and older ones use
AT.
Since computer cases are not interchangeable, you need to determine
which board you have. If you're not sure, look for the printer,
USB and I/O connectors on the edge of the board. This is
the ATX form factor, cables plug directly into the board
itself through the back of the case.
The AT has short jumper cables to the connectors mounted
at the back of the computer case. Don't judge by the keyboard or
mouse connectors though, they look similar on both the AT and ATX
case.
Motherboards
range in size - baby, full and extended.
Most enclosures will accommodate a range of sizes, but check to
make sure. Also, if you plan to mount removable hard drives, make
sure there is enough space between the motherboard and drive bays.
The frame that holds the removable drive is deeper than a standard
CD-ROM drive by about 3/4".
Desktop, or tower case...
which one for you?
Mini, mid, or full
tower case... what's the difference?
The computer case power
supply.... the critical component.
Computer cooling... is yours
a "cool" case? ( and we don't mean looks )
Computer case maintenance...
don't get reminded the hard way.
Back to Computer Case Guide
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