Login

or
don't have an account?
back to glossary

Case

pc

The case is the enclosure that houses and protects the internal components of a personal computer.

expanded

A computer case, also known as a chassis or enclosure, is designed to provide structural support and protection for key internal components such as the motherboard, power supply, and storage devices. It plays a crucial role in thermal management by allowing for airflow and may also accommodate additional cooling solutions. Typical materials used include steel and aluminum, each selected for durability and heat dissipation properties.

examples

A Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L case measures 387 mm x 230 mm x 378 mm (15.24 in x 9.05 in x 14.88 in) and supports microATX and Mini-ITX motherboards.

It's commonly used in home and office settings where compact, customizable PCs are in demand.

The Thermaltake Core P5 is an open frame chassis that measures 608 mm x 333 mm x 570 mm (23.94 in x 13.11 in x 22.44 in), supporting ATX, microATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards.

Typically used by PC enthusiasts for building high-performance desktops with liquid cooling systems.

related terms

Shroud
A shroud is a component used in PCs to direct airflow efficiently over specific hardware components.
Form factor
The physical size, shape, and configuration of a hardware component or device.
Backplate
A backplate is a structural component mounted on the rear of a graphics card for physical support and heat dissipation.
Header
A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer designed for individual use.
Enclosure
A physical casing designed to protect electronics or mechanical components from external elements.