For those who prefer to design and build their own computers from scratch, the internal features that comprise the operating power of the system are just one of the considerations that go into the design and planning process. The case is another of the important components of the computer that cannot be overlooked. Not only does it cover your CPU, motherboard, and other essentials, it also provides protection and aesthetics for what is otherwise an open collection of sensitive parts.

There is a wide variety of cases available to house your computer components, most of which are based on the industry standard ATX for motherboard size and design. Since all of your computer components will be housed within the case, it can easily be considered the backbone of your computer system. When choosing a case, there are some important considerations to make.

Those considerations include the number of expansion bays and ease of access. Expansion bays are the slots in the front of the case through which you can access various removable drives, such as a DVD or DC-Rom drive. If you plan to upgrade your system over the course of its life, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of expansion bays to accommodate future drive additions. The ease with which you can access the internal components is an important factor, as it will determine how easily you can perform early upgrades, as well as perform regular cleaning to remove dust and dirt.

The layout of your case will indicate how efficient your computer’s fans are at keeping the computer’s internal components cool, which reduces or eliminates the cause of most computer freezes and crashes. Additionally, housings with quality filters over the fan area can help remove dust and other particles that can contribute to excessive heat.

As you can see, your computer case is one of the most critical computer components you can buy. Taking the time to choose the right case can go a long way in ensuring that your custom-built computer has a long and efficient lifespan.