how to choose the right case for your motherboard
PCs with different specifications often require different motherboards, and so do PC cases. Suppose you are contemplating building your own PC. In that case, before you start shopping for components, it's important to determine what form factor the motherboard should be before you get distracted by other hardware. And this article written by an industry expert explores and explains what these different types of form factors are and when they have to be chosen and why.
What Is A Motherboard?
A motherboard is the central circuit board in a computer. It houses the computer's CPU, RAM, and other essential components.
The motherboard allows these components to communicate with each other. It also provides ports for connecting to peripherals such as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Choosing the right motherboard is important for ensuring that your computer runs smoothly.
You'll need to consider factors such as the type of CPU you have, the amount of RAM you need, and the number of expansion slots you need.
You'll also need to decide whether you want a standard ATX motherboard or a smaller microATX motherboard.
Once you've decided on the right motherboard for your needs, be sure to choose a case that will fit it.
Some cases are designed specifically for ATX or microATX motherboards.
Others are more universal and can accommodate either type of motherboard.
Whichever case you choose, be sure that it has adequate ventilation to keep your components cool.
Basic things to note when choosing a motherboard
When you are looking for a new motherboard, there are a few basic things you will want to keep in mind.
Things like socket type, chipset, form factor, and expansion slots are all important when making your decision.
One of the first things you need to do is figure out what generation processor you have.
This will help you determine what socket type you need.
The most common sockets are LGA 1151 and AM4.
You will likely need a different socket type if you have an older processor.
The next thing to look at is the chipset.
This will dictate what features your motherboard has and how fast it can run.
Some of the most popular chipsets are Intel Z390 and X299.
The form factor is also important when choosing a motherboard.
This dictates the size of the board and how it will fit into your case.
The most common form factors are ATX and microATX.
Finally, you need to look at expansion slots.
This dictates how many additional devices you can add to your system.
The most common expansion slots are PCI and PCIe.
Different types of motherboard form factors
When it comes to building a PC, one of the most important choices you will make is picking the right motherboard.
Not only do you need to make sure that your motherboard will fit in your chosen case, but you also need to pick a model that has the right features for your needs.
To help you narrow down your search, here is a quick guide to the different types of motherboard form factors.
ATX
The most common type of motherboard, ATX models, come in a range of sizes, from mini-ITX all the way up to E-ATX.
If you are looking for a versatile option, then an ATX motherboard is a good choice.
Micro-ATX
A smaller version of the ATX form factor, micro-ATX motherboards are ideal if you are looking to build a smaller PC.
If space is at a premium, then a micro-ATX motherboard could be the best option for you.
Mini-ITX
The smallest form factor available, mini-ITX motherboards are perfect for building compact PCs.
These motherboards typically have fewer expansion slots than other form factors, so they might not be suitable if you plan on adding lots of extra hardware to your system.
How to select the right PC case for your motherboard?
The first step is to measure the motherboard.
You need to know the length and width of the motherboard in order to determine what size case you need.
Once you have these measurements, you can start looking at cases.
There are a few things to consider when picking a case.
The first is whether you want a full tower, mid-tower, or mini-tower.
Full towers are the largest and can typically accommodate any size motherboard.
Mid towers are smaller and can typically accommodate motherboards up to ATX size.
Mini towers are the smallest and can only accommodate up to micro-ATX sized motherboards.
The next thing to consider is material.
Cases are typically made out of steel, aluminum, or plastic.
Steel is the most durable but also the heaviest.
Aluminum is lighter but not as strong.
Plastic is the lightest but also the least durable.
Another consideration is cooling.
If you plan on overclocking your CPU or GPU, then you will need a case with good airflow.
This means that there should be plenty of room for fans and that the case itself is not made of materials that will impede airflow.
Finally, you need to decide on a budget.
Cases can range in price from less than $20 to more than $300.
Generally speaking, the higher the price of a case, the better it will be.
A few cases that are popular with do-it-yourself players and builders include the Antec Lanboy Air (for $52), the Corsair Obsidian 800D ($189), and NZXT Phantom 820 ($179).
Conclusion
Now that you know the different types of cases available and what to look for when selecting one, it's time to choose the right case for your motherboard. With so many options on the market, the choice can seem overwhelming, but if you keep the following factors in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect case for your needs.