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Build Your Own Computer : What to Look for in a Case
By Stephen Bucaro
Why would you want to build your own computer? Not to save
money. With a decent manufactured computer costing less than
$400.00, it will cost you more to buy the parts to build your
own. There are five advantages to building rather than buying.
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1. Most manufactured computers are build using proprietary
components. When (not if) your computer breaks down, you can't
use off-the-shelf replacement parts. You have to pay a lot more
for the manufacturer's proprietary replacement parts.
2. Low cost manufactured computers use the cheapest components.
These components are marginal or below specifications. When you
build your own computer, you select the quality of each
component.
3. When you have built your own computer, you are more
knowledgeable and capable of performing your own
troubleshooting. You don't have to pay $75.00 per hour for a
service technician.
4. When your computer becomes outdated, you can easily upgrade
it yourself. You will be a better judge of when its more logical
to build a new computer from scratch, or to update the old one.
5. You will feel the pride and confidence of having built your
own computer. And, you will have proof that you really are
smarter than your friends!
Yes, you can build your own computer. Today's plug-and-play
mother boards with on-board video, sound, and network circuitry
make it easy. You can build your own computer in 90 minutes. 30
minutes to build the computer plus an hour of waiting while
installing the operating system.
When I build a computer, the first component that I consider is
the case. Here is what to look for in a case:
* The form factor
Make sure your case style matches the form factor of available
motherboards. Most motherboards today are the ATX form factor.
You should buy an ATX style case. Do not buy an AT style case.
The AT style case has been obsolete for years. Some computer
component providers are trying to unload their obsolete AT style
cases to inexperienced computer hobbyists.
* The power supply
Don't buy a case with only a 200 or 250 watt power supply. A 300
watt power supply should be sufficient, but if you plan to
install a lot of expansion cards like 3D graphics accelerators,
multiple hard drives, CD burners, etc. then you need to consider
a case with a more powerful power supply.
A Pentium 4 motherboard uses an extra four pin connector to
provide extra 12 volt power required for the CPU. If you plan to
build a Pentuim 4 based computer, make sure the case has a
"pentuim 4 ready" power supply.
* Drive bays
The minimum drive bay requirement is; one 5.25 inch external
bay, one 3.5 inch external bay; and one 3.5 inch internal bay.
This allows you install a CD-ROM drive, a floppy drive, and a
hard disk drive.
However, I would recommend purchasing a case with; two 5.25 inch
external bays, one 3.5 inch external bay; and two 3.5 inch
internal bays. This gives you a little extra expansion capacity.
* Side Panel
Get a case with a removable side panel. This gives you easy
access to the inside of the case. Some cases come with a one
piece inverted U shaped cover. It's a real pain to wrestle this
type of cover into place.
* Floppy disk slot
I prefer to avoid cases with a built-in floppy disk slot. With
RW-CD's becoming more common, the floppy disks days could be
numbered. When they become obsolete you will be stuck with a
funny slot on the front of your computer.
* Beige case
Avoid cases that are not the standard beige color. Off the shelf
floppy drives and CD Drives only come in beige, and it looks
nicer if they match the case.
* Desk-top or tower case
I don't think you can find a desk-top style case today. If you
do find one, consider the amount of desk area the case will
cover. You will most likely have to place your monitor on top of
the case. If you have a heavy 19 inch CRT monitor, make sure the
case is constructed solidly enough to support the monitor.
Although you can't save money, there are many other advantages
to building your own computer. This article points out some
important things to look for when selecting a case for your
computer.
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