FAQ

What is computer case?

Roughly speaking, it is a box with a computer inside.

What is it used for?

First of all, for mounting computer components into. Second, for protecting the components from mechanical and thermal influences. Moreover, a case of high quality can provide superior acoustic insulation, protecting user from noise making by the components inside.

Types of cases.

There are several characteristics, in according to which computer cases can be divided. The most important is form factor; ATX (AT eXtension) is the most popular one, although the others (like AT) are still in the market. The All-In-One form factor goes beyond this FAQ.

The ATX form factor is also be divided into several ones. The first is mini ATX (circa 205 mm wide mainboard), which is a bit smaller than the Full Size ATX mainboards with their 245 and more wide; it is similar to AT/Baby AT size difference. The micro ATX mainboards (µATX) are even smaller than the ATX ones, equipped with merely 2 or 3 PCI extension slots and, optionally, 1 ISA slot. Some cases for the micro ATX mainboards are very similar to the Baby AT ones. The other form factors will be shown below.

Big Tower, Desktop, Middle Tower etc.

The terms above tell you about size of a case as well as of its purpose. Accordingly, Mini indicates a small case, Midi (Middle) indicates a mid-sized one, while Big belongs to large computer cases etc. Slim and Server terms can tell more about a case’s dimensions and functions. Tower and Desktop belong to vertically- and horizontally-oriented cases, respectively. Nowadays, the Tower cases have become the most popular ones, while Desktops are loosing their market position.

How many hard disk bays should a computer case have?

Your case should contain as many hard disk bays as you may need. Let’s count:

3.5’ drive bays. Usually you don’t need more than 1 or 2 of them to mount a 3.5’ drive and, rarely, ZIP drive, internal USB-hub, IR-port panel etc., so that you will not need them more. There may also be a special slot instead of one bay. All in all, 1 bay will be pretty enough for you.

Internal 3.5’ bays are used for mounting hard disk drives. Usually, 3 or 4 bays are fully enough for all occasions, practically, not more than one or two. In case you need the extra bay, you can use a standard 3.5’ drive bay with slot cover for mounting a hard disk drive into.

5.25’ drive bays. They used for mounting optical reading devices (CD-ROM/DVD-ROM devices), thermal control systems, cooling fans and other devices. Moreover, they are also suitable for mounting 3.5’ devices via special adapters. Therefore, here we follow “the more - the better” principle, within reasonable limits, certainly. As a usual, you will rarely need more than 3 or 4 such drive bays, but if there is a bargain to have 5 and more – they will not be out of place. But you should get ready for buying a bigger table!

Can I use the Sleep button instead of Reset one?

Yes, you can. A button will always be button, no matter where it is connected. It is up to you to choose which button you want to connect to the Reset connector.

Is there any circuit scheme for my case’s connectors?

Power LED/Keylock

Pin	Name	Description
1	LED	LED Power
2	GND	Ground
3	GND	Ground
4	KS	Key Switch
5	GND	Ground PC Speaker

PC Speaker

Pin	Name	Description
1	-SP	-Speaker
2	NC
3	NC
4	+SP5V	+Speaker +5 VDC

Motherboard IrDA

For motherboards with a IrDA compliant Infrared Module connector.
1 2 3 4 5
. . . . .

Pin	Name	Description
5	+5v	Power
4	n/c	Not connected
3	IRRX	IR Module data received
2	GND	System GND
1	IRTX	IR Module data transmit

Turbo LED

Pin	Name
1	LED anode (+)
2	LED cathode (-)

Reset

Pin	Name
1	GND
2	Signal

Green Function LED

Pin	Name
1	LED +
2	LED -

Green Function switch

Pin	Name
1	GND
2	Signal

HDD LED

Pin	Name
1	LED +
2	LED -

Soft Power

Pin	Name
1	GND
2	CTRL-signal

Turbo LED/Turbo switch

Pin	Name
1	GND
2	Turbo LED
3	NC
4	GND
5	Turbo Switch

A LED does not work.

There are two possible reasons for this:

Incorrect polarity. Try to reconnect the slot pulling it off and turning at 180 degree.
The LED is out of order. Cable damage can be another reason.

How to improve air flow inside your case?

Mount an additional cooling fan, so that one fan will force air into system while another will exhaust the air out.
Turn the PSU fan, making sure that PSU components keep within safe temperatures.
Mount additional cooling fans into free slots (5.25’, 2.5’, mainboard extension slots etc.)
Put in order cables inside you case in order not to make them prevent air from flowing properly.
Remove dust from inside you case regularly. This point should never be underestimated.