Everything About [Computers :: Chassis]

MATERIAL

• Aluminum > Steel > Plastic
• Aluminum cases are significantly cooler & lighter both
• Steel is VERY heavy and traps heat, not a good conductor
• Plastic is VERY cheap
• Acrylic scratches VERY easy, careful!!!!

CONSTRUCTION

You don't want ANY cheap, plastic hinges/corners/etc that are just going to crack or break if at all possible (metal parts definately preferred!). There is a VERY noticable difference between the bargain basement cheap crap with a pretty face & a chassis made with quality in mind.

SPACE

• You're gonna need extra space if you do any water cooling (i.e. pump, resevoir, etc)
• You're NOT going to want extra space if you're going for a SFF/HTPC/Mini/etc.

COOLING

• Bigger is better!
• Not only do bigger fans move more air, they do so with significantly less noise!
• Get a case that features 120mm push/pull if at all possible!!!
• Heat Ducts & Wind Tunnels channel heat, double points for cooling & kewlness
• Some cases actually block off the power supply & hard drives, double points for cooling & kewlness.
• Pay special attention to air flow: top fan? 5 1/4 blocking?

ACCESSIBILITY

• You want a tool-less chassis that uses AT MOST thumb screws.
• You want the motherboard on a slideout shelf/tray
• Pay special attention to the expansion cards, how they're held down (on corners?), tool-less, accessible from exterior?
• Drive rails are ALWAYS a nice luxury to have, the latest & greatest are dampened also.

AESTHETICS

• Yep, ultimately it all comes down to: 'it just looks kewl'
• If you've got any sort of special lighting, MAKE SURE it's Cold Cathode or LED... You do NOT want Neon!